A Short and Plain ACCOUNT Of the Late-Found Balsamic WELLS AT HOXDON. And of their Excellent Virtues Above other MINERAL WATERS; Which make 'em Effectually Cure most DISEASES, both Inward and Outward. With Directions how to Use 'em.  
By T. BYFIELD, M. D.  
London, Printed and are to be sold by Christopher Wilkinson, at the Black-boy against St. Dunston's Church in Fleetstreet, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, at the Angel in Westminster-hall, and John Harris at the 〈◊〉 against the Church in the Poultry. 1687.   

TO THE PROPRIETORS Of the Late-Found Balsamic WELLS, AT THE GOLDEN-HEART, In HOXDON-Square.  
Gentlemen,  
ALthough so great a Vein of Medicine be put into your Hands, I presume you neither intent to commence Doctors yourselves, or give Degrees to Others at those Wells.  
I Confess that to be in any measure Entrusted with the General Health of so Populous a City, whether for its Preservation or Recovery, is no small Blessing, if rightly Managed. And that You are made trusties by the Providence of GOD, for the Public Good, in this Affair, seems better Ordered, than if it had fell into the Hands of Physicians Themselves, who are too apt to Monopolise, and make Arcana.  
I did last Year observe how Freely, and on what Easy Terms you set Open those Salutiferous Fountains, so that None could complain for want of their Benefit. I likewise took Notice of a great deal of Mis-Management in the Use of those Waters. Lest therefore such Wholesome Springs should not be used aright, and so have their Just Value abated; I have kindly Undertaken to give some Account of their Nature and Virtues. To which Others, or myself (after further Experience of 'em) may add a fuller Character, Adorned with the Observations of Various Cures.  
I have also directed a proper Method for their Medicinal Use, in showing what Care is requisite in the Drinking of 'em. But how the Body is to be prepared, and the Method of 'em discreetly carried on, that the Waters may become more Effectual to so many Various Distempers, and Different Constitutions, recourse must be had to Physicians.  
Now altho' I have played the Hydrotomist with these Balsamick-Wells, and by the Rules of Art in my Laboratory strictly examined their Principles; so that I am tolerably furnished with a fair Account of so New a Discovery; Yet I will not Post myself at the Wells, or expose an Apothecary's Shop, as many may do, to get rid of some Old Medicines, etc. But Reserve at my own House those few Medicines I judge fit both to Prepare the Body, and Accompany the Use of the Waters variously designed. For I would have every Industrious Physician qualify Himself for Real Service, and then 'tis pity but he should be heard.  
And I hope this my Undertaking will candidly be accepted by All, and escape the abusive Censures of some Physicians, who are not willing to be at so much Pains, yet shall think their Merchandise hereby obstructed.  
I hope, Gentlemen, you will be very Industrious to keep Open these Balsamic Springs, that they may long Flow to the Advantage of many: And that the Other Accommodations may be so Disposed, as to be only serviceable to this Great and Good Design; that no Disrepute may be cast on the Wells, nor Sobriety offended by contriving the Entertainment of Luxury and Needless Diversions, and so become an Unhandsome Rendezvouz. But I doubt not but under your Prudent Conduct, their Medicinal Virtues will raise 'em to such a General Good Esteem, that they'll become the Metropolitan Fountain.  
That these Rivulets may join together, and become one lasting Spring; And that the love of so great a Blessing may unite Proprietors and Physicians, in Contriving 'em the best way to be serviceable to the Public Good, are the Unfeigned Wishes of,  
Gentlemen, Your Real Friend and Servant, T. Byfield. From my House in New-Street, by Shoe-Lane, near the Five-Bells.   

A Short and Plain ACCOUNT Of the Late-Found BALSAMIC WELLS At Hoxdon, etc.  

CHAP. I.  
Of Water in general.  
SInce I am about to demonstrate the Advantages of Medicinal Waters, and to show how fit a Vehicle this Element is to convey Medicine to the inmost Recesses of the Body; I think it not besides my business if I a little touch upon the Excellency of Water, which was Created for the Universal Drink of all Creatures, and the Health and long Life of the first Ages of the World, may commend its wholesomeness. But if we examine its Nature, we shall find it consist of those qualities which denote its Salubrity, as Clearness, Thinness, Lightness, Softness, etc. which Cool, Moisten, Attenuate, Refresh, Alloy Thirst, and are a Pabulum or Recruit to fretted Spirits, and a proper Liquor to convey and distribute other Aliments. Some of the Ancients called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. the Seed of all things: But I shall not here Discourse of the Productions from Waters; what Vegetables, Minerals and Animals are generated by it. Neither shall I treat of the various kinds of Water, as River-Water, Rain-Water, Pump, Lake, Pond-Water, etc. That is the best and most wholesome which is void of Taste or Odour, and is Clear, Pure, most Light, soon Heated, soon Cold, and in which Flesh is soon Boiled. The Living Spring I judge most valuable for Drinking, and that nearest the Head of it the best. For those living Principles which actuate all Bodies, and keep 'em not only from Putrefaction, but qualify 'em for Recruits and Sustenance to other Bodies, are in proportion in Waters, which denote 'em of such and such a strength and purity, and may be used in quantities accordingly. And 'tis no small advantage that they are capable of being received in such large quantities, without fuming or disturbing the Brain, to irrigate and soften the whole Body, and bedew the fiery Spirits with their supple Vapours: and when those Airy brisk Particles do extricate themselves from these soft Lodgments, they are again entangled with more, to prevent their leaping out, or firing one against another: and such a pretty bustle or ferment in Nature raises that general Efflorescence and Vigour, which Plumps, Exhilarates, and makes Gay a Well-tempered Healthy Body.  
The dispensing either of Food or Physic in a clear, thin, soft, and gentle Vehicle, must make a better Digestion, and a more equal Distribution of it, then in a fiery Chariot, which precipitates Nature, and hurries the crude parts through those straight and slender Passages beyond their natural Emunctories, and lodges 'em where neither Nature can expel 'em, nor Art reach 'em; and that causes Gout, and other Diseases. Whenas the milder Liquors make such easy gradations, that Nature can secern by her peculiar cleansing Ducts, those Feces and Crudities, which timely and orderly expelled, prevent innumerable Obstructions and Distempers to the Body.  
I wish for my own particular, who am sometimes afflicted with Stone and Gout, that I had earlier studied these things. But what I can't prevent in myself, I'm willing to do for others.  
But to show how excellent a Vehicle Water is, for the distribution of Generous and Restorative Medicines, is no difficult Task, if its Nature be considered, as is before mentioned: For by searching out the minutest Passages of the Body, it promotes a general dispensation of the designed matter to all parts of it. And I am of the Opinion that fine Chemical Medicines should be delivered to Bodies in soft gentle Vehicles; yet I would not have 'em conveyed in their own Terrestrial Bodies (as Galenical Physic is) For they are so fitted there in their position, that our Bodies (especially when Sick) are not able to Extricate the benign useful parts from the intricate Meatus of a tough Compositum, and raise its living Principles from their Domiclis so stiffly munited and secured. Yet when by great Art and Labour these lively Particles are set loose and defecated, they are beneficially delivered in another Body, where they can't so soon shape a Retirement: And if in thin, light, cooling Liquors, Nature can with ease gradually fetch out theit help and refreshment, without any fierce assault from 'em, and this Vehicle admits of quantity enough for a general and equal distribution of such Generous Medicines as are usually contracted into very slender quantities.— But I design brevity.   

CHAP II.  
Of Mineral Waters.  
IN the Mineral Kingdom through which the Veins of Water glide, are amassed mighty Treasures, from whence may be extracted greater Relief for the Necessities of Mankind, than is by most imagined.  
Excellent Medicines are gained by the due Management of Fire from several Minerals and Semi-Minerals, etc. But to come to my purpose: By playing the Hydrotomist, The great Account of Mineral Waters may be Displayed, which receive their Medicinal Qualities from Subterranean Mines and Oars.  
It may be considered that few Mineral Waters are simple, I mean impregnated only with one Mineral, but compounded as the Minerals and Marcasites lie confused in the Bowels of the Earth; and those who have been curious to search into the Nature of Medicinal Springs, have always discovered a mixture, though perhaps some of 'em have not been so lucky as to assign their Virtues to the proper Minerals, etc. In the Mineral Kingdom I place Salt, Nitre, Vitriol, Allom, etc. For in the Salts of many Bodies lie their chief Virtues, either for purging by Stool or Urine, or for Cleansing, Cooling, Drying, Stimulating, Opening of Obstructions, Attenuating of gross Humours, or for Astriction, Corroboration, etc. according to the Nature of the Body. The Learned Helmomt saith, (p. 55.) Semina Salium cuncta in Aquis sita sunt, attamen nondum saporem induerunt nisi Corporum Principia consentanea Vterosque Terrae debitos repererunt, etc. viz. That all the Seeds of Salts are placed in Water, yet are not endued with Taste, unless they find agreeable Principles of Bodies and suitable Matrices of the Earth; then, and not till then they manifest their Saltness, and become determined in a Saline Body; in one place into Allom; in another Salmarine, in a Third Nitre. etc. To which he adds, Quocirca notandum, Sal quoddam existere Hermaphroditicum Metallorum quod defectu nominis Esurinum sive Acetosum re et nomine vocari capit, generale equidem & ad omnia Metalla accommodabile: (viz) That there is a certain Hermaphroditical Salt of Metals, which for want of another name is called an Esurine or Acid Salt, which is a general sort of Salt, and accommodated to all Metals. So that this Esurine Salt, while such, is no more than Salt, and not a Vitriol: But if it become a Vitriol, it must espouse a Mineral or Metalline Body. He further saith, Vitriolum praestantissimum naturaliter crescit fodinis, quibus Natura istad Sal Esurinum peperit, venam aeris feracem, Corrodens, & Fontis labentis liquore dissolutum; (viz) That the best Vitriol is most naturally brought forth in those Mines where Nature hath begot that Esurine Salt, corroding a strong Vein of Copper, becomes dissolved in the gliding Current of a Spring. But should I here enlarge in an account of Nitre, Vitriol, Allom, etc. I should exceed my present Intention, and prevent a future Design. Yet I think it necessary to my present Business, to say thus much of Nitre and Vitriol: That the Esurine Salt discovered in the Air, if it meet with a fat unctuous Glebe, and be preserved from Rain and Sun, that it spend not its strength in the Production of Vegetables, breeds great store of Nitre: For 'tis observed that in these fat Earth's there is at first no Nitrous Taste, neither can any Nitre be extracted from 'em: But after their continuance a while in the Cool Air, its Magnetic Power from a Nitrous Principle opens the Unctuous Body of the fat Glebe, a fit Receptacle for the Esurine Spirit, and is therewith Coagulated and Enveloped: And after this manner is the Nativity of Nitre.  
'Tis commonly observed, That in Cold Wether the Appetite is more keen, and the Thirst little; which proceeds from the great store of Nitre that is in the Air.  
Vitriol I take to be an Esurine Acid Salt, corroding the Sulphureous Parts of Metals or Marcasites, by an Acid Subterraneal Spirit, (whereof there is great quantity in some Mines) Corroding the Veins of Iron, Copper, etc. from whence are the Varieties of Vitriol. Sometimes from a Vitriol Loam, or Clay diluted with Water, and set in a cold Cellar, may be gathered an aluminous Efflorescence, which shows there may be a Mixture of Allom with Vitriol. But the Differences or Varieties of Impregnations arise either from the Difference of the quantity of the Acid Spirit, Corroding the Veins of Copper or Iron, or from the greater or lesser Continuance of the Course of the Water through those Metallick Veins.  
It need not seem strange to any that there is such Acidity in Water and Air; from whence else doth Iron and Copper, being put into Water, or standing long in the Air in a cool Cellar, contract such a Rust as they do? Is it not from the Acid Spirit of Air and Water uniting with the Esurine Salt in those Metals, exciting its Corrosive Power to destroy the Texture of the Metal? And this Rust being boiled in Rain-water, will yield a Vitriol.  
There are many ways of making Artificial Vitriols: But I shall pass beyond my Intention if I now Discourse of 'em.  
'Tis obvious what Beds of Minerals lie in the Bowels of the Earth, on which the Currents of Water wash in their Circulating Veins, from which they are Impregnated with their Medicinal Qualities.  
But before I dismiss this Chapter, I think fit to add this, That there is a universal common Salt of Nature, the first Ens of Salts, which is specificated according to the diversity of Nature, and receives various forms.  
GOD, the Original Founder of all Being's, hath Implanted in the Superficies of the Earth, that great variety of Vegetable Seeds, which propagate themselves in their Species: So that very Vegetable at its proper Season, by the Instigation of the Heavenly Insluences, setting at work its Seminals, and by stirring up its Innate Power, begins to shape itself a Body according to the Laws of Creation, every Plant in its kind, till they have made up that wonderful Variety which so richly Adorns the Earth.  
In like manner are dispersed the Mineral and Metalline Seeds in the Bowels of the Earth, determined for Specification, and to become Prolific by the Embryonate Sulphur, according to the Purity or Impurity of the Terrestrial Matrix. And thus the Metallick Order is Completed by the Perfected Metals, while the Imperfect and middle Minerals arrive but slowly to Metallization.   

CHAP. III.  
Of the Balsamic Wells at Hoxdon.  
HAving Premised thus much of Water in general and of Mineral Waters, the better to Explain my Essay of these New Discovered Balsamic Wells. I shall now give a short and plain Account of their constituent Principles, which upon a strict Examen▪ many ways in my Laboratory, I have discovered to be only these following, (viz.) The first Ens or Mother of Salts, which runs through and is shut up in all Specificated Salts; tho' it is not easily made Appear: for it requires a Laborious and Skilful Hand to resolve the Compage of a Mineral or Metal.  
The Balsamic Principle is a Sulphur well digested and purified by the Volatile Salt, and retains in it a great deal of the Embryonate Sulphur. But 'tis brought to that Height and Volatility in the Bowels of the Earth, that were it not for the Third Principle, the Vitriol of Mars, to give 'em Fixation, I believe they would not have been Retained in Water alone. But this being of a more fixed Nature, and a Salt, has Magnetically caught and entangled the Esurine Spirit with the first Ens or Mother of Salts, and that fragrant tender Sulphur in her Belly. So that when the Metalick Oar is unloosed, and you come near to the Original of Salts, than you'll find the tender Sulphur close Locked up in it, which when 'tis long digested by Nature or Art, becomes most grateful, and withal so volatile by the Unition of it with a sublime Salt, that it will imbody itself without much show, save that of a pleasing gummous Smell: for all Odour is from Sulphur. But before I pass any further, I think fit to Explain what I mean by an Embryonate Sulphur, and that is, a fragrant Gas or Breath containing the beginnings and impressions of Sulphur which are not yet Embodied, but like the first Rays of an Embryo in the Womb, before it has gathered much Matter. Now that our Waters do contain these Principles, and in so great Purity, it may thus appear: For where there is no Floating Oil, as in One of the Wells there is but very little, there is nevertheless a most pleasing Scent from the Sulphur that is Incorporated with the Waters. Now wherever there is such an Embryonate pure Sulphur, there must be a Volatile Salt of the highest Nature, to Attenuate this Sulphur, and carry it on its Wings through the whole Body. And thus it is in our Waters, which upon Ordinary Experiments you'll find contain these Volatiles: For by Evaporating some of the Water, you'll perceive it lose most of its Grateful Sulphureous Odour, because so Tender and Volatile: Nay, though you should Distil 'em with never so much Curiosity, in Glass Vessels exactly fitted and luted, yet would your Sulphur fly away insensibly, and leave no Footsteps of its presence.  
But besides these, we are as forward as any other Mineral Waters: For we have a pure Vitriol of Iron, depurated and cleansed by Nature from a dangerous Aerugo, or Ironish Rust, which may be Precipitated in some Mineral Waters. This shows itself to every one by the Common Experiments made on any Chalybeate Waters; as by the Powder of Gauls, the Leaves of an Oak, or Tea, etc. Besides the Blackish Colour it leaves on the Ordure: Not to mention here all the Excellent Medicinal Qualities, which are a Cloud of Witnesses for it. This Specificated Vitriol entangles the fine Salt and Sulphur, whereby it Enriches itself, and Retards those Volatiles, and so become all together Digested, and more easily Dissolved in the Vein of a Spring. And the further they pass together in the Meanders and Sabulous or Gravelly Streiners of the Earth, they become the more purged from the Terrestrial and Sulphureous Feculencies they contracted in their Solution.  
A Parallel to these Waters I believe is not discovered. The more I Examine 'em, the more I wonder, to see such Life in Waters, from Themselves so pure. 'Tis usual, especially in the Bowels of the Earth, for the Principles of Life to Contract great Impurities; Or at least, to become so heavy loaded, and disappearing, that they seem either not to be, or stifled, beyond smelling of 'em out by any Grateful Odours. Where there are any Sulphureous Spaws, as in Yorkshire, and other Places, their Oils (by Report) stink like Rotten Eggs in the Stomach, etc.— But there is no Unwholesome Glebe, or any dangerous Mineral or Metal, that casts one Unhappy Ray into this Healing Fountain. So that it appears to be a most Excellent Composition, (viz.) No less than the Original Purity of Salt and Sulphur, digested with the finest Vitriol of Mars.  
Now as I can discover by my Art no other Principles in this Water, so I hope there is no other: For I can't imagine what is wanting to render 'em highly valuable, and promising the greatest Benefits to Humane Bodies, if Rightly Used. 'Tis true, They are not Far-fetched, therefore may be disesteemed by some. But I have sound out a way to make 'em Grateful even to such Persons: Since than we can't Remove the Wells to Germany or Tunbridge, if they will but Remove Thither, and so send for 'em, or come once a year to 'em, that Squeamish Distemper will be Cured.   

CHAP. IU.  
Of the Virtues and Excellency of these Waters.  
NOw what Great Things, and Truly too, can I say for These Fountains? They seem to be a Lively Alkali, or come nearer to it than any thing I know by Nature to be so. I'm apt to think 'em able, with a little help, to Reccver a Decayed Mass of Blood, and to dissolve in some measure Tartarous Coagulums, such as STONE and GOUT: But it must be by a well-governed Method in the Use of 'em, directed with a great deal of Skill. By the help of the Volatile Salt and Embryonate Sulphur, I believe a deep-rooted SCURVEY may be Cured; in Restoring those Decayed Principles which a Scorbutic Fret of Blood has almost eaten out.  
But before I proceed any further, 'twill be necessary to make a little Digression of the Nature of the SCURVY, and its Cure, the better to explain other Distempers.  
The Scurvy then is, when the due Temperament of the Blood is broke up by the Raging of the Fixed Salts, and their Preying on the True Sulphur or Oleity in Man eat it out, and subjugate the Pure Volatile Spirit to their own Dominion, and so becomes a Corrosive fiery Spirit. While this is doing, many Symptoms appear, as Scorbutic Frets, and Feverish Intermissions, etc. But because it is done by degrees, and in some time becomes Natural, a Man loses a good habit of Body he knows not how. Now when this Fixed Salt has in good measure destroyed the other Vital Principles, it sets up a Corrosive sharp Spirit, which (for want of the other Principles to purify it) contracts a foul nasty Humour, which by some is called Bitturn; 'twill look Blackish, Green, and Yellow. By this time a Man's come to a pretty pass, and fit to complain he's Ill; for every thing about him begins to tell him so: But 'twill be too tedious to mention Symptoms here.  
Now the Common Cure for this, (after Purging and Bleeding) is, Testaceous Powders, Crabs Eyes, Pearl, Coral, Amber, Steel, Milk-Water, Ass' Milk, going into the Country, and then to the Grave.  
I say that no Dead Alkali will Cure the Scurvy, when come to a height: It will Palliate, that is, Obtund the sharp Particles of the Blood, and lick 'em up for a while; But then the Corrosive Scorbutic Spirit breaks through again, unless suffocated: Just as the Spirits will disentangle themselves from an Opiate, unless overpowered. But a Lively Alkali will beget a New Mass of Blood; 'Twill enter into the Fixed Salt, Open its Body, and Raise a New Stock of Principles, and Ferment off the Course Salts with its Bitturn. Now these indeed are True Medicines, which alas too few yet know; Yet the Scurvy every Body knows and Cures.  
But I must not digress too far; tho' I could not well avoid this short imperfect touch at it; because 'tis the Radix of most Diseases. Indeed 'tis the M●ster that Cuts out; for most other Diseases do but finish its work. And since few dye of the Scurvy, strictly so called; therefore many will pretend they Cure it. For it shifts into another Distemper, and the Doctor shifts it off too, and gives out he Cured him of the Scurvy; for the died of a Consumption, etc.  
Now whatever contains a pure Spirit, seated in a soft Volatile Salt and a Gass of Embryonate Sulphur, is this Lively Alkali; and such our Waters do in some degree: Therefore I may pronounce them an ANTISCORBUTIC; which, rightly Considered, is a Proud Medicine. And that such a Medicine is good against STONE and GOUT, both my Reason and Experience can affirm; for 'twill bid fair for the Resolving of Tartarous Concretions. And that such Medicines will open Obstructions, dissolve Congelations, and the manifold Thickning of the Juices up and down the Body, is equally manifest by Reason and fair Practice. For Coagulums are the Common Effect of the Scurvy: And most of the Diseases of the Body are caused by the Acid Corosive Spirit, which will inspissate Juices; just as Acids turn Milk to Curds and Clottedness. All Imposthumations, Schirrus', Ulcers within the Body and without, are from this Scorbutic sharp Salt. From this Topick I could go through with most Diseases, and give the best Account of their Cause.— But I must forbear.  
These Waters from their pure Sulphur can't but be Excellent for all inward Ulcers and Decays, and to supple the Spirits fretted by many Distempers.  
From their Impregnation with the Vitriol of Mars, they are embled for all those Excellent Operations, which Tunbridge and other Chalybeat Waters perform. But because they are so commonly known, I will in this short Lecture omit 'em. It may therefore for the present suffice to mention the Virtues of these Waters from their Principles United.  
They Cleanse, Cool, Stimulate, open Obstructions, dissolve and attenuate all Gross Humours, and are abstersive of Viscous, Tartarous, and other Humours in the Stomach, Mesenteries, Hypochondries, Reins, Womb, Bladder, Joints, etc.  
They create a great Appetite, by Recovering and Strengthening her Tone. They Cleanse, Strengthen, and Contract the Womb, which must be of great use to such as are subject to Miscarriages, Weakness in those parts, and are unapt to breed. But because I think not fit here to particularise, I'll once for all say, They are of excellent use for Ladies in all their distinguishing Circumstances from Men: But not to be used by those with Child. For particular direction herein, a Physician should be Consulted.  
And here (in a Parenthesis) let me say, 'Tis requisite to the Health and Happiness of every Person to have Recourse to a Spiritual and Physical Guide, and that in times of seeming Health, to provide against those Evils, which the height of a Distemper and the hour of Death make unseasonable for any considerable Ministration. Principiis obsta, etc.  
These Waters are powerful in all Cachectical and Obstinate Diseases. Like an Alkali, they imbibe the Acidity and Sourness of the Blood, and consequently dulcify the same: For by a Natural Propensity uniting Magnetically with the Salts, they are ejected together with the Obstructive Humours, by a strong Irritation of Nature (from these Waters) to expel 'em. And from their Diuretic Nature, after they have Attenuated, Cut, Resolved, and so altered the Mucous and Tartarous Humours of the Body, and prepared 'em for Excretion, they then carry them off by Urine, which is the most Safe and Effectual Conveyance (for all sharp and Saline Humours) of all sorts of Evacuation whatever.  
This Water, enriched by my Tinctura Regalis, and some Powders that are Lively Alkalis, search such Latent Passages, and Abstruse Retirements of the Body, as other Medicines cannot reach; and after a Discovery made, doth not only dispossess what is Preternatural of its Usurped Power, but also by Corroborating and Reinforcing Nature, so firmly entitles her to her former Right of Inheritance, that scarce any thing but an Act of Hostility or Old Age, can cut off the Entail.  
They so Correct and Amend the Juices of the Body, by expelling Watery, Sharp, Sower, Gnawing, Hot, Foul Humours, etc. that they Cure the Scurvy,, even in those whose Gums and Teeth, as well by Spots as other Signs, show it to have deep Rooting.  
Admirable against DROPSIES, especially in such as have those Humours fluctuate up and down, by falling into the Legs and returning again, which prevents sore Legs, etc.  
They are justly Recommended against the Jaundice, Yellow and Black, Melancholy and Fearful Passions, Colic, Diarrhaea, and Dysenteria, and the Distemper called, Vapours offending Head and Heart.  
They Open, Cool, Cleanse and Strengthen the Lungs, consequently good against Asthmas, Coughs, and Consumptions, if not too far spent.  
They are Abstersive and Mealing; therefore Consolidate Lungs decaying by Exulcerations: Likewise Ulcerated Kidneys, they cleanse 'em of Mucous Foul Matter, the Duelech, Sand, Gravel and Stones.  
I may likewise commend 'em to those Subject to Headaches, Vertigo, Megrim, etc.  
And for Gonorrhea's, and the Fruitful Improvements on that Graft; especially if taken in Method, with a few other things; to speak Modestly, they will answer Expectation.  
'Tis too tedious to Enumerate so many Distempers as Authors have found hard Words for. The preserving the Blood in, or restoring it to a good Temper (without any more ado) cuts off a Thousand Diseases.  
I'll only add, That these Waters are of Use to such as are afflicted with Wounds, Ulcers, Fistula's, Sores, Itch, Scabs, Sore-Eyes, Sore-Legs, Leprosy, etc.   

CHAP. V.  
Directions to be Observed Before, In, and After the Taking these Waters.  
TO them who intent the Use of these Waters for the Removing of any considerable Distemper, I advise that they prepare their Bodies as shall be thought most proper by their Physicians.  
To those who carefully keep their Bodies from any glut of Humours, and design only to take 'em for Pleasure, or to remove slighter Indispositions; or if it be but to dilute and temper the Blood and preserve it from decay, or to create a good Stomach, etc. I advise but a slighter Preparation, by a gentle Infusion, or a few Stomach Pills, etc. to clear the first Passages.  
But what I have furnished myself with, requisite to be given before and with these Waters, etc. I shall keep at home, for such who Resort to me. For I would willingly avoid all Offence; not coveting any Man's Employ.  
And thus I hope I shall easily demonstrate my Care to prevent Obloquy, and satisfy any I design not to Monopolise.  
If Prejudice prevent not, these Waters may be Prescribed by Physicians in Method to their Patients, to the full as well as Other Medicinal Springs: And by their Skill may become Useful Vehicles for the distribution of such Generous and Noble Medicines as our Art directs.  
These Waters are to be Taken alone, from One Quart to Two; or Five Pints at most.  
The Rules to be observed in the Taking of 'em, are common to other Mineral Waters, and so generally Known, that almost every one can prevent me in those Few and Easie Directions that are requisite.  
They are to be Taken in the Morning Fasting, and before the Body is heated with Exercise: Therefore come to these Wells Early, and as Easily as you can.  
They are not to be Drank too Quick, nor too Slow: But Convenient Distances are to be allotted; as once in half an Hour a pint, or rather less, as your Stomach can bear 'em and pass 'em, till you have taken the Quantity you design. But to sickly Persons I advise but half a Pint at a Draught; and a little warmed in cold Wether, by setting a Bottle in a Skillet of Cold Water close stopped, and so let it warm with the Water.  
After you have taken two or three draughts, 'tis best to use some very gentle Exercise, to promote 'em by Urine.  
Whilst you walk, ride, etc. you may eat Orange-Chips, Citron-Peels, Carraway-Confects, Elicampane-Roots Candied, etc.  
When your Waters are almost returned, than you may increase your Exercise ad ruborem, non ad sudorem; till you be pretty Warm, but not Sweat.  
'Tis not fit to Dine till the Waters are past; and half an Hour before Dinner (for some Persons) a Glass of Rhenish, White-wine or Claret, I think not amiss.  
I shall not here prescribe the Quality of your Diet: Every one knows that Mutton, Veal, Lamb, Chickens, Rabbits, etc. are good Fare. My Care is to Caution you as to Quantity, and that the rather, because these Waters rightly used, give a great Appetite:  
'Tis better both to Dine and Sup Moderately, then to Overcharge at once.  
Temperance prevents and helps to Cure many Diseases. He that desires to Eat much, must Eat little; for by Eating little at a time, he lives long, and so makes it up.  
All Intemperance in Drink should at all times be avoided; But Excess in this Method may be dangerous: Nevertheless I commend to some Persons, a little good Wine towards Night with Discretion.  
And here I think it kind to Insert this Note; That the Dilutive Cup, or Evenings Draught so much in Use, is generally taken too late: For to fill the Body with Liquor and presently to Bed, causes many Diseases. 'Tis fit it should as to the greatest part be passed first, which would prevent Gravel, Stone, Gouts, Dropsies, and many Diseases of the Head, etc.  
The Use of these Waters is to be continued as need shall require, and as you are Advised by your Physicians. A Fortnight or Three-weeks together is long enough without Intermission. For 'tis better to Omit 'em Two or Three Weeks, and then take 'em again, then to continue one long Course of 'em together; for fear of a Diabetes, or other Injuries.  
Now if in this short Tract I have not given some Satisfactory Account of these Balsamic Wells, as to their Virtues and Use, I shall be ready to give further Direction to any that are pleased to Require it.  
FINIS.    

The CONTENTS OF THE CHAPTERS.  

CHAP. I. OF Water in general. Page 1.  
CHAP. II. Of Mineral Waters. Page 9  
CHAP. III. Of the Balsamic Wells at Hoxdon. Page 21.  
CHAP. IU. Of the Virtues and Excellency of these Waters. Page 31.  
CHAP. V. Directions to be Observed Before, In, and after the Taking these Waters. Page 47.   
FINIS.