THE Potable Balsam OF LIFE. Being a Collection of the choicest Preservatives that are Extant within the three Natural Families of Minerals, Vegetables, and Animals, reduced into such Essences and Tinctures by the Scientifick Art of Chymie, which constitute a Radical and Cordial Balsamic Liquor, agreeable and pleasant to the Senses, and to be taken in small proportions. By which the Bodies which are in Health may be preserved, the growth of Distempers intercepted, and Diseases already confirmed, totally Erradicated. Especially such as are most Predominant in Sea-bordering Nations, more particularly in ours, of which diseases you may have an account in the following pages. Published by P. Bellon, Physiomathetes. For the Public Good, especially for those who are unhappily deprived from the great conveniency, and advantageous assistance of Learned Physicians, and that live remote from Medicaments, it being of such a Nature as meliorates itself with keeping, though it be kept a hundred Years. All persons are desired to peruse the Book throughly, for in each Page they may meet with something which will satisfy their Curiosity. With Allowance. Natura Vniversalis cum paucis principiis operatur Mirabilia, & Chimico Ingenioso pauca sunt necessaria. London, Printed for the Author, 1675. ADVERTISEMENTS. WHere as the Body of this Balsam is capable of receiving all such additions, as all Judicious and experimented Physicians may judge proper for the Cure or prevention of such particular distempers, as any of the Subscribers may be most liable unto. And it being also convenient that I should have some account of the quantity of this Balsam, that will be vended so soon as it is finished. (that I may take my measure accordingly) All persons that are desirous to have of this Balsam, are invited to inform me either by word of mouth, or Letters directed to me at my Laboratory over against the Cross-Keys in Bedford-street Covent-Garden. What Medicaments they desire should be added, whereby to render that proportion which they shall please to subscribe unto, more proper for prevention of such distempers; and it shall be faithfully and carefully performed, according to their desires, in their, or any other Persons presence whom they shall appoint. Yet at no greater rate than that said best sort of Balsam (without additions) shall be sold to such as have not subscribed, whereby the said Subscribers will have a great advantage, both by those additions, and the certainty of having of it rightly prepared, according to the Receipt, it being to be done in public, to which advantage none other can pretend after the Mixture is once made. And whereas all Persons are not willing or in a condition to go to the rate of 40 shillings a pound, for that Balsam which is prepared with the true Tinctures of Gold, Antimony, Coral, Vipers, Vitriol, and Pearls (as is specified in this Book) I have thought it convenient (for the general good) to prepare some of the Balsam, without the forementioned Tinctures, which though not so great a Cordial, Preserver, Restorer, and Renewer of Nature as the other, yet will prove as effectual for the Preservation, and Cure of those Diseases mentioned in this Book, as likewise for all outward Applications. To be had at sixteen shillings the pound. To which may be made additions, also paying the overplus for them, at very reasonable rates. And to avoid all manner of fraud and deceit, both the Balsums shall be delivered ready put up in bottles and sealed with my own Seal, the same as here prefixed, of which there shall be one delivered to each Subscriber for Surety. Dignissimo Viro D. D. GEORGIO ENT, Equiti Aurato, Collegii Londinensis Praesidi, nec non Censoribus & Sociis ejusdem nobilissimi Collegii. Viri Excellentissimi, & Literarum splendore conspicui. POst varias peregrinationes per diversos Orbis Christiani tractus, & post multos in Theoriâ & Praxi Chymicâ exantlatos labores; tandem in hoc florentissimae Urbis beato sinu senescere, & sedem ponere constitui. Sub D●o. Laz. Riverio & Theod. Mayerno Immortalitate dignissimis Viris, Tyrocinium Chymicum exercui, quorum Autographa apud me extant; & si quemlibet Collegij curiositas videndi, & perlegendi tangat, deprompturus. Offero vobis (Viri amplissimi & doctissimi) selecta quaedam Medicamenta, gustu jucunda, visu amabilia, & in desperatis morbis profligandis efficacia. Vos estis mihi Judices, coram vestro Tribunali me sisto; & vestra praesentia in meo Chymico pistrino erit mihi honori & praesidio; fortè vobismetipsis non minori voluptati, si mihi quilibet Collegij Londinensis Socius adesse voluerit. In hoc consultiùs & prudentiùs me fecisse existimo, quòd me vestrae candidae censurae objicerem, quàm ut Agyrtas imitarer, qui Schedulis postibus affixis, inanem Vulgi gloriam, tantùm densitate humerorum notabil●s, ridiculè aucupantur. Subscribo me Dabam ex Aedibus meis in Plateâ Bedfordienfi, oppositis Tabernae Vinariae, cui signum Clavium transversatum pensile. Vestrae gravissimae Societatis Cultorem obsequentissimum Petrum Bellonium Lond. Natum. THE PREFACE. HAving found by a no less successful than long experience, that this Specific which I treat of, is not only proper, but effectually powerful for the Cure of divers Diseases, especially of those which usually afflict Maritime Countries, among the rest, more particularly those of this Kingdom, wherein the Scurvy, Dropsy, Apoplectic Palsy, Asthma, Tabes, and the Venereal Diseases do so much reign of late years, daily getting ground by their impetuous Raging, especially among the Vulgar; who not regarding Rules and Methods, though never so much grounded upon Reason and Experience, are still for the shortest, easiest and cheapest ways of Cure. I thought myself obliged (through a due sense of this spreading Calamity) to render this pleasant and powerful Remedy more generally known, and in a shorter time, by this kind of Publication, than my small acquaintance would do in many years. The Ingredients that enter into this excellent Composition are selected from among those, that the three Families of Minerals, Vegetables, and Animals have in them; which are most proper, not only for the cure of the foermentioned Diseases, but also for Preservation, Prolongation, & Renovation. And lest this excellent Remedy should lie under the scandal of being some upstart Thing, invented merely for Lucre; and my self a Person that would impose upon the Vulgar (as too many do) not regarding how little effectual their Medicines prove, so they do but thereby fill their Pockets with the Gains: I have not only (as to the practical part) declared what the Ingredients are that constitute this excellent Compound, and published their exquisite Preparations; but also given valid reasons for their choice, in a Theorical Discourse of their Qualities, Properties & Virtues, which extend to Preservation and Renovation. And all this done without the least design of entrenching upon the Prerogative of the most Learned and Eminent College of Physicians; whom (with all submission to their Censure) I humbly entreat, as well as all other Ingenious Artists, and Lovers of this Scientifick Art, to favour me with their Opinion and Approbation of this Remedy, and honour me with their company at my Laboratory during the time of the Operations. To which purpose I shall give a timely and public notice of the opening of the said Laboratory. Not doubting but through this fair way of dealing, I may remove from this Medicine, all such prejudices, and jealousies, as things in this manner of Publication do commonly create; preserve it from all foul aspersions, raise it above those little Spurious Brats of Physic, with which this famous Nation is but so much pestered; and place it beyond the reach of Malice and Envy. I shall leave it's own Virtues, and those Gentlemen that shall be Eye-witnesses of its exquisite Preparations and Operations, to speak its Encomium; and shall only say, that though it sets not forth so large a Catalogue of Ingredients as the Theriaca Andromachi, Sr. Walter Raleighs great Cordial or such like long but most excellent Compositions: Yet in that Few is sufficiently comprehended, what is requisite to effect those several operations, which I mention in this small Treatise, not omitting Preservation and Renovation. It is this excellent Specific, which I humbly present to the public, for the general good of this Kingdom, thinking all my studies and I abours well rewarded if I prove in this effectually serviceable to my Country, and so esteemed by the Learned Virtuosos; to whom I wish all health and increase of Knowledge. Of the Preparations of each particular Ingredient and first of the Dissolvant BY reason that these Preparations are to be made through the medium of Dissolvants, which are the material Instruments of such Chemical Preparations, I thought it necessary in the first place, to give an account of that Menstruum, which I have made choice of for this work. It is obscurely set down by Ramundus Lullius in his Works, but because it is not to be comprehended so as he has writ it by every vulgar capacity, I have thought it convenient to explain it here, that those Persons who have the least insight in Chymie, might understand its most exquisite and elaborated Preparations. The Receipt is thus. Take of the strongest and best Claret-wine one Hogshead, out of which you wust extract the spirit after the common manner, rectifying it to a perfect purity, let the rest of the liquor be distilled by itself, so draw of the Phlegm by the vaporous or ashee heat, until it remains of the colour of Pitch, and in consistence of a thick syrup, at the bottom of the Vessel. This black substance distribute into several Glass Bodies, and pour over it he Phlegm, till it overtops the Black substance, the height of four or five finger's breadth. Set them upon warm ashes and in few days the Phlegm will, be tinged with a red colour, by attracting to itself the combustible Sulphur from the impure faeces of the wine. Let the tinged Phlegm be separated by inclination, and fresh Poured upon the matter, repeating this labour till the feces yield no more Tincture, and that what remains in the bottom be white and Crystalline. Set this Crystalline substance in several Matrasses with long necks, and pour over it the rectified spirit of Wine till it overswims it by three fingers breadth; apply to these Matrasses fit heads and Receivers, well joined with a proper Lute for the purpose, and set them on warm Ashes, that the matter may distil, Cohobating divers times that which is distilled. All being cold, let it be poured out by Inclination, without raising the sediment, then pour upon the Feces more of the spirit, and thus reiterate so often, that the Feces which through their proper nature Calcine themselves, begin to grow black, and smoke when laid upon a red-hot plate of Iron; which is a sure sign that the first Philosophical Calcination is accomplished, & the Spirit already fully animated with that acid Balsam & Ferment of Nature, that was contained in these Faeces which were reduced into Crystals. Join all these animated Spirits together, and preserve them in some close stopped Vessel, for fear of Evaporation. Set the remaining Faeces in small Matrasses with long necks, which seal up Hermetically, and set in sand, in an Athanor Furnace, so that flame may be given round the Vessel, continue the fire five or six days, till the Earth be throughly calcined, fixed, and changed as white as snow. The which to render more volatile again, divide and distribute into several Cucurbit●●, pouring upon them the fourth part of the aforementioned Spirit of Wine, apply their heads and Receivers well joined and Luted, and set all in a wet Bath, lukewarm during one days space, from whence transport them afterwards on ashes, and with a competent heat draw off the Liquor, which from very fiery and sharp that it was, will come off as insipid as spring-water; by reason that the abovementioned Spirit hath then deposited it's Balsamic Salt in that of the Lime, which Salt did ascend in the former operations with the Spirit. Nam Natura Naturam amat, eamque sequitur in sua Natura. Pour upon the Calx or Lime the same proportion of other animated Spirits as before, observing the same order in the Distillation, till you find by your taste that in the distillation, that Spirit comes over as strong, as it was poured on, which will be a sign that the fixed Salt hath retained as much as needs, or as it can contain of the Volatile Salt. Observe that if you have weighed your Matters at first; you will find them trebly augmented in weight, which ought to be diligently noted, in order to the Sublimation and last operation, that the Volatile may exceed and overcome the fix. Set all your Matter in divers little bodies of the shape of Sublimatories, adding their Heads and Receivers to receive the sulphurous spirituous humidity, distil this in Ashes with a gentle fire, during a whole day, then augment the fire by degrees, till at last (towards the end) the fire be in a degree of Sublimation, which continue so, during 18 or 20 hours, and till that the Vessels appear no longer filled with Whitish Fumes; then will you find the Matter sublimed sticking on the sides of the Glasses Pure, Clear, and Transparent, like unto Pearls or Talk. Take this Sublimed Matter, and make it into Powder in a Glass or marble Mortar, put it into a Matrass, and pour over it of the Sulphurous Spirit, moistening it little by little, and concocting them 3 or 4 days in an Athanor Furnace, with a pretty strong fire, and thus you will have the Menstruum. Concerning the Radical dissolution of Gold. When I shall have told you that the Preparation of the Dissolvant for Gold, was given me by an Adeptus under the seal of secrecy, and confirmed with an Evangelical Oath, I hope there is none that bears the name of a Christian, but will dispense with me for making public, what I ought to keep for ever locked up in the Cabinet of my breast; yet presuming upon that limited Liberty which was then allowed me, and that others make use of when they treat of such Secrets. I will here set down in an Allegorical sense (though intelligible enough to those that are Masters) the whole process as follows. Rep. Glaciei solubilis Gemmarum q. s. imponatur Crucibulo super ignem per 6 vel 7 horat, dein remoto igne, Crucibulo fracto, recipe tuam materiam calcinatam et vitro retorto inde, superfundendo spermatis Fermenti Vniversalis dimidiam partem, & cum Recipiente capaci, in quâ sit circiter quarta pars aquae communis, firmiter lutetur, deinde augendo ignem per gradus distilletur ad materiae siccitatem. Tunc frange retortam & calcinatum tuum inde retorto Terreae recipiente adapta, deturque ignis vehementissimus apertus, donec ad perfectam distilletur siccitatem, quod septies rectificatum servatur ad usus; Postea R. Speculi Philosophici, cum sudore Achilles, sanguine Veneris, et Adami pituita Philosophicè per Vulcanum impregnati partes duas. Ignis terrae partem unam, Purifica in Barathro ad perfectissimum splendorem; deinde sumito de istâ purificatâ materiâ et de aqua non madefaciente manus ad partes aequales. Ingrediantur apertum Ignis Balneum per aliquot horas, quando satis sudaverint, ●bducantur cum tegmine, ne à frigore intercipiantur, quiestant isto madore per horas quatuor, mox quando lentè refrixerint, excipiantur, ex Balneo sicco, & cum praedicto liquore, subtepido, in Balneo liquido foveantur, & maneant in humectatione ista per semidiem, deinde parato lecto, clausè tecto, Cogas ex Balneo, in gremium Quietis. Thus have I (though obscurely) yet faithfully set down this great Menstruum, which if any Son of Art understands, let him enjoy it with thanks, and in a Perpetual silence. Take of this Dissolvant (which the Philosophers call their Mercurius Philosophorum) 9 parts, add to them of Laminated Gold, cemented with Antimony one part. Leave them together in a Matrass without heat, and in 24 hours, the Gold will be dissolved. Close the glass Hermetically, (or adding a blind head to it) set it to digest and Circulate in a gentle lamp heat during a Philosophical month. Then having Poured off the Tincture into a small glass retort, draw off the Menstruum, till the saffron of the Gold remain almost dry. Pour upon it of the Vegetable Menstruum to the height of three fingers breadth, having stopped the Glass and luted it very well, set them in digestion during 10 or 12 days, and it will be totally Impregnated and the Crocus of Gold wholly dissolved in it, which is to be kept in a Glass well stopped for Use. The Preparation of Vitriol and Pearls. Take of the Vitriols of Mars of Venus, of each a sufficient quantity, and by reiterated dissolutions and coagulations, purify them from all their Terrestrial parts; then put them in a Glass retort with a quart of Pearls, and distil them, still pouring what is distilled upon its faeces, till they have imbued and drank up all the humidity, and you will find in the retort an excellent Red Colcother joined with the calcined Pearl, reduce all in powder, and pour upon it of the accuated Vegetable Menstruum, to the height of three fingers breadth, this mixture put into a Glass retort, distil it in a Naked Fire during three or four days, save all the Liquor by itself, and extract with common water the dissoluble Magister of the Pearls out of the red Faeces, which keep apart, then take the distilled liquor, and from it distil off the accuated Menstruum, and there will remain in the bottom of the Lembick a Balsamic Liquor as red as blood, to which add the Magister of the Pearls and the accuated Vegetable Menstruum, and circulate altogether during 40. days, and you will find your Liquor as red as blood, sweet, and without Faeces in the bottom. Of the Preparation of Antimony. Basilicus Valentinus in his Currus Triumphalis Antimonii does teach how to make an excellent Tincture of Antimony, of which he says; none but those that have tried it can believe it's wonderful Virtues. Yet in my opinion that which is set down by Zwelfer in his Apendix ad Animadversionem pag. 72, is to be preferred to this in respect of its most excellent Dissolvant, which for that very reason I have made choice of, and this it is. Take of the best pulverised, Vertdegris q. s. which put into a Glass Limbeck, over which pour distilled Vinegar the height of three fingers breadth, then after a competent time for digestion, when the Vinegar is well saturated with the Tincture, pour it off by Inclination, and pour upon the Vertdegris some other distilled Vinegar, digest it as before, and then pour of the Tinged Vinegar as before, repeating this work till the last Vinegar poured upon the Vertdegris will attract no more Tincture, and that the substance of the Vertdegris be almost totally dissolved. Let all these filtrated dissolutions be put together in a Limbeck or Copper pan and evaporated with a gentle fire, till there appears a film on the superficies of the liquor, than set it in a cold place to Chrystalize, part the Crystals from the liquor, and dry them with a gentle heat, exhalate again the remaining liquor a little, and gather the Crystals as before, and thus continue to operate, till it be almost all converted into Crystals. These Crystals being afterwards Put into a Limbeck, pour upon them of good rectified spirit of Wine, a sufficient quantity to overflow the matter the height of three fingers breadth, distil it off again, and this repeat twice or thrice for their better Impregnation and volatilization. These Crystals being pulverised, put into a Glass retort, luted, to which fit a Receiver, and distil it by degrees, in an open but gentle fire, until all the spirit be drawn off, which is to be very well rectified, by an Alimbeck in a sand Furnace. This Menstruum being Perfected thus, take of Glass of Antimony prepared by itself, so much as you please, make it into a very fine Powder, and pour upon it, to the height of three fingers breadth of this Menstruum, set it in digestion in a gentle heat without any agitation, until the Spirit be Tinged with a yellow or reddish colour, pour this off by Inclination, and pour on some new, this repeat so often, as you find the Spirit Tinged after some time of digestion, (which will be after the second or third time) These tinged Spirits must be put in a Limbeck and drawn off not to a perfect dryness, but that there be some small proportion of liquor remaining behind; upon which pour of the actuated Vegetable Merstruum q. s. which will be instantly imbued with a deep red colour, which must be separated by filtration from the gross and Terrestrious yellowness. Then draw off again part of the Spirit, or Tinged Menstruum, and the rest will remain of a most excellent and bright red colour, which Keep for Use. The Preparation of Viper's. Take Vipers No. xx. of the Actuated Vegetable Menstruum lluss. Put those Vipers living and whole in the Menstruum in a Matrass with a long neck, to wh●ch you must fit a head and receiver, and there let them remain till they be suffocated, and after a due digestion draw off half the quantity of the Menstruum in B. M. the other half pour off by decantation, then pour over them the remainder of the distilled Menstruum, & after digestion, distil again half of it, and the remaining part Pour off as before, which must be very hard Pressed from the Vipers, and joined with the first Tinctured Menstruum, then filtrate them through Paper, and keep them close stopped. Take those Vipers very well dried, so that they may be easily crumbled into a gross powder with the hands, set them in a glass retort, to which fit and lute a large Receiver, distil them in an open fire observing the degrees of heat, till all that is in the retort be driven over through the violence of a Flame fire. The distillation ended, the Volatile Salt will be ●ound partly dissolved in the Water contained in the receiver, and Partly adherent round the sides of the receiver, in various forms which is to be washed off with the said water, then separate it from it's fatid Oil through a filter of paper. This Volatile Salt is to be separated afterwards from its stinking and better water by a gentle Sublimation in a long-necked Glass, with its Head and Receiver, so that the humidity mount not with the Salt. Join this Volatile Salt to the forementioned Essence of Vipers, which set to digest in a glass well stopped, during two or three days, and so you'll have the Preparation of Vipers. The Preparation of Coral. Take of red Coral so much as you Please, make it into very fine Powder upon a Porphiry, and having put it in a Matrass with a long neck, pour over it to the height of three fingers breadth of the spirit of Venus described in the Preparation of Antimony, set it to digest till it is very well impregnated, with the Tincture of the Coral. Then pour it off gently, and pour on some fresh Spirit, this repeat till the Coral will afford no more Tincture, then take all the Tinged Spirit, and distil it off almost to dryness, then pour over the remaining Tincture, as much of the actuated Menstruum, as will be requisite to take up the Tincture, which keep for Use close stopped. The Preparation of the Sarsa, China, Saffron, Rosemary and Lavender Flowers. This Preparation is so common and easy that few words will serve to demonstrate it. Take the Sarsa and China, and after the usual manner slit them and slice them in to very thin pieces, but leave the flowers whole, put all into a Matrass with a long neck, pour over them the height of three fingers breadth of the Vegetable Accuated Menstruum. Stop well the Glass, set it to digest in a gentle heat, and when the Menstruum is throughly Tinged, pour it off by Decantation, pour new Menstruum upon the Materials, digest it as before, and when well Tinged, Decant as before, and so you will have the true Preparation of the Roots and Flowers. The Preparation of the Gumm Guajacum. Though this Gumm seems so pure and clear from all dross that it requires none other purification, yet in the Preparation of it, there are found such Terrestrial parts, as require a separation from the Tincture after this manner. Take of that Gumm q. s. powder it very fine, and put it into a Matrass with a long neck, pour upon it to the height of three fingers breadth of the Accuated Vegetable Menstruum, Close the Vessel, set it to digest in a gentle heat a day or two, then gently pour off the Tinged Menstruum; in which all the Refinous and Balsamic part of the Gumm is dissolved, which keep for Use close stopped. The Preparaion of Myrrh. Is after the same manner, as of the Gumm Guajacum, therefore I refer you to that. The Composition of the Balsam. The Ingredients being all duly and rightly prepared as has been said, every one according to what their Nature and Quality did require. It is time to come to the Composition, consisting in the true proportioning of their respective Doses, and the Mixture of the several Preparations, which take as follows. Take of the Tincture of Gumm Guajacum llij, of the Tincture of Myrrh llss; of the Tincture of the Roots and Flowers, the same as of Myrrh, of the Essence of Vipers ℥ vi, of the Tincture of Coral ℥ iiij, of the Tincture of Antimony ℥ iij, of the sweet Red Oil of Vitriol impregnated with the dissoluble Magistery of Pearls, as much as of the Tincture of Antimony, and of the Tincture of Gold ℥ ij. Pour these into a capacious Matrass with a long neck, add to it a blind head, and set it in digestion in a gentle heat, during two or three days. Here is the Composition of the Excellent Balsam of Life proper for a general use, which will keep hundreds of years, fit to receive any Medicinal addition, provided it be first prepared, according as its Nature and Quality shall require and dissolved in our Menstruum, For none other being so purely spiritualised as this, those waterish particles which others would introduce into these other pure Tinctures, would cause them immediately to precipitate to the bottom in a milky white substance, to the great detriment of the Accidental, and some Prejudice to the Essential form of this Specific Balsamic Liquor. Reasons for the Election of the Ingredients which constitute this Balsam; of their Natures, Properties, and Virtues. First concerning the Menstruum. Amongst the Chemists the word Menstruum is given to any Liquor, either Natural or Artificial, Simple or Compound, which is used for the dissolution of any Mixed; and in that respect common Water may be so termed, But this word is restrained to such Liquors, as are of power to disunite, open, and dissolve, the Mucilaginous, Resinous Saline, and Balsamic parts of whatsoever lies hid in Natural Productions, as also to extract and retain their respective Tinctures. There are variety of these Menstruums, according to the divers qualities of matters to be dissolved, and the Inventions of Ingenious and laborious Artists. There being but few Masters in this Scientifick Art, but have some peculiarly due to their own fortunate Stars, and Industry. Of these Menstruums some are made of the Juices of fruits, as of Lemons, Pomgranats, Barberies, and the like; but the chiefest amongst them are such as are prepared of the Juice of the Grape, namely Spirit of Wine and Vinegar. Others are extracted of some parts and excrements of Animals, as out of Blood, Urine, the faecal Matter, and the like. Others are prepared from Minerals and Metals, as out of Vitriol, Common Salt, Nitre, Antimony, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and the like. To these Menstruums I may add by themselves such as are extracted out of Honey, May-Dew, they being kind of Meteors not to be properly ranged under any of the forementioned Classes. By a sympathetick influence those which are extracted from Vegetables, are most proper for the extraction of Vegetables, and so it is with those extracted from Animals, Minerals, and Metals: Yet this rule is not so absolute, but that some of these Menstruums are used promiscuously one for another, but that which is most general is the Spirit of Wine. This Spirit is called the Incorruptible Essence, the Water of Life, the Key of the Philosophers, the Universal Liquor or Balsam, the Philosopher's Sulphur and Mercury of the Vegetables, the Pearly Matter, and the Author of this Menstruum has given it the name of Accuated Menstruum, or Heaven of the Vegetables, with which he was used to extract the true Tincture of Gold. And by the Philosophers it was termed that Fire of Nature, as much concealed as Celebrated amongst them, who unanimously say, Ignis & Azot tibi sufficiunt. These and divers other such Denominations too tedious to relate, are sufficient to declare, that this Spirit is the fittest Liquor of all those which are either Natural or Artificial that is capable of extracting the Virtues of whatsoever is infused and digested in it, without the loss of its seminal Faculties, and leaving behind any relics of their Middle Lives Virtue. Whosoever is acquainted with this Spirit will acknowledge it to have a most piercing Virtue, yet not of so hot a Nature as is imagined by the Vulgar, since it resolves the hottest and hardest tumors, allays the pains of burning, and takes away any inflammations. It's Incorruptible Nature renders it in great esteem, both because it preserves itself, and all other Being's Animated or Inanimated. This Spirit of Wine is Simple or Compound, I call that Simple, which is extracted by bare Distillation, without any further addition. And by the Compound, I mean that which is Essencified and impregnated with its Essential Salt, and amongst all of that kind is that which I have chosen for the preparation of those Matters, which compound this Balsam of Life. Namely the Accuated Vegetable Heaven of Raymundus Lullius heretofore described. The reasons why I have preferred this Menstruum before all others, to be the Vehicle for communicating the Virtues of this Balsam into humane bodies, are, because it will extract the Tincture from all things by divesting them of their Accidental Forms, and yet preserving their substantial ones, which speaks it the most proper Liquor of all such as are capable of extracting the Virtues of those Mixts which constitute this Compound. Besides this its qualities and Virtues have invited me to this Election; for it is not only of power to convey and communicate the Virtues of all Mixts annexed to it, but through its own penetrating Balsamic Essence, does open and dissolve all obstructions, drives forth all Heterogeneal particles, cleanseth, healeth, and strenghtneth the inflamed, and debilitated internal and external parts, and corroborates the whole body; and thus Natura corroborata est omnium morborum Medicatrix. Thus much concerning the Virtues, qualities, and choice of this Menstruum, before all others, though easier to be made, and now a few words concerning Gold and its Dissolvant. Gold is the most perfect Child of the Earth, the Ne plus ultrà of the Mineral Power. It is a yellow, most solid and compact Metal, compounded of such principals as are fix, permanent, and digested in a most Sovereign degree, as it's incorruptibility does manifest. It's called by some the Sun, not only by reason of its great Correspondency and harmonious Relation with the Celestial Sun of the great World, but for its Sympathy and Affinity also, with the Sun of the little World the Heart of Man. Its fixidity, purity, and most excellent Cordial Virtues, makes it wholly dedicated to the Heart, who is the Operator of all the Noble Functions of life. It is not only a most Sovereign Cordial, by reestablishing and augmenting the Radical Moisture and Natural Heat, but it is also an excellent Purifier of the Blood, dispersing and driving forth by sensible and insensible Transpirations, that which is Heterogeneous and corrupted in the whole Body, which are the results of the divers alterations of the blood, tending to Corruption and Putrefaction, and Consequently to the destruction of that subject, who it ought to Vivify and Nourish. Notwithstanding those exquisite qualities and virtues, it is the opinion of some, that Gold cannot preserve nor renovate by reason of his compactedness which is such as not to be so dissolved, but that it may be reduced to a Metalline substance again, and that by consequence never better Employed or more of use than when it is desolved in the devouring Menstruum of an over gorged Kitchen, an overflowing Cellar, and of exorbitant and Gorgeous Apparel (all which be daily found to be most radical dissolvants.) To which I shall only say that there are none never so meanly versed in Chymie, but know that Gold can be so opened, through the operations in that Art, as to be capable of producing some good effects upon our Bodies, although reducible again to its Matallick Body. This is easy to be demonstrated, by the example of other metallic bodies, which are resolved into Salts or Vitriolls, as Silver, Copper, Tin, Led, and Iron, all which may be reduced again into Metals, which hinders not the daily and successful use of them, by learned and eminent Physicians, who are invited thereunto by the daily discoveries of those admirable effects, which such open Metals produce in Cronical diseases, even upon the most obstinate and deepest rooted, and complycated amongst them, all these metallic vitriols having different tastes, various colours, as also some peculiar specific virtue, as appears by their various effects. If Gold being opened and prepared by the means of a powerful Menstruum so as to be reduced into a Vitriolic Salt, having its peculiar Colour, Taste, and specific virtues, is administered into our Bodies, why may I not conclude it to be of force and virtue to renovate and operate divers other wonderful effects, and consequently not to be debared from Physical use, for no other reason then merely its reducibility into metal again, not but that I know, that if this Metal was once so opened and radically dissolved as never to be reduced into Metal again by any Art, it would then be more efficacious, for Gold thus volatilised, and spiritualised, does acquire a more ample sphere of activity and virtue, but this ought not to debar us from the use of its meaner preparations, especially such as have been known by a long experience to be effectual in their operations, for the prevention and cure of diseases in humane Bodies. But by reason that the more radically Gold is opened, the greater effects it must consequently operate, I have made choice of such a Menstruum, which through its sympathy, and great affinity with Gold, does so radically dissolve it, that though it may be reduced in part, into a metallic substance, yet not without a sensible decay of its weight after, every dissolution, which in success of time by reiterated dissolutions & circulations, might so radically dissolve the whole as never to be reduced again into Gold or any other metallic substance. One property that this dissolvant has, which in my opinion cannot be paralleled, is that, though it be so powerful upon Gold, dissolving it without external heat, inward corrosion, freting, ebullition, or raising of any fumes, scum, and bubbles, (but just as wax would do in warm water) yet it will not so much as touch any other Metal, Mineral, Linen, Woollen, or any other thing, being so far from corroding, that those parts of my or skin that have been accidentally wetted and imbued, with this dissolvant, have proved as sound in the wareing as any other parts of my Apparel, and my hands not in the least offended, which proves its operation upon Gold to proceed from an Analogical consent of parts and by sympathy, but after the dissolution of the Gold in it, it tinges all things of a most glorious purpurine colour, which Evidently shows that the said Menstruum is sufficiently saturated with the central sulphur of the Gold, which yields that colour. So soon as I shall have prepared this dissolvant, which will take up six Weeks Labour, in which time I hope to have all the other operations required in this composition, I shall present to public view this as delightful, as exquisite dissolution of Gold, to all such as will favour me with their visits at the Laboratory, to which they shall at all times be very welcome, especially such as are desirous to communicate with me about some particular additions to the Balsam, according to their Physician's orders, whom I advise all Persons to consult very well before they repair to me. Gold thus prepared yields its Tincture in any Liquor, which Tincture of a most acerb & austere taste, does operate as variously as pleasantly, for sometimes it has been known to Purge by Stools, sometimes (though very rare) by Vomits, frequently by Urines and Sweats, but most commonly by no visible outward effects, but then its Virtues are sensibly felt, in augmenting the strength of the Sick, reviving the Spirits, cheering the Heart, and by Corroborating of the Viscera, and the whole Body. To speak in few words, its innumerable Virtues, I shall conclude with Quercetans own words, Ad innumerabiles morbos fere incredibilis videtur virtutis. Thus I conclude with the most noble of Metals, to speak something of the best of Minerals. Of Vitriol. That there is an Universal Spirit, or Spirit of the World which God hath Established for the continuance of the species, which Spirit gives Life to all beings, is a truth that is past disputing, but what this spirit is, in what substance incorporated, and how communicated, is that which but few understand. Yet most of the Eminents Philosophers say, that the external green and Azurine colours of Vitriol, and its inward acide declare it to be that subtle juice of the Earth, which is the sole cause of that Universal fermentation which precedes all natural Productions, even as leaven to Flower and Water. The sulphur contained in the said Vitriol being the Spirit and Ferment which opens and unites, gathereth and coagulates the divers vapours which are in the Earth, and according to their respective matrices, forms them into Vegetables, Minerals or Metallic Substances. In Vitriol, Venus is most apparent, and therefore most Ingeniously Feigned by those Poets that were Philosophers to be the Mother or Principle of all Natural Generations, and in my opinion, the Internal redness of the said Vitriol doth clearly manifest that generative blood of Nature with which she doth ferment her seeds, and of those fermented seeds, produce such Varietys' of beings, which makes such a sympathy between those three Natural Families. This Vitriol that has an acide Spirit, a burning or corrosive oil, has also a sweet red tincture in it, that is so friendly to Nature as to communicate to her all that she wants both as to her preservation and renovation, sweetening all preternatural acides, purging its balsamic parts, from all outward adherences, and Vivifying of the suppressed Spirits, besides it is generally known to be the greatest opener and resolver of obstructions that is used in Physic. This was the reason that I have made choice of this inward balsamic sweetness of Vitriol, Impregnated with the dissoluble Magisters of Pearls to enter into this composition. Of the Pearls. Pearls are the concretion of the purest part of that Mucilaginous Liquor, that a certain shell Fish called Oyster, draws from the Sea Water, which contains an embryonated Salt, full of a Natural Balsam, and of a principle of Generation, which is communicated to it by means of the Air and Water, those two great vehicles of the Universal ferment, this Gem is only found in those Shells that are most Rugged, and that contain the Leanest and most languid Fish, which shows that in the production of this Jewel, it is deprived of that sweet sulphureous milky substance, of which this object of Luxury and curiosity is perfected. This concrete has ever been acknowledged both by ancient and modern Authors to be of a nature capable to free the Natural Balsam from all outward and inward insultations, to re-establish the Languid strength, to recreate and stimulate the Spirits, suppress Poisons, the Plague, and all Putrid humours, by reason of the sweetness of its sulphur, which deads' all the effects of these sharp and saline serosities, that prick and irretate the Membranous and Nervous parts, inflame the viscera and prey upon the very spirits and Balsam of Life, whence are produced the Gout, Scurvy, Mange, Venereal diseases, and the Leprosy, all which qualities have made me give place in this composition, for the soluble magister of Pearls. Antimony. This mineral abounds in a noble mineral sulphur, it partakes also of a metallic undigestible mercury, and a small proportion of salt, it is called by some, the Grey Wolf, the black Eagle, the Dragon, the Leprous Gold, and by many other denominations. Basilius Valentinus says that it is of an Hermaphrodite nature, fix and volatile, in temperament hot, cold, dry, and moist, that there may be had from it a Medicine for every disease, besides a general Panacea, he says further that there is as great a variety in goodness amongst the divers sorts of Antimonies, as there is difference between the flesh of some Fishes and four footed Beasts, which though agreeing in name, are of various differences, but the best he concludes to be that which comes from Hungaria full of long bright and glittering strikes, and here and there tinged with a Purple and Gold Colour. This Mineral as it comes from the Mines, is crude and undigested, and imbued with some malignant qualities, but not to be rejected, since that by due preparations its impurities may be separated from its purer parts, its Homogenous principles from its Heterogeneous adherences, and its Medicinal virtues, freed and purged from all venomous and offensive qualities, therefore not to be despised, much less wholly rejected; for daily experience teaches us, that Vipers, which are venomous in their own Nature, are notwithstanding inserted in the Theriaca Andromachy not without great success, and that the bare suffocation of them in Wine, or in its Spirit, produces a sovereign Antidote against all Poisons, nay, what's more, by this bare Emergency, they become a test, by which such medicaments as are daily used as cathartics, are examined, whether they be of a venomous nature. It is not my intention hear to Impeach any particular Medicament, lest I should add to the general adversion against Physic, I have two much respect for it, and its learned Dogmatists, therefore only in general take this example, make choice of two persons, as near as you can of one age, habit and complexion, give to the one an ordinary dose of Viper Wine, to the other none, then administer to each an ordinary dose of a Cathartick Infusion, and you will find, that the Person which took the Viper wine, shall not be moved, and the other sufficiently purged which clearly proves the Alexipharmicalo peration of the Vipers, upon the noxious qualities of the said cathartics: which with pricking Volatile Salt irritates the expultrice faculty, and so provokes dejection, it being a Maxim, that none but fix qualities can expel fix diseases. Neither is it so much the driving forth by stools of the excrementitious peccant matter, which is so effectual as the Evacuations through the Emunctories by Sweats, Urines, and imperceptible perspirations. Now this Preparation, which I have chosen here, being the most fix of all the Preparations of Antimony, for that very reason I have made choice of it, having in twenty years' experience found it to be most efficacious against the Leprosy, the inveterate Itch, the Scurvy, and all Venereal diseases, as also in the Dropsy, and generally all obstructions, it purifies the Mass of blood, helps Melancholy, resists Poisons, opens Asshmaticks, heals Ulcerated lungs, cleanses the womb, helps Generation, and Conception, and is endowed with a renewing quality. Thus much of Antimony. And now, Concerning Coral. Coral is a stony Vegetation in the form of a Tree sticking fast unto rocks in the bottom of the Sea. There are chief two sorts, the White, and the Red, but this last is the best. There is some of other colours also, to be seen in the Closets of curious Persons, as Black, Yellow, Blue, and the like. As to the choice, the Male is the best, which is of a deep and clear Red, this Concrete, if well prepared, and opened, yields a Tincture, as red as blood; whose effects & vitutes are to purify & renew the blood; it dries & cools, strengthens the Ventricle, and the Liver, but chief the Heart. It is good against the Plague, Poisons, and malignant Fevers, it recreates the spirits, stops all Fluxes, it is an excellent Anti-Epileptick, prevents Convulsions in Children, is sovereign in the Palpitation of the Heart, Fainting fits, Melancholy, Dropsy, Gout all which it performs through that Solar Tincture, which is communicated to it from Gold, in a great measure, which gives it the true and deserving Title of Preserver and Renewer. Concerning Vipers. The Viper is a Serpent, the most venomous of all Reptiles, apt to be irritated, and when so, it drives in the twinkling of an eye from the vesicle of the gall to the gums, through an almost imperceptible vessel, so spirituous and subtle a poison, which insinuates and communicates itself so suddenly to the spirits, and the natural heat, that it as subtly stupifies the parts, as it has bit; which poison communicates itself immediately to the heart, and from thence to the brain by the means of Circulation. The remedies which this Animal affords, are no less surprising & admirable, than its poison, for it doth not only combat its proper poison, but enervates, & absolutely overcomes the strength & power of all the poisons that the three natural Families does produce; provided that these Vipers be well prepared, & administered in time and order. This long-lived Animal, of so great assistance, so abounding in a Balsamic Salt, doth not only renew those that frequently make use of its preparations, but renews itself also, in order to which, towards the end of the year, when their food gins to fail them, they hid themselves under stones, and in the Earth, where they remain languid till the beginning of the next Spring, when so soon as they have fed upon the balsamic blades and sprouts of budding plants, refreshed themselves with the Aromatic Air, and cherished themselves in the Rays of the Life-giving Sun; they seek out rugged places to rub themselves against, and strip off their old skin, which they have no sooner laid by, selves against, and strip off their old skin, which they have no sooner ●aid by, but immediately possessed with the sense thereof, and of its acquired benefit, it crawls more nimbly, and declares by the quickness and liveliness of its motion, & the Oriental colours of its new garment, that it is really renewed, and that by consequence, those remedies which it does yield, can produce the same effects in humane bodies also. The Virtues of this Animal are to strongly resist all poisons, they are good against Leprosy, all Venereal diseases, Consumptions, Hectic Fevers, but chief against the Scurvy, driving forth, through its Volatile Balsamic Salt, all the malignant ●erosities, which infect the mass of blood, the cause and fomenter of this popular disease, so raging at this very time amongst us. Of the Roots of Sarsa, China, and of Saffron, Rosemary, and Lavender flowers. These two Indian Roots are so frequently used, & well known to every vulgar eye, that I need not say much concerning them; I shall only in few words give you the reasons, why I have chosen them to enter into this Composition. They abound both in a fix Balsamic Salt, & in a Faecula, which is of a very drying, & healing quality; they are both Diuretic and Diaphoretic, friendly to the Liver, good against the Dropsy, Palsy, Gout, Headache, Jaundice, Green-sickness, the Scurvy, & all Venereal diseases; they heal, and dry up all inward Ulcers, which makes them to be daily used in all diseases which require exiccation. Saffron is a flower which abounds in such Virtues, as are Analogick with the rest of those Ingredients wh ch compose this noble Balsam; so that I should have done it wrong, not to have inserted it amongst the rest. It is a great Anodyne, a great Cleanser of the womb, a Cherisher of the Heart, a Disopilator of the Liver and Spleen, a great Provoker of Childbirth, and of what should immediately follow; it is esteemed the most sovereign Cordial of the Lungs, the actions of its Virtues being carried & distributed unto the very last disgestions through the Circulation of the blood, and by respiration. It is a little Panacea against the Plague, & all other infections, & malignant diseases; a great Specific in the Jaundice, good against the Apoplex, Asthmas, and fits of the Mother: in a word, it abounds in a Balsamic Sulphur, which is manifested by its exquisite odour, and in a Magnetic salt, which makes that af●er it has been dessicated, it attracts to itself again from the ambient Air that Balsam, which affords it afresh the same weight of body, the same vivacity of colours, and the same activity of odours, as it had at first, which is a thing worth observation. The flower of Rosemary, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by excellency does not come short of the Saffron; for not the flower only, but the leaves of the plant also, are totally Balsamic, which renders it a Specific against all the diseases of the head, and of the Genus nervosum, they strengthen the stomach, clear the Optic nerve, resolve & open all the obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, Womb, Mesentery, Pancreas, etc. They cleanse, and strengthen the Womb, help Conception, good against the Palsy, Apoplex, Convulsions, the yellow Jaundice, Green-sickness, and the white Effluviums. The Flowers of Lavender are absolutely devoted to the Brain, and Genus nervosum; Therefore excellent against Apoplex, Palsy, Trembling of Nerves, Cramps, Convulsions, Falling-sickness, fits of the Mother, and concussions of the Brains. All these three Flowers are also excellent in all Contusions, old Ulcers, Fistulas, outwardly applied, especially in spirit of wine. Of the Gumm Guajacum. This Gumm which proceeds from a great Indian Tree is of so pure a Balsamic body, that it dissolves wholly in spirit of wine, leaving little, or no faeces at all behind it. It is drying and healing, and taken in a large quantity purges downwards; it's a great Sudorific and Diuretic, and hath an Alexipharmical faculty: it is also cleansing, dissolving, and attenuating. All which qualities makes it a Specific against Venereal diseases, for by these forementioned qualities, it purifies the blood, dries up, and drives forth all superfluous moistures, heals all inward wounds, ulcers, and inflammations, strengthens the Nerves, resists putrefactions, augments the radical Balsam, and fortifies the stomach, and the Viscera, against all putrid humours, suppressing all preternatural ferments, strengthening the natural Acid. It cures the Dropsy, Asshma, or stuffing of the Lungs, Convulsion fits, all diseases of the Bladder & Reins, pains in the Joints, Gout, Flatulences, Crudities, & all Cronical diseases, especially such as have their being from cold and moist causes. It expels all gross and viscous humours, helps decayed memory, Catarrhs, Deafness, Gripe, Colicks, Sterility, Cancers, or Ulcers of the Womb, and all cold humours. It was in respect to this large Catalogue of its excellent Virtues, that I have elected it to be the basis of this Balsamic remedy, it being a Balsam in itself, proper against the Scurvy, and all venereal Diseases, as likewise a preserver and renovator. Of Myrrh. Myrrh is of those Balsamic Gums, which are used for the Inbalming of Dead bodies, for their preservation, from corruption, and Putrefaction, during many Ages, and seeing that through such properties, this Gum has a peculiar Energy of preservation, I thought I could not err by introducing it among the rest of our Balsamic Ingredients, as a preserver, as well as in respect to its other excellent Virtues, for it is such a resister of all putrid and corrupt humours, and all accidents and diseases that result from thence, that it is daily used in all those diseases, that proceed from corruption and putrefaction, as in the Scurvy all Venereal diseases, Poisons, Putrid Fevers, Small Pox, and the like, it is a Cephalick Specific, it drives all impurities from the Womb, the dead Child, also Facilitates Childbirth, &, what should Immediately follow it, and helps conception; Provokes Generation, strengthens the Nerves, and is a sovereign Antidote against the Plague. It was not therefore without good reasons that I have admitted it to a considerable quantity in this Potable Balsam of Life. Some short but necessary reflections upon the means of Preservation and Renovation. The reasons why I have given the name of Balsam of Life to this excellent composition, are because this Medicament is not a bare remedy for the cure of diseases, but that also through its admirable Virtues, and qualities, it is a preserver of Life, by the means of its Balsamic Principles, and great Virtues in Renovation, but because there are divers Persons that will not allow of Preservers, and especially of renewers; I will endeavour (in as few words as I can possible) to assert it. In order to this (that those to whom I address this discourse may the better relish what I shall say hereafter; I would desire them to reflect a little upon the daily method in preservation of dead bodies, such as are wholly deprived of all inward assisting qualities, which are nevertheless so preserved, through the assistance of some Medicaments as to be kept from Putrefaction for many after ages, and then I hope) they will be more inclined to approve, and allow, of a preserving and prolonging power in such Balsamic remedy, as may be administered to living bodies such as are replenished with vital Spirits, and a Native Balsam of Life. Now whereas our Nature (according to the opinion of the learned) cannot renew herself without the aid and assistance of some Medicaments, by reason of her own insufficiency, in the separation & extraction, of a pure & clear Quintessence from her ordinary and usual food, whereby to renew herself, we must conclude, that these assisters, hold the place of Preservers and Renovators. For could nature make a pure extraction from the Aliments, such a one as would be required for Renovation, it would be contented with very little proportion, whereas on the contrary she does daily crave a large quantity of the said Aliments to supply herself withal, whereby an abundance of impurities are distributed throughout the whole body, which puts her to a continual Labour in the expelling of them again. This its deficiency is daily manifested by a continued vissicitude of Lapsies into divers sorts of distempers, but could she extract any such excellency from the aliments, life would then be a continued series of health, without alteration. Now since our Nature is destitute of such qualities, & too Weak & deficient in herself, to attain to such a height of perfection, by her peculiar fire, & the Instruments of her own Laboratory, Medicine must be invited to her Aid, with refined Balsamic and Spirituous Medicaments, such as Almighty God (who has promised length of Days) through his immense goodness to Mankind has ordained for preservation and prolongation of Life, whence may be concluded a necessity of such preservatives in Nature, whereby our humane Nature, being supported and exalted by a pure Quintessence the sphere of her activity may be expatiated beyond its Natural extent, and limits, both for the preservation and prolongation of Life. In the Chemical anatomy of Blood, the fixed Salt is found in a less quantity than the Volatile, which fix salt it a powerful principle, whose Balsamic parts, are so absolutely necessary to Life, that the durance thereof is to be measured by the standard of its quantity and quality, so that according as any living being does abound more or less in this fix salt, it doth accordingly continue more or less, and requires less nutriment, this is most particularly evinced in the Viper, an Animal of great abstinence, and long Life, out of two ounces of whose Flesh, has been extracted, a dram of Balsamick Salt. What I have said either concerning this Salt, or in reference to the preservers and renovators, is without derogating in the least from the Archaeus that fervent Spirit and Prince of Life which resides in us, who assisted by its Balsam, and concurring with the results of the exterior restoratives, does Visit, enlighten, and comfort, all the Parts and render them partakers of the effects of its Virtues, but whereas this said spirit does keep its chief residence in the more noble parts, where all its Virtues are treasured up, and in which its faculties do shine with a greater lustre, influence, and Authority, the preservatives have likewise a greater power upon, and sympathy with the noble than with the Inferior and subjected parts, Now whereas the Heart first agent of the Blood does extract a too small proportion of this fix salt out of the Nutriment to sufficiently supply all the parts withal, and that the Volatile salt does evaporate too fast, and is too easily dissipated, Whereby the said parts remain in a continual craving. If that a Quintessence does add Energy, both in quantity and quality, to the Balsamic Salt, and suppress the Subtle Evaporation of the Voltatils of necessity preservative and prolongation must be adjudged as Infallibly as necessarily. These things rightly Considered I am of opinion, that to deny the existency of preservers and Renovators, amongst plants, Animals and Minerals, is to oppose experience, maintained by reason, and confirmed by divers Ancient and Modern Authentic Authors. I shall no longer insist upon this Theme lest it should swell this little Piece beyond my first intention, the rather, since many have treated at large upon this Subject, but they have involved it (for the most part) in so many circumstances, and accompanied it with such a numerous variety of Nicitys which has elevated it beyond the reach of Vulgar capacities, and rendered it so intricate, and of so difficult an acquisition, that but few will attempt the purchase, at such a troublesome rate, whilst that man, (who naturally aspires to glory) wants but diligence to search, with courage to execute, he being already endowed with reason to understand, that he is in possession of that Instrument of Instruments, the hand to perform, and that kind and plentiful Nature is at hand to supply him withal requisite materials, to operate upon, imploring only the ingenious Artists Care and Diligence. Of the Qualities and Virtue of this Balsam. It is now time I should give you an account of the singular properties and virtues of this Exquisite Balsam of Life, which I shall do as succinctly as its various Energies and natures will permit. It dissolves and opens all obstructions, drives forth all impurities, heals inward bruises, sores, wounds, or ulcers, suppresses all evil ferments, strengthens all the viscera, and the senses, recreates the Spirits, reestablishes and augments the natural heat and radical humid, purefies the blood and natural Balsam, resists all corruptions and putrefactions, cleanses the reins, bladder, and womb, and dries the superfluities thereof, helps conception, provokes the Terms, yet dries up the white effluviums. Accelerates Childbirth, and drives forth what should follow, combats all Poisons, corroborates the whole body, and strengthens and renews nature. These Qualities and Virtues render it of power to resist and suppress the violence, of some, & to radically extirpate, & absolutely cure others of these following Diseases. All Headaches. Disiness. Plagues. Leprosy. Scurvy All Venereal diseases. Dropsy. Jaundice. Gout, Consumption. All Agues. Convulsions Hectic Fevers. Apoplex. Melancholy. Falling sickness. Wind. Palsy. Indigestions. Cramps. Green-sickness. Gripe. Stone. and Gravil. Stuff of the Lungs. ulceration of the Lungs. Earenness. Colicks. and to be used by all such as are accustomed to take of those Pills which they call the Drunkey Pills, or Pills of good fellowship. This balsum is no less excellent outwardly applied for the cure of Cancerous, cavernous, Venereal Ulcers, and Fistulas, applying it with Lint upon the Sore, or injecting of it in the cavities which it performs at the farthest at the third dressing, but sometimes at the very first application, applying over it only some sort of descicative Plaster, and desticates all wounds as are difficult to be cured through a flux of humours. It dissipates and disperses all Venereal Nodes, and those little scurfy and dry pustulas or scabs on the head, face, or any other part of the body. Allays the pains of the Gout and Cramps. Heals all concussions, contusions, Sprains, cold aches, contracted nerves, weakness of joints and limbs, and the dead Palsy. Discusses all hard cancerous & scrofulous tumors, by chafing of it into the Part with a warm hand, and in the nape of the neck also; as also for gripe, colicks, and the worms chafing the belly and navel with it. Thus much concerning the Virtues & Qualities of this Balsam, now a word or two concerning the preparation of the body for its reception, as also some instructions in the administration of it, and of its doses, and so conclude. According to the intention and nature of the distemper, so must the body be prepared and disposed for the reception of this specific in gross plethoric bodies, there is required more circumstantial preparations than others; in such person's care must be had not to stir up the humours too hastily, nor to let them remain long in the body after once set in motion, lest through a new fermentation, they should create new diseases, and produce putrid Fevers. But because I have limited this Discourse to two or three sheets of Paper, and that I desire all persons to rely upon the consultations and advices of their own experienced Physicians, though I had much to say upon this subject, I shall forbore it, and only in compassion to such as live in Country Towns, far remote, from Physicians, or that cannot reach to the charge of a Physician's Fees, I shall set down some few Rules. If the parties design is but to prevent or intercept the growth of some budding distemper, or for preservation & renovation, & that he hath lately taken some purging medicament, or that his stomach is clean of itself, as also in time of infection against the Plague, or any other infectious diseases, there is no use for preparatives. But if the Person aims at the rooting out, and curing of some distemper. Then it is necessary first to cleanse the stomach, which according to its foulness and repletion, is to be done either by vomits or purgations, and if requisite by both. The best of Vomits for this purpose is the Vinum Emeticum, and infusion of Crocus Metallorum, or of glass of Antimony, as also the Antimonial Cup, in the Dropsy, Jaundice, Asthmas, Melancholy, Green-Sickness, and the like. In the Scurvy, Gout, and all Venereal Diseases, make use of Mercurius Vitae; well and rightly prepared, and in all Cephalick, or Diseases of the Head and Nerves, as Convulsions, Palsies, Apoplex, and the like, make use of the Salt of white Vitriol. But because these vomits are not to be had every where, (especially in the Country) so well and duly prepared as they should be; I will take care to provide some in the Laboratory of my own preparing with all care and circumspection. As concerning Purges, they being to be had from the Vegetables in every Druggist or Apothecary; Shop, and appropriated to the respective distempers, I shall not mention them. As concerning the ●aking of this Balsam in the cure of Venereal diseases, the Scurvy, the Gout, Apoplex, Palsies of the head and tongue, Wind, Colicks, Gripe, Faintings, and Mother fits, and Wind in the stomach. Though this Balsam (through the penetrating quality of the Gumm Guajacum) is hot and biting in the mouth and throat; I would advise all such as can bare with it, to take it without any mixture, and to drink presently after it a glass of white wine, or of some appropriated Liquor to the distemper, because that in the mixing of it with any other Liquor before it is in the body, makes it immediately turn white, and stick, and precitate to the bottom of the vessel that contains it, which alteration (though it does not destroy its virtues) yet retards for some time its active and nimble penetration, which is much required in the forementioned diseases. But in all other cases it is to be dropped according to its dose in some liquors, appropriated to the distempers, and sweetened with some syrup; or if you will make it a most pleasant and delicious drink, take eight times the proporion of white wine, as is the dose you are to take of the Balsam, and drop the said proportion of Balsam into it, sweeten it at your pleasure with sugar, or some pleasant syrup, stir and mix all well together, and it will be like a spiced draught of new milk and sugar in taste, smell, and locks. If there be any that had rather take this Balsam in extract or pills they must put the proportion of a dose in a silver spoon (if it will contain it) but if the dose be more than one spoonful, fill your spoon first, and set it at such a distance, as it may not fire over a Candle, or kindled coals, and as it evaporates away, add more till you have the just dose; which dry up to such a consistence, that being mixed with a little loave sugar or sugar Candy in powder, may be made up into a Pill or Bolus. Those that are desirous to keep by them their whole proportion of Balsam in an Extract, let them set it in a silver or earthen glazed Cup or Pot in warm water, and let it stand there till it be evaporated to that thickness, but observe that in the keeping it grows hard in success of time which may be softened again by setting of it in warm water as before, with addition of very strong spirit of wine. As concerning its Doses, I shall insist upon them as given to a body of a strong constitution, which all persons are to alter in adding or diminishing according to the strength, sex, habit, constitution, there being no danger of over dosing of it except too extravagantly. In a body that is but slightly threatened with the beginning of some distempers, this Balsam is to be taken in small quantity from 10 to 20 or 30 drops once in two or three days in the morning fasting, and continuing so two hours after, keeping from cold, and using such a moderate exercise as will keep you warm, stir up the spirit, yet cause no sweat, nor evaporation, or loss of them; continue this during 7 or 8 days or more if required. The same in Preservation and Prolongation. In time of Infection take every morning, or oftener in the day the same proportion after the same manner. If you intent to remove some recent obstructions in any part to help digestion, to expel wind and crudities from the stomach, and bowels, take it during 10 12, or more mornings in the same manner, to half a spoonful for dose If you would help barrenness, fits of the Mother, or provoke the Terms, take it going to bed, at the full of the Moon, and presently before or after the time of the evacuations, during five or six days, which if need be, must be repeated every fall of the Moon, during five or six days, in the same quantity as before, adding in the Mother fits a little spirit of Castor. In distempers of the Lungs, Consumptions, Hectic, Fevers, etc. it is to be taken in drops from 5 to 10 or five or 6 times a day. The same against all Headaches, Convulsions, Palsies, but in an Apoplex give to a spoonful, blow some up the Nostrils, and pour some into the Ears also. But if you intent to cure a confirmed or a Chronical disease, take it in a larger quantity, and continue the use of it till you find the distemper, moving the doses one or two spoonfuls to three. The same in the Scurvy. In all Venereal diseases, and the Gout, it is to be taken in the largest proportions, and continue the taking during 14 days at the least, but more if the obstinacy of the disease does require it, sweeting every day once or twice, if strength will permit it, either in bed, in a sweeting chair, ●ub, or hothouse. The dose is one ounce or 4 spoonfuls, I observe that if the disease is not too much confirmed, one pint or pound performs the cure; but if it be very inveterate and complicate you must proceed further. This is what I was desirous to say concerning the choice, perparations, Composition, qualities and virtues of the ingredients of this excellent Potable Balsam of life, as also of the Balsam itself. In so wide a field I might have expatiated myself at large, but my intention being only to inform the generality in few words of the nature, use and doses of this Balsam, I shall forbore giving any further account of it, except it be desired of me by some understanding civil persons at the Laboratory, where at any seasonable hours all such persons shall be very welcome unto their humble Servant Belon. FINIS.