PHYSIC FOR THE SICKNESS, Commonly called the PLAGVE. With all the Particular Signs and Symptoms, whereof the most are too ignorant. COLLECTED, Out of the Choicest Authors, and Confirmed with good Experience; for the Benefit and Preservation of All, both Rich and Poor. By STEPHEN BRADWELL, of LONDON PHYSICIAN. LONDON, Printed for BENJAMIN FISHER, and are to be sold at his Shop, at the Sign of the Talbot in Aldersgate-street. 1636. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, CHRYSTOPHER CLEYTHEROWE Lord Major, and to THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL, THOMAS SOAME, and JOHN GAYER, Sheriffs of this Renowned City LONDON. STEPHEN BRADWELL, wisheth continuance of all Earthly comforts, and assured Hope of Heavenly Happiness. RIGHT HONOURABLE, and RIGHT WORSHIPFUL. SALOMON says, Eccles. 3.7. There is a Time to keep Silence, and a Time to Speak. From this Rule take I this boldness, upon a just occasion to present this my duty & care to this Fame-crowned City, in You; who are indeed Her faculty of life: I confess myself to You a Stranger, but yet I am a Son of London: in her womb had I both Birth & breeding. Her danger is apparent, She grows sick; and I (having skill not only to see it, but also to do something hopeful in it) dare not be silent; It is now my Time to speak. Let your Noble favours than strengthen this weak Hand which a Son's duty reaches forth to a Mother's support. Grateful Pity commands me thus to do; and my knowledge both by Reading & Experience justifies the act. Yet such is the nature of Detraction (who is grown a Giant in this Age) that if a man will seem to show that he knows more in some things than many others; he shall thereby the more embolden those that know less to cry him down I have cause to speak this, & thereupon have cause also to fly to the shelter of your Honoured wings for protection; which obtained (as from your far-famed Goodness I have assurance, I shall) I will remaino. To your Honour and your Worships a most obliged Servant. STEPHEN BRADWELL. TO ALL THAT HAVE Cause to love LONDON. Fly not from Her, because she is falling sick; but rather join your hearts in Prayer, & your hands in Bounty to cheer her up. You love her, or at least have cause so to do: for some of you have received Pleasures, some Profits, some Preferments. You have moreover a long time in her enjoyed a secure Peace, that sweetened the other Benefits. Prague cannot boast it, nor many other Cities beyond the Seas: You walk in Scarlet, when others have waded in Blood: You wore Weapons only for Fashion, when others were armed perforce: You have seen with Pleasure glorious Musters, when others have with horror felt the Sword's fury. And now because the peaceful Dove has a few sick feathers on her, will you leave her? Do not. In the last great Visitation I found and saw it, that want was a main fuel to nourish that infectious flame: It were deep Ingratitude to let her suffer so any more. Your fair Houses, rich Furniture, delicious Fare, and curious clothing; yea your full content, and variety of pleasure will cast it in your teeth, that London gave ye all these. Stay then; you that are Rich, to help the Poor; and you that have true skill in Physic to help the sick. But Mountebancks go quack in the Country among the contemners of Learning: Though Death can do enough without you, yet you save her reputation, in often taking her office from her. And O London, and you that love her; suffer not the stain of unskilfullnesse to be stuck upon our Natives: That you should need the help of Strangers, to whom our constitutions are not so well known: A Spaniard (as they called him) had such grace given him in the last great Visitation, as if no Englishman could so well tell how to save the lives of his own, English: but by his work, his workmanship was known to other workmen; And some now live that dare truly say, many died under his hand, that under some of ours might (in all likelihood) have recovered. I have but my Mite to offer, but as much water as the palm of my hand will hold, to cast into this new-kindled Fire. But even this (this little Book I mean) may be so well used, being added to others greater measures, that it may help to quench it, ere it rise to a Flame, if the Heavenly Physician see it so good. It is to that end I publish it. That others that had not like experience of the last great Sickness (as there are but few living now, that tarried here then) may hereby receive some help, and instruction: especially in knowing the Plague by his true Signs; a thing much suspected in many that take it upon them. And for my Self, I will add my hearty prayers to Almighty God to be merciful to this City, and (if it be his blessed will) to sheathe his Sword, and unbend his Bow; that the dreaded afflictions of Pestilence and Famine may be averted from us. Grant this O merciful Father, for the bitter Sufferings of thy blessed Son JESUS CHRIST our only Saviour Amen. This shall be the continual Prayer of Him, That truly loves, and tenderly pityes LONDON in her Calamity, STEPHEN BRADWELL. From my Study in Golding-lane, May, 17. 1636. PHYSIC FOR THE SICKNESS. THe word Plague in English, signifieth, The Names of the Contagious Sickness. A Sharp Punishment of what kind soever. As we may read many were the Plagues inflicted on the Egyptians: and some of us in Indignation will threaten to plague those that highly offend us. But it is usually and most properly taken for that dreadful affliction which in Latin is called Pestis, or Pestilentia; in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifies A Deadly Fretting, and it is the same with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quoth efficient Defectum Hominum. Or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Pernities seu Exitium. Hypocrates gives it a name of distinction, calling it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Morbus Communis, a Common or popular Disease. But we must understand that there are two sorts Two sorts of Plagues. of Plagues that be Epidemical. Viz. A Simple, and a Putrid Plague. The Simple Plague, The Simple Plague. ] is The very Influence of the striking Angel executing the vengeance of God upon the Bodies of Men. This kind of Plague ariseth from no distemper of Blood, putrefaction of Humous, or influence of Stars; but falleth merely from the immediate stroke of Gods punishing Angel (Such were the Plagues, Exod. 12 Num. 11.16.25. Also, 2 Sam. 24. and 2 Kings, 19) whereof some die suddenly without any precedent complaint or conceit of Infection. Others again, though they be sick before they die; yet their first taking hath been after an extraordinary manner. For I observed in the last great Plague here in London, (Anno 1625.) That some felt themselves manifestly stricken, being sensible of a blow suddenly given them, on the Head, neck, back, or side: Sometime so violently, that they have been either almost, or altogether over-turned: and after these and such like strokes some have died, and those that recovered, escaped without humane help: For this kind of Plague, as it is rare, so it is also by all Art of Man incurable. The Remedy Therefore no Method but Repentance, no Medicine but Prayer, can avert, or heal this stroke: Of all Antidotes for the Body, that treacle which is made o● the Flesh of earthly Serpents, is the best esteemed: But for the Soul, that only which is made of the Blood of that Brazen Serpent that was lifted up on the Cross for our sins. He that by a lively Faith applieth the benefit of our Blessed SAVIOUR'S Sufferings to the sickness of his Soul, shall undoubtedly recover (if not health here) heaven hereafter. The Putrid Plague, The Putrid Plague. ] is a Popular Favour venomous and Infectious, striking chief at the Heart, and for the most part is accompanied with some Swelling, which is either called a Blayne, a Botch or a Carbuncle, or else with Spots called GOD'S Tokens. This comes of Putrefaction of the Blood and Humours in the Body, which it pleaseth God sometimes to make the Instrument of his punishing justice, mixing it with the Simple Plague before mentioned. This Putrefaction may be caused by the Influence of the Stars, The Causes. who do undoubtedly work upon all sublunary bodies. For Astrologers are of opinion, that if Saturn and Mars have dominion (especially under Arts, Sagitarius, The Stars and Capricorn,) a Pestilence is shortly to be expected. Or if these two (the most Malevolent) be in Opposition to the gentle Planet jupiter; as the Poet singeth:— Caelitús imbuitur tabe ●ifflatilis aura Mars quando obijcitur Falcitenensque jovi. The Winds The Winds. likewise are led into their motions by the motions of the Stars; The Planets (especially the Sun) by extracting the earth's exhalations (which are the substance of the Winds) do set them so on work. And the Winds are some by nature wholesome, and some unwholesome. The Southwind blowing from the Meridian is of nature hot and moist, and full of showers. Now when by the influence of the Planets this Wind bloweth long and bringeth continual rain, it causeth much moisture in all Airy and Earthy bodies, and so much the more by how much the milder it is. This moisture being in such abundance cannot be digested nor attenuated by the Sun's heat; and therefore settling together it must needs putrify; and that so much the sooner, because the heat of the Sun (not being able to extract all) does inflame the remnant, by which inflammation the putrefaction becomes the greater. In this manner are the winds in cause: and moreover they do sometimes transfer the Contagion from one region to another; as Hypocrates affirms the Plague to be brought over the Sea from Aethiopia into Greece, by the Southwind. The Cure of these Causes is the same with the former. Now if the Stars be pestilently bend against us, neither Arts nor Arms, Perfumes nor Prayers, can prevail with them, who have neither pity nor sense, nor power to alter their appointed motions. But He that commandeth their course, and altereth them at his pleasure: He that made the Sun and Moon to stand still for josuah, yea drew the Sun ten degrees back for Hezekiah, and caused the Stars to fight in their courses against Sisera. He, and He only is able to heal all infections that can arise from their influences. The Cure of this Cause therefore is the same with the former. Common Causes. Other Causes there be also of this Putrid Plague. Namely, corrupt and unwholesome Feeding, stenches of unsavoury and rotten Dunghills, Vaults, Sinks, Ditches and dead Carrions; as the Poet affirms;— Corpora faeda iacent, vitiantur adoribus aurae. These are the Maintaining Causes of the Contagion after it is begun. So is likewise the unseasonableness of the Wether: Quum tempestiva intempestiuè redduntur: as saith Hypocrates, When the weather is unseasonable for the season of the year; being hot when it should be cold, moist when it should be dry: and on the contrary. This kind of Plague is by Art curable in as many as it pleaseth GOD to send and sanctify the right means unto. The former is most properly called The Plague, The Putrid Plague, is rightly called the Sickness. being the immediate Stroke of God's hand. This, The Sickness, because infectious, and many times Curable. For this therefore do I intent to prescribe a course of Physic, such as both my much reading, and also my manifest Experience in the last great Visitation, have preferred to my best approbation. Wherein I will first open the way of Preservation, The Method of this Treatise. after that, show the Signs of being Infected, and then the Course of Cure. In the way of Preservation, Preservation. it is first necessary to be considered, whether it be Infectious or no: And then who are most or least subject (according to natural reason) to receive this Infection. This Putrid Plague, The Plague is Venomous. is (as I have said i●●he Definition) venomous, which is granted of all both Physicians and Philosophers. Now by Venom or Poison, we commonly understand some thing that has in it some dangerous subtle quality that is able to corrupt the substance of a living body to the destruction or hazard of the life thereof. This working is apparent in this Sickness, by his secret and insensible insinuation of himself into the Vital spirits, to which as soon as he is gotten, he shows himself a mortal enemy, offering with sudden violence to extinguish them. His subtle entrance, his sly cruelty, his swift destroying; the unfaithfulness of his Crisis, and the other Prognostic signs; and the vehemency, grievousness and ill behaviour of his Symptoms, all being manifest proofs of his venomous quality. For in this Disease the Siege, Urine, and sweat, have an abominable savour, the breath is vile and noisome: Ill coloured Spots, Pustles, Blisters, swellings, and ulcers full of filthy matter arise in the outward parts of the Body: Such as no superfluity or sharpness of Humours, nor any putrefaction of matter (without a venomous quality joined with it) can possibly produce. But though it may thus by the Learned be acknowledged to be Venomous; yet is it by many of the Ignorant sort conceited not to be Infectious. It is Infectious. To satisfy such, I define Infection or Contagion to be That which infecteth another with his own quality by touching it, whether the medium of the touch be Corporeal or Spiritual, or an Airy Breath. Of this kind there are diverse Diseases that are infectious, though not so deadly as the Plague. As for Example, Itch and scabbiness, Warts, Measles, small Pox, the Venereal Pox; these by rubbing, and corporeal touches do infect: Also soar Eyes do by their Spirituous beams infect other eyes: And the Pthisick or putrified Lungs do by their corrupt breath infect the lungs of others. But the Plague infects by all these waye●, and such sick bodies infect the outward Air, and that Air again infects other Bodies. For there is a Seminary Tincture full of a venomous quality, that being very thin and spirituous mixeth itself with the Air, and piercing the pores of the Body, entereth with the same Air, and mixeth itself with the Humours and spirits of the same Body also. For proof of this, we see by daily experience, that Garments, Coffers, nay walls of Chambers will a long time retain any strong sent, wherewith they have been fumed. Now the Scent is merely a Quality, and his substance is the Air, which is also the Vehiculum wherein it is seated and conveyed. So does the Pestilent Infection take hold, though not sensibly (for the strongest Poisons have little taste or smell) yet certainly; as experience testifies: for Garments, and Householdstuff have been infected, and have infected others. As Fracastorius tells of a Furred-Gowne, that was the death of 25. Men in Verona, Anno 1511. who one after another wore it, thinking still they had ayred it sufficiently. And if Alexander Benedictus may be believed, Featherbeds will keep the Contagion seven years. Other experiences we have also of live Poultry, which being applied to the sores, are taken away dead, having not been wounded, crushed, nor hurt any whit at all. And many that have been Infected, have plainly perceived where, and of whom they took it. Object. But (say some) then why is not one infected as well as another? I have eaten of the same dish, dru● in the same cup, and lain in the same bed with such sick ones, and that while their Soars were running: yet never had so much as my finger aching after it. Answ. To this I answer, there may be Two special Causes for this. The first and Principal Cause is the Protection of the Almighty, which preserves some as miraculously as his justice strikes others. Thus through his Mercy he often preserves those that with faithful and conscionable care do Christian offices about the Sick; being warrantably called thereto, and not thrusting themselves either presumptuously, or rashly into the business without a just, and reason-rendring Cause. For GOD has given his Angels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways, as the Psalmist sings. And secondly, every pestilent Contagion is not of the same nature, nor hath equal conformity with every Constitution, Age, or manner of Living: For some Contagion is apt to infect only the Sanguine complexion, some the Choleric, some the Phlegmatic only: Some Children, some Youths, some those of Ripe age, some Ancient people; some the Rich, and other the poor only: And where the Seminary Tincture hath no Analogy, there is none, or very flight Infection. And first those are most apt to be Infected, Who are most apt to be Infected. that have thin Bodies and open pores; and whose hearts are so hot, that they need much attraction of Air to cool them. Also, they whose Veins and Vessels, are full of gross humours, and corrupt juices (the venomous matter being thick, and therefore unapt to breath through the pores) their putrefaction is increased by the inward heat, and so driven to malignity; and thence onward to a Pestilent quality. Hence those bodies that are moist and full of Phlegmatic humours, whose veins are strait (and therefore apt to intercept then entertain those well well concocted juices that would make the purest Blood) and the thickness of whose skin denies the transpiration of excrements: these are easily polluted and infected. And such are Women, especially women with child; for their bodies are full of excrementitious humours, and much heat withal, which is as oil and flame put together. Also Virgins that are ripe for marriage, are apt to receive infection, and being once stricken, seldom or never escape without great means. Quia spirit●osum semen in motu cùm sit facilò succenditur; vel quia intus detentum facilè corrumpitur, & in veneni perniciem abit. Mindererus de Pestilen. c. 10. Also young Children, in regard of their soft, tender, and moist bodies; and likewise because they feed on moister meats, and feed with more appetite than judgement. Likewise, the more Pure and delicace Complexions, whose blood is finer and thinner than others, is so much the more apt to receive mutation: and the Contagion insinuates itself into all the humours; But first and most easily into Blood; Choler next, more slowly into Phlegm, and most rarely into Melancholy. Those that are fearful likewise, as I shall prove anon, when I treat of Passions of the Mind. Those that are very Costive, or have their water-stoped; the noisome vapours that are by these excrements engendered, make the body apt to infection. And such as in former times have had customary evacuations by sweat, Haemerrhoids, Vomitings, Menstrua, Fontanels, or other like vents for noxious humours; and have them now stopped. Those that Fast too long (their bodies being empty) receive more air in then they let out: and (their spirits being weakened for want of due nourishment) they have less strength to resist the contagion. On the other side Gluttons and Drunkards (let them argue what they will for the filling of the veins, as they use to say, to keep out the evil air) can never be free from crudities and distempered blood; which easily takes infection: As Hypocrates testifies, when he says: Corpora impura quo magis aluntur; eò magis laeduntur. Impure bodies the more they are nourished the more they are endangered. Poor people (by reason of their great want) living sluttishly, and feeding nastily and unwholsomly, on any food they can with least cost purchase, have corrupted bodies, and of all others are therefore more subject to this Sickness. And yet the Rich are also as subject in too much pampering diet, bringing themselves thereby to an Athleticke habit, which Hypocrates in the third Aphorism of his first hook, proves to be very dangerous at all times. Furthermore, nearness of Blood or Kindred, by Sympathy of nature, is another aptness. And lastly, those that are continually conversant with the sick, are in greatest danger, though many escape through God's merciful protection. But Old folks, whose bodies are cold and dry, Who are least subject to be Infected. Confident Spirits, whose very courage is an Antidote, if they keep their bodies clean by a regular course of life. And those that have the Gout, in whom the nobler parts of the body do expel the noxious humours to the ignobler. Milch-Nurses because their Children suck the evil juices from them with their milk. These are in the way likely to escape: but if the Nurse be infected, the child cannot recover it. Also those that have Fontanels, or any other kind of Issue; as Ulcers, Haemerrhoids, or plenty of other evacuations, whereby the hurtful humours are drained away. And lastly, those that keep themselves private; using good Antidotes and means preservative: such are least subject to Infection. Diogenes Laertius lib 2. says, that Socrates (by temperate and discreet 〈◊〉 lived in Athens diverse Plague-times, yet was never touched with it. 〈…〉 Now what this Diet Preservative is, I will b i●fly show you. Diet consists of Six Points. viz. Air. Meat and Drink. Repletion and Evacuation. Exercise and Rest. Sleep and Watching. Passions of the Mind. They are composed also in these two Verses. Aër, Esca, Quies, Repletio, Gaudia, Somnus: Haec moderata juvant, immoderata nocent. These indeed are the six Strings of Apollo's Vial, wherein consisteth the whole harmony of health. If these be in tune, the body is sound: But any of th●se too high wrested, or too much slackened (that is immoderately used) makes a discord in nature, and puts the whole body out of tune. For Air first. 〈◊〉 Air 〈…〉. Air is that which we draw in with our breath continually, and we cannot live without it one minute; for it is the food of our Spirits, and therefore we had need take heed that the air we draw be pure and wholesome. The whol● stream of Opinion runs upon a cold and dry Air, so commending the North and East winds, as most wholesome: What most unwholesome. and condemning the Hot and Moist Air engendered by the South and West winds, as the fittest matter for infection, because most apt to putrefaction. So Hypocrates (in the 2d. of his Epidem.) saith, that in Cranon a City of Thessaly, there arose putrid Ulcers, Pustuls, and Carbuncles, through the hot and moist constitution of the air. And Galen (in 1. de Temperam. c. 4.) affirmeth, that the hot and moist constitution of the air, doth most of all breed pestilent diseases. And from these mouths, a multitude of late Writers have learned to speak the same thing. Yet we know that the hot and dry weather also, may cause a contagious air. So saith Avenzoar in his 3. Book, 3. Tract. and 1. chap. And Titus Livius (in lib. 1. decad. 4.) recordeth, that Rome was infected with the Plague by a Hot and Dry distemper of the Air. We also may remember, that the Summer 1624. was an extreme dry and parching Summer: and we cannot forget that this last Summer was not much unlike like it. The Contagion indeed this year was begotten beyond Sea, and was rocked hither in sick bodies; but our Air I fear will prove a Nurse though not a Mother to it: This Spring answering to the sore-past Summer in heat and drought. Now to avoid the mischiefs of unwholesome air; Hypocrates the Prince of Physicians, H w we may guard us from unwholesome Airs. (in his Book de Natura humana) gives this counsel. Providendum est ut quàm paucissimus aëris influxus corpus ingrediatur, & ut ille ipse quam peregrinus existat: Regionum etiam locos in quibus morbus consistat, quantum ejus fieri potest permutare oportet. Others advise in three words. Citò, Longè, Tardè, which jordanus calls an Antidote made of 3. adverbs, thus versifying upon them. Haec tria tabificam pellunt adverbia Pestem; Mox, Longè, Tardè; Cede, recede, redi. But I will not teach to flee; for too many with Dedalus put on wings the last great visitation, that with Icarus dropped down by the way. Only my counsel is this. The Author's counsel for without doors. Let every one keep himself as private as he may: Eat throngs of people, and all wet, close, and stinking places. Walk not abroad before, nor after Sun. Keep moderation between heat and cold in all things; yet rather incline to heat a little, because of drying up superfluous moistures. Let the streets be kept clean; washing the channels every morning and evening, and sweeping away all dirt, leaves, stalks, and roots of herbs, and offals; leaving no dunghills nor other noisome matter in the streets. But the water is most to be used in hot and dry, the fire in hot and moist weather chief. Also in the evenings it is good to purify the air with Bonfires, but especially with Fireworks: or rather with discharging of pieces: for Gunpowder is exceeding drying by reason of the Salt peeter and Sulphur with which it is made, and by the cracks that it gives, the Air is forcibly shaken and attenuated, and so opened to let in that purification, which is immediately made by the fire that goes along with it. This way is commended by Levinus Lemnius, de Ocultis Naturae Mirac. lib. 2. cap. 10. Also by Crato in consilio 275 By Raymundus Mindererus lib. de Pestilentia cap. 20. and all the late Writers. Within doors observe, For within doors. that little houses must not be pestered with many Lodgers, for it is best (for those that are able) to have shift of Beds and Chambers to lie in, that the air in them may be kept free and sweet. Keep every room daily very clean, leaving no fluts corners. Let not Water stand so long in any vessel as to putrify; which in hot weather it will soon do. Make Fires every day in every room, in quantity according to the largeness of the room, and the temperature of the weather. Perfume them and all the householdstuff in cold and moist weather with Frankincense, Storax, Benjamin, Pitch, Rosin, Lignum alöes, Lignum Rhodium, juniper-wood, or the Berries. In hot and dry weather with Rose-water on a hot Fire-shovel, or some such like cool fume in a perfuming-pot. Strew the Windows and ledges with Rew, Wormwood, Lavender, Margerum, Pennyroyal, Costmary, and such like in cold weather; but in hot with Primroses, Violets, Rose-leaves, borage, and such cooling scents. For Garments, Garments best guarding the vital parts. avoid (as much as may be) all leather, woollen, and furs: also velvets, plush, and shag. Choose such as may be watered, as chamlets, grograms, paropas, philip and chenyes, and such like: for their gumminess excludeth the infectious air best. Have shift, and shift often; and still as are left off, perfume them well. Beware of buying old clothes, Bedding or such like stuff: for if they have been used by the infected, they are very dangerous, as I told you before in the authority of a furred Gown, and Featherbeds. What to hold in the mouth Carry in your mouth a piece of Citron-pill, or for want of that, of Lemon pill; a Clove, or a piece of tormentil Root. Or if any will resort to me in Golding lane, I will soon provide for them Lozenges to hold in their mouth, sit for their constitution, and such as I have had good experience of, the last great Plague time. What to 〈…〉. Carry in your hand a Lemon stuck with cloves, sweet Marjoram, Lavender, Balm, Rew, or Wormwood; as the constitution of your brain shall require. For believe by my experience, that many did inflame their brains, and so fell into the Sickness they shunned in the last great Contragion, by smelling to, and carrying things in their mouths too hot for their complexion. Camphor. Camphor also, though it be accounted an excellent cool fume for ill airs, yet those that have cold and weak stomaches are very much weakened by the use of it. But beware of unsavoury smells and stinking odours. For though Dioscorides commends Galbanum, and Cardan the burning of Leather, Averro a potion of Urine, and others the smelling to Horse-dung: yet I stand to it, that sweet and pleasing odours are more proper; because they dilate, restore and comfort the Spirits; whereas the contrary do contract, and repugn them; and so weaken the faculties. I intent to have also preservative waters to dip Sponges in for several Constitutions, to be carried in Boxes to smell to: As also, preservative Pomanders of choice virtue. The next point of Diet, is Meat and Drink. Meat and Drink. Let your meat be always good and sweet, temperate betwixt hot and cold, and not too moist or fleshy: easy of digestion, and such as makes the best Blood. Such are Beef, Mutton, Lamb, Kid, Flesh. and Coney. Turkey, Capon, Pullet, Partridge, Pheasant, Pigeons, Turtles, Larks, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Finches. All Water-fowles are naught. The Hearts of Red and Fallow Deer, are special good: so also are those of young Steers, Calves, Kids, and Lambs: being cordial, both by reason of Sympathy, and solidness of the flesh, which causeth them to be the less corruptible. Of Fish, (which should be eaten but seldom, Fish. though it be of the best kind) the elected are fresh Salmon, Trout, Barbell, Shrimps, Plaice and Flounder, (when they are firm, not flashy) Smelts, Makarell, Gudgeon, Mullet, Soale, Gurnard, Lobster, and Crayfish. But Eels, Lamperns, and Lampreys, with all such as delight in Mud, are to be avoided. Eggs Eggs. of Hens and Turkeys, are good. Oil and Butter, Oil and Butter. are kinds of Antidotes against venom; and Buttermilk may now and then be used by hot Constitutions. Fruits Fruits. must be eaten but sparingly. Those that we may be most bold withal, are sour Cherries; Plums, and Gooseberries before they be full ripe, having a sour taste. Also Peaches, Quinces, Pomegranates, Oranges, Lemons, Medlars, Services, Mulberries, Raspes, Strawberries, and Currans, which being not full ripe are astringent, but ripe do loosen the body. But of Walnuts, Filbers, and Small-nuts, the elder are the better Dried Fruits also are good, whether they be Pears, Plums, Cherries, Figs, Raisins, or Prunes. Moreover, Pease, Beanes, and Artichokes, may be used sometimes by lean and spare Bodies. If other Fruits that are colder and moister be longed for; eat after the man Orange with a little fennel and salt. The best Roots Rootes. are Onions, Leeks, and Radishes, for these are virtuous against venom. But they offend hot heads, and weak eyes. Of Herbs; Herbs. Rue, Wormwood, Balm, Mints, Pennyryall, Rosemary, Sage, sweet Marjorum, and Time. For Salads and Sauces, Borage, bugloss, Violets, Fennell, and especially Sorrel; Olives also, and Capers. Sharp Sauces. Vinegar, Verjuice, juice of Lemons and Oranges; which for their dryness resist putrefaction, and for their coolness, Favours. But those colder stomaches that are offended with them, may temper them with Wine and Spices. Yet there must be cautious usage of hot spices, and all salt meats, lest they inflame the Blood; though in regard of their drying and heating quality they be useful in some bodies, and at some times; especially for cold and waterish stomaches: Others must mix them with Vinegar, Verjuice, or the juice of Lemons or Oranges. Note here, That Vinegar Vinegar good. is of a special virtue against putrefaction, as AMBROSE PAREY in the 8. Chapter of his Book of the Plague proveth, by the use of it in washing dead bodies with it before they are Embalmed, that they may keep sweet the longer. But it is not so good for Women, But not for Women. because it offends the Mother (as CRATO affirmeth, Consil. 275.) therefore they must allay it with white Wine and Sugar. Note also, that Cabbages, Coleworts, Lettuce, Dangerous things. Pompions, Musk-melons, and Coucumbers, are very dangerous meats in contagious times; neither do I approve of any other roots, than Garlic, for rustic bodies; and for others Onions, Leeks, and Radishes (as I said before) only. Roasting is the best way of dressing Flesh, Dressing of Meats. and Frying or Broiling of Fish. Broths Broths. are but for Sick and weak ones fit: And then they must be sharpened with a little Vinegar, or juice of Lemmons. For (as MANARDUS says, lib. 5. Epist. 3.) the body ought rather to be dried then moistened. And so then for Drink, Drink. it must be as little as may well be borne; good and pure, whether it be Beer, Ale, or Wine, (for Mede, Vsqubaque, Bragget, etc. I account them rather Medicines than parts of Food) But neither heady, too sweet, nor too small. To a weak stomach and a feeble Nature, Wine is an Antidote against all Poisons; Wine for whom fit. as CELSUS lib. 8. de Re Medica cap. 27. affirmeth. And Senectutis summa est medicina, as A●TIUS teaches, Tetr. 1. serm. 4. cap. 30. But let not those that are young and strong, make a common use of them in Contagious times: For it must needs breed Inflammation, after which follows Putrefaction, which is a fit host to entertain such an ill guest as the Pestilence. Wheaten-Bread Bread. of a Day old, and a little leavened is absolutely the best for healthy people. Light Biscuits also with Aniseeds is very good. Quantity of Meat and Drink. For the strict Quantity of Eating and Drinking, I cannot stint every man's stomach; but must conclude with HIPPOCRATES, Aph. 17. lib. 1. Concedendum est aliquid Tempori, Regioni, Aetati, & Consuetudini. The Season, Place and Custom, must bear some sway in these things. Only beware of Satiety or Glutting: For the same Hypocrates in his 17th. Aphorism, in the 2, Book. Says, that Meat and Drink immoderately taken, causeth Sickness. For from thence arise Crudities, which (saith GALEN, in Comm. 2. in Hippocr. de Natur. Humana) breed new Diseases. Therefore harken to AVICEN, Who adviseth always to rise from Meat with some remainder of appetite: for within half an hour, or thereabouts, as soon as the meat first eaten beginneth to digest, our hunger ceaseth. lib. 1. Fen. 3. Doct. 2. cap 7. And hence it is, that some (greedily following the sense of their appetite-onely) over-charge their stomaches even to vomiting, before they feel themselves satisfied: because though the vessel be over-full, yet appetite is not appeased till Concoction have begun her work upon some part of that which is already received. And here I cannot but justly tax those that give up themselves to disorderly Diet. Gluttony & Drunkenness For the lives of many are so monstrous, that HELIOGABALUS was but a pingler to them. The Dutch may yield up their seas of Drinking, and strike sail to the English. Men lose their good names, and are fain to get new ones, as to be called Blades and Roarers, as if they had been begotten by drunken Cutlers, or brutish Bulls. There was one DIOTEMUS of Athens, that was called the tunnel, for his filthy delight in Drink, and drinking in a tunnel. What do many in this Land (too too many in this City) but rise to Drink, drink to fall, fall a sleep of necessity, and ere they are half sober, fall a drinking drunk again. That as VALERIUS AURELIANUS the Emperor was wont to say of BONOSUS, a Spaniard, Such are borne, not to live, but to drink. If any of that Luxurious sect beat this time sober, The dangers of Surfeiting. let them but listen to the testimonies of learned Experience, and they will tell them into what bodily dangers they plunge themselves by this detestable disorder. HIPPOCRATES has an Aphorism to this purpose, Lib. 2. Aph. 17. that Meat and Drink immoderately taken causeth Sickness. PAULUS AEGINETA goes yet further, saying; De Re Medica lib. 1. c. 32. That the Veins being filled too full, are afflicted, distended, or else broken: obstructed, filled with wind and overcharged. And of all diseases, he affirmeth, That overcharging of the vessels is the worst. In come. 2. Hipp. de Natis. 〈◊〉. GALEN affirms, that Drunkenness, and Crudities (which arise from intemperance) do breed new diseases. Li. de Causis Morborum, cap. 3. And in another place, he says, Whereas Wine moderately taken increaseth Natural heat; as being his proper aliment: by Drunkenness cometh Astonishment of the Brain, Falling sickness, or some maim either to sense or motion. And so, the best meats which afford most nourishment, being immoderately eaten, engender cold Diseases. De R●movendis Nocumentis in Regimina Sanitatis Tract. 4. cap. 1. But AVICEN more particularly lays down the dangers that follow this over-repletion, in these words. Eating much nourisheth not; but fills the Body with Crudities, and raw humours, stops the pores, weakens the powers of Nature; causes putrefaction, mixed favours, short breath, Sciatica and joint Aches. Ibidem, cap. 19 Again, in another place he speaks Drinking, thus: Much drinking of Wine in Sanguine and Choleric Complexions, over-heats the blood, and causeth Choler to superabound; and by too much repletion of the veins and Vessels, there may follow a hot Apoplexy, and sudden death. In Cold Complexions, it breeds diseases of the Sinews; and that for two causes. The first is the over-moystning of the Nerves; the other the turning of the drink into Vinegar before it it can pass through the Body. So the Nerves are by the former relaxed, and by the latter corroded, whereupon follows the cold Apoplexy, Astonishment, Senselessness, Lethargy, Palsy, Trembling of the Limbs, and convulsions of the Mouth. And what these have said of Wine, the same is true likewise of all other strong Drinks. I hope these lines will keep such men the soberer in this dangerous time; and in that sober tune, the time may touch their hart strings so, that Sobriety may let in Religious meditations (which continual Drunkenness has locked out of doors.) And then Repentance may draw them to GOD, and him nearer to them; and so they may become new Creatures. Which the Father for his Son's sake grant. In the mean time, Restorative Diet for sick ones. let those that are in health eat Flesh; but the Sick the juices of them rather, because aliment must be made more easy and quick for their supply. And for such weak ones, Veal, Chicken, Caponet, Partridge, and Pheasant, are to be boiled till all the virtue of the meat be boiled out, and then the Broth to be strained hard, that the flesh may be left juiceless, so will all the strength of the meat be in the broth; which you may spice with some of these powders following: Take of Red Saunders half an ounce, Cinnamon iij. drains and half, Saffron half a dram. Make them into fine Powder. Or else Take of Cinnamon half an ounce, Cloves and Saffron, of each half a dram, Red Coral ij. Scruples. And the weight of all in Sugar. Make of them a fine Powder. But Women (dum Menses effluunt) must not use Saffron so much. For such therefore this Powder is better. Take Hartshorn, red and yellow Saunders, of each ij. drams, Cloves and Cinnamon, of each one dram. Make a fine Powder. Let all be more sparing in Diet now, then at other times: Eat little, and Drink less. But never go out of doors Fasting. Take therefore first of some Antidote, Antidotes. of which kind the Apothecary's shops are (or aught to be) always stored with these: That is, Theriaca Andromachi, Theriaca Londinensis, Venice treacle. London treacle. Mitridate. Mithridatium Damocratis, Electuarium de Ovo Imperatoris, Antidote magna Mathioli, Confectio Liberans, Dioscordium. Of any of these, take the quantity of a Nutmeg. Confectio Alkernes, Confectio de Hiacyntho. Of either of these, take the quantity of an Hazel nut. If you would choose to take a Powder rather; Pulvis Contra Pestem Montagnanae. half a Dram. Of Waters, there is— Aqua Angelicae, Aqua Theriacalis. Of either of these half an Ounce, either with white Wine and a few drops of the juice of a Limon; Or, Aqua Bezoartica Langii. Aqua Calestis Mathioli, for the richer sort, with a drop of Oil of Vitriol, in half an ounce of either. But for such as abhor the taste of Physic, and had rather take their Antidote in form of Pills then otherwise; let a skilful Apothecary make this mass of Pills. Pillula Marsilii Ficini. Rs. Zadoariae, ligni aloes, agrimonia, croci, Aristolochia rotunda, Dictamni, gentianae, cort. citri, sem. citri, anascrup. 1. Coriandri praeper. tormentillae, santali rub. corallii, r●b. spodii, Myrobalan. Emblic. ana drach. 2. Terrae sigil. drach. ij. Boli Armeni drach. 3. Cum Syrupo ex Acetositate citri fiat Massa. Of which ten, fifteen, twenty, or two shillings grains may be taken at once in one, or two, or three Pills, as the party can swallow them in bigness. Those that are offended with the heat of treacle, or other of the hot Antidotes above named: may use this Opiate made by an Apothecary; which is excellent for hot complexions. Opiata frigida Palmarii: Rs. Flor. buglossi, borraginis, cariophyllorum, rosrub, horum separatim conditorum ana. unc. 1. Terra Lemniae, boli Armeni, scobis cornu cervim, una drach. ij. Margarit. praepert. drach. 1. ambari grisei, scrup. ss. Syr. de succo Bugl●ssi, q. s. Fiat Opiata, s. a. The dose is the quantity of a Nutmeg. For Women with child. Neither must women with child be overheated with common Antidotes. Therefore theirs must be only of Terra Lemnia, Bole Armoniac, Hartshorn; Conserves and Syrups of Roses, Violets, and Betony. Or a little Mithridate, with twice, as much conserve of borage or bugloss. Likewise, the species de gemmis frig. or of Diamargar. frig. in borage, bugloss, and Carduus water. Or else such may have this Antidote made for them. Rs. Cornu carvi, Cynamonni, nucis moschatae, santalorum omnium, ana drach. 1. Rad. Angelicae, tormentillae, Enulae, camp. ana drach. ss. f. Pulvis subt. Dein. Accipè Conservae buglossi, & borraginis, ana drach. iij. cum aquali quantitate Syr. ê Limonibus & rosis siccis. Fiat Conditum. s. a. For young Children, For young Children. there is nothing better or fit than Bole Armoniac, or Terra Lemnia, with a little tormentil root, or Citron pills, made into fine Powder, and mixed with their meats, butter, and broths; for their breakfasts. And because they are not much to be tampered with by internal medicines, anoint the region of their heart with oil of Hypericon, every morning and evening: or with oleo Scorpionium, or oleo corcino: or else let them commonly wear next their skin over their heart, such a Quilt as this. Take of red Roses 2. drams, red sanders, red coral, & spodium, of each one dram, Zedoary, lignum aloes, cinnamon, cloves, citron pill, saffron, of each half a dram. Sew it up in a piece of red Sarsenet or Calico, moisten it with a little Rose-vinegar; so heat it and apply it warm. And when it waxeth dry moystit, and heat it so again And take this note Note. by the way. When you suspect a Child to have the worms in a contagious time, use not Wormseed, nor those common trifles; but order him as in danger of Infection: for that disease coming of so much putrefaction as it does, is apt to receive contagion, as tinder to take fire. Give it (therefore) ten or twenty grains of this Powder following. Take of Hartshorn one dram, citron pill, roots of Angelica, and tormentil, Rheubarb, and Coralline, of each half a dram. Make all into a fine powder; and give the aforesaid quantity in a little Carduus water, sweetened with some sugar. After the taking of any of these Antidotes, Breakfasts. abstain from all meat and drink for two or three hours. And then eat a piece of Bread and butter strewed with a little grated Nutmeg. Or Bread and salad-oil, spiced with the powder of tormentil roots. Or a piece of Bread sopped in White-wine, allayed with a little Vinegar. Let your Dinner be about high noon, Dinner and Supper. and then eat not of above two or three several dishes. Your Supper at five or six a clock in the evening, and then let one dish suffice. For it is a pretty saying, and worth the noting. In the Morning a little is enough, at Noon enough is but a little, but at Night, a little may be too much. Bed time. Go not to bed till three or four hours after Supper, lest sleeping upon a full stomach, you hinder digestion. And so I bid good night to the second Point of Diet. The third Point, is Repletion, and Evacuation. Repletion & Evacuation. When you arise in the morning rub your sides, arms, thighs, and legs downward gently, your clothes being on, comb your head and rub it. Hake, spit, and blow your nose, to evacuate the excrements of your head and stomach. Then assay to make water, and to go to stool, and labour to bring your body to this daily custom. For The body ought especially to be kept free from superfluities: saith Galen. lib. 1. de Differ. Feb. cap. 4. Therefore if you be costive, use some supposistory or Clyster; and suffer not two whole days to pass without such evacuation. It is necessary that every one that hath so much understanding, do learn to know whether he be Phlethorick For Phlethoricke people. or Cacochymick; If Phlethorick (that is full of blood, as those that live in high feeding) it will appear by his high colour, full veins, pulse greater and more frequent than it used ordinarily to be, pursinesse, heaviness and dulness of body, and such like signs. If you be costive, take a common Clyster first; then be let blood, according to the appointment of some skilful Physician, and so ordered afterwards according to Art. If Cacochymick, For Cacochymick. that is, full of gross and corrupted humours, (which will appear by the paleness and ill colour of the face, defective strength, and the like. He must be well purged, which none but a Physician can safely prescribe, and that upon examination of his Body and Urine. But as a general General purge for all sorts. rule, all do appoint some purging medicine twice or thrice in a week, to keep the Body free from the increase of superfluous humours. To this purpose the Pills of RUFFUS (which are common in every Shop) are very apt and good. Or, if you please use these of mine, whereof I had happy experience in the last great Visitation. Rs. Aloës Rosatae, unc. 1. Bradwels' Pills. Rhabarbari, Croci, ana drach. 3. Myrrhae, drach. 6. Santali citrini, drach. 1. Ambari grisei, scrup. 1. Cum syrupi de succo citri, q. s. fiat s. a. Massa Philularum. Make Pills of 8. 10. or 12. grains a piece; and take 2 or 3. at a time; either at bed time, or after the first sleep: you may take them in Syrup of Roses, or conserve of Violets: or if you will, in the yolk of a rear egg. And it is good to drink after them when you rise in the morning, in cold weather a little draught of white Wine mixed with Balme-water. In hot weather, white-Wine and Succorie-water, with a drop or two of oil of Vitriol in it. But those that cannot take Pills, may have this Syrup made for them. which for his excellent virtue in this case, is called Syrupus Divinus, the Divine Syrup. Syrupus Divinus Sancti Ambrosii. Rs. Cort. citri, rad cappar. berber. santal. rub. & citrin▪ spodii, ana drach. 1. Carryophyll. borrag. buglossi, mellissaes, cichorei, ana unc. 1. Acetosae, Hepaticae, marrubii, ana unc. ss. Thymi, Epithymi, Scariolae, Rhabarb. fol. senae, rad. polypodii, ana drach. 1. Succorum absynthii, fumariae, ebuli, Plantagenis, Myrobalanorum Chebul. & citrin. ana. drach. 6. Cum sacchari li. 2. ss. fiat Syrupus s. a. & Cum aceti succi cydoniorum q. s. reddatur dulcè acidus. Take two or three spoonfuls of this, more or less as it works: But keep very warm, for it causeth sweat as well as siege. In a Manuscript of my Grandfather BANISTERS, I find this called St. AMBROSE his Syrup. The same a little altered is in RENODAEUS his Disponsatorie; and he hath added two drams of Diagredium. Let men of judgement do as they please; I like it best as I have set it down. RENODAEUS gives it this Title (not acknowledging any Author) Syrupus qui reddit corpus mundum à superfluitatibus; & per consequens, cor, cerebrum, hepar et omnia alia membrae confortat. Which commendations agrees with my Title: for it is worthy of all commendations. That Morning that you take your Purging Medicine, you must forbear your other Antidote. Women with child, What Purge for women with Child. must be kept solluble only with mild Suppositories, and gentle Glisters, wherein a little new drawn Cassia is to be used. Or else a mild Potion made with some pectoral Decoction, and a little Cassia: for stronger purgatives, will endanger abortion. But these aught to be directed by a good Physician. Young children For young Children. also with a Violet comfit, (for a Suppository) dipped in sweet salad oil: or else a little Cassia newly drawn, dissolved in a small draught of Chicken-broth; or a little Manna in the like broth, or in posset-drinke. Beware of Bathe, Bathe. especially in open standing waters, within the Region of the Air infected. If Urine or Menstrua stop, Courses stopped. repair speedily to the Physician for counsel. Fly Venus Venus. as fare as you may, for in these times she has but an ill name. Sweat Sweat. coming easily of itself; and within doors (the house being well aired) is good, so it exceed not. But abroad it is dangerous. Lastly, it is good to keep open all Issues, Issues. and running sores; because Nature will labour to expel any venom to such a Common-sewer. The fourth Point, is Exercise and Rest. Laziness increaseth superfluous humours, and over-violent labour, wasteth away the nourishing ones. But moderate exercise Exercise how. (ad ruborem non ad sudorem) stirreth up and nourisheth Natural heat, helping Concoction and Evacuation; if also it be used in seasonable times and convenient places. What. The best Exercise is walking with a little stirring of the arms. Where. The Time, in the morning: and the place, either in a pure air abroad, or in a purified air at home, in some large room, where is little or no company, by the heat of their bodies and breaths, to distemper the Air. But at all times beware of taking cold; for great colds and rheums do easily putrid Favours, and they as easily prove Pestilent. Sleep and Watching is the fifth point. Sleep either immoderate or unseasonable, hindereth digestion, and causes crudities, quells the vital and dulls the Animal Spirits. Watching also overmuch, dries up and inflames the good Blood, and weakens all the powers of Nature. Let your sleep therefore be seasonable, and not superfluous. Not upon your dinner, unless custom commands it; and then take it but vapping for half an hour or so, sitting in a Chair upright. Three hours at least after a light Supper go to Bed; where let five or six hours suffice for sleep. Lie conveniently warm, the Chamber doors and windows being shut to exclude the night air. But beware of sleeping or lying on the ground or grass: for the nearer the earth the more deadly is the Air. And the immediate stroke of the cold vapours rising from the ground is dangerous at all times. The sixth Point of Diet, is Passions of the Mind. All kinds of Passion, Passions. if they be vehement, do offer violence to the Spirits; yea though they be of the better and more natural sort. As Laughter Laughter. (if unbridled) doth run even life out of breath, and greatly perplexeth the Body: in so much as the breast and sides are pained, the breath is straitened, and sometimes the Soul itself, is (as I may say) laughed out of her skin. For so it is recorded of CHRYSIPPUS, Examples. That only upon the sight of an Ass eating Figs, he broke into such an unmeasurable laughter, that he fell down and died. And XE●XIS that excellent Painter (who made a most curious beautiful Picture of the Spartan HELEN) upon the sight of a very ill-favoured old woman, burst out into such a profuse laughter, that he laughed himself to death. Now this is a disease of the Spleen, called Risus Sardonius, with which I have known some of my acquaintance not long ago grieved. But sometimes immoderate joy, joy.. lives not to the age of Laughter, when it binds the vital Spirits so close together that it chokes the heart instantly: For so SOPHOCLES the Tragedian, receiving a wonderful applause of the people for the last Tragedy he wrote; was so overjoyed at it, Examples. that he became a Tragedy himself and died upon it. The like is recorded of one RHODIAS DIAGORAS, who when he saw his three Sons all at one time crowned with victory at the Olympian games, ran to meet them: And while he embraced them in his arms, and they planted their Garlands on his head, he was so overcome with joy, that he turned their Ensigns of victory into the pennons of his Funeral. Sorrow Sorrow. on the other side afflicts the Heart, disturbs the Faculties, melts the Brain, vitiates the humours, and so weakens all the principal parts; yea, sometimes sinks the Body into the grave. Examples. As ADRASTUS King of the Argives, being told of the death of his Son, was taken with so violent a Sorrow, that he fell down and died immediately. And so JULIA the Daughter of julius Caesar, and wife to POMPEY, when she heard the tidings of her Husband's death, made that hour the last witness that she had lived only to hear it. Anger Anger. is also so furious a Passion, that it violently disturbs the Spirits and Faculties; as appears by the shaking and tossing of the Body too and fro; the fiery sparkling of the Eyes, the colour coming and going, now red, now pale; so that all the humours appear to be inflamed (especially Choler,) and the Spirits hurried this way and that way: sometimes thrust outward, and presently halled in again. By which violent motions an unnatural heat in the Spirits, and corruption in the humours are engendered. Hereupon many times follow Burning Favours, Palsies, violent Bleeding, loss of Speech, and sometimes Death itself. Examples. NERVA the Emperor being highly displeased with one REOULUS, fell into such a fury against him that he was stricken therewith into a Favour, whereof he died within a few days after. WENCESLAUS King of Bohemia, in a rage conceived against his Cupbearer, would needs kill him presently with his own hand; but his endeavour was his own death's man, striking him with a Pa●sey, that shaken him shortly after into ashes. VALENTINIANUS the Emperor, in a fierce fury would needs destroy the whole Country of Sarmatia; but his unruly rage broke a vein within him, and his own lifeblood ended his bloody design. In the year of our Lord 1523. A poor old man in the North part of Devonshire (dwelling in a part of a little Village called Little Podderidge) came to a Worthy Knights house (Sir THOMAS MONK by name) dwelling in the same Parish, (which was called St. Merton) in whose house I at that time was. And the old man standing at the Buttery hatch to receive some Beer: because the Buttery maid did not presently fill his Tankard at his call, he fell into such a fury against her, that with the very passion, he presently fell down, was taken up for dead; was with much a do by me recovered to life and sense, but never spoke again, and died within two days after. Fear Fear. likewise gathers the heat and Spirits to the heart, and dissolves the Brain, making the moisture thereof shed and slide down into the external parts, causing a chillness and shaking over all the Body; and falling upon the gullet, makes one to swallow when they should speak: It abuses the Fancy and Senses, brings a Lethargy upon the Organs of motion, and condemns the heart to deadly sufferings. Examples. As CASSANDER the son of Antipater upon the sight of ALEXANDER the Great's statue, was stricken with such a terror, that he could hardly make his legs leave trembling so fare as to carry him out of the place. Nay to come nearer to our purpose. In the last great Plague-time here in London, in Anno Domini 1625. One George Bicker-staffe a Tailor dwelling in Silver-Street, having charge of the house of the Right Honourable the Lord WINDSOR in Mugwell-streete, (where I than Lived) and coming thither one Evening in the twilight; as he was standing all alone in the Parlour, suddenly a great noise came rattling down the Stairs, from the upper rooms. At which (although myself have been eye witness of manly valour in him at other times) he was so beyond reason affrighted, that he ran out of the house into the Street, half breathless, and almost speechless, looking very ghastly; which made many inquire the cause; which as soon as he could make them understand, some boldly ventured in, and found nothing but a Fawn, that had been tied up in the Garden, and was now got lose, and (the Hall door being left open) had got up into the great Chamber. The neighbours made themselves merry with the Tailor's manhood: But he went home (it being the Fifteenth day of October) fell into a Favour, which turned within a few days into the Plague, whereof he died on the Six and twentieth day of the same month: having continued in perfect health from the beginning of the Contagion to this hour of his misinformed fear. Now this Fear did not arise from danger of Infection, and yet it drew it on. How much more than does the fear of the same cause work it? I need bring no Examples for proof: for in every place I hear living witnesses of such as died of the Plague, stricken only with the fear of it: And therefore I cannot think any man's ignorance can plead against it. Yet I will give a reason for it; How Fear brings Infection. because of all Passions, Fear is the most pestilently pernicious: And this it is: Fear enforces the vital Spirits to retire inward to the heart: By which retiring they leave the outward parts infirm, as appears plainly by the paleness and trembling of one in great fear. So that the walls being forsaken (which are continually besieged by the outward air) in comes the enemy boldly; the best spirits that should expelled them having cowardly sounded retreat: In which withdrawing, they draw in with them such evil vapours as hang about the outward pores; even as the Sun draws toward it the vapours of the Earth. And hence is it, that Fear brings Infection sooner than any other occasion. This therefore; The way of curing Passions. and all other Passions must (by a wise watching over ourselves) be beaten off, whensoever they but offer to set upon us. But these are diseases of the Soul, whose Physicians are Divines. They must Purge out the Love of this World, and the distrust of GOD'S Providence, minister the Cordials of Faith, Hope, Patience, and Contentedness; and Ordain the strict Diet of Holy Exercises. We that are Physicians to the Body, are but Chyrurgians to the Soul; we can but talk of Topical remedies; as to apply Mirth, Music, delightful business, good Company, and lawful Recreations; such as may take up all time from careful thoughts and passionate affections: Then have we done. And so have I now with the six Points of Diet; and likewise with the first part of my Method, which is the way of Preservation. The Manner of taking Sick. The second Part (which now succeeds) discovers the Manner and Signs of being Infected. It strikes first at the Heart. The Manner is, that It strikes chief at the Heart, (as I said in the Definition:) which is apparent by this, that at the first Infection or instant of being taken, the vital Faculty sinks, and languishes, the whole strength of the Body is suddenly turned to weakness; the vital Spirits are greatly oppressed and discouraged. Whereas the Animal Faculty commonly remains (for a while) in good plight, and perfect in the use of Sense, Understanding, judgement, Memory, and Motion. The Natural Faculty also is not so presently hurt, but there is Concoction and all other functions performed by the Liver, Stomach, Guts, Reynes, Bladder, and other parts, as Nature requireth. Though indeed in a little time (the Venom being very strong) these and the Brain also are overcome. As appears by the Symptoms that follow; as Lethargies, Frenzies: Vomitings, Fluxes, etc. which I shall reckon up in the Conclusion. Take notice therefore, That as soon as the venomous matter strikes to the Heart; that the Contagion has now found out the Prince of the Vital parts: who if he want armour of proof to resist (either of Natural strength, or forged out by Arts Cyclops, the Physician) is presently taken prisoner by his venomous enemy; Signs and Symptoms. who soon after takes possession of the Arteries, and Veins. In this conflict; the Pulse The Pulse. (which useth to be the truest intelligencer of the Hearts well of ill-fare) becomes now languishing, little, frequent, and unequal. Languishing, by reason that Native heat lessens, and a heat contrary to Nature increases: Little, because oppressed: Frequent, from Nature's strife: Unequal, partly from the Favour, and partly from the Malignant vapour that besiegeth the Heart. Concerning the Pulse also, Rodericus à Castro; de Peste Hamburgensi, has this Sign in these very words. Manus, dum Medico porrigunt Pulsum, quodam modo retrahuntur cum tremore; quod à veneno fit cor ipsum pungente, & Signum mihi diutina experientia indubitatum est, ut eo solo saepissimè Pestilentem affectum cognoverim. This have I also tried and found true. And from this ground did I find another that never failed me; If in reaching out the hand the former sign appeared not; then if I suspected it to be the Plague's, I would touch the Pulse something hard, and if it were the Plague it would not fail Cum tremore manum retrahere. The reason is, the stopping of the course of the Pulse drives the venom something back to the heart, by which is caused a kind of sudden Passion. The Eyes. The next Sign is, the enemy's Ensign hung out at the windows; The Eyes are various in turning, and sometimes fiery shining; the looks sad, and the Face changing colour: which show that the radical humour gins to waste, and the Spirits to wax dry and inflamed. Then followeth Lightness or Giddiness of the Head; Giddiness. Drought, and Bitter taste in the mouth, which proceed from the superfluity of Choler, aggravated by the mixture of the venomous vapours. Vomiting Vomiting. likewise of vicious matter, being (according to redundancy of any of the humours) sometimes waterish, of Phlegm; sometime yellow or greenish, of Choler; sometimes leaden or blackish, of Melancholy. But this is from the virulency of the Venom, vexing the veins and fibres in the coat of the Stomach: not from any strength of Nature to expel the poison; as appeareth in that no ease, but increase of accidents succeedeth the exoneration. After which, follows a painful Hicket, or Yexing; Hicket, or Convulsion in the Stomach. by the progress of the venom working convulsively on the fibres of the Stomach. Shortness of breath also, Short breath and sighing. and often sighing show the heart is inflamed, and would fain exchange the overheated air within the body, for that which is cool without. Then begin the Spirits to sink, Sinking of the Spirits, and Fever. through the fierce gripe of the venomous vapour that now insults over the yielding heart. The external parts become cold and shake-ripe, while the internal are overhot with the inflammation of the Bowels. By this time the venom is gotten up into the waterish humours of the Brain, and infecting them, Pains in the Head. causeth Head ache: while the hot vapours (getting betwixt the two mother membranes) cause painful prickings there, whereupon follow restlessness of the Body, and Lack of Sleep, Lack of Sleep. and upon these Frenzy, except the Brain be full of moisture; and then the head is over-heavie and Lethargic. Extreme Drowsiness. Sometimes also the Venom works itself from the substance of the Brain into the Sinews, causing Cramps, and Convulsions. Cramps and Convulsions The Urine is altogether untrue, therefore unworthy the fellowship of faithful signs. Urine utterly false. And the most faithful, are the Soars, and Spots (if they be right) called God's Tokens. But before we describe them, The Author's observation. let me express my sorrow for what I had daily observation of, in the last great Visitation. Many undertook the cure of the Plague then, who knew no more than to sweat the Patient, and apply outward drawing medicines to the Soars: nay the Chirurgery work was well performed by some, and yet I dare say many died for the lack of skill to encounter these symptoms now specified. And yet there are many more such; all which I will reckon up, to see if I can shake the consciences of such impudent Quacksalvers, as dare without learning venture to enrich themselves by filling Graves. There is commonly, 1 Trembling of the heart, fainting or swooning. 2 A Favour, though not easily discerned at first. 3 Cardialgia, commonly called Heartache. 4 Vomiting, and Loathing in the stomach. 5 Extreme Thirst, and vile taste in the Mouth. 6 Headache, and pricking pains there. 7 Swimming, or Vertigo. 8 Loss of Memory, and Foolish behaviour. 9 Want of sleep. 10 Delirium, or Frenzy. 11 Convulsions, or Cramps. 12 Lethargy, or extreme Drowsiness. 13 Sharp pains in the Ears. 14 Opthalmia, or inflammation of the Eyes. 15 Bleeding at the Nose. 16 The tongue and mouth inflamed and furred. 17 Spitting of Blood. 18 Squinansie. 19 pleurisy. 20 Very short Breath, and continual sighing. 21 Dry Cough. 22 jaundice. 23 Swelling of the Belly with external pain. 24 Colic, and Iliak Passions. 25 Extreme Costinesse. 26 Worms. 27 Flux of the Belly: either Lieuteria, or Diarrhaea. 28 Bloody Flux. 29 Swelling of the Testicles very painfully. 30 Suppression of Urine. 31 Extreme heat, and pain in the Back. 32 Swelling of the Feet and Legs with intolerable pain. 33 And sometimes, Such immoderate Sweat horribly stinking, that it affrights the Physician from his course of sweeting the Patient, and yet for all this sweat the deadly danger increaseth. And not one of these Symptoms can be cured by the common Method of such cases: Because of the venomous quality that is mixed with them. When I had well informed myself of these things, and saw how little they were regarded of others. I was stricken with wonder to see, with what peaceable consciences some men went a kill. And I began to doubt whether it were not better for a man to be at peace with Ignorance, then to carry his trembling heart in his hand, as I did all that time. Yet than it pleased God to bless my labours and counsels, and to let a very small number fail under my advice. But to go forward, The faithful Signs. I must enlarge myself a little in the discovery of the most faithful and apparent Signs (which are the Botch, the Blayne, the Carbuncle, and the Spots called Gods Tokens:) because the Searchers do sometimes mistake. The Botch, The Bubo, or Botch. is a hard Tumour, rising in the glandulous parts called the Emunctories: which are in three places on each side of the Body: viz. under each ear (or sometimes under the Laws or Chin) in the Armpits and in the Groynes. This Tumour lies sometimes very deep in the flesh, only to be found by feeling, nay sometimes also scarcely to be felt; but if you touch the place there is pain. But for the most part it swelleth out to the bigness of a Nutmeg or a Walnut, yea even to the size of a man's fist, or a penny loaf. Also sometimes it is round, sometimes oval; sometimes long and slender as ones finger. I saw a Boy of ten years old in Seething-lane, that had one risen in his left arme-pit, which ran from thence backward upon the shoulder blade, making a Semicircle thereon, and so turning downward toward the backbone: as if under the skin had been laid a good big cord in the form almost of a Sickle. The Boy was not heartsick but at the first taking, and by God's blessing and good means, this tumour sunk again, and vanished without any suppuration. But some again are flat, broad, and spreading even over half the Thorax, (as I have seen one.) They are of colour various, according to the humour predominant. At the first it is commonly something movable, but grows afterward more indurate and fixed. It rises for the most part with a pricking pain; and as it grows greater is more dully painful; and seems to the Patient as a weight or burden. It cometh of a venomous matter, putrifying and poisoning the blood which is thick, gross, and excrementitious of itself, and something phlegmatic. Nature therefore labours to drive forth this venom into the emunctories, which are the sinks and receptacles of excrementitious humours. When they rise under the jaws they show the strength of the Brain; in the Armpits of the Heart; and in the Groins of the Liver. According to the quantity of the humours infected, so the Botches are bigger or less, and more or fewer in number; and according to the malignancy of the humour are their colours whiter, redder, more bluish or blackish; whereof the latter is still the worse. The Blayne, The Blayne. is a kind of Blister, somewhat like one of the Swine-pocks, of a Straw-colour for the most part; but sometimes of a bluish or leaden colour, (but than it is apt to turn to a Carbuncle) and when it runneth affords filthy matter of the like complexion. Round about the Blister, there is a red fiery circle (yet nothing so fiery as that of the Carbuncle) the whole taking up the breadth of a groat, six pence, or ninepences: I have seen the breadth of a large shilling; but very rarely. These will rise in any part of the Body or limbs; sometimes one alone, sometimes two or three, but never many. When the matter is run out, the hoven skin falls and dries up to a crusty scab, and so falls off. These show, that Nature is strong to expel the venom speedily, and that the humours infected are not superaboundant. For many that have these, are not sick at all: and the most recover with good looking to. The Carbuncle, The Carbuncle. is a little venomous pustle with a broad compass of a deep redness about it, wonderful angry, and burning like a fire-coale; thence comes his name Carbunculus. It rises like a little blister, producing an ash-coloured, or else a blackish crust. Sometimes it rises in many pustles like blisters on the outer skin; which being broken and the matter run out, the like crusty escar grows over it till it fall off. It appears in any ●●rt of the Body or Limbs; many times on the Breast, sometimes in the face, I have seen one on the very tip of the nose. With it goes always these evil companions, Itching, Inflammation, and Irrosion; for it is so full of burning poison, that it consumes the flesh, and will in a short time (if it be not well looked to) eat so deep and large a hole, as if the flesh were hollowed with a hot iron. It ariseth from the same cause with the Botch, but the Blood is more hot, black, thick, and feculent; proceeding for Choler, or adust Melancholy. The Spots (otherwise called God's Tokens The Tokens. ) are commonly of the bigness of a flea-bitten spot: sometimes much bigger. Their colour is according to the praedominancie of the humour in the body: namely Red, or reddish if Choler; Pale-blew or Darke-blew if Phlegm; and Leaden or Blackish if Melancholy abound. But they have ever a circle about them. The Red ones a purplish-circle, and the others a reddish circle. They appear most commonly on the the breast and back: and sometimes on the neck, arms, and thighs. On the Breast and Back, because the vital Spirits strive to breath out the venom the nearest way. In some bodies there will be very many, in some but one or two, or very few; according to the quantity of the venom, and the strength of the Spirits to drive them out. They usually show themselves on the 3. 4. 5. or 7. day; Sometimes not till death, the venom yet tyrannising over the dead carcase. Sometimes they appear together with the sores; but for the most part without. The cause is the venomous matter condensed and hardened in the act of penetrating the the pores of the skin; if they be skilful dissected in the dead body, you may find some half way deep into the flesh, & some in muskles of the Breast have been followed with the incision knife even to the rib bones. The reason why they are thus congealed is, the thickness of the venomous matter, and the coldness of it: for it is the most Phlegmatic part of the blood, yet mixed also with the other humours according to the colours. They appear in dead bodies most, because Nature fainting in her labour to thrust out the venom through the skin, life's heat going out, the privation thereof, and the nearness of the outward air do congeal them presently: & because many times at the last gasp nature gives the stoutest struggle, it comes to pass they are not so far thrust forth as to appear, till death. All these Symptoms must be looked to very diligently and skilfully. As for the Sores, there are many good and known medicines, and hands skilful enough in Chyrurgical way. And I understand the College of Physicians have a Book now coming forth full of good Medicines. Whether the Tokens bring always certain Death, as is believed Therefore I will here desist. But me thinks one pulls me by the sleeve, and asks me what I mean, to say that all these Symptoms must be looked to; Do I mean the Tokens? (for they were the last of them.) Yes, even the Tokens; Mr. JOHN BANISTER. my Grandfather in a Manuscript of his of the Plague, affirmeth that he recovered some that had the best coloured of them, and those but few also. And I have often heard my Father (who was an honest true tongued man, and a skilful full Physician) say: that in the year 1593. my Mother (being then visited with this sickness) had (besides a Carbuncle under the tip of her left left ear) two Spots on her breast. And she was recovered, and lived till the year 1629. yet the spots appeared together with the Carbuncle, which is accounted a prognosticke to have no hope of curing the sore, or caring for the life of the Patient. To this, let me join an experience of mine own, in the last dreadful Visitation, Anno 1625. Myself did in Golding-lane recover a woman that was sick of the Plague in Childbed, (and that very case alone is rarely cured) who besides other Symptoms, as her sudden taking, faintings, and Pestilent Favour; had two Spots on her breast of a reddish colour with purple circles. I discouraged not those about her, because I meant to try what might (by God's assistance) be done, the Child died, but she recovered, and is alive at this day. Now if any man shall say, these last were spots of a Malignant Fever only. I answer, they were not Purple but Red ones, and circled with purple Circles, so are not the faint Spots. But if my skill in these Spots shall yet be doubted. Know that this was when there died betwixt Four and five Thousand of the Plague that week: And I will believe no man that shall tell me, that any Malignant Favour must not needs turn to the Plague itself within the air of London at that time. Thus much for the Signs of the Pestilence in them that Live. There remain also some few other Signs besides these, Other signs of the dead of the Plague● by which you may know a Body to be dead of the Plague, though neither Soar, nor Token appear. HEURNIUS says, Heurnius de Peste. they are known from others that die of the Plague, by these Marks. The Nose looks blue, sometimes blackish blue, as if it had been beaten or bruised. The like Colour is in the Ears and Nails. And their Bodies are ever worse coloured than other dead bodies be. But add to this one Sign more, approved by Experience and standing with good reason. viz. That whereas other dead Bodies must be laid out strait while they are warm, or else when they are cold they will be too stiff to be straightened: In those of the Plague (or Poisoned either) the flesh is soft, and the joints limber and flexible, after the Body is cold. Which shows the vileness of Putrefaction in all the humours, and moist parts of the Body. And now having found out (by certain Signs) the way to know this Sickness from all others: It will not be amiss out of learned Authority to teach you how to know, whether a man at the first taking or soon after, be likely to be recovered or no. To know whether a man taken with the Sickness, may be likely to recover or no. If one be taken with the first Signs of Sinking of his Spirits, causeless Sadness, shortness of Breath on the sudden, that he cannot forbear Sighing, yet knows no cause why; Sick heartedness, etc. If this happen at his Meat, or presently after; let him if he can, Vomit: If he offer and cannot: Help him with a little Warme-water and Oil: Or dip a feather in Linseed oil; or Oil of Scorpions, and thrust it into his throat. Then: or if he be taken betwixt Meals or Fasting. Make this Draught for him: Take of Bole-Armoniack, j dram, powdered. juice of Oranges, half an ounce. White Wine, an ounce. Rose-water, ij. ounces. Mix them together, and give it. If he Vomit it up again, it is a Sign the venom is abundant, and has gotten great power over the vital parts. Therefore wash his mouth with a little white Wine, and give him the same Potion again. If he again cast it up, repeat the Wine lotion, and this Potion again, three times. This is taken out of the second Canon of Avicen, by Guaynerius, who testifies upon his own knowledge, that never any that at first kept it without Casting it up again, died of that Sickness. GUANERIUS was an excellent skilful Physician; And AVICENNA was accounted a Prince of Physicians, they may therefore be believed. Yet I would have none so superstitious in the certainty of this safety; as generally all are in the deadliness of the Tokens: Of which, I am persuaded any might recover that have the best coloured of them; but that the custom of Ignorance hath driven away all use of means upon the very appearance of the Spots. This I durst not hide; yet perhaps like Cassandra, I may be but laughed at for telling the truth. But this is no time to laugh, Let every Man rather be to his own Soul and Family an AARON, to take with speed his Censor of Repentance, and fill it with fire from the Altar (of the exceeding great and precious Promises of CHRIST) 2. Pet. 1.4. and put the Incense of faithful Prayer thereon; and run quickly, Num. 16.46. and make an Atonement: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; The Plague is begun. In the Great Visitation, Anno, 1625. I made these Preservative Compositions. Preservatives Inwardly. 1 MY Electuary (which I call Antiloymon. The price is 2. s. an Ounce. The Quantity one or 2. Drams on a knife's point. 2 My Plague Powder, 9 d. a Dram. The quantity, half a Dram, in White wine, Carduus water, or Posset-ale. 3 My Powder of Life. This is used only in very weak bodies for Preservation, and in Cure is beyond my modesty of Expression. But I reserve to myself how it is to be used. The price is 3. d. a Grain. And the ordinary dose, is 8.10. or 12. grains. 4 For the more Ordinary sort of People, I had (with happy success) also (I praise God) My Liquor of Life. The price 5. s. a Pint. The quantity at once, 2. 4. or. 6. spoonfuls; as the Age or strength requireth. But observe that these Quantities are for Preservation only: But in Cure of the Infected, Note. they must be doubled. 1 Also, Lozenges, Outward. or Troe●isks to hold in the Mouth. At 12. pence an Ounce. 2 Pomanders, 5. s. a piece. 3 Sweet Waters for Sponges, 3. s. 6. d. a pint. 4 Sweet Waters to be cast on a hot Fire-shovel to perfume a Chamber, 3. s. a pint. 5 Perfumes to burn, wherewith to air ,— 16 pence an ounce. All these are temperate and Catholical, that is generally fit for all Constitutions. And were All the Inventions of my Grandfather Mr. JOHN BANISTER that famous both Physician and Chirurgeon in this City. And now if any shall desire them, I will quickly Prepare them again. I will nor brag what they did, nor court men's belief like a Mountebank. I am known to many, and the judious are like enough to trust me by that I have written. I live in Golden-Lane, over against the Sign of the Golden Flower de Luce. The Lord of Heaven in mercy look down upon this City. FINIS.