A Short DISCOURSE Of the Rise, Nature, and Management OF THE Smallpox, And all Putrid FEVERS.  
Occasioned by the Death of our Late Incomparable QUEEN.  
Together with a Philosophical Account of an Excellent REMEDY for these and many other Diseases.  
By T. Byfield, M. D. and Fellow of the College of Physicians in Dublin.  
LONDON, Printed for john Harris at the Harrow in the Poultry. MDCXCV.  
Price Six Pence.   

A DISCOURSE Of the Smallpox, etc.  
OUR late Universal Loss, as it has given opportunity to many Reverend, Learned and Ingenious Persons to oblige the World with the just Character of this Great and Good PRINCESS, than whom, these Nations in many Ages have not afforded a Nobler Subject: So for the sake of all those who are yet to run the Risque of this Distemper for their Lives; that the lesser Barks may happily avoid those Rocks, on which the Royal Sovereign was lost, I shall with all plainness and brevity give an account of the Rise and Nature of the Smallpox, and all Putrid Fevers, for if that be not throughly understood, persons are liable to innumerable Errors and Mistakes, which too oft (God knows) prove fatal to those they are concerned about.  
I very well know what I have to say is unusual, but since it is most true; for I take not these Notions on Trust but Trial. I confess I can't but deeply regret the World was not better acquainted with what I now offer to their serious Consideration before the Glory of our Age was past receiving any Advantage by it.  
But to proceed: The very Hypothesis of my Discourse is this; That the Venom of these Distempers is of a Sulphureous and Viscous Nature, and being so, there is but one way to Expel or overcome it; all other Experiments being not only altogether useless, but highly injurious.  
Those that have taken the pains to inquire into the Causes of things, have found that Sulphurs are both the Life and Venom of Bodies.  
The first of the Nature of Light, so rarified that 'tis not perceptible, but by its Effects, some of which are these, it Tinctures the Blood in which is its chief Residence, it Irradiates and enlivens the whole Body, every part of which is animated by it: If it be suppressed, Diseases prevail; if assisted it has power sufficient to work them off; if extinguished, Death necessarily and inevitably follows, for 'tis the Animal Soul.  
The other Sulphureity is of a far different nature, the Matter out of which all Fiery Diseases are shaped; 'tis Crude, Viscous, Corrosive and Malign; yet Nature deals well enough with it, throwing it off continually by her proper Passages; till by some accident or other they are obstructed, being penned up it returns, and being a more materiated Fire, feeds on the gross indigested humours, assimilating to its likeness whatever it lays hold on, and thus it grows more Corporeal, Dense, and a potent Venom; insinuating its Contra-natural Heat into the whole Mass of Blood, which is thereby immediately inflamed and corrupted: And according to the quantity and Venomous quality of this unnatural Fire, the Distemper terminates in a Fever less or more Malignant; or in Smallpox, Measles, etc.  
The Spirit of Life, not able to keep House with this Guest, there arises a terrible Contention; and since on the decision of this Quarrel no less than Life depends, a Fundamental Knowledge is here most necessary, not only of the Cause, but of the Nature of the Cause; since it produces a clear Judgement, and a certainty in Practice: Whereas when People Act in the dark they are always at a loss, and know not to what they owe the success or misfortune that befalls 'em: But trying many Experiments the poor Patients oftimes, as their last Refuge, are forced into the cold Arms of Death, the only shelter from so many Calamities.  
To my Purpose; this Venom being, as I said before, Sulphureous and Viscous, 'tis further requisite to know the Nature of this Sulphureous Viscosity, since 'tis easy to deal with what we understand.  
Now in few Words, the Nature of such Bodies is at first to ascend in the form of a light and thin Vapour, which unduly detained grows more ponderous, gross and corporal, and then most difficult to be expelled, till by some inward Agent it be again rarified into the form of a Vapour. And this Task the Spirit of Life only is able to perform: Tho' at present, being overpowered by these Sulphureous Mists and Fogs, it likes lie the Sun behind a thick Cloud unable to expand its Beams: But when it receives auxiliary Force by proper Cordials of a temperate and lively Nature, with ease it drives out this Intruder, and restores the Body to its former Vigour and strength. For do not mistake, and think that Cordials alone do this, 'tis impossible. And this is the reason why compassionate Ladies, Nurses and old Women, whom Experience only makes Wise, often serve the Intention of Nature by promoting her Design, tho' by plain and Ordinary Means, which refresh the Animal Spirits, and enable them to go through their Task. Yet there is a vast difference in Cordials and things of that Nature given in this case; for that only is a true Medicine which is so qualified that it cheers the Spirits, expels the Distemper, and at the same time abates the Fever; nay carries off a great part of the Malignity insensibly through the Pores, which would have turned to Smallpox, and tho' not an Opiate, gives an Enjoyment not to be understood, but by those that feel it. And as Opiates always make dull, stupid and Stomach sick; so this makes brisk, lively and cheerful; and yet when the time of rest comes, causes the Sleep to be sound and sweet.  
And now I'm obliged to show the uselessness and danger of other Methods: And since Bleeding is the first thing commonly prescribed, I shall begin with that, and do solemnly protest, it is my Opinion, that in this Distemper there is no more occasion for a Chirurgeon than there is for a Bonesetter; nor is it only useless, but highly dangerous; for when the Blood is in a great Ferment in order to throw off what ever is obnoxious, at that time to let any of it out, is as if we should do so to Liquors in Fermentation, which every Body knows would hinder their Working over; to which there is required a fullness.  
To fat People 'tis more pernicious, their Natures are not so fiery, but more apt to receive a check, and have the Venom congealed before it reaches the Superficies; To lean hotter Constitutions 'tis less dangerous, tho' safe for neither. No fear People should burst or die for want of outlets, every Poor will prove a Portal wide enough, when the Matter is sufficiently rarified from within: But when the Blood is let out the empty space is immediately filled (for Nature admits no vacuum) with a cool thin Air, which causes this Vapour that is of a heavier Nature to flat; sink, and fall back on the Vitals, of which an undeniable Proof is the depression of the Spirits, and sick Qualms of dangerous consequence, if immediate relief be not given. Nor is this all, for the Blood as I said before, being the very Mansion of the Spirit of Life, as the Scripture itself bears Witness, you part with your dearest Friend, under pretence of expelling an Enemy, which yet you can never do this way, tho' you should draw it half out; no more than you can fine thick muddy Liquors by such unlikely Experiments; For what's left is as bad still. But we daily see when by a lively Principle within they have worked out and thrown off all that is of a contrary Nature, they fine and grow clear, without any more ado, and then are at rest, as all Agents are when they have attained their end.  
Another common Practice is Blistering and Sweeting, which tho' not quite so bad, are yet without use, but not without danger. For as it is impossible to draw out inward fiery Venom's (unless they were beforehand mounted near the Skin) by an outward Application, which only attracts Watery Substances: So considering this Distemper as such, a fiery Venom, 'tis hereby deprived of the Moisture necessary for its Latitude and Alloy, in both which respects 'tis of vast concern to keep it within, that joining with the heat or unnatural fire, they may between them from an Air, and so rise with ease and safety to the Patient; And being thus tempered and allayed they are generally of a large sort, that don't leave deep Marks. Whereas, were the the Moisture drawn off, as the Heat would grow violently intense, so neither would it (without great force) breathe out: But circulate and pray on all it finds within, to the utter extinction of the Lamp of Life.  
I know the general Incentive both to Blood-letting and Blistering, is that the Fever is high, and they fear it may get into the Head, and these are of great use to prevent it, as also to hinder such a number of Smallpox from coming out.  
I grant indeed there is a likelihood of these Sulphureous Fumes in their rising, to get into the Head, nay of making the Patient talk Idly too, for they are of an intoxicating Nature, but of no more Danger than the Fumes of Wine, provided no Error be committed to make them strike back. For when they come to the Superfices of the Skin, the Watery and more Aerial Part, which as a Vehicle helped it thither, easily passing through the Pores Wings away; and the other being Sulphureous and gross, receiving a check from the Air, settles there in its own Fiery from, and then the Head is clear and settled, the Spirits brisk and lively, the Appetite pretty good, and the Fever abated.  
As for the other Advantage pretended of preserving a good Face, I have more than once observed this: That when Physicians by Drawing-Blood, or giving cooling things, etc. have sunk the Spirits, and hindered the kindly coming out, which is never so well as at Nature's first attempt, the Patient on the return of the Venom, growing Heartsick and oppressed almost to Death, to gain the Point they have lost, they have been forced to double their Files, and heap Cordial upon Cordial, which being Common Preparations, and so not divested of their own unnatural heat, as they ought to be, have increased the Fever, and drove out more than can well be maintained: And these Pit most, are a very small sort, and of great virulency and danger. Because Nature now having done her utmost, if she be baffled once more, a thousand to one resigns.  
But that I may comprise all in few words, whatever rebates, drives back, stupifies, dejects, overcools, makes great discharges of any kind; or on the other hand, whatever over-heats, drives out too forcibly, and fires the Spirits, is directly contrary to these Distempers, which ought so to be managed, that the Natural, not Unnatural Heat be assisted, the former being the very Agent that must do the Work; which if allowed: A Medicine rightly qualified aught to have these properties; That it be stripped of all false fire, which would assist and heighten the Distemper. That instead thereof it be plentifully furnished with the Salubrious Principles of Life and Sanity, readily joining in this extremity with that Vital Spark within us; That it be of Ability to clear the first passages insensibly in the Operation; yet most sensibly in the Effect: For this is no time for Violent Means: That it likewise be endowed with a Power to compose and quiet the Spirits, by bringing to equality and unity the Principles which are at Variance: And not as Opiates (which stupifying the Senses for a while) detain and tie down, not only the Spirits, but the Distemper, hindering its going off in its proper season, and Nature from assisting; so that when its Somniferous Virtue is spent, you find you have lost time, the Patient only growing sensibly weaker, but the Distemper remaining in its full Vigour and more Fatal.) And that in a word, by its innate Virtue (with God's blessing) it can bring you safe through this dangerous Disease to your desired Health, and a more than ordinary Strength; and such a Medicine is the Panacea, of which the following Discourse Treats.  

Some Account of a Universal Remedy.  
THE Contemplation of Man's Body (tho' Dead) in its wonderful Structure by Anatomical Display is a curious View: But the consideration of him alive in his vital Form and Spring of Action enlivening the whole, is a more Elegant Review.  
'Tis to my purpose at present to behold him informed with the principle of Celestial Fire, enkindling vital Airs, and stretching 'em through the whole Circumference, promoting thereby an animal Nourishing Heat to every Organ of the Body, and by a Magnetic Love, panting after the Universal Breath of the World, and sucking through the Medium of the Air, a continued Reparation of Enlivening Beams to his Central Spirit, from the Fountain of Life and Form, the Sun.  
Having thus United the Lesser to the greater World, by joining breath to breath, my design is to show how this inbred Fire is maintained, may be enlarged, and when perverted and wrought into a destructive Heat and Fire against Nature, by Art, may be reclaimed to an Oleose, Soft, Nourishing Heat, from its harsh, enraged consuming Fire.  
But before I proceed, I must take care to keep under the warm influences of the Sun, and regard him as the common Parent of us all, and the Soul of the World, a Globe of Central Sulphur Gloriously Illuminating dark and shady Bodies (I had almost aid Understandings too) whose Masculine Principle, endowed with an hidden Fecundity bestows quickening Virtues on all the scattered Natures of the Earth, whereby numberless Efficacies and vital Breathe are conveyed through Spiritual Channels, for the avoiding Corruption, and replenishing them with Light, Adequate to that Tincture of Light which powerfully informs mixed Bodies: So that He may truly be called the Heart of the Universe, deriving Life to all parts, and impregnating decaying Nature with new Vitality.  
This Magazeen of the Empyrean Heaven, where the Light first seized upon matter, fills with Light and Life, the soft and yielding Natures of the Air, which cannot be supposed a nothing, or an empty space, but an Essential Body of its own, admitting of great Powers and Virtues, where the matter is swallowed up by its Form, and Translated into a Nature almost Spiritual. For where Form and Matter meet in equal poise or just Equality, the matter's rescued from all Blemishes and Accidents, and freed in a wonderful manner from Infection and Corruption.  
The Air thus richly stored with beams of Life and Universal Sperm supplies the various kinds of being on the Earth, according to the strength of their Specific Magnets. And it does so superabound in Principles, they cannot take 'em off her hands, and she so lusts to be Embodied, that where there's an aptness to Congelation, she'll strike the form of her Spiritual Essence: As I have strictly observed the Rhyme in an Hoar-Frosty Morn exactly shot into Stiria, which are the Signatures of abounding Volatiles.  
And now 'tis time to derive this flowing Bounty to the Sons of Men, who lift up their Heads to Heaven for Life and Breath, and all things, and well they may; for I know not where else they'll feed their vital Flame: Since nothing more humours the Tincture of Life in Man, or his animal Fire, than the Nutritive beams from the Sun.  
For that Spark of Original Sulphur which transmutes into Redness, the Mass of Blood is the Spring of Natural Fire and radical Moisture, and the Sun in the little World, Man; discentered from the great Luminary: But held in Life by the intercourse of large Breathe, whereby he repairs his Store from that inexhausted Fountain.  
In vain then shall I look for a fit Remedy amidst the Domestic or Exotic Drugs for Man. By Food he may, and must supply a Faecunda Terra, but this is but dunging the Ground, by Respiration he must support his Vital Air.  
Having thus pointed out the Noblest Principle of Life in Man, I would give a little aim at a suitable Medicine adequate thereto, as the most apt to repair and set him right when decayed or overpowered; and of such a Nature are the undetermined Sulphureous Sparks of the Universe collected at certain Seasons of the year, when the Air is richly impregnated: but the manner of attracting, and further knowledge of what is taken, together with the Artful handling of the matter are too curious and troublesome Niceties. For who would take the pains to reunite Atoms, and consult the Poise so strictly in the cotempering of Principles, as just to give the Dominion to a living Sulphur: but such a temperament obtained becomes a Medicine Spiritually fixed, and a noble Preservative against the Spirit of Diseases, and its consequent Materiation by contact with material Thus our internal Air maintained (by Art upon Nature) free from disturbance or Venom's, is always salubrious and pleasant.  
It plain enough appears, that the truest Medicine for the Life of Man is a well exalted Sulphur▪ whereby it becomes Spiritualised, not Volatilised. But betwixt these two words lies seven years' labour, with brains too. 'Tis sufficient then to suggest the Nature of it, that it may appear at least harmless.  
Since I assumed this Notion of Sulphur, as the most Essential Principle of Life, I have revolved again and again the most powerful Specific Sulphurs, especially those of the Mineral Nature, which are difficulty enough obtained in Purity, and notwithstanding Art, they will retain some Portion of their Specific Venom's, which are not to be destroyed but by the Death of the Species: So strongly is Nature determined to the preservation of her Kind. I could Instance in many of 'em that retain very Churlish Qualities after all the pretended Art about them, such as Vomiting, Purging, Sweeting, etc. merely as Venomous to our Bodies, though they are bantered off, as having a Contest only with Offending Humours. I have used 'em in my Practice, and know as well what they are, and can do, as another.  
After abundance of Experiments and Trials, for the attaining of Noble Pleasant Medicines: I must confess, I think myself not a little Fortunate in my Art of drawing down from the Sun and Air plenty of illuminated Sulphurs, and in my Skill of ordering 'em so as to result in the most effectual and pleasant Remedy; which is Preservative, Curative and Restorative, able at once to season the whole Fountain, so as to cleanse itself and all its streams. Far unlike to other Medicines, which are reputed Good for some One Disease, and that mistaken, kill instead of cure. But this Medicine (dilated in an appropriate Vehicle,) is rendered dispensable to all Persons, under any Circumstances, and as salubrious as the most refined Air. And this I call my Panacea, which I think abundantly more difficult to make, than to make it appear to be of such General Use, as the Nature of the Thing imports, and the Experience of it can attest. But I'll not much concern myself to gain Proselytes. I would have it valued only at the Rate of its Real worth, and myself not too much undervalued for being the Author of it.  
Universal Matter once obtained, may be Reasonably thought productive of a Universal Remedy. Now no passive actuated matter is undetermined, and I have already declared against Specificks, and Dead Matter is not for my turn. The Living, Permanent, Active Matter of the World is my Subject, which (after 'tis rendered fusible by Art) penetrates the very Centre of Life, bringing with it the Riches of Superior Orbs, Generously enriching Nature's Store with Beams of Life and Balmy Fire, enlarging her Magnetic Virtue; whereby she Vigorously attracts both Air and Common Food, assimilating them to her wholesome Nature. Hereby tender Stamina Vitae become Robust, the body hail and strong, quick and bright, able to dispel diseasie Forms, and resist their first Attempts. For the due Feeding, and Maintaining the Animal fire in its Resplendent Lustre, at once forbids all Jars, Discords, False Fire, etc. and gives a Free Enjoyment of the body in all its necessary and pleasant Actions.  
Truly to sweeten, unite and strengthen the Mass of Blood, is of huge Advantage: And 'tis not Vomiting, Purging, nor Steel, nor Alkalisate Powders, nor washing with Waters will do the Business: A Course of pure Air, with Temperance, bids fairer, and many are relieved thereby.  
But to restore Essential Sulphur, the Origin of the Tincture of the Blood, and subdue fixed Salts, inferring Corrosive Fires, and renew and increase a sweet Vital Air, is the Work rather of a Philosopher than a Physician. For the doing of all which this Panacea is a Complete Medicine, altogether Philosophical, and an entire Dispensatory.  
Having now Regaled the Spirits with this lively Mellow Remedy; from so good a stock we may derive fresh Vigour to the branches, Plumpness to the whole, and cause every part to rejoice with 'em; for their Nourishment depends so much on a wholesome Fountain, that Health or Diseases are communicated to 'em according to the decay or strength, Purity or Impurity of it. And what a Catalogue of Distempers is assigned to the sundry Organs of the Body, and Elaborate Methods and Medicines for their Cure? When as a well informed Principle of Life, benignly darts at once kind Rays throughout the whole, assisting with proper Vigour the Faculties, duly to separate what ought to be discharged through the cleansing Ducts, and refine and purify what should be retained.  
What need then is there to run out the Ordure by Violent Purgatives, and the wholesome Juices too, sharpened and envenomed first by Physic, even to the Excoriation of Bowels, and damage of the adjacent parts? Many are mistaken in this Point, and many take the Advantage of it. The blood is not at all purified thereby, nor sweetened; but often exasperated and fretted by such Contraries. Besides, the bowels well filled keep out Wind, colics, Gripes, Twist, and many more Disorders: And what Hurt in the Congestion of wholesome Food?  
It seems to be the design of Nature, by the Length, Windings and Position of the Guts in such order, that there should be due Retentions. Digestion in Dung we that experiment by Heats, know to be the Truest and most Natural. The Situation then of the Great Gut called Colon, the last but one, and the Amassment of the Feces in it, lying under the Great Organs of Digestion and Separation, show that Nature had a design from that warm bed to comfort and assist the Neighbouring Viscera.  
For such as are always flirting and jerking their bowels with purging Physic, less than one yard of a straight Gut (from the Pylorus to the Anus) had been better for them. Nevertheless, I don't say, but discreet Evacuations, at some times, are truly Necessary for some, and the Drinking of Cleansing Waters, in their Seasons, as Epsom, North-hall, etc.  
The Danger of Vomits, Diaphoreticks, Blisters, Salivations, improper Bleedings, Opiates, internal Styptic Medicines, etc. aught to be discovered; but I'll pass 'em by at present; for the very thoughts of 'em Jar my Nerves.  
Since I can with this Remedy keep the stomach and bowels clean from Choler, Phlegm and Wind, and make a quick and clean Digestion, what needs Vomiting and Purging? 'Twill cause a Generous Transpiration; No occasion then to melt and waste the Nourishing juices with Provokers of Sweats, sometimes to a Colliquation, Faintness and Death. 'Twill cleanse and strengthen the Glands, first separate flowing and unclean Serosities, then keep 'em Tite from an Overflowing: forbear to swell, inflame and corrupt 'em by Salivation with Mercury; or to distort Nature by forcing a little water through the Skin with Blisters.  
And if this proves an Antiferment, 'twill often save the Hazard of Bleeding in many Diseases.  
It helps to sound and undisturbed sleep; No Use then of Opium. It reconciles great disorders, and always is on Nature's side; No need then of Iron Chains to bind an Enemy in your breast. While some lay on with Vomit, Purge, Blister, Clyster, Helter, Skelter, blowing up, pulling down, like the Insurancers from Fire, I can deal with Life so subtly, as to touch her to the quick; yet so kindly, that instead of crying Oh! I sweetly feed her Vital Flame, and give fresh Vigour to her Languishing or Fretted Spirits: And from a Rich Store-House derive 'em strong and mellow to all the withering and enfeebled branches, Reconciling Feuds and Quarrels by giving satisfaction to every disturbed Member of the Body. All the Juices thus enriched, are Supple, Generous and Quick: All the parts supplied with both are Agile, Plump and Strong.  
I have been more than Twenty Years a Great Seeker of Medicines, and have been at Great Expense every way about 'em, and have at any Rate possessed myself of the Reputed Best. And I sincerely profess I slight 'em all for this, knowing it to be a Truth in Nature and Art, and as great a Truth in Practice.  
The Height of common Chemistry is to mount a Volatile Salt, that is quick, pungent and fugitive. This Medicine is no such thing: But being greatly enriched with spiritual Sulphurs, and retained by its own Magnet, is permanent and fusible, yet innocent and efficacious.  
But that the designed Benefit of this Discourse may not be lost, I must, for the sake of some persons, descend to particulars.  
To Declining Age, when the Fire abates, and Moisture, Clouds and Cold Diseases prevail, with the Decay of Organs by the Impoverishment of Spirits, through their often Eclipsed and declining Sun: Nothing more aptly repairs the Central Fire and Radical Moisture; whereby not only Diseases are dispersed, but the whole body is replenished with proper Nourishing Juices: So as to recover, in some measure, Quickness and Strength of Parts; at least to furnish 'em with Good Appetite, strong Digestion, liberal Expulsion of Wind, Large and Clean Breathe, free from Clammy, Tough Humours; Clarity of Brain and Senses, and an entire dissipation of the Winter Diseases. So that Prolongation of Life, and pleasant Enjoyment of it need not to be doubted, since God gives means thereto. Therefore to be persuaded at Seventy to sit quietly down with the Common Wear and Tear of Nature is more than needs: For such hail Principles as could reach thither, may with timely good Repair, pass on I know not whither.  
To such as are coming into the World, as well as those that are going out, and bring with them hereditary Diseases, or an unthriving Nature, 'tis of singular Advantage: For next to the benefit of being derived from Parents of a sound and strong Constitution, there is nothing more beneficial than to convey by their first Food Fundamental Principles of Health, which may prove as lasting as their Lives. To be drank by the Nurses while the Children suck.  
'Tis a Complete Medicine to such as have a general disorder, or decay of body and spirits, and know not where to lay the blame.  
For Consumptive Persons, and those endangered by it, aptly suits all their Complaints, and needs no Second, provided there be a proper Regimen, and careful avoiding of injurious things. For in a Hectic the blood having suffered a great dissolution and separation, the Spirits of it are turned into a kind of Wildfire, which flies about, and wanting allay, burns and consumes a person almost to Nothing. Now this excellent Medicine here becomes a Peacemaker, sweetly attracting back again (by Virtue of its Magnetic Quality) the dispersed Spirits; and by reason of its likeness to the most constituent parts of the blood, joins it again, and determines its Action within its own proper Sphere. And then all things go well, and Symptoms disappear▪ Thus this Distemper, commonly accounted incurable, is forced to yield the Victory to this salutiferous Remedy.  
In every Scorbutic Distemper 'tis very available, and acts as variously as the Scorbutic Form is various; for being a Medicine truly Natural, Nature can use it any way to her own benefit. And it is so Fortunate, that it cannot be taken to amend the blood, but 'twill into the bargain communicate Health and Vigour to all the parts of the body.  
For Fevers of all sorts, especially malignant, 'tis incomparable. Whereas in the use of other Medicines, these Distempers hold a considerable time, with imminent danger, and often end in Death; I have many a time, with great pleasure, beheld, this Noble Medicine surprising us with its admirable Effects; taking off common Fevers in a few Days; sometimes in 24 Hours totally. And as for malignant Fevers, it secures the Vitals from being overcome by their Venom; and keeps 'em up through the whole Course of their sickness, from running very low.  
Here I omit to account for the Smallpox, because of the Preceding Discourse. Yet I may say thus much; That I have had five Patients at one time sick of the Smallpox, and through the blessing of God on this Medicine, not one miscarried; although I did not visit after they were out (having never had 'em myself) but only gave directions to those who attended 'em.  
I might mention the several Concerns of Women and Virgins, to whom I abundantly dispense it: But here I'll only particularise that restless and uneasy distemper of Vapours, for which 'tis valuable, by removing the Cause, in reducing the parts distended, and expelling those Fumes that fly upwards.  
I might add, how it obliges Women in Labour and Lying-in, assisting in all their Circumstances, and is the most Natural Cordial.  
The bare Experience of it for colics, Cholical Dispositions, and tender Bowels; how it recovers the strength of Fibers, gives a Liberal Expulsion of Wind, and makes the Belly always easy; were a sufficient, Character.  
For melancholy people, such as are Dropsical, short-breathed, Asthmatical, Paralytic, Lethargical, Apoplectic, and many others, as though I had named them all; 'tis abundantly qualified. But I choose rather to nullify than enumerate Diseases.  
'Tis as easy and pleasant to take as Canary, and may be used as Entertainment, all the while receiving health and pleasure. No one can injure himself with it. And 'tis so loose and free from Physical Rules and Hours, that it ought not to be ranked with the unpleasant Crew of Medicines: But reposited with the most Delicious Wines.  
From my House in Great Carter-Lane.