A SHORT DISCOVERY OF THE VNOBSERVED DANGERS OF several sorts of ignorant and unconsiderate Practisers of Physic in England: Profitable not only for the deceived multitude, and easy for their mean capacities, but raising reform and more advised thoughts in the best understandings: With Direction for the safest election of a Physician in necessity: BY JOHN COTTA of Northampton Doctor in Physic.  
LONDON, Imprinted for WILLIAM JONES, and RICHARD boil dwelling in the Blackfriars. 1612.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, RIGHT WORSHIPFUL AND WORTHY Gentlemen, my desired friends and deserving Patients of Northamptonshire, honour, health and happiness of life.  
RIght noble and renowned Gentlemen, it is now the tenth years since the singular favours, love, merit and tried worth of my thrice 
a Sir William Tate.  honoured friend hath first here detained me in the eye of your use. In this short space of quick time, as my public office hath been truly devoted unto you all the common right, so many your noble peculiar deserts have worthily challenged their special claim. In pledge therefore of my love and duty unto you all, and in memory of my travels amongst you▪ (when former vows shall haply hence recall me) what my time here passed hath brought forth, most rare or worthy unto choice observation, I freely publish, and reciprocally here present unto the country's good, and together with general caution and rule for safe and wholesome medication, repay and dedicate. The matter and subject itself, unto common reading, is of a virgin fresh and as yet undiwlged view, and no less of necessary and serious use. The style can neither be so far in love with itself as to forget the matter, nor altogether savoureth of his oft interrupted & unsettled leisure; and brevity doth not suffer the reading to be any burden. The pains and loss of secured safety 
b Namque tacere Tutum semper erit. Scalig. Constare gratis quin silentium possit. Martial.  in silence are mine own, and the opportunity every man's that lusteth to censure, or to satisfy any other more honest end: I have thus freely exposed myself in a proposed hope, that the hence derived good of many may make good my good desire unto all. Since then this small sacrifice of myself to all your happy healths (a mite answerable to my might) doth therewith include a needful use unto a common good, that after succeeding participation may enlarge the benefit unto all, or at least my poor pains awake more ample merit in some others worth, vouchsafe my free & honest labour in your friendly acceptance, shrouded by the true splendour of your generose and noble worths, may dazzle the narrow sight of base obtrectation. Thus shall your ever deserving loves and now desired patronages, make both so much more deserved love your desirous servant, and religiously ever oblige myself in all true rights unto your deigned favours, perpetual solicitor of humble, officious and thankful memory.  
JOHN COTTA.   

TO THE READER.  
THe Sun doth rise and fall, and returneth every day: but when the short day of man's life once goeth down, it never 
a Soles occidere & redire possunt: Nobis cum semel occidit brevis lux, Nox est perpetua una dormienda. Catull.  dawneth. Life is dear, and too dear (being lost) for all inestimable values to redeem: and health is the sweetness of life, and the very life of 
b Non est vivere sed valere vita. Martial.  living, without which, men while they live are already dead. Thou therefore that lovest thy life, and for thy life thy health, take counsel of a Physician without a fee. So many and so infinitely do the numbers of barbarous and unlearned counsellors of health at this time overspread all corners of this kingdom, that their confused swarms do not only every where cover and eclipse the Sunshine of all true learning & understanding but generally darken and extinguish the very light of common sense and reason. It is every man's office to do good for goodness sake, and both my general duty unto a common good, and my special bond unto my friends, do earnestly solicit me hereto, since no man (that as yet I hear) hath hitherto undertaken this task. For their sakes therefore, for whose harms by unskilful hands I have oft heretofore sorrowed, and for their loves, whose life and health I wish hereafter preserved, and for their good who will take pains to know it, I here commend (leaving the common mischief to the common care) unto every particular for himself this needful detection of harmful 
c Cui malus est nemo, quis bonus esse potest.  succours, and necessary counsel for safe supply (necessity being never more distractedly miserable in hard choice of good) in so common and confused multitudes of ill. For the meanest reader's sake (whom in this whole work I labour equally to observe) I have suited the plainness and simplicity of a familiar style: and for facility of common reading have also smoothed and cleared the stream and current of this little volume, from the stops and interruptions of unusual sounds and language (as far as the subject will permit) refreshing only the learned in the margin. Neither have I esteemed it any indecorum for the meanest understanding sake, together with general cautions and rules to insert particular cases and reports, which may be both an inducement to read, and an enticement to continue, example being neither least pleasing nor least profitable unto the vulgar. There shall appear in this following treatise described, first, such insufficient workmen and practitioners, as this time doth generally set forth, with their several manners, defects and dangers: and after shall succeed a plain pattern of that sufficient Artist, unto whom with judgement and better satisfaction unto thy own understanding, thou mayst commend thy health, and whom the Ancients, right reason, and experience have ever allowed. I labour not in this plain discovery with words to feast prodigality, nor hope altogether for want of correspondence unto satisfaction to macerate frugal satiety. Few words do best hold 
d Citò dicta Percipiunt dociles animi, retinentque fideles. Horat.  memory, and a short taste doth breed more eager appetite. I will therefore only briefly point the common forgetfulness by bare advertisement to better memory, which after may better thence guide itself to more large and accurate consideration. This plain endeavour begotten of succisive hours by good desire, thy proposed benefit (deserving Reader) hath here brought forth into this common light. Enjoy therefore therein what seemeth liking, or of use: the rest thy wiser thoughts may either in reading, abstract, or thy ingenuous mind compare with that is better, or by itself censure as a cipher. Farewell.  
Thy weale-aduising friend, JOHN COTTA.   

THE SEVERAL TRACTATES of the Treatise following.  

In the first Book.  

Chap. 1. The Introduction.  
2. The Empiric his defects and danger.  
3. Women their custom and practice about the sick, commonuisiting counsellors, and commenders of medicines.  
4. Fugitives, workers of juggling wonders, Quacksalvers.  
5. Surgeons.  
6. Apothecaries.  
7. Practisers by spells.  
8. The explication of the true discovery of witchcraft in the sick, together with many and wondered instances in that kind.  
9 Wizards.  
10. Servants of Physicians, ministering helpers.    

In the second book.  

Chap. 1. The methodian learned deceiver or heretic Physician.  
2. Benificed Practisers.  
3. Astrologers, Ephemerides-maisters.  
4. Conjectors by urine.  
5. travelers.    

In the third Book.  

The true Artist his right description and election.     

THE FIRST BOOK.  

CHAP. I.  
The Introduction.  
THE dignity and worth of Physics skill consisteth not (as is imagined commonly) in the excellence and pre-eminence of remedies, but in their wise and prudent use. It is an ancient true saying, that wholesome medicines by the hands of the judicious dispenser, are as 
a Remedia si ab indoctis Medicis usurpentur sunt venena, si verò à doctis & exercitatis, Deorum sunt auxiliares manus. Herophil.  Angels of God sent for the good of men; but in the hands of the unlearned, are messengers of death unto their farther evil. Good medicines are in themselves excellent instruments of health and life, but require a learned workman judiciously to guide them unto their destined end. It is order and not confusion, that is ever safe and happy; and knowledge (which worketh by election, and 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Aristot:  true reason, and not rash boldness, which doth good by chance 
c Homo inconsultus & temerarius futura non videt. Cicero.  and uncertain event) that is the light and safe guide of understanding minds. Who knoweth not how much 
d Id solum bene fit quod fit opportunè. Plato.  opportunity advanceth in all performances? how descreete observation of smallest 
e in aliis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in aliis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  circumstances advantageth? how wise and learned 
f Omnes intellectus mentisue habitus ad unius prudentiae complementum desiderantur, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Aristot.  cunctation, and sometimes anticipation, make fortunate an action? Who seeth not in every days experience, how necessary it is by a mature and judicious eye to foresee in all attempts the after unavoidable 
g Front capillata, post est occasio calua.  hindrances? Who discerneth not that without prudent circumspection and provident forecast, blind rashness and ignorance do always hazard, & oft unrecoverably overthrow all good success. Through want of knowledge to mistake 
h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Aristot.  time, is loss of labour and of time. Ignorant slowness doth come too late, and rash haste doth stumble: he that knoweth not the danger, doth easily run upon the rock. Thus is it easy for the unlearned to err, and those that want understanding to fall into the snare. If then all enterprises prosper by wise advice, & it is wisdom in matters of meanest moment to consult with a wise and judicious friend, in cases of health and life certainly every man is not a sufficient counsellor. He that considereth the multitude of causes in diseases, their infinite kinds, manners, and natures, the variety of accidents, their sudden and variable mutations, the soon lost occasions, and hardly gained 
i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. etc. Hippoc. Aph 1.  opportunities, the wisdom which circumstances require, the care and vigilance which the subject exacteth, the doubts which repugnances bring, the resolutions which necessities urge; shall find the most exquisite powers of understanding, judgement, wit, discretion, and learning herein exactly sifted. From the variety of 
k Principium medendi cognitio morbi, minimusue error in illius ignoratione commissus est maximus in fine. Galen. de Meth. med.  causes of diseases, what varying differences arise in the manner, quantity, quality, and times of remedies: every one requiring a separate and distinct respect and dispensation, even in the same disease and person? The immediate cause from the mediate, the antecedent from the continent, the necessary from the casual and contingent, require both a divers handling, and also a distinction in order of handling: neither is there a like consideration of the external and internal, the positive, the privative, the material, the immaterial, those that are single and alone, and those that are jointly and with others. Sometimes many causes are coincident in one effect, sometimes many diseases from one cause. Sometimes the same cause receiveth a difference from itself, and exacteth an exact difference in his own remedies. Sometime the same cause is so far unlike itself that it seemeth not itself, being either more than itself in quantity, or a monster to 
l Accessu qualitatis pestiferae & deleteriae.  itself in malignant quality. As causes & diseases (according to their causes:) so no less material are accidents to be distinctly known and considered. Some of them bring 
m Hinc alia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in quibus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, alia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. etc.  certain knowledge, some artificial conjecture, some matter of presumption and probability. Some are manifest, some anxious and ambiguous, some significant by themselves, some consignificant with others. Some are of virtue in singularity, some in multitude: some are considered as signs and causes, some as neither, some as both. Some accidents go before the disease, some accompany, some follow after. Ordinarily the disease doth draw all attendance unto itself, sometimes the 
n Symptom crudeliter saeviens à morbo avocat. Hinc curatio duplex habetur, haec regularis, illa coacta.  accident doth obscure the disease. Some accidents alone are ciphers, but added unto other make up a just account; some prognosticate, some iudicate, some are idle: some iudicate the constitution of the sick, some the humour, some the diseased part, some the disease itself, and some the issue. Sometimes diseases are discovered by no signs at all, but by an exact and exquisite 
o Haec est illa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 acerrime coniectans, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intuens summa ingenij sagacia.  disquisition of a sound and 
p AEgritudines aliae manifestae, aliae occultae, aliae difficiles cognitu, aliae faciles, aliae incomprehensae nisi exquisita & subtili aestimatione. Auicenna tract. de horis AEgrit.  solert judgement. So that according to the kinds, places, courses, changes and courses of accidents, vary significations, iudications and prognostications, and follow safe administration and application of apt remedies, unto the more speedy 
q Summè haec spectanda in Medico ut tutè, iucundè, celeritèr salutem expediat.  benefit of the sick, facility of cure, and security of after health. Diseases, their causes and circumstances wisely distinguished and known, do point a discreet knowing workman to a more certain issue; without which as the beginning of cure must necessarily be rash, so must the end be doubtlessly uncertain. Hence it must needs be apparent, that by the common neglect and ignorance herein, the monopolising of cures unto the prerogative of this or that secret, and thereby the contempt of the due permutation of medicines, according to requisite circumstances and necessities, and the omission & rejection of the wholesome administration of the general 
r Quemadmodum duae sunt primae & communissimae morborum causae, Plethora & Cacochymia, sic totidem oportet esse communissima remedia purgationem debitam, & idoneam opportunamue sanguinis missionem, etc.  remedies (without which the particular are vain and preposterous) do commonly turn to the common perdition of most valetudinary men. From hence also it doth come to pass, that many disease's, beyond their own nature, and besides the constitution of the sick, grow so commonly, so easily rooted, and unobservedly confirmed in men's bodies, that oft they can never have end, which by due ordering should never have had beginning. Hence grow so frequent the multitude of strange and unnatural changes, and new fashions of fits, even through the too common use of wholesome remedies in vulgar and profane hands. For through this presumption, either by idle trifling and vain flattery of ease, dangerous diseases quickly & in short time grow too proud for any medication: or else in the other 
s Aegritudines in alias aliae facilè mutantur. Avicen. de dispos. Aegrit,  extreme, by too much haste and violence are hunted out of their own course, 
t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hippoc. Aphor. l. 2.  and so metamorphize themselves into wild and unaccustomed shapes. Hence likewise it cometh to pass, that diseases in their own kind easy and of small continuance, by the wrong and injury of remedies (without advice admitted and celebrated) are not only extended, to a lingering age of many days: but from days to weeks, from weeks to years, yea oft unto a longer life than the sick himself, after him inheriting his children and posterity. It is a verified and true saying, Worse are the bad after-consequences of ill applied medicines, than diseases themselves. Although this be often apparent, even unto the common sense of vulgar sight, yet much more infinite are the impeachments and ruins of health by the learned seen and discovered daily, whereof a common eye is not 
u 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Non est cuiusuis malum in initio exo●iens dignoscere. A●stot. in Polit.  capable; while unperceived mischiefs stealingly 
x 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Latet corruptio quia non tota simul fit, decipiturque mens ab illa. Aristot. in Polit.  & insensibly enter with unprivileged remedies, and by some present benefit or ease for a time, gaining credit and entertainment, by little and little secretly undermine the very frame and foundation of life. We may instance in Tobacco: with what high fame and great renown was it at his first arrival here in England entertained as an incomparable jewel of health, and an universal antidote and supersedeas against the force, and capias of all diseases, every man with the smoke thereof in his nostrils, breathing the praises and excellencies thereof in his mouth? But now hath not time and many a man's woeful experience given testimony to right reason and judgement, from the first suspecting, and until this proving time suspending the too great name thereof? Is not now this high blazed remedy manifestly discovered▪ through intemperance and custom, to be a monster of many diseases? Since the riotous use of this strange Indian, let it be noted how many strange & before unknown diseases have crept in unnaturally, besides the former custom and nature of the nation, proving now natural and customary to the follies of the nation. Is it not apparent that the air of this vapour and smoke by the subtlety thereof, doth suddenly search all parts with a general distress oft times to nature? And is it not thence probable, that by advantage in the weakest, it may oft leave behind it (especially where it is any time used) such impression and print, besides painful distension through his enclosed vapour, that no time of life, no remedies, oft times, are ever after able to blot 
y A vaporosae & aereae substantiae occulto subtiliue seminario imperceptibiliter novos & inauditos ob●epe●e humano generi affectus ignotum non est. Hinc Galenus lib. 1. praedictionum interpretatur illud 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hippocratis, ambientis aeris efficacian▪ quod insensibili ratione, ideoue miris modis corpora immutare soleat. Hoc non modo in aere pestilenti conspicuum, sed & in pluribus exhalationum generibus per aerem diffusis clam, & celeriter quasi syderantibus.  out? And from this Nicotian fume grow now adays, doubtlessly, many our frequent complaints, and every day new descriptions of 
z Hinc febres catarrhosae, & ab his latentes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, cachexiae etiam occult● obrepentes, tota ●aepe sanguinis massa à catarrho contaminata dum in venas delabitur, saepe diversis corporis partibus imperceptibiliter lacessitis, saepe manifesto maleficio oppressis, prout per arterias, musculos, neruos, aut occultos & latentes meatus praecipitata à capite fertur pituita.  pains, according haply to the diversity and difference of the parts it chiefly affecteth, or the more or less extreme use thereof. And men haply led by some present bewitching feeling of ease, or momentary imagined release from pain at some time, hereby unadvisedly with such means of their ease, drink into some weak parts, such seed of future poison, as having given them for a time supposed pleasing ease, doth for time to come secretly and unfelt settle in their bones and solid parts, a never dying disease (while they live.) How many famous patrons and admirers of this simple, have senselessly died in the very time of the idle use thereof, while it yet smoked in their teeth? and others living in the immoderate 
a I condemn not a plentiful and liberal use thereof when any necessity or need with reason and judgement conduct thereto, but the ordinary, fond and needless custom thereof, led by no persuasion of any foreseen good or benefit, must needs fall into the common errors and harms of useless and needless actions.  burning love therein, have with the fiery zealous gluttony thereof (as the badge of his mastership in them) sensibly stupefied & dried up their ever after, foolish and besotted brains? I might give other instance in these well known and vulgar remedies of the named French disease, which by a present benumbing of the sense, cousining, and easing of pain, do withal, for after time, enure and leave behind them such a rottenness, and weakness ofttimes of the bones and sinews, as suffereth few of our Mercurials to live, to know 
b Rato antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede poena claudo. Horat.  their age in health, especially who thoroughly knew the siluer-salue in their youth. Hence toward declining age (if not before) some fall into consumptions and marasmes, some lose their teeth, some have the palate of the mouth rotten, some the very bones of their head eaten, some by convulsions their mouths and faces set awry. And it is ordinary with most of this sort, long before harvest to leave no grass grow upon their paved tops. I do not altogether condemn these smokes, but fear their fire, and with the Ancients sparingly commend their kind of remedies, knowing their pernicious danger in their ignorant and rash overuse, with their singular service in some rare exigents, God and nature haply leaving a sting and poison in them, for their too common vicious need and custom. I might here yet farther insist in all other diseases, how the use of the most excellent, proper, and apt remedies being unaptly applied, either too little or too 
c Quot sunt qui solo victu competenti citra ullum discrimen ab affectibus liberari possint, qui praeter rem pharmacis contunduntur? Brudus de vict. febricit.  much, too soon or too late, before their season or after, in some cases at any time, or in any manner, bring in corrigible and helpless harms, being in their own nature 
d Vidi quos in pemiciem traxerit solum simplex apozema ex numaria cum senae folijs temerè exhibitis: nam corpus totum in colliquantem fluxum traxit. Heurnius in Aphor. Hippocr.  harmless, but in their unskilful use pernicious and mortal. It is apparent in all mysteries and faculties whatsoever, that the excellency of the tool without the excellency of the workman, doth not bring forth excellency in the workmanship. Hence it must needs come to pass, that medicines though wholesome in themselves, and of a saving and sovereign power, without any touch of harmful quality at all, yet being ignorantly or indiscreetly out of time or place disposed or dispensed, must likewise bring forth mischief, in stead of expected good. And although many hardened by custom unto a boldness of transgressing in this kind, provoke oft revenge of their folly, (for a time without harm or punishment) yet do they not always escape: for though hap oft pass by, it lights at 
e Quem saepe transit casus, aliquando invenit, Senec.  last, and not seldom heavily. Cassia is esteemed for a delicate, wholesome and harmless lenitive unto old men, children, babes, women with child, and the weakest amongst the sick; yet the learned know it in some 
f Graves affert mutationes & perniciosas saepe Cassia, perturbat, distendit, distorquet cum molestis deliquijs in naturis & temperamentis biliosis. Quercit. de tot. capit. Affectib.  cases not only unprofitable, but of main mischief. rhubarb is said to be the life of the liver, yet in some conditions thereof it is an 
g In lienteria, in ventriculi imbecillitate in flatibus, in renum ulceribus & vesicae notissima sunt mala.  enemy; And for the general remedies, phlebotomy, purging, vomit, sweeting, bathing and the like, reason and experience daily give demonstration, that oft in the same body, and the same disease, they are variably, sometime necessary, sometimes profitable not necessary, sometimes neither profitable nor necessary, but accursed. Sometimes bleeding doth ventilate and refresh the spirits above, and beyond all other remedies, and is the only key unto health; sometimes again it doth exhaust and spend their vigour, sometime being both profitable and necessary, yet used out of time or quantity doth no good, or used unseasonably doth much hurt. Purgations in some estates with 
h Siccis corporibus non parum nocet.  preparatives, and in some without 
i In humoris turgescentia, nimia tenuitate▪ ichore susque deque fluido.  preparatives are harmful: in some either 
k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hippoc. Aphoris.  with preparatives, or without 
l Haec sunt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Communem materiem educentia.  preparatives they are necessary and never to be omitted. And as there is infinite danger in error and ignorant dispensation, so is there unspeakable good in the prudent prescription according to the nature, quality and seat of each humour; according to which it is wisdom sometimes to quicken, sometimes to allay, sometimes to hasten, sometimes to moderate their effects, discreet stays oft making more speedy journeys. 
m Aph. 18. lib. 4. Aph. 17. lib. 4.  Vomits in some diseases are altogether banished and not admitted, and in some chose they have only privilege. The like may be said of outward remedies, plasters, unguents, cereclothes, fomentations, and baths, which also according to wise and discreet administration, or a rash and heedless abuse, are good or evil. And this is the reason, that so many famous and renowned remedies now adays bring forth effects unworthy themselves; for (being with such dissolute licentiousness every where and in all places permitted to break forth, out of the prudent awe of understandings guidance) how shall they choose but become wild and irregular in the hands of unskilful rains that want true art, and the method of their right dispensation? There is no place nor person ignorant with what confusion of good order (either by abuse of immunities, or impunity, ill provision, or ill execution of good laws) through all parts of this kingdom, all sorts of vile people and unskilful persons without restraint, make gainful traffic by botching in physic; and hereby (besides many wicked practices, jugglings, cousinages & impostures, which mask unespied under the colour and pretence of medicining) numbers of unwotting innocents daily in thrall, and betray themselves, their lives and safety, to sustain the riot, lusts and lawless living of their enemies & common homicides. It is a world to see what swarms abound in this kind, not only of Tailors, Shoemakers, Weavers, Midwives, Cooks, and Priests, but Witches, Conjurers, jugglers, and Fortune-tellers. It were a wrong to exempt any that want wit or honesty in a whole country, yea and many that have too much of either, must be privileged by an old proverb, to be Physicians, because it is no manners to call them fools. And hereby not only the simple and unlettered, but oft times men of better sort and quality, casting their eyes upon some attempts of these barbarous medicine-mongers, (good oft in their event) and not considering the dangerousness of such habit and custom, desirously oft times entertain the messengers and ministers of unrecoverable 
n Perdere quos vult jupiter, hos dementat. Senec.  misery unto their after life. For as in military designs, oft times a bold and foolhardy enterprise above and beside reason, and beyond expectation, produceth an excellent and admired good in the happy issue, yet is it not commended, or in any case permitted (as being very dangerous) in ordinary practice or custom of warfare: so likewise divers events of medicines prove good, whose bold use and rash prescription is dangerous and unskilful. I do not only herein pity the mean capacity, but wonder also at the madness of men in their wits, who in other kinds of knowledge reverend, yet herein, with desire of life, seem oft to have so little care of their lives. It is strange to observe how few in these days know, and how none almost labour to know with election and according to reason, or reasonable likelihood, to bestow in cases of their lives the trust and care of their crazed healths, but for the most part wanting a right notice of a judicious choice, take counsel either of common report which is a common liar, or of private commendations, which are ever partial. The unmindfulness hereof, and the more mind of mindless things, do steal from men the minds of men. Hence every where preposterous intrusion doth disorder the right and propriety of every thing, and the general forgetfulness of that which to every one is most pertinent, doth beget an itching business in that which to every one is most impertinent; and self conceited and presuming ignorance doth prick forward rash spirits to become more bold & busy, than modesty doth permit discreet minds, soberly limited within their own bounds. This is the cause, that unwottingly to the poor patient, unwittingly to the unskilful workman, and generally for the most part unobserved of all, is the thread of many a man's life ordinarily, by unskilful hands entangled in such inextricable knots of sickness, pains and death, as no time nor art are ever able to unfold. Unproper remedies are for the most part worse than diseases, and unlearned Physicians of all bad causes of diseases themselves the worst. That therefore men continue not in this general confusion (through voluntary ignorance, ever ignorantly unfortunate) it is not a needless learning, more studiously to know and discern 
o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Euripid.  good from ill, and ill from good, beginning with the last first.   

CHAP. II.  
Of the Empiric.  
RIght 
a Quae sub sensum non cadunt mentis vis & ratio percipit. Gal.  reason and true 
b Mente perspecta & ratione generatim comprehensa, sensuum fide cognoscimus magis & stabilimus. Gal●●. de sect.  experience are two the sole inseparable instruments of all human knowledge: the Empiric trusting unto experience alone without reason, and the Methodian unto the abuse of right reason; the Ancients have divided all sorts of erroneous Physicians into these two 
c Duplex ignorantium medicorum genus. Alterum eorum qui sola experientia nituntur, aiuntue nullius rei naturam posse ratione inveniri. Alterum eorum qui sibi nomen sapientiae vindicant, & licet parem habeant cum prioribus ignorantiam, opinionem tamen scientiae sunt aucupati. Sed eorum inscitia inde habet initium quòd in rationalibus scientijs nequaquam sunt exercitati, quae nos ritè distinguere & secernere docent ●as propositiones quae demonstrandi vim habent, ab iis quae probabilitatem quidem continent, nihil autem veri possunt aut demonstrare aut invenire. Gal. lib. 1. de different. febr. . For ignorant experience and without reason, is a false 
d Ideo impositum est judicium tanquam praetor quidam ad inventorum & obiectorum perpensionem. Sensus enim apprehensio est simplex, non iungit aut disiungit, neque judicat, sed aliavis interna per sensum intellectum promovet. Scalig. de Sbutil.  sense, and mistaking reason is denial of reason. As therefore unto these two, other ages before, so we now may reduce all the faulty practitioners of our time, beginning with the Empiric. The Empiric is he who rejecteth 
e Empiricir ati●nem negant, sensum recipiunt. Galen libr. de Sectis.  the disquisition of diseases and remedies, their causes, natures & qualities according to judgement and understanding, and the careful perpension and balancing of his action and practice unto a just proportion with reason; but only informeth himself by such things as oft appear evident & manifest unto sense and experimental proof, carrying his heart and understanding (for the most part) in his hands and eyes, taking nothing sure but what he sees or handles; and from the differing manners of experience, are numbered several and divers kinds 
f Hinc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. etc.  of experience. The defect in the Empiric hence appeareth to be want of true method & the habit of right operation and practice according to reason, (which is art) through which defect his actions must needs oft be reasonless, 
g Ars usus rerum incertos certis legibus coercet, Scalig. de Subt.  and by consequent as blind in their intention, so likely to be foolish in their issue and execution. For there must needs be in all actions want of much more necessary knowledge than sense and experience can advance unto: and experience must needs witness against itself, that the longest age of experience doth nothing so fully furnish and instruct in many things, as much more speedily doth prudent invention; which though occasioned and helped by books and reading, which are both keys unto all knowledge, and also rich storehouses of experiences, not only of one age and country, but of all times & nations; yet do they only glut the sense with stories of experiences past, but reason and judgement truly enrich the mind, and give daily new increase and light in before untried & unexperienced truths. Indeed particular experience, if it be accompanied with understanding 
h Omnibus in rebus prudenter agendis ratio pro suasore habenda, usus pro duce. Scalig.  and right reason (which is the touchstone of truth and right in nature) establisheth and confirmeth knowledge; but if experience be no more but experience, it must needs prove in many cases a slow guide to lame instruction. For as it is with the soldier in the field, let his own special experience in arms be never so ancient, so true, so sound, yet without a more general 
i Prudentia est habitus qui deducit omnia sua facta è rationibus ad fines suos sine offension. Dicimus enim prudenter factum ab Imperatore ubi rectè partes exercitus disposuerit, tametsi similes ordines acierum nunquam antea notos habuerit. Scalig. in Poet.  understanding or theory, and a more enlarged knowledge than his particular and limited experience can bring forth, he must be lamely fitted unto many sudden and oft before unseen occurrents, which the perpetual mutability and change of circumstances in warfare must needs produce. The field, the enemy, the time (not always the same) require a divers and oft a contrary consultation, design and manner, wherein one particular experience by itself cannot but be much wanting, because the same thing or action seldom or never happens again the same in all circumstances; & one circumstance 
k Ad eundem modu● non potest quidquam saepe videri. As●lepiad.  alone commonly altereth the whole condition. As it is in military affairs, so is it in the assaults of diseases, where the fight & wrestling of nature is not always in the same part, nor in the same form or manner, nor with the same disease, nor of the same period: all which circumstances in the same subject cannot happen always to any sight or sense the same, (which maketh experience) yet are ever present in the general notions of the understanding, whereby the prudent and wise man doth make supply though experience fail. Besides the differences which circumstances make, many diseases in themselves and their own kind are such as are scarce seen in a man's 
l Galenus morborum saepe meminit quos à se nunquam visos profitetur, alios quos semel autbis.  life, some in many years, some in an age, some in many generations; & therein how can experience give prescription for those things whereof it hath not had experience? for experience is of things 
m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Arist. in Eth.  oft seen. If then the same things be in all circumstances seldom or never seen, and some at sometime seen which a life or age shall not see again, and there can be no true experience where there is not sight and sense, how blind an help must oft experience be? Doth not every day bring forth somewhat new or strange unto the day, and worthy denomination of the day? The French, Spanish, Neapolitan, Italian disease was a stranger sometime in old Albion, which now is an English denizen. The Scorbut not main years since was unnamed of writers; now commonly known unto a common eye. The English sweeting 
n Sudor Anglicus tam laethalis ut vix centisimus quisque correptus evaderet. Qui evadebant in morbum bis terque relabebantur, & tandem concidebant. Correpti intra 24. horas animo deficiebant & moriebantur. Hollerius ex Polydoro Virgilio.  sickness very seldom (if more than once) here seen, nor at all, or at least not oft elsewhere. To wander yet farther into some more wonder, Ruland with other reporteth a tooth of gold naturally 
o Rulandus de Dente aureo.  growing with the common rank in the mouth of a child: Hollerius 
p Hollerius in ratis obseruationibus.  witnesseth a child in the womb to thrust forth the hand at the navel of the mother, and so continuing the space of fifteen days, in the end the child borne living, and the mother saved. Brasavolus 
q Brasavol. in Aph. Hipp. 18. s. 6.  mentioneth his cure of a soludier who lived after 3 years, having almost half his head cut away with a portion of his brains, only thereby losing his sense and memory, never eating nor having memory to require at any time to eat, but as it was put into him; nor redeliverage at the posterns, but insensibly. Albucasis knew in his time a woman carrying one dead child in her womb, notwithstanding to conceive and quicken of another, the dead child in the mean season rotting and falling away by parcels at several times. But to pass these and many the like infinite received upon credit and report, myself have met some accidents in my own practice, & for the most part within the space of these eight last years, worth their memory. In the year 1608. an ancient gentleman 
r Of Thingede● in Northamptonshire.  being neither sick nor much pained, and only molested with a cough and shortness of wind (from which his health was never free) requested my advice for the prevention of the increase of the former accidents (in which also he found, unto the general seeming unto his own sense and some other learned counsel, very cheerful and comfortable amendment) myself only suspecting and signifying unto his friends my despair. Between his pulses on the right side and the left in general manifestly appeared a wondered odds, so continuing the space of 12. or 14. days together. On the left side no position 
s Pulsibus manum applicand● tres modos tradit Galenus lib. de Pulsib. palpationem, compression●●, modum medium.  of touch, no search could find any pulse at all. On the right side the pulses were constantly & continually, as in his best health, manifest, strong, equal, in good order, with full distension unto all the dimensions. In the same parts where the pulses on the other side seemed dead, all other faculties perfectly lived in natural heat, colour, vigour, sense & motion. This was then witnessed by certain honourable gentle women present, whom well understanding & more than sufficient for such a task, I thereto entreated, & it cold by no sense be denied. It was imagined by some learned dissenting from my first hours dislike, that it was no other but an imperceptibilitie 
t Tale quiddam narrat Struthius in arte Sphygmica, propter vulnus acceptum, in brachij arteria pulsationem fieri posse imperceptibilem.  of his pulse, and without danger, as supposed usual unto him in his health by reason of divers deep wounds ten years before received upon that side. My experience of the contrary oft in his former health, and also in divers other his sicknesses, confirmed by own doubt, & death which determineth all things, suddenly and unexspectedly determined this, in so fair a vizard so many days deceiving many. In the year 1604. my pains was solicited unto a virtuous Lady honourably both in her Knight, and herself allied, and no less eminent in their own worth, then lying near Grafton in Northampton shire. I found her left by a former 
u A Parson-Physition.  Physician to verify his prediction by her death. She was miserably perplexed with the doubtful delivery of a dangerously begun abortion, her own strength failing, and the ordinary assistance of women in those cases shrinking from her, and a deep die of a mixed and divers coloured jaundice, with extreme pains of her stomach (giving no rest nor intermission) adding fear and sorrow; the substance also of her urine continually troubled, confusedly thick, the colour altogether resembling the strained juice of the grenest herb. In the terror of her abortion my endeavour proved unto her speedily happy and successful. Afterward according unto the second indication from the jaundice (necessity urging, and her strength then favouring the work) I commanded her to bleed in the arm; which done with good ease and felicity, nature, in spite of all endeavour to the contrary, kept the orifice after still open, running daily and continually the space of three weeks together, and then healing and closing 
x Hollerius inter raras obseruationes virum memorat cui è regione Hepatis vena per interualla dehiscebat, quae sanguinem fundebat, posteà sanguine sponte restitante vestigium nullum apparebat.  itself with her perfect amendment. At the same time (a sudden sharp pain giving a special distinct sense thereof) she disburdened of a round white hard stone full of little holes, that part which giveth the name and seat unto the colic. In the year 1607. a young 
y Of Hac●leton in Northampton shire.  woman of 30 years age, with another grave gentlewoman accompanying her, came unto me requiring advice in her wondered estate and condition. The skin or membrane of her belly (from the navel downward withered, dead, and gathered together, in likeness of a rotten bladder or a wet leather bag, and in that form falling flag from the former close setting unto the guts and belly) lay continually lose unto the one side. In the year 1601. a barber's 
z Apprentice unto one john Friend.  boy of Northhampton avoided worms, besides other ordinary passages, by 
a Simile quiddam inter raras obseruationes ●arrat Hollerius, & Medicus Argentoratensis Didymus Obrechtus de se ipso idem refert.  urine. In the year 1600. a shoemaker of Northampton sometime a bailiff of the town, falling dangerously sick, called my counsel together with an Empiric. The other accused the hypochondriaca passio, myself made known my suspicion of an abscession in the bulk: vain hope gave credit to that it rather desired, and the patient trusted himself with the other. Shortly after he was surprised with sudden frequent swoonings & fear of imminent suffocation, but by cough and spitting escaped, and with wonder in short space filled divers large 
b Simile quiddam narrat Reolanus de aegro qui simili materia plures pelues impleverit, & expurgatus perfectè, liberatus est. Addit praeterea huiusmodi abscessus primarios non esse sed epigenematicos, nec verum aut legitimum pus, sed potius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, dum pituita in thoraeis capacitatem destillatione lapsa morâ coquitur, & fit puri simile.  basins with foul purulent stuff (one paroxysm at once, sometime before intermission, making up the said measure.) In this fear and terror unto himself and the beholders, he earnestly sued, and again obtained my advice. He perfectly recovered (the purulent collection after the 
c A Principio saniei expurgetionis numerando, non generationis.  40 day exhausted) and he yet liveth free 
d Non praeclsè necessarium est intra 40 dies vel expurgari, velin pthisin transire, nam & post 40 diem & expurgari & liberari quis potest proculdubio, modò 40 diem non multum excedat. Brasavol. in Aph. Hipp.  from the sequels of any other manifest disease or danger. In the year 1607. a woman 
e Wife unto Master Langham of Thornby in Northamptonshire.  vexed with a palpitation of her heart, together with an oft intermission of her pulse, by an inward presention moving from a so deign troubled agitation of her mind, would usually unto myself (with others present) foretell when her pulse should stand and intermit, sometimes two, sometimes three or four pulsations, before the intermission. The pulse in theiust known number and time did ever keep time with her prediction, herself nor then nor ever wotting how to feel a pulse by her hand or touching. She in this manner continued by uncertain fits and times the space of 2 mon●ths or thereabouts, while sometime myself resorted unto her, being for that and other accidents by her husband called & consulted. It is reported unto me by divers well knowing gentlewomen, and others of good worth, that a 
f Wife unto one Tiplar of Harding stone in Northamptonshire.  woman dwelling within a mile of Northampton was brought to bed first of one child, and within twenty weeks after of another, quickening of the latter the same day she was churched of the first. It is testified by many now inhabitants of Northampton, that from within the womb of a woman with child (then dwelling in the town) her child was audibly heard to cry, unto her own amazement, and the wonder of divers hearers of credit & understanding. Anno 1610 a woman of Northampton 
g Of Woolaston in Northamptonshire.  shire being with child and growing near the time of her delivery, was extraordinarily divers days pained in the belly an inch distant from the navel, until at length divers worms, each equalling in length a quarter of an ell, suddenly at two distant places did eat themselves a passage through the skin of her belly; and so came forth and gave her ease. A gentlewoman my late patient, and now dwelling in Northampton, reporteth unto me from her own sight with many other eye witnesses; that among her own children a male child, being then five weeks of age, a fortnight together had the breasts full of milk, as readily & plentifully flowing and spouting out milk as the breasts of a suck-giving nurse. These few instances are sufficient to prove the like contingence of other the like, which other times in other manner, may and do oft bring forth. Neither is ever nature so great a niggard (though not to every eye alike bountiful) but every day almost may pose bare and naked experience. He therefore that seeth not but with his eyes of his own experience; where he hath no experience, hath no eyes 
h Per artis exercitationem comperi eam remediorum inventionem quae ex vera demonstratione procedit in his quae rarò accidunt longè praestare: unde multos curavi morbos medicamentis ab experientia alienis. , and therefore there is blind and cannot see. Since then many things fall out beyond the compass of experience, which by experience make experience blind, how then where are no eyes shall an Empiric borrow eyes? 
Galen●de Locis affect.  It is again answered, Though the Empiric haply have not seen the same with that which seldom, or once only doth hap, yet very seldom hath he, not oft, or at least sometime seen the 
* Hinc ille En●piricorum transitus ad simile 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  like, and thence unto the like he fits the like disposing. But with the wise the like is much unlike the 
i Similitudo non affert identitatem.  same. Their confusion is only proper unto the fool, and the dangerous issue his deserved punishment. It is a chief point in all learn truly to discene 
k unum est ex Principijs humanae sapientiae rerum differentium similitudines & similium differentias ritè dignoscere. Aristot in Top.  between differing similitudes and like differences. Many accidents commonly fall out seeming like, yet have no affinity; and again in show the same, yet indeed contrary. Contraries have oft in many things likeness, and likeness contrarieties easily deceiving the unwotting and unleamed. It is therefore of no small moment or consequence for a Physician truly by a discerning eye to put just difference. This he that cannot do, must either through the deceivableness of likenesses confound repugnant remedies, (which cannot be without great harm and hazard of life and health) or by mistaking parities for imparities disjoin helps better united, which cannot be without both hindrance and hurt unto the sick, their safety and security. Many diseases ofttimes so lively mock one the other, that a good eye may easily deceive itself. The ulcers of the baldder and the reins, a mole and a true conception, a rupture and a relaxation, pleurisies and some kinds of inflammations of the liver; the colic and some other kind of the same inflammations, divers kinds of 
l Hinc Hectici pulmonarij & hectici à iecore retorrido. etc.  consumptions according to divers 
m Pauci febrem spuriam duplicem à quotidiana distinguunt; nam licet facilè sit febrem cognoscere, difficile est hanc ab illa distinguere Synochus putris & non putris facilè decipiunt ab eadem materia antecedente natae, cum materiae similitudo similia producat accidentia ut & partium vicinitas, continuitas, situs.  fevers with infinite more in their intricate ambiguities, dissemble themselves and deceitfully resemble one the other, much thereby oft times perplexing the best understanding. Sometimes the most unlike will put on likeness, and the most like wear contrariety. What more unlike than death and life, death to life, and life to death? Yet sometimes life appeareth in the shape of death, terrifying the beholders with frightful shows of inquietude & anxiety, deliquation, sudden and violent evacuations and exagitations 
n Aegri febriunt, vehementius vigilant, graviter se habent quando sunt propinqui crisi. Galen.  of the whole body, 
n Semper gravia symptomata crisim antecedunt. Hippo. doctr. Aphor.  when the healthful crisis is at hand, and the victory of nature in the mastery of her enemy the disease. And sometimes death cometh smiling in a visar of life with cheerfulness and over-pleasing lightsomeness, when the last hour is now already run, 
n Vigour morbi est vehementissimum totius aegritudiois tempus, quod sequitur crisis.  and the Sun for ever setting. Hence the unconsiderate and unlearned to distinguish, are easily induced, sometimes by vain hope deceived to physic death, sometime too fearfully despairing with exequious offices to cumber life and the recovery of death. 
Gal. de Cris. lib. 1.  Hence are oft sound parts vexed with needless remedïes, and the comforts of life 
o Cogimur à gratis animum suspendere rebus, atque ut vivamus, vivere desinimus. Maximian. Historia.  imprisoned for an untimely death. It is now the sixth year since I was solicited for a woman by the opinion of the dysentery or abrasion of her guts, miserably held for the space almost of a quarter of an year unto the continual use of everyday-glysters and other astringent medicines, until it was my fortune coming unto her, by good reason to discover the supposed membranous dejections to be nothing else but skins of worms, which first dead, after putrefied & dissolved into small parcels descended with some torment in the similitude of little skins. The skins being found it was an easy matter by a new warrant to fetch the skinner's, whose thereto appearance confessed the evidence, & gave the suspicion of the dysentery for ever after free discharge and perfect delivery. In this one instance he that is wise may conceive many more without number, which therefore as unnecessary and troublesome I will not farther here trouble or awake now sleeping with time past. In these like cases, sometimes the best perfection 
p Similitudines non modò vulgares sed etiam M●dicos eruditosa iquando decipiunt. Galen. in Apho. 2. lib. 4. Hippo. , the ripest understanding doth and may mistake. And therefore the ignorant Empiric who professeth confusion and useth no light, or help of judgement or reason at all, but the only 
q 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Sensuum nullum existimamus sapientiam. Aristot. Metaph. 1.  sense of his own experience, how shall he do otherwise, but oft and continually mistake manifoldly much more? And thus we have briefly discovered the Empiric in matters requiring extraordinary counsel, ignorant, in cases of his best experienced knowledge yet unto some circumstances unfurnished, in many matters of substance altogether unexpert, in rare accidents and before unseen at a maze, in true & right discerning wanting the eye of right reason, in confounding things differing, & in separating things in their own nature inseparable, dangerous. Now as we have pointed out the Empiric himself, so it remaineth that with him and in him, we note all that by institution, education, tradition, instruction, or stolen observation derive their rule, example & custom from him. In this number are all that usually profess themselves in confidence of their choice secrets and excellent medicines, commanders & masters of all diseases. Such also are they who in all places proclaim open defiance against all maladies, & with vehement remedies upon every light occasision needelesly, & unprovoked (if diseases presently cannot away) either fire them out or pull their hold about their ears, with the fall of the disease needelesly hazarding the diseased. Oft times a good event may authoritse it for skill, & their friendly offer call it good will; but their kind care is too oft seen and proved a keen weapon to wound their friend, and the sick are nor seldom oppressed with being so loved. I would it were a slander in these days, that good will and excellent medicines put to death more lives then open murder. For as the most complete armour, engines, and forts of war, the excellent munition and rich provision unto a man without knowledge to manage them, are but instruments without life, until some better skill put life into them: so good medicines being the Physicians instruments and weapons, either defensive for nature, or offensive against the forces of diseases, in other hands than his must needs prove as but dead in themselves, so ofttimes deadly unto others. To square and level their right use requireth more understanding than is to be found in reasonless medicines, or yet their senseless masters. For as in all other affairs, where knowledge, prudence, and discretion 
r Sapientis consilium unum multorum manus superat. Gal. in Suasor. ad Artes.  have prerogative, the attempt is commendable, and the issue likely to be happy; so also in cases of health, wherein wise & judicious dispensation, or in rash & erroneous, the virtue and efficacy of medicines doth live, or die in use and power. It is strange notwithstanding in these days to behold, with what senseless madness, men are become worshippers of medicines: and so great ofttimes is their idolatrous folly herein, that (as if they had gotten some rare good in a box, I mean some rare secret) they presently inflamed with the fury and opinion thereof, dare upon the confused notice of a disease commend with as sacred secrecy and intolerable usurped titles of infallible, absolute, and irresistible virtue & force, as if any particular excellency were able to conjure the general casualty whereunto all earthly things must needs 
* Casus & tempus omnibus rebus accidunt. Ecclesiastes 9 11.  be subject. For God hath set down a law of mutability and changeableness to all things; 
Galen. lib. 1. de Aliment. facult.  created according to diversity of circumstances, by which all things under heaven are continually altered, changed, and governed 
s Consi●ium docto resque locus●ue dabunt. ovid. . There is no creature, medicine or 
t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etc. Affectuum cog nitio est materia remediorum, non ipsorum remediorum cognitio.  herb that hath any such boundless or infinite power as to keep the same inchangeable or infallibe, but there shall be a divers and manifold consideration and 
u Occasio est Domina rerum agendar.  coaptation of the same thing. There can be no endeavour, means, way, or instrument of never so complete perfection or tried proof directed to what effect, issue or end soever, that receiveth not ordinarily 
x Neque doctorum hominum sed Empiricorum sunt singulares illae quae circumferuntur ●egulae. Fetrerius de lue Vener.  impediment, opposition, and contradiction, whereby those things which in themselves might haply seem certain and good by accident and circumstance, are again very uncertain 
y Exhibenda remedia pro re nata & semper pro circunstantijs variare aliquid oportet. Galen de puero epilept.  and evil. All ignorants therefore whatsoever (such are whosoever are not Artists) had they for all diseases the most choice and excellent medicines known even unto God and nature, above and beyond all knowledge of men, yet except therewith they know their due dispensation, they cannot but pervert their right use, be they never so sovereign. The general 
z Generalia remedia semper praemittonda particularibus. Galen. de Loc. affect. 4.  remedies against the common causes of diseases ordained, except first rightly administered, shall continually and necessarily forestall and hinder the good and benefit from any particular. There are no material diseases wherein the common remedies are not requisite. Such are phlebotomy, purgation, vomit, and the like. And wheresoever these are requisite, if they be not rightly administered, all other medicines be they never so excellent and incomparable, must needs lose their excellent and incomparable use. And none can rightly dispense the general remedies, but those that are more generally learned then the best acquaintance and familiarity which particular medicines can afford. From hence it cannot but be manifest, how infinitely blind good will and zeal do herein daily err to the destruction of many. It were happy if at length the common inconvenience and public scandal might beget a law, and law bring forth restraint. For illustration of that which hath been said, it were indifferent to instance in any disease, but I will make choice of some few only, to satisfy for all. It is an ordinary custom in those days with women to give medicines for the green sickness; & other stoppages in young women. In which practice if it so happen that no inward impediment frustrate the endeavour, they casually ofttimes do seeming present good, and blaze the excellency of their medicine: but if ofttimes (which they cannot distinguish or observe) the general cause of the obstruction be not first by the general remedy removed or diminished, or the immediate cause settled within the stopped parts, be not first fitted and prepared to yield, all their medicines of never so great force, yea though commonly as strong as steel or iron, do not only no good or small good, but ofttimes incorrigible hurt and mischiefs never after able to be reform, or by the most learned counsel to be redressed; while from the plenty or ill disposition of humours in the body these searching and piercing medicines carry with them into the stopped parts either more or worse matter than was before, and thereby there leave a disease which shall never after die except by exchange for a more pernicious. In the common known disease of the stone likewise many and famous medicines are at this day in many common hands, and perhaps truly celebrated; yet if sometimes bleeding 
a Si metus sit inflammationis, sanguis mittitur tum è basilica partis affectae ad minuendam plenitudinem, tum de vena poplitis ratione partis & materie coniunctae.  have not a first place, (namely where is present or imminent danger of inflammation of the reins) sometimes if vomit be omitted (namely where the stomach is stopped and full, & unto every thing impenetrable,) sometimes if glisters or lenitives be not premised, (namely where the fullness of the belly doth press the passages, the bladder and the ureters) all other excellent medicines whatsoever for the stone do not only in vain exasperate the disease, but hazard the party much more than the omission of means. Likewise in a continual fever, if sometimes present and immediate opening of the 
b Vbi in synocho ob ebullientis sanguinis copiam, ex levi occasione irritatam adest suffocationis periculum.  vein without delay or intermission have not precedence, all other means are not only preposterous but pernicious. Likewise in the small pocks, a disease so well known and common to children and other: whatsoever other fit and good medicines and Cordinals be administered, sometimes if blood-letting go not before 
c Perpetuum non est abstinere phlebotomia cum iam papulae in superficie corporis extitere. Etenim fit aliquando prae copia vitij ut plurimum reliquum sit in corpore, urgeat vehementer difficultas spirandi, gravis sit febris, quo tempore vena secanda est. Hollerius de Morbillis.  their breaking out, sometimes if not used 
d Vbi iam malum in habitum corporis evasetit, periculosa est plebotomia. Hollerius.  after, all other good means are frustrate. And at another time if there be any bleeding at all, it is hazard, danger, and death itself. There are no medicines so commonly well known as such as are every where in use, and at every man's hand provided for the pains and diseases of the stomach, and for that use haply special good; yet ofttimes we see how long and vainly those means without benefit are applied, until the true cause by a general remedy be haply removed, and that remedy perhaps the most unlikely in a common judgement, and seldom in common practice, prescript or custom used for that purpose. When all other trials are waste and lost in this case, and pain doth nothing stoop, sometime the opening only of a vein 
e Mulier in vehementissimo dolore stomachi nullis ●●luta remedijs ducto tandem sanguine ex utraque basilica seruata est. Hippocrat. Epidemion 5.  in the arm, 
e In magno dolore ventris, secanda interna utriusque brachij, & hoc magis si dolor gravis, si repentinus, si difficilis ructus & spiritus, si febris est, si dolour in dorsum & scapulas extenditur. Hollerius de compos. Medic. tractat. de stomachicis.  being reckoned amongst the most unusual and commonly harmful for that use, doth prove the sole helpful refuge and author of case. And as in this case is sometime said of bleeding, so at another time may be said of purging and vomit. In the apoplexy sometime bleeding 
f In Apoplexia pituitosa cerebrum magis magis●ue sangunis privatione refrigescit.  is present death, sometime the only 
g In Apoplexia sanguinea vincus & singular remedium à phlebotomia expectandum.  hope of life. In pestilent fevers and in the plague itself, all the most choice Cordials and Antidotes are made frustrate, sometime by 
h Si pestis cum ephemera aut hectica analogiam habeat.  bleeding, sometime for 
i Si pestis sit synocho putri similis, & corpus plethoricum.  want of bleeding. And from hence grow our so great disputes & differences amongst Physicians themselves, some chiefly and above all magnifying it, some with execrations detesting it: which groweth in them for want of right distinction of the several causes, and differences of the pestilence. In the same disease the like may be said of vomit, if at sometime 
k Vbi magnae cacoethiae ratione si conturbaveris naturam, praecipitas.  used at all, at another time if 
l Vbi humor qui venenum aut contagium conceperit in primis venis substiterit aut in ventriculo.  omitted. The common general remedies used against the dropsy are purging, vomiting, sweeting, and the like; yet sometime the most 
m Si hydropis origo à mensium suppressione aut sanguinis multitudine calidum innatum suffocante manifestò ducatur, à sanguine detracto curandi ratio necessariò est auspicanda.  unusual and seldomest safe, is only necessary and helpful unto it. Sometime if a woman with child be let blood she suffereth 
n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hippocrat. Aph. lib. 5.  abortion, saith Hypocrates. Sometime if she omit 
o Novi quam plurimas quarum aliae abortiunt, aliae foetus edunt parum firmos aut vitales nisi intermedijs mensibus phlebotomia plenitudo minuatur Reolanus.  letting blood she cannot escape abortion, 
o Multae nisi▪ 4. mense releretur vena abortiunt. Foetus enim copia obtuitur. Ferne●ius de Meth. Med.  saith Fernelius. 
o Mulieri gravidae si menses fluxerint liberius sanguinem mittas. Hollerius.  Many and innumerable more might instances by, but these may suffice for light and illustration to all the rest, as also for sufficient caveat for putting any trust or confidence in the excèllencie of any particular remedies without advice, for right dispensation of the general. And here by may be judged and discovered the indiscreet thoughts of light brains and understandings in these days, of men, that so preposterously divulge in all places so many books and paper-Apothecary-shoppes of secrets and medicines, better judgement and learned soath teaching the wise and discreet, that things without reason in themselves are by reason and wisdom to be guided and ordered; lest in ignorant handling and unwotting abuse their fair promising seem prove gilded poisons. If any man want wit to see or know this or knowing will not consider, let the danger prove itself unto him, and let such experience be ever the mother of fools. And for those that herein make mercy and commiseration apology for their rash violating the rules of wisdom, sobriety and safe discretion in ignorant intermeddling, I wish them consider how dangerous are the harms and consequences of good intentions, and charitable endeavours, where they run before knowledge and propriety in the agent. Every honest function is not every honest man's, but unto every man is distributed and allorted the action of his own calling: which also must be made his and appropriate, not only by approved sufficiency in himself, but authorized approbation in others: whereby the action being good in itself, lawful in the doer, fitting and accommodate unto the circumstance, it is blessed of God, commended of men, seasonable in itself, harmelesly profitable, and every way without reproach.   

CHAP. III.  
Women their custom and practice about the sick, commonuisiting counsellors, and commenders of Medicines.  
OUR common offenders in the former kinds are generally all such, 
Women counsellors. Commonuisiting counsellour's and commenders of medicines.  as are known to want institution in arts and sciences; are not educated in pertinent precepts, not studied nor brought up in places of good liberty: without which good 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Aristot.  means ordinarily there can accrue to men no perfection in any faculty. 
Bona institutio trium opus habet, naturae, doctrinae, exercitation is.  For although it be possible that there may grow in some few an allowable mediocrity in some sort sufficient to inform themselves, and profit others by a fitness in nature joined with industry, (though the ordinary course of instruction by readers, teachers and schools, be not so plentifully supplied) yet is it no safe discretion ordinarily to trust a sufficiency so very rarely found, so hardly, so seldom, and in so few truly gained. Here therefore are men warned of advising with women counsellors. We cannot but acknowledge and with honour mention the graces of womanhood, wherein by their destined property, they are right and true sovereigns of affection; but yet, seeing their authority in learned knowledge cannot be authentical, neither hath God and nature made them commissioners in the sessions of learned reason and understanding (without which in cases of life and death, there ought to be no daring or attempt at all,) it is rash cruelty in them even there to do well, where, unto the not judiciously foreseeing, that well might have proved ill, and that ill is oft no less than death, or else at least the way to death, which is the hazard of health. Their counsels for this cause in matters of so great and dangerous consequent, modesty, nature, law, and their own sex 
b Mulieribus nemo nunquam Lycaeum aedificaverit, aut Senaculum statuerit.  hath ever exempted. We may justly here tax their dangerous whisperings about the sick, wherein their prevalence oft being too great, they abuse the weak sense of the diseased, while they are not themselves; and make just and wise proceedings suspected, and with danger suspended. 
Scalig. de Subtle.  For it is not sufficient for the Physician to do his office, except both the sick 
c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Sed & aegrotum, & astantes.  himself, and also all that are about him, be prudently and advisedly careful and obedient unto good reason: without which, love itself may be dangerously officious, the error of friendship a deed unto death, 
Hippoc. Aph. 1.  and a kind work in intention the wound of an enemy in issue and execution. Among those that are wise, a good conscience doth stay all rash commission: and confirmation of all necessary offices by such as are learned, doth prevent the accusation of careless omission: and in this mean for the unlearned to consist, is only harmless piety. Between the unconsiderate haste of abundant affection, and the lame and careless pace of want of love and duty: between too busy meddling, and too curious forbearance, are conspicuous the excellent virtues of prudence, discretion and knowledge, upon which are safely founded wise moderation and temperate use of means, unto which ever and only God hath blessed all actions, their ends and issues. In whom therefore these are not, how unwarranted are their actions unto their own hearts, and how dangerous also must they be to others harms? If women then profess no arts, nor as masters of sciences can prove their rules, let them with sobriety govern the great rule of themselves, and so shall they be most harmelesly happy in being freed from the unhappiness of having their hands so commonly in others mishaps, unto the dishonour of womanhood, 
Historiae.  A gentlewoman lately falling grievously sick, through the frights of blood-letting (wherewith women's counsel by many ill reports thereof had confounded her) refused the only safe rescue of her life thereby. Whereupon very shortly after, her blood grew so furious, that breaking the wont bounds and limits of her veins, with violence it gushed out not only at her mouth and nose with diverse other passages of her body beside, but also made a diruption in the veins of one of her legs, from whence issuing in great abundance it speedily dispatched her, even unto the end and last breath still making her choice, that rather her blood should thus kill her than she consent to part with any part thereof otherwise. Thus she miserably died. Contrariwise another gentlewoman 
d Wife unto one Master Mercer of Northampton an ancient Alderman.  in the year 1602. and of her age the 74. (as she herself numbered) vexed many years with a continual issue of blood, after she had been long left in hopeless care & despair, required and expected of me her last doom. I found (oft observing her pulse) a manifest, equal and constant magnitude, altitude, and vehemence, the habit of her body well liking; and by these assured myself as of the cause of her disease, so also of the strength of nature. Many other remedies before in vain iterated and varied, and none prevailing or profiting, contrary to the judgement of some former Physicians, as also her own liking in regard of her age and supposed weakness, and contrary to the general disclaim and wonderment of her friends, her 
e Distinguendae vires gravatae & oppressae à languidis & attritis. Hae maiora remedia postulant, illae nullo modo ferunt.  strength in the former indication favouring it, necessity urging, and therefore her age dispensing, I commanded her to be sparingly let blood 
f Firmus puer, robustus senex tuto sanguinis missionem ferunt. Fernel.  in the arm; whereupon without any farther other help she immediately recovered her strength, and was freed the space of eight years together from the issue, which had continually vexed her many years before. I deliver these familiar examples of mine own for better satisfaction, whereby unto the meanest eye and simple understanding it is apparent, that blood-letting or not blood-letting (as all other remedies) are either good or evil, or neither good nor evil, in several seasons and circumstances; whereby the persuasion or dissuasion thereof by such as want judgement, 
f In decrepita aetate sanguinem mittit Rhazes urgente valde necessitate.  is ever casually also good or evil in itself, but ever unjustifiable in the ignorant counsellor. The just will not herein offend, but the fool will be babbling, whereof to beware unto many had been saving physic, that now are dead. Many times have many by persuading without reason or judgement drawn their friend unto death, contrary to their better meaning, troubling them with fear of death in the remedy, while they run themselves to death for want of remedy. Ill counsel for the most part produceth ill event. Ignorant counsel is never good counsel. And therefore it is honest for itself, and safe for the sick, that ignorance be ever silent, or never presumptuous. It is oft occasion of mirth to see, how even after sick men are sometime perfectly recovered, the very ill opinion of remedies past (laboured into the conceit by the waving of idle tongues) holdeth them still needlessly sick, until their wiser thoughts draw their minds to forget their imagination, or to remember themselves: and thus unawares they sometime ease themselves of their own imposition, which was first the vain supposition of a friend. Such friendship is oft simplicity, and haply sometimes knavery; but let the patient that desireth his own good, be impatient of such folly, and not enlarge his kind heart unto so unkind hurt unto himself, remembering (though it be humanity to hear a friendly voice) that the attendant of wisdom is slow belief. Oft and much babbling inculcation in the weak brains of the sick may easily prevail with them, to forget both that which their own good hath taught them, and also by a borrowed opinion from others indiscreet words, to corrupt their own sense. It is the common custom of most common people thus ordinarily to molest and trouble the sick. Their presence therefore is dangerous, & carefully to be either prohibited, or better governed. Common & vulgar mouths easily incline scandalously to prejudice the things they know not. Hence it is in these days a customary work to dissuade physic, while men not making right choice of their Physician, or perverting good counsel by their own peevish frowardness, and thereby multiplying unto themselves continual occasion of complaint, unjustly therefore accuse art, which they never duly sought, nor found, nor used, & therefore never knew. The offences that men justly take, are the faults, the blots, the stains of unperfect workmen, not of art; whereof art is as guiltless as they are void of art. Many because they may haply observe some others by the too much & immoderate use of physic, sometime too hardly to keep under their own strength, sometime haply to tyre nature, or too continually to interrupt & perturb her quiet fruition of herself, & the true sense of her own power & strength in herself; therefore in the other extreme they also with a nice and foolish morosity altogether contemn and reject the temperate and moderate 
d In vitium ducit culpae fuga si caret arte. Horat.  use thereof, denying unto God & nature their care, & duty to themselves, restraining nature from the privilege of remedies which God hath given unto her, and injuriously suffering her to live within them imprisoned, oppressed, and oft needlessly ruined. Physic itself is honoured by the mouth and mention of God himself, and in itself hath demonstration of itself, unto them whose understanding doth give them eyes; but the ignorant and the excessive use, the abuse thereof, & no less the perverse contempt & neglect thereof, are the curse of God, and the sin of men. They therefore that persuade the sick that they have no need of the Physician, call God a liar, who expressly saith 
h Non est opus valentibus Medico, sed malè habentibus. Mathaei cap. 9  otherwise; and make themselves wiser than their Creator, who hath ordained 
i Est enim à Supremo medicus, & à Rege stipendium accipiet.  the Physician for the good of man. Let men therefore fly and take heed of such foolish calumny, and in their necessities let them remember their Maker, and thankfully embrace his blessing and benefit of ease and health, which thereby he hath commended and given unto them; lest unthankful to him, and accessary to their own hurt, 
Ecclesiast. 38. 2.  they perish in a double sin. Beside the ordinary & mean sort of visiting people, 
i Dominus è terra condidit medicamenta, & prudens homo non contemnit ea.  doing in the former kinds very scandalously and continually much hurt, it is too ordinary use and manner generally with all orders of men: for since most men are not capable, worthy, nor understandingly able to discern a true good; it is no wonder that the fewest speak truly good of good. 
Ecclesiast. 38. 4.  Some of these sorts do not simply or absolutely dissuade physic, but (as an inducement unto their own practice and admittance) such physic only as cometh unknown unto them, out of Apothecary's shops, or from Physicians hands and directions: thereby preferring their own private ointments, plasters, ceareclothes, drinks, potions, glisters, and diets, because by time and custom they are become familiarly known unto them, and now are of their own domestical preparation, & therefore are by their knowledge, acquaintance, and avouching of them, grown into some credit and reputation with them. With this insinuation & officious promise of their known, gentle and pleasant medicines, and of undoubted good from this their own protested proof and experience, many allure 
k Spes laqueo volucres, spes captat arundine pisces, Cum tenues hamos abdidit antè cibus.  the sick miserably to beguile themselves; to exchange reasonable likelihood, for personal confidence; the knowledge of the right and safe use of medicines, for the knowledge of the composition of their medicines; 
Tibull.  the preciousness of time and opportunity of health. For the partial expectation of uncertain trial, these known defects as the perpetual consequences of this ignorance and want of knowledge, as they are ordinarily admitted, so are they continually manifestly observed and noted by others harms, and ofttimes too late repentance: for since want of knowledge doth ever lamely give supply to any want, what safe expectation or probable hope can the diseased have of ignorant persons in their distressed wants? Old Eve will never be worn out of Adam's children. Alas an apple can do no great hurt. It is fair and beautiful unto the eye, pleasant to taste, and but a trifle, a small matter, a little quantity, and of excellent quality; Adam must needs taste. It is good for his eyes, it will clear his sight, an excellent medicine to make him see. What is more fair, more easy, more gentle, more harmless, more cordial, more dainty than an apple? Eve in good will offered it, and so Adam took it. It made him also see; but Adam had been better still blind. A dangerous and incurable leprosy and infection thence seized upon him, which after none but the great Physician of heaven and earth could cure. Many medicines are small, harmless, gentle, pleasant, and in themselves do not hurt. But by accident, by consequent, by circumstance, death oft followeth them at the heels. Milk, broth, butter, and many other wholesome meats, juices and fruits in themselves, are of common harmless use, mild, nourishing and comfortable, some of them sometimes sovereign antidotes against many poisons, mitigators of divers pains; yet because sometimes against some circumstances 
a In horadoloris vehementis clou● quicunq● pe●oulo non caret. Gal. de victu Febricit.  against art or reason used, they prove a destruction unto the user: and as sometime a smaller damage, sometime a greater, so therefore sometime more and sometime less, observed. Who almost suspecteth a mess of milk or a cup of beer, 
b Data tempora prosunt: Et data non apto tempore vina nocent. ovid.  things so familiar and customary in daily use and diet? yet permitted in some 
c iis qui in morbi acumine evacuatione indigent, si quis cibum dederit, magnum operatur malum. Galen. de vict. Febricit.  conditions, in some manner with some error, 
c Si quis dolorem alui subductione vel insecta vena soluerit, pro humoris exigentia, & vel pauxillum ita affectis ptisanam dederit, praecipites aget in mortem. Galen. de vict. Febricit.  
c Si Phlegmone vel redundantia adsit, cavenda ante accessionem cibatio seu res maximè noxia. Gal. de vict. Febricit.  the messengers 
d Lenissimum saepe erratum in victus ratione irreparabilis damni causa. Galen de vict. Feb.  of death attend them, oft faintings, swoonings, sudden extinction of the natural heat, anxiety and vexation, with other accidents of easy corruption and putrefaction in the one, as of stupefaction and mortification in the other. This did witness a late summers sudden heats, wherein the unadvised hasty satisfying of thirst with cold drink, by heaps in divers places in Northamptonshire sent labourers & harvest people into their graves. With these for farther illustration, I might number without number many more; but unto the wise and worthy, a word is sufficient intimation. And thought many ignorants may speak fair and pleasing, and commend things that look smooth, and smiling upon the liking of the sick; yet provident necessity will hence be warned to be wise for itself, not rashly admitting so dangerous 
e Impia sub dulci melle venena latent. ovid.  flattery, nor too swiftly trusting Sirens for their songs, nor Crocodiles for their tears: but in matters so nearly concerning life and death, duly and carefully enquiring, and according to the verdict of understanding and reason, trying and examining, and not forgetting beside the hazard in unsafe error by unsufficient Counsellors, the loss of time and opportunity for better help, which ofttimes is never 
a Serò medician 〈◊〉, Cum mala per longas invaluêre moras. ovid.  regained. And for entertaining so mean counsel in the use of such means as carry a manifest danger and malignity in their nature and use, I could think no man so void of counsel, as to need therein counsel: yet because experience of some errors herein past is argument of other remaining possible to come, I will only by one example advertise, and from that example it will be easy for every one to raise a rule and caution 
d Foelix quicunque dolore Alterius disces posse career. tuo. Tibull.  to himself. It is ordinary with many unskilful busy-bodies under colour and pretext of gentle and safe dealing, to make familiar and ordinary the use of perilous medicines, which haply also they do not so distinguish or repute, and therefore cannot be said to lie, (because they speak their thought,) yet tell not truth, because they think not right. 
Historia.  I was sometime solicited by a careful mother for her child, whom I found by a sharp and acute convulsion violently distorted, and before time allowed leisure for preparation of remedies, swiftly strangled. In any propension thereto in the constitution or other disposition of the child, was nothing which might apparently be accused; and therefore making diligent inquiry after some outward cause, I found that the suspicion of worms had occasioned the commendations and use of of the herb Bearefoote, which though ordinary and much accustomed for that end among women, and oft by good hap without hurt; yet we could not but with good reason hereof convince, conferring the present harm (which no presumption could unto other thing impute) with the danger and malign nature of that herb in production of such like effects: (although many for the like use have in like manner given it unto their children without blame.) Thus sometimes some men have devoured mortal poisons, not only without harm, but with good and commodious effect. By these conveyances & through the like presumption, many unwotting bodies oft bury in themselves unbewailed (because unknown) Ellebor, Quicksilver. Precipitate, and the like, coloured with better names, and at the present unperceived. Desperate trials sometime bring forth strange deliverances, yet neither is the boldness warrant, nor the escape encouragement. There happen oft in these days many sudden, marveled and strange accidents, posing the best Physicians themselves, without doubt oft raised from causes by these errors unknown, secret, concealed, or haply by time before the effect appear, forgotten: (for secret mischiefs long time insensibly undermine before the sensible event appear.) For proof of dangerous customs in ignorant hands, 
Historia.  I will make one example a light unto many. A woman sometime came to advise concerning an extraordinary accident in her ordinary use of spurge-comfits. She gave (at the same time herself, and some others in the same house taking thereof with answerable effect and evacuation) unto a very aged man eight in number (being her usual dose.) The first day they had no effect with the old man, and in all the rest performed their wont: she therefore gave him as many the next day with the like effect, and as many every day unto the 10 day, with the like proof. It was then her fear he had tasted his own funeral feast before his death, but he survived the fear without sense of change or danger. Is it safe from this good hap, for other in hope still to hazard themselves in such unsafe handling? Is it not rather manifest how ignorantly and commonly these creatures overlook the danger which justly wisdom and reason suspend and fear? Discreet fear awaketh vigilance and circumspection, but ignorance of danger is void of fear, and therefore of care. Careless attempts draw harmful and repent issues: and though good haps sometimes flatter vain security, yet if seldom harms be not wisely extended as a caution and example unto many, the custom of neglect will make the rare confusion quickly common. So large a feast of spurge-comfits hath seldom kept so many holy days in one belly, or a banqueting likeness so harmelesly privileged idleness in a working quality. The consequent happened much fairer than could be foreseen or hoped. If for that cause any man will again adventure the like, who will not imagine that in the thought he hath already lost his wits, & in the proof may lose himself? If notwithstanding he escape, any man will wonder, but no man, I suppose, imitate. It may be haply deemed incredible, that so common and mean sort of people can attain acquaintance with so dangerous instruments, as some before mentioned and other the like; but due exploration oft by the harms occasioned doth testify it, and the means of their acquaintance discovered doth prove it easy. Quacksalvers, banckruptapothecaries, and fugitive Surgeons every where over-travelling the face of this kingdom, hunted by want of riot from place to place, are oft compelled to insinuate and creep into the favour of many mean people; and in their necessity do sell for gain and entertainment, and in their prodigality for lust and love, these generose and noble secrets carrying on the outside the titles of famous medicines, and being within infamous poisons. And by this means quick and desperate experiments, with such as thus like to gain them, grow vulgar medicaments.   

CHAP. FOUR  
Fugitives, workers of juggling wonders, Quacksalvers.  
NOW seeing we are cast upon the mention of the former sort of men, 
Fugitives, Quacksalvers.  we will here for giving better knowledge of them, protract their short stay. 
Empirici, Chymistae,  Of this order are they who in towns and villages hang up their banners and triumphant flags in fields, of broken arms, rotten legs, and half faces, and haply also timber for new, displaying at large before the simple amazed multitude, their provision of shot and wildfire in quintessenses and spirits: scouring up before them goodly store of harness wherewith men of all sorts may arm themselves against all diseases; discoursing 
d Quod si dolosi spes refulsetit nummi, Coruos poetas, & poetridas picas cantare credas Pega●cium melos. Persius.  with what agility they can soudre new gris●es for old noses, and newly again enfranchise French limbs, and finally making themselves admirable tinkers of all infirmities. Amongst these men credulous minds may see things invisible; beggars are enabled to sell gold to drink, that want silver to make them eat. Aurum potabile, the natural Balsamum, the Philosopher's stone, dissolved Pearl, and the like inestimable glories and pride of Art and nature, are their professed ordinary creatures and the workmanship of their hands, in whose hands are nothing but idleness, 
g Clinicus Herodes trullam subduxerat aegro, Deprensus dixit, stulte quid ergo bibis? Martial.  theft, and beggary. To engage wonder above wonder with admiration unto the beholders, some of this sort will not seem nice to cut their own flesh, that it may be glory within few hours to heal it up again, the pain being pleasure which is invited by consent, and recompensed by gain. It is strange to see how these men leaving their old occupations and mechanical mysteries wherein they were educate, suddenly find themselves inspired with a spirit of revelation of rare secrets, and thereby promise unto themselves and others miraculous wonders. And it is indeed true wonder to see with what agility they are able so grossly to deceive, and in the end like noble Chemists, having extracted silver out of the base metal of idle words, in smoke they vanish, leaving behind them the shadow of death, with those who leaving the day light of clearer understanding neglected, rashly run themselves into the mist of imposture and ignorance. Thus prevalent is fair pollicitation and vain wonderment. If men would consult with reason & judiciously consider; though their wonders were truly to be wondered, and worthy to exercise the wise and learned in their extrication (as they are the vanities and inanities of argute and subtle cousinages,) yet must it never be forgotten, that wonders yea and miracles themselves are solely never arguments of truth or sufficiency, but for the most part fruits of unprofitable curiosity, deceiving the simple, amazing the multitude, and giving way and credit to untruth, cozenage and juggling. Therefore in this kind the devil himself is excellent, and for the most part it is one chief part, a true mark and prerogative of his followers, Coniverers, Sorcerers, Witches, and jugglers; who wanting true worthiness in themselves, make unto themselves these glorious covers. God hath given nothing unto man, but for his travail and pain. And according to his studious industry, care, prudence, providence, assiduity and diligence, he dispenseth unto him every good thing. He hath not ordained wonders and miracles to give supply unto our common needs, nor to answer the ordinary occasions or uses of our life: but our own needful discreet endeavours ever depending upon his providence. Truth and sufficiency receive not their just trial by rare works or casual events, but by an 
i Scientia, intellectus, prudentia, sunt habitus, qui vigili study, labour, diligentia & assuescendo acquiruntur.  habitual and continual proof and exercise in their daily, ordinary, and proper subjects and occurrents: whereunto truly and pertinently they apt and fit every design and action: whereunto their own upright judgement is a trusty guide, and others eyes undeceived witnesses. And thus if men will learn to guide themselves, they shall not so commonly and easily lose their eyes in the gaze of wonders, nor their reason in the maze of such inexplicable and intricate folly.   

CHAP. V.  
Surgeons.  
THAT which hath been formerly said sufficeth to point out the deceivers last mentioned. Their affinity giveth occasion to mention in the next place, their next neighbours, divers our common unlearned Surgeons, having neither letters nor humanity, nor ever acquainted with the dialect and language of the learned. These men for the most part esteeming themselves deserving well for the operary 
c Ac si interiores affectus sensu cognoscantur, aut manus operâ curentur. Riolanus.  uses of a skilful and well exercised hand in wounds, incisions, amputations of sphacelate parts and the like, hence take unto themselves an emerited privilege in physic practise. Some also venture farther, and for some rare exeperiences arrogate unto themselves ability, a power and authority to educate & institute Physicians, as an under-growth unto themselves, by lying promises, persuading many honest simple parents to commit their children, otherwise perhaps more fortunate and ingenuous, to be their apprentices. Hence it cometh to pass that many in these days thus traded up by their example unto a nimbleness of deceit, and of adventuring in all occurrents, so ordinarily promise like gods, dare above men, and act like devils crucifying the lives of poor men: while by the grace of one good 
d Quo fieri possit modo Severe, ut vir omnium pessimus Charinus, unam rem bene fecerit, requiris? Dicam, sed citò: Quid Nerone peius? quid thermis melius Neronianis? Maritial.  deed of good hap, the opportunity of committing many tragedies unspoken is gained. And thus is the world furnished with factors for the grave and the perdition of mankind. An example of double impudence let here witness. 
Historia.  A gentleman of Northamptonshire vexed with an ulcer of the bladder required my advice. Understanding by the daily abundance of purulent matter in his urine (for the space almost of half an year before continually observed) together with some store of blood ofttimes withal, (neither of which the bladder itself and the exility of the veins thereof could so plentifully with so easy 
e A pure longè putidiore quod à vesica separatim exit, graviora solent inter meiendum asturgere accidentia. Pus quod è renibus defluit, substantiae est magis subtilis & elaboratae, ideoque cum minore difficultate permeat, doloremque minorem creat Renes praeterea sunt partes indolentes magis quam vesica, & partium aliarum consensum minus ducunt ubi magis computrueint.  accidents afford) as also by the more perfect permistion thereof with the substance of the urine, that it was not only an affection of the bladder, but a greater and more dangerous in the reins, (about the region whereof was ever much pain and weakness) and conjecturing them past possibility of cure (their substance already so far spent) I refused to promise or meddle farther than by palliative cure, wherein accordingly I insisted a long time with good ease and satisfaction unto the patient. At length by some friends there was commended highly for a farther and better performance, a Barber Surgeon, who thereupon being required and conducted thither, came unto the gentleman, and according to the commendations premised promised to cure him in six 
f Aut facere ingenui est, aut non promiss pudici. Catull.  weeks space. Shortly after the patient complaining of want of sleep, he gave unto him a Laudanum pill of Paracelsus, and after Mercurial pills for another supposed end; by the use whereof in his body, then by the length of his disease exceedingly before weakened and extenuate, he presently fell into an amazed staring sleepiness, or an astonishment between 
g Coma vigilans dictum Galeno, lib. 4. de loc. affect.  waking and sleeping, wherein after he had continued a natural day, in the morning following he was suddenly surptised with acute and epileptical fits and a general convulsion, with foaming, gnashing his teeth, loud stertors and the like, whereof after in one day he had passed 8 or 9 fits in my sight (being then upon that new occasion newly required, the Surgeon 
h Qui nondum stygias descendere quaerit ad undas, Tonsorem fugiat, si sapit, Antiochum▪ Martial.  fled) he was after my coming and means used partly by theriacal glisters, suppositars, and antidotes fitting the present cause and accidents, through the grace of God unexpectedly delivered, after he had by stool thus procured, avoided one whole pill undissolved (seen by divers well understanding witnesses present,) as also divers small fractions of Quicksilver fluctuating and floating like white pings heads, as the women that saw reported unto us. To make the cause of these accidents yet more manifest; it happened that two maidservants there attending upon the gentleman, by their continual conversing near him and the infected sweat of his body, fell strangely and suddenly into the same fits one after another by course, and each having suffered six or seven apart, were carried forth, and after that time never since (as I yet hear) nor ever before had the like, as they both then said. One of these now liveth married in Towcester in Northamptonshire, the other was lately servant unto an honourable Lady. This history is known unto many of note and worth beside. To conclude, the gentleman thus escaped, and grew by little and little unto his former senses and strength as his first disease would permit. Within a quarter of an year after, or thereabout, another Surgeon again put the gentleman into a new hope of recovery: & although the report of my judgement did somewhat (as I heard) shake his confidence, yet not conceiving my reason nor seeing the cause, and supposing no other but the ulcer in the bladder, he took him in hand; and in his hand within few days he left his life, according to my prediction unto divers his friends concerning this second attempt likewise solicited. By these examples it is manifest, both how bold and confident ignorance will be, as also how powerfully and bewitchingly it deceiveth the distressed mind, easily prone 
d Quod nimis miseri volunt hoc facilè credunt. Senec.  to believe that which it desirously would. From hence also may be conjectured how commonly such errors by these ignorant persons in likelihood befall, yet for the most part either for want of knowledge unespied, or by the privacy smothered. For if they kill, a dead 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  man telleth no tales: or if by chance they save one life, that shall be a perpetual 
g Lepidè illud: Sol successus intuetur; errores tellus operit.  flag to call more fools to the same adventure. This is commonly seen in the vulgar custom of curing the French disease by Barbers and Surgeons, who precipitate commonly every one alike, and confusedly without respect or order thrust all through the purgatory of their sweatings; bleeding, vomiting, unctions, plasters, and the like. Hereby many needlessly entangle themselves upon mere supposal and fear, and many take more than necessity vigeth; and others for satisfying that necessity, neglect a more material, and flying too timorously and rashly a known inconvenience, run headlong unknowing into an after too well known unrecoverable 
h Fumum fugientes in ignem incidunt.  mischief. For if they that fall into such rough handling be strong in themselves, and no way liable to the harms of such desperate remedies, and be free from the implication of all other diseases beside, (which entering by their breaches may interrupt their smooth passage, and make pernicious their French medication) they may haply escaping the danger, for the hazard attain their desired delivery, as is in some seen. But if nature haply be weak, or the disposition of the sick subject to the perils of that cure (which these men seldom do or can consider) or any other disease lie in weight too prompt to trust with any advantage, (which these men want knowledge to foresee) the acquaintance with such remedies may easily prove a greater plague unto the greatest pox. How can he that considereth the disease and not the 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Non communis homo curatur, sed singulorum quisque. Galen de Meth. Med.  person (as is usual with these men) because the contrary is not possible with ignorance) how can they I say in curing the one but endanger the other? We see ordinarily, the same medicine in the same force unto one man is scarce sensible, unto another is a sting; unto one favourable, unto another cruel; in one wanting edge, in another exceeding. It therefore requireth learned ability to discern the hidden odds and differences, thereby justly to distribute unto every several his proper and fit 
f Habenda enim ratio non manifestae modo qualitatis, sed & occultae, tum uniuscuiusque 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  proportion of the same thing. Neither is it safe to accommodate so harmful helps as belong to so cautelous a cure without a judicious view, not only of this strange disease itself, but also of the mixture or 
g Morbi è duorum humorum putredine in eadem sede nonnunquam fiunt confusi, nonnunquam in diversa impliciti, nonnunquam ab eadem materia in diversis partibus, diversimodè dispositi. In omnibus secundum varias, diversas aut contrarias indicationes, ab urgentiore auspicatur prudens Medicus, singulos perlustrat, levissimos versat.  conjunction of any other maladies and respects therewith, whose necessities may and do oft forbid and prohibit his remedies (that being a medicine to one disease which is a mischief to another, and an ease to one which is a sorrow unto another.) It is therefore no marvel, that while these men contemn order and method, and the learned examination of these and such like circumstances, and blindly prosecute issues unknown to foreseeing reason, they therefore (though sometime they remove a mischief) yet either equal it again with the like, or exceed it with a greater, or else ofttimes not profiting nor satisfying the utmost patience and painful expectation with the smallest good, effectually double the greatest evil. This for that all men see not, few consider, many forget, & some joyously escaping defend. The hurt is oft unespied the harms unheeded, the shameful wronger's and homicides with the dead buried, and the good haps by many foolish living idly admired, unto the increase and continuance of multiplied mischief. Hereof solely for the most part woeful experience is capable, neither reason, nor example, nor any advice warning or moderating, 
g Morbus coniunctus exigit curam coniunctam ut simplex simplicem, in coniunctis verò quae potior potiorem exigit non neglecta altera. Galen in Aph. Hippoc.  though the ordinary batteries from hence every where almost leave rotten and mangled monuments of remediless cures, if not present with the cause, yet never far of, and though sometime long, yet ever certain. For though where the body is strong, ofttimes many gross errors may be by the ignorant committed, and yet not espied, (because where is strength there is less sense and esteem of harms, (weakness being only unable to bear or endure without complaint) yet the insensible sting doth oft breed the most festered poison, in the latest sensible smart. The errors of the unskilful Pilot though great and many, in the calm are not 
h Plurimi medici similes vi dentur navium rectoribus. In tranquillo mari regendo si quid errent peccentve, error non patet. In adversa tempestate errore aut ignorantia facilè navem perditam in omnibus liquidò constat. Brud. de vict. Feb.  considered, but in the dangerous sea the least error offereth the ugly shape of his own foulness. In bodies not easily harmed many rash harms are hardly discovered, but in dangerous conditions the least lapses are heavy loads. Ignorance therefore is only good when it doth no hurt, whereunto it is never wanting in her property, but only sometimes in power. It is objected, that wise and learned men do oft mistake. It is true: where is the greatest wisdom the most incomparable, yet there is, and ever must be sometimes mistaking and infirmities. The reason is, for that absolute perfection is above the nature of mortality. He therefore that in his art or faculty doth never err, is 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  more than a man. He that most seldom 
dd Ideo theore. ma describit Galen. lib. de Finit. Med. cuius contrarium rarò evenit. , nor grossly, nor easily erreth, and for the most 
d Vbi plura nitent non ego paucis offendar maculis. Horat.  part and commonly frameth all his judgements and actions unto right reason, he is only a right and 
e Ars est eorum quae ordinariò & plerunque non aliter fiunt, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  complete Artist. He that grossly or easily or commonly erreth and mistaketh, justly meriteth the name of an ignorant and idiot. This is the plain and uncontrolled difference between the learned and unlearned. It is yet farther objected, that oft as good hap smileth upon these ignorants as upon more learned. It is sometime true, but it is wisdom to distinguish how. All things that happen unto the understanding and notion of the mind (which is the guide of all actions) are either 
f Rerum quae cognoscuntur species sunt 4. Aut enim apparent sensui vel statim per se ut colores, vel ex aliis seu signis, ut ignins ex fumo. Aut sensui quidem occultae sunt, rationi verò manifestae, eae●ue vel statim evidentes ut bis duo 4. vel per demonstrationem discendae. Incipit autem demonstratio ex aliqua praecedentium, id est, ex apparentibus, vel evidentibus aut certè ex demonstratis antea; primam speciem sensus indicat, secundam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, tertiam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: quartam consensus ad confesta sive ea apparentia sint, sive evidentia, sive antea demonstrata. Galen. lib. de Opt. Sect.  in themselves certain and demonstrate, or necessary by consequent, or probable and of likelihood, or of contingence and good hap. In the first the truly learned cannot err; in the second not oft nor easily. But, in both the unlearned is ever subject to error, as unable to distinguish plain truth from seeming appearance. In the third the learned may be 
g Neque idem unquam aequè est beatus. Neque est quisquam quem non aliquando videre Suffenum possis, Catull.  deceived, but not so commonly and easily as the unlearned. In the fourth good hap and blind fortune is indifferent unto both, and therein the fool hath oft as good hap as the wise man. But he that hath common sense may discern great odds. The learned hath a prerogative in three parts unto himself, and an equal part with the unlearned, in the fourth. The learned hath for his light and guide either knowledge, whereof is 
b Scientia est habitus demonstratiws, habet●ue principia nota & aeterna.  demonstration, and thereby are his actions more certain; or reason and judgement, and thereby are they more tried unto right and truth; or right probability and artificial 
c Artificialis coniectura quam propè accedit ad veritatem. Galen passim.  conjecture, and thereby are they more seldom found erring. The unlearned wanteth all these helps, 
h Insipiens movetur falsa finis specie, non fine.  and is led only by bold adventure in hope of good hap, which after long expectation is but seldom 
f Quod casu fit, inexpectatò fit, & tarò & incer●ta mora fit; ut quod natura sit, expectatò fit, ferè semper fit, vel ut plurimùm sit.  seen, and then soon gone. For the bounty of good hap is not every day, and when it suddenly like a wanton showeth itself, her smiles are obvious to any one, and therein hath the learned with the unlearned 
g Quip deest finis cuius gratia agatur, ubi casu aliquid fit. Negatio finis ponit ca●um. Positio finis negat casum. Sapiens verò sine proposito fine nihil agit.  equal interest. It breedeth yet farther doubt, that is sometime seen. The Empiric and unlearned Surgeon do sometimes cure where the learned hath long traveled, and at length hath given place unto the disease. It cannot be denied, in many desperate cases these men are the only fit instruments. Where the learned foreseeing the slippery hope of means, and the notation and staggering of nature, doth make wary 
h Tutus & intra spem veniae cautus. Horat.  proceeding (unwilling where the caution is so nice that the action cannot be safe, to undertake so hard 
l Semper metuit quem saeva pudebunt. Lucan. Historia.  an office) there these men (who think nothing hard though impossible) being ever ready to give bold adventure, may hap luckily to oversute the danger, and thereby the cure must needs be a mighty 
d Hinc illa Empiricorum miranda gesta & vulgata miracula, Riolanus.  deliverance. An ancient gentleman of Northamptonshire, being then my patient, related unto me among our merriments his medicine for a continual headache and giddiness, which in time past had long vexed him, and solicited divers good Physicians in vain. By chance he met with an angry Surgeon, who being by him in some words provoked, and finding the gentleman alone and far from company or rescue, with a staff unto the utmost peril of life sound broke his head, and plentifully let him blood in divers places; but life escaping, he thereby delivered 
f Ab istiusir odi errore nascitur expe●●ent●a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Galen. de Sect.  him of his diseases, whereof more wise and deliberate counsel could never with much labour and long time free him. It was a great oversight in his learned Physicians, that they could not foresee, nor would not prescribe so fortunate a remedy. Thus malice was as happy as an Empirics bold attempt, yet herein was somewhat better, that it was freely bestowed. 
* Historia.  In like manner, unto another so far engaged in the Neapolitan disease, that discreet counsel durst not oppose equipollent remedies, a woman (purposing to poison him) gave an unknown dose of ratsbane; and thereby nature driven unto her utmost and last shift, setting open all the passages of his body, at once with the poison wholly expelled the former disease. Thus issueth wondered good out of devilish and dangerous acts. I condemn not sharp and extreme remedies, when as extreme 
c Saepe misera auxilia tolerabiliora faciunt mala miseriora. Levin. Lemn.  need requireth them; neither do I commend a trembling and timorous judgement in prescription and accommodation there of where is 
d Dabitur●ue licentia sumpta pudenter.  needful. But I admit not hard or sudden 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Plurimùm atq● repentè quovis modo corpus movere periculosum. Hippocrat. lib 2. Aph.  attempts, but only in extreme necessities, where also the 
f In extremis morbis extrema exquisitè remedia optima sunt, ut Hypocrates. Sed agendi iudicatio semper sumenda à viribus, nec deploratos attingat Medicus. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in ascite utilis, sed plerunque lethalis. Ideo frustra tentatur fractis viribus aut ubi hydrops succedit s●hirrho aut febribus ardentibus. In extractione calculi vesicae cavendum etiam à longo dolore fractis viribus. In partim etiam principum vehementiore affectu diacrydiatis atendum cautè, etc.  strength of nature hath by the judicious and learned been carefully foreballanced between hope and hazard: without these respects the use of hard and vehement remedies by the hands of unlearned Practitioners are grown too common. It is therefore good for men to take heed, how they too boldly walk in the common tract of Empirics and unlearned, whose ways oft trodden grow slippery, and therefore not varied proole dangerous. It is sometime nearest way to go out of the common way, many times the fairest way, and not seldom the safest way. For though diseases may be of easy note and well known, and the vulgar medication no less otherwise apt unto the necessity; yet may one small circumstance only by itself making the disease different, once escaping an unskilful and blind eye, for ever after overrun the hopeful use of any other means, and frustrate the happiness of after-health by better counsel. This is the reason that so many suddenly and unexpectedly perish not without wonder in the unskilful practitioners hand, who casting his eye upon nothing but that which is common, taketh for a great stranger what is otherwise, and therefore not foreseeing, his coming is not prepared to entertain or intercept him with best advantage; nor giveth nor taketh warning of him, and therefore is so suddenly oft surprised by him. 
Historiae.  I may hereof give a rare instance in an esteemed friend sometimes a learned Divine, who by some rash advice, his estate at that time not duly considered, required of an Apothecary a strong medicine against the stone (wherewith from his childhood he had been ever hereditarily 
g Qui calculi non diu concreeriut ij medicamentis aptis dissolui possunt; qui verò diutiùs exiccati & indurati difficillim● aut nunquam enran tur, ideo●ue periculosè irritantur. Rondeletius de urine.  molested. The one prepared it, the other took it, both expecting no other use or consequent, then that which was usual to such a medicine. But the same night that potion violently descending brake through his 
h Lapillis in ve sica subsistentibus crabrones irritant quicunque saxitragis deturbant temere. Reolan.  bladder, making therein two issues, where by the urine came from him immediately then, and continually after by those two breaches, before it could attain the usual passage or conduit. Hereof was then witness a grave & learned gentleman an ancient Doctor of Physic unto whom this patient did sly for his judicious advice in this sudden mischief, and with whom myself had serious conference about that accident, both of us lamenting his so unhappy distress and misery.   

CHAP. VI  
Apothecaries.  
HERE so fair occasion offering their memory, we may not forget our Apothecaries. Among them also some to do a friend an vnlicenced friendship, or to keep their wares in motion for fear of corruption, will haply sometimes offer a casual good turn, to any that like the venture. I must needs say for the privilege of Apothecaries, that if any may have prerogative to be Physicians, by the excellence and rare choice of medicines, it is most proper unto them; who have with them registered and enrolled the privy choice, trust and command of all the best remedies, and have the best light to guess at their best use. Nay I may commend them farther; that for the excellent preparation and knowledge of medicines they sometimes may excel some Physicians themselves: but above and beyond the preparation, the right and judicious dispensation is truly worthy, commanding and directing their safe and prudent use. This skill requireth an understanding able to raise itself above both the medicine and the 
g Quam enim proportionem Architectu● erga coementarios lignariosue fabros & alios quibus imperat gerit, eandem Medicus erga ministros suos, herbarios, venam scindentes, cucurbitulas admoventes & Clysteres immitentes. Galen in lib 6. Hipp. de Morb. vulgar.  maker, unto the great Maker of them both, and from his general 
h Naturae legibus Medicinae leges semper consentaneae. Fernel.  decree and counsel in the administration of all things in nature, to levy and limit circumstances, 
i Vt medici cuiusque auxilij quantitatem, occasionem & utendi modum cognoscimus, ut ministri verò venam secamus & reliqua manibus operamur. Galen. in lib. 6. Hipp. de Morb. vulgar.  proportion, time, place, quantity and quality, according to the manifold several purposes and infinite uses for the preservation, conservation, and continuance of health and life unto mankind. And herein how far it behoveth the erected mind of higher contemplation, to exalt itself in consultation above the elementary consideration and composition of a medicine and the vulgar and common sense, the continual exquisite use and exercise of the most incomparable prudence and learning in the ordinary and daily difficulties that befall the health, do plainly prove and demonstrate. It is not the medicine itself, but the judgement and knowledge of the learned, and right accommodation annexed unto the wholesome medicine, that addeth unto it a worth above itself; whereby it doth far exceed itself in excellency, in variety of greater good, in distinction of more proper use, according to art and reason thereto conducting it, which is the life of every application and accommodation in all things. Hence even the greatest clerks with this sufficiency provided, have not blushed to borrow or learn a good medicine at a simple and vulgar 
e Neque enim turpe est per vulgus & aniculas profecisse. Non enim puduit maiores nostros in multis remedijs brutorum discipulos se profiteri. Quin & acceptis à vulgo remedijs adhibenda ratio & rectus usus, in quo summa artis posita est. Holler. Instit. Chirurg.  hand, yea from fools and brute beasts, in their own more excellent adaptation as the soul unto the body, conferring the full and true perfection. The Ancients themselves have not shamed so to do, as Galen in divers places professeth of himself. Unto Apothecaries therefore that faithfully and truly apply themselves and their whole endeavour, that have tried and experienced skill, and use faithful industry in fitting wholesome and incorrupt remedies to attend each honest need and necessity without fucation, adulteration or deceit, and contain themselves within themselves, no man can deny a worthy esteem both in private thoughts and public estimate; but if the pride and mastership of the medicine stir once in them the ambition of medication, as in the former men commend them, so in the second they shall justly condemn them: and as in the one safely use them, so in the other with safe discretion refuse them, fearing lest with Salomon's fly being taken in the Apothecary's box, they also in like manner make a stink of the medicine, 
Historia.  & an end of themselves. Valleriola mentioneth an Apothecary who with the imprudent use of quicksilver poisoned himself. I knew sometime an honest and approved good Apothecary in Warwickshire, who imitating a prescription of precipitate against an inveterate disease which he supposed in himself, exulcerated his guts, and therefore died. These experiments in other than themselves had been bloody and unhonest, and in themselves rather then in other argue their strong confidence, (which therefore might easily seduce them to be in time bold with others.) Example and imitation (which are the rules of an Apothecary's practice) are but patterns of another's sufficiency. Sufficience therefore being not their own, it is sufficient to put them in mind of their own. It is good for every one to be contented and contained within his own lists, and of his own store with liberality to lend, and of another's with love and licence to borrow. This upholdeth societies and good orders in common weals, maintaineth mutual neighbourhood and humanity, friendly and just commerce with love and loyal reciprocation, and distribution of every right to every owner, with good to the general and common, and without hurt to every private and particular. I say nothing of bankrupt Apothecaries, who having left their own standing become walking merchants, and with a few pedlary wares remaining keep shop in their own hose, or else in their guts, who (wanting other use) imagine them sufficient to make clean the kitchen. Let them that desire their meat in the stomach should long find good cookery, take heed who put herbs into the pot. It hath been required and by some imposed, that a Physician should be both Surgeon and Apothecary himself. It is easily decided. In judgement, skill, knowledge, and ability of direction, it is very requisite and necessary, and the contrary is not tolerable in a true architect: but every particular execution 
e Ei qui praesidet, scire operari necessarium non est, sed potius aliorum ministerio uti. Aristot. polit. 3.  or manual pains and travel is never unjustly, sometime necessarily, and oft more conveniently distributed and divided unto others, whose vicissitude, assistance, and oft more ready handling thereof, is as sufficient, nothing inferior, yea for operary proof and cunning handwork far without envy 
f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Nonnulli nescientes quam aliqui scientes ad opera sunt magis ido nei. Aristot. eth. 6.  superior, because the main and continual exercise therein, doth therein also make the meaner judgement better apted and more prompt. Galen indeed himself in necessity, & want of other (whose better and more special practice and exercise therein might make it their more proper performance) put his own hand unto 
g Primi medicinae parents & veteres Graeci Medici ferè omnes humanit●te ducti (ubi ita res postulauerit) suis manibus operabantur in civitatibus nondum populosis. At ubi hominum multitudo increverit, aliò res delegata est. Hinc etiam Principum edictis distincta extant Medicorun & Chirurgorun ministeria & officia.  chirurgie: but when he found it another distinct office, as an ease unto himself and a commodious liberty & enlarged help to his other employments, studies and care, he thereunto referred hand-operation, though ever haply conferred his mind & judgement. In like manner Hypocrates refuseth by 
b Nec verò calculo laborantes secabo, sed viris Chirurgiae operarijs eius rei faciendi locum dabo. Hippoc. iurc iurando.  oath to meddle in chirurgery, & expressly in the extraction of the stone of the bladder, and leaveth it unto those that are therein exercised: The fewer offices the less distraction, & where less distraction, there is the better bend unto the more main and proper scope. Where therefore with as sufficient supply by others, the suffection or deputation may ease of a burden (as indifferently else were imposed) there (the business less, and the diligence and incumbence equal) the remaining task must needs be completely and absolutely attended & perfected. Concerning the Apothecary included in the Physician: indeed the first Ancients were Apothecaries unto themselves, because in themselves only was then newly sprouting in the infancy, the inchoation of that skill, and therefore as yet they could not 
c Omnes artes rudiores primum, tractu deinde temporis absoluuntur. Scal. Poet 3.  communicate perfection unto others. But now time and age have accomplished it, the Physicians eye and skill hath used another's hand both as a needful and requisite 
d Medico mulrae artes aptam materiam praeparant, ipse naturae per ministros suppeditat Galen. in lib. 6. Hippo. de morb vulgar.  help in the mechanical ministry, and also as an advantage and ease to the more necessary, laborious, and studious travels of his mind. In ordinary dispatches therefore it is avoidable necessary an Apothecary be ever at hand, as faithful as his own right hand, and in extraordinary the Physicians own heart must only trust his own hand, and his own eye witness their consent. This equity may satisfy curiosity.   

CHAP. VII.  
Of Practisers by Spells.  
NOw to leave both Surgeon and Apothecary, the opposition against the use or need of either, doth put in mind in the next place not to forget those, who profess the performances, uses, and end both of Surgeon & Apothecary, yea and Physician himself without their help or need: such are such as cure by spells and words. If men believe as reason would and as reasonable men should (for men are no 
c Nec credere possis Hunc hominem, humana qui ratione caret Maximian. vel ut alij, Cornel Gall.  men if unreasonable) of any effects from spells, among the wise is no true reason or cause, and without reason can be no right persuasion. Between a true cause and his 
d Causa immediata protinus per se cohaeret cum effectu. Sca●ig. de subt.  proper effect, there is an immediate necessity; between a cause by accident and his effect, there is a 
e Causam per accidens sequitur per accidens effectum.  mediate consecution: but this cause being only ni opinion, can be no more than opinion, and in opinion is no truth. Some finding spells to do no good, object as a good, they do no hurt. This hurt I am assured they do; while men have gaped after such shadows, they oft in the mean season have lost the substance, their life and health: which while due season offered unto them that had learned to know opportunity, bad scholars were still at spelling school. To speak more seriously of such a toy: If the faithful and devout prayer of holy men (unto which the promise of God, and the blessings of men are annexed) hath no such assurance or success of necessary consequent, without laborious industry and the use of good means, how can religion 
g Quod neque religio praecipit nec oritur ex causis naturalibus est superstitio. Melanth.  or reason suffer men that are not void of both, to give such impious credit unto an unsignificant and senseless. 
h Scripta, verba annuli, characteres, signa, nihil valent ad profligandos morbos, si nulla superior potestas divina vel magica accesserit. Inania itaque sunt vereue anilia credentium animos superstitione occupante. Fernel. de Abd. rer. causis.  mumbling of idle words, contrary to reason, without precedent of any truly wise 
i Vide Galenun lib. 6. & 10. de simple. Med. facultat. theophra. in hist. plant. l. 9 Aug. tract. 7. in evan. joannis.  or learned, and justly suspected of all sensible men? It shall be no error to insert a merry history of an approved famous spell for sore eyes. By many honest testimonies, it was a long time worn as a jewel about many necks, written in paper, and enclosed in silk, never failing to do sovereign good when all other helps were helpless. No sight might dare to read or open. At length a curious mind while the patient slept, by stealth ripped open the mystical cover, and found the powerful characters Latin, which Englished were these: The 
b Diabolus effodiat tibi oculos, impleat foramina stercoribus. Wierus de praestig. cap. 4.  devil dig out thine eyes, and fill up their holes with his dung. Words without meaning are nothing, and yet so here are best. Of nothing can come nothing (much less good:) yet so 
c In thought.  it was, and yet it was 
d In deed.  not so) oaths and testimonies avouching the one religion, & truth 
e Neque enim verum est hominem ab homine noceri posse verbis. Sed demon credulitate decipit hominem ut socium habeat, tum impietatis, tum aeterni exitij. Scal. de subt.  denying the oaths. Thus ofttimes things haply begun in sport and jest, with light minds, by vain opinion grow to sooth and earnest. It is strange in these days to behold how this folly doth laugh even wise men to scorn, while their unreasonable parts of imagination and fancy, so juggle with their judgements and understanding, that they can scarce contain themselves from believing and consulting with such ridiculous folly. Thus able is fancy, not only to deceive sense, but to obscure our reason. If there be any good or use unto the health by spells, they have that prerogative by accident, and by the power and virtue of 
f Phantasia imperium habet in spi●itus & humores, qui sunt morborum parents.  fancy; wherein is neither certainty nor continuance. Fancy, according unto the nature thereof, can seldom be long fixed upon any thing; because naturally being ever full of fiction, it must needs easily and continually be 
g Sensus interioris motus perpetuus. Aristot. de insomn.  transported. Fancy therefore can be no ordinary or common remedy, being but rarely fixedly detained; and where it is most earnestly bend, yet hardly of long continuance. If fancy then be the foundation whereupon buildeth the good of spells, spells must needs be as fancies are, uncertain and 
h Galen. lib. 6 & 10. de simp. med facultat. Confidere doctos & bonos Midicos medicamentorum substantiae praecipit, non verbis aut carminibus.  vain: so must also by consequent be their use and help, and no less all they that trust unto them. I speak not of enchanted spells, but of that superstitious babbling, by tradition of idle words and sentences, which all that have sense, know to be void of sense, as the other devilish. The one (if there be no remedy) we must permit unto fools, in the other we cannot deny the devil.   

CHAP. VIII.  
The explication of the true discovery of Witchcraft in the sick, together with many and wondered instances in that kind.  
MAny things of great power and wonder, 
Witcheraft.  above reason and beyond the power of nature, have been effected through the imprecation, stimulation and ministery of wicked men the associates of devils, whose commerce with spirits hath been oft plain and manifest. But it is good before we enter into the consideration thereof, that we be wary and cautelously wise, how we make a true difference between a true work of the devil, and the strange likeness which phantasms (oft countenanced by casualties and events) strongly work in the opinion and conceit. For as the machinations of spirits are certainly oft inserted into the actions of men; 
Historia.  so by the jugglings of the imaginary, are so lively framed resemblances and counterfeits of them oft times, that they can hardly be distinguished. That it may therefore the better first appear what fancy and imagination are able to do, I will not here omit an history worth good ear: Anno 1607. a Parson's wife of Northhamptonshire, dwelling within three miles of the town, came unto a Physician, complaining of a tumour in one of her breasts. He demanded her among many other things concerning the Sciatica, which he 
a Narrata ab aegrotante praeter totius plethoram lassitudo partium omnium inferiorum cum mensium retentione, coxarum gravitate in motu, torpore dum quiesceret, paratum affectum monstrabant. Ideo neque praedixisse difficile, neque re ipsa affectum subsequi miraculi loco haberi debet.  conjectured to vex her. She denied any acquaintance or notion thereof in all her former life. The same night (being returned home) suddenly about midnight the Sciatica seized painfully and grievously upon her. Some few days after, it happened another of her neighbours came also unto the same Physician, whom (beside the disease which she herself made known) he guessed to be troubled with the 
b Praeter plethoram tum infra tum supra diaphragma conspicuam, tumour venarum molestus circa crura & in poplitibus, de quo conquesta est aegra, de spasmo & distentione illarum partium facilem inde dant coniecturam. Vbi igitur aegrae imprudentia praesatur causam, facilis est prudentia probabilem pòst fari effectum.  cramp, and cursorily questioned her thereof. She never before sensibly knowing any such pain, after her return also that night suffered thereby exceeding torment. These two accidents compared together by the first party, (the one in herself, and the other in her neighbour) and the apprehension being whet by her exceeding pain continued, caused in her a strong and resolute opinion of bewitching, which she presently unremovably imputed unto the Physician. Her outcries and impatience through her pain, made such forcible impression in her husband, that to satisfy his wives unreasonable importunacy, he was contented to come unto the Physician from her to expostulate. He, before he could utter his message, blushing at the folly, and yet desirous to satisfy his wives injunction, because she would not otherwise give him rest, at length related unto him the cause of his coming, desiring him for his sake (being much ashamed thereof) to conceal the folly of his wife. This done, he returned home, and found his wife nothing better, but assuring herself and him, that if he would but once more come unto the Physician, and (as I conjecture) gain him to forgive her, she should presently be well. Accordingly the next day he came unto him, and (then concealing the reason and cause of his coming) desired him to forgive and pardon his wife. This easily granted (as such a toy) he presently demanded the hour of the day, which instantly the clock gave two, being afternoon. He hastened homeward, and before he could speak unto his wife, she joyously entertained him, and with prevention told him that she was perfectly well, and that just at 
c She was assured late the night before of the Physicians being at home that same day; she knew the length of the way, her husbands usuali pace, and n●w direct sp●ed. She might easily compare the time of his going forth, with a competent time for his attaining the Physician, and with all these might well hope of the Physicians facility by his friendly entertainment the day before. From hence her imagination satisfying itself with the confidence thereof, she might thereby, settling and quieting her spirits, mind and humours, for a time thus appease and mitigate her pains. As for her so true and just conjecture at the time which was two of the clock, the circumstances before mentioned, and likelihood itself did guide her to suppose it. If this reason satisfy not, religion and reasons give leave farther to suspect, that the devil to advance error and illusion, might convey into her imagination an inward and secret sense of the time. The power that the devil doth exercise in this kind, might be made clear by many examples.  two of the clock her pain left her, which she (it seemed) imagined (as it also happened) to have been the same time and moment that the Physician had given her desired pardon. The next morning her husband did write unto him, discovering with this news the reason of his last coming unto him the day before, together with this strange event following it. Within half a year after, she fell sick again, and 
d After the penning of this history, the cause and manner of her death by her neighbours of worth and credit, was thus reported. Her husband, at her earnest suit, consulted with a wandering Surgeon, whom fame, it seemeth, had magnified for charmed and potent cures of such as were bewitched. The Surgeon delivered a medicine unto the husband, promising a miraculous cure thereby, and charged him withal, by no means to be feared, though haply there might fall out some strange and fearful operations unto the seeming. The medicine with this style coming unto the patient, was gladly received; and after she had received it into her body, she died. The glorious name of the medicine, together with a confidence that this was only the strange operation of the medicine foretold by the Surgeon, caused the friends about her still to expect some admirable event of recovery, and therefore they still gaped after her rprising: but in the end necessity called for a grave: and thus their hope with her was buried.  died. This strong imagination, with this strange event, might have entangled many a poor spinster in a thicker string than her cunning could untwist, to save the cracking of her neck. But if men would more duly oft examine and weigh these cases, they shall many times find the Witch in a foolish sconce; and greater and more dangerous are the bewitchings of a man's own folly, and more effectual oft times unto his own hurt and others, than any witch, yea or devil whatsoever. Without doubt chance may flatter and countenance the imagination with unwonted, yea and justly wondered events, and yet is that no demonstration of aught about nature or reason. Casualty doth so apt oft times consequences unto dreams, as if there were some secret power or influence in them proceeding unto such effects, yet is it no proof of truth or trust in them. Women oft times out of their 
e Aelianus lib. 4. scribit Aspasiam concubinam Cyri posterioris admonitam fuisse in somno de medicamento quo sanavit vitium oris, quod venustatem prius valdè deformaverat.  sleeps have foreseen and foretold many things, which according to time and place have justly come to pass, but this doth make their dreams no oracles. Many vain men out of the presage of their own minds, have confidently made prediction of such things as have assuredly happened, yet is this no inducement to take them for prophets. In like manner some that have possessed themselves with witchcraft, and the opinion thereof, have seemed to know things above their knowledge, and that knowledge above and beyond all reason hath been true: yet neither is this any dispossession of themselves of this spirit of folly, nor no just proof or accusation of any one to be a witch. I cannot therefore take it for an ingenuous course, upon such grounds to draw simple people unto confusion. It is an easy matter for any impression to work itself into the imagination of a vain mind. And why may it not seem as easy for the devil who is the author of lying 
d Hinc illa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 diabolica.  wonders, to credit it with wonderful events above the weak eye of our reason? Therefore ineptly and injuriously may the illusion of fancy, and the practice of the devil therewith joined, be made snares for the innocent, whose destruction is his intention who rejoiceth in the perdition of mankind. Neither can I believe (I speak it with reverence unto graver judgements) that the forced 
f Non absimilis vis compellendi motus tum animi tum corporis etiam philtris & carmini bus attribuitur. Philtra nocent animis vimue furoris habent. ovid. Carmina de coelo possunt deducere lunam Virgil.  coming of men or women to the burning of bewitched cattle, or to the burning of the dung or urine of such as are bewitched, or floating of bodies above the water, or the like, are any trial of a witch. I see no reason why I may not think, that the devil by the permission of God, hath power indifferently to work these effects upon any man, whether a witch or no. For if he had power for his own malicious purpose upon the body of our blessed Saviour, to transport it through the air, and to set it upon a pinnacle of the temple; and upon the body of righteous job, with hope and desire of his overthrow: by what prerogative dare any other man whatsoever presume to free himself from his power, but by a special grace and mercy of God? Or why is it any imputation unto any man to be known to be subject thereto, since God doth permit it in divers his dear 
g Data est Diabolo potestas non modò ut fallat malos, sed ut exerceat bonos. Augussin.  servants? If men shall grant the devils exercising his power upon any man a sufficient evidence to convince him a witch, 
g Diabolus imperium exercet in impios. In pios etiam in multis casibus particularibus potestatem habet, qua & vulnerantur & concidunt. Calvin. lib. instit.  there shall thereby be allowed unto the devil a large 
h Quid Angeli mali possunt, quid non possunt facere per naturae suae conditionem, homini explorare difficile immo impossibile, Augustin. de Trinit.  commission, which his malice will easily extend beyond the latitude: as by right observation of many learned in their own experiences hath ben● and may be oft truly noted. I do not deny nor patronage witches or witchcraft, but wish that the proofs and trial thereof may be more carefully and with better circumspection viewed and considered: that rash determination beguile not the wise, nor condemn the innocent, upon whom the devil can with more nimbleness and agility transfer his own evil works, then either they can avoid it, or others easily espy it. Every thing whereof every man cannot give a reason, is not therefore a miracle. There are many things whereof few 
c Soli viri ingeniosi & subtilis mentis acici difficilia cognitu facilè comprehendere valent. Aristot.  men, many whereof no man can attain the reason, yet every 
d Multa sunt quorum cum veritas certa sit, tamen causae nos latent. Plutarch. de Sympol.  man knoweth to have a reason in nature. Behold a toy for an example. There is seen in the hand of a juggler a thing as it is indeed; suddenly in a moment without perceptible motion, it is again seen 
e Inter praestigiatoris manus quod est video. Mutatur species vel propter celeritatem vel propter aliud. Quare verò mutetur latet me. Scalig. de Subt.  as it is not. That there is a cause of the change who knoweth not? what it is, who knoweth except to whom it hath been made known? With great wonder and 
f In natura plurima fiunt miranda & singularia, inquit Aristoles, ideoque naturam ipsam appellat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  admiration have divers in this age showed mercenary spectacles, incredible 
g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Camerarius de divinat.  even unto the beholding eye, and yet in the actors by mean understandings deprehended to be nothing but agility and nimble cunning, by continual practice and custom working desperateness into facility. Thus with common wonder have some walked and danced upon cords. Some are written to have leapt and danced upon the edges of sharp swords without hurt unto themselves, & with pleasure unto the beholders. Some have credibly been supposed to devour daggers and other sharp and dangerous weapons. That naturally the loadstone draweth iron the meanest know: the reason or cause the wisest never knew. There are wonders in nature, & wonders above nature; these are subtleties, the other miracles. That fire and air, contrary to their own 
a A forma universali moventur sponte ignis & aër deorsum, ne eveniret vacuum. Forma particularis obedit universali ad conseruationem totius entitatis & unitatis. Scalig. de Subt.  particular nature of the own accord descend, and waters ascend: that the heavy metals of iron and lead, contrary to their own natural motion, should with such admirable swiftness, in so short a 
b Quia nequit tam citò ratefieri ad implendum vacuum, quod reliquum potest facere facit, atque tam citò abit. Scalig. de subt.  moment pass so large a distance through the air, from a small flash of a little flame: these and such like are subtleties, because the cause and reason thereof doth unfold itself to few, or not to all, yet unto the learned. That the Sun should stand still in the firmament, the Moon be eclipsed in no interposition, the bodies of men should fly in the air, or walk upon the face of the water; these and the like are miracles, because hereof is neither power nor reason in nature. And as in the former to be easily drawn to admiration, and to ascribe natural effects to supernatural causes, is gross ignorance, so in the latter to inquire natural causes in 
d Frustra de metaphysicis quaeruntur physicae rationes.  supernatural effects, is profane curiosity. In both these extremes men too commonly err, the learned for the most part in the latter, the unlearned in the first; the one too 
c Sapientia vera, Nolle nimis sapere.  wise, the other stark fools. None truly learned, or that truly know the face of nature (whose scholars the learned ever profess themselves) can be upon the vain flashes of seeming wonders lightly moved to deny or call into question 
f Hoc nomine Cardanum taxat Scaliger lib. de subtilit. Quae consultò natura in orb molita est suo, is praestigiae nomine denotandum putat.  the power and force of nature. With therefore the common amazed thoughts of vulgar people, to be blasted by the stupidity of every idle fear, to gape after witchcraft, or to make nature a devil or a bugbear, must needs be base proclivity and unlearned lightness. To admit also nothing above or beside nature, no witchcraft, no association with devils at all, is no less madness of the opposite and extreme. But those whom true learning and wisdom hath well instructed, know how to stay themselves, and to consist in a temperate mediocrity between both these. The actions of the devil are discovered by the proper notes and difference. First they are ever 
c Hoc à divinitatis excellentia separate. omnis enim potestas supra naturam est vel divina vel diabolica, haec voique & semper bona, illa nusquam non mala.  evil, either in themselves or in their end. Secondly, they are above 
d Quorum daemones authores sunt eorum ratio est trans naturam. Fernel. de abd. rer. cause.  the power and course of nature and reason. This appeareth manifestly in his violent carriage of so many herds of swine headlong into the sea, mentioned in the Gospel: in his bringing fire from above so suddenly to devour so many thousands of jobs sheep. These, with other such like, carry in their mischief and hurt the stamp of such an author, and in the transcendent 
e Daemoniaci nonnulli obloquuntur summè ardua, arcana reserant & occulta renunciant. Edunt verba & sententias graecas & latinas, cum ipsi utriusque linguae omnina ignari sunt. Fernel. de Abd. rer. cause.  and supernatural power thereof, the testimony of a spirit. This is plain, and by these notes men may learn to distinguish between an imaginary and a real devilish practice. Now the doubt remaineth, how we may in these works and practices of the devil, detect the conversation and commerce of men. I do not conceive how any marks in the flesh or body of any one, may be any trial or manifest proof: for besides the grant, that 
g Many and strange have been the forms of divers excrescencies, or growings in the flesh through all parts almost of the body, whose nature, form and cause are well known unto the Physician, though to his eye oft times strange and wondered. Scaliger in his book of Subtleties, mentioneth a Waterman, known unto himself, who had a horn growing upon his back. The like have others since and before known and written. Some men have been borne with parts proper unto the other sex, and women with parts or resemblances of parts naturally given to the malekind alone. The errors of nature in monstrous births, are not obscure, and feed variety of wonder; nor are nor can be tied from the counterfeit of any shape, likeness, mark or figure, sometimes superfluously cast upon one part, sometimes upon another.  likeness may deceive, who can assure me that the devil may not as easily, secretly and insensibly mark the flesh of men as their souls unto destruction? If the devil may mark them without their knowledge and consent, shall his malice be their offence? or how shall I be assured he cannot so do? He that can do the greater, can do the less. He that could give unto the Son of God a view of all the kingdoms of the world in one instant (which was no doubt a special strain of his utmost spiritual cunning, considering he was then to deal with wisdom itself) can that cunning find no means to make a small scar, impress or tumour in flesh? Who dare presume to say, God will not suffer him? Who ever so far entered into the counsel of God, or measured what therein he doth permit? If no holy writ, no reason manifest it, proud and blasphemously daring is observation in so infinite and unmeasurable a subject. I deny not that the devil by covenant may suck the bodies and blood of witches, in witness of their homage unto him; but I deny any mark (of never so true likeness or perfect similitude) sufficient condemnation unto any man; and beside and above all other notes or marks whatsoever, judge it chiefly and principally and first to be required, that both the devils 
d The devils property is known by actions, deeds or works first found sustained by a supernatural power, and next bend unto an evil end. Thus for devilish ends have Witches and sorcerers been known to ride upon the seas in vessels uncapable of such carriage, or of any defence. Thus have some haunted men and other creatures, in manners, means and circumstances more than any way reasonable or possible unto humanity or the nature of man alone. Thus have some also declared the secret words and actions of men, then absent in far distant places, and foretold particular things to come. These with their devilish affection, end, and intention are certain proofs of diabolical power and witchcraft.  property therein, & also the parties 
e Consent and cooperation may be manifested first by proof of any incantation, invocation, spells, and other performances of other diabolical rites and ceremonies: secondly by their use of such instruments as are usual or proper unto such devilish works Of this kind are pictures of wax or other matter, by which they secretly work wasting and consuming pains unto the living persons of those dead resemblances. Of this kind are also charmed kno●s, characters and figures. Of this kind also are divers sorts of poisonsome matters, by them known to be solemnly sought, and carefully hidden or kept. These found or detected, are certain convictions of witches and witchcraft, joined with other due presumptions and circumstances, and a manifest detection of the assistance of any tra● scendent force.  consent thereto may be justly and truly evicted, which is oft too lightly weighed. It may be with good reason judged, that the devil doth not blush to be both bold and cunning, there to set his mark, yea and make his claim where he hath no interest. But when the devil doth appear in works and signs proper to himself, and therewith shall be evident either directly or by good consequent the act of any man consenting or cooperating, there law may justly take hold to censure; and there also the former presumptions and marks (denied sufficiency while alone and single) may now concurring be admitted and allowed. I speak not this in contradiction of other learned judgements, but retaining the liberty of mine own, and leaving the like equanimity to every one. Nor do I deny or defend devilish practices of men or women, but desire only to moderate the general madness of this age, which ascribeth unto witchcraft whatsoever falleth out unknown or strange unto a vulgar sense. Concerning diseases therefore, it will not here also be impertinent or unprofitable to deliver many their strange seeming forms from the too ordinary injurious imputation in this kind. It is manifest and apparent, that the mixture and implication of divers and differing diseases in the same subject, may and do oft bring forth a wild and confused concourse of accidents seeming therefore of monstrous and wondered shapes, and therefore in their deceiving appearance coming very near unto the similitude of bewitching. But because every eye is not able in so various a chaos to 
e Quip ubi nec causas nec apertos cernimus ictus, unde ergo veniant tot mala, caeca via est. Propert.  analyse and reduce them unto their several heads, and proper diseases, (so intricately confounded one within another) it is not therefore sufficient for reputing them as things without causes in nature. Many diseases single, alone and apart by themselves, seem strange and wondered, which therefore in their strange forms united, and in their mixture one with another, must needs arise much more monstrous and Hydra-like. For example, in one kind 
f In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Gal. de loc aff.  of disease, the whole body as it were in a minute is suddenly taken in the midst 
g In this manner Ann. 1598. myself being present, a child of one M. Barker of Coventry was afflicted, and in the end these fits changing into convulsions of his face, mouth, and eyes, he therein died.  of some ordinary gesture or action, and therein is continued some space together as if frozen generally, stark and stiff in all parts, without sense or motion, yet with eyes wide open, and 
h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Gal. de loc. aff.  breathing freely, as if it were a moving image or a living carcase. In another, the sick are also suddenly taken or surprised with a senseless 
i In Apoplexia vel morbo attonito. Gal. de loc. affect.  trance and general astonishment or sideration, void of all sense or moving many hours together, only the breath sometimes striveth and laboureth `against the danger of suffocation, and the pulse continueth. In another, the sick are swiftly surprised with so profound and deadly a sleep, 
c An. Dom. 1602 In this manner a former wife of one M. Roson of Northampton continued the space of two days and nights, being then my patient.  that no call, no cry, no noise, no 
d In Caro. Carum verò distinguit à Catalepsi. Galen. lib. de loc. affect. quòd in hac oculi aegrotorum clausi permanent, in illa aperti.  stimulation can in many hours awake and raise them. In another, the sick are doubtfully held, in some part 
e Hoc genus coma vigilans Galeno dicitur tract. de comate, quod & insomne vocat, & Phreneticis attribuit. juxta hoc coma pigrum & somnolentum statuit quod è contra Lethargicis ascribit.  waking, and in other part sleeping, in some respects, manners and parts expressing wakeful motions, sense, speech, right apprehension, memory and imagination; in other respects, parts and manners (as men sleeping) void of the liberty or use of sense, motion, or any the other faculties. The form of this disease, Hypocrates hath very fitly assimilated to the shape 
f Hypocrates in Prorheticis, & Epidemior. 5.  and fashion of drunkenness, whose ordinarily known effects are in some things busy wakefulness, in other some at the same time dull sleepiness; in some imaginations, apprehensions, senses and motions quick and ready, in some with as apparent urgence, yet senseless and dead. Contrary to these forms, in some other diseases there arise continual stir and depraved motions through all the parts 
h Depravati motus sunt plurimi tremuli, convulsivi, palpitantes, vibrantes, qui prout in toto corpore vagantur, diversam appellatio nem sortiuntur. Galen. de sympt differ.  of the body, contrary to the will, and beside the sense and power of the sick. This is seen commonly in 
i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etc. Epi epsia vel morbus caducus universo corpori motus affert depravatos. Gal. de diff. sympt.  falling sicknesses, divers kinds of convulsions, and the like. In these diseases, 
g Conuulsio simulat omnem motus voluntarij speciem, & hac sola ratione à motu naturali differt quod praetor voluntatem fit. Galen. de loc. affect.  some bite their tongues and flesh, some make fearful and frightful shrink and outcries, some are violently tossed and tumbled from one place unto another, some spit, some froth, some guash their teeth, some have their faces continually deformed and drawn awry, some have all parts wrested and writhed into 
k Motiva actio laesa pro particularium instrumentorum ratione ita variantur, ut varias habere species videantur, cum illius motionis ratio fit una. Galen de sympt. diff.  infinite ugly shapes. Some have their heads violently wrested forward, and their faces behind. Some have their eyes with inordinate twincklings, rave, and rollings 
a Conuulsis musculis, oculos moventibus.  disfigured. Some have their mouths distorted into divers forms, grinning, mowing, 
b Musculorum masticatoriorum & eorum qui peculiariter lati appellantur conuulsione, contractione, resolution, fit spasmus cynicus, tortura oris, risus Sardonius etc.  laughing, sometimes gaping wide 
c Conuulsis musculis temporalibus contrahuntur dentes, & strident, resolutis fit hiatus oris.  open, sometimes close shutting. Some have their limbs and divers members suddenly with violence snatched up and carried aloft, and after suffered by their own weight to fall again. Some have an inordinate leaping 
d Generalis haec palpitatio dicitur ab Auicenna, ab aliis membrorum subsultus & iactatio.  and hopping of the flesh, through every part of the body. In some diseases the mind is as strangely transported into admirable visions and miraculous apparitions, as the body is metamorphosed into the former strange shapes. In many ordinary diseases, in the oppressions of the brain, in fevers, the sick usually think themselves to see things 
f Historia Theophili, Medici aegrotantis lectu dignissima est, libr. Galeni de diff. sympt. sect. 3.  that are not, but in their own abused imaginary and false conceit. Sometimes with their fingers they hunt for flocks and flies, and with narrow eyes pry for puppets and toys, working in the consistory of their own brains. Sometimes they complain of their friends and others to lie upon them, to creep or sit upon them, to stop their winds, to endeavour to cut their throats, and the like. Sometimes they complain of 
g Vide Hollerij historiam de Pharmacopoeo incubo correpto, scholijs in tractat. de incubo. Auicen●am in Cant. de signis Melancholiae.  devils or witches, lively describing their seeming shapes and gestures toward them. Some in sicknesses so far forget themselves, that they have not so much memory as of their own 
k Thucydides de in pest seruatis scribit, inde factos esse fatuis similes tantaue ignorantia & fatuitate imbutos ut se ipsos & familiares planè ignorarent. Galen. in 1 Porrhet. Hippocrat.  names, or their most familiar friends. Some above all persuasion or reason to the contrary, strongly imagine themselves unreasonable 
h In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Actuar. lib. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  creatures. Some cry out and fly from 
i In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Galen. in Pror●et. Hipp. Historia pulcherrima.  waters when none are near: some from fire, and likewise from many other supposed fears, in their vanity infinite, as in their present and sudden appearance unto the beholder full of amazement. How can these like accidents, or any of them even single and alone in their several peculiar shapes apart, but seem wondered? Much more when divers of them, most or many of them, as it sometimes falleth out, are confusedly together so compounded, that at once in the sick, a man may see a part of one and a part of another, a show of many, and a perfect shape of none; must they needs not only affright a common beholder, but sometimes also exercise the better judgements. I saw hereof in the year 1608. a rare example, which both for illustration of that which hath been said, and the instruction of other that may hereafter hap to behold the like, and especially for the contentment of many eye witnesses (both worthy and desirous therein to be satisfied) I may not omit. A gentleman of ancient name and sear in Warwickshire, in the time of the late memorable long frost, called me unto his daughter afflicted in an unknown and strange sudden manner, both unto her parents, friends, & neighbours, and also some 
e Beneficed Physicians.  Physicians therein consulted. A vehement shaking and violent casting forward of her head, every day in a much marveled fashion surprised her about three or four of the clock each afternoon, and so usually continued until the twelfth hour of the night: every such shaking or casting of her head, ending with a loud and shrill inarticulate sound of these two syllables, iphas, iphas. After my first sight, I discovered these before wondered motives to be nothing else but sneezings and sternutations, which in all men have their different and 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Sonat sternutatio quia per angustum illi est ex itus. Hippocrat. Aph. 7. l b.  divers noises, and in her were more then ordinarily violent. To confirm and settle this judgement, I gave both by writing and speech prediction of a sequel, either of the falling sickness 
c Ingens sternutatio affinitatem habet cum epilepsia, tum quod ab eadem causa nasci potest, tum quod in eadem sede sita est. Ideo Hippocrates sternu tationem cum rheumate malum nuntiat; quin & indesinens sternutatio animalem facultatem validè saepe fatigat, nec non & sternutantes saepe mortui conciderunt.  or some other spice or species of convulsion, so grounding upon the continual violence and vehemence of the sternutation, and the great oppression of the brain, together with some obscure contractions of some parts already begun, though haply of others unobserved. In the mean season before my departure at that time in few days the grievousness, length, and frequency of the former fits was much mitigated and grew more easy, and so continued the space of a fortnight after my return from thence. This time last mentioned expired, suddenly the parents again sent for me: from them I learned that their daughter after divers tortures of her mouth and face, with staring and rolling of her eyes, scrawling and tumbling upon the ground, grating and gnashing her teeth, was now newly fallen into 
h Epilepsiam sequitur plerunque gravis sopor. Andernac. de med. ●et. & nova.  a deadly trance, wherein she had continued a whole day, representing the very shape and image of death, without all sense or motion: her pulse or breathing only witnessing a remainder of life. With these fits (oft in the mean season first frequenting) at length she again 
i Compositus enim morbus videtur, ex comate, caro, Apoplexia, Epilepsia. In nonnullis enim accessionibus sopitis motu & sensu libera erat respiratio, in aliis gravi cum difficultate spirandi & stertore periclitabatur, quae duo Apoplecticos à veternosis & catalepticis distinguunt authore Galerio lib. de loc. affect. Epileptici verò motus vix unquam desiere.  interchanged new, and then awaking out of her astonished sleep, wistly casting her eyes as looking sometime behind her, sometime to the one 
k Depravato omni genere motus voluntarij tum capitis tum oculotum.  side, sometime to the other; sometime over her head (as if she had fearfully or frightfully espied somewhat hagging about her) with her eyes staring open, her mouth wide gaping, and her hands and arms strongly distent & carried aloft above her head, together with a general starkness & stiffness of all these parts, she spent many days in this manner, both day and night iterating these fits, and each several fit continuing the space sometimes of half an hour, sometimes a quarter of an hour. While these fits at any time discontinued, she either slept, or (at least all her outward senses slumbering) her imagination still led her hands unto many and divers continual actions and motives, which argued in their folly great fatuity and 
d Epilensia est totius corporis convulsio cum rectricis partis actionum cohibitione. Galen. de Symp. differentijs.  defect of reason and understanding, yet manifested the business and depraved motion of her oppressed imagination, which therefore continually 
e Singularium praeter sensum exteriorem est sensus internus. Aristot. eth. 6.  employed her fingers to imitate many usual exercises of her health (as dressing and attiring the heads of such women as came near unto her. In all these actions and motions she neither had nor used the help of any other sense but only the feeling 
f Saepe morbo laeditur ratio salva imaginatione, saepe depravata imaginatio ne integra perstat ratio saepe deficit utraque, saepe deficiunt sensus exteriores seruatis internis, & è contra. Gal. de Loc. Affect.  with her hand, whereof she seemed also altogether deprived in 
g Coma est motus imaginatricis deficiens & imbecillus. Galen. de Sympt. differ.  all other things, except only those whereto her imagination (which is mistress and great commander of all the senses) lead 
h Communis facultas & potentia à cerebro per neruos in singula sensoria penetrans alterationes omnes ipsorum persentit. Gal. lib. 7. de Plate & Hippoc. dogmat.  her feeling. Hereof was oft made trial by pinching and the like, whereof she took no care, nor was thereby moved, except only when thereby haply they intercepted or interposed her feeling and the imagined object, whereof she was ever for the most part very sensible. After I had with much assiduity and diligence by some quick medicines solicited nature to a better remembrance of herself, at length upon a sharp provocation she immediately answered our desired hope, and we than first gained her sense of herself with some comfortable words, and with a perfect return 
i In Caro & intelligere & excitari aegrotus potest. Auicennna de sign. spec. Subeth.  of her understanding the distinct utterance of divers short, but devout invocations of God, unto the singular comfort of her parents, having before beheld her three weeks together both 
l Laesa septima neruorum à cèrebro ortorum coniugatione loquela imminuitur, depravatur aut ad tempus tollitur necessariò. Galen. de loc. Affect.  speechless and senseless. Her speech shortly again (after the operation of the medicine had taken the usual effect) departed, but her better sense and understanding still remained, which by her 
c The words which by writing she expressed, were these: God is a wonderful God, The Lord can do marvelous things; and when the skill of man hath done what it can, God will show himself a wonderful God.  pen she signified, and therewithal an holy mind and thoughts rare in such an imp (being then under the thirteenth year of her age) with an inward feeling of her agony and affliction, oft blessing God, and therein honouring her virtuous and careful education. Thus after much labour by the grace of God, and good means (for so they proved themselves ever by the immediate sequel of good unto them) we at length obtained the continuance of all her senses. Her tongue 
e Quomodo lingua, nunc motum nunc sensum amittat separatim aut coniunctim, magis vel minus, perue vicissitudines ratione cerebri laesi aut processus neruorum. vide Galen. de loc. aff.  remained still 
g Refert Guintherius Andernacus aliquos sibi natos, qui ex ingenti refrigeratione, & inde nata destillatione muti per aliquot dies perstitere, liquore verò absumpto vocem recepere. Andernac. lib. de Med. vet. & nova.  unperfect, yet continually moved itself to force a certain imitation of speech, with a mumbling, which (though no plain articulate sound of words) yet unto those that were thereto accustomed, oft intelligible and well perceived. Sometimes perfect speech 
f The very same accident, about the same time, in the same manner, befell a gentlewoman then lying at Cotesbrooke in Northamptonshire, and sometimes daughter unto M. read, while he lived there dwelling. She oft divers days together lost her speech, and again by fits suddenly recovered it, being beside vexed with divers manners of convulsions.  suddenly and unexpectedly would come unto her, but stayed not constant nor long. In this mean season I imparted unto her parents my doubt of a hard condition, namely a palsy or maim in some part likely to be annexed unto her recovery, if she survived her convulsive fits which still remained as before mentioned. Between hope and this fear we continued endeavour, and in the end by the infinite goodness of God, her fits before mentioned (namely of gaping and carrying her arms distent above her head) with the rest decreased, now discontinuing all day, only four or five short fits every night when she first lay down in bed continued, and with the decrease of the former vehemence and fearful continual frequency of the said fits, succeeded (as was before feared) a palsy, which possessed both her legs with a senseless deadness, and a general stupidity of one side of her body, being the ordinary terminations of an Apoplexy, and therefore foredoubted. After she had continued in this hopeful forwardness the space of two months or thereabout, she was then commended unto the Bath, with my report and description of her former passed accidents unto her Physician there, where after much and long fear and doubt, she began at length to yield better hope, finding by little and little the use of her legs, only the former small fits did still hand fast, and her speech as yet remained 
h Ex faciei partibus sola lingua saepenumerò afficitur. Gal. de loc. affect.  unperfected. Her legs being at Bath, began there to recover; her speech shortly after 
i Saepe medicamentorum commoda non sunt cum usu praesentia sed post emergentia.  her return home from thence also followed, and all her former fits and complaints vanished before that 
k Compensante procul dubio aestate ad tempus insigniter feruida incommoda praecedentis hyemis insigniter gelidae. Ab insigni verò refrigeratione ortum & originem mali factum esse, apud me satis constat. Frigus verò cum humiditate intensum soporem, stuporem, omne convulsionis genus, Epilepsiam, Apoplexiam constituere, author est Galenus lib. de loc. affect. 4.  summer passed. It hath been and is still a great doubt and question, not only among the common and vulgar sort, but divers also learned, whether this gentlewoman (in manner aforesaid afflicted) shall justly be ranked among those upon whom (by the permission of God) devils and witches have had a power, or whom nature and the course of natural diseases have thus in manner aforesaid afflicted. My own judgement must needs incline unto the latter, for that I could behold in the gentlewoman nothing (most continually conversing with her) which either my eyes had not before showed me in others, or perfect notion from reading both ancient writings and later neoterical descriptions, had not before made the same 
l Qui universal cognoscit quoquo pacto cognoscit & particular. Aristor.  unto my understanding, which they then presented themselves unto my sight. The first is in part testified in the margin of the page 59 60. and 64. The second, any man may witness true who can compare the report of all the fits and accidents which befell this gentlewoman (which as truly and nearly as I could, and I suppose fully, by the testimony of any that saw her, I have related) with the several shapes of some diseases before mentioned, pages 59 60. 61. 62. which are truly set down according to the common consent of most writers. The mixture of divers of them one with another, must needs make some difference in them from themselves, where they are each alone and several: but he that with that just allowance of that odds only, can consider the particular accidents in the special example, with the true notion of the diseases before it generally described, must needs grant them to be the same in kind and nature. It may farther persuade, that myself with reason from the known custom and nature of such diseases, gave both by speech and writing, prediction of the convulsion which after followed, and also of the termination of her 
g Saepius enim deprehendebatur repentino lapsu aut deprivatione omnis sensus & motus, comitant difficultate spiritus & stertote nec non rectricis facultatis functionibus omnino cohibitis. Hanc Apoplexiam veram distinguit Galenus praedictis notis, lib. de loc. affect. quam etiam generalem paralysim aliàs appellat. Apoplexiam verò vel generalem paralysim terminari particulari, nemo non norit, gravem scilicet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plerunque, levem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vel unius tantùm membri.  Apoplecticke accessions in the lameness and palsy of some parts, which also came to pass, and cannot now be denied testimony of many. It maketh yet farther against the opinion of witchcraft, that such medicines as were ministered unto her, in reason good for her, according to that reason and expectation for the most part ever profited, sometimes immediately with their use reducing her understanding before lost, sometime recovering her speech when she had divers weeks together before continued speechless, and by little and little evermore repairing continually some decays, notwithstanding many and divers relapses; which both her parents themselves, and the servants, and all that ministered unto her, must needs unto God and truth with thanks acknowledge. It farther confirmeth the negative of witchcraft, and is not the least, that while the opinion thereof most hotly possessed most hearers and beholders, the parents of the gentlewoman at no time in the height of their daughter's affliction, or a good space after, could resolve upon whom with any just show of reason to cast the suspicion of bewitching, as they oft avouched unto me both then and since. The most certain and chief proofs 
h Vide Wierum de praestigijs daemonum. Consul Langium in epist. Medicine. tract. de Daemoniac. joann. Hucherun Bellovacum de Maleficijs. joan. Baptistam Codronchium de morbis veneficiatis.  of witchcraft & devilish practices upon the sick, among the learned esteemed are generally reputed three: First, a true and judicious manifestation in the sick of some real power, act or deed, in, above and beyond reason and natural cause. Secondly, annihilation and frustration of wholesome and proper remedies, with discretion and art administered, without any just reason or cause thereof. Thirdly, ought either in the knowledge or speech of the diseased, discovering a ravishment, possession or obsession of their minds or spirits by any infernal inspiration. Hence the sick oft speak strange languages 
f Fernelius de Abditis rerum causis, lib. 2.  unto themselves unknown, and prophecy things to come, above human capacity. To the first doth satisfy the former manifest reference of all accidents befalling the gentlewoman mentioned, unto the prevalence and power of diseases before related. The second is negatively answered by plain testimonies. Of the third and last was never mention, nor question, nor reason of either. There can nothing be required more unto ample satisfaction: and as I therein rest and stay myself, so I doubt not the consent and content of all that affect truth and embrace reason. I will notwithstanding for the better exercising and stirring up of diligence, circumspection and vigilance, generally in this so hard and deceivable point of witchcraft, and also for their sakes, whose weakness may as yet be uncapable of satisfaction in the former particular, answer some objections therein made. The forenamed convulsive fits, of lifting up her hands above her head, 
Object.  which were the last remaining fits, toward their decay and latter end, never came unto her but only when prepared at the night for bed, and unclothed into her nightweeds, she began to yield and decline her body to lie down. In that instant, each night without failing, ever and never before began her fits. When she at any time lay herself down to rest upon her bed in her clothes (whether by day or night) her fits notwithstanding appeared not. Some have imagined some conjuration or witchcraft upon or in her nightcloths or sheets; but to them that seek reason, I suppose it found. The power of voluntary motion, which is the animal faculty, and the disease itself both possessing the same parts, namely the sinews and muscles, while the disease was in his vigour and strength in the beginning, it therefore mastered the faculty and moving power, and continually ruled, so that the fits then never almost ceased by day or night. Now in the declination and weakness of the disease, and toward the end, the faculty grew strong, restrained and commanded over the disease, whereby all the day there appeared no fits at all. But when the moving power or faculty composed itself to a true and general cessation and rest, then in that instant the disease took his advantage and liberty to stir. 
Object.  But why was it not thus also when she slept in her clothes? The sense and encumbrance of the day-habite is ever an hindrance of perfect sleeps. Therefore to them that sleep in their clothes, or upon their beds, commonly there is not so true a ligation of their senses, neither are their sleeps so sound, nor of the like continuance. While therefore she lay or composed herself to rest in her clothes, the sense thereof both interrupted the faculty from the true and sound disposing itself to rest, and also thereby put it in mind of the disease which had so lately sharply visited it, with tart remembrance; and the disease being now too weak to resist or to provoke the faculty, could not upon that unperfect advantage stir, until by a more sound and true dispose to rest and sleep, the spirits and natural heat more truly retiring inward, had more perfectly left the outward parts, and thereby the disease there still remaining might have more liberty and power to stir, which notwithstanding also soon after of the own accord desisted, because it wanted the former strength to maintain continuance. 
Object.  That which breedeth other doubts, is that at such time when she wanted all her senses, and altogether seemed senseless of any object offered unto her, or of itself occurring, yet had she a curious feeling of such things as her mind and liking sought or seemed to hunt after. This is no wonder to them that know where the imagination intently and earnestly worketh, it there giveth sense to those 
d Primum sensorium omnium sensuum commune est. Galen de sympt. differ.  parts it exerciseth, though all other parts be stupefied or asleep. This is oft seen in many who in their dreams walk, talk, and do seriously many works, distinguishing and feeling those things whereabout the fancy occupieth them, of other objects, though haply more near hand and of quicker remembrance, taking no notice at all. The disease or accident which most oft and frequently possessed this gentlewoman, was a kind of 
e Apoplexiam, carum, catalepsin altos sopores nominat omnes. Galen lib 13 de Meth. Med ut & aliis, Lethargum etiam inter sopores recenset sed cum febre incidentem propter humoris putredinem. Object.  heave sleep, in degree only exceeding the ordinary resolution and ligation of the senses by sleep, and therefore the same reason may indifferently serve both. It is farther objected, that the gentlewoman oft pointed, sometime this way, sometime that, as seeing the appearance of a woman of such and such form and colours, which also according unto her manner of unperfect speech, she after described, as some say. It is not unusual with the sick oft to imagine indifferently, as well things inconsiderate and 
f Sicut in somnis decipimur insomnijs, ita vigilantes in aegritudinibus, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Arist. de insomnijs.  incomposed as truths, and therefore are their imaginations of no 
g Egregiè hac in re satisfacit Theophili Medici aegrotantis historia, memorata à Galeno lib. de sympt. different.  validity without better proof or reason, which I think before sufficiently satisfied. And in this gentlewoman (having her head, where her disease had so manifestly deeply seated itself, therefore so mightily oppressed) it was more easy for any faculitie therein to mistake and err, then to conceive aright. And therefore though it might haply manifestly appear (which may be and is ordinarily rather the abusive impression of some indiscreet 
h The mention of her supposed sight of the witch, came after the return of all her senses, and when only the convulsions of her arms and face were remaining accidents Object.  whispering about the sick) that she of herself primarily and without suggestion conceived the form or shape of a witch, yet is that no sound proof or clearing of the question of witchcraft in general, nor any reasonable evidence against one particular, since the trials of truth are not stirred by imaginations. It is lastly objected, that certain witches lately dying for sorcery, have confessed themselves to have bewitched this gentlewoman. I grant the voluntary and uncompelled, or duly and truly evicted confession of a witch, to be sufficient condemnation of her self, and therefore justly hath the law laid their blood upon their own heads, but their confession I cannot conceive sufficient eviction of the witchcraft itself. It is known evidently unto men learned, that the subtle serpent and deceiver the devil doth usually beguile, delude and deceive those that trust in him by his juggling collusions, persuading oft times those actions and events to be his gratification of their malicious affections, which are indeed the very works of nature, and oft times the rare effects only of hidden causes in nature. A witch's confession therefore being only grounded upon his credit, information and suggestion, whose nature, custom and property is and ever hath been to lie and deceive, is a mean, poor and uncertain proof of witchcraft, though a just condemnation unto the witch, herself being proved an associate with the devil in any sort. Her death therefore doth satisfy the law for her offence, but is no sound information of the judgement of the witchcraft. Thus according to that whereof myself could take notice in this gentlewoman (if more full information of others observations in those things that by myself were not seen or noted, fail me not) I have truly and fully described every material accident and circumstance; and to all the known or conceived likely doubts and difficulties therein have carefully and directly answered, and therein also have (I suppose) satisfied the ingenuous and reasonable with brevity at full. Now to conclude the former explication of the question of witchcraft in general, I entreat the Reader to call unto mind the formerly mentioned fears and doubts of witchcraft, which unknown accidents and diseases easily impose upon minds herein unacquainted and not discerning their cause and reason, and in them farther for future good to consider the possible contingence of many more of like nature and sort in other the like cases elsewhere happening, and here unmentioned. In both and with both let also be recalculate and cast the strange and sly suggestions of the fancy and imagination, sometimes countenanced by admired casual events and chances, sometimes applauded by ignorant credulity, and sometimes advanced by superstition in all and every of these still with the vulgar sort, advantaging the same error and opinion of witchcraft. I have so much the rather thus far laboured, for that ordinarily herein I see truth and judgement too much perverted, the diseased their health and life thereby neglected, and many times simple idiots and fools oppressed, whose weakness doth oft seem guilty, because ever unable to defend itself. Every one in these cases is not fit or competent arbiter: it requireth the learned, and not learned in word and superficial seeming, but indeed truly judicious and wise, whom ever to preconsult in these occasions is only safe, is right, expedient, and ever necessary.   

CHAP. IX.  
Wizards.  
THe mentione of witchcraft doth now occasion the remembrance in the next place of a sort of practitioners, 
Wizards.  whom our custom and country doth call wisemen and wise-women, reputed a kind of good & honest harmless witches or wizards, who by good words, by hallowed herbs and salves, and other superstitious ceremonies promise to allay and calm devils, practices of other witches, and the forces of many diseases. But these being of the same nature with those before mentioned to use spells, and as they before, so these now sometimes only superstitiously vain, sometimes devilishly assisted, I will refer these unto them, and only dismiss them both with a short history. Anno 1602. a poor boy of Pychley in Northamptonshire, was suddenly surprised with a vehement convulsion, drawing his head and heels violently 
h Name in aversam partem aegrotantis reclinationem opisthotonon vocamus, neruis qui eò loci sunt malè affectis. Emprosthotonon autem si in priorem partem homo deflectitur, neruis anteriùs positis laborantibus. Aret. lib. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  backward, and in that sort carrying his whole body into a roundness, tumbling up and down with much pain and inward groaning. The parents of the child posed with the strangeness, presently accused 
i Hic hominum ineptorum mos est, in malis sua ignorantia vel acquisitis vel commorantibus cum anu Aesopica semper daemonem accusare.  witchcraft, sent for a wisewoman, & her wisdom came unto them. At the same time it fortuned myself to be in the town with a patient of mine, a worthy and virtuous Lady there inhabiting, who moved me to see the bewitched child, and upon the motion together with her Preacher then living in her house, I went unto the place where the child lay. There among other standing silent and unknown, I beheld the fits, & heard also the wisewoman wisely discoursing, and among other things of the like nature, declaring unto the company, that the lungs of the child were as white as 
c An possit oculos tantum contendere Lynceus?  her kercher. With this and some other such like kercher learning, I 
d Doleban meherculè quòd pugillares & stilum non haberem qui tam bellas fabellas pernotarem.  silenty departed. When I was returned unto my patient, I there professed my opinion concerning the manner and nature of convulsions with their several causes, amongst the rest not omitting the strange accidents which did oft fall out in such diseases by worms. Not long after, when the cunning of the wizard was now grown without profit, stale and forsaken, the child avoided a great and long worm, and immediately after recovered without other help or means, and so hath continued ever since. Thus the serpent beguiled the woman, and the woman beguiled (though not Adam) many foolish sons of Adam. At length a poor worm gave them demonstration of their ridiculous folly. Such teachers are fittest for such scholars, whose gross ignorance is ever so far in love with it own prejudicate conceit, that though they were brayed in a mortar, yet cannot this love be beaten out of them for any love of truth or reason. I did not therefore trouble them with my patience to instruct them, nor they molest me with their impatience to hear.   

CHAP. X.  
Servants of Physicians. Ministering helpers.  
NoW to fulfil our just computation of Empirics, and therewith to conclude their mention and number: the last (but not the least) that offer themselves ordinarily in this kind and name, are suchas either by oft serving Physicians, 
Servants of Physicians. Ministering helpers.  or by continual conversing with them and viewing their custom and practice, or by their own employment 
a Ideo olim Clinici & lecticularij dicti & Diaetarij.  from their directions in applications and administrations unto the sick, or by some special trust and attendance about the necessities of the diseased, engross unto themselves supposed special observations, and choice and select remedies, and with such small wares thus taken up upon credit, set 
b Hâc ab origine Experientia nata est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & imitatoria.  up for themselves, presuming it good rhetoric (because an old figure) to take a part for the whole. Thus seeing too much honesty would not suffer them to rob their teachers of a more sufficient portion of general method and art, they think it sufficient to be able to supply the same particular means with the like desire and goodwill. But apish imitation and resembling show can never express the life of reason in her native use. Although therefore sometimes some of this sort, by subtlety, a good wit, officious diligence, and thereby pleasing fortunateness, do angle a good report and estimation, and thereby catch many simple 
c parva leues capiunt animos  people (who hoodwinked with good opinion discern not the bait) yet doth their commonly observed daring those things which they know they know not, and their ordinary raising themselves by the ladder of boasting, manifestly detect, both their cloaked defect, and their choked guilt. For what expectation can be of them who for the most part build their whole worth upon the meanest proof of another's sufficiency, and all the skill which they are able to expend, is but that little which another without envy or jealousy could spare? Timely and well grown perfection is never to be attained either by service or bare observation. It is necessary that man be in himself a master of knowledge and of sincere judgement, that shall be able truly to make right use of another's experience. Experiece therefore alone, and the benefit of a Physicians service or admission unto the view of practice, without the benefit of sufficient general theory and learning going before, can in itself be no true benefit. It is reason and knowledge that doth guide men wise unto 
d Quoniam ars circa particularia versatur quae insinita sunt, qui non redigit ad universalem methodum, caeco & incerto modo agit & opera fortunae committit. Gal. de puero Epilept.  all their particular actions and experiences, and those actions succeeding in trial and proof according to that reason commend and confirm that reason, and made good that experience. For that which experience hath once or ofttimes known and found to do good, must not therefore in necessity still do 
e Medicina sexies vel septies probata non facit universalem propositionem. Galen.  the same good, except the same reason of the good do in each circumstance again commend and command it, which only they can judge and examine that are wise and learned. That experience therefore is only certainly and truly allowed trust, which proving itself good doth therein also justify 
g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Aequè mutila ratio sine experientia, & experientia sine ratione Nazianz.  the knoweldge and reason which directed it unto that good. They therefore that without method, art, reason and 
f Qui se artem acquisivisse sine Methodo arbitratur sciat se umbram habere non artem. Plato in Phileb.  knowledge, take care to spend their time in gaping after others experiences, do set the cart to draw the horses, and every one that goeth unto plough, knoweth they either never went to school, or begin their lesson at the wrong end. By this preposterous defect therefore, and therein want of knowledge to foresee the likely issues of their actions, since these Empirics themselves know not, not truly foresee what they endeavour or do, how shall others that trust them know what thereby they shall suffer? Provident foresight is far from blind ignorance, and wise prevention from imprudent temerity, and the experiment made without ait or reason doth 
b Per se naturaue sua fallax est experientia & periculosa. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hipp. Aph. 1.  more commonly reprove and chastise, then instruct and establish. Neither can any man make a true rule or use of his experience, that truly knoweth not the particular nature and estate of those things whereof he hath experience, together with all circumstances that may alter the considerations. They therefore that will learn more safely to inform themselves, let them know assuredly, that sufficiency is never found in the utmost observation or Empirical tradition, but in a settled and itself confirming knowledge and understanding. Neither can this true knowledge be duly or competently attained, but by early begun, and late continuing education thereto, instituted in places fit and free for true grounds, for the groweth and seed of pure and good knowledge, instilled into the mind by little 
f Habitus omnis intellectiws, actiws, factiws sensim acquiruntur nec sine assiduitate, tempore, diligentia stabiliuntur unquam.  and little, by daily reading, contemplation, meditation, and assiduity in both, watered with the dew and sweat of painful study, hastened to maturity by careful and continual good culture 
g Doctrina nam vim promovet insitam. Horat.  of ancient counsel and direction, and lastly confirmed and strengthened in the good and perfect groweth unto a firm age and time there in by choice example and experience, withal these possessing an 
h Naturae sequitur semina quisque su● Propert.  aptness in nature as the ground of all.  
The end of the first Book.    

THE SECOND BOOK.  

CHAP. I.  
The Methodian learned deceiver or heretic Physician.  
THus far have been remembered the ignorant practitiones that infost this age. Now it followeth we come unto another erroneous kind of such as have a name and portion among the learned: such are they that have a taste of good arts and science, but are not truly earned, nor have sincerely drawn the natural and lively sap of true science and understanding. Of this kind among the Ancients, were reputed those they termed 
d Quales Proclus, Antipater, Dionysius, Thessalus, Themison, de quo nomine Iuuenalis sic habet: Quot Themison aegros autumno occidederit uno.  Methodians, either by an Irony or Antiphrasis, as having no true 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & omnium maximè 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appellat Galenus.  method, but a compendium or a method of their own making; or else because they arrogated this name unto themselves in the best sense, as only in their own supposal meriting the title of true Art and Method. These had their peculiar and proper errors in those times in which they lived, then especially noted; but we will make bold more generally under this name to comprehend all who carry a name and visar of learning, but are not able to express the power thereof, either by their distinct and truly digested understanding, or by right performance in action and practice according thereunto. These men, any man may note to be of three sorts: First, such as may commonly be observed to bear natural defects and impediments within themselves: secondly, such as want time in nature or their studies: thirdly, such as have spent most part of their life otherwise distracted, and have not had entire employment in their callings. The first rank nature herself doth note unto every one by their imperfect parts stamped and expressed in their daily conversation. Such are they who argue in themselves want of wit, of common capacity, of ordinary government: or are disposed to lunacies, to inordinate affections and customs in the continual course and practise of their life. The second are youths, young men, and all wanting discreet years in their faces or 
g Inconsideratio cognatum & perpetuum iwentutis vitium. Scalig. de subt.  manners, with all such as derive their knowledge no further than grammar schools, or in Universities have made short stay and too sudden departure. Both these are easily diseovered, and therefore cannot so usually deceive, or else can but deceive such as deserve no better. The third, are all such aside fraud their callings of their whose endeavour, and divide themselves between two professions. Their neutrality in both doth prove their nullity in either. Perfection in any faculty requireth more than a 
cc Qui si quid homo sit seias facile te nihil esse intelligas. Ego vero nequaquam nos homines esse dicere consuevi sed partes hominis. Ex omnibus enim aliquid fieri posse, idque non maginum, ex singulis pene minus quam nihil. Schilg. de subtle.  man, 
cc Nemo nostrûm satis esse potest ad attem vel constituenda vel absolunda: sed sat superque videri debet si quae multorum annorum spacio priores invenerint posteri accipiamus, atque his addentes aliquid illa aliquando compleamus & perficiamus. Galen. in Aph. Hipp.  and 
k Competit quod par est, par est quod sufficit, sufficit quod nullius indiget 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Arist. Eth. 1.  competence a whole man nor ever was any in an excellent whom one calling could not 〈◊〉 deserve and employ. Within this compass also stand such, as having spent a good part, or most part of their time in one art or science, towards the end 〈◊〉 in them iddel course exchange. These from the 〈◊〉 flowing and wanting of their minds in a former stream, 〈◊〉 arriving in a new 〈◊〉 cannot suddenly lauch unto any depth or profoundness of judgement (which only time by stealing steps by little and little doth mature and ripeth as a timely fruit 
a Nam mora dat vires, teneras mora percoquit vuas. Et validas segetes quae fuit herba facit. ovid. ) and therefore they may in haste and greatily swallow upon hole sentences, yea & volumes unchewed, yet can they never truly digest them but with 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Tempus inventor & adiutor bonus, unde & artium sunt facta incrementa. Arist. Eth. 1.  many days and much leisure. Every Art is an habit: an habit is by small degrees and length of time and custom acquired, and thence riseth by little and little to perfection and full growth. There is to every faculty belonging, first an habit of right judging therein, and distinct knowing: secondly an habit according to judgement and knowledge of right action and 
c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. etc. Omnes mentis habitus sunt extremorum, etc.  disposing. A double habit in every faculty, requireth a double time in every faculty, which therefore cannot but with long patience and careful assiduity therein be invited. The too common want hereof in these days, is the cause that many reputed great clerks & scholars, have in their mouths and discourse, the phrase, the language and sentences of wisdom, but want the 
d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Alia est enim dicacitas, alia doctorum elegans & erudita ratio: haec consistit in verborum virtute, illa in idearum quae rerum sunt species.  soul, the substance and the sense. Hence it cometh to pass, that tongues overflow with aphorisms, maxims, and rules of ancient truth, but for the most part confusedly, not rightly distinguished, mistaken or supposed. Neither cau excellence in one faculty give prerogative in another. Therefore those that are perfect and absolved artists in their own faculty, and will impair their dignity by engaging it in another, (where neither their time nor proof can equal it) let wise men cuatelously and with suspicion admit their counsel or trust their practice. I sometime knew a learned Divine, batchelar in that faculty, 
Historiae.  a great clerk, of much reading and study therein, whose busy and ambitious brain not contenting itself within so infinite an ocean of sufficient sacred and sweet employment, would needs break out into other bounds, and from some borrowed hours and time for study in physic, grew to affect therein more than a common name and understanding. In the end his pride and conceit of his knowledge transported him so far, that among other ridiculous paradoxes, he both in schools and common profession defended an indifferency in the natures, qualities and use of Stibium and Ratsbane: to conclude, his confidence herein so far bewitched him that he made trial thereof in himself, and as a just execution upon himself, was the same day poisoned. Another of my knowledge and acquaintance, a man in the Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Chaldey, and other languages much studied, and in the judgement and theory of Divinity of approved worthiness and understanding, having therein bestowed the best part of his time, suddenly interchanged with an unadvised course of practice in Physic; he spent some time in travel beyond the sea, and returned again thence dignified; but his former studies were so well and sound foresetled, that they admitted not so true and right after-setling of the second. Hence as his brain overflowed with unconstant propositions, and his tongue with paradoxes, his actions also thereto suited. In the end he made upon himself an experiment of the force of Opium in a more than ordinary dose, and so composing himself unto a desired sleep, never returned to view the issue of his experiment, but descending into the grave, left this memory behind him. If any man wonder at these grand lapses in men learned, let him stay and satisfy his doubt with admiration of the multitude of sects in all ages, swarming with gross errors and opinions, even amongst the learned of all faculties and professions. This undoubtedly groweth from no other ground but want of entire understanding of those things men study and read, through imperfect and distracted employment of their minds, seriously and wholly required unto any measure of perfection. Therefore Galen in his learned treatise of the method of right cure (as also in other places) doth oft times witness, that where sects and sectaries abound, there is infallibly mistaking and unsound apprehension of truth, and therefore lamely, defectively, and in part attained, because 
h Prim● & praecipua delictorum & errotum causa in aegrotantium curatione, Divisionum pravitas, ut & in aliis haeresibus. Quidam in primis & supremis divisionum generibus consistunt contenti illis indicationibus quae ab illis sumuntur. Quidan verò usque ad aliquid dividunt non tamen usque ad finem perveniunt. Nonnulli verò vitiosis utuntur divisionibus. Qui verò omnia quae sunt secundùm naturam & praeter naturam recto divisionis artificio complectitur, atque ab omnibus sumit sufficientes indicationes, hic solùm medendo non errabit, quantum humanis conceditur viribus. Galen. de ratione Meden. ad Glaucon.  so only sought. If any man require a more special proof or trial hereof, let him with me here cull and examine any few Aphorisms of Hypocrates, and in them (though commonly and orderly read and avouched by every mouth) ye shall he find how easy and ordinary it is for any man in any one to be inconsiderately deceived and mistaken, if he do not with all possible diligence, indistracted vigilance and circumspection, continually, wholly and indefatigably 
g Puta apprehensio simplex saepe caret ratione, nondum excitata ratione, aut suae cognitionis non inita ratione. Scalig. de subt.  exercise all his powers in seeking out their hidden truth, which doth never freely reveal itself to those that carelessly or in part, or for sinister & trifling 
i Hinc paucissimi sapientissimam Hippocratis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ritè sapiunt.  ends labour after it. For example, in his sixth book of aphorisms and 52. aphorism, Hypocrates doth nominate a mortal sign in the diseased, the appearance of the white of the eye in sleep, and sleeping with unclosed eyes. In many diseased, this oft is found untrue, but with Hypocrates understanding it is never 
k Vide Galenum in praedictum Aphoris. & Brasavolum in utrosque.  false. He that simply and verbally only understandeth, and without meditated differences and exceptions, or maketh not more narrow search, shall hardly truly find the certain and true limitation of this truth. For if this manner of sleeping fall out from any outward cause, or besides reason or cause thereof in the inward disposition, it is not simply or altogether bad, much less mortal. For where the sick are thus accustomed to sleep in health, or so sleep by reason of fumes and vapours ascending unto the head, and thence distilling into the eyelids, and so hindering their right closure, (as it is oft seen in great drinkers) or where it proceedeth only from worms in children, and the like, the incautelous and superficial understanding is readily deceived. In like manner the 51. aphorism of the same book doth promise by the coming of a fever thereto, the profligation of the apoplexy. But this is not true, confusedly interpreted, and therefore beyond the first view requireth further studious inquisition to find out the quantity 
b Oportet febrem neque leviorem esse quam quae morbi materiam discutiat, neque graviorem quam aegri virtus ferat. Holler. tract. de Apoplex. Galen. in dictum Aphoris.  of the fever, with the degree of the apoplexy. Great wounds and cuts of the head (saith the 50. aphorism of the same book) procure and incur fevers: but he that doth no further search to know the 
c Necesse est febrem superuenire sed non simul. Nam putredo cum vulnere accelerat febrem, vulnus sine putredine tardigradam producit febrens. Brasavol. in praedict. aph.  times that fevers may differently in swiftness or slowness of their coming take, nor understandeth the causes slackening or quickening the fevers speed, may easily too hastily before just time accuse the truth hereof. The 3. aphorism of the fifth book threateneth danger in convulsions upon great issues and losses of blood; but in what quantity thou shalt esteem them 
d Magnus ille est fluxus quicunque repent indesinenter & celeriter profluit. Gal. in dictum aph.  great, or with what conditions, thou must use diligence, and elsewhere inquire. Many have lost great measures of blood at once, and yet have escaped both with and without convulsions, if 8. 9 10. or 12. 
e Ponderavit Brasauolus libras 18. ex sinistra nare foeminae nobilis fusas simul & semel, praeter 4. libras aut plures per lintea & mappas sparsas, nec aderat interea aliquod vitae discrimen, sed convaluit. Brasavol. in aph.  pounds at once from the nose may be called much or great. The first aphorism of the fifth book, doth pronounce the convulsion procured in assumption of Hellebore mortal. It is notwithstanding seen, that convulsions so raised, cease again without death or other danger. To understand therefore aright, we must know to distinguish the divers ways and 
f Conuulsio quam affert Hellebori assumptio ex oris ventriculi vellicatione plerunque sine discrimine, quam verò ex immodica evacuatione, illa maximè lethalis. Galen. in aph dictum.  manners whereby Hellebore doth produce convulsions. The 31. aphorism of the fifth book, menaceth unto a woman with child being let blood, abortion. But whether we shall understand it simply necessary, or only as an hazard or periclitation, or with what conditions, more certain information doth ask further search. The 40. aphorism of the second book, threateneth unto old men surprised with mur●hes and distillations, the end of their disease with the end of their days. But unto perfect conceiving, is further requisite the consideration of the degrees of old men, in whom is apparent either age alone (which is only the number of years) or oldness 
g Hinc senectus & senium, senectus prima & ultima, viridis & decrepita.  with age, which is a decay and wearing of nature together with years. Infinite might we be in these and the like, every trivial and vulgarly received rule requiring a more circumspect and considerate understanding, than the first view or light reading doth offer or present. It is a common well known and commendable caution, to suspect phlebotomy in children unto the fourteenth year, and in old men after fifty or sixty years. But with what restraints and limitations these rules are to be bounded, fully and truly to conceive, besides their hearing or reading is required a view and review of differing reason and exposition, diligent and careful scrutiny, oft comparing and conferring odds and differences of circumstances. None truly learned will or can be so inconsiderate or rash to take blood from age, whose veins are exhausted or spent, blood dried up, or from infancy crop the first hopeful sprouting or spring thereof; yet with deserved fame and honour to themselves, and incomparable benefit unto the sick, have right learned worthy and excellent Physicians used and prescribed phlebotomy both under five 
d Auenzoar filio suo trimo venam secuit. , and after sixty 
e Rhases aetati decrepitae in pleuritide venam secuit.  years. Diligence will not rest until it have found 
c Interest enim non quae aetas sit, neque quid in corpore geratur intus, sed quae vires sint. Firmus puer, robustus senex, & gravida mulier valentes sanguinis missione tutò curantur. ●ernel. de sang. miss  out reconciliation to these doubts, and confirmation to more perfect knowledge, which serious labour must buy, study continually attend, and thence time gain, free from other impertinent implication. The common want hereof suffereth so many unprofitable questions amongst the the learned, maintaineth contentions and pride of words, multitude of sects and schisms from truth: and while men at other leisure, for other shifts, ends, and supplies, and not for the own worthiness, or for itself seek knowledge, they commonly lose the true end, and therefore true perfection. The innumerable dissensions amongst the learned concerning the Arabic and Chemic remedies at this day infinitely, with opposite and contradictory writings, and invectives, burden the whole world. Some learned Physicians and writers extol and magnify them as of incomparable use and divine efficacy. Some with execration accuse and curse them as damned and hellish poisons. Some because they find not these remedies in the common & vulgar readings of the Ancients (the famous and learned Grecians) with fear and horror endure their very mention, far therein unlike and differing from that ingenuous spirit of the thrice worthy and renowned Pergamene Claudius Galen, who in brightness of understanding, sharpness of apprehension, and invention overshining all the precedent wits that were before him, yet did he with humble and deigning desire search & entertain from any sort of 
f Versatus sum & i●notui celeberrimis in una quaque secta praeceptionibus & pa●i studio omnibus dedi operam. Galen. de Loc. Affectis.  people, yea from the most unlearned Empiric himself, any their particular remedies or medicines, which after by his purer and more eminent judgement, and clearer light of understanding, refining, he reduced to more proper worth, and thereby gave admired precedents of their wondered odds in his learned prescription and accommodation. Some contrarily contemning the learning and knowledge of the Grecian, and with horrid superstition, deifying an absolute sufficiency in Chemic remedies, reject the care or respect of discreet and prudent dispensation. A third and more commendable sort differeth from both these, and leaving in the one his learned morosity and disdainful impatience of different hearing, and in the other his ignorant and perverse Hermetical monopoly, with impartial and ingenuous desire free from sectary affectation, doth from both draw whatsoever may in either seem good or profitable unto health or physic use: from the Grecian deriving the sound & ancient truth, & from both Greek, Chemic, or Arabian, borrowing with thankful diligence any helpful good to needful use. Antiquity hath given us our first 
e Maiores nostri ad veritatis indagationem & conuentionem cum magno animo atque excel●o per sa●ebras atque tenebras iter suum contulerint, ut quo possint modo praelucerent nobis, quare non erunt illorum manes (prope dixerim) Deorum cultu celebrandi? Scal. de Subt.  lights in all knowledges, succeeding times have added their several lustres, and our latest 
f Atque iniquum decreti genus est quod omnem laudis fructum & gloriae uni Graeciae detulit, ut Arabum & posterita●is studia perpetuis tenebris obruantur. Quaedam posteritas addidit non iraudanda laud. Vixerunt Graeci in media luce literarum, ex●iterunt Arabes, & inde ductae familiae iam desertis & scpultis melioribus disciplinis digna tamen luce aeterna●ue memoria nobis reliquerunt. Hollerius instit. Chirurg.  posterity hath yielded also many things not unworthy their worthy praise. Chiefly to honour the ancient worthies, yet to 
g Etiam hispidis, etiam qui errarunt habendam esse gratiam censeo. Scalig. de Subt.  contemn none, and to view all, is the rarest growth, but truest perfection. And thus by the examples before for many innumerable more, it is manifest that men learned, knowing and reading much, may notwithstanding either through distraction or negligence be esteemed and found in complete perfect and distinct knowing, ignorant and unwotting. And as their understandings are hence corrupted and depraved, so necessarily by consequent must their actions be answerable thereto, since thence derived, bad principles ever producing bad practice. This is not obscure nor dainty in many common practisers of imperfect knowledge, to be daily instanced almost every where, whereby that man whose own judgement cannot give him dispensation to serve and differ sometimes from the common understanding, use, and custom of vulgar practice, shall oft times dangerously err. In above 40. years being, I have now twenty years been an understanding observer and partaker of divers and different medicinal practice, and therein have oft noted how that which sometime hath opposed common received rule, in the peculiar proof of some other learned, hath given good occasion of new disquisition of before unconsidered reason or distinction in the rule. For a brief taste of many, I will particularise some few. I have observed in some kind of Palsies blood taken from the paralytic side, when all other means have proved vain, to have been the sole present successful remedy, yea beyond all hope hath oft rescued the latest hope out of the jaws of death. This much experience doth testify, yet is it contrary unto received ancient edict. In like manner in some diseased plethorical bodies, I have observed and seen, that their general numbness, 
a Torpor levis quaedam Paralysis. Galen. de Sympt. causis.  torpor and stupidity raised in them from the distension, compression and obstruction of their full vessels, hath immediately on the same side that was let blood, found present and sensible delivery from those accidents with great lightsomeness and alleviation, the opposite side still continuing in the former manner oppressed and grieved, until the same remedy of phlebotomy hath been thereto likewise applied. In common stoppages of the womb I have oft seen when the usual bleeding in the foot hath nothing at all profited, but in vain wearied the parts thereby fruitlessly vexed, that the incision of a vein in the arm hath immediately opened the stoppage, and the former current hath freely streamed. In some kind of dropsies, cachexiaes, or green sicknesses. I have observed that letting blood by excellent fruit and benefit, hath proved the successful remedy, above, beyond, and after all remedies. These things are witnessed by many worthy testimonies, and yet are generally esteemed violations of rule. I will not here dispute the causes and reasons of these things, nor disquire how judgement did guide unto these trials, nor how necessarily or probably the effects and consequent followed, or cohered with the judgement. I will leave it indifferent unto every one learned, and unto right perpension in just occasion of due consideration hereof. I give not these instances (as rash supposal may imagine) to encourage Empirical boldness, unto common imitation hereof, nor do hereby allow (as some not distinguishing may imagine) blood-thirsty phlebotomy to suck men's lives in rash trial hereof▪ but to prove and manifest how necessary it is for a judicious and orthodox Physician, diligently and prudently in his faculty exercised according to art, to retain and enjoy a reserved power and warranted sufficiency within himself, to vary and differ sometimes from too strict & superstitious imitation of a common rule and received custom. And from this worth and virtue hath it come to pass, that many learned & famous men, in their several ages have left so many worthy additaments unto knowledge and the common good, by their own special proofs & trials of rules, in their peculiar practice oft different from vulgar conceit, use and custom; unto whom may not be denied beyond the ordinary bounds, a liberty and dispensation contained within the latitude of safe discretion and art. And thus briefly both by the use of common distracted reading, and thence indigested understanding, and also by the former particular proofs of easy deception in acception of common rules, and lastly by examples of practice, it is manifested that men otherwise, and in other respects, esteemed justly learned, may inconsiderately & easily err, when distractedly & dividedly they employ their thoughts and cogitations, or want that sole or solid possession of their whole minds and meditations by their own proper faculties and functions. This is the reason, that though comparably to these times no age hath ever afforded writings more prodigally obvious, nor show of knowledge with greater affluence, yet in Authors never hath been either less true meaning, or less right understanding. Hence as seeming understanding did never more abound, so never was it of worse report, the goose 
a Capit insanabile cunctos scribendi cacoethes. Scalig.  so liberally giving wings and feathers unto fantastic thoughts, but the eagle-eye of clear & 
b Prepauci aliquid bene sciu●t Ad apicem plura aspirant magis ingenia quam pervenient. Scalig.  sincere judgement, seldom undazedly, or without winking, fixed upon the perfect brightness and purity of serene and clearly distinguished truth. And thus much touching those that are of best proficience and most learned note in divided studies and callings, distraction necessarily leaving a remissness and neglect in many things both of mind and action. As for those that are of mean literature in their own professions, their intrusion in others, and desperate esteem and quality in their own, must needs preach their insufficiency in the latter by their mediocrity in the first.   

CHAP. II.  
Of beneficed Practisers.  
THE grand and most common offenders in those kinds before remembered, and in these days, are divers Astrologers, but especially Ecclesiastical persons, Vicars and Parsons, who now overflow this kingdom with this alienation of their own proper offices and duties, and usurpation of others, making their holy calling a linsey wolsey, too narrow for their minds, and therefore making themselves room in others affairs, under pretence of love and mercy. Besides, their profane intrusion into inhibited lists, their unlimited breach of law, and want of reverence and respect of order and distinction of callings, (which true Divinity doth teach holy men) reason and experience do daily witness, that by the necessary coincidence oft times of both callings requiring them at the same moment in distant places, without conscience they impose upon themselves a necessary neglect of both by an unnecessary 
a Elige quid velis, qu● enim pudor omnia velle? Martial.  assumption of the one. This the poor patient's necessity and need must oft complain, though haply more seldom observed: and therefore of few is that which herein is lamentable, at all lamented. Many times many poor people (and sometimes men of better worth) in their necessities, and oft last extremities, through this voluntary overmeasure of employment in these enlarged spirits, are not only deferred, procrastinated and neglected, but oft times even to death illuded. For from report and information by others unto the Physician, and from the indication by urine (which are borrowed, and therefore slippery grounds) many diseases conceal themselves: oft for want of the presence of the Physicians own view, the chiefest opportunity and hopeful hour steal away unespied, and death maketh many blind, because they had not their Physicians eyes. In these difficulties therefore (wherein consist the greatest uses and benefits of a Physician) these men by their double and both-hand employment, compel themselves commonly to a double cruelty, either for the most part to deny their presence, or else not to perform the promise of their presence, being ever subject to a countermand, by their voluntary subjection to a double command. If therefore they would consider the shortness of their lives, with the immensity of their own task, they would not allow so large a vacancy to succisive hours and works, which now for the most part are most part of their time unto the great hurt and injury of others, and the increase of scandal unto their 
d Persona namque venustat studium dum suo insistit officio, nec praeripit alienum.  own vocations. I know the learned and reverend Divine is herein for the most part free, or if some few be justly taxed, their modest minds will easily moderate and reduce them; and for the rest, whose dispositions are shameless and incorrigible, that may haply still become the fool, which is a reproach unto the wise, and 
e Nam quod turpe bonis Seio Titioque decebit, Crispinum.  befit the unhonest that defames the just. I do not dislike the devout and charitable deeds of their holy minds, nor real compassion and contribution unto the sick and needy, nor yet their medicinal advice with incorrupt hands free from implication of private gain, and unobserved and concealed merchandizing in charitable deeds; but I abhor and wish repent (which in many of them is abominable and sacrilegious) their pecuniary traffic and trading by usurped erecting in their houses Apothecary shops by manumission of base wares that are not allowed, nor have obtained freedom elsewhere, whereby unlawfully they exenterate and eat out the bowels of poor men's purses. Neither is it any way to be justified, that they ordinarily travel up & down to spoil the more worthy of his fee, and the proper labourer of his hire: nor yet is it less shame, that without shame or blushing their bills in many places inhabit ordinarily Apothecaries files and shops, as if their own undoubted right. Their master Saint Paul teacheth every man to walk within his 
a 1. Cor. 7. vers. 20. 24.  own calling, and not to be busily 
b unicum ab uno optimè perficitur opus. Arist. Polit. 2.  straggling in others: so shall they honour their calling, and their callings honour them, and both honour God that sent them. I know the gift of healing in the Apostles was the gift of God his grace and special favour and allowance unto them for those times; but it was in them a miraculous and divine power consecrated unto an holy end: but in these times it is an acquired faculty, and in these men unto a mercenary use. It is indeed a deed of mercy to save and help the sick, and a work of charity to advise them for their health & ease: but the common good and public weal, & the law for both doth inhibit the doing of every good by every man, and doth limit and restrain it unto some special and select sort of men, for necessary causes, and respects unto good government and policy, and for avoiding confusion, which is the ruin of public weals. Shall then Divinity teach and allow for private deeds, ends and respects of charity and mercy, to break 
g Fuit haec sapientia quondam, Publica privatis praeponere, sacra prophanis. Sic honour & nomen divinis vatibus, atque Carminibus venit. Horat.  public edicts, to transgress laws, to contemn magistracy, to confound and disturb good order? Good order forbiddeth, that for pretence of any necessity whatsoever, cause or reason, one man presume to break into another's bounds, yea and Divinity teacheth the same. God himself tieth men in all things, in all necessities, unto certain and appointed ends. He ordained a select number of Apostles and Disciples, and unto them only annexed the divine work and calling of nations and people unto salvation, commanding all men upon pain of damnation to seek out and follow that means wheresoever or howsoever distant, and did not ordain the means confusedly in every person to wait upon every private necessity. In like manner in a commonweal, laws and policy ordain (preferring the common good before every 
h Omne publicum commodum habet aliquid ex iniquo: quod in singulos peccatur, utilitate publica rependitur. Tacitus.  private ease and benefit) that every man have his distinct calling, unto which all other men's necessity therein may and aught to repair. For if every man might be of every calling, confusion of callings would in the end leave no calling. Therefore every man's need or necessity is not sufficient to make every one capable of giving supply needful thereto, but God, and nature, and law have tied and allotted men to seek means, and those means confirmed to certain set bounds and limits, that men may still in all things according to the law of mortality, be ever in this life subject unto casualties, oft for their trial, sometime for their punishment, or else for a further decree and secret purpose of the Divine providence, so and to such ends thus ordering. Thus by clear truth overshining the mists & clouds of false pretexts to the contrary, it is manifest, that this fluctuation of these men between two callings is offensive to God, scandalous unto religion and good men, and injurious unto commonweals, and but presumption borrowing the face of Divinity. What encouragement their example hath given unto drones and idle persons, abounding by their example infinitely in the same wrong, he hath no eyes that doth not consider. Their many, ordinary, rash, ignorant and unskilful errors and commissions against the health and life of many, besides their forenamed omissions, intrusions, procrastinations, and neglects of one calling by another, I could by many too true instances confirm, but for reverence of the callings I spare the men. I will only give two known instances, wherein (as in a glass) men may view the divers faces of many more of the like sort. 
g Historia.  A gentleman in Bedfordshire not long since was suddenly surprised by a continual fever, accompanied with a general lassitude and weariness of the whole body, and together with heat and burning, delirations and lightness of brain. The habit of his body and his flesh were musculous and well liking, the season warm, his age firm, and constitution sanguine, his pulse high, full, large, and in the vehemence and strength of motion manifest even unto the beholder's eye. A Parson or Vicar coming unto him, maketh many fears and seeming-grave discourses of the danger and imminence of a 
g In principio morbi, firmis viribus, habitu pulchro, exinanitione nulla, plenitudinis & suffocationis pericula non sine ratione saepe obuia fiunt, quo tempore & modo si marasmus coutingeret, prodigiosum planè foret. Spectatum admissi risum teneatis?  Marasme, and from this supposed grand peril stoutly withstandeth the needful use of due phlebotomy. The allies and friends of the patient observing the daily decrease of hope and health, diligently inquire after another Physician, and by hap found me where then employed. When I came unto the patient, the Parson entertaineth us with confident discourses and disputes concerning a Marasme, whom when I found after long patience and calm conference in the presence and hearing of divers worthy knights and gentlemen still endlessly and reasonalesly 
b Marasmum Trallianus li. 12 describit, in quo humiditas substantialis in totum consumpta fuerit aut torrefacta, vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ Quod in corpore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & succulento nunquam quisquam praeterea invenerit. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. inquit Galenus de Bon●habit.  vain, and yet possessed with an invincible spirit of open and obstinate contradiction, I in the end with their common consents contemned and rejected him. The patient I found free from any particular which might inhibit 
c Vires, habitus, aetas intrepid● ferunt, morbus, calor sitis, deliria, plethora exigunt, anni tempus, constitutio aegri annunt.  phlebotomy, and manifestly saw the danger of the delay thereof, (both which may appear by the description of his estate) and therefore seeing the indication so plain, and the necessity so urgent, contrary to the babbling opposition and causeless predication of needless danger, I caused him to bleed; whereupon within few hours after, beside immediate alleviation, nature 
d Natura vel vis quae i● potentijs naturalibus aliena excernit, vehementiùs operans magnum & violentum arteriarum efficit motum, appetens illa quae molesta sunt expellere, atque ita proflwium sanguinis facit. Galen. in aph. 21. lib. 7. Hipp.  seconding the work, expelled at his nose divers quantities of blood at several times; and thus was 
e Levata quae corpus nostrum regit natura exonerata●ue eo quo velut sarcina premitur, haud aegrè quod reliquum est vincet & expellet. Galen. de Meth. Med lib. 11.  enabled to perform her Crisis, being before detained by the oppression of the former quantity of blood, whereunto her strength was not equal. The life of man unto God and men is dear & precious, yet behold how presumptuously glorious ignorance, and the lawless breach of the due lists of distinct and proper callings, doth licentiously hazard the utmost price and date thereof. And how likely may it seem, that the memory of this wrong had been in the same grave buried, if it had not been prevented, and by the prevention solely observed. I will now annex another example of secret betwitching flattery by close whispering of the sick, ordinarily practised by these kind of men, unto the unobserved and stolen perdition of many. Anno 1611. a gentleman in this manner falleth sick. He was suddenly surprised by a continual fever, with burning, thirst, troublesome heat in the soles of the feet, and palms of the hands, frequent delirations and perturbations of the mind, fullness of the stomach, loathing, painful distentions and ructuations, dryness and yeallownesse of the tongue, bitterness and heat of the mouth, pains about the short ribs, loins, back and shoulders, ill sleeps & confused dreams. There entertained these accidents the usual fullness of his body unto the common outward view, & accompanied a pulse swift, vehement and large, an urine high coloured, red, and thick: all which many witnesses of understanding confirm. According unto the former indication, the patient was twice let 
h Maxima remedia continuarum febrium haec duo sunt Detractio sanguinis & potio frigida, Gal. lib. 9 de Meth. Med h Saluberrimun autem est febribus venam incidere, non continentibus modo sed etiam aliis omnibus quas purtrelcens humor concitanerit. Gal. lib. 11. de Meth. Med. Ideo missus est sanguis ex hepatica ad sanguinis hepatis●ue refrigerium & ventilationem, è mediana etiam ad minuendam plenitudinem.  blood, the quantity lost the first time, coming short the second time, not exceeding ten ounces, as the Surgeon doth witness. He was once 
i Si ad os ventriculi materia febrilis quae putruerit sua sponte impetum faciat, per vomitum expellatur. Galen. de Meth. Med. lib 11.  vomited, by due respites twice 
k Bilis abundantia & turgescentia manifesta hoc exigebat, secundum intentionem Hippocrat. Aphoris. 22. lib. 1. & aph. 10. lib. 4. Curandae autem non sunt omnes febres eodem tenore, nec eae quae sunt sine accidentibus ac illae quae cum accidentibus tractandae sunt, ut testatur Gal. de Arte curate. ad Gla●conem lib. 1. In aliis igitur eadem remedia iteranda, in aliis non omnino usurpanda.  purged with good effect and alleviation, oft by glisters 
l In febribus Galenus saepe injicit mulsam per clysterem fi aliws sponte non ducitur▪ vide de Method. Med. lib. 11. & lib. 9 de arte curate. ad Glaucon.  gently moved, his diet prescribed, cooling, opening, and altering the evil quality of humours. After these things done, within few days the urine in colour, substance and residence manifesteth 
a Quip misso in febribus in initio sanguine non solùm pauperibus sed diuitumetia servis, plurimis quidem quinto pòst, aliquibus septimo Crisis contigit. Galen. de Meth. Med. lib. 11.  concoction, and therewith follow some disquiets and anxieties, not 
b Vigilant aegri magna ex part graviter se habent & febriunt vehementiùs, quanto propius crisim accedunt. Gal. in aph. 71. lib. 4. Hippoc. b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Circa initia & ●ines omnia imbecilliora, circa statum omnia fortiora. Hipp. aph. 30. & 29. lib. 2.  unhopeful forerunners of the approach of the expected Crisis of the disease, by the urine so 
c Si velociter morbus moveatur, etiam coloris & substantiae urinae mutatio s●nt sufficientia signa futurae Crisis. Gal. in Aph. 71. lib 4. Hipp.  fairly promised. In this fair hope (though by unbelief of sense denied) a Parson-Physition led by a secret ambition of stealing the praise of such a cure, (if fortune might haply favour the patient with ease, and himself therein with the opinion of the merit (as was very likely) in this hope taking opportunity of the patient's impatience, he whispereth unto him the excellencies of Aurum potabile, far beyond all other remedies. After the patient had from him received it, within short time good hap gave ease. Ease being gained, begetteth in the patient an ever after incorrigible consultation with his own sense, and now measuring his good by his ease, and settling in his thoughts an assurance of his recourie, he studiously and continually defameth his Physician, and with evil clamours filleth all corners of the country, as far as his agents, his own tongue or credit could extend. In this interim likewise he rejects the former begun method of discreet evacuations and alterations of the offensive humours of his body, and in steed thereof he cherisheth and cheereth up himself with daily magnifying and worshipping Aurum potabile as the God and sole author of his supposed recovery. In this mean season and intermission of former courses, the forward signs of fair concoction, so hopefully before appearing divers days together, now retire and vanish, and painful swellings fall into 
e Sic lib. 11. Galen. de Meth▪ Medendi, Divites qui propter delicias debita praetermisere remedia, phlegmonas contrahunt vel in iecinore, vel in ventriculo, vel in aliquo alio viscere.  his legs and neither parts: and then compelled he sendeth for other learned Physicians, but useth them by uncertain fits, as his own conceit induced, and with a reservation of his sole happiness and best security in Aurum potabile. To conclude, he escaped the present perils of the former sharp accidents, but 
a Qu●cunque morbi imperfectè iudicati sunt, deinde seruantur in sequentium iudicatoriorum dierum aliquem usque ad 40. diem, non simpliciteracuti sed acuti ex transmutatione vel decidentia nominantur. Gal. in aph 23. lib. 2. Hipp.  continued lingeringly and languishingly sick from about the middle of March, unto the the latter end of 
b Quadragesimus diesprimus est morborum diutinorun, quicunque hunc transcendunt ad septenarij rationem habent Crisim, non septenarij quoad dies, sed quoad menses, deinde annos. Gal. aph. 28. l▪ 3. Hip.  August next following. About that time he first began to find some reasonable satisfaction in ease, and the recovery of some better strength, but a secret remainder or impression of the former delirations continued, and some suspicious signs of a Scorbut seemed to increase, which before likewise did obscurely show. Beside the shameful wrong unto Physicians and patients, and the injury of Arts and truth itself, in men that are professors of divine and holy callings, behold the usual insidiation of Death and Danger, by the spirit of flattering intrusion and secret lenocination of false hopes and ease possessing the distraction of the distressed sick. What man learned and judicious cannot determine, whether this dangerous long continuance of this Gentleman's disease may not justly and in good reason be ascribed unto the sudden 
c Si integrè, si plenè, si perfectè Natura judicat, nihil novi moliatur Medicus: si verò in quopiam deficia● Natura, quod deficit debet Medicus adiungere. Gal. in Aph. 20. lib. 1. Hippoc.  discontinuance of his first means, & to the neglect thereby of perfecting the hopeful Crisis so fairly 
d Signum concoctionis nullum unquam prawm fuit, ●ed omnia optima semper, & tanto citiùs aegrum convaliturum o●tendunt quanto citiùs apparu●●int. Gal. in aph. 12. lib. 1. Hippoc.  promised and intended? Or unto whom doth it not appear palpably gross, that Aurum potabile can contain in itself any such golden sufficiency, as solely to remove or prevent all the former accidents in this gentleman described, which God, and nature, and reason have ever denied unto any one particular or special medicine whatsoever? Let all men then unto whom God hath given ears or eyes, advisedly behold and consider how dangerous and injurious these ordinary and ignorant intrusions in reason prove unto poor patients, who thus beguiled with opinion, and blinded with deceitful hope, or ●ase, or sense, joyously oft give thanks for their own hurt, magnify the authors, and not seldom perish in the praise of their own harms. The unlimited expatiation of so foul wrongs, do challenge all men, not only the learned, but all honest or ingenuous, unto the vendication of art and truth from oppression by so gross and harmful ignorance. These examples are sufficient to admonish the offenders of their impiety, and others of their own peril in trusting unto them.   

CHAP. III.  
Of Astrologers, Ephemerides-masters.  
NOw concerning Astrologers-practisers: 
Astrologi, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  There is a sort of men, who beside and beyond that is sufficient and profitable unto Physic, use in Astronomical science, (having unadvisedly, prodigally or unrecoverably spent too much pains and time in the too curious or superstitious, or supposed excellence in the vanities of Astrology, or else finding by their other defects in themselves the want and insufficiency of knowledge more proper and essential unto a Physician) do therefore (which now is all the hopeful remainder of their time so far spent) fish for a name and fame amongst the common and easy deceived vulgars', with the glorious baits of prodigious precepts. Thus they hook simple credulity to worship and admire their lying revelations, prescribe fortunes and fates, and limit the days and dates of men's lives and deaths unto the dark points of their calendars. Neither do they blush to promise and profess that they take counsel of heaven (when heaven 
b Vide Isai. cap. 47. vers. 13. Stint & saluent te Augures coeli qui contemplabantur sydera & supputabant menses, ut ex iis annuntiarent ventura tibi. Ecce facti sunt quasi stipula & ignis combussit eos, Deuteron. cap. 18 Nec inveniatur in te qui ariolos sciscitetur, aut obseruet somnia, aut auguria, aut pythones consulat. Omnia enim haec abominatur Dom. & propter istiusmodi scelera delevit eos in introitu tuo.  denieth them) thereby gaining to themselves glory in the slander of heaven and the scandal of truth. Thus usually they pervert the right use of Astronomical science unto deceit, imposture, and juggling merchandizing for unjust and injurious gain, and persuade the voluntary motions and arbitrary actions of men, their consequences and issues to be driven by the heavens unto ends and destinies there enrolled, and themselves (as if the only true sons of heaven forsooth) there only admitted to read and view. Indeed the will of man hath not power in itself to will or move itself to any good pleasing unto God, or saving to itself, but by the special grace of God, drawing, guiding, or moving his will thereto, yet doth the general concordant consent of most Divines grant as uncontroversed, a liberty and freedom of man's will unto any 
d Deus nos docet, irradiat, assistit, etiam suo modo trahit ut Saulem. Quod autem in nobis sit nullum internum principium potestatis, eorum est vociferari qui nihil intelligunt. Scalig. de subt.  moral, natural, civil or politic good. And in these kinds all Divines both ancient and neotericke, have both acknowledged and admired the worthy examples of virtue in Philosophers and heathen men, whose infinite studious pains and voluntary laborious industry in achieving so many incomparable excellencies, no ingratitude can deny, or without honour mention. Virtue is not 
f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Virtus morali● est habitus electiws. Aristot. Eth. 6.  forced, but free in whom it is, and therefore not to be ascribed unto the heavens or any other outward 
g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Arist. Eth. 3.  cause, but unto the free and voluntary agent of itself, and by the own inward power in itself, moving itself thereto, from his own 
h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Ea quae secundùm virtutem aguntur, non justè aguntur si sint justa, sed si agens, sci●ns, eligens●ue propter virtutem ipsam agate, animo●ue stabili & firmo agate. Aristot. Eth. 2.  purpose therein. This all men, Divinity, Philosophy, reason, experience, with an unity of consent confirm. If then a man's action be his own, if the end his own, the effectual prosecution thereof unto the end his own; if God himself have granted this privilege unto all men, as indifferent and common unto all whom he hath created under the condition of men, what creature shall intercept the 
i Post Adamae lapsum (inquit calvinus) supernaturalia dona in homine extincta sunt nisi quatenus per regenerationem recuperentur▪ at intelligentia, judicium, cum voluntate, quia inseparabilia ab hominis natura, omnino perire non potu●re, Calvin. instit. lib. 2.  endowment of the Creator? what shall take the honour of this gift from him that gave it, or the right thereof from him that thence receiveth it? The heavens cannot so blaspheme their Maker, though men thus dare bely the heavens to justify their own impiety. All things depend upon the providence of God, and from him and by him are ordained second causes, which indeed in nature have their necessity, but in the will of man have a power only to move or incline, and not to force. This is the reason, that though man by his stars be borne to infinite miseries, diversly moving and affecting him continually, from the earth, from the sea, from the land, from the air, from the fire, from his own affections, infirmities, diseases, from divers haps and casualties; yet unto him that knoweth the free gift of his Maker, and the good that he hath done for him, none of all these things by any necessity in themselves thereto, can touch him or once 
g Astrologorun decreta non sunt praetoria. Ptolomaeus.  come near him. For whether calamity approach from above or below, from malign constellation, or other inferior or terrestrial encumbrances, man by his spirit of understanding, by prudence and circumspect providence, hath a large immunity, whereby he may and oft doth avoid these violences, and delude their forces. The wise man (saith Solomon) foreseeth the plague, and hideth himself, neither can any evil befall the wise, which he may not and doth not, either being to come by provident foresight prevent, or present by careful industry allay, or passed by diligence redeem, no influence or destiny being able to bring man's will and endeavour to an higher point than wisdom and goodness. This is the reason that common calamities befall not all men alike, yea rather to every one unlike. This is also the reason that many borne under the same constellation, have different fortunes from each other, and far unlike their like constellation: nay it is oft seen, and cannot be denied, that many men by their own industry have contradicted their stars, whereby unfortunately marked in their nativities, they have triumphed over the heavens in the felicity of their own wisdom and virtue. Of this sort have been not only one Socrates and the great Philosophers, but many common men Socratically 
h Sapiens assuescit futuris malis & quae alij diupatiendo levia faciunt, hic levia facit diu cogitando.  disposed and endeavouring. chose also divers borne under good stars unto good destinies, in their growth have either overunne, or 
i Si ingenia primitiùs utiliter salubriter●ue ficta sint, omnem illam vim quae de facto extrinsecùs ingruit inoffensiùs tractabilius●ue transmittunt. Sin contra, licet parvo aut nullo fatalis incommodi conflictu urgeantur, sua tamen levitate & voluntario impetu in assidua delicta & errores facilè ruunt. Gellius.  come short of their destiny. For although the heavens do work by their hidden power and influence, secret impressions, proclivities and inclinations, as in all things under heaven, so in the constitutions and tempers of men in their generation, conception and birth: yet are their effectual productions thereof in men 
a Secundae causae in natura quidem necessariae, in voluntate inclinantes, non cogentes. Scal. de Subt.  themselves variously alterable according to education, inclination, occasion, and circumstance, and therefore as touching the absolute power of the heavens ever varying. There is no man that can so far 
b Si homines nil sponte, nil motu arbitra●io faciunt, non erunt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sed ludicra & ridenda 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Gellius. Noct. Att.  deny himself a man, as to make doubt of free arbitrary choice in himself to do or not to do, to like or dislike, to do that he will, to refuse that he nill. For if heavenly influences compel or force men's actions, and their wills be led and not free, unjustly any man shall be unjust, neither can the laws of God or men be just ordained against wilful 
d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Non contingit quempiam ea velle quae impossibilia sunt aliter fieri. Arist Eth. 6.  offenders: but God is just, and laws are righteous, and therefore men's actions are their own, moved from an inward power and essence peculiar unto themselves, and from an end and intention which is their own. Touching those therefore that from the heavens promise to tell fortunes, to cast figures, to turn Ephemerideses for nativities, for good haps, for ill haps, successes, losses, fortunate, infortunate events, he that hath but common sense and reason, and can think but worthily of himself, may 
c Calliditas neque comprensa neque percepta loquitur sed ambagiosa, inter falsa atque vera pedetentim quasi per tenebras ingredients & multa tentando incidit aliquando repent● in veritatem. Gellius.  easily discover their falsehood, imposture, deceit and cozenage, howsoever sometimes events may countenance; for hoodwinked hap may sometimes light upon truth, and craft working upon credulity, may make any truth of any falsehood. Thus far briefly concerning the powers of the heavens over the minds and wills of men, their voluntary actions, their consequences and issues. Now concerning their virtue over the bodies and humours of the sick and diseased: No man can deny the heavens as general 
g Sunt enim superiora formae conseruatrices inferiorum, quia causa causarum tuetur ea quae fecit. Scalig. de Subtle.  and superior causes to have power over all things created under heaven, by whose influence and radiation all things increase, grow, live, and are conserved, and by whose recess all things mourn, whither, fall and droop. This doth witness the summer and the winter, & all other seasons, which the heavens by their motion varying, bring unto all things vicissitudes, changes, and alterations, and by their secret influence imperceptibly distill different and contrary inclinations, tempers, and affections. Hence winter, summer, spring, and autumn, breed their peculiar diseases. Evil and malign constellations beget plagues, pestilences, and other epidemial contagions, which the air as the great mother of all things breathing doth fruitfully conceive, and plentifully bring forth. Unto what sight or sense hath ever been unknown, either the pride or splendour of the Sun, mounting in his glorious altitude, or his eclipsed force and lightsomeness opposed and abased? Who is ignorant of the monthly metamorphosis of the Moon? What thing is or can be insensible of the Cynosure, and the nipping frosts? Is not the glory of the heavens over all, and are not his forces in all? Notwithstanding general causes produce not particular effects, and the heavens are but general 
b Pendent nostratia haec à superioribus propter aequivocam connexionem, non propter univocam effection●m communionem. Scalig. de Subt.  causes, second causes, outward causes, remote causes, mediate causes, unto those things which immediately fall out in the bodies of men from inward causes contained within themselves, and therefore solely having by their inseparate dearness an inevitable and unavoided necessity in themselves. The inward causes of diseases are the humours of the body, which can never be separated from the body, because in them consisteth the life and being of the body. Therefore when either they corrupted from their kind, or offending in quality or quantity, raise diseases in the body, how or by what means can the body choose but be therewith affected, except it could leave itself? From any outward cause which is without, and of another divided and separate nature, separation doth free from immediate necessity or consecution. Since then the heavens are outward causes, and removed causes, & therefore never necessarily or simply of themselves affect, and the inward causes of diseases stick nearer, and so closely touch in their effects, that they suffer no interposition, it is manifest, that the heavens have no certain or absolute ʰ power in the diseased, 
e Communes causae communes habent effectus, nec vires aut actiones particularium flectunt simpliciter aut primariò. Causas verò immediatas necessariò sequuntur effectus.  nor can match or equal the immediate force appropriate only unto the disease. The heavens indeed do oft and much also prevail in raising, allaying, increasing, diminishing, enraging and calming the inward causes, but ever by a proportion, either with the temper and constitution of the sick, or the humours of their bodies, whether originally bred, or after by time acquired. Saturn is therefore said a great Lord over melancholy bodies, in like manner the Moon over phlegmatic, jupiter and the Sun in sanguine, Mars in choleric, (whether in their several revolutions apart, or their conjunctions and combinations) and according to the greater or less proportion of their peculiar humours in the body, and the dispositions of the particular parts of the body, they more or less exercise their rule. Therefore also according as means more or less accrue to lessen or increase their proportion: so more or less manifestly are their effects and operations weakened or quickened. If the wise Physician foreseeing the evil approach of a malign and Saturnine aspect, by discreet prevention abate and withdraw the melancholy humour from the body, Saturn shall thereby want a part of his 
b Causae efficientis opus augetur eius aucta substantia. Gal. in aph. 5. lib. 6. Hipp.  proportion, and as the greater abundance thereof doth necessarily more advance and promote his efficacy, so the exiguity there of must needs abridge and obscure it. The like may be said of all other aspects in their several destined and appropriate humours. For the constellation of itself simply 
c Astra vim non necessitatem inferunt. Ptolomaeus.  cannot effect anything, nor can build or ruin any being, which first hath not the seminary and prime foundation thereof in itself, both as his subject and his means. And this is the true cause, that the body either by Physic reduced to just temper in itself, or to an equal contemper of all the humours, or of itself strong and healthful, in the most different constellations doth commonly find indifference of alteration. And this is the reason that many in the most Saturnine and deadly constellations live, as the contrary also cause that many in the most fair and jovial die. From this uncontroversed ground, Astronomers generally themselves advise and prescribe means, both to prevent the harms of influences to come, and also to redress them present, and give unto the Physicians hand powers and remedies to command, countermand, delay, alloy, and abolish. And from this reason P●olomy himself, the Prince and father of Astrology, in unfortunate aspects doth advise to consult the prudent Physician, and by his counsel and help to decline the malign constellation. For right remedies rightly administered unto the diseases and their inward causes, by the decree of God and Nature necessarily oppugn, allay, prevent and expel diseases, and therefore are not prescribed unto outward 
l Externis causis nihil praescribitur, summa tamen diligentia perquirendae praecognoscendae●ue sunt ut deducant in interiorum cognitionem Gal. de Meth. Med.  causes, but only unto the inward. And although the outward cause haply first raised or imposed the disease, yet in the cure is not that cause so much respected, but his effect (which is the disease itself) or the inward causes by which, and through which, the outward had admission to their effects. If the inward causes (the antecedent and the immediate) be removed, it is a miracle, and a thing supernatural, that there should remain his 
a Cum efficientibus causis necesse est accidentia tolli Gal. in aph. 22. lib. 2.  effect, the disease; but the outward cause may be removed, and yet his 
b Si in una requalibet levi causae ratio claudicet, simul in reliquis ubi videtur abundare meritò titubabit, ubique ●nim sibi constare debet causa si quidem vera est. Gal. de dign. Pulsib.  effect therein not follow him. Thus corrupt and hot constitutions of the air, and constellations from the heaven, breed pestilent and hot diseases in the body, and the diseases still remain▪ when the constitutions or constellations are changed; but when the pestilent & hot humours, and dispositions within the body, which are inward causes, are thoroughly removed, there can no such effects continue, be farther fed, or maintained. The outward cause may also be continually present, yet particular subjects or bodies, feel or 
d Qui quidem ex Solis incendio feb●●citat ab agentis causae caliditate affici Natura aptus est. Gal de dis●. febr.  participate no effect: but if the inward cause grow in quantity or quality unto the excess, it is impossible it should not in the same moment produce the like sensible effect. For example, in some heavenly conjunctions or combinations there may arise an hydropical constellation, though many particulars be nothing therewith affected, or thereto thereby inclined; but if hydropical humours or causes abound within the body, it is impossible they should there be without not only the imminence, but present consecution of the dropsy. By these examples it is not obscure, that the heavens are a foreign invasion, and therefore more easily admit 
e Causa nulla sive aetherea, sive syderalis, ●●ne patientis aptitudine agete potest. Galen de di●●. Febr. 1.  interception, and that diseases are ever to be suspected, because ever present. Where there is an unproportioned congruity or susceptibilitie in the body and humours with the heavenly inclination, there the heavens have no edge. Where the disease hath once taken possession in the body, the necessity of his effect is absolute and 
f Causas immediatas necessariò sequuntur effectus. Ideoque effectus immediatus est signum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suae causae.  unavoidable, 
g Quoties vehementiores morbi premunt aut instabunt, ut in suffocante pleuritide, angina, sanguinis immoderato fluore, extrema vasorum plenitudine, in aliis denique morbis qui nimium praecipites sunt, nullus astrorum delectus haben●dus aut cura. Fernel. de hora Phlebot.  howsoever the heavens or any outward causes are disposed. He therefore that finding the inward disposition, shall for the superstitious fear of stars delay with speed to seek present remedy, or in hope of foreign supply from constellations, neglect certain rescue more near hand, is a fool, a mad man, or worse then either. The first is continually acted by common simple deluded people, the other patronaged by obstinate defendants of vain paradoxes; and the third by our impudent Astrologers prostitute for gain. I commend not senseless morosity in the perverse rejection of true Astronomy, so far as is commodious for Physic use (which reason itself, experience and all the Ancients worthily extol) but with reason and authority, I dislike superstitious and needless 
a Optimi quique astronomi iudiciariam astronomiam tanquam unam & futilem & nullo fundamento subnixam postquam multum. diu●ue versarunt, repudiarunt. Mornae. de verit. relig.  curositie in the over-religious esteem thereof. He that observeth the wind, shall not sow: and he that regardeth the clouds, shall not reap, saith Solomon, Ecclesiastes 114. And I cannot but detest the shameless daily cozenage and imposture, heathenishly practised by many, under the colour, pretext and false 
b In praeclarissima arte Astronomica curiosa vanitate in obseruationes veras se implicante, superstitiosa & aliena inculcata reperiuntur. Camer. de divin.  shadows of true Astronomy. An example here of may not impertinently for better illustration be here proposed. A gentleman of Northampotonshire diseased by an immedicable ulcer of the reins, was moved by his friends (after my despair of his recovery signified privately unto them) to call the advice of a famous Ephemerides-master, who coming unto him, and not knowing (and therefore not considering his disease) from the counsel table of his Ephemerideses pronounced, that if the patient survived 3. or 4. days (which we must suppose were of an ill aspect) until the next ensuing Tuesday (which was, it seemeth, a fairer influence) he made no doubt of his recovery and life. But he survived three months or thereabout, and in the interim neither did the aforesaid ill disposed stars any apparent hurt, nor the well disposed any eminent good: but after the forenamed three months, the stars broke promise, the disease kept touch, the gentleman 
d Astrologi dum coeli scrutantur plagas, quod ante pedes est, nemo eorum spectat. Cicero.  died. The reason in the disease was manifest: without a new creation or generation, a part in itself radically, and in the whole substance perished, can never be restored. The disease therefore could not lie, nor all the heavens could perform either a new generation (because the patient could not again enter into his mother's womb) nor a new creation (because the world could not again return into the old chaos.) How vainly then did here the ginger gape and gaze after uncertain stars, when the true knowledge of the disease, the cause and nature thereof (wherein consisteth an infallible ground) manifested the certain issue? How foolishly and ignorantly (or shamelessly and impudently) did Astrological simple folly or intolerable imposture, either cunningly and wittingly seem to look aloft for that which lay near hand below, or simply stumble over so plain truth, and tumble into so ridiculous and gross error? And thus it is apparent, both how uncertaintly Astrologers 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Leonid. Transtulit sic quidam: Vatum sidereos quisquis scrutare meatus Dispereas, mendax non nisi vana sonas. Obstetrix tibi stultitia est, audacia matter. O miser & proprij non benegnare probri.  fable, and how certainly diseases do not lie: and who comparing the one with the other, cannot see, in which truth hath more evidence, and trust security? There is a sober and 
b Syderum occasus & ortus cognoscendi à Medico artis perito, ratione morborum vulgarium & epidemiorum, quia hi temporum mutationae, tempestatum●ue vi suscitantur. Hippocr. lib de Loc. aere, aqu. lib. Epid. lib. aph. 3.  modest use of Astronomy, 
b In unaquaque regione ubi obire artem Medicam instituimus, cuiusque syderis emersus occasus●ue perspexisse necessarium est, quia tempora ab his anni circunscribuntur. Galen. in lib. 1. Hippocr. de Morb. vulg.  either for general prediction, or particular accommodation unto particular ends: both these (thereby putting a difference between the honest use and false abuse thereof) Ptolomey himself hath bounded within that which is either manifestly natural and according to 
d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  nature, or in reason 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  possible or contingent. Wha● with these conditions Astronomy doth afford unto the benefit of the sick, is to be esteemed and guided by the prudent Physician, according to particular necessities, circumstances and considerations, as either the heavenly inclinations shall seem 
f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Hippoc.  proportioned unto them, or they liable to those general and common causes. Whatsoever doth wander further, or is extended unto other uses then these, is not ingenuous nor proper unto a Physician, but is abuse of time, himself and others, trifling vain idleness, foul & unlearned falsehood.   

CHAP. FOUR  
Of Conjectors by urine.  
AS the heavens themselves are not free from the insinuation of imposture and deceit (thus cunningly doth evil wind itself into the likeness & shape of goodness: 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: ) so is nothing almost under the heaven created, which is not made an instrument, a visar and ba●d unto adulterate seeming, lying and cozenage. The air, the fire, the waters, the fowl, the fish, and infinite other 
a Hinc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  creatures, yea their definite and single 
b Hinc Extispicia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Magia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  parts apart, are all made prodigious enchantments▪ and snares of ignorant minds, begetting faith unto falsehood, and trust and credit unto untruth. As Art upon true and proved grounds doth promise according to good reason fair likelihood, so imposture upon wondered and unknown conclusions professeth assurance in falsehood, and certainty in impossibility; which while wise men contemn, credulous fools admire and follow. Amongst many other, the inspection of the urine is in this kind too commonly most palpably abused by many that carry the name and badge of learning. It is a common practice in these days, by a colourable derivation of supposed cunning from the urine, to foretell casualties, and the ordinary events of life, conceptions of women with child, and definite distinctions of the male and female in the womb; which while impudence doth gloriously set forth, the common simplicity doth worship and revere. It is unknown to none learned, that the urine is truly of itself and properly 
e Vrina primò & per se verè & propriè antecedentes morbo rum causas, affectus partium naturalium secundaue regionis indicat, tum venarum, renum & vesicae. Galen. in Prorrhet. Hipp. comment. 2.  indication of no other immediate dispositions, but such as are of the veins and liver, the blood and humours; the antecedent causes of diseases, and the natural faculty giving only 
f Coniunctas morborum causas extra venas, affectus tertiae regionis, pulmonis, cerebri ex accident & incertò urina monstat: affectus hepatis, venarum, renum manifestè & sine dubio demonstrat. Galen. in Prorrh. Hipp.  conjecture at the diseases of other parts by consequent, by the knowledge of the 
g Plethorae scilicet & Cacochymiae à quibus omnes morbi primum fiunt, deinde foventur.  common and antecedent causes of all diseases. Erroneously therefore the common sort imagine, that in the urine is contained the ample understanding of all things necessary to inform a Physician, and from thence common expectation doth generally deceive itself in the proof of a Physician by his judgement of the urine. Unto the satisfaction of a Physicians knowledge, are many ways and helps beside the urine, as material, and in many cases of more special moment, necessity and use. In the pulse are properly and solely apparent manifold medications, which in the urine Lynceus himself could never see. This is the cause that many even unto the last moment of a languishing life, continue in their urine not only no shadow of danger, but fair and flattering forms of lying safely, the pulse 
i Prognostica quibus praevidemus fitne moriturus aeger, aut convaliturus, certa sumuntur à pulsu, qui vitalium & spiritualium partium affectus arteriae pulsatione monstrat evidenter. Galen. lib. de decret. Hipp. & Plat.  only by it selfe-forewarning the mischief. The animal faculty, the affections of the third region, and habit of the body, and many other particular parts have their peculiar 
k Omnes quae nutriuntur particulae excrementum aliquod creant, utique non negamus. Galen lib. 1. de nat. facult.  excretions, which only keep the property of their indication unto themselves, communicating no part 
l Sic sudor succorum qui in toto corpore abundant nota est: urina verò succorum qui in vasis. Gal. de sanit. tuend. lib. 4.  unto the urine: neither is the judgement by the urine ever infallible, or 
m Nos autem ingenu● fatemur ferè totam partem semeioticen in urinis esse coniecturalem, sed coniecturae in multis sunt artificiales, quae proximè accedunt ad veritatem. Rondelet. de urine.  not deceivable, even there where it is properly and solely allowed chief esteem, divers impediments both positively and privatively forestall his right estimate: positively either by assumption of divers meats, 
n Alteratur saepissimè urina novissimè sumptis Rhabarbaro, Terebinthina, Violis, etc.  drinks or 
o Vrina immoderato potu facilè diluitur, & aliena permistione conspergitur. Fernel. de urine.  medicines, or when divers diseases 
p In eodem corpore saepe plutes occurrunt morbi, compositi, impliciti, connexi, congeneres, degeneres, contrarij, varij.  concurring in the body, together send down their several or contrary recrements into the urine, and thereby confound the true judgement of any of them therein; or thereby privatively, when either by stoppages (which diversly happen in the tortuous windings and turnings between the liver and the veins, and conduits thence descending unto the reins and bladder) the substance, colour and contents of the urine are 
c Hoc indicatur in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in valida renum obstructione à grumo, calculo, lenta & viscida pituita, in generali etiam obstructione à crapula, ebrietate, plethora.  intercepted, and the thin aquosity oft only issueth by so strait a percolation, as can carry no sign, no sight or show of the natural estate of the urine in itself; or else when the natural heat withdraweth itself unto some interior 
d Hinc in apostematibus internis urinae apparent saepe tenues & vix coloratae.  intention of nature within. When therefore the urine descendeth in his own substance, quantity, quality and contents, without impediment or hindrance, it is a certain, proper and true demonstration of the true affects of the liver, veins, the second concoction, and of the diseases of those parts which in his descent it washeth, and giveth unto the wise Physician an uninterrupted certain judgement of itself, as when it descendeth in borrowed 
e In aegris saepe transmittitur aliena materia ad urinas tum criticè tum symptomaticè, in sanis per proportionem correspondet bibitis & assumptis urina. Actuar. lib. 1. de iud. urine.  liquor and colours, it reporteth rather his rubs and interception by the way. Hence the learned Physician, either by the first immediately instructeth himself to a direct opposition unto the discovered disease; or by the other, finding the impediment that hindered the right understanding and discovery, he thereby informeth himself to remove that impediment, or else finding it thereby undiscoverable, searcheth it by another disquisition or investigation, by another way or method, until he have attained the right end of a true Physician, which is the prudent rescue of the distressed life and health, and not the false trump of his own undeserved praise, promoting unworthiness to gain & lucre. Thus he neither deceiveth himself with vain expectation, nor others with lying profession, but diversly in both maketh a prudent and good use of both, according to the indication, whether certain and undeceiving, or doubting & ambiguous. And as the ends are divers, of those that view the urine to conjure up wonders, and those that esteem the urine to detect the disease for the good of the diseased: so are their understandings differing, the one truly 
a Art●s improbae apparens bonum, verae verum bonum comparant. Galen.  directed by reason and judgement, the other by nimbleness of cozenage and circumvention of simplicity and ignorance; whereof the chief use is not the benefit of the sick, but the colour of fraud and commodity by deceit. Touching the oracles of Fortune pretended in the urine, and their floating favours in so low an ebb, those that too commonly in their own experience find good drink to steal their wit out of their brain, may haply imagine it thence descended into the urine. I leave them there to seek it, that want it so much, and deserve it so little. The mention is unworthy mention. Concerning the looking of unborn babes in an urinary glass, and the making of old fools in love with their own reflection: to unmask the common illusion in this kind, I will briefly point unto the discovery of the folly, whereinto entering their serious cogitation & due recognition, they may more amply after exercise & satisfy themselves, whom their own fatal stupidity doth not detain, or resolute obstinacy preoccupate. The conceptions of women, together with the accidents accompanying the same, do necessarily bring forth general alterations unto the whole body, partly by the consequent stoppages of the body, and partly by distracting the natural heat and spirits from other parts unto that new intention, whereby is added either quantity or quality, or both unto the blood and humours, and from thence the urine receiving different tincture & substance doth manifestly report the odds. Yet for that this sudden production of change in the body issueth from conception only by accident, thereof being truly and immediately no cause itself, but an occasion only moving other causes, as commonly or more commonly moved, both by diverse kind of other obstructions beside, & also by other distractions of the natural heat & spirits, by critical intentions, concoctions, & maturations of diseases; therefore is the confused alteration of the urine found upon conception indefinite, & can be no special note of conception. This is also further manifested by the alterations and effects themselves following conception, which not only in differing bodies, but in the very same, are seldom the same, but commonly far unlike, yea and oft contrary at one time from themselves at another. This women themselves in their own experience must needs witness, seldom observing the changes of bodies after conception in all alike, & oft each in themselves finding the particular manners of their own alteration far discrepant. This their oft deceit in themselves, mistaking, and uncertainty in themselves commonly doth testify, sometimes suspecting themselves with child when they prove diseased, sometimes doubting diseases being only with child. Since than conception is neither in itself a sole, nor a separate cause, nor any true immediate cause of the alterations of the body following thereupon, but only the occasion moving other causes, and those causes are as indifferently also moved by many other occasions beside unto the same effects, their generality doth discharge their propriety in this particular, and the common indication in the urine any special signification proper unto conception alone. This demonstratively proveth the uncertainty of the signs of conception that are common with other in the urine. Now concerning the small certainty of the signs that are thereto supposed peculiar: the inward dispositions and affections of inward parts, which by the outward sense cannot be deprehended, are by three 
f Partem intetiorem aff●ctā●●dicant Actio ●ae●a, Dolour vel ametria in ex●●etis aut retenris.  ways or means solely to be detected. The first is the action or function proper 
g Ea pars per se aut per consenlum laborat cu●us functio est laesa.  and ininherent in the party. The second is the proper 
h Exc●eta naturalis oeconomiae fideles nuntij.  excretions proceeding fromht he party. The third is a distinct feeling or 
i Vbi dolor ibi morbus.  pain in the part. The proper functions of any part can never be disjoined from the part, and therefore appear not in the urine. Pain or other sense & feeling are ever unseparable companions with their patient parts, whereof the urine having no sense, can have no part, and therefore therein also is unsignificant. It only then remaineth, that the affection and conception of the womb solely doth discover itself by the determinate excretions thereto peculiar. The peculiar excretions of any part do bring testimony unto the truth of their indication, either by the 
a Quicquid è corpore excernitur vel est toto genere praeter naturam, vel de substantia partis affectae, vel parti adnatum, vel coctionis excrementum.  concomitance of part of the substance of the part, or of part of some substance either naturally, or by some ill disposition adherent to the part, or of the ordinary recrements of concoctions, or other preparations, or operations of nature in the part. Whether excretions in all these kinds proceed from the womb, & how & with what differences & distinction, it is not here necessary to determine. It is sufficient that the proper indication of the dispositions of that part must necessarily be derived from the excretions thereto appropriate: which therefore proveth the urine no right prognosticator of any affection thereof issuing from other & different vessels. It may be objected, that by the contiguity of the womb & bladder, and the near termination of their extremities, the expulsive faculty of the seminary vessels, moving sometimes with the urinary, may thereby mixing their recrements connex their indications. This is true, yet not always, but rarely and seldom true, and therefore uncertainly happening doth doubtfully promise or signify. The expulsive motions and offices of the seminary parts are not so ordinary, so frequent, so common, as the urinary, neither doth their rarity in their motion always then meet or consent with the urine, and sometimes also meeting therewith, it giveth notwithstanding impertinent indication unto the inquisition of conception, other common 
d Indican● menses albi gravidarum qui saepe in bonis habentur, rubri etiam qui saepissimè per anastomosin venarum exteriorum ceruicis uteri & crurales dicuntur fluidi sunt.  recrements after conception, no less or rather more descending then those which are only consequents of conception. And thus is made apparent the falsehood and deceit of the ordinary profession of the prediction of conception by the inspection of urine, which also the most 
e Veteres Graeci omnes omnino praetermiserunt mentionem signorum conceptus in urina. Mongius & Costaeus in annot in tract. Avicen de urinis.  ingenuous and judicious writers and authors from their own long proof & experience have ever generally exploded as impious imposture. The true Artist doth promise nothing beyond that which reason doth demonstrate, & art habitually perform: the deceiver by fair pollicitations bewitcheth simple credulity, ridiculously to delight in his own wrong and gross collusion. It is very worthy note and memory, that a great and learned clerk Cornelius Agrippa, retracting his former wont therein, doth ingenuously confess of his affectation and circumvention of common admiration by his supposed magic and Astrological skill, 
e Vrinarum inspectione abuti ad praesentiendum an mulier conceperit vel non, impostorun est, non medicorum, licet permulti nugas inid genus cognitionis & cautiones scripserint. joannes ●ebon. de therap. puerp.  and it doth well fit and settle instruction and satisfaction in this our particular also, though of another kind I have been (
c Ego quoque hanc ar●em à parentibus puer imbibi, deinde non modicum temporis & laboris in ea amisi, etc. Vide reliqua ex authore tractatu de Astrologia. Vide in marg. c. 3. p. 101.  saith he) from my childhood by my parents carefully iustituted in Astrology, and in riper age and understanding afterwards spent therein no small time. At length by long and certain proof I found it wholly compound and founded of mere fictions, and toys of vain imaginations: wearied therefore and grieved with my time and study so long and so idly spent, I laboured to cast away the irksome and unpleasing memory thereof out of my mind, and never in my thoughts to entertain it. 
e Vrinam de impraegnatione nil certi significare omnes antiqui crediderunt, ideo de hac re nullas notas reliquerunt. Nam cum foetus sit extra venas & de venoso genere tantùm indicet urina, non potest aliquid certò indicare, nisi adiunctis aliis. Rondeletius de urinis.  But the violent and forcible importunacy of great and mighty Potentates, (who usually prevail to abuse great and worthy wits unto base arts and offices) again compelled me upon the fame rock, and my own private profit again enticed me to think it duty and honesty to make profitable use of wilful folly, and with toys to please these that so much desired toys. The same Apology for the exercise of urinary 
e Praestigiaturae opinionem meritò referunt, qui non ex speculatione medica, sed ex divinandi quapiam arte in morbis praedicunt. Gal. lib. 10. de simp. Med. facultat. Historia.  divination, their own consciences unto themselves do make that use it, but they loathe the example, and truth is hateful because incommodious. It was sometimes my hap to witness the free profession of a dying Physician unto this point. He inhabited Northampton many years, was in nation Irish, in manners homely, in learning of me diocrity, but in the auguration by urine of conception was generally reputed excelling, and in a fortunateness therein oft posing some better learned. Three or four days before his death (expected and known unto himself) while by his own earnest request then (as oft before) I was present, motion was made unto him that he would commend unto posterity that skill by which he lived with many so much esteemed and admired. His answer was free and ingenuous, to this effect: It is unworthy posterity, unworthy the name of Art. I have long with the felicity of a good opinion exercised it, and with tried certainty know it uncertainty, and certain deceit. Simplicity is ever ready unwittingly to betray itself, and it is easy to him (that is therein much and continually exercised) in common people palpably to see their simple hearts, in their eyes, in their gesture, in their countenances, and other circumstances, of themselves unobserved and unconsidered. I have sometime by good hap been fortunate in my predictions by urine, of conceptions, which because when it sometime happened, it seemed a wonder; it therefore was ever largely transported many ways, and much busied and employed common talk. I have proved therein an hundredth fold more often and more commonly in mine own knowledge 
f Temerè, callidè, & astutè dicta aliquando incidunt in veritatem. sed quae vera dicunt prae caeteris quae mentiuntur non est pa●s millesima. Gellij dictum de Astrologis.  false, yet because to err was no wonder, (and therefore not so much worth either relating or observing) as also for that it was for the most part but privately to some sew known, and oft times also the shame of illusion in the most put the report thereof unto silence, the contradictory instances still died unremembered, but fame and opinion survived and prospered. It ever excused my deceitful custom unto myself, that I deceived none but such as either desired or deserved it, who by their insidiation of the proof of my skill either provoked it, or by their unreasonable earnestness extorted it. In this and other the like, some few days before his death, he thus 
g Vixit qua voluit vivere part magis.  died unto his former life, and lived unto his soul and saving health. And thus it is manifested, both by reason and also by the last testimony of dying experience, how the urinary divining for prediction of conception, forsaking the brighter streams and clearer fountains of detecting truth, doth hide itself in the puddle water, there laying shining baits for dazzled fish. The more silence, the better fishing; lest therefore I may haply too much prejudice the pleasing spoil of willing fools, I will think that which hath been already said unto any other, sufficient intimation, advising honest minds from the judicious Physician, by the plainest information to draw the 
h Incertam & plerunque dubiam mercedem referet qui periclitatione Medicos tanquam vates augurari coget. Consultor verò prudens & fidelis sani consilij fructum percipiet. Fern. de urine.  directest counsel, lest by the vain proof of a deceiving worth, seeking that is not, they lose that might be more proper and pertinent unto their health.   

CHAP. V.  
Of travelers.  
AS from all parts of the world true knowledge doth fetch home his substantial grounds to enrich itself; so falsehood and lying imitation doth likewise derive deceivable colours to beguile the imprudent. Hence under the name of travelers supposed much knowing, by much seeing of things worthy to be known (the common expectation of wonder giving glad entertainment, and desire of novelty joyous welcome) insufficiency clothed with this outward figure of sufficiency, doth oft enter into the rights of better desert, and by casual pofiting some few, deceiveth most, and ruineth many. Travel is required in a Physician, not as any part of his essence, but as an ornament, receiving the essence and perfecting of itself from the essence and perfection of a foresetled and continuing understanding. The general theory and speculation of any knowledge or science whatsoever, is in no soil or country a stranger to them that duly and truly seek it, nor doth understanding meet, or is taken up in high ways; but to the most secret retired thoughts reflecteth the brightness of his true worth, and from the perfect fullness of time, and thence accomplished brightness of his beams doth seasonably break forth, and solely give the rectified perspective of particular objects. In the occurrents of travel, it is indeed the sense that conducteth the object to the understanding, but it is a pre-existing power and ability in the 
d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Scientia est, intellectus instrumentum. Aristot.  understanding itself that rightly judgeth and disposeth the 
e Res ipsae saepe aut praeposterae, aut confusae, aut falsa specie solent seize offer.  object. If therefore the understanding be either in itself originally defective, or by want of time unsettled, or by precept and doctrine not habitually form; the sense may truly, rightly and continually present, but the understanding shall either falsely or not fully apprehend, distinguish, digest or dispose, whereby disorder in want of right method, doth rather multiply confusion then increase right use. Hence many things worthy notice escape ignorance, unjust reductions are commonly miscarried to improper subjects, good uses are unseasonably or unreasonably wrested, mistaking obvious, right estimates either for the most part unobservedly overpassed, or casually well happening. For where wisdom doth not lead travel forth, knowledge guide it on, prudence accompany it, good desire uphold it, the true end persuade and call it forth; folly easily seduceth, and depraved ends pervert the right fruition. Hence we see commonly many travel far, and bring home little. Some make swift adventure, and slow return, with late repentance. Some bring home more than they would, some more than they should; and all that begin travel with raw judgement, for the most part come home perpetually after drunken with opinion. Different countries, airs, people, customs, manners, zones and climates, do fruitfully expose commodious consideration unto those whose judicious view and exchange doth know rightly to entertain them in the way, and in many examples of many worthy Physicians, the benefits thereby have ever been conspicuous. Amongst the rest, Galens industrious commutation of distant regions, by his own writings are not obscure. But he that entereth into Galens travels without Galens 
f Coelum non animum mutant qui trans mare currunt. Horat.  mind, may exceed him in the pains, but shall never come near unto him in the fruit and worth. This is the reason that our common traveling Physicians for the most part (the learned only in all places and countries worthily purchasing unto themselves due reverence) do oft from beyond the sea bring home strange preparations and medicines, but little wit and discretion safely to use them; by the great opinion of far fetched wounds distracting and cozening the needful inquisition of a more inward worth in themselves to warrant their accommodation, without which, both heedless proof and needless use, do oft find in the best excellence a harmful goodness: and howsoever haply commending itself in his own property and virtue, yet oft stinging unto the heart busy, unnecessary and unadvised meddling. It is grown so common in these days to entertain 
d Quia inopes sunt & indocti in patrijs suis vivere non possunt bene noti. Galen. de sui temporis pseudomedicis, lib. praedict.  fugitives under the former pretexts, that it shall ease my pains to report the mischiefs, being grown too common to need any other notice than their own ugliness, each post proclaiming their wooden worth, and their painted clouts every where hanging up their ragged 
e Cyclopum crudele genus, Visceribus miscrorum & sanguine vescitur atro.  executions. It is usual with these men, moving their wandering and uncertain steps from place to place and from town to town, by fair deluding promises and pollicitations to draw the 
f Hoc solo à latronibus differentes quod in urbe non montibus scelera perpetrant. Gal. lib. praedict.  lives of simple credulous men, for their own gain, into their own hands; and after they have by their common desperate courses provoked and drawn forth unwilling death (when they see him coming) to run away, and to leave the miserable beguiled innocent in his angry jaws, to answer their rash and needless challenge. The wiser sort have better learned to know them, but the simple are still 
g Quod non cognoscantur ab omnibus, hoc ipsum malitiam naturae ipsorum auget, & usque iis insidiantur qui ea quae versutè semper perpetrant non norunt. Galen. lib. praedict.  their prey. It necessarily now followeth unto the general conclusion of all that hath been before said, that both the travels of the mind, and contemplation in the former tractates mentioned, and also the change of places and countries here specified, with all other sense-informing means and inquisitions of knowledge and science, without precedent right institution, and settled incorrupt seeds of select understanding, shall all ever doubtfully, and for the most part lamely succeed unto timely growth or ripe perfection. For knowledge must ever go before industry as a guide, and particular practice follow general rule, which he that hath not first in mind fully and truly conceived, must needs want the idea that formeth an understanding action. And thus hath it hitherto appeared negatively, now it followeth affirmatively, where true election may make right choice of a good Physician.  
The end of the second Book.    

THE THIRD BOOK.  

CHAP. I.  
The true Artist his right description and election.  
THe corruptible condition of all things in 
a Haec 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 illa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  substance, & perpetual mutability and alteration in ᵃ accidents, doth every moment beget such divers odds and differences in the same things, that their former considerations and respects, can never constantly, truly, and indeed long continue them to be the same. Hence by vicissitude it ordinarily cometh to pass, that of those things whereof lately seeemed certainty, thereof by continual access of different accidents and circumstances, is again begotten 
e Quin res, aetas usus, semper aliquid apporret novi, ut quae te scire credas nescias, & quae putaris prima in experiundo repudies. Terent.  uncertainties. That which late seemed necessary, in an instant becometh casual; that which was true, now false; that which was good, now evil, and that which was possible, oft impossible. Necessity & this uncertainty of all things, doth drive men that desire with more likely certainty, through prudence to guide their actions unto the school of contemplation of the world, and of the general revolution of all things therein, (which is true Philosophy) that thence by long study and diligence observing to know and distinguish what is in nature, and the ordinary vicissitude of all things, according to several seasons, circumstances and subjects, means, measures, and manners variously, now true, then false; now necessary, then casual, now absolute in itself, now conditional, with supposition, and by accident, now possible, now impossible; they may inform themselves from tried and approved knowledge, where with certainty is safe to 
f Bona consultatio è summa ●atione eruit consilia, & haec est rectitudo consilij. Aristot. Eth. 6.  resolve, how in uncertainty neither to 
g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Qui consultat quaerit & rationem subducit. Aristot, eth. 6.  neglect the least hope, nor to overween the best good hap: how to endeavour in that is possible, how to observe necessity in that is impossible, providently how in cases of urgence and serious counsel, to forecast and husband occasion and opportunity, that ill hapsharme not, vain hope deceive not, time beguile not, advantage escape not, uncertainty prejudice not, occurrents prevent not that good which according to reason and the destined issue in nature, diligent endeavout may otherwise effect. This is the sum of art and prudence. This is the use and perfection of reason in man, without which man must needs be as the brute beast, void of understanding, dwelling in perpetual blindness, darkness and confusion, without distinction of good and evil, true and false, without consultation or election of the one or other. Without the knowledge of nature our life is death, our sight blind, our light darkness, and all our ways uncertain. He that knoweth not the quality of the fire, can neither seek comfort by the warmth, nor fear the scorching. He that hath not observed nature in the water cold and moist, shall neither needing their contemper think of their use, nor subject to their danger decline their hurt. Who hath ever been so blind, that hath not claimed reason 
e Ideo Plutarch. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 consundit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Rationem & Disciplinam. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  for every action, both as nature's common light and rule in all things, as also his own eye and 
f Ratio manus intellectus. Scal.  hand to guide him unto the understanding thereof? For there is 
* Quae vi●tus movet ●or, quae mutat succum in cibos, quae distribuit, quis dicat id sine ratione agere? Sine ratiocinatione quidem non sine ratione. Scalig. de Subtle.  reason in nature, and reason of understanding. Reason in nature is the constant course and 
g Natura est ratio universi. Scalig.  order of nature according to which she governeth and ordereth all things. Reason of understanding is that 
h Ratio est vis animae quae movet se ab effectibus ad causas investigandas & vicissim à causis ad ea quorum illae causae sunt. Scal. de Subtle.  light and eye of the mind, whereby is discovered what is according to reason in nature, good & evil, true and false. Thus the reason of man hath his excellence and perfection, consisting in finding out and understanding the excellence and perfection of 
i Quid est Ratio nisi Naturae imitatio? Senec.  reason in nature. This is the top and height of all human wisdom, knowledge and learning. Hereby is distinguished the subtle 
k Solertia est acerrima coniectatio ex judicij summi adytis penitius eruta. Aristot. eth. 6.  and wise from the mean understanding, from the fool and idiot; the counsel of the prudent, from the rash and unadvised; the sharpness of wit and discerning understanding, from sottish amazement & stupidity. Hence are only settled and cleared all doubts, difficulties, and ambiguities, by which otherwise for ever men remain void of counsel and of truth. Hence it cometh to pass, that as men more or less earnestly seek the wisdom, order, and reason of nature in her dispensation of the whole world, and therein more or less dispend their studious pains, so they diversly obtain answerable measures and proportions therein, growing in wisdom more or less according as they are more or less of generose desire and ingenuous 
d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Qui rerum causas & Naturas maximè dijudicat & docet maximè sapientem iudicamus Aristot. metaph. 1.  exercise therein. The order of nature in all her works is 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Nihil eorum quae Natura fiunt aliter assuescit. Aristot. eth. 2.  constant, full of wonder, and unchanged truth in the continual 
g Est enim naturalis ordo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 omnium rerum, ex aeterno aliis ad alia consequentibus incommutabili manente eiusmodi complicatione. Gellius. Noct. Attic.  cohesion, sequence and fatal necessity of all things, their causes and effects: wherein therefore how the Almighty Deity hath commanded all things by an unchangeable law to be ordered, is both true and necessary wisdom to understand, and the true 
f Natura dux optima. Naturam ducem si sequamur, nunquam aberrabimus. Cicero.  pattern, rule, and square of every discreet, sober, and wise design and consultation. Hence upon the principles of nature stand everlastingly founded all arts & sciences. For science is the faithful and truly studied apprehension of the mind, of the never 
h Scientia est conveniens, firma, & nunquam à ratione declinans cognitio. Galen. in Medico. opt.  deceiving general grounds in the general dispensation in the nature of all things: and art is the learned and skilful habit 
i Ars est habitus cum ratione factiws. Eth. 4.  of imitation thereof in human action. And all true arts thus founded upon the undeceiving grounds of nature, in themselves are ever-certaine 
k Ars medica quoad naturam propriam theoremata & praecepta Artis indubitatae est fi dei vera, firma, stabilis, Naturae principijs semper consentanea, solùm quoad subiecta varia, medentium operas, & inde eventus instabiles coniecturalis. Galen de Sect. opt.  and infallible, whose rules although discretion according to circumstance may continually diversly vary, yet can no 
l In medicina perpetuum est quod sequi debeat, non semper perpetuum quod sequi convenit. Celsus.  time nor circumstance ever or at any time abrogate. Hence above all other arts & sciences the art of Physic must needs be most excellent and true, because it most continually converseth with nature, as her prime & proper subject, and beyond all other most immediately dependeth upon the perpetual study, view, & observation of nature, & the continual consultation with nature in every action. For it is requisite in a competent Physician, that he be truly able & fully furnished to be unto nature a governor & moderator to preserve her, to conserve her, behoofefully to dispose & 
d Haec est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sanitatis tuendae consilum, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  guide her in her best and rightest way, not only of being, but of being well, & well continuing. It is also requisite he be able as a prudent minister with knowledge to provide & reach unto her 
e Medicina est adiectio necessariorum, detractio inutilium. Hippocrat.  all needful helps, and to remove from her all harmful impediments. Lastly, he must be a faithful friend in her necessity, needfully assisting, helping, and comforting her. And how can he duly perform these things unto nature, that truly and perfectly knoweth 
i Physiologiae necessitas perpetua medico non ad discendam modò sed ad exercendam quoque artem. Galen. de Med. opt.  not nature? Above therefore and beyond all other Artists the Physician immediately hath need & use of exquisite knowledge of nature. For since he is deputed to be helper and restorer of particular nature, how can he for that end but become scholar and imitator of the general? For as all particulars do ever participate the nature and kind of the general, and are therein comprehended, so besides that which unto every individual nature is specially proper, there is an essential 
l Species generis, individuum utriusque naturam participate, utrunque & individuum & speciem genus & facit & comprehendit.  property in it belonging unto the general: without which as the particular cannot be at all, so therefore is ever an eye, a respect and reference to be had, that those things which for the good of the particular are considered or consulted, may never be disproportioned from the general: which he that knoweth not, cannot consider. He therefore that shall rightly and prudently dispose for the good of any man, aught as well to know and advise what and how he participateth with the general condition, as not to be ignorant what is peculiar 
a Huc spectat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 specificae differentiae, & proprietates rerum occultae.  unto himself. For if he know not the 
b Sed & Medicus & exercendorum corporum magister optimè singulorum curam rationemue habuerit, si genus universum cognoverit. Nam qui bonus artifex & ad res percipiendas & contemplandas idoneus effici velit, ad genus universum illi progrediendum est, atque in illo cognoscendo elaborandum. In hoc enim scientias positas esse scimus. Aristot. Eth. 10.  general kinds and natures of things, what powers, faculties, privileges, prerogatives, properties, endowments, belong indifferently to all, as well as differently to the special, he shall oft omit and overslip a larger portion offered in the common good, than any specialty shall after recompense or countervail in itself. chose also, if he only know the general, and understand not to compare, consider, apt and fitly suit it unto the 
d Vniversè enim ei qui febre afflictatur inedia & quies utilis est, alicui autem fortassis inutilis. Aristot. Eth 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  particular, he shall never from the common derive thereto aught pertinent or truly accommodate. It is necessary therefore a Physician understand both what nature hath allowed man in universal, with all other things, and also no less what proper to himself, and enclosed in his own. For if he know not nature in her special kind, 
e Qui ignorat corporis affectum secundùm naturam à quo actio producitur, prorsus cognoscere non potest affectum praeter naturam à quo actio laeditur. Galen. de meth. med.  when herself is separate and free from other implications, how shall he judge or know her just reduction thereto, when he findeth her oppression requiring his assistance to bring her home unto herself? Neither must he here only consist, but must farther view and consider, what God either in heaven or in earth, in the whole world, or the wide ocean, from all the elements or elementary things hath ordained for any good or use of man. For as God hath created all things for the good of man, so hath he appointed the Physician to fit and accommodate all things unto the necessity and need of man, and hath farther also deputed him to supply unto man even those things which 
g Natura non potest aratro boves iungere, nec illorum opera terram scindere, arte utrunque fit. Scalig.  nature herself oft times cannot. Nature cannot either open the necessary vein, or ventilate or evacuate the corrupt blood from the bruised part, or in the right and behoveful quantity. Nature cannot with election or regularly purge the right and proper humour, fitting the cause and necessity. Nature cannot fetch home from the fields and mountains her medicinal herbs, fruit, wood and plants unto her own necessity; but Art transporteth them unto her at several seasons, and for several needs. Nature cannot decoct, infuse, compound, mix or prepare her roots, metals, or other drugs and simples, in number and nature infinite; but Art is unto her benefit and service therein accurate. As therefore the Physician must ever have Nature for his chief 
d Quo natura vergit tendendum medico naturae ministro. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Hippocrat.  counsellor, so must he ever again be sufficient and able substitute and 
e Vt natura rectè operans imi tanda, ita aberrans reducenda & adiwanda. Natura enim alias agit satis, alias parum, alias nihil. Galen. de venae sect. contra Erasistrat.  helper unto her. Not to speak of his excellent subject (which is the life and health of mankind) his divine direction in his calling (led by the unchanged order and wisdom of God himself, manifested and set forth unto him in the structure and great frame of heaven and earth) doth exact and require in him all possible perfection to sound and fathom the depth and height thereof. For as it is manifoldly and unmeasurably enfolded and wrapped up in the intricate wisdom of his universal workmanship, so must long days and time carefully spent, indefatigable study, pains and meditation, restless vigilance, a clear eye of understanding, and sincere affection work and labour it out, and thence must his prudent and wise action derive the ground of all his counsels and consultations. And thus must the true Physician ever behold God as his guide, and be governed and directed by his hand. For God is nature 
h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Est enim Deus omnium causarum causa & principium. Arist. metaph. 1.  above nature, and nature is his hand 
i Natura est ordinaria Dei potestas. Scalig de subtle.  and subordinate power: 
i Natura quid aliud quam Deus & divina ratio toti mundo & partibus eius inserta? Senec. lib. de benef.  God being therefore the cause of causes in nature, he is the giver of health and life in nature, and the Physician is his 
k Sanitas opus Dei, opera verò nostra. Scalig.  servant & minister therein. To learn of such a teacher, to imitate so absolute a pattern, what wisdom is sufficient, what sufficiency worthy? If any man think it a light labour to find out the order and reason of so infinite a workman in the immense work of all things, or but an easy difficulty to imitate his example in infinite actions, he knoweth not what is the height of human wisdom, which being to know most 
d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Qui maximè homini dissicilia cognitu potis est cognoscendo assequi, ille sapiens. Aristot. metaph. 1.  among men, (although what in that knowledge is nearest unto God, is the least shadow of himself) yet is it so much as is able to make men justly admired, and happy that obtain it; as all other that want it, worthily as unhappy and infortunate as ignorance can make man. Ignorance is ever blind, blindness continually stumbleth and oft 
e Animus lumine mentis & intelligentiae orbatus, ignorantiaeue tenebris & caligine demersus, sibi ipsi mentitur, se ipsum perpetuo fallit, & in capitales frauds facilè impellit undique. Osor. de reg. instit.  infortunately falleth; but knowledge giveth eyes, and the happiness of sight declineth the unhappiness of our lives perpetual groping error, and the miserable confusion of the darkness of mind. Since than knowledge is the eye and sight of the mind, and all knowledge cometh either by the ordinary light of nature, or the extraordinary illumination of the Creator of nature, whence shall the ordinary dispensation of men's ways and actions borrow counsel and light, but from nature? And then how necessary is the knowledge, learning and study of nature, not only unto the accomplishment and ornament of our better being, but unto the establishment of prudence and discretion, and the happy consequences thereof in all our lives and actions? If prudence and wisdom flow from hence, and the miserable condition of man perpetually crave their supply, and the never-ceasing mutable uncertainty of circumstances continually multiply occasion of consultation from thence, how can any action or purpose of man be rightly tried, approved and assured unto him, but by the complement and perfection of this knowledge? And if knowledge only rectify and make happy men's works, endeavours and actions in all things, how is it much more chiefly and absolutely requisite and necessary in a Physician? His subject, which is the safeguard of life 
f Morbus cum sit vitae humanae capitalis hostis, Medicus unicè natura duce est morbicida. Pulchrè Riolanus.  and succour of nature, exacteth the most exquisite wise and wary working. His rule in working (which is the prudent observation and imitation of his Creator in the created order and reason of all things) challengeth the help and assistance of all possible worthiness and excellence, the highest perfection of counsel, and most incomparable sagacity of understanding. For what wisdom, learning and knowledge, can be more than needful unto his use and help, whose continual employment and exercise consisteth in executing the perpetual decrees and counsels of 
g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Morborum medici naturae ●unt, naturae verò minister medicus. Hippocrat.  creation, in restoring the ruins and decays of generation, in rectifying, reforming and moderating the errors of continual mutation and alteration, in opposing death, and enlarging life; lastly, in arming the several true trials and just estimates of the native uses and properties of all things, substances, quantities, qualities, forms, seasons, and circumstances, according to the command of the general commander of heaven and earth, and the edicts of nature, for the good of man? What human science can afford more ample matter and occasion of divine cogitation? what employments are more continual works of charity? what virtue cometh nearer unto God in goodness and mercy? God createth man, the healthful and helpful hand of the Physician restoreth and repaireth his daily lapses. What wisdom more inwardly converseth with the hidden and secret works of God and nature? And though his better and more erected thoughts oft humble themselves unto the necessities of miserable men, (which proud and foolish minds contemn) yet hath the example of the saving Deity herein most exalted him whom virtue instructeth, wisdom formeth, prudence counseleth, and Art firmly guideth; without the competent concurrence of all which, the necessity of their hourly use doth altogether deny sufficience in a Physician. How worthy reverence in themselves, and how happy for others were it, if more wontedly and usually our Physicians would first labour for this settled perfection and 
d Operatio est finis syllogismi practici. Arist. Eth. 6.  general idea of prudent deliberation, before they so readily rush unto particular practice and action? For although it be experience that indeed giveth unto reason the true reflection of itself, yet is it the rule of reason that first 
e Prudentia rei futurae consultum curat ex disciplina non ex antegressis actionibus. Quare hic habitus omnibus artibus communis sit necesse est. Scalig. Poet. 3.  guideth experience forth unto likely proof. But now in these days this excellent knowledge, so worthy in itself, how unworthily is it esteemed by others, because so slightly sought and found in Physicians themselves, every man hastening to run before his knowledge either of 
f Huiusmodi turbam vulgò videmus à primis literarum rudimentis continuo se ipsam Medici nomine iactitantem, & venditantem, invidam, maledicam, obtrectatricem, novam speciem Cynicorum, avaram, supinam ignavam, simul atque ignaram. Scal. Poet. 3.  himself or his action, unto particular trials of confused conceit and confidence in opinionate grounds? Hence as mechanical offices and administrations are rather more commonly conspicuous in our ordinary practitioners, than any weight of prudent perpension or lively stamp of judicious disposition or ordering; so doth the general slightness and lightness herein of most, sprinkle a common disgrace and ignomy upon all, casting the excellent faculty itself inestimate almost behind the most inferior science. To leave therefore the proud and disdainful contemners herein unto the just contempt of God and nature in his greatest need, that others deserve not so ill, and all may learn rather to choose the good from the ill, then to despise the better for the worse, I will here point the inquisition of the best, who though haply rarely found, yet may the pattern commend the nearest thereto, and draw the well deserving unto his safest choice. In all cases and subjects of election, it is wisdom chiefly first to seek that is most excellent; next, where excellence is not, prudently to accept mediocrity, but ever knowingly to avoid evil. The pattern of perfection doth show the more and less perfect, and manifesteth the more or less imperfect, from which the farthest distance is the greatest defect, and the nearest affinity the best excellence. Of mediocrity are many degrees. There is mediocrity ascending ᵇ from itself toward perfection or excellence, and mediocrity descending 
c Mediocritas in confinio boni maliue posita est. Col. lib. 4.  from itself unto the lowest step of means. All that are contained within the latitude of mediocrity, participate the same true rules and grounds with those that consist in the highest top of excellence, only herein differing, that the latter with a more piercing eye searcheth the marrow of the same truth, the other more shallowly soundeth the same prosunditie. This difference of mediocrities distinguisheth only the several measures of the same perfection, whereby they differ, not in kind but in degrees of comparison. Thus are men termed 
d Alius alio sapientior, alius alio 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉;  good, better, and best of all; all considered in the same quality, every one an Artist, every one rightly understanding, but some more clearly, readily and fully, other less, and all truly. Unto whom therefore either excellence doth give true splendour and eminence, or mediocrity maintaineth within different bounds of true Art and science, he is either in the one worthy, or in the other intolerable. He whom farther unworthiness hath exempted out of both these, is in himself unprofitable, and in others use 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Eurip. Malus nihil aliud praeterquam malus.  harmful. The first and second, and the second by the first thou mayst here view in the following description of this latter book, and the third and last in the first and second going before.   

CHAP. II.  
AS all ages have derived and acknowledged the foundation of Arts from the principles of nature, 
a Artes omnes ratione & methodo acquituntur. Aristot. metaph. 7.  reason, prudence, and knowledge or science; and experience hath ever confirmed their profit and necessary use unto constitution 
b Sine generali methodo nulla ars discitur, neque disci potest. Galen. de meth. Med.  of Arts by daily proof: so unto the complement and achieving first of knowledge, and after of the right composing of Art, from 
d Artes instituuntur & accipiunt principia ex scientijs. Scalig. de Subt.  thence all times and men have with one general decree and consent determined a necessity of seven ever presupposed conductive helps thereto, without which neither knowledge nor science can preexist, nor art from thence 
e Intellectus speculatiws, actiws, factiws, habent principia universalia commun●●. Scalig. de Subt.  exist or have firm being. These seven Hypocrates with consent of his own time, and assent of since succeeding times, hath in this order numbered. 
f Naturam.  Nature, 
g Praeceptionem.  precept, fit 
h Locum studijs aptum.  place for study, 
i Studium.  study, 
k Institutionem à puero.  institution, 
l Industriam.  industry, 
m Tempus.  time. Aristotle with some others have named only three, nature, precept, industry; but in these three by consequent hath included all the rest. For study and contemplation must necessarily attend precept and industry both. Study without fit place and some certain seat, can never deeply settle, uncertain motion distracting and interrupting serious cogitation and assiduity; and time is necessary to be supposed in all. By nature we must not generally understand the first moving and being power which is in all 
a Omnis substantia Natura dicitur. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Aristot. in Metaph.  things in universal, but more specially for this subject, proclivity, natural aptness or fitness, peculiar 
b Natura etiam pro peculiari indole, ingenio, more accipitur. Sic apud Virgilium. Nunc age, naturas apibus quas jupiter ipse Addidit, expediam.  disposition in the helps and gifts of nature, ripeness of wit, capacity, reason and docility. By precept are understood the maxims, axioms, and 
c Axion. propositiones sunt per se fidem facientes, omnibus doctis in confesso & perpetuae. Gal de Meth. Med.  ancient golden rules of truth, which many ages and aged observation from time to time for common good and case have commended, compiled and summed methodically into general orders heads and numbers. By place fit for study, are not only understood the narrow enclosures of retired silence, and abdication unto private contemplation, but also the places of the societies and common assemblies of the learned, where both by private 
d Grata colloquia & iucundi dialogi opulentiora quam perpetui libri. Scal.  conference, and also by public 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Conuersatio artes peperit. Eurip  hearing the daily readings, teachings, and exercises of logical 
f Etenim ficuti lapidum collisione ignis: ita ex disceptationibus elicitur veritas. Scalig. de Subt.  disceptations of schools allotted every faculty by itself, 
f Optima illa est docendi ratio quae viva voce traditur. Neque enim quenquam ex libro nauclerum vel alterius artis artificem evadere licet. Libri enim sunt iis qui antea eruditi fuerunt monimenta, non rudium & indoctorum doctrina perfecta. Galen. de Alim. fac▪ lib. 1.  the mind may usually receive redoubled memory of the maxims, axioms and rules of every art and science, whereby continual 
g Qui sapiens & doctus evadere cupit, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 oportet, Plato. de Rep.  inculcation may both more firmly settle them, and occasion their more frequent and better laboured examination and rumination. That in whose admission two senses bear testimony, and by two ways doth enter, hath firmer possession. The weakness or weariness of the sight or eye in private reading sometimes mistaketh, oft omitteth, and not seldom overslippeth; but the understanding standeth ready at the 
h Animus habitat in auribus. Herod.  gates of the ears, ever giving easy entrance, and with ready attention more due 
i Vox scripturâ ad audiendum long praestantior & disertior, auriumque sensus potior magister. Plato.  perpension, the most faithful remembrance by the ear conducted unto the inward seats and sells of the soul and contemplation. By study is generally conceived the continual occupation and employment of all 
a Studium est vehemens animi applicatio ad aliquid. Perot. in Epigr. Martial.  the faculties of the mind in serious disquisition, prompt apprehension and reception of general rules and precept, and frequent oft after review of their former several notions, reflecting the understanding upon itself in the recognition of his passed intellection, and in due rumination unto right digestion; from whence by long exercise and use therein gaining an habit and true method thereof, the firm knowledge and science of assured infallible rule and principle, doth beget art, and art bring forth the end and perfection of art, which is the honour of the Artificer, the ever-reasonable satisfaction of needful use and necessity, and for the 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Infirmos omnes sanos facere est impossibile. Hippocrat.  most part desired issue. By institution is conceived education, early beginning, & inchoation from 
d Educatio est nutritio & provectio à tenerioribus annis. Sic Terent. Eduxi è paruulo, etc. Et Virgil. Nascentes educat vuas. Nonius Marcellus de proprietat. Serm. sic habet: Alere est vitam victu temporali sustentare, educare autem ad satietatem perpetuam educere.  young and tender years, whereby the grounds and rules of knowledge growing up with age, become in shorter time more natural, permanent, familiar, easy, more clear and free of difficulties, which unto sudden apprehension bring confusion and impediment. By industry is understood 
f Industrij homines ijdem qui laboriosi, amantes laboris, agendi pulchra studiosi. Cicer. Tusc. Quaest. 2.  continual care, exercise, and pains to make every benefit and utmost use of nature's bounty, of precepts worthy of place and every other behoveful circumstance, to perfect institution, to save, prevent, and redeem time and opportunity, with serious affection and desire to whet, uphold, and maintain alacrity, constancy, and perseverance through labour and diligence unto perfection. By time is understood the several competence of years to every single use, and due in all. The necessity of the helpful concurrence of all these unto any one perfection is easily manifest. The want of natural helps of wit and other reasonable parts of man, must needs be 
a Quod natura negat reddere nemo potest.  uncapable of precept. Without precept (being the rich compiled treasure of the excellent knowledges of many ages and generations) how shall any single lives sufficiency otherwise truly attain the precious worth and benefit of due perfection in any art? Without study also precept is never deigned, because not deserved, God and nature perpetually blessing and proportioning several measures of knowledge and understanding, to some equality of thoughtful 
d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Dij labore vendunt bona mortalibus.  search and assiduity. Where is not place fitting study, and allowing the prompt concourse 
e Scholae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Basil  of learned conference, study must needs want those ready helps which mutual speech, 
f Tantam enim vim habet puerilis institutio, ut sine ill● nemo ad ullum decus eniti possit. Osorius.  special example, and many common reciprocal auxiliary assistances in learned society, do manifestly, profitably, and continually supply. Where wanteth 
f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Non parum igitur sed plurimum quin potius totum refert, sic vel non sic homines ab adolescentia assuefactos esse. Aristot. Eth. 2.  timely institution, either later springs bring slower growth, or too sudden sprouts soon wasted springs. Where industrious affection and exercise either fainting waneth, or is not ever in the full, eclipsed care must needs prove dull, and pains slow, and without pains shall ever succeed but mean profit. Lastly, where full time is scant, 
h Veritas filia temporis: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  defect is large, and where season 
i Emuntur artes tempore & diligentia. Lac●t.  short, no good 
* Non potest in eo succus esse diuturnus, quod nimis celeriter est maturitatem assecutum Cicer.  proof long. And thus it is apparent, that none, and no one of these may be wanting, where is desired any reasonable perfection; and this is the same infallible truth in all faculties and professions. For many instances, behold but one, and see by common consent of all learned, by testimony of reason and experience, how progress of knowledge doth in every part answer the nature and custom of husbanding seed. Compare 
k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Analogiam habet natura cum tellure, agricola cum eo qui praeceptis instituit & instruit, semen cum salubribus praeceptis▪ Plutarch. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  the fecilitie of soil with capacity in nature, the seed with wholesome precept, the country neighbourhood of readiness and plenty (whereby need with common benefit may mutually both lend and borrow) unto the like helps of learning in learned society. Compare careful gathering together and storing of good seed, unto daily study; industry and pains to toil and labour; usual early bringing up, and prudent timely country education, to necessity of institution, and the yearly seasons to studious times. Are not all in both, and both in all alike? The seeds of virtue and knowledge are ever fitly sowed in childhood 
e Pueritia ad 14 annum numeratur.  the age of institution 
d Venaticus ex quo Tempore ce●●inam pellem latravit in aula, Militat in syluis catulus. Nunc adbibe puro Pectore verba puer, nunc te melioribus offer. Horat. , in whose unjudging youth their hidden virtue stealeth root, in years 
f Adolescentia haec est, ab annis pueritiae durans ad 20. & 25. annum, huic succedit juventus & progreditur ad 35.  of discretion growth, in 
g Iwenilis haec est aetas.  confirmed age gathereth ripeness, and in consisting 
h Consistit aetas à 35. ad 50. aut circiter, & vel paulo magis vel minus pro temperaturarū differentijs.  age bringeth forth ripe 
i Studia in Adolescentia sunt tanquam in herbis, quae annis post maturioribus pulchrae fruges sunt futurae, nam quae seminauerit in iwentute metet cum senuerit. Plutarch. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  fruit in practice and proof, therein continuing ever until declining autumn, the fall of age, and the winter of this mortal life. And this is that span of man's life, and ought be his reckoning of his days well dispent in any virtuous or noble faculty. These things are manifest unto all, and need not so much proof as better consideration. And thus the necessary concurrence of the knowledge of nature unto perfection in any worthy faculty, hath briefly and sufficiently appeared, and more specially the use thereof unto a Physician hath been plainly instanced and manifest, and his primacy in the counsel and consultation of nature, the necessities of life have amply proved. It hath been likewise farther considered, that as in all other arts and sciences, so especially in Physic, no man ever attained the meanest satisfying worth, without the assistance of a sevenfold furtherance, without nature either 
a Tu nihil invita dices faciesue Minerva.  disposing or favouring, hath been declared the vanity of utmost endeavour. Without 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Innatam virtutem ignavia & desidia destruit, & corrumpit, naturalem ineptitudinem rusticitatemuc corrigit & emendat doctrina. Plutarchy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  precept where hath ever been any right subject, rule, or measure unto wandering confused thought and contemplation? Without study and 
c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Quae facilia sunt cognitu fugiunt incuriam, quae verò difficilima elegantia concinna capiuntur. Plutarc.  industry was never gained worth, nor without institution ever purchased assurance of any perpetuity. In want of fit and settled place, the most desirous endeavour doth find wearisome loss of so fair and helpful opportunity, and there is no goodness by 
c Annus in apricis maturat collibus vuas. ovid.  time unsettled hath ever been after well 
f Illud ingeniorum velut praecox genus, non temerè unquam pervenit ad frugem. Quintil.  confirmed. From hence it must necessarily follow as a certain conclusion, that according as men are more or less wanting in any of these, so do the number of the wants truly measure the quantity of their defects. And since these are seven so inseparable companions & guides unto sufficiency in those by whom it is truly acquired, they must needs therefore by necessary consequent be therein fair likelihoods and proofs of that sufficiency unto others also whom it shall concern to know and inquire it for their own direction and satisfaction. And as these are thus necessary to be inquired, so is it as easy for the meanest to trace and discover them in any particular knowledge. 
f Festinata maturitas occidit celeriùs. Idem.  Nature doth express herself in her own endowments open to every eye in common conversation. The hope and opinion of good precept, doth unto the most ignorant give prudent guess, either by the particular knowledge, or at least inquisition of precedent timely institution and likely institutors. Good and pertinent institution, deriveth probability of itself, from the testimony of convenient time and fit place of institution. Industry cannot be hid, and study by his 
a In omni literarum profectu stylo, libello 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perpetuo est opus. Isocrat.  assiduity doth ever prove itself, and by continual exercise of itself, as it first giveth, so it after perpetually 
b Literae marsupium non sequuntur: sudoris comites sunt & laboris, sociae ieiuniorum, non satietatis, continentiae, non luxuriae. Hieronym.  holdeth sufficiency, and manifesteth itself thereby, both past and present, unto any one. And as education itself is of all learned esteemed and judged absolutely beyond 
c Recta institutio caput omnis virtutis. Plat. de Leg.  exception or dispensation necessary, so are his places common, and therefore not obscure. Lastly time well dispent doth point his proof unto examination of his several degrees of groweth, both how in 
d Eradenda cupidinis pravi ●unt elementa, & tene●ae nimis mentes asperio ribus formandae studijs. Horat.  childhood and youth, unto the years of discretion, disposed, and how also after that time in manhood and confirmed age unto consistence, disposing himself. These are those easy notes, whereby from the necessity, partly of their continual presence, and partly precedence in every faculty, the meanest capacity together with the best may confirm and better satisfy their prudent hope or fear in choice. These marks though common and indifferent unto all, yet do they bring more or less different behoveful use, according to different judgings and 
f Foelices essent artes si de iis sol●●udicarent artifices. Aristot.  understandings. Such as are learned in the same faculty, beside these outward and common informations are farther enabled to assure this inquisition by the presence and knowledge of the same sufficience in themselves, when they find it represented unto them in another, Such as are learned in different faculties, or are general readers or scholars only, by the signs common unto all kinds of learning may better judge of a common faculty in general knowledge, but unproperly determine of a 
g Artis cuiustibet iudicationes primae omnibus hominibus sunt notae, sequentes soli arti●ici. Gal. lib. 6. de Meth. Med.  special worth. The first have therefore more certain understanding, the second somewhat more advantaged conjecture. He only that is altogether unlettered and unlearned, for that he cannot help his judgement from any of these two former inward lights, or intelligence of his own understanding, must therefore chiefly derive his information from without, and from these outward signs, from whence it is also better to raise 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eurip. Bene qui conjiciet vatem hunc perhibebo optimum. Cicero de divin.  probable reason and conjecture to resolve himself, than altogether to trust report and others faith. For that which is probable cometh 
c Artificialis coniectura è probabili eruitur ratione & proximè ●emper accedit ad veritatem. Galen.  near unto truth, and he that industriously exerciseth himself in discerning rightly true probability, shall always more wisely walk, and most seldom err or be deceived.   

CHAP. III.  
ANd thus with a plain sensibleness unto vulgar capacity, I have delivered the sententious sum of those things which the learned in the largeness of many volumes have widely scattered and confounded: which as according to the first promise and purpose, it giveth unto the meanest a light unto a larger field of prudent consideration, so doth it also unto the younger student yield a profitable taste of that true way and method which prosperously guideth unto perfection. And although sharp witted folly in the ambition of proud conceit hath oft times devised and imagined easier and shorter ways and 
e Huiusmodi ●uere illi Thessalij asini & ipse ipsorum parens Thessalus, qui in sex mensium spacio totam medicinae artem non modo vorabant ipsi, sed & alios docere profitebantur.  cuts unto an higher pitch, yet aftertime hath still otherwise proved it unto erroneous men, when for the most part their eyes and time are almost out, and folly hath already too sufficiently fatted itself to glut repentance. I will not spend time in blaming this our time herein, daily experience is just reproof. From that which hath formerly been discoursed, there seemeth yet remaining a doubt demanding answer: whether none but men, as before, known learned, may prove of safe or commendable use? Where the causes and diseases are both common and vulgar, and no circumstance requireth more than ordinary consult, there without doubt ordinary harmless remedies without deeper counsel or advice, may by themselves sufficiently 
c Sed & medicus optimè singulorum naturam rationemue habuerit qui genus universum cognoverit. Verunta men nihil prohibet quo minus etiam is qui sit nescius uni alicui pulchrè consulat, dummodo experiendo quae cuique accidunt accuratè prospexerit: quemadmodum multos sibi ipsis optimos medicos videmus, cum alteri subvenire atque opitulari non possint. Aristot. Eth. 10.  satisfy an usual need. For this cause the Empiric is justly to be preferred before all other sects, for that (for the most part) never changing his approved ordinary good remedies, he thereby in ordinary cases doth more commonly benefit; while other sectaries from the wild 
d Methodici debitae pharmacorum compositionis ignari opera Artis invertunt. Galen. de Sect.  composition of their confused and deceived minds (ever therefore vainly continually varying the mixture of their medicines) must needs thereby both pervert the ordinary benefit of usual and tried medicines in common diseases, and in all other also by their misgoverned rules, and mistaking reason, ever either overrun or come short of that happy and safe issue, which more distinct, judicious and truly understanding accommodation from more prudent right deliberation doth more certainly and assuredly bring forth. This is the reason that 
e Galen. lib. de sectis in Suasor. ad arts. lib Isagoges Med.  Galen instituting and counseling a young Physician, doth chiefly instruct him first to bend all his whole labour and endeavour to aim at that unstained purity of sight and discerning sagacity, which is only proper unto the truly learned and solely orthodox Physician, whereunto if his power and means will not advance him, he than adviseth him to make choice of the Empiric solely to 
d Eaedem in ●j●dem affectibus medelae ab iis qui rationem profitentur & Empiricis medicis trahuntur. De ratione inveniendi eas inter eosdem dissentio est. Galen de Sect.  imitate before all other sects; because his plain constant course in ordinary diseases doth most oft good, and in other most commonly lest hurt, though with the rest never sure, and not ever safe. And thus far (deserving reader) I have pointed thy better remembrance into the right way of the most likely inquisition. Virtue is likewise a needful companion unto sufficience of understanding, a grace and ornament unto a Physician, and in him a benefit and advantage unto the patient; by the one well gained, discreetly and justly steering his sufficience, by the other well known, 
f Natura siquidem utraque haec largita est nobis, & ipsa judicia & sidem. Naturalia judicia sunt sensus & ratio. Ordiuntur haec à maximè facilimis usu & cognition. Fides & per ●uasio sine ulla ●isciplina natura d●●e i●d●cijs adhibentur. Galen▪ lib 9 de dog. Hipp. & Plat.  assuring his confidence: but being every man's common duty to learn, the Philosopher's subject, and beside my promised performance, I will commend it unto easy observation in every man his own trial and proof, the ordinary judgement more easily knowing virtue in the 
f Natura siquidem utraque haec largita est nobis, & ipsa judicia & sidem. Naturalia judicia sunt sensus & ratio. Ordiuntur haec à maximè facilimis usu & cognition. Fides & per ●uasio sine ulla ●isciplina natura d●●e i●d●cijs adhibentur. Galen▪ lib 9 de dog. Hipp. & Plat.  outward shape of fair action, then readily conceiving or examining it by the general 
g Non omnes ita sunt ●ole●●es ut ex solo universali ipsi particularia inveniant. Galen. lib. 5. de san. ●uend.  idea or large description. It only now remaineth thou call once again remembrance unto remembrance, by recovering in our passed discovery in few words the general brief sum for better impression and continuance. It hath been manifested how senseless common use doth draw fond custom unto mechanical counsel. Reason and prudence have also given thee a taste and better sense of the unobserved mischief therein, and hath taught thee a more wise fear. Nor hath it been the least wisdom, to know to hold suspected among those whom learning hath exempted out of the unlearned multitude, such as make profession of double perfection in two 
d Sua ipsius propria agere & alienis negotijs non implicari, est justitia, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Plato de Rep.  faculties, where one in true reason is never sufficiently or above needful measure fulfilled in the most excellent, beside the perfection and right habit of understanding, the attendance in care and circumspect action requiring never less then the whole and utmost endeavour; 
h Qui omnes in arte aliqua minutias & subtilitates persequitur, exitum nullum inveniet: si vero in illis modum utilitate terminauerit, non mediocre fructum ex illis capiet. Non enim omnia ex singulis disciplinis, sed necessaria, & ad usum magis accommodata sunt addiscenda. Osor. de Reg. instit.  which he that thinketh too much for his own calling, profession or faculty whatsoever, is the least of all worthy of it, or well deserving in it. It hath been likewise farther noted unto prudent observation, that among men honestly limited within one calling, notwithstanding immoderate, extravagant and impertinent curiosity too prodigally dispent in things of least moment, least pertinent or profitable unto necessary use, doth vainly sometimes ᵉ divert the more serious and chiefly fixed study and respect upon the more main ends and offices therein, (as hath been before noted of curious Astrologers and superstitious Ephemerides-masters) whereby that which is most necessary, is dangerously oft neglected, and that which is least needful, fond more preferred and esteemed. Lastly hath been pointed the man whom thou mayst most discreetly and with most likely safety choose to trust with thy life and health. First thou art advised to consider that he be a man free from the former imputations; and secondly that he be commended unto thee by the seven forementioned testimonies: one whom nature 
a Praeclara autem studia non omnibus ornamento esse possunt, sed iis tantùm qui praeclaro ingenio & egregia virtutis indole praediti sunt. Osor. de Reg. instit.  hath fitted and set forth by common good parts expressed in open and apert, just and discreet word and action, and also in special proof and use, the same in all occasions, capable, sensible, wise temperate, and understanding; in his profession carrying credited assurance by his former times, place, institution, study and industry well known, commendably formerly, and ever dispent. If thou make this careful and likely good election of thy Physician, thou shalt not so usually find so many luckless events of after-repented choices, nor so commonly heedlessly draw upon thyself so many miserable calamities as daily fall out in want of more reasonable fore considered care thereof. Happy is he who doth converse with the prudent, 
g Prudentia ad rationis norman quae cogitat quae que agit universa dirigit, & nihil praeter rectum & laudabile facit. Macrob.  consulteth the wise, trusteth the just and honest, and imploreth skilful help. God hath promised his blessing unto the prudent, in his unaltered decree destining unto providence both more certain prevention of evil, and also more likely forestall of otherwise more casual good. In the wise (with caution and difficulty ever admitting any suspected or doubted trust) succeed ever for the sometimes 
h A●tem in plerisque certam subvertere non debet paucorum vel in paucis error. Galen. de Med. opt.  deceived issue, ordinarily redoubled recompense, of fools ungusted, but unto the 
i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Omnia secuudùm rationem facienti licet non succedat secundùm rationem non est ad aliud transeundum dum manet quod à principio visum est. Hipp. Aph. lib. 2.  end deserving it, repaying the unknown inexplicable nectar of inf●●te acquiescence of mind, and ample content of rich joy of heart unto itself. In the skilful, error is barred frequency, and folly common or ordinary ᵃ admittance. These things common experience doth rarely know, because seldom regarded: folly for ever possessing this world of fools, and a 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Solertia est dexteritas in verum scopum seu finem collimandi. Aristot. Eth. 6.  mite of wisdom being ever more rare ᵉ then ten mines of gold. 
b Vir bonus & sapiens, 〈…〉 repperit unum Millibus è cunctis hominum consultus Apollo, 〈◊〉 ipse sui, etc. 〈…〉  Know thou therefore the best pattern, aim ever to attain his nearest affinity, with discreet coercion of that desire in want of so plentiful supply, contentedly also accepting reasonable mediocrity, but ever eschewing the hated name and enured note of known ignorance & adulterate 
d Tantum●e otij est à re tua tibi, aliena ut cures quae nihil ad te pertinent. Tere●●  bigamy of two callings, the one in common use wholly insufficient, the other for the most part, but in partable to supply either outward presence or inward worth. Commit thy life into his hand that esteemeth it worth his whole study and endeavour, that understandeth the causes in nature, wherein consisteth life, and is skilfully able to draw forth thy destined line unto the ●●most length and date in nature: that knoweth 〈…〉 and opportunity of life, 
f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Medicum uti providentia ut mihi videtur optimum est. Hipp. lib. 1. praenot.  that feareth God, & lo●● 〈◊〉 man: unto whom known danger giveth careful caution, safety security, judgement resolution, variable circumstance more wary circumspection, and general 
g In medico nulla potest esse perfectio sine illa encyclopedia quae homini viam munit ad foelicitatem. Scalig.  knowledge unscanted counsel in all occurrents. Thus shalt thou not betray thy life to folly, nor by thy blame ●hall others 
h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. ●st & hoc vile & miser●m cum stultis & fatuis insipere. Eurip.  ignorance deservedly punish and interrupt thy quiet ease. 
a Foelix qui potuit tran●uillam ducere vitam, Et laetas stabili claudere fine dies. Maximian.  Thus mayst thou both live in more free con●ent, and oft more happy days, 
b Quasi poma ex ●rboribus cruda si sint vi avelluntur, si matura & cocta, decidunt: sic vitam adolescentibus is aufert, senibus maturitas. Cicero.  and die in thy full time by a ripe and mature death, in the blessing of God, and ●ight of nature, yielding thy life unto the common law ●wrod● of mortality, not falling under the heavy burden of thy own guilt in rash exposal, or careless neglect.  
FINIS.    

Gentle Reader, I pray thee to correct these faults, escaped partly by reason of the difficulty of the copy, and partly by absence of the Author.  
Epist. p. 2. l. 6. r. any long burden. Epist. 2. p. ●. r. this necessary plane talk. 〈…〉 compare r. compute. Pag. 3. lin. 20. for courses read chances. ibid., l 26. 〈…〉 known● certain p. 6. l. 6. r. the as well. ibid. l. 19 grow, r. growing. 〈…〉 these. pag. 10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 iteretur. p. 13. l. 4. deliverage▪ r. delivering. 〈…〉 r. my. p. 17. l. 26. r. to divers parts divers fevers. ib. l. 34 delivation. r. 〈…〉 l. 9 death. r. health p. 19 l. 14. cannot, r▪ runnot p. 21. l. 8. which r. with, ib. l. 〈…〉 r. these, p. 24. l 30. liberty r. literature. p. 25. in marg. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 sole. p. 39 l. 35. r. content. p. 43. in marg. l. 37. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p 45. privy 〈…〉 4●. l. 14. r. be more completely. p. 56. l. 29. r. the other opposite. p. 62. l. 8. 〈…〉 motions. p. 63. l. 13, motives, r. motioons. p. 69. l. 32. on, r. any one. p. 74. 〈…〉 p. 79 orderly, r ordinarily. p. 82. l. 36. eminent, r. emunct. p. 85. marg. Scalig. 〈…〉 p. 88 l. ult. ends, r. means. pag. 94. l. 21 precepts, r. pretexts. Ib. first note 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. p. 97. last note in marg after, ea quae fecit, r, per ea quae 〈…〉 103. the third note, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. p. 104. l. 25. r. indications. Ib. l. 29. 〈…〉 p. 106. l. 21. their, r, her p. 111. l. 3 r. the illulion. ib. l. 14. divining, r diving 〈…〉 continuing, r. confirmed. Ib l. 4. pofiting, r. profiting. p. 113. l. 21. wounds, r. 〈…〉 pa. 124, l. 10. different, r, indifferent. p 127. l. 24. mean, r, meager. Ib. l. ult. 〈…〉 fertility. pag 130. himself, read itself.