depiction of the Prussian Swallow-Knife   

A Miraculous Cure of the Prusian Swallow-Knife: Being dissected out of his stomach by the Physicians of Regimonto, the chief City in Prusia.  
Together with the Testimony of the King of Poland, of the truth of this wonderful Cure. Likewise the Certificate of the Lords the States, and all the Physicians of Leyden. Translated out of the Latin.  
Whereunto is added a Treatise of the possibility of this Cure, with a History of our own of the consolidation of a wound in the ventricle. As also a survey of the former Translation, and Censure of their Positions.  
By Dan, Lakin. P. C.  
Printed at London by I. Okes, and are to be sold in Paul's Churchyard, at the white Lyon. 1642.   

To the Right Honourable, Sir PETER WITCH, Knight, controller of the King's , and one of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Counsel.  
Right Honourable,  
THe impressions of benefits from equals, should have no other Table than the heart to be planted in. The great distance betwixt your Honour and my poor self (in the remembrance of your many favours) may justly challenge more than my heart, if more could be given up of me.  
As a weak witness of my will, these papers seek your honour's protection and perusal, not as a Debt paid, there is neither in them, nor me, a worthiness to deserve that Title, either in the condition of them, as meriting to be called a debt; or satisfaction, paid; I can never attain unto it.  
What I own you sir, is my life, in a miserable Bondage supported by you, in visiting me with your many reliefs, when I languished under the burden of Captivity in Constantinople, there Feeding, aloathing, and from thence redeeming me, (in the mercies of God) and in me my life, which I own you: the principal is in the hands of the Creator, but you Sir have interest in it, by these obligations, and I will pay that in my prayers for you, which is the best use of it.  
Your goodness Right Honourable, looked right forward, and surveyed our calamity, and no other respect, with a compassion wedded only to itself, and our sorrows. Great men use to sell their Labours, and give for a return, you sir did neither: the subjects of your pity are witnesses; being many, whom in your honourable Embassy from his Majesty, to the G. S. abundantly tasted your charities, that were clothed in no other Garment than their own, not for a month or failing, but to enstating in a better being, and free.  
Your Honour's house was a Sanctuary to those Captives could escape into it, your presence was the fu-ll of their hopes, your absence is a Frost unto them, and in that, your memory is their tears.  
Your virtuous Lady, stood up the mirror of her Sex, in her frequent bounties to us all, being not only tied to you in the sacred bands of wedlock, but in these of Piety and pity, which are the Seals, and marks of a Religious and understanding spirit: and where the compassion of some (in vain glory) is limited but to some only, to purchase a Title, & no more; yours was perfect, and extended to all, which is a treasure cannot be exhausted, but will distribute Honour to you, both in this life, and everlasting comfort in the world to come.  
Your Honour's most humble Servant, in all acknowledgement: Daniel Lakin.   

To the Reader.  
Courteous Reader, I have not here filled the margin with Catalogues of Authors, Pages, and Chapters, or stuffed these Lines with Figures, and the elections of whole Libraries, to send the Reader to a thousand witnesses (of what nature in her benefits, and reason in her own limits comprehend) by such Quotations, being only necessary to publish me a wearied Traveller, in the Labours and Labyrinths of many Writers on these subjects.  
What hath successfully happened in my endeavours being strengthened by the like, in foreign testimony, and by such accident, I present faithfully set down, as the changes in this misfortune and my care met, and with matter presented in such alterations begot the substance of this Discourse.  
I have not here prescribed an Order, either for the Learned, or envious, the one will not distaste, the other must; but my confidence in the one, and knowledge of the other, prepares me sufficiently for both; they neither honour nor defame me, but themselves, since Truth in a homely Vesture, carrieth her own reward about her, though she receive nothing from the world, but a suspicious report, with an infamous relish, yet she requites herself with this inestimable Treasure, to be known to be the same she appears; not having put on Falsehood, or Hypocrisy, for Vainglory being the common reward, or food, the general aim. Which profane respects spotteth the lustre of the noblest work, and blemisheth the ablest Writer, though not in themselves as they are able, and good, but in the integrity of the intent, expectations and life, what they should be.  
My whole scope is, that such wounds be not left deplorable, as Accidents so desperate and void of hope, that they should in such considerations of their danger frustrate the Physicians honest cure, in the attempts of healing.  
The favourable acceptance of this Translation (in which my Brother Master H. L. in somewhat hath assisted me, my time shortened by my affairs not giving me so large a scope of attendance; as also the Treatise by myself perfected) will foment another Work in Embryo, which hath yet but its proportionable matter to make up the Limbs of it in the womb of Fancy; both quickening the birth, and delivery of it, into the World, it carrieth in itself this Character, the congruity of Medicines with parts. But if this encounter a ruff Scene, from Capon Orators, whose judgement is derived from the price, which they have always before them, if not half chewed in their mouths, I will smother it before it know Infancy, and it shall live to me only, before I will purchase at that rate, their Table Rhetoric, by which and some news, such babblers have their morsels dealt them, by Retail, out of the guts of a Servingman without grudging.  
And to the Muses once retire again,  
Whose privileges are their own, for when  
The envious brood dares their just Works condemn,  
They dare accuse their pride, and censure them.  
The wise (who takes not his authority from his great grey Beard, and Plush , or with a confused Comment, carps at the Writings of all) I invite, and to such must I ever desire to be myself.  
D. L.   

To his Friend Master Daniel Lakin.  
This page I will not burden with one stain,  
In painting forth some self-conceited vain;  
That having learned to make, and spread a plaster,  
Thinks himself skilful as his aged Master:  
Or else such Masters that presume the object  
'Gainst this that doth surpass their intellect.  
I'll quarrel not with these for their own sake;  
Since they in his account one cipher make,  
If they compare a simple Surgeon's part,  
Unto his Theoric, and practice Art:  
Asia, and Africa approve his skill,  
Let Europe read this work; then Europe will.  
Henry Harpur.   

To his worthy Friend Mr. Daniel Lakin.  

TO read thy life with such sorrows attended,  
Were to partake as much as thou hast ended  
Since friendship so unites; we cannot hear  
A friend's distress, but with as salt a tear  
Himself let fall: when he with grief contended.   

To wipe that memory out were to forget  
A mercy, or else doubt of a just debt  
We own to Heaven for thy deliverance:  
For Worms would witness, if we speak of chance,  
Mercy and Atheism in one flesh have met.   

But I will read thee, in this work, and then  
To season this, begin thy griefs again:  
That in those sours, and these thy sweets we may  
Relish a thankful Offering, and that pay  
To Heaven, builds thee a Pattern to such men.   
john Florell.   

The Charter of the most Sovereign King of Poland, Vladislaus the 4. upon the truth of this miraculous excision of the Knife swallowed by the P●ussi●cke Swallow-knife.  
Vladislaus the fourth, by the Grace of God King of Poland, Great Duke of Lithuania, Russi●, Pru●sia, Samo●isia & c ●●s also of the Hereditary King of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals.  
TO all and every one to whom it doth belong, We signify by these our present Letters, that there have been exhibited unto Us Letters written in the name of the most Illustrious Prince Elector, Duke in Prussia, and subscribed by the hands of the Noble Counselors, Supremes, and Regent's of the said Dukedom, and confirmed with the Dukes Seal published according to the date of Mount-Royall the 3. of jan. in the year of our Lord 1635. whereby indeed the most illustrious Elector receives the renowned and famous Dan. Swaben, a Chyurgion Physician, cutter of Ruptures, and an Oculist, into the number of his Servants, because of an excellent and singular skill in his liberal Art, and exempts him as his privileged Servants from all civil burdens, and grants him other liberties in those letters expressed. And we are humbly besought in the name of the said Daniel to approve, likewise ratify and confirm the same Letters in all points, and Articles, and that We would vouchsafe to take him into the number of our Servants. We, having from many of our Counsellors received the commendation of his virtue, integrity, and addition to do Us Service, and of his singular knowledge in the Art of Chirurgery and Physic, in many Kingdoms and Provinces worthily extolled, (as appeareth by attestations to Us exhibited. A great experiment whereof he himself shown Us at Mount Royal, with the exceeding admiration of all and commendation of his experience in the excision of a knife from the man's ventricle, thereby a certain chance illapsed into his entrails) do readily agree to this Petition. We being willing therefore to grace the said Dan. with a testification of our favour have thought fit to ascribe and call him into the number of Our Servants, and his Son William Frederick exceeding well practised in the Art of Physic, according to his Father's instruction, and of others, as by Our present privilege We do ascribe and call them, giving full and all manner of Authority, aswell to the aforesaid Dan. Schwaben the Father, as to Frederick William his Son, that at Mount Royal, and in other places, Provinces, Lands, Cities of Our Kingdom, & Dominions, always and every where, as well at public Marts, as at any other time whatsoever, freely and securely, with their Families and physical & v appurtenances, they may abide, go, come, subsist, and exercise the Art of their Profession according to the extremities of the sick without any man's let or molestation. Moreover We do interdict foreign Chirurgeons, and Cutters, that not any of them dare (under an Arbitrary penalty) to exercise that Art to their prejudice and impediment beyond the time of public Marts. For which cause the Magistrates of the Cities of Mount Royal, and of other places being required shall administer the justice to them committed, and by all means endeavour to help and promote their laudable Trade, conjoined with the profit of Our Subjects. And because the most illustrious Elector by his above named Rescript or privilege, hath freed and exempted the said Dan. Schwaben from all civil burdens and taxations: We therefore by Our Royal Authority, so far as is right, confirming this Electoral Rescript, do, not swarving any thing from those Electoral Letrers, free and exempt aswell the Father as the Son, from all both Civil and Military burdens, and according to Our Princely Grace, We do charge that in all those liberties expressed in the Electoral Rescript, they totally maintain them, and cause and command them to be maintained by all. In witness whereof We have commanded these presents subscribed with Our hand, to be establishend with the Seal of Our Kingdom.  
Given at Mount Royal, the 20. of july, in the year of Our Lord 1635. and of Our Kingdoms of Poland, the 3. and of Swedeland the 4. VLADISLAUS REX.   

The judgement and Censure of the Physicians of Leyden upon this writing.  
THe miraculous History of the Prussian Swallow-knife, and a History which will be profitable to all ages, printed by Laurence Segebadius in quarto, and in the year 1636, and which you sent over to us most famous Beckhere. We have read, with care examined, exactly and sufficiently perused. And because we would not be wanting to the learned Commonweal, We have caused so famous writing as this is here to be reprinted. But the more to authorise a piece so excellent, We do testify that ourselves were very much delighted in the reading of so rare a miracle in man's body, and that with as much content We have understood the Cure to be handled with so great a caution and circumspection, that with singular delectation We have received so learned and Poly-daedalous a Narration from thee, and by thee beautified with select Histories, and manifold authority, Nor do We doubt but that all (especially the learned and judicious Practitioners) who seriously weigh the matter, will presently come to our opinion, for although this age (which possesseth the lees and Leestalls of a malicious world) be full of malice by reason of envy and emulation, yet suppose We, it is not come to the height of impudence, and such a brutishness as that any time it will go about with a black tooth to by't at; a chance so rare, a Curation so miraculous, and by thee most excellent Beckhere to the use of posterity, with singular judgement perfectly brought to pass. But should the world be so impudent, it shall sooner break than fasten a tooth: for this work is fenced with the Adamant of Truth, and clear Doctrine. Such shameless ones are to be refuted only with neglect; for what wilt thou do with those that even in the very snow see Ink? Most eminent man! We must go on in an upright way, that We may arrive at the very mark We aim at of glorious fame. If any one drunk with emulation reel upon us, he must with scorn be shaked off, and he left to his own Torturer envy, who inveighs against such; for he carries with him the crosses of affections, and pours into their souls the molten lead of Pallor. That itch of wicked wits it is fatal, how do they endeavour to dispraise other men's labours that can do no thing themselves praiseworthy, and therefore a loof bark at famous men's report, hoping that will be added to them which with what right or injury soever they shall detract from others? but by no means do their vain counsels reach to the scope, they only expose the treasure of their ignorance and sloth in liquidâ luce, into the open light, and make themselves odious and contemptible to great minds.  
at Leyden Ianu. 23. 1638.  Hypocrates lib. praeception. Hoc jure jurando audeo affirmare, medicum ratione utentem, alteram nunquam invidiose calumniaturum, sic enim animi impotentiam proderet. i e. I dare affirm it upon oath, that a reasonable Physician will never enviously calumniate another; for so he would betray the weakness of his mind.  

A Physical observation of the Prusian Swallow-knife.  
VEnerable Antiquity endeavouring to recompense the prolixity of Physic, and the brevity of our life, hath been willing as it were within certain Lattices, not only to include the same by some general Axioms belonging to the practical part thereof, but also by more strange, yet most true observations, Histories and special examples of Curations so to beautify it, and register up the manner of curations, as that posterity might enjoy them, that in the like they might be able learnedly to imitate, and dextrously administer to their sick. Hypocrates and that resplendent light of Physic, the first of the Epidemians hath left us histories, and by this his example excites the wits of many undertaking the like labour, and procured as well the most learned of the ancient, as also the more rare observations of late Physicians: for they have deemed it envy to conceal those things which might suggest unto posterity, not only admiration but example; and then chief whilst Physical Histories are read, counsel might be in the ears, and as it were a picture in the eyes, and their heads not less furnished than with methodical doctrine. And likewise how should this history of the Prussian Swallow-knife be envied by after ages, since even she as for her rarity, so for her most happy success of cure hath deserved to be consecrated to immortal memory! for thus also the rivulets of divine praises would be further enlarged, and others too might draw from thence not only matter of wonder, but imitation, that in the like case they might not be puzeled, and troubled with the novelty of the thing, be enforced to stop at the first assay of curation. Wherefore it is my mind to publish her true and genuine Narration, and together the physical explication stored with more rare observations, dispatching it in four Sections: whereof the first shall exhibit the swallowing of the knife: the second the consultation of Physicians, the third the incision of the belly, and ventricle, and extraction of the knife, the fourth the consolidation of the wound.  

Of the swallowing of the Knife. The first Section.  
IN the year of our salvation 1635. the 29. of May stilo novo and the third holiday in Pentecost, a rustic young man by name Andrew Grunheide, in the morning feeling in his ventricle by reason of some ill Diet heretofore weakened, a kind of disposition to vomit, and as it was his wont, endeavouring to procure it himself, with the haft of his knife provoked the Gorge, and vomit not presently following did thrust in his knife a little deeper, which partly by the violence, and partly by its own weight so let down and comprehended within the jaws, escaped the extremities of his singers, and by little and little tends to the ventricle; yet stopping some what about the Orifice not without pain and dolour. But although the Swallow-knife being somewhat terrified, did by bowing his body downwards, assay the regress of the knife, yet was it all in vain; therefore upon new advice Landibergensis endeavoured rather the more to bumeet the mouth of the stomach with beer, or ale, and so to promote the knife to the cavity of the ventricle: and which succeeded, and the knife went to the bottom of the ventricle, and so the anguish and pains aforesaid ceasing, the Countryman though not a little troubled with his unwelcome guest, yet went he about his accustomed labours without trouble. The knife as after excision it was seen, was just in length ten fingers breadth.  

The first Position. The descent of the Knife, of the length of ten thumbs breadth, by the mouth and mouth of the stomach to the Ventricle indeed wants not admiration, but includes no impossibility.  
THe most wise Creator of the Universe, whose admirable fabric of man's body, as of other living Creatures, as well Aristotle 
a 1 De part. anim. c. 5.  as Galen 
b in lib. de usupar.  do many ways extol & set forth, hath made for all breathing creatures 
c Arist. 2. Hist. anim. c. 15.  & that have a neck 
d idem. 3. part. animal. c. 3.  a certain common & King's Highway from the mouth to the ventricle as to a certain Universal Magazine 
e Galen 4. de usup. 3. c. 1.  whereby as by a tunnel the food and all things else necessary for conservation of our health might be handsomely carried down to the ventricle, 
f Arist. de p. anim. c. 3.  and there being prepared every part at last might have his share. The mouth of the stomach it is called Oesophagus from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, I carry the meat as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in latin Gula, which in english we call the Gullet or Weazand. This the Creator according to his singular and admirable wisdom hath so artificially framed, that even for her capacity she was naturally fitted to receive matter, but her substance appointed to let down and swallow the same.  
For first of all this passage we see it capable enough, that it may yield to the swallowing even of greater things; which yet if they exceed the natural expansion of the Gullet, they may easily infer the danger of suffocation, or even death itself.  
It so happened to a Country woman of whom Forest maketh mention, 
lib. 15. obser. 28. Scholar  who too greedily had swallowed a very great piece of Martlemas Beef, not well masticated; it having stuffed the Gullet, and there mightily sticking, had almost choked her: and in the like manner to another woman, who as the same man witnesseth not having well masticated or chawed some raw unripe Apples, and so swallowed them, they remained stuffed in the Gullet, whereby the voice being totally suppressed, and her breath hindered, she was seen to give up the ghost.  
Nicholas Florentinus reports of himself, that being very hungry, and by the time he had eaten half an unripe apple together with its core, and by reason of his hunger, as it were violently attracted it, so masticated as it was, it descended to the stomach, and there staying, a total obstruction so beleaguered its way that he was not able to swallow any thing, nor to speak, nor to breath. The same almost happened to a certain friend who at a marriage dinner too greedily swallowing a piece of roasted Kid, presently incurred the danger of suffocation, so as he could neither speak, nor breath until having been violently beaten upon the back, and put his finger into his throat, the morsel was thrust down to the ventricle, whereby he himself was freed from total suffocation, and we the sitters by from fear.  
Marcellus Donatus in his third Book of wonderful Physical Histories, Chap. 8. records of a certain Citizen who too glutionously had devoured a piece of sinewy flesh ill masticated, it sticking at the Orifice of the Gullet so took up the way of swallowing, that the passage for water, and every the thinnest drink was altogether intercepted, and respiration very greatly hurt: nor would it yield to Instruments and divers means assayed, until that on the seventh day the morsel being rotten slid down into the Ventricle, it freed the man indeed from anguish but not from death; for because of frequent dolour, and violent handling of the place, the part that was inflamed and by reason of long lack of meat and drink, all the faculties they too were weakened, and the man on the foureteenth day changed life for death.  
That death itself too often follows the subsequents do declare. One that would swallow a Hen-egge whole, the same stopping at the Gullet because of the vital air that was wholly intercepted, was presently choked and killed as relates Wicrus. 
Lib. 4. de praestig. daemon. cap. 2.  A certain Merchant break-fasting with a piece of roast pork sprinkled with Salt and Pepper and a crumb of bread, it stuck in his throat, whence forthwith arose vehement dolour, convulsions, great cold, and at last suffocation, as it is in Hildan. 
Cent. 1. obs. 35.  And likewise a certain boy having a piece of Pan-cake sticking in his throat, was presently choked and perished. So a certain young man of Rastenburg, when at Dinner by reason of some laughter raised, would forthwith have swallowed down a piece of flesh whole and not chawed, by the same sticking in his throat in the sight of all the Guests that very hour died with suffocation. Suetonius is witness that Claudius Caesar Drusus lost his son Pompey of fourteen years of age, who by a Pear tossed aloft in sport, and by gaping taken into his mouth was there with strangled, for as Arist. hath it, 
S. 3. Probl. 9  because those two passages whereof one is assigned for swallowing, the other for respiration, are placed very near one by another, and the mouth of the stomach lieth underneath the Aspera arteria which is the Windpipe, too big a morsel being swallowed, the place of spiration is the next that is brought and bound together, that breath is denied all passage, especially if the compression and interception of air be in that part made, where the membranous Artery is, and not the Cartilaginous or gristly.  
Moreover we see too, that the substance of the Gullet is so fitted, that at pleasure it is able to perform the action that is designed it, for the substance it is partly membranous, partly fleshy, or mean between flesh and nerve, 
3 De part. anim. 3.  whereby as teacheth Arist. by reason of the nerve or nervous substance it may the better be distended into length and breadth; 
1 Hist. anmi. 16.  and because of the tenderness of flesh it may the better yield, and not be hurt with the sharpness of any food descending, whence it is that we see the same too, with a certain continual humour moist, and so the more commodiously yielding passage for dry things: nor are there wanting musculous Instruments succouring and helping to the action of the Gullet: for there are observed to be three conjugated muscles, and the fourth sine pari, without a mate is called Oesophagaeus Orbicularis, whence swallowing is not held only for a natural action, 
Bauhin: l. 2. Anatom. Theatr. c. 28. Larinx  because of the fibres or strings of three sorts, but chief to an Animal action, since it is in our will to swallow when we please, and by the benefit of the muscles to move the Pharynx and not to move it. As often therefore as we put into the mouth an object grateful and ordered for the , we can swallow the same without trouble: but that which is unpleasant our nature abhors, and the poor allows no passage to that which is unfit. Who then is not amazed in beholding a Knife swallowed by our Prussian Swallow-knife, and that without hurt and mischief to the Weazand: the blade that was in the haft was very sharp and broad, and sharp pointed, and object altogether ingrate and that which begets the greatest admiration so long. How could the journey it went from the mouth to the Gullet, and so to the Ventricle, being very crooked, be well gone? Moreover for that about the fist Vertebra of the Thorax, the Gullet inclines itself to the right side, whereby to give way to the descendent Trimke of the great Artery, (that she might not be endamaged in the passage of hard meats, or otherwise not well broken) how could the Knife without longer tarryance and greater trouble so quickly descend and avoid their turn, and wind, since that although the Organs be free enough, and sufficiently fitted, yet the swallowing of an object so ingrate, and inconvenient, must needs be difficult. But indeed, the violence which our Rustic likewise used, takes away all difficulty: for when vomit would not follow the Gorge being at first so much provoked, with a certain force he did thrust in the Knife deeper, which being violently pulled in by the jaws was not so well to be pulled bacl, the extremity of the haft moreover acceding to a kind of crookedness somewhat resisting, the unacceptable Guest, therefore so took up his lodging in the Ventricle. Something not unlike this Schenek observes lib. 3. observ. medic 7.. of a certain Gras●er, who by thiefs that met him was enforced to swallow a Poynadoe half a foot long, with a Horne-haft an inch thick. Laurentius Joubertus also as you may see in Hildan, 
Cent. 1. Obs. 54. & cent 5. observe 75.  shows you a little blunt Knife, which being covered over with cloth was by a Shepherd violently cast into another man's mouth and put down his throat, which for a whole two year's space lurking in the body, was by an Abscisse made in the Inguen or groin ●●●cised, and the Patient so cured.   

Position the 2. As Knives and other abhorrent things by a certain kind of Sorcery may be thrown down, or insinuated into the Ventricle: so usually man's Mclancholicke Genius conceits it so to be.  
THe natural heat of the Microcosm exceeding full and mightily furnished with innumerable Ideas of things to be gotten spreading into a many form matter, usually produceth in our body things to be admired, the reason of the causes whereof seems not to be much discovered, every kind of Vessels, every cavity likewise whatsoever the secretest part bringeth forth, not only stones of a various kind, but also Metals, Worms, and other little creatures horrible to see to, which chief is observed in Steatom●taes, Atheromata●s, and the like Apostumes, as witnesseth Galen, when he saith: 
Lib. 2. ad Glaucum. c. 7.  If a● sometimes there shall continue humidities in any Accident of the body, they have many fashioned alterations; for oftentimes there are found to be contained in the Abscesses' bodies like to stones, Sand, Shells, pieces of Wood-coales, Mud, and the filth of a Bath, dregs and Lees, and many such like. Howbeit usually either cast out, or after death we see many things found which exceed all natural beginning, and are supposed, not produced in the body, or into the same insinuated, but by the Art and malice of the Devil; for who will deny that the Devil hath great power? yet is it limited, and depends upon the pleasure of the most High and Omnipotent God, since otherwise by his own power he is not able to beget even a louse the vilest creature. But why God allows him so great power and ability to hurt men because of sins committed, in Divinity it is more than enough apparent. With such a like History Gemma supplies us, 
Lib. 2. Cosmog. c. 4.  for a certain wench of Louvain did by stool, first throw out a live Eel, then by vomit abundance of hairs not to be numbered, and of a finger's length, with a purulent matter like shalt of putrefaction, in which filth too there appeared pieces of wood, and thin shave of skins; moreover the pieces of wood were so lively, they seemed to be chips unequally chipped from old stumps of Trees broken off: after that there followed also a ramentosous vomit, wherewith were secue issuing every day Coals, indeed ground very small, and in a heap to the quantity of two or three pound, and very often with such abundance of hairs, that a Walnut could not hold them: by stool likewise very many stones of a notable bigness, as also a chip of Wood, bigger and thicker than one's thumb. Moreover a Triangular bone, solid without, but within hollow & spongious, etc. the generation of all these none will dare to refer them to the rank of natural causes: for howbeit no man will be able to deny a generation of hairs in divers parts of the body, for so the Naturalists have observed a hairy heart, a hairy tongue, and that by Urine hairs have been elected: yet so great abundance of hairs, fragments of wood, and other things as abhorrent, do sufficiently declare that the Devils Art there was very strong.  
Benevent. 
Lib. De admirand. mo●bor cause.  reports that a certain woman being possessed with a wicked spirit, whiles she was distracted with intolerable torments of the Ventricle, and that the Physicians could bring no help, of a sudden she spewed up long and crooked nails, and brass Needles bundled up together with hair and wax, and last of all did cast up a piece of flesh at breakfast so great, that even a Giants throat could not have swallowed it. And so Langius reports of a certain Husbandman, 
Lib. 1. Epist. me dic. c. 38.  who being struck with cruel dolorous torments upon the left Hypochondrium, suddenly catcht hold of an Iron nail that was under the skin unhurt, which being extracted by the Balneator, but the grief still raging, he out of the weakness of his mind laid violent honds upon himself, in whose Ventricle being opened, were found a long round piece of wood, four steel knives partly pointed, and partly with teeth like a Saw, and two Iron tools, each of them more than a span long. Who would not affirm that these things were thrown in by the craft and subtlety of the Devil? Who could say that Sorcery was not here? The last summer likewise there came unto me a certain Poland Soldier, declaring how he had been for many years detained a Captive by the Muscovites, and when to him and to other Captives too there was granted a regress, and dimission by the means of a most glorious peace, obtained by the victorious Arms of our most August Uladislaus my exceeding Clement Lord, there was for him and the others prepared by the Muscovites a potion, which when it was exhausted, they underwent most grievous pains, and canciations in the bottom of the belly, with his most unmeasurable vomitings, and that there withal, not without trouble, he had elected divers kinds of Newtes. Now and then too that enemy of mankind useth a kind of violence, and hath thrust into the mouth many things to be devoured, as the sequent History recorded by Rulandus doth inform: 
Cen●. 4. Cu●a●. Empyric. ●5.  a certain Girl of eighteen years of age one night returning home alone, a certain man all in black (to wit the Devil) overtook and sat upon her, took her by the locks, drew bacl her head, and stopped her nostrils; where the wench being so handled with exclamation opened her mouth, whereinto some what he enforced, which as she endeavoured to relect, by the laws he repressed it to the Gullet, that in spite of her teeth she might swallow it; which done, he leaveth her who presently waxeeth dumb, and being returned home remained so for eight days; afterwards of her own accord began to speak, and for many days did vomit up with very great and direful torment, things never to be forgotten, as needles, pins, divers kinds of nails, locks of hair, small pieces of money, buttons, whole eggshells, thréeds, knives, and many other things, which were reserved by the beholders and standers by, and shown to me etc. the like examples and of these and their manners how, see more in the most famous Sennertus.  
But the History of our Rustic, 
Lib. 6. Pract. de morb. occul. 〈◊〉. 1. part. 9  we shall not be able to reduce into the rank of these, for this immission of the knife into the mouth was voluntary, a free and natural tickling, however the swallowing was unawares; why? because beside the knife there was found not any, nor the least thing in the Ventricle.  
But whether a melancholy imagination might have troubled him, that we must look into. Indeed it commonly happens that by reason of adust, and melancholy blood, either begotten in the brain, or of fume and exhalations from some other place trans-missed, the mind is darkened, & the brain overcast, no otherwise than if they were evening & night darkness, which trouble & terrify the minds of them, that are often in them: whence it is that the reason waxeth blind▪ and being enclosed with thick clouds is deprived of her light, and altogether up and down erreth in her discourses and is deceived. But as there is diversity of Temperaments, wherein these melancholic fumes do domineer, even so there do arise various and divers spices of Melancholy that chief annoy, vitiate and corrupt the smagination: nor can at any time occur any thing never so foolish or absurd that melancholy men (though sound) dream not to be such, and stoutly believe it to be most true.  
Hence you shall find saith Galen, 
Lib. 3. de cor. affect 6.7.  that some think themselves made of Potter's earth, and therefore avoid the touch and propinquity of men: others that suppose themselves to be of Glass. Aetius reports of one that was fallen into such an error that he conceived himself shattered in the head, and so be walled it abroad, until that an Iron Helmet of great weight being put upon his head, he was removed from this fantasy. Trallianus writes that he saw a woman that strongly affirmed she was eaten up of a Serpent, but by vomitory medicines, and a Serpent secretly put up by a Brass tunnel, she was restored to health. There have been those that have deemed themselves to be birds, so that they never stirred themselves, but with arms moved like Wings, did think they flew. Moreover, many imagine that they foster many things in their body that are exceeding troublesome He in Platerus imagined that for many years he nourished in his body a live Frog. 
In observ. pag. 40.  Others dream that they have within themselves Serpents, and the like. The like examples as they are oftentimes observed in practice: so look among some of them. Quercetan. in Diaetet. Poly. Hist. pag. 154. Forest. lib. 10. Observe. 12. Marcel. Donat. lib. 2. mirab. c. 1. Schenck. lib. 1. observat. 245. & seque. Plater. lib. 1. obs. Senn. lib. 2. Inst. par. 3. S. 2. c. 4. & lib. 1. practic. par. 2. c. 8. Camerar. Horar. Succis. Cent. 1. c. 72. Indeed some one perhaps might at first have guessed that our Rustic was overwhelmed with the like melancholy, had not presently the certain relation of others, and his own declared it otherwise. He was sent for to come. that his temperament might be seen in no wise to be melancholic; for although after he had taken Mars his morsel, his visage sometimes were more sad, yet must it not be ascribed to his natural constitution, or melancholy, but fear rather because of the doubtful success of the extraction and Cure: even he had before shown himself very jocund in merry meetings, and conversations, nor did he carry in his countenance any sign of a melancholy Temperament: Wherefore even the Physicians easily gave him credit, and consultation for his cure was appointed.    

Of the Physicians, their Consultation. The 2. Section.  
THis the most miserable condition of the afflicted Rustic moved the hearts of many unto pity, first therefore the Consul of Landiberg, Master Martin Hartlein my honoured friend, who had been to see him, and had demanded every even the least thing of him, came to me, and with the History itself, and the sick man's estate laid open, implored my counsel, to whom I gave this answer: That it was a matter of great moment, and that scarce two such chances were to be found in the observations of Physicians, and having declared a History of the Pragensian Swallow-knife, I advised that the Rustic should be sent over with the soon, that by the whole College of Physician's deliberation might be had what were best to be done, for in the more difficult works of Art, Hypocrates will not have us overmuch to trust our own knowledge, but to call other Physicians into Counsel, that by common counsel it might be concluded what were to be done, and what undone. A little while after this, the chance itself by Letters from a most noble gentleman is laid open to the famous Mr. L. Crager, a colleague and beloved friend, and at last the Patient himself with commendatory Letters, sent over, to submit himself to the cure of the Physicians, who yielded himself to be viewed and handled by them.  
These Physicians after they had considered what was to be considered, and examined the things that were to be examined, concluded that there was not here any hurt of the fantasy or imagination, but that a knife indeed was swallowed and lurked within the body. The twenty fifth day of june therefore was indicted for a meeting of the Physicians, which was celebrated in the Garden of Master Doctor Lothus, the prime and signior Professor, and chief Electurall Physician at that time sick, in the place of the Dean and others the master Physicians. So that every one to the purpose might freely open his mind, and speak his opinion.  
First then having found the strength of the Patient to be yet very firm, which in great operations must especially be considered, how the sick man might escape the danger, that the strength boing weakened the Physician labour not in vain. Secondly the place affected must be considered, for the Abdomen that was to be opened, and the Ventricle to be wounded for extraction of the knife. Thirdly, the necessity of the operation which here very greatly urged, lest that either strength should fail or the Patient himself not well brooking delay be disposed to impatience; at last I say it was with unanimous consent concluded, that the section should be before the Dog days, yet premising those things that seemed needful for preparation: likewise that Balsamic Oils should be first inwardly used, whereby the dolours of the Ventricle might be assuaged, and the Patient himself imbibe a Balsamic virtue. But the Balsam called the Balsam of Spain was to be preferred before any other that was named, and used as advised our most experienced Senior Master Doctor Lothus, to whom the rest of the Physicians readily assented, and did not mislike the imposition of the Magnetic Emplaster after the example of the Pragensian cure.  
But since for certain causes this Balsam may be very much altered, especially for the greater efficacy in a wound of the bottom of the belly abounding with many humours, 'tis good to subioyne the description of them both. 
2. Oper. Ch●r. part. 2. cap. 7. pag. 805.  Hierome Fabritius ab Aquapend. hath it thus; I cannot (saith he) pass over in silence a medicament most excellent for wounds in the nervous parts, whose description I received from a very credible Spanish Priest, who told me too, that in Spain it was not lawful to compose it, because men greatly trusting the virtue of it, made nothing of it to enter the lists and fight. And 'tis thus: 

R. Olei vetustiss. unc 4..  
Terebinth. purae. unc. 8.  
Frumenti integr. unc. 1. Sem.  
Hyperic. unc 2.  
R●d. Cardui Ben.  
Valerian. Ana. unc. 1.  
Thur. pulveris, unc. 2    
Let the roots and heathes be grossly bruised, put into a Pot, and so much Wine supper infused as may submerge all the ingredients, and having made the infusion for two days, add the oil and wheat, and let them seethe all to the consumption of the Wine. By and by after you have made a strong expression, add the Turpentine and Frankincense, and let them again boil a little, and be kept in a Glass It healeth wounds, as they say in four and twenty hours, the manner of using it is thus: having first wash: the wound with cold white wine, presently anoint all the wound with the aforesaid oil warm, which if it cannot handsomely be done, spring it and presently bring the lips of the wound together by ligature, or suture, or gi●tine, then anoint likewise the circumiacent parts with the aforesaid oil, upon the lips of the wound now brought together lay lint dipped in the aforesaid oil, and upon this another expressed with vinegar, than another dry lint, last of all bandage it.  
Ours which was used was this following 

℞. Ol. Olivar. recent. unc. 3.  
Terebinth. unc. 1. Sem.  
Summit. Valerian.  
Hyperici.  
Cardui. Ben. An. p. 1. Sem.  
Thuris. unc. 1.  
Myrrh el. aloes. oped. an. dr. 3.  
Coec. infect. dr. 1.  
Resin. Pin. rec. dr. 2.  
Vini malvatic. unc. 4.    
Mix them and let them stand and digest for four hours, then let them gently boil till the wine be almost consumed, than strain and express them.  

Position the 3. The Knife that was swallowed by the benefit of Natural heat, might be somewhat altered in the Ventricle, but not digested or consumed: therefore was it well concluded by the College of Physicians, that by Section the same was to be extracted.  
MAny Creatures, we see that m●ke food of the grossest Diet, they have not only a fleshy Ventricle to digest even harder things, but also of a membranous substance in whom heat is so exacted, and their faculty so disposed that they can dextrously concoct even every the hardest thing, they fetch not only out of the store of Animals and Vegetables, but Minerals to●. It is well known of the Ostrich, that according to the assertion of many Authors she can swallow Iron and digest it.  
Langius witnesseth as much, 
Lib. 1. Ep. Med. 12.  that be saw in the Duke of Feraries Garden, Estriges that did swallow down Iron money and concoct it. 
Cent. 2. c. 69. Orinthol. 6.2.  Amatus Lusitanus writes that he saw and observed the same at Antwerp. Indeed Aldrovandus and some others cherish a contrary opinion, and do conceit that Iron or money made of it may forsooth be swallowed of the Ostrich, but not consumed or concocted. But how comes it to pass that Hen's guts mixed with liquid gold do consume the very same? as Pliny relates, 
Lib. 26. Nat. Hist. c. 4. Centur. 4. Memorabil. 99, Exerc. 88 Tract. De scorbut. Exerc. 7. p. 504. Animadv. & exercit. Med. 31.  and out of him Mizaldus, Scaliger. How comes it to pass that leaf gold mixed with Hen's meat and so given them, does not only fat them, but make them of a yellowish colour, and like gold? as delivereth Hieronymus Keusner. As also Carolus Rosenberg. The most famous Eichstad in his Treatise De confect: Alkerm. witnesseth that some few years ago he had given a Calcutta Hen two small books of leaf gold to swallow up with her ordinary meat, and that afterwards he killed her and found her flesh to be of that natural colour, pure and beautiful, but neither in the cavity of the Beast nor in the garbage any relics of the gold, much less any incrustation of it or pargeting Smizerus Ep. 50. Cistae Medicae professeth of a Hen that had devoured a great deal, of money, and that afterwards there was found in her Crop some of the money halfa consumed, especially the silver of his Daughter's thimble, that was silvered over, so that nothing remained but the brass. The sequent History seemeth to confirm the same: In the garde● of a certain chief Citizen of Regiomont, many of his Guests that w●re at sport depas●●e● on the ground their stakes in beasse and silver money, an Indian Cock there perchance walking steals some of it away and swallowe● it; they not regarding the Cock wondered which way the money should be gone: the Coach by and by returns and does t●o like, they take him in the fact and so on purpose throw him down more for to devour, after some few hours for his punishment they condemn him to the Spit, and to be roasted, yet first they do examine his Crop and find therein some of the money half resolved, but the rest of it almost altogether wasted, and that not without admiration. We read in Pliny of Mice, that according to Theophrastus can gnaw Iron, 
Lib. 8. Nat. Hist. c. 57  and do greatly hunt after your gold dust and digest it. But that in a man's stomach there is the like virtue and faculty to digest Minerals, and that indeed naturally and commonly none can easily affirm it; for to the more noble Creature, nature hath assigned also a more noble Element and more easy, that by reason of the hardness of food and difficulty of concoction, the creature might not in dispatch of more weighty matters and subtler actions suffer retardation. And which way should any Mineral, swallowed down, and before it be well masticated in the mouth, by the ventricle, be possibly consumed, since neither of Vegetables nor Animals there are many grosser and harder parts, that avoiding the preparation of the mouth, can in and by the stomach be easily digested. Hence it is that there have been observed little bones Tendones Ligaments and other crude things, by compost cast out again, the same not altered.  
There was one who unawares swallowing down a piece of Leather, after six month's time by stool did elect the very same nothing diminished, as Hildan hath it: 
Cap. 1. Obs. 31.  I knew a worthy man who having swallowed a little raw piece of Pomecytron, a little after incurred an intermitting Tertian Ague, which could not be assuaged till that portion was by vomit first cast up again, which was seens for all this nothing altered. It hath been noted that for two years a piece of Cheese stuck in the stomach of a certain Matron, and by vomit afterwards to have been ejected. Neither doth necessity seem here to enforce that we should fly to any secret quality of the ventricle, since Nature's intention chief and her aim must be well weighed and considered, for she had rather man feed upon that may beget a more subtle spirit. But what need many words? does not we see daily that Minerals, so as they have been taken have been cast up again raw and indigested? 
Lib. 1. De Nat. facul.  Galen reports of a gold King that being held in the mouth was unawares swallowed down, and after grew out again unchanged. 
Praemed. Observe. med. c. 27.  Such a like thing hath Cornarius published of a Girl of eight years of age. Another at one draught of Ale gulped down three Die, which the third day by stool he sent forth again unchanged, as relates Forestas. Some one there was that upon a small wager swallowed down iron nails, and did again eiect the same erude and indigested, as witnesseth Cardanus. Shenck writeth of one that by excrement voided again hard flint stones the same he had ingested. 
Lib. 8. De rer. variet. cap. 40. Lib. 3. obs. med. 2. C. ●0. De abdit.  A certain woman as noteth Benivenia, devoured a brass needle, which at length on the tenth year came forth, through the ventricle being pierced, at a little hole, and the wound consolidated and cured. A certain maid that had swalls wed down a small needle did on the foureteenth day eiect the same not altered, as Hildanus hath it. 
Centur. 1. observ. 34.  Forestus writes of one that had swallowed the point of a knife, and restored the same by the Posteriors not changed: who relates too of his Brother, that was then but a boy, that in sport he swallowed down a pellet of Lead, round, but slatted, and the third day with, out trouble did return it with his excrements. These and the like which in Authors are here and there obvious, and oftentimes in practice do sufficiently evince that Minerals swallowed down cannot by any man's stomach be concocted. Nor is it so that any one should hence conclude, that the internal use of Minerals is needless, and in vain commended by Physicians: yea, that Gold, Silver, and the like are without success propined unto the sick, since they are better able to corroborate a man's purse than his body, 
In Tetrad. c. 25. & 31. & in pest. Alexand. Lib. 2. c. 7.  to which opinion among others subscribe Quercetanus, as also the Augustan Physicians who in their dispensatory Ad●auriam Alexandrin: affirm that the addition of gold and silver in Medicines satisfies opinion more than the intention, and out of an Arabian excess introduceth to feed the eyes and to make a greater price for the Apothecary, since it is so far from being that our natural heat possibly should draw any virtue from them by its exhalation or power although intense, that the power itself being entire, and not having at all suffered any change by assumption we should observe it to be refined.  
Howbeit although Gold which is reckoned for a medicament as well as other Minerals, cannot by the treasury of our stomach be exactly wrought, dissolved, and converted into Chyle: yet it sufficeth that it may by its solar influence, and its radiation of a secret virtue into the very heart by a kind of sympathetic power, be as the Sun unto the Microcosm, and confer its faculty to this intrall. Yea who could ever deny that there may from Leaf Gold a certain spirit like some evaporation be communicated to our spirits analogical to the same, since we cannot deny but that in other Minerals too there is such a like spiritual effluxion that insinuates itself into our bodies? That the Turquoise stone externally applied and contained in the hands doth, even to be admired, assuage the flux of blood, 
Tr. de Gemmis  this not only Boetius de Boot hath left written in a proper Chapter, and approved with some observations, but I myself too have found the like efficacy of this stone in an over much haemorrhagy. An old man of seventy years of age, having for some days made a bloody Urine, was by fit medicines inwardly taken, recovered, and a little after by reason of some more violent motion, and some greater rapture of a vein he had another more dangerous flux, and his strength too was very much weakened: inward and outward means and remedies nothing prevailing, I advised the use of the aforesaid stone: having therefore got Rings of them, he applied them to his hands, and before an hour was quite spent ('tis a wonder to be spoken) the flux of blood not without admiration ceased, and he recollecting his strength by little and little recovered health. The same Rings have done good to many in an over much flux of the monthly Terms, as in an haemorrhagy too or an overmuch bleeding at the Nose. But after that some other examples likewise have declared the efficacious virtue of these stones, is it not manifest out of Platerus, that the hanging by of Crystal doth very much good in the Vertigo? 
Lab. 1. Pract. de funct. c. p. 246 L●b. De dolour. pag. 853. Scholar in Ep. 160.  the same Platerus teacheth that the Saphir applied unto the eyes is defensative against the Meazells. Nor is this very thing unknown to the poorest women. What shall I say of the Amber? whose attractive quality even with any kind of heat can be provoked. When not two years ago the Meazells here were Epidemical, they got for a little Girl, at the beginning of the Disease before the Meazells broke forth, Bracelets made of Amber, put them about her wrists, and though they often fell from the left hand, yet they remained still applied unto the right, in that place such an immense company of Meazells broke out, that not without trouble was she constrained to endure their heat. For this cause also to draw back pain from the head 'tis put under the soles of the feet. That indeed it reverts the Catharrall defluxions from the eyes if put on the nape of the neck, and so worn is a thing known (as they say) to blear-eyed men and Barbers. But if these and infinite others (to say nothing now of the virtue of the nephritical stone) only outwardly applied confer a notable help unto the body, and by their spiritual effluxion resist a diseasing constitution, why have not Gold and other things inwardly taken been possibly effectual? Is it not so, that if a trembling of the parts arise by the use of Quicksilver, and that you put but a piece of Gold Coin into the mouth, it very self is withdrawn even from the Centre of the body? The servant of a certain Goldsmith when by the continual use of Quicksilver he perceived his sight to be weakened, by my persuasions, for some days he carried a Ducat of Gold in his mouth, whence daily he contracted a whiteness and had his sight restored: the virtnall power therefore of the medicament may be communicated to appropriated members, even in that very body that is not disposed, since that our heat may somewhat work into that very body, which heat yet woe find now and then to be very effectual in many subjects. Amatus Lusitanus reports of one that had swallowed down a piece of brass money, 
Cent. 2. Curate. 69.  and perceived not any harms it did him, but that his body became something lean, yet a year after he did egest it with the excrements, but small and so consumed by his natural heat that it drew all into a wonderment, and the same Author adds that he saw at Ferarie a Glutton who could eat, concoct, and digest Leather, shells and broken Glasses, that every one would call him Ostrich, of whom you may read too in Columbus. 
Lib. 15. Ana. Tom p. 486.  So that piece of silver money which a Girl of nine years of age, a citizens daughter of Insterberg swallowed down, we saw was somewhat altered but not consumed, for the seventh day after she had v●yded it again, 'twas seen to be of a colour quite black, not made so but by the internal heat, nothing diminished. And not unlike to this have we noted something about our Rustics: for when for eleven days the Iron knife had lurked in the Ventricle we saw it a little changed at the point, as if it had sustained a kind of violence of the fire. But who could believe that successively and in time this Metallick body might have been consumed? since rather the constitution of the stomach would have been more weakened, his heat faintned, and the aforesaid reasons advised otherwise. Therefore the excision of the ●ni●● was necessarily thought upon: for such things as against nature are detained in the body, reason adviseth, and Galen faith that they must be removed.   

Position 4. As the knife which was swallowed down could not have been consumed by nature, so by her neither could it any way have been evacuated: And since its longer stay in the Ventricle might have inferred no little molestation and damage; it was by Section to be pulled out.  
SOme one perhaps would deem the excision to be foolish, if either its own presence nothing troubled and endamaged, or that even Nature herself at the last might have expelled it. For it hath been observed that many things for a long time and without danger have lurked in the nobler parts. 
Lib. 5. Locor aff c. 1. Com.  Thomas Rodericus Aveiga reports of an Hind that was found bearing of an Arrow, she anciently had gotten from the Hunter, infixed in her heart. 
L. 4 Anat. c. 24.  Out of Alexander Bened. the sequents are taken forth. A certain Grecian (saith he) S●●urus by name, a man very well known to me, was in the expugnation of Chalcis with an Arrow wounded about the Temples, carried away Captive by the Turks, with his wound after a sort healed, he lived a slave twenty years. at last he came free to Cydon, and in five years after in summer time, as he was washing his mouth with cold water, unmeasurable sneezing being provoked, great itching, amongst extreme strive there issued out of his Nostrils a piece of the Arrow of half a finger's length, with an iron head and left not any scar. How a little pistol-shot could for six Months without any harm lie lodged betwixt the Cranion and the Dura mater, 
Observe. Chiru●g. 2. l 2 Lib 〈◊〉. c peax. med admirab. obs. 5.  Hildan hath left it written for posterity.  
Zacutu● Lusitanus hath observed also an admirable example, yea a kind of Prodigy in nature, speaking of a Whore that had been too long at the Alehouse, and being drunk and in a scolding humour railed at every one she met, but behold, she had from another man in the same pickle given her a deep wound on the top of the head with a knife that was very long and sharp: so that for many days without sense and motion she remained half dead, at length with a great deal of pains she was cured and went abroad, eight years after this, being dead of a malignant fever, and in the Hospital by the Anatomist dissected in the head, where betwixt the Cranium and the Dura matter was found half the knife, wherewith before she was wounded, all rusty, she so long as she lived after her wound, did do her business about the house, and felt not at any time any hurt in the Ruling or Animal faculties.  
And to conclude even nature, who is an admirable curer of herself, doth at last frequently expel those things that against nature she participates; by this means the knife, whereof mention is made out of Hildan, 
Pos. 1.  that was swallowed down, and for two years complete lurking in the body, in the end through an Abscess made by nature excresced. 
5 Epidem. Sect. 7. Hist. 7. Cent. 2. Obs. 74. etc. c. 1. Obs. 62. Lib. 5. pract. part. 4. c. 5.,  Hypocrates writes of an Arrows head that was inflicted near unto the Groins, was the sixth year after drawn out. The like may be seen in Hildan, as also in the most famous Sennertus Schenk and others.  
Howbeit neither of these could have possibly gained any effect in this our Rustic: for first of all, those examples that are more rare, can inter no Rule, where are many contraries, or where but a piece of splinter, infixed in the body, might have inferred an irrecoverable damage. But if that the Iron had contracted rust within the Ventricle, would not direful Symptoms have thence followed? for in the stomach very often there do lurk sundry humours either salt or sour, or sharp, which might have infected or corrupted a Mineral body, and disposed the Iron to rust. But whether in success of Time through Abscess or some other way, it might by nature have been expelled is not without cause called into question: especially if we regard the length and weight of the very knife, and then examine the very place being membranous. I say nothing of that small interspace of time which Nature exacted for the perfecting so great a work, which little time yet might have exceedingly troubled our Patient, and easily disposed him unto melancholy.   

Position the 5. The members of our body do usually so imbibe the Balsamicke virtue of internal Remedies, that they are very strong against growing diseases.  
BIckerus will have the virtue of the food we daily use to be such as may be able to alter the Temperament of the body, 
In He●met. rediviv. p. 215.  and after a manner induce its own. Card anus remembers (as the same man reports) that he saw Infants nourished by the milk of other Creatures, especially of Goats, in whom there was nothing in respect of the habit of the body wanting▪ but that they had lost the strength of wit, and as they grew in years became as it were stupid and blockish. And indeed it is apparently manifest, that the very medicaments taken again and again and very often, do communicate their faculty to the body, and the parts thereof, and as it were impregnate the same. For Nature out of the corporeal mass of the Medicament, extracts a convenient juice and spirit wherewith being furnished, she endeavoureth to meet and resist a Disease that's coming. But although at first in a manner it doth not like our nature, because it tasteth not the virtue of the Aliment, wherewith she's more delighted, but the medicament, yet by little and little successively by continual usage, she doth make the same so familiar to herself, that we may see nature now as it were quite altered. The Maid, that was from her tender years nourished with Poison by Napelli, a King of the Indians, shall be able to testify as much by her example.  
Historians do declare of Mithridates' King of Pontus, that with the daily use of Mithridate he so strengthened his body against Poison, and so altered his Temper that poison could not do him any hurt, even then when 'twas most desired, for after that he had determined to die rather, by drinking off again and again a deadly and violent poison (wherewith his Daughters were slain) then to fall alive into the power of the Romans, he sound not any poison so powerful as could kill him. If Hellebore, saith Smerius, be devoured by the she-Goate, 
In Miscellan p. 177.  and that it be concocted and transformed in the stomach, then in the Liver, and cast off all in the Teats, and from thence transplanted into an other species, nevertheless there will remain in the milk begotten of this Plant a purgative quality or operation. That likewise is not to be forgotten 〈◊〉 which Crato hath observed of one, 
In Epist. Medic. Scholar 16.  that by the continual use of Rhubarbe, was not only freed from the Dropsy, but the rest of his members also were made more robust, and by a kind of natural Balsam extracted from the Rhubarbe corroborated, and the complexion, and all the functions of the whole body became again to he very good, and he lived safe and sound without any infirmity until he was old. And when after that he had inflicted upon his brain a deadly wound, beyond the hope of Physicians and Chirurgeons he found a most happy cure. Manderer promiseth of the Aloës, 
In Aloedar. Marocost. c. 13.  that if it be often used yet in a due way, 'tis even of itself alone sufficient to maintain our health, and that it only hath heretofore preserved many a man's faculties, strength, and health, and prolonged their age for many days, and produced them a more free and liberal Progeny of years: for that it driveth away, saith he, all kind of rottenness as well in the living as in the dead, that it vindicateth the humours from all corruptions, and that it suffers not any thing to live or continue in man but that which may concern his life and health. Moreover if it withdraws Catarches and defluxions that may fall into the joints, so as witnesseth Mormannus a most famous Physician, those that will make a continual and familiar use of Aloës may be secure from every Gout, and Catarrh, Est enim in Aloë balsamicum quid dam, balsamo nostro natu●●● admodum confine, cunctos humores succosque, siquidem naturales adhuc fuerint, conservans, prater naturales evacuans, medios emendans, universos, putrifieri accorrumpi prohibens. That is, for there is in Aloës something of the Balsam somewhat near unto our natural Balsam, preserving all humours and moistures, if indeed they be natural, evacuating those that are unnatural, beitering such as are indifferent, not letting any of them to be putrified or corrupted. And for this cause joannes Hermannus a Physstian of Wittenberg, frequently using the Pills of Aloës did successfully prolong his life unto the eightieth years as writeth Doring. 
Lib. De Mith. pag. 149. 4. F. 1. c. 1.  Nor need any fear, that Nature loathes the accustomed operation of the things she takes, because as Avicen saith, a Passion cannot be made of things accustomed, whence it is that Averchoës, 
L 7. c. 2. L. 22. F. 3. L●b. 3. c. 78.  Avicen, Paul, are of opinion with Hypocrates, that in Diseases the remedies are so be shifted, and dissuade the continual and often using of one medicine. But not unfitly may one distinguish betwixt Preservative and Curative remedies: and that Preservatives are not to be altered since Nature out of the Remedy that's familiar to her is so form, and so firmed that she can more easily drive away the slighter diseasing grudges, but growing on, and infesting the body, more happily thrust them forth a doors, as the alleged examples ●●e me to prove. In Curation the matter's otherwise, for there especially if success answereth not desire, medicaments may be varied, but if the Physician perceive that any one does help, who of a sound judgement would attempt to alter it? Hence is that of Hypocrates to be observed: Siquis omnia convenienter exactoque judicio faciat, nec quit quam ea ratione efficient, t●men ad aliud non est progrediendum, modo id, maneat, quod ineunti●us remedijs visum est. That is if a man do all things conveniently and in an exact judgement, and cannot that way effect any thing, yet must he not pass on to some other, so long as they seem to be growing remedies. For as we must not rashly persever in the use of remedies, so neither must we over hastily and presently go from their use, and in long diseases, as teacheth Celius, time, 
Lib. 1. c. 2.  as it maketh them so it taketh them away too, we must not instantly condemn, if any thing be not quickly profitable; the less indeed must we alter any thing if at last it help a little, because 'tis time that completes the profit. Yet it any thing do not soon enough succeed it is lawful for to try some other thing that's like unto it, according to that of Huldas, 
8. Pract. c. ult.  when a man hath been too long a curing with one medicine, and that it boots not to pass over unto a contrary, because perhaps the matter hereof agreeth not to such a Nature etc. But as in all things else, even so here must we yield something to custom and unto nature, that by Nausea being provoked the malady be not exasperated. So then Iprescribe for that purpose this Baisamick potion.  

℞ olei olivar. come. Lib. ss  
Hyperici come. Vnc. ij.  
misce.   
To be administered before the Section, so that Nature might imbibe a kind of virtue and efficacy to resist Symptoms that are growing on and to be feared, and to conglutinate the wound itself. Nor did success in this deceive our hope: for the Patient not only all the time of his Curation remained free from every kind of Symptom, but also made a a little time serve to finish the Cure, and indeed successfully, Nature hasting to consolidate.   

Position 6. As the Attractive quality of the Herculean stone is scarce perscrutable whereby even through a hindrance lying in the way, it is able to exercise its faculty: So whether the same, being pulverised and mixed with other Medicaments, it retain the same power of attracting Iron, is a thing that very worthily deserves judgement and enquiry.  
THere is in the Loadstone a kind of abstruse and hidden power, which hath not only drawn the wits of many into admiration, but provoked them also to search into it. But whether they all may have their wishing and desire satisfied to know, is not without cause questioned. For as Nature hath in her bosom many secret things, which she will have no oftener to admire than to understand, so there is something in the Loadstone that nature will have lie hid, which humane understanding should hardly attain unto, as saith Boetius de Boot. But leaving the Divine faculty wherewith it respects the Pole, 
Tract. De Gem. cap deingenete  I think it good to consider the Attractive only, wherewith it covets Iron. All almost agree in this: That the Loadstone draweth Iron, but not in this, which way it should come to pass, and whether pulverised it might yet retain any thing of the Attractive quality? Some have dreamt of bodies that have been made crooked by the Load stone, like Hooks or things crooked at the end, and that thes draw Iron to them. Others have feigned of Atoms starting out from the Loadstone▪ and insinuating into the pores of Iron, and driving out the very Iron Many conceit that the drier the nature of the Loadstone is the more humid Iron, it hath attracted. 
Lib. 3. De natural. f●cult.  Galens conceit was that the Loadstone by a kind of vivifying virtue, and an inbred property draws Iron as a convenient food for itself. There are those that assign the cause of Attraction to the similitudes of substance, and joentity of principles: Others say that Iron is so drawn by the Loadstone as matter is by the form, because since the more imperfect things desire their own perfection: It pleaseth some to say it is a secret Sympathy which in Naturals deserveth not the meanest place. Some latter Writers make account that Iron is not drawn to the Loadstone but moved as to its Matrix, by whose hidden principiations it might be perfected, as the earth unto its Centre.  
The Parace●sians than ke that there is a kind of Iron spirit that's resident in the Load stone, which they guess too draws more strongly in an other body than in its own; none of these opinions can satiate the mind, nor satisfy the desire to learn, but for this time to discuss the same any further 'twill not be worth the labour. The most learned Cabeus in a famous Tractate of the Loadstone saith, that the cause of the attractive virtue in the Loadstone is a quality of two kinds, wherewith Iron is so disposed by the Loadstone that it can provoke the very same unto itself. But is not a secret thing made manifest by a thing as secret? for what is that quality? what kind of ground doth it acknowledge? is it manifest or hid? is it a mere kind of disposition? 
Exert 131  In good troth that of Scaliger is most true: Nos in luce rerum tenui caligare, in mediocricaecutire, in majore caecos esse, in maximâ insanire. That is, in the sparing light of things we are dim-sighted in the indifferent we beware blind, in the greater are stark blind, in the greatest stark mad. What? if we should affirm that there is a kind of sulphurous spirit endued with this hidden property, which notwithstanding may have a very near affinity with the spirit of Iron; none shall deny that will now narrowly look into the inward nature of Minerals and Mefalls: yea that will consider the excellent quality of the Actractive virtue, whereof we shall speak hereafter, but that there is a kind of Mineral virtue in the Load stone.  
Indeed I call the same Sulphurous according to those principles of the Chemics, which we see are even very much in Minerals, for they appoint the power of drawing that it contain in itself as it were a glewish humour, and something that is oyley yet of an exceeding subtlery. But it sufficiently appears by this, that the Loadstone is full of sulphur, because with the violence of fire this very sulphur may be drawn out, and like a flame it can put it self forth, which also being so drawn out, Cabous teacheth that all the Attractive faculty doth perish. Yea by its sulphurousnesse or a sulphurous and as it were vivid effluxion easily so qualifieth Iron as so gain the like quality of attracting other Iron which would not follow if there were naturally only a watery subtlety and Mercurial liquor. However it hath the virtue of Penetration not sufficiently to be extolled and expressed, so that although shut up within never so thick a Chest, yet must it look unto the North.  
And the Attractive faculty of the Loadstone as witnesseth Baptista Porta, 
Lib. 7. Mag. nature c. 16.  can no way be included, no way be bolted out or restrained but that it must invincibly penetrate, and so show its power, as if there were nothing in the way that could forbid it: for the virtue of the Stone, it is Planetary, very subtle, going through the hardest bodies, and with no hindrance, even whatsoever fore-stopped, for it can as easily diffuse its faculty through the ●ollidest stone as through the thinnest air. 
Lib. 2. c. 6. p. 124.  Be it saith Cabeus, that some Iron tool touch not the Loadstone, but must come nearer by four finger's breadth, so that betwixt the Iron and the Loadstone whatsoever body it be that lies betwixt, whether solid or subtle, the Iron presently conceives from the Loadstone the Magnetic qualities, and by such a nearness although it touch not the Loadstone, it acquireth the Magnetic virtue, whereby speedily it directs towards the Poles, it draws Iron to itself, it hangs by itself, in one word, the Iron must be magnetical. 
Lib. De arte Magnefia. Th. 6.  Another experiment is observed out of Sueickard, Iron, saith he, underlayed with Cork, let it float in some Vessel, which with the Loadstone outwardly applied notwithstanding any impediment, is instantly moved, and as it were sensible of the price of a friend, will without delay, having left its place, as desirous to insinuate itself into his embracement, come to the brim of the Vessel. You, the whilst which way soever you shall please, having applied the Loadstone about the midst without the Vessel, shall carry to and fro the needle that floats within, whence may be made many most pleasant spectacles to be seen. The same Author prepounds a way how Iron may go upon a Table. 
P. 55.  Lay (saith he) a needle half upon the Table, yet having first touched the Basis of the needle upon one part or other of the Loadstone, which being done, under the Table apply the Loadstone to the place that is right against the Basis of the needle, and presently with exceeding delight you shall see the needle erecting itself, and as you shall guide it, moving beneath the Table, which if you but controvert, you shall see it not go upon the Basis but the point, from which verified experiments the Sympathy and Affinity of the Loadstone and the Iron at once may be concluded. There he these that introduce here the Identity of substance, and so indeed Iron should attract Iron: but there is in Iron, and there is in the Loadstone a peculiar Spirit, both of them friendly using a familiarity betwixt themselves and conspiring. The spirit of the Loadstone draws Iron, and the spirit of the Iron receives and suscepts this effluxion, and so is endowed with that faculty, and made likewise Magnetical.  
This excellent virtue of Attraction as, it is by all almost granted to be in the Loadstone when 'tis onfire, so whether also being pulverised it can do the same, is a thing questioned. Libavius Lib. 1. Syntagm. Arcan. p. 38. & Lib. 1. De bitum. in Gen. p. 96. as elsewhere too, denies that the powder of the Loadstone does attract, because the virtue thereof by confusion may be corrupted. Gilbertus and many others that professedly treat not on this matter, subscribe this opinion. Cabeus hereof suspends his judgement, and leaves it to Physicians to discuss. Wherefore I hold it not unprofitable, if partly we shall examine the reasons that other men have produced, and partly confirm a contrary opinion with some Arguments, for the friendly Reader to collect which of them may be true. For Gilbertus Libavius and others that detract all virtue from the pulverised Loadstone, stone, the sequent Reasons may propugne.  
1. That in the pulverised Loadstone there can be no Ordination of the Poles to draw Iron to Iron, for it may be so done that even the Poles driving Iron to Iron may be directed, and so not traction, but a further promotion rather of the Iron would arise.  
2. That as many do suppose, there can be no Aequator or Pole in the powder of the Loadstone, by whose benefit that Attraction might or ought be made.  
3. That being modified with Wars, Oil, and other fatty things it may lose its faculty.  
4. That betwixt the Magnetic powder ingreding the Emplastor, and its attractive virtue there can be no proportion, for to small purpose are a few grains of the Loadstone mixed with a little portion of Emplaster to any part applied, when to draw Iron some ounces thereof are held unable.  
5. That the Loadstone added to an Emplaster may oftentimes be of little force. Nevertheless these reasons seem to be but infirmely knit. For to the first I answer; first that the Attractive faculty from the converted Poles; may communicate itself to the other Poles directly aspecting unto Iron, and that because of the presence of its near and Mineral friend, to wit, the Iron, that so by reflection that faculty might be extracted. Secondly the Loadstone, 
Lib. 1. c. 5. pag. 17.  ae Gilber●us hath it, reduceth and disposeth the Loadstone into orderly concordances: those parcels therefore that have respect unto Iron were able to overthrow the rest, if not totally, yet so as that by a natural force they might be able to unite their power, and against that part most where the greater force puts forth itself, and that's against iron, to help the very Iron too, to be extracted, however it be that the pulverised Loadstone may be commixed with a harder matter of emplaster. To the Second, It is held untrue that there cannot be even in the least portion of the Loadstone, the Pole and the Aequator, for otherwise it would follow that there is not in any Loadstone either the Pole, or the Aequator, except that pure earth should the same exhibit; or that so only there were in every Mineral one only Aequator, whereof yet the contrary experience shows, since but from one greater Loadstone Artificers can turn many lesser Globes, of which every one hath his Pole and his Aequator; to say nothing that the Loadstone is a kind of similar body whereof anon. To the third Cabeus shall supply his Answer, who in the quoted place affirms, that there is nothing in nature can deprive the Loadstone of its faculty but fire and old age: for the Loadstone being exagitated by the fire doth lose his flagrant sulphureous Spirit, which being lost there is destroyed, with all that tractive quality residing in the Bituminous or sulphureous spirit as was said before. But by old age the radical moisture, as in all other mixed bodies, doth not so totally perish as 'tis soporated, because as the same Cabeus testifieth, the Loadstone revives if put again to another perfect Loadstone, 
P. 131.  and by the same impregnated. To the fourth which concerns the proportion of the body Trahent ano Trahend, I say, we must not respect so much to the corporeal quantity, but the active quality rather: for if we shall subject other notable medicinal compositions, to an Examen, even a small portion of an ingredient will promise a great effect. And indeed let us look upon the very Simples. How great virtue ingredes the body of the Hart, with the Dietany he expels the Arrows that are inflicted on him? What proportion is there betwixt a violent Catharticke and the humours to be drawn and evacuated, where but one only pill very often sufficeth, and which usually can induce an Hyper catharsis? Is there not, by the benefit of a medicament assumed, and from a far off, either from the head or from any part of the body, the peccant matter pleasantly drawn forth, whether yet not the corporeal mass but the virtue only of the Medicine arriveth: why therefore should not the Magnetical quality communicated with an unguent suffice? To the fifth it may be alleged, that the choicest Loadstone is to be elected that is to be permixed with an Emplaster, if chief that effect ought to be hoped for: But that which hath its Mineral spirit exhaled by fire or old age is justly to be refused, since it can retain no longer the virtue of Attraction.  
For the contrary opinion, other sequent Reasons there are more weighty that may be produced undertaking the Patronage of a tractive virtue in the pulverised Loadstone. 1. The virtue or that Magnetticall tractive spirit is in all, and all in every part, as affirms Cabeus and Gilbertus dissents not from him. 
L. 2. p. 105.  The smallest pieces therefore of the Loadstone endowed with this spirit have been able also to draw Iron: for neither is the Loadstone 〈◊〉 dissimilar body, whereof a part being cuto●● participates not of the living form, but it is a similar body, where even the least part can have the virtue of the whole. Hath not also a little Corn of Pepper a proportionable quality of heating. Doth not a small portion of Amber too draw chaff? yea this very Amber being pulverised and well mingled with Leaven, and put to the soles of the feet to extract heat, or to the nape of the neck to retract fluxion is even by poor women used with very good success. Indeed I do confess that not all p●●●s are equally so endued with that sulpherious spirit t●at they should equally participate the faculty of 〈◊〉 traction, for many excrements are mingled with almost all Minerals before they be prepared, which at last being sequestrated they become the choicest Minerals. Let the same judgement be of the Loadstone. Secondly the spirit of the Loadstone is of a Mineral quality, and hath a steady nature, so as that it can not easily be parted from the body or the parts thereof, yea the smaller parts, which eusn the examples of other Saline and sulphureous Minerals do attest; the Loadstone therefore shall lose nothing of its virtue by, trituration or being pulverised. Thirdly there are also other kinds of Vegetables and Animals, whose nature yet is more flitting and less steady, that by trituration and pulverizing may lose this Attractive or Magnetical quality as they call it. Practice teacheth that the head of a Swallow pulverised and mixed with Hony attracteth all things infixed in the members, which live Crabs too are said to do being confused and mixed with the fat of a Hare. A Bullet or an Arrows head is easily extracted with these sequent things:  

℞ Ovorum ex Cancris utris. unc 4..  
Pingued. Lepor. unc. 5.  
Succin. albiss. unc. 3.  
misce & applica.   
Yea the Herb Dogsbane, and the Root being pulverised if laid upon a wound, it is said by a Magnetical virtue to extract whatsoever perhaps doth therein stick. See Samuel Hasenreffer. Lib. 2. De curand. affectib. p. 360. & p. 406. Avicenna commends this for a most excellent thing:  

℞. Ferment. Mell. oped. aut  
propol. Ana. Lib. ss.  
Visci querni quart. 1.  
Ammoniaci. q. unum. misc●.  
F. Empla.   
Rogerus affirms it for a thing approved with manifold experience, that the root of a Reed confused with Hony can extract without pains things infixed. 
Lib. 2. Chirarg. c. 4.  Tagaultius also delivers that Dictander Aristoloch, and other things have very much of the same faculty. That the Empl. Apostolic. can draw forth Arrows and Splinters stuck into the body. See Nicholaus his Dispensatory, and Weckerus. 
Antid. Spec. p. 978 & 979.  If that therefore the Attractive faculty forsake not these things fetched out of the Rank of Vegetables and Animals being likewise redacted into powder, for what reason shall we affirm that the pulverised Loadstone is of a condition inferior, since the nature of Minerals is of a more steady quality? Fourthly, if a lesser piece than indeed can be had in the pulverised Loadstone be able to draw a weight great enough, as a greater piece will draw a thing that's greater. But yet we see, First that that parcel wherewith Iron from the touch of the Loadstone is endowed to draw and lift up a Spanish Needle, shall notwithstanding be fare greater than that piece of the pulverised Loadstone. Secondly, that the Magnetical needle too being only touched hath the least parcel of the Loadstone, Howbeit affect each other, and desire to unite through Boards or a stone Table, more therefore the greater part. Fiftly Nature, who is a Conserver of her domicile, endeavoureth something still to defend and repair the same: and therefore she labours much and intentively in the faculties of the very Loadstone, and as it were recollects and unites them dispersed through the Emplaster, that it may be able to perform the more successful effect. In the like Works of Nature we observe it daily, for she, to publish her Actions, exalts her virtues both of internal and external Remedies. Sixtly, because other things too are admixed in Magnetical Emplasters, that have the like faculty of Attraction: to those therefore if there be conjoined the virtues of the Magnetical pulverised, howsoever in other men's opinions but small, they acquire though a greater power to attract. Hence the famous Naturalists do highly extol this sequent.  

℞. Lapid. Magnet. Opt. unc. 1.  
Rad: Aristol. Veriusque.  
Polipod.  
Visci quern. An. Dr. 1.  
Stercor. anserin: dr. ss. 1.  
Gum. Ammoniac. Galban. in vino  
Albo Dissolute. An. unc. ss.  
Propol. dr. 2. Mell. unc. 1.  
Misce pro Emplastro.   
Seventhly because that according to the opinion of many, there can be nothing found or yielded in nature that might impair the virtue of the Loadstone but fire and old age, therefore not trituration nor oil, nor any thing else, but much less a less proportion thereof. Indeed Gilbertus will have the virtue of the Loadstone equally to decrease according to the decreasing of the corporeal quantity. So that a stone of one pound should lift up a pound of Iron, and that a piece of an ounce should suspend an ounce. But from him not without reason doth Cabeus disagree, yea the contrary is approved of by the experience of the famous Sennertus: for the Loadstone is for himself well furnished, and by many seen, that which is scarce two ounces, draws more than a pound of Iron, and continually sustains it hanging by him, and never suffers it to fall off. See Lib. 6. Practic. p. 3. Others have been able to search and find out the same. Eightly, because at a just distance the action of the Loadstone is employed, for if we consider the situation of the Ventricle or the Iron lurking in it, together with the Region whereunto the Emplaster is applies, we shall find that the Loadstone exceeds not the sphere of his Activity: 
Lib. 2. Thea●r. nat. p. 247.  for as Bodinus witnesseth, the Iron ought to be distant from the Loadstone almost half a foot, but there no such distance is allowed by these. Ninthly, because in vain had the most famous and expert Physicians framed the Magnetical Emplasters, and from the Loadstone assigned them the denomination, if no faculty of Attraction were thence further to be expected. Should so precious a stone be admixed only for Exsiccation sake? since even Minerals of less value are endowed with the same, yea and a greater faculty of Exsiccation. Hence not only in Felix, Wirtz is the Oppodeldoch composed of the loadstone to extract Weapons and other things that are unnaturally in the body as you may see in his Chirurgery, 
P.M. 668. & p. 674. L. 5. pract. p. 4. c. 5.  but also in the most famous Sennertus such like Medicaments we find set off with the pulverised loadstone, which can draw forth weapons, pieced of bone, thorns, splinters, iron and other things. Such as these are:  

1. ℞ Cerae nova unc. 1. 

Colophon. Resin. Flau.  
An. Lib. 4  
Ammoniac. unc. 2  
Bdellij unc. 1.  
Succin. Citrin. unc. 3.  
Ol. è Vitell. Ovor. unc. 4.  
Lap. Magnet. unc. 5.  
F. S. A. Empl.    
2. ℞. Cera Vi gin. unc. 4. 

Terebinth. unc. 2.  
Lap. Magnet. unc. 1. ss.  
Fabar. Excort. unc 1.  
Axung. Lepor. unc. ss.  
F. S. A. Empl.    
3. ℞. Cera. Terebinth. An. unc 6. 

Colophon. Pie. Naval, Ana. unc. 1.  
Ceruse. vitriol. Rom. an. unc. 4.  
Lap. Hamatit.  
Magnet. an. unc. 2.  
Mastic. unc. ss.  
Thuris Camph. Mum.  
Sang. Dracon. an. unc. 1.  
Ol. juniper. unc. 2. ss.  
Ovor. Dr. 6.  
Caryophill. dr. 2.  
Hypericil. unc. ss.  
Lumbricor. unc. 1.  
M. F. S. Ar. Empl.     
See likewise in Crollius Basil. Chym. p. 267. also Hartman in Comm. Nichola. Dispens, and Wecker in Antidote. Special. Lib. 2. p. 981. & 989, 997.999. Munder makes a great reckoning of the Description of Oppodeldoch in his Tractate De Calcantho. c. 7. and out of Sennertus Lib. 5. Pr. p. 414.  
Tenthly, in the like Cure of Attraction we see that the powder of the Loadstone is also of great virtue, as the Cure of ruptured folks can testify. 
Lib. 7. Chir. c. 15 in Keligraph. cap. 7.  For Pareus and out of him Geiger report of a certain Chirurgeon that had so cured children's ruptures, that having wrought the Loadstone into the finest flower, and used the same in a Pultis of Barley Flower: did afterwards anoint the Groin wherein the Intestine was fallen down, and asperged it with the small filings of Iron, the part being bandaged and trussed up as is fitting, the Curation was thus finished. The efficacy of the Remedy saith Geiger seems thereof to depend, that the load stone being of the same nature with the Iron asperged upon the groin out of a desire to attract, doth with a kind of violent force join to itself the fleshy and fatty parcels interiected, which every way clinging together and binding the laxity of the Peritonaeum, yea and in success of time cleaving fast unto the very same do intercept the way, the Intestine or Omentum will slip into; which seems no more abhorrent unto reason than that we see the very Load stone doth this and that way distract Iron after it through the thickness of a board that's laid betwixt. 
Lib. 1 p. 54  Sucickard indeed according to the opinion of others doth after the manner, but the matter seemed to come to the same effect. First saith he, they propine to the infirm the filings of Steel in the best old Wine, then outwardly apply to the part affected the loadstone which again constrains and joins together the broken skins that are ready to fall asunder, which when 'tis done, they spread upon a Plaster of Dogs-skin the Root of the great Comfrey contused and made into a Poultice, which being laid upon the part affected, they say they heal many in the space of eight days.  
To conclude, lastly who can deny the experience observed in the Pragensian Swallow-knife, where likewise the Magnetical Emplaster was used, and the way shown then where the Section was fittest to be made. In our Rustic something not unlike this is observed; for upon that place: where a piece of the Magnetical Emplaster was laid, there arose a little kind of swelling, yea the sick man than perceived a certain motion of the knife towards that part. But whence all this? sooth no otherwise then from the virtue of the tractive faculty of the Loadstone, and other things likewise endowed with an Attractive quality. Who therefore, these things well considered, could say that the pulverised Loadstone is nothing worth, and in vain to be prescribed for extraction of Iron, and to be mixed in Medicaments?    

The third Section. Of the very Incision of the Ventricle, and extraction of the Knife.  
THe Body being well and rightly fitted with Balsamic oils and other things necessary, at last the ninth day of july Stylo nostro was appointed for the operation. There met therefore with the Dean of the faculty of Physic, the most excellent Physicians, honourable members of the same College, as also the Students, Masters of our Art, together with the most experienced Chirurgeon and Cutter of the Stone, Master Dan. Schwabius my Gossip and Venerable friend now in Heaven. When all things therefore were ready at hand as well external and internal Cordials, as other Chyrurgicalls, the Divine Assistance and Benediction being first invoked, the Rustic who with an undaunted courage waited the Section, was bound to a wooden Table, and the place being marked out with a Coal, the incision was made towards the left side of the Hypochondrium some two fingers breadth under the short Ribs, according to the direction, and first the skin and that fleshy pannicle (there was no fat seen) and then the subjected Muscles, as also the Peritonaeum was cut and opened. And although the Ventricle did somewhat sink down, and avayding our finger's ends did not so presently admit of apprehension, and a little stayed the Operator and standers by, yet at length attracted and contracted with a small needle crooked, it shown that the knife was there, which being laid hold on, and the point brought upwards, the Ventricle above the same was a little incised, and the knife successfully extracted, which was viewed by all that were standing by, and greatly applanded both by them and the Patient himself, who professed that this was the very knife he some few days before had swallowed, but the wound itself when the knife was drawn forth was quickly allayed.  

Position the 6. That the worth of the Ventricle it is great, the benefit greater, the necessity greatest, yet the wounds thereof not to be reckoned of (if they touch not the upper part of the Orifice) as neither because of the membranous substance to be thought mortal in themselves, yet not void of danger.  
THere are indeed three Spring heads, to wit, the Disease, the Cause, and the Effects from whence do flow the number of those that are properly called Indicants, the Curatory regarding the Disease, the Preservatory which respect the Cause, and the Vital, this looks unto the effects: yet many things there are, which the Physician necessarily must heed in the consideration of Diseases, not as the prime Indicants, but the Indicants and Co indicants of the true, as is gathered out of Galen. 11. M. M. c. 13. &. 9 M. M. 3. Amongst these by best right the part affected challengeth to itself the Chie●dome, whose reason and consideration is esteemed to be of so great moment that by many it hath been placed among the primary Indicants, for it not only sheweth with the finger as it were the true Indicants, and so investeth the nature of Signs, but conferreth much to the insinuation of the things that are to be done, and their natural administration. Moreover it suggesteth the Prognosticke grounds, and plainly teacheth what issue the Disease may have. In wounds indeed not only the greatness of the wound and malignity of the cause, but the excellency and precellency of the part affected is to be regarded, whereby so we might be able to declare whether the wound thereon inflicted be deadly, or dangerous, or not deadly. For this excellency hath concomitant both utility and necessity, if now then we shall consider the Ventricle, may not an undoubted Prognosticke of the wounds thereof he made? This part it hath the notablest place of worth, because both suggesting to the whole body the greatest profit, and is to the same exceeding necessary. For as man cannot naturally prolong life without meat and drink, so neither can he want the Organ of the same appointed for concoction. There are indeed many examples of those that not only for many days but months too, yea years have lived without any meat or drink, as note Smetius in Miscellan. p. 551. Lang. Lib. 2. ep. 27. Donat. Lib. 7. Med. Hist. mir. cap. 1. & lib. 4. c. 14. Schenk. lib. 3. obs. med. 39 etc. joubert. lib. 1. Parad. 2. Quercitan. Diaetetic. Poly. Hist. p. 204. Hildan. Centur. 5. p. 113. Sennertus. lib. 3. Practic. par. 1. S. 1. c. 2. and others. But as these are reckoned among the rater things of nature, so their life too was very miserable until they came again unto the natural means. Wherefore Nature provided for all Creatures a stomach, that the food assumed at the mouth, should be by the same received, being received, digested, being digested distributed to all the other parts of the body. 
Lib. 1. Dc prax. med. adm. Obs. 4.  Zacutus Lusitanus notes of a boy often years of age, that for 3. years lived without a brain. Out of the same Zacutus it is evident, that in a certain boy that had the consumption of the lungs, they were not to be found (the Region of the Thorax after his death being dissected) but only a kind of mucilage grown to the Aspera Arteria: and that in a Girl of three years of age, dead of a continual Quartan Ague, the lungs also were so wasted that nothing of them appeared but only the skin full of purulent matter, yet not once having complained ('tis to be accounted strange) of any Cough, or ever spat any filthiness.  
I have observed here at Regiomontium of a Dropsie-woman that was restored, made shift to rub out for a whole year, so, as to go to Church: and to go about her domestic affairs, after that died suddenly of a Fever. In whose Abdomen there was found a little relic of the Liver, but quite corroded. We read in Schenk that there was nothing found of the Liver and Milt in Mathias Ortelius. 
(*) Lib. 6. c. 88 & lib. 3. c. 72. Aetius tetrab. 4. Serm. 4. c. 76. Nic. Flor. Ser. 3. Tr. 3. c. 26. Lang. l. 2. Ep. 39 Benivent. de abdit. c. 11. Christ. à Vega come. ad ●ph. 18. Lib. 8. etc. Paraeus. Lib. De Hom. gen. c. 41. Glandorp. in specul. Chirur. p. 185. Sche. l. 4. Obs. 303, 304, 305. Zacut. lib. 2. p. 196.  It appeareth out of Aegineta etc. that many women have lived, and canlive without a womb. Moreover Telesius witnesseth. Lib. 5. rer. nat. c. 28. and out of him Hildan▪ Cent. 4. Obs. Chyrurgic. 51. that in one that died of a continual disease there was not any portion of the heart found, but only the coat thereof. But that any man ever wanted a Ventricle or stomach, as I remember, I never observed among Physicians, for nature would not have the food offered raw and indigested to the parts, but first prepared and throughly fitted in the stomach. Hence also it is that the health and safety of the whole body depends upon the good disposition of the stomach: when this is well all the body is well, but when the same is ill affected, a crude and vicious Chyle is subministred to the Liver the vitousnesse whereof a second coction can no way mend, & so also after that an impure blood not without detriment of health is supplied unto every part. This the benefit and necessity of the Ventricle now long since did Agrippa Menen●us declare at the Senate, being a Patron for the Commonalty of Rome in an elegant Apologue, and concludes that the stomach nourishes the body so long as it is nourished, and preserves it so long as it is its self preserved, and that it is as it were the common Storehouse, giving to every one it's own, and conserving the peace of all, 
Lib. 6. Antiq. p. 607.  as it is in Livy. as also Dionys. Halicarnasius, for which cause the stomach too is by Quintus Serenus adorned with a Royal Diadem, while he saith,  
Qui stomachum Regem totius corporis esse  
Contendunt, verâ niti ratione videntur.  
Hujus enim validus firmat tenor omnia membra,  
Et contra ejusdem franguntur cuncta dolore.  
They that strive for the stomach to be King of the whole body, seem to have good reason, for it being strong all the members are confirmed, and on the contrary being sick are weakened. But hence must all the wounds of the Ventricle be proclaimed deadly? So indeed with Hypocrates have thought Celsus Lib. 5. de re Med. c. 26. Valleriol. Lib. 3. enarr. medic. p. 442. Forest. Lib. 6. Obs. Chirur. 5. Comm. Frambessar. Lib. 8. Canon. and consult. medic. 13. & Tagault. Lib. 1. Instit. c, 3. who for three coats affirms that the wounds thereof are mortal. 
Lib 6. Aph. 18.  

1. Because the part itself is nervous and bloodless.  
2. Because its use for conversation of life is perpetually necessary and beneficial.  
3. Because medicines cannot to this more inward part be commodiously applied; many do add examples: 
Cent. 1. curate. 67. etc.  So Amatus Lusitanus observes of a man that died of a slighter wound, of the Ventricle about the bottom, and other like examples also there are may be produced, which show that a man may die even of the slightest wounds.    
Indeed Galen long since somewhat doubted of the truth of this general Rule. For in his Commentaries upon the said Aphorism of Hypocrates, he saith, In the Ventricle it is doubted (to wit, that the wound is deadly) for they say some sometimes have been wounded there, but seldom healed. And in sooth the Volumes of Physician's witness; That even the deep wounds of the stomach have been best consolidated. 
Lib. 2. Meth. c. 503.  Albucasis writes that he had cured the wounds of the Ventricle, and intestines. Christ. a Vega in his Commentaries to the quoted Aphorism, reports of a Chirurgeon that swore that he had cured a man who being wounded in the Ventricle not long after he had eaten, did cast forth the Chyle by the wound. 
Cap. 12 de Vulnerib. Lib 3. obs. 122. Cent.  Fallopius confesseth that he had cured a man and a woman from whom the meat and the Chyle egreded. Schenke out of the observations of Oetheus reports of some Chirurgeons, that constantly affirmed they had undertaken the cure of a Soldier, a strong and courageous man that by a Rustic Hunting-staffe was deeply wounded about the right Hypocondrium, whose stomach on the right side being perforated restored the drink and broth he had taken by the wound: the standers by in the interim having this Prognostic given, diligently advised that the wounded part of the stomach brought forth, and the skin should be fastened together with one and the same future, and so after wards the wound being successfully consolidated, the Patient recovered his former strength. The History of the-Ventricle that was hurt and healed in the Pragensian Swallow-knife teacheth and confirms the same. Some few years ago (as I received it from credible men) a certain Mariners man living at Danzig, a few hours after that he had eaten some Herring and raw Cucumbers, was wounded by another in the stomach, the Chirurgeon was called who seeing that the wound was deep, and supposing the Cure more difficult, for the matter remaining which he had swallowed did artificially extract the same, and so afterwards successfully wove out, and finished the Web of this Curation.  
Mat●heus writes of a certain Carter, that after supper was wounded by a knife into the Abdomen, but in a month's time the Ventricle grew together, and the sick man was healed. To this experience there are reasons that do accord, 
quaest. Medic. 21.  for the Ventricle does not a little participate of the fleshy substance, lurking among the common membranes therefore by the virtue thereof the concretion and coalescence of the wound might be well dispatched: for we see even daily that the neck of the Bladder having likewise a little carnosity is healed, when the stone is thence extracted. 
In Chirur. p. 221.  For this same wound Feliz Wirtz hath the best way of cure. Infinite examples testify that the womb which hath the like substance with the Ventricle being oftentimes dissected, hath been again very well consolidated. See Dodonaeus, p. 282. Cornar. consult. medic. p. 118. Hoch steter. Decad. 6. Obs. 3. in Scholar Francise. Rousset. tr. de part. Caesar. & Baubin. in append. eiusdem tract. Sennert. Lib. 4. Pract. part. 1. S. 2. c. 16. & part. 2. S. 6, c. 8. Then who would deny to the membranous and nervous parts the Balsam wherewith as they may be conserved, so too afterwards may they be united and cured, if nature be first helped with Art. Secondly it facilitates the Cure, because things taken at the mouth, yea and outwardly applied may more easily be insinuated into the wound. 
Lib. 9 Chir. c. 51.  Hence it is not ill concluded with Paraevo: wounds that pierce the substance of the Ventricle, the Chirurgeon shall not let them alone as deplorable and remediless, yea nor spare labour nor industry in the sedulous Curation of them, for a doubtful hope is better than a certain desperation. But yet if they be inflicted upon the upper Orifice, they are to be reckoned most dangerous, for the Region abounds with Nerves derived a Sextae conjugationis pari, whence arise exquisite senses and more bitter anguishes, 
Hipp. S. 5. aph. 2. Cells. l. 5. c. 6.  yea Convulsions which in wounds are affirmed mortal, as also Bilious vomitings more lacerating the wound, these are to be feared. And last of all the use of internal Remedies is not so fitting, since they when they are taken sink unto the bottom.    

Of the Consolidation of the wound. The 4. Section.  
THe Knife being successfully brought forth, and the Patient eased of his bands, the wound was in that manner as was fitting cleansed, and the Abdomen that was incised, closed up with 5. Sutures, but by their interstices the Balsam was in●●●ed warm, and Tents impregnated with Balsam laid thereon, and then a Cataplasm of Bole, the white of an egg, and Alum to avert all inflammation laid upon that. About five in the evening he took this sequent decoction with the sequent portion of powder.  

℞. Herb. Betonic. Sanical.  
Matrisylv. Pyrol. an. M. 1.  
Tormentill. M. ss.  
Coq. in. S. q. Aq. Simp.   
Then:  

℞. Colat. unc 3..  
Ad. Syr. D. Hyssop. unc. ss.  
Misce.  
℞. Pollin. un. Mosch. unc 1..  
Ocul. Caner. unc. 1. D. 3.  
M. F. Pulvis.   
This Evening too the Cataplasm was taken away, and the styptic Emplaster applied.  
The second day of the Disease, or the tenth day of july at staven in the morning we met again, that night he had rested well, the pulse was a little quicker, the Urine bloody, with a Sediment of grumous or clotted blood. The wound we saw well disposed, and the Patient complained not of any dolour, the wound was mundified with Wine, and two of the sutures being taken away, and the Balm instilled, the Emplaster was laid on again. This day too he drank of the broth of a Capon, wherein these following herbs were boiled:  

℞. Herb. Veronic. Pycol.  
Alihemill. ana. M. ss.  
Stratiot. Hypericon. ana. M. ss.  
Agrimon. M. 2.  
Flo. Cordial. An. Piss.  
in Colatura parum ebull.  
Cons. Scabios. Melis. Ana. unc. 1. ss.   
About five a Clock in the after noon a binding up again was ordered after the manner aforesaid, and being somewhat costive, a suppository was administered, but without effect. Towards night he took another draught of the former decoction with the powder.  
The third day of the Disease, and the eleventh of july at seven in the morning the wound was bound up again after the manner aforesaid, two sutures more being taken away. This night he had slept but a little, for almost all the whole day before he had slept sound. His Urine was yet bloody, his Pulse somewhat remiss and commendable enough, yet felt he a kind of tension with dolour in the left Hypochondrium, and having had an Enema infused of the decoction of Barley made up with Cassia and Sugar, but felt not afterwards any evacuation, the sequent was prescribed, that the more successfully the portion of clotted blood might be dissolved; for Valeriol. in Obs. will have Savory to do very much herein.  

℞. Herb. Emollient. an. M. 1.  
Saturei. Melilot.  
Chamam. Aneth. An. M. ss.  
Fl. Chamaem. Verbasc. an. P. 3.  
Sem. Lini. Fenegr. Fenicul. Ana. D. 1. ss.  
Coq. in S. Q. Aq. S. ℞. Colat. Lib. 1.  
Add. Elect. lenit. unc. 1. ss.  
Mel. Anthos. Dr. 6.  
Sal. Ge●●m. Dr. ss.  
M. F. E●ema.   
The effect hereof was very commendable: for a great deals of excrement we saw died with a kind of blackness. Also that troublesome Tension was eased, being anointed at that time with the oils of Molleine and Dill. At five a clock after the accustomed manner, all things were administered in the binding up of the wound.  
The fourth day of the Disease and the twelfth of the month, the same course was observed in the mundification and deligation. He had slept well, his vein yet was somewhat red, his pulse a little fainter: in Pullet broth the sequent herbs were boiled.  

R. H. Veronic. Agrimon.  
Pyrol. Sanicul. an. M. 1.  
Betonic. Tormentill. An. M. ss.  
Rad. Symphyt. Mai. unc. ss.  
Scob. Lign. Sanct. unc. 1.  
Misce.   
His back also was anointed with Vng. Rosaceum. Nor was there any thing altered in that after noon deligation.  
The fifth day of the Disease, and the thirteenth of the month, at seven in the morning we went again to visit our Patient, indeed he had then but an ill night's rest, yet was there not any feebling of his strength, and his Pulse 'twas laudable. The Urine we saw of a gold colour, with a white Sediment, but very much and thick: the Pus of the wound appeared good, and the costivenes was helped with the use of Clyster the wound as before was looked unto, and which was done too in the afternoon.  
The sixth day of the Disease, and the foureteenth of the month in the morning, the wound was mundified with Wine, impregnated with Myrrh and Aloes, and the deligation ordered after the usual way. His tongue being somewhat dryer was humected with Mel Rosatum, but his neck was anointed outwardly with the oil of sweet Almonds. And the same was observed and performed in the evening.  
The seventh day of the Disease, and the fifteenth of the month he had a quiet night of it, his Pulse strong enough and now seemed to be safe, the wound after the usual manner was bound up, and the same done again in the afternoon.  
The eighth day of the Disease, and the sixteenth of the month there was no alteration made. He drank this day some small portion of Rhubarbe infused Cum Syr. Dysent Dorner, which gave him but one stool. All the other days after until the foureteenth of the Disease, the same manner of deligation and mundification was observed, but that the Balsam was not so often used, lest the wound might come sooner to consolidation than was fitting, and from the Myrrhed wine also we did abstain.  
The things that were done afterwards when these days were ended are but slight, and not worth the rehearsal. Howbeit the Ordinance of his diet was held to be exact. For though nature be accustomed to grosser meats, yet by reason of the Ventricle that was hurt alteration of diet for a time was needfully to be appointed. That negotiaon by reason of crudity might not be troublesome to the wound and the Patient to himself. And hence had he until the foureteenth day his drink given him moderately warm.  
And so by the grace and clemency of the Omnipotent Jehova, and supreme Director, and with the singular industry and dexterity of the Physicians and Chirurgeon, our Rustic Swallow-knife was restored to very good health, who now complains not any thing of any dolours of the Ventricle, but being returned to his accustomed diet and ordinary calling, with us gives thanks to the immortal God. To him therefore be the glory, praise, and honour for ever and ever, Amen.  

Position 8. As the sudden closing of the wound of the Ventricle, so too the excretion of clotted blood by Urine is to be reckoned for a benefit of a provident nature.  
THe admirable efficacy of nature in the profligation and curation of Diseases can with no commendations be sufficiently set forth, and with no sharpness of understanding enough searched into and unfolded: for even those things, which we see before our eyes are accounted as impossible, nature alone doth execute and bring to a wished end. She it is that excites the lurking sparks of an inbred heat, and fights against the violence of Diseases, and usually overcomes them. She it is that even to amazement often times expels a noxious humour by the secret pores, and puts it far from our bodies. Whence not less prettily than truly and learnedly is nature by Baricellus entitled The Captain, 
Lib. 2. De Hydronosnat. c. 34.  and the Perfect defending the body from the Ambushes and Assaults of a Disease, for however a disease the bitter enemy of health may bandy up a force of various Symptoms and Accidents, whereby in a Hostile manner to assault the parts of the body; yet Nature like a jealous defender endevoureth to preserve it, and the powers thereof from the incursions of symptoms, and insidiations of the Affects, and with all her might intentively, whereby she may have the victory. Doth not Nature by the excitation of internal heat succouring the disease discuss, and consume whatsoever might hinder their Sense and voluntary motion, that whom not the laborious hand of the Curer, not the acute industry of Physicians, nor the divers kinds of medicaments have been able to restore, she alone hath vindicated from the violence of death and the disease? How often are the Apoplectickes, who were thought presently to give up the Ghost, by the benefit of nature recollecting her powers to the depulsion of what was offensive, healed and revive? And whence by Law it was provided, that not these that had the charge of the enterments, or the Bearers should presently Coffin up those whom they took for dead, since in them especially if overwhelmed with the Apoplex, Epilepsy, or suffocation of the Mother, the soul may often lurk, which being excited, endues the body again with spirit and life. If such bodies likewise do not presently dissolve with rottenness and corruption, they shall not be delivered up for burial till after the course of seventy two hours expired, wherein it happens that the humours are at a stay and will not be moved, because the Moon in that time will have run through one sign of the Zodiac, by the virtue whereof, the docurse of the humours is in bodies perfected.  
Amatus Lusitanus recites a story worth the abservation; A Girl saith he of Ferrarie, 
Lemn. Lib. 2 Pe occult. Nat. Mar c. 3. Forest Lib. 10 Obs. 79 I'll haul. see also Aviceu●. 1 l. Tr 5. c 12. Cent. 4. Curate. 2.  stricken with the Apoplex, was of all the Physicians held for dead, but the mother loving her exceedingly, did not so easily allow that she should be buried, and the more, because she had understood of others, that those that are suddenly snatched away with grievous Diseases, and reckoned for dead, should not so easily and on a sudden be committed to the Clergy. The Mother therefore though all said nay, made the Girl to be kept with her for three days, and the third day the Girl revived, as if she had been risen from the Grave. How do women that are suffocated with the mother, and presently reckoned for dead, by the strength of nature alone, as it were take life again, as witnesseth the Volumes of Physicians? The History of that Matron of Collein is notable, whose House is there at this day to be seen in the New Market, she whother by strangulation of the Mother, or as others will, taken suddenly away with the Plague, is buried for dead. But the Bearers they knew of a little Ring that was left upon her fingers, wherefore the next night after go secretly to the Grave, dig up the Coffin and open it, what comes of it? she that was buried raiseth up herself and takes the Bearers Lantern, that being struck with fear were flying away, and makes haste home to her Husband's house, by whom after wards being known, and a good ordinance of diet used, she recovered and bore three Sons, whom she brought up to bear Rule in the Ecclesiastical Ministry, as Cameratius hath it. 
Cerot. 7. Obs' 46.  How often are many that have been a long time lame, feebled and shrunk up, to wit, being strucks with anger, fear, or sore affrighted with the danger of fire, suddenly restored unto very good health, as examples witness in Valeriola. Lib. 2. Observe. Medic. obs. 4. & p. 164. Donat. Lib. 7. Hist. Med. Mirab. 9 Zacut. Lib 1. De med. Princip. Hist. p. 255. Schenk and others. Secondly nature also usually by ways altogether abstruse, and the secret pores wonderfully expels forth of the body a peccant humour in the body, and lying in wait for life, that, that which before had mocked the industry of the Physician, should by Nature afterward alone be overcome and driven away. She opens what are shut, no was it were useless destinates them for use. Cl. Arnisaeus, as witnesseth Cl. Horstius, 
Epistol. Med. p. 459.  observed in a young thief that was dissected, the Anastomosis or conjunction of the Vena cava & Arteria venosa, as also of the Vena canalis, from the great Artery to the Vena Arteriosa, to be no more open than in an Infant new borne. How likewise the obliterated Vessels in the diseased of the Dropsy, 
Vide Forest. e. 19 Obs. 33. Beniv. c. 42 Donat. Lib. 4. c. 21 Sennert. Lib. 3. pract c. de Hydrop.  may again be opened for the safety of the sick by the benefit of nature alone, and the serous matter thence evacuated, practice doth teach: But what's to be said of the motion and pregresse of vicious humours, by ways never enough to be perceived? Of matter evacuated by Urine from the Thorax among infinite examples Registered in Authors, that may be testified, which the famous Sennertus hath noted as well in Lib. 2. Pract. p 2. c. 11. as in other places of a certain young Student, who in the year one thousand six hundred twenty three, received a wound in and through his Breast by a narrow bladed Sword, on the right side about the third rib, near the Arme-pit, and going forth at the Region nigh the Back bone, so that no doubt was made but that the Lungs were hurt, since the spirit too with a great found issued at the wound, and a very great abundance of blood was effused etc. This man at first dejected some blood by stool, but the matter of blood, which was gathered together betwirt the Muscles and the skin in great abundance and together had possessed the neck, and caused there a manifest humour without any coughing, was evacuated by retching, eiecting spittle white enough and plentiful. Who will not say that beer the secret natural Conflux of Hypocrates takes place? 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  Who will not wonder at the imperscrutable motions and passages of nature.  
But since even this wounded man was not only as he wished, by the grace of God at short time cured, but also at this very hour is well, and from that time unto this hath not felt any trouble in his respiration, nor in his other actions Vital, Animal or natural, and for thirteen years lived safe and sound in a much desired Wedlock, albeit in most painful practice and other public occupations, for these together he hangs up his vowed memoriall-Tables unto the most Good and Great God his only preserver, and gives him devout thanks for so great benefits hitherto underservedly bestowed upon him. Moreover he gives and so long as life remains, will ever give continual thanks to his most diligent Physician, the ●amous Sennertus his quondam Master, for his faithful care, praying for his healthy old age, and the continuance of his strength and all prosperity. But thou O God protect under the shadow of thy wings too, ever to come the same man before wounded, and stoutly defend him against the envy and calumny of the wicked, and at last out of the most troublesome race of this perfidious age, vouchsafe to call him away into the heavenly Academy.  
These the benefits of Nature providently and exceedingly well working, our Rustic also hath the experience of, partly in that most sudden occlusion of the wound of the Ventricle, after extraction of the knife, and partly in the evacuation of concreted blood by Urine. That the internal constitution of the Ventricle was able to promote, being more plaited and stored with many folds, which if dilated do forthwith again go together; this the inexplicable goodness of nature, after the Divine mercies. For I pray, what molestation, what concourse of Symptoms would have risen if the blood had remained without the Vessels? certainly it had rotten and caused a feverish heats. But if you shall inquire the ways by which the blood might be carried ●owne to the Rains, and by the Urine evacuated, you'll scarce find them plain, it suffireth that they are known to nature, whose motion if the Physician diligently observe, he will be able easily to imitate her. The whole body is indeed confluxible and perspirable; confluxion is one, perspiration is one, all parts are consenting, as witnesseth Galen. Lib. 6. Epidem. Lib. 3. De nature. Facult. etc. Hence Nature hath evacuated matter contained in the top of the Thigh by the mouth, in an other as observes Horstius. Lib. 4. Chirurg. Obs. P. 2. p. 353. she hath forced down the matter of Tumour about the right knee unto the Ventricle, and by vomit cast it up again. Hence as testifieth Hildan Cent. 1. Obs. 81. An abscess about the shoulder being too late opened, the humour seeking his way downwards by the bottom of the belly, ●ath flowed down into the privities, and the Natural heat being extinct hath begotten a Gangrenes, and by and by after a Sphacell or mortification, but of these enough.   

Position 9 As the great wounds of the parts are not to be left to a Prognosticke only: So neither are small wounds to be disregarded, for of every kind of wounds men may die, as Hypocrates teacheth, and experience confirms.  
TWo things there are which the Physician in his practice must especially detest, to wit Timidity, and Audaciousness: for it, as Hypocrates de Lege witnesseth, argues the impotence; this the ignorance of Art but both expose the Patient to a more eminent danger; for him whom Nature would have kept up, they thrust into the Grave. Wherefore in Diseases that are full of danger, the Physician must be of a ready judgement, his prudence must direct the course of a dangerous Curation. But in ●ighter diseases he must set apart all overboldness, that the malady prevail not against hope, and the sick-man die, which as in all other diseases ev●n so in wounds must very heedfully be regarded.  
Wounds exceedingly mortal, and of all held for incurable, are usually cured by the strength of nature, & by goodness of the temperament. Also slighter wounds and which are almost of no moment, have commonly sound but a mortal issue, the wounded substance of the Brain itself, and a portion there of being lost, no man but would say that it was to be given up for a deadly wound, yet beyond hope have men so wounded been very well recovered, as witness Valleriol. Lib. 4. Obs. 10. Lib. 5. Obs. 9 Lib. 6. Obs. 4. Hildan. Cont. 4. Obs. 1, 2, 3. And a Cruse de Vulnerib. Lib. 1. tr. 2. c. 14. and others quoted in Schenk. Lib. 1. Obs. 40.42. Indeed Amat. Lusitanus. Cent. 3. Cur. 41. in Comm. is of opinion, that with a little portion of the Brain extracted, not only the Patient almost always dies, but also if it so happen that any do scape, that he remains deaf and dumb etc. that the other is true, infinite examples can testify, 
●om. 2. Nosologi disput. 36. quaest. 10.  especially the which Petraeus relates of a Boy wounded in the head, who although he lost tos much of the substance of his brain— yet was he not only very well recovered, but also there was not any of his Animal actions hurt, and the same Boy I saw with mine eyes in the year 1615. first when I studied at Marpurg, he was lusty and very crafty, not only in his employments, but also villainies. Who would believe that a man with a small bullet shot into his bowels out of a brass Trunk could have escaped safe? which yet we read in Valleriola did thus happen unto one. 
Lib. 4. obs. Med. 9  So doubtless where Nature plays her part well, and the faculties are firm, there's no wound to be reckoned of any danger, according to Galen: but where they are infirm, 
10. Meth. Med.  or some other cause also shall molest, nature quickly fails even about a slender wound. Now long since Hypocrates hath witnessed as much in his boy Philias, to whom, from but the denundation of the bone in the forehead, a fever happened, which the lividnesse of the bone received, and by and by after death itself. Somewhat not unlike this fell out here at Regiomont: for but some few years ago a young Student of an excellent to wardness was by an idle knave wounded to the very bone on the forehead, nigh the coronal suture, the fourth day he felt the accession of a fever, and with a Prognostic given the seventh day died. The Captain of a great Ship as witnesseth Hypocrates, with the Anchor having bruised his sore-finger and the bone of his right hand, an inflammation and Convulsion followed after, and the thirteenth day he died. 
Lib. 7. nat. Hist. c. 73. Lib. 3. enarrat. Med. p. 444.  Out of Pliny we have it, that Q. Aemilius Lepidus of his great Toe, being quashed at the entrance of his bed chamber, gave up the Ghost. It is evident out of Valleriol, of Ludovicus Vives that famous man, that of a small wound and altogether despicable, received in the palm of his left hand, scarce piercing the flesh next the skin, with a Convulsion that suddenly arose died. The like you may see in Hildan. Cent. 1. Obs. 21, & 5. Obs. 2. etc. Poorest. lib. 6. Obs. Medic 49.50. Gemm. lib. 1. Cosmocritic. c. 6. Matth. quest. me●. 27. Sennelt. tr. 6 Pract. p. 371. About some four years ago and more, a Nobleman L. Marshal of of the field not far from Mount-Royall in Borussee in a Duel, had given him from another Nobleman, likewise a very small wound in the Abdomem without hurting the Ventricle and intestines, but he, before a little half hour quite spent, presently gave up the ghost. A certain other Electoral Courtier in some brabbles received a small wound in the Legs, but forthwith expired. Such mischances, alack! do almost every day fall out, but in the explication of their causes many seem to be at a stay: There are those that ascribe the success of the unlooked for events to the peculiar disposition of the Stars, and that also an unlucky issue follows after the evil Aspect of the Planets, but after the benign Aspect like wise the like effect. But since this cause is both Universal and very remote, it may easily be hindered with those that are more near, whereas in dying particular causes may prevail. Others with Matth. say ●hat the cause is in the condition & nature of the open Air when from the coldness thereof a wound may easily receive alteration, Hypocrates, Lib. 5. Aph. 20. and elsewhere saith: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that the cold is a biting enemy unto Ulcers, whereunto Galen. 5. M. Med. 12. subscribes, which in the wounds of the head is not to be thought unreasonable: for for that cause as Paraeus, at Paris the wounds of the head are observed to be more mortal than at Avignon, 
Lib. 9 Chirur.  and on the contrary with us the wounds of the shins are slighter than with them. For at Paris the air is cold & moist, but at Avignon the heat thereof more intense, whereby the humours made liquid flow more downwards. For the like cause the wounds of the head at Bologna are esteemed mortal, which at Rome though are very easily cured, and on the contrary the small wounds of the Legs are scarce curable at Rome, which at Bologna admit an easy consolidation, as witness Bald. Rons. d. Scorb. c. 1. vide et Cl. Senn. Tr. 6. Pract. 373. Amat. Lusitan. Cent. 6. Cur. 100 Thirdly many there are who suppose we are to cast one upon nature herself, for say they, if her constitution be laudable, the natural Balsam vigorous, all things yet go well, and even incurable wounds usually gain an happy issue. But if Nature be not of that good cheer, the blood exceedingly corrupt, and nature herself seem as it were for to dissolve, there verily even the slight and superficial wound is made mortal. In these subitaneous chances I may say we must have respect chief to the passions of the mind. The air can do much, but successively, for neither will it cause a momentany alteration, nor will the corruption of Nature herself so so much as be able to induce, with the concourse of Symptoms a successive destruction, but after a slight stroke or small wound scarce have they been able to infer a sudden death. I altogether conceive▪ that there are three affections of the mind, that cause this mortality, to wit, violent anger, exceeding fear, as also sudden terror or affrightment. Which way those three may alter a man otherwise in good health, it is sufficiently manifest out of Physician's Books, and daily experience doth teach as much.  
Hildans' conceit is not amiss, 
Cent. 1. Obs. 18.  that of all the perturbations of the mind anger is the fiercest, and a very fruitful Nother of infinite mischiefs, because as Galen hath it, by too much exagitating the humours weakening the natural heat, convulsion of the Nerves stirring up of grievous fits in the body, she doth not only change the nature of man into a most cruel bestiality as it were, but also expose the same to most eminent danger. Indeed Galens opinion is, that no man can die of anger: but not only the examples alleged in Hildan. 
L c  But there are more also that evince the contrary, especially if on a man that's too much enraged a wound be inflicted, although it be but small, not because as 'tis commonly supposed: Ere hat in dat Oort des leb●ns getroffen, You have taken life in that place, as if in the body life did walk up and down, and that if that part where life then resides he wounded, a man presently at that time must lose the same, but rather because the h●mours and spirits being agitated by anger, and the heat too much faintned, yea by the afflux of humours usually extinct, the life must be endangered: for so the Physicians have observed, that on such as were too impetuously stirred up with an impotent anger, the Apoplex hath fallen, and they suddenly have expired, of whom there are many examples that I could reckon up, which within these few years have fallen out at Regiomontium, but it pleaseth to reserve these for some other Discourse. Truly they chief are throughly sensible of a discommodity, hence who have gotten too hot a temperature of the whole body either by nature or a disease, for then the natural heat● may more easily be endangered. And what a sudden amazement may do, it is not unknown, for this it causeth a sudden hoariness, as it is to be seen by many in Marcell. Donat. Lab. 1. De Med. Histor. Mir. 2. p. 14. Nicol. Florent. Sueton. in vita Galbae. Hadrian. jun. Comm. de Coma. c. 10. Petr. Messin. Hispan. in Sylu. variar. Lection. Scaliger. Exerc. 313. Lenm. lib. 2. de Complex. 1. Schenk. and others, because the heat and spirits go bacl to the fountain of life, and forsake the extremities, whereby cold is brought upon these parts, that not only the heauty of the face is spoiled, but also young men are made hoary, yea and the wounded brought unto a sudden and sometimes momentary destruction. And to conclude fear conceived in the mind doth presently exagitate the heart, obnubilate the understanding, perturba●● the Animal faculties, and at length so vitiate and infect all our actions, that by the malignity thereof the imaginary faculty is disturbed from its state, the brain enfeebled, and the sick man not only in a wonderful mann●r discruciated, as Quercetanus, 
S. 1. Diae●. Polyhist. cap. 9  but also the vital heat itself as it were suffocated. Wherefore if any one either with anger, fuming, or stricken with a sudden terror and overmuch fear, shall receive a wound although but small, not without cause may the reason of his sudden death be referred unto these effects.   

Position the 10. and last. The use both of the Tents and Deligation ordered twice a day, as in this case it was, even so in other cases is it exceeding necessary.  
IT is a golden Rule of our Divine Hypocrates where he saith: A veterum doctrinâ residere, & nova praeter rationem comminisci, cum per se temeratium est, tum in faciendo periculosum. To recede from the Doctrine of the Ancients, and to invent new ways against reason is in itself as temerarious as in doing it is dangerous. For albeit there are many things left for this latter age to find out and amplify, yet if the ancient things be altered and new induced against reason not so much for verities sake and utility, as for novelty and poor self glory, it will scarce be able to deserve excuse. The old Physicians who chief placed their endeavours upon Chirurgery, did furnish the same with exceeding great study, and intermitted nothing that might make for the perfection thereof, notwithstanding to go bacl from their Decrees is an offence that many neoterics can not satisfy. All other wases being left. our Patient's case propounds two at least; one concerns the use of Tennis, the other Deligation instituted twice a day; both they judge unnecessary, yea supervacaneous and to be superseded for an unprofitable labour. For Caesar Magatus and with him Septalius, whom too do follow many Surgeons with very ill success, suppose, that there is no need of Tents in wounds, nor of deligation to be used twice a day, for think they Tents molest nature by distension, compression of the part affected, and excitation of dolours. Secondly that they avail nothing, since the virtue of the Medicaments without Tents can duly be carried down to the part offended. But however it be to be allowed that there is no need of Tents in wounds superficial, straight and generating, but little Pus, as indeed hereunto consolidation to be maturated as much as may be, nor purposely retarded, not less ignorantly then impiously persuaded Fioravanta, and as for that cause not long since was Thessalus reprehended by Galen: 
●. m. Meth.  yet other cases there are that necessarily require the use of Tents, because by the operation of Tents the Orifice of the wound is kept open, that thereat the Pus might issue. Secondly, that by the benefit of them the virtue of the Medicaments might arrive at all and every part of the wound, especially that from the bottom primarily consolidation and unition might be made, lest that by the upper part of the wound being closed, in the lower part an issue for the Pus might not be afforded, which I have observed very often to fall out by the neglect of Tents but to produce examples it would be hateful, whereas in many it would easily move choler. Briefly with Tagaultius I conceive, that in eight Cases chief Tents are not to be neglected, but used.  

1. When wounds are either to be enlarged or deterged, or when any thing from the bottom is to be evacuated.  
2. In hollow wounds where the generation of lost flesh is needful.  
3. In wounds altered by the air and sordid, which need detersion.  
4. In confused wounds.  
5. In wounds which with Phlegmon or any other Tumour against nature do much molest.  
6. In those that are made by bitings, for every biting almost, 
Lib. 5.  as Celsus his opinion is, hath a kind of a poison which is always to be evacuated.  
7. In those that must be handled about the bones.  
8 Those that now by oldness have degenerated into Ulcers full of deflurions. These cases if the Chirurgeon shall not well consider, and by neglect of Tents too much trust and attribute only to his Emplaster, let him take heed that he hath not experience of the like sad successes, 
Cent. 4. Obs. 76.  such as Hildan commemorates. Read Aquapend. part. 2. Chirurg. Lib. 2. c. 8. Peccet. Lib. 2. Chirurg. c. 14. Senn. Lib. 5. pract. 4. cap. 9   
Secondly neither do they esteem deligation so necessary, that every day once or even twice the same should be used, but sufficient, that at the first the wound be opened and absterged only on the sixth or seventh day, and with new remedies administered, bound up: for that because with a more frequent deligation the wound with the open air is altered, the temperament of the part destroyed, and that hence is generated a greater plenty of excrements, conglutination hindered, and that inflammation, dolour and the like do readily follow after. But on the contrary if deligation be more seldom and slowly used, that the Temperament of the part offended remaineth in its due state, that but little matter of excrements is begotten, that the natural heat is conserved in its own vigour, that all symptoms are precautioned, and that the cure of the wound may sooner and more successfully be finished, for the nature of the part helped with external Balsam of its very own accord hasteth unto consolidation and averts the symptoms to be seared. Notwithstanding as these may take place in wounds superficial and but shallow Tagaultius so advising, 
Lib. 2. Chirurg. p. 207.  and that deligation is to be protracted until the fourth day, except perhaps some violent delor may come thereon, or some other troublesome symptom happen: yet in deep wounds, I hold it to be unfitting so to protract deligation, and against reason to swerve from the Counsels and Decrees of the Ancients. For there's no reason that wes should fear an intemperate air, but especially the cold and moist, an enemy to wounds, since that may either be avoided or even with Art so corrected, that no damage can be thence expected, if by the help either of fire or some thing else the air be disposed unto a fit temperateness, which being done, the natural beat of the parts affected, whereon I willingly confess turns the hinge of all the Cure, is conserved in its due state, no alteration of the Temperament of the part follows after, nor will there be a more plentiful heaping of excrements, then according to the nature of the wound. But these are twofold, as witnesseth Galen, 
3. M. M. 4.  thin and thick, and they not always so disposed that by vapour they might be digested and vanish into air; indeed these may be in wounds and cannot be removed and absterged but by the hand of the Physician. What I pray will be more necessary than continually to ease nature of that burden, since these excrements and superfluities remaining, various and grievous symptoms may arise. But for other causes also a daily deligation in deep wounds especially will be necessary. That, 

First indeed the Chirurgeon well look unto the state of the part, and of the wound itself, and that he know the same, since wounds especially at unawares get that disposition, that either their flesh may luxuriate, or worms therein be generated, or that something else come on it.  
Secondly also, that he fit the Remedies to the state and condition of the part and wound, for their constitution greatly requires that some Medicaments be dry, some moist, for neither during the whole time of the Curation will one Remedy be able to suffice.  
Thirdly, that by daily deligation cleannesses also may be procured, which Hypocrates advertiseth to be heeded, that the foulness of the bandages and clouts molest not the Patient.  
Fourthly, because Pus being daily so evacuated, even nature alone hasteth to its Consolidation: for as sometimes she alone doth accomplish this, so is she not able likewise to evacuate that.    
To conclude, experience confirms that by deligation often used if need were, the thread of the Curation is more easily and successfully woven out. And which the History of our Rustic Swallow-knife can attest: for neither only was the use of Tents so exceedingly profitable as it was needful; but also deligation repeated twice a day was with exceeding great profit so ordered, and with happy success, and the Consolidation of the wound dispatched as one would wish.  
But since the most Clement Jehova, and heavenly Arch-Physitian had by his fatherly grace the chief doing in this whole work, to himself deservedly must the thanks be given, and He only to be implored, that hereafter also by his gracious presence he would vouchsafe to be present and Precedent to all our actions. Let his Name be blessed for ever and ever.  
Amen.     

A Treatise of the possibility of this Cure.  


Cap. 1.  
IN so Noble a Mystery to beget things new from the intemperatures of Fancy, and idle raptures of conceit, built on Vain glory without the sinews of reason and experience to strengthen such Relations that they may carry their own weight through the difficulties of envy and perverse opinion, were to heap the burden of many evils upon myself. First the general suffrage of the judicious, who must proclaim such a rash undertaker, conscious of self affection; a vanity which so blemisheth the man should live in us, that it makes us but shadows of what we represent. Secondly, a curse from the subject of this Art (which is man) of whose extremities and sufferings such erroneous Traditions must be guilty, if any should be so infected with them as to do hurt by them. Thirdly, the seducing of weak Practitioners, and poisoning their Studies with such false Tenets, even in their foundation of growth and infamy in such employments, on the success of whose beginnings, is partly built those perfections their aptness and natural gifts are capable of, for in them they are encouraged, being inflamed with desire, to confirm that in their knowledge, in which yet they are but imperfect, and only have a snatch of: for having not sealed with boldness their Actions, (through a faint assurance of what they know) such puzzles must needs affright them, with unnecessary doubts, in all their executions: until experience, bred up by tedious and severe observations living in the age of many years, and grey hairs should return the infamy into my Grave, that when my Spirit hath met with peace and rest, my ashes should be rak't up in disdain by Posterity, to repeat me with reproach and dishonour, and this would be the fourth worst and last mischief I should purchase to that remnant of me the earth must inherit.  
Next although ancient Authors have mentioned such wounds mortal, yet Galen suspected a better success, if attempted.  
These times have confirmed some, and confuted many other able Writers in their Opinions concerning this matter.  
We are not to conclude that Authentic, although for many Ages accepted so, which experience the Mother of all confirmation denies.  
The common allowance of the venom of Gunpowder met with no obstacle from the Learned (and for much time) until worthy Master Gale refuted that error, although the composition in itself carrieth no such evil: which must be well known to the famous Physicians of those days, but in the first invention of ●unus, and those violent materials appertaining, the disasters (without a known remedy) happening, and the Chirurgeons of those times not considering that in such solutions there is a large separation of united parts, with a miserable rending of the muscles and nerves, through the furious breaking up of the confines of nature, with horrible confusions, through which evils thronging together intolerable dolours are bred, with inflammations, benumming of sinewy parts, Fistula, nay the violation of all quiet in every member of the body is kindled, as fever, sincope, convulsions etc. unto which symptoms in wounds of the fleshy parts the ancients were not accustomed, but stood amazed at their rage and deplorable end; which in other divisions by sharp spears etc. they were not disturbed with only meeting with calm distempers in respect of these, being not accompanied with such cause of accidents, (if they were not in the noble parts and mortal) as also since to their eye the perforations of Harq●●buz-shot, and Lance-punctures, appeared of equal shape and danger outwardly.  
By these examinations and events, they concluded there must be a venomous quality in the Gunpowder, by which it wrought such mischiefs in those parts where their fury happened.  
This opinion the Learned of those ages authorized, encountering no denial for many years, such was the blind reverence those times held towards the authorities of their Grave Writers: A nice virtue (in my judgement) only able to bridle an apt Genius, and to smother in the dust of ignorance and oblivion what ripe spirits may either add to illustrate, beget to amplify, or refu●● to make pure the substance, extents, and impurities of this noble mystery.  
Now may not the judgement of the Ancients concerning wounds of the Ventricle work the same effects, to keep in darkness such truths by their only power? holding bacl such happy attempts in the like misfortunes, which perchance the strength of nature (in such neglect) by Fistulous closings hath laboured to make manifest.  
Have not many griefs contrary to expectation (even of the most learned) arrived unto happy success in healthful conclusions? which then passing the test of a serious examination, the errors have been found to arise from the mere censure and allowance of some learned Physicians, without any mention, History, or memory of their experience, to affirm such deliveries for mistruth, on whose precepts, and by whose example, posterity hath also reared to future times their works, but further and more chief to let pass this kind of search: when I consider the infinite mercies of God in such and the like miraculous Recoveries, and how apt and willing nature is, to preserve the prerogatives of health inviolate from the hurt and invasion of Diseases, and being wounded with any grief, how provident she is to keep herself from greater evils, and laborious to free her fabric from the present affliction, I cannot then so much wonder at, as not to believe such great works of nature made able by divine Providence, and assisted by Art, as this foregoing Treatise maketh mention of, and experience witnesseth.   

Cap. 2. Wherein some things of notable regard are discoursed of very pertinent to this matter, with a necessary digression.  
AMongst many considerations in these Cases, the diligent and expert hand of the skilful Physician (in whose knowledge lives that depth is required in dangerous causes) is to be provided, to direct the will and power of nature to benevolent uses, and to let her hurtful and unnecessary promptness, otherwise in her own bounty she would destroy the good intended, as in many desperate solutions (through want of knowledge in the Physician) she doth, since the heaping of so many fluxions together, is but a sudden and abundant freedom in nature to send all aides thither, to redeem the distressed member or part to a natural quiet and proportion, which concourse of humours are converted to greater burthenings and oppressions, for it would be vain to think malignity of humours lurking in the body are altogether the immediate and sole causes of those bad symptoms, are frequent with profound and perilous solutions, since they are of different natures, some begotten from actual emptyings, and some proceeding from natural repletions and accidental rottenness: neither do I condemn that opinion, since the sharpness of some inflammations fare exceed others, which must proceed from a violent malignity of humours in the blood, 
Note.  which being thrust out of the bowels of conserving heat alter into Pus, and beget the souler putrefaction, for it is a notable sign, that if after a digestive alteration of those heaping pain and induration continue, 
A necessary digression.  that there is a bad constitution to be handled, and therefore the greater evacuations to be presumed necessary. (I will a little digress) Since thereby a laudable pulling bacl from the member afflicted, is brought to pass by bleeding, and purifying of the blood by purge is effected, for in all the duties and intentions of healing, the abundance and bad qualities of blood is very carefully to be respected and hindered, for without such effectual corrections, there will be but vile healing of wounds of small danger, and none produced in divisions of peril and profundity, because blood is the Author of healing being directed and assisted, by and with the skill, method and medicine of 〈◊〉 expert Physicians, I mean in parts (to be united) and derived from blood; and yet with great care must this be done, since some bodies cannot to the precepts of Physic forsake their ordinary diet, or be strictly kept and handled as the Rules of Art would enforce without peril, as in its proper Chapter shall be shown. Thus much briefly, touching the excellency of nature in will and power, the Art and skill of the Physician, to bring such wounds within the lists of possibility and Cure, in guiding that Will and Power, and the necessities of general and particular evacuations urged from the cause, appearing, or threatened.   

Chap. 3. Wherein is touched some other considerations concerning this matter.  
Our next consideration must reflect upon the part, which we must examine, to know if it be so necessary to life, as not totally in some functions, or a portion of their functions, to be spared without dissolving of the whole frame, and here indeed are some questions concerning the present occasion to be answered.  
Some may object, that in such wounds there must be a ruin of nutrimental matter and substance partly produced through the visible grief of what was and should be united, and partly by deprivation of the virtue & faculties of the stomach, since parts of grosser composition, and much less use to life, suffer under such and the like causes of the same effects.  
Stronger reasons being added to the former, since in this Treatise we must consider that the Incision was made by the hand of the expert Physician, with large premediations, where, when, and how to bring his attempts to good event, the Patient having much time before, drunk a balsamicke Oil, thereby to infuse a quality of healing into the part, and to enable the member against this suffering, which in other wounds accidentally given we cannot allege. These causes and helps, to encourage us to proceed and strengthen our hopes, and that such balsamick● Oils and medicines would in time of the wound (being administered) enlarge fever through disturbance, and their own power in heat, by provoking vomits not easily, by an able and unhurt stomach to be digested, but by adding its own flame to that is kindled in the veins by the grief, ●ive a second and more dangerous fire unto the evil. To this may be replied.   

Cap. 4. Wherein is gathered part of a full Answer to the Objects in the former, with some pertinent additions.  
THough the duties of the Ventricle be altogether necessary to maintain life, 
Nota.  and strength by the elimentall fuel, yet such a quantity may keep the fire of life yet glowing, and for much time, although the strength decay in some measure, or be largely exhausted by such wants of supply.  
To assure this, the heat of the stomach by which the digestion is wrought, both actually and potentially in the first alteration is derived from the Heart, Liver, Arteries Veins, etc. and Muscles of the abdomen, as from the Fountains, Channel's and seats of all heat and spiri●●, by whose fire that excellent change of what we receive is potentially perfected, and actually by the Omentum and Muscles of the belly keeping the Ventricle warm, and defending it from the outward oppressions of cold.  
Now the stomach being hurt by solution of joined parts, is not so abundantly deprived of this heat, being not in itself (or but a small portion of it) as to beget a general dissolving of nature, but only depraved, and weakened, and the blood may be fed by nutriment received into it, (though afflicted) and altered to laudable Chyle, sufficient to keep the vital heat, and natural compositions from extinction, though not so plentifully to nourish them.  
Next we may further conclude an ability in nature, concerning this matter, since many Histories mention, and have registered for Posterity, that nature (in the prolonging of life) hath been by more strange and loss means fed and nourished. Next, that although in the digestive duty by the excelling there is not such a total and perfect alteration ance asweet change of our nutriment to enfeebled bodies must needs be, in regard weak nature suddenly perish under corrupt and vicious alterations, and all this to be eared in respect of the want of power and heat.  
Yet we may not suspect, but there will be a division of the most subtle parts of the nourishment we receive from the more gross, 
Nota.  though not a total mutation. To enfeebled bodies a small quantity better nourishes, than fullness to oppression, whereby the vital vigour yet quickening, the natural duties may have a congruable portion (suitable to its strongth) of nutriment, to fume into odoriferous juice, fit and pure to refresh the body.  
Moreover, although there should not be that excellent conversion of it, yet the coadiution of parts whither it be drawn and sent, would assist to perfect it to their own uses, as the Liver, small Guts, meseraickes and veins, may altoran imperfect Chyle or matter slited for such change, into the likeness and nearness of blood, sufficient to sustain life until such wounds be conglutinate, as from an insected Liver, every member sucketh an imperfect matter, and yet without any great heat for much time. But how necessary enfeebling by spare diet is in all perilous wounds, is not to be dispatched, unless a continued order of food deny.   

Cap. 5. In which is the Answer to the Objections fully explicated.  
NExt, for what may be objected out of this treatise, thus much is granted, concerning the place of the wound, that it must be in receipt of it like or near this incision, for if other parts should also he perforate that carry in themselves a peril of death, it would be sottishness to deny the conclusions, or to presume or hope by any reasons, that carry not in them the weight and truth of the cause.  
By the Balsamicke Oils imbibed I do not conclude it so expedient, 
Nota.  but that the Ture might have been effected without it, and rather judge it a conceit put in for variety, and bred from imagination of what it would bring to pass, then on necessity attempted.  
My reasons are, if I would infuse a quality into a member so excellent and nice as the st●nacke is, 
Nota.  it must not be by any thing, which it or other parts may carry a loathing towards, there must be that sweet and pleasant congruity, as there is betwixt flesh of good and pure juice, and the constitutions of our bodies, that it may be received and altered, next it must have affinity with the part in its own complexion, as flesh hath with blond, of which it is made, for what is not so must beget disquiet, and from that a loathing.  
But how Oil and Balsamicke Medicines either by Art prescribed, or Nature produced, fail in all such needful agreements with our bodies Ineed not here urge.  
Next there must be time admitied, for to imbibe a quality, 
Nota.  is to alter a member in virtues, or to add or abate ability, as the matter requireth. To give unto itself a power to thrust forth superfluities, but in this occasion it may be presumed to render nature a heat grateful in digestion even in the member itself contained, as in other parts, whereby it may be made able to root out what is begotten, and defend it from other bad symptoms threatened, together with an aptness to absterge in corn and glue together these are the intents of such infusion of qualities and these all differ in their operations, a●d therefore in their substances; and to add unto the composition of the stomach more heat than Nature bestows upon it, or allows useful and convenient, would inflame it, a temper improper either to cleanse, digest, or sodder by as Weckernus witnesseth, 
Lib 4. Pract General.  but if it be replied that such virtues are not to be infused, by giving the qualities of such intentions, as a quick and sharp effect to mandifie a soft and dry heat to incarn, or a dull and cold power to roduce a Sicatrice (which were ridiculous to imagine) but by a benevolent vigour to assist Nature in her Will to further these Works, since the other confusions must needs vex the noble parts, because they must be wrought by different means, as Wickerus etc. when he disputes how distant in virtue's nature and substance, 
4●. Chaps. Pract. Gen  remedy that shall beget quitture, glue together and make escharre are, and to disturb with so many differences the stomach which was to suffer, it cannot be imagined needful, but that it rather might give it nauseous then grateful temper.  
And why then should we shrink from the benefits of nature, or doubt her work, since without such suspicious applications, she hath brought to pass greater wonders than those which in her first Creation she was endued with power to perform. Moreover we know the Balsamicke Oils have all such virtues, for they cleanse by a sharp and subtle force, and incarn by a grosser and soster heat effecting the intent of Siccatrice, by hindering moisture or the generation of it, therefore by the former objections, and reasons concluded hurtful, as assuredly it is.  
But as some have thought, Balsam hath an emplastic body, yet it carries not that body with it in the infusion of qualities, because of the alteration of it in the stomach, from all likeness it possessed in its own figure, neither is that body so necessary and allowable to infuse qualities, but a more subtle and thin rather to be chosen.  
In which consideration I must ever applaud the wound drinks now in practice, w●ich may be so ordered as to return a delight in nature to receive them, 
Master Clowes Works abounds both with excellent remedies of this nature.  and may be so fitted, as to consort with an especial aliment— and so to be by nature accepted: moreover there must be a difference betwixt things in action and things acted, because Medicaments in their power effect most commendably when diseases are extant and in force in the body, not to discharge future, (I mean such as are not threatened in the growing defects and superfluities of nature) of which sort wounds ant their symptoms as they rest simply in themselves, cannot be reckoned, but (may I confess) partake worse qualities by evil and vicious heaping and constitution, which may be lessened & kerbed in by the skilful Artist, and yet be no argument to fear what doth not appear, thereby to move the pouring in of many ill relished medicaments, with intent, to let what may be, yet doth show itself but to suspicion only; or to infuse what it is naturally possessed of, or to hinder what in its own strength it labours to do: and that most effectually, excelling the hand of Art in our best provisions.   

Cap. 6. More able Reasons in brief collected, witnessing the Cure of these wounds.  
FUrther to answer this possibility of Cure we are to consider, whether the part be the very seat of life, as the heart and liver: or so necessary to life as the Gullet, Windpipe, Lungs, spleen, gall, kidneys, etc. or so violent in their accidents, with their necessity of being whole and perfect in the service of noble parts, since that they beget furious accidents that assault the whole body, as the nervous part of the stomach, Diaphragma, brain, especial medal etc. or so unfit with the matter of unition as the small Guts, upper part of the Bladder etc. Besides in their duties they cannot be spared, or whither the remedies may arrive, and remain to the comfort of the sufferer and receiver, and not be denied by the natural expulsion of the part, or sunk from the place divided, by reason of a large capacity beneath.  
All which considerations in the wounds of the bottom of the stomach return us a hope, since it is not the Throne of life, as the Heart, Liver, etc. nor so absolutely necessary (in regard of its office to Nature) as the Gullet and Trachea arteriato be unhurt, as Lungs, Spleen, Gall and Kidneys etc.  
The first utterly denying the receipt of nutriment, the Lungs and Windpipe, respiration and refrigeration of the Heart, the Spleen, Gall, Kidneys, etc. being the puryfiers of the blood, not only in their own substance, but also in their duties failing must be mortal, as consequently in respect of the fordid matter thither sucked and sent, would deny knitting together, neither in the symptoms must follow, as in the nervous part of the stomach, brain, S●ptum transuersum, which hath affinity and derivation from the Periton. pleura & pericard. or spinal marrow etc. which by condulsion would rend wounds in themselves as the Midriff, and upper part of the ventricle, or by domittings, paralysis, Fever, general contraction of the nerves, pains &c. as in all, (being the Original of nerves and parts compact of them) bring the sufferer to death neither in the substance unfit to conglutinate, as in the small guts, bladder etc. the bottom of the ventricle being paniculous and fleshy, (for although the ventricle is made of three Coats, in some Authors but two) the utmost derived of the per●on. the middle membrane fleshy of its own proper substance, the inward nervous, yet the sensible matter of this composition is so spent and enwrapped in fleshy filaments, that it is not of that exquisite heat, as the voice of this kind of making threatens: but to proceed.  
Neither in the defect of arriving or natural expulsion, being the pit and lowest part, having no capacity (belonging unto its proper making only) beneath it, and of all members I mean when there is a change of things received) if there be any agreement in the medicine, the stomach is most apt to retain it, of which medicines both of their composition, virtue and consistence is discoursed in the next Chapters.   

Cap. 7. Of Medecines necessary and convenient in the wounds of the Stomach.  
IF Experience the mother of sound reason giveth us in knowledge, that Vicers are made more fordid by fatty medicines, which have not in them a causbicke quality and quick power, how much more may we conclude that parts afflicted by evils are to be considered in their natures, and remedies agreeable to be administered, whereby the member shall from what is applied, receive a double refreshing by a comfortable quality in the medicine, to the member as it lives in its own proper composition, and by a force and strength in the remedy, to extirp and finish the grief, under which the part languisheth, thus much is expedient to use our meditations in the sufferings of the extremities that carry in themselves ability to endure the works of error in this case; how much more are we théns to consider parts of more excellent, delicate, and sensible Creation, and so notable in the service of life, yet since to treat of all parts in this matter would require a Volume, brevity being here intended to serve the present occasion, with a parcel of that, which future time (GOD willing) may beget is thought sufficient.   

Cap. 8. The Medicines most efficient and congruable in wounds of the Stomach, and why.  
I Have observed (intermixed with the rest) two notable affections of the Stomach, that it delighteth in heat, and abhorreth to be refrigerated (I mean being without Disease) and although heat actually in itself consumeth moisture, and that the body would waste under such heat even to perishing if the benevolent bumectings were not said, yet that the Ventricle in its own will, derived from its proper being is cherished with dryness, though in moist bodies given cannot be denied, as in old Wines and stolen liquors is manifest, which by heat dries and doth hinder the begetting of moisture, in dispatching superfluities, and procuring unto the noble parts a firmness and stability, since humidities only relax and destroy those virtues.  
Therefore in the wounds of the stomach in what form soever th●y are blended, either in liquid or fast, the applications must be hot and dry in the first and not exceed the second degree, unless there be an excellent coherence with the medicine and the part: a temper in all such medicines and for all wounds most commendable.  
Next the common thro●●ings in of remedies of doubtful and earthy substance is to be avoided in such perilous divisions, when the injections are expedient, and the extraction of Seeds and Flowers, by infusion or B. M. rather to be chosen then of green Roots, and Heathes of gross & base growth by decoction, the one from odoriferous bodies, pulls an equal excellently mixed heat, and the other corrupt and imperfect, but how useful the one, and distasteful the other is in such Cases, the Artist shall know when he comes to the necessity of them.  
It may be acceptable to some to set here down what I have used in the like extremities, and as the place and season afforded provisions, from which example they may give birth to others, according as the distemper shall inst●●●t, as it appears in the part hurt.  

R. Folly Rosarum rub. M. S.  
Flo. Anthos.  
Lavendula. An●. p 1.  
Summitatum Thymi.  
Marjor ani Ana. ps..  
Flo. Hyperici. p. 2.  
Meliloti. p. 1.  
Spec. Aromat. Rosat. 3.1.  
Infusand. in vino Odorat. ℥. 6.  
Aq. Melissa. Ana. ℥. 4. per Spatium  
XII. Hor. deindè in B. M. Coq.  
Ad Consump. ℥. 1. Colat. Clar. ad.  
Sir. de absinth. Mel. Rosarum Ana. ℥. 2.  
 fiat inject.   
And although it is Judged needies to convey into profound wounds any infections after a commendable quitture, by which through actual moistening there is a melting instability to the member communicated, and that the parts afflicted are hurt and burdened by such unnecessary loadings, yet, to the finishing of such like cures, this may with abundant profit be used, because it doth sweetly strengthen the natural heat to hasten digestion, to quicken mundification, revive the incarnative power, and withstand putrefaction, which in all wounds of danger is most to be letted.   

Chap. 9 Of what body it is requisite the Medicine should receive that it may cleave to, if it arrive.  
ANother consideration very pertinent offereth itself in this Discourse, that since the topical administrations may be conveyed, but not kept there, it is expedient that they be incorporated with some useful Medicine that is of a clammy consistence, whereby when the remedies shall arrive they may cleave, and so effect your wishes in that point, I ever thought the Lohoc de pino, or expertum if purged from their gross substances by decoction, and expumation, worthy acceptance, but in such wants I have thus proceeded: 

℞. Mol. Rosar. ℥. 2. Sir. menthar.  
Absinth. Ana. ℥. 1. Saccha.  
Cand ℥. 1 Aloes oped ʒ. S. 1. Lento igne Coq.  
Ad spissi●ud. Ecleg. deinter. ℞. 1.  
Terebenth. vent. lotae in aq. Rosat. ℥ 1.  
Ol. Tereh●nth. Gut. 16. vel 24.  
Ol. Hipericonis cum gummis. ℥ 4.  
Velʒ. 6. vitel. ovorum. Nᵒ 1. vel 2.  
Si desunt, Panlatim commisc, ut  
Incorporent. Prescrip. ●c legmat.  
Cum infusione pro inject. Q. S.  
Misc. S. A. in forma fir.    
So that it may be conveyed warm into the depth of the wound, with a wide pipe for the freer passage.  
I prescribe not an order to be followed without addition drawing from, or altering of the ingredients, but only an example, since the accidents in all griefs is an Index to a wise Physician, what else may be convenient in Physical duties bandages, and other needful chirurgical in, tents, because this Translation hath sufficiently set down, as also many other excellent Works both of ancient and modern Writers hath left to posterity, I intent not here to mention these two observations neither in this Treatise spoken of, nor by any Author particularly (but only with some darkness mixed in their labours handled) may not be concluded impertinent.   

Cap. 10. The History of Richard Partridge cured of a wound in the Stomach.  
IN the year of God one thousand six hundred thirty two, and in the month of january, being in the Gulf of Venice at Sea, R. P. was wounded by George Farmar, (under the left Hippocondrion) being both quarter Masters of the ship Hector, whereof Master wild was Commander, what he received issuing at the wound by the great mercy of God, was made whole in the space of twenty four days, every survey and event in the time of his sickness to my memory set down, my papers with myself being lost.  
Having extracted (being forced to enlarge the Orefice) some part of the half of the Knife which was broken and buried in the wound under the Muscles of the Abdomen, I contenfed myself with common applications for that night, and committed him to his Cabin.  
The next day having all things in a readiness, I thought needful. I came to the patiented, and found him yet not much distempered (all sorrowful hurts appear not in their fury till putrefaction gins, 
Nota.  unless those of the noble and sensible parts, by the effusion of life, or their exquisite sense) as soon as I had removed what was applied and the wound discovered, there distilled out of the solution, some quantity of the beer, about half an hour before he had drunk to the amazement of the spectators, yet it was kept from the Patient, for the intent not to dismay him.  
With Stupes of Wine very hot presently I covered the wound to hinder the egress of air which I continued until this Balm was made ready.  

℞ Ol. Terebinth. Qt. 12.  
Hiperic: ℥. S.  
Sir. Menthar. ʒ. 2.   
Which made hot I distilled into the capacity of the wound, and with a Tent not above half an inch in length dipped in the same, and plegants, fitted with an emplaster of melelote, to hold together what had bin placed and convenient bandages, I left him for that time, ordering him a little broth of Mutton with two or three Cloves, and a small quantity of Sinamone boiled in it, somewhat to respect the quality of the ventricle.  
Dies. 2 The second day and second opening, I found the lips of the wound parted, (yet but a little tumefied, which is the cause of such separation) nevertheless gaping with a kind of horror, therefore planting hot stupes over it which were maintained until I had provided the dry suture, by which contracting the edges together the Patient rested satisfied, and fearless.  
I could discern aliquidnes like sloten Milk to dreane from it; he felt some grudging of the pain to extead to the Vertebres as it were by fits passing through the lateral muscles (by the heaping of blood and humours betwixt the fleshy membrane and muscles, 
Nota.  and extending by consent of parts) I used the former order in the topical remedies, and anointed the whole seat of the pain with the Oil of Roses, somewhat to restrain the conflux. The ensuing night he had some feverish distempers, which did a little disquiet him.   

Cap. II. Of the third and fourth days proceeding.  
Dies. 3 THe third day and third dressing I found the wound tumefied and a little inflamed, and that moisture before mentioned to issue with a gleeting waterish humour accompanied, 
Nota.  I concluded the first to be the thinnest of the Chyle distilling from the puncture of the Ventricle, (for I conceived it no other) and the waterish mixture, to be begotten from the evil disposition of the hurt, therefore adding of the artificial Balm with the other, and a little of the yolk of an Egg incorporated with the former prescribed iniection so much as might make●t of the consistence of a Musclage: by a sering (pretty warm) I forceably threw it in, that it might arrive unto the depth of the evil, with Tents dipped in the first mentioned composition, of the first form, from which I did not derogate during the Cure, with Plegrants, Plasters, and Bandages answerable to the same order: I committed him to his rest for that time omitting phlebotomy, he having had a large emptying of blood by the wound. In the afternoon, examining the estate of his bowels in their duty, I found the benefit of stool had not assisted since the mischance, therefore. I conveyed in this Clyster to bring away the compost.  

℞ jusculi galen. ℥ 12.  
Sacchari. ℥ 2.  
Ol Communis ℥ 2. S.  
Salis cocls. S. Misc.   
Which did the effect for which it was administered, and mitigated the feverish heat, insomuch that he slept well the ensuing night.  
Dies. 4 The fourth day, and fourth visit of the wound, I found it in a good disposition, nothing altered of what it was before, only a larger quantity of that thin chyle, (but a little thickened) to bedew the Lint, followed by 〈◊〉 humour thicker and more glutinous, which appeared as if a digestion of them had been begun, nevertheless, his Urine was of a deep colour, his pulse somewhat feeble and quick, the heat enlarged, yet I varied not one whit from the former dressing.   

Cap. 12. The fifth and sixth day's order.  
Dies. 5 THe fifth day, and my fifth view of the wound I found the clouts moistened by the former milky distilings, which I conceived to come to pass by these causes. 
Nota.  First, because the puncture of the Ventricle, being swollen and drawn together, did not admit so plentifully that substance to issue, but now opened by digestion, it slipped out more abundantly and thicker, (indeed like Cream, as that excellent Physician Mr. Doctor Read in his Manuel of Anatomy likens it to) Secondly, since digestion is a parting of the impure heaping from the perfect and unhurt portions of the flesh, which compactions must needs hurt the Muscles in matter of their sense, and they gathering together by their own motion, cease no●, till the dischargings of such stuff; after this there appeared a perfect quitture, so that I altered nothing in the Remedies, but followed my former course in this dressing. This night the Fever enlarged, the Urine more inflamed, mouth dry, pains increasing, and eight or ten times he went to the stool, which did much disquiet him and amaze me; I suspected a dissolving of the noble parts, 
Nota.  by a secret conveyance of an evil and malignant substance into the Liver, which there infecting the spirits caused this sharp Fever, and thrust into the bowels produced the Flux.  
Considering to seek to abate or heal the Fever as the precepts of ancient and modern Physicians allow, 
Nota.  by evacuating the matter and refrigerating the effect, I judged to be most dangerous, the body too much enfeebled to admit phlebotomy, and the stomach being hurt, not able to bear Remedies, either emptying humours or potential cooling, and to restrain the Flux of the womb, the egestions and evil fumes driven bacl, might be hurtful to the wounded member and the whole body, 
Nota.  since to help either flux or fever, were to enlarge them by medicines proper to either, yet oppugnant in their quality to either. Neither was the cause lodged in the bowels, nevertheless thus discussing the matter I concluded, there must be potential refrigeration, in regard imperfect heat could not digest, but hinder that work in the veins, and some restraint of the bowels, not to drive bacl, but to thicken the compost, that it might not so easily descend, to give respite unto nature from that vexation, to respect the first cause of all those afflictions.  
Dies. 6 The sixth day and sixth regard of the wound I found it excellently well disposed, and but little of that chylous humidity descending, but intermixed with the quitture, which now was perfect and commendable, I therefore a little altered the Medicaments, the sirup of Mints giving place to Honey of Roses, with a proportionable quantity of the powder of Mirch and Aloes, with sufficient of the pre-written Balsam in the form of a Lohoe added, to cleave unto the depths and somewhat more to quicken the abstersive intent.  
Also there appeared from the os fercula of the same fide even to the Orefice of the wound, 
Nota.  which also extended to the Sternum a concretion of Wind betwixt the membranes of the Muscles of the Thorax, lying  like so many scrofulas, by dilating their membranous Coats, and seemingly indurated by the contraction through the offence of feeling of the muscles, this much vexed him, but by a warm foment, and the faeces applied in form of a Cataplasm without Oils easily vanished.  
These duties performed, I retired to consider the present estate of his body, languishing under Fever, and so many griefs depending, my former resolution by this second consideration was confirmed, but the next question was, by what means to refrigerate by sharp coolers would offend the wound, by reason they must actually arrive unto it, Urge punction, and inflammation; by external niceties, the place and accommodation made that ridiculous, and but a delay, therefore I ordered this julep.  

℞ Aq. Endiviae Centinod. plantag.  
Cardui benedict. Ana. ℥. 4.  
Melissa ℥. 3. Theriacal. ℥. 1. S.  
Sir. vi●lar ℥. 3. De pomis. ℥. 2.  
è rosis siceis. ℥ 1. S. Commisc.   
Which he received every two hours six spoonfuls, a little warmed, this did not only abate his thirst and heat, but also by an excellent breathing moisture continued upon him, vented the malignity and flame of the distemper and had some respect to his Flux, for assuredly if the unnatural heat be curbed and abated, the natural vigour with more liveliness and facility expels other venomous vapours and poison, begotten in and dispersed through the Vessels of Nature: for feverish heat with a kind of dulness and consuming setters wasteth, and binds the natural spirits, that in no manner they can move or assist the afflicted members, for being sweltered and inflamed, by the impurities of the disease, they languish unprofitably under such afflictions.  
Therefore refrigeration (by which vapours are letted in their generation, and those diffused, collected & settled, the furious assaults of the unnatural fire slaked the vital, natural, and Animal Spirits refreshed and enabled, the dispersing of venimaus humours hindered is most requisite.  
I awise not to cool so notably as to condense or thicken, (as in burning Fevers is allowed) or Tertian quotidians, by which stupifying may ensue, and that were utterly to ruin.  
After this good success shus far I reflected, upon the oppressions of the belly, when the malady raged with unsupportable violence, and considering how needful it was to maintain strength, now miserably wasted by these oppressions (although I perceived by the egestions were sent forth, the matter of the Fever was spent, 
Nota.  and that by returning these humours in the denying them the bowels, whither they were sent to be voided to be altogether dangerous, or that being detained, they might move pains in excoriations etc. yet to give some pause to afflicted and feeble nature, not by shutting up, but as it were losing the bowels, that they should not so often empty, by which they had a power in them (from vacuity, heat and motion) more violently then profitably to suck down, I thought it might be with happy event, and so proceeded to the means by Clyster: In which I utterly misliked the restrictive Oils, although they dull the common gripe of the entrails, because their stipperinesse would be a means to tardate my wishes (and in their places mixed the yolkes of eggs) for I did desire a sudden abating though not a total stopping, but as it were by an accessible heat, and moderate dryness to effect my intent, that the Ordure might not so willingly descend, therefore this was prepared as I was sitted.  

℞ Fol. Rosar. rubr.  
Bursa past.  
Cen●inod.  
Menthar. Ana. P. 1.  
Sem. plantag. oxycanth.  
Oxalidis Ana. Coole. S.  
Balaus●ia●●m.  
Sumach.  
C●●●icis Gran. Ana. ʒ S..  
Cynamomi. ℈ 2.  
Coq. in aq. Plantag. ℥. 3. Pluvial ℥. 1●.  
Ad consumpt. 3. Partis ℞. Colatur. ℥. 6.  
Vitellor Ovor. Nᵒ 2. Hiposist. Acatia.  
Ana. ʒ. 1. Sir. e Rosi● Sicis ℥. 1. S. Mist.   
Which although they are all eminent binder's, yet they pass not the second Classis of restriction, they are grateful and vegetate much, the small quantity was ordained that if might he kept, and yet the liquid consistence of the decoction, 
Nota.  that it might not be retained overlong also, but to work its effect and no more, which made it allowable.  
It was administered warmer than ordinary for the foregoing reasons, the success was happy, he going to stool but twice that night, refreshed with good fleepes, and the feebleness in some measure leaving him.   

Cap. 13. The seventh, eighth, and ninth day's Visitations.  
Dies. 7 THe seventh day and my seventh respect of the wound, I was enriched with a happy persuasion of the Cure, yet there issued abundance of humidity, which humected the bandages, the dolours which extended is the vertebres having this nigth a sudden decease, after cleansing I threw in the Balm and exchanged nothing, yet in the purge there appeared some portion of the Chyle, which observation made me to suppose (since after the third day nothing 
Nota.  issued of what he took to nourish him, but with alteration) that with the shutting of the lowest part of the stomach to which the Duod num is knit, the ventricle also draweth together, to perfect the Chyle, by which the wound also was contracted, and letted the issuing out at any part of what was received, or of Chyle, till the dilation and end of that digestive work, it is evident therefore that spare diet is perfectly and more ably altered, than fullness, and by this reason partly confirmed, by greater extension which loseth abundant heat, not only because spi●●id bodies retain it longest and best, as the ventricle drawn together must be, but also because a large heart, and a small subject is soon and aptest to ●●e well converted, since such fire doth ratify and divide the portions received more readily and purely.  
Having finished the duty of this dressing, I retreated to consider the estate he was then subject to, and found the distress notably abated, the pulse collecting a new strength, the Urine not so much inflamed, that now I thought upon a larger diet with the wounds ingredients, (as many as I was furnished with) of which I first ordained a decoction, and with that liquor caused his broth to be made, with a more able extraction of the juice in the boiling, which being often and but little given ●im 〈…〉 and suddenly a portion of his wasted spirit●, both by renewing and reviving, yet his Flux began to ●epe●t● its fu●y, but this emplaster.  

℞ Emp●ast 〈◊〉 ba●●i●●ea●● ℥. 1. S.  
Vng. Comitissae ℥ 1..  
Trochisc. 〈◊〉 t●rra Lamnia ʒ. 1.  
Spec. Dicalaminth. ℈. 4.  
Ci●m Ol. Rosar. Q. S. F. Emp.   
Being administered and covering the inferior Abdomen, it successfully restrained the fury.  
Dies. 8 The eighth day, and my eighth return unto the wound, I found it much better, in the condition, not such abundance of matter issuing, the Fever was in a manner cashiered, and now there appeared the commendable cloud.  
In the Urine pulse firm, and the night before a notable breathing (even in his sleep the hopefullest emptying, which sends forth the evil Dews and not the Spirits) the topical remedies were nothing altered.  
Dies. 9 The ninth day, and my ninth consideration of the wound, I found it to my desires, the abundance of that matter notably lessened, insomuch that I nothing strained from the precedent, yet I found him now inclining to costiveness, therefore removing the emplaster, and moistening the belly, share and loins with the Oils of sweet Almonds, and Camomile, I committed him to his repose for that day.   

Cap. 14. The tenth, eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth days duties, to the conclusion.  
Dies. 10 THe tenth day and my tenth refreshing of the wound, I has my hopes of cure confirmed, yet this r●s●●deness● contusing began to produce gripe in the small Guts, Therefore I ordered this body, which respects doth the howells and the wounded ventricle.  

℞. Elect. L●●itioum. ℥ S..  
Terebinth. ven●t. lo●ae. ℈. 2.  
A loes ●pt. ℈. 1. S.  
Spec. Diambrae. ʒ S..  
Mastic. ℈. 1.  
Cum fir. abfinth. Q. S. fiat bolus.   
Of this every fourth hour in the day, and before the time of rest, he received a gobbet as big as a small Walnut▪ which opened the womb, and was as a Balm unto the wound. The second day after, I added some drops of the Artificial Balsam, with the oil of Hypericon, not to be discerned by the  to eschew abhorring.  
Dies. 11 The eleventh day and my eleventh search of the wound, all was to my wishes almost to perfection, for that nothing was added or taken away.  
The twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, Dies. 12 etc. and fifteenth days, so commendable, that all danger was past, and he was safe from that mischiefs, I ordered him a more plentiful diet with the flesh of a Hen, added to the Balm some incarnative powders, none of the Chyle or any show of it now appeared, little quitture and laudable,  
Dies 16 etc. The sixteenth, and seventeenth, the incarnative work appeared in the effects, which Ordercontinued unto the twenty third day, he was most successfully healed, to the glory of our Omnipotent God, and comfort of us all. The twenty fourth day he applied himself to the service of the Ship.  
In this Discourse I have set down what I did, for I did ever so esteem of truth, that I would  her as nakedly as this story appears, though to my prejudice I never aimed at any other reward, than what she gives, I' me sure 'tis no treasure: These ages fill not their 〈◊〉 offers by her revenue; happily she will bestow a competence, beyond which my ambition reaches not: I never had a desire above it, since the Grave allows no superior, or greatness more than a Tomb, which is but a feeble royalty, and a weaker memorial. I am but now the tongue of my provisions and care being at Sea, and destitute of assistance, 〈◊〉 the Language of a Library, or the expense of many nights and more Tapors, the fruits of paleness and a meager visage, or the issue of melancholy, my purse is too empty to attend these minutes, since cloth and food came into fashion, and my annuities are my employment, my labours must be to feed a Family, not fill a Volume, which is my excuse, if any thing hath escaped, which carrieth not in it the salt of Rhetoric; strength of Argument, or the strict precepts of Physic and Chirurgey, the success was happy: and therefore questions and nice examinations would be both barren and ridiculous.    

The Second Part of this Treatise of the examination of the former Translations, and Censure of like Positions.  

Cap. I. Censure of the 1, 2, and, 3. Posiotions.  
HEre he hath but faintly maintained she p●●●bility of swallowing the Knife in repeating many Histories of less moment and greater ●anger of suffocation, than he hath spoken of to arrive unto the Prusian Swallow-knife I will add something, briefly to set down how it may be received.  
Object. Branch. 1 First the length of the knife being ten Inches, and the Isophagus two, and but sh●rt, the capacity of the mouth to our Gullet, being also trunked may st●● the out belief in this Relation.  
Branch. 2 Secondly, although the action of receipt be in a power of putting in, and thrusting down what is offered yet if it remain in the Organ of passage to offence and hurt, nature with all her strength seeks to return it.  
Branch. 3 Lastly which might easily have been drawn bacl, not having escaped the former difficulties by what was not enwrapped to which I reply.  
Ans. Branch. 1 First although the Knife did answer the report, the mouth with the collum in extension doth much straighten itself, what it wants of such aptness to receive an insterible thing, the sofinesse of the Trunk and parts adjacent yielding to force, may allow a possibility of the receipt.  
Branch. 2 Secondly when a thing shall be conveyed so low into the Gullet that the muscles shall enfold it, and to their proper motion sucking it down, it is more easy (to the will of the member) in matter of sense to assist it further, then return it.  
Branch. 3 Lastly the blade of the Knife being too thin to employ a gripe, in which only the strength is visible to exercise force, or for fear of choking not admitting time, to lap it about with things convenient to till the grasp, the other Objections refuted makes this last of no validity.  
Position 2 The verity of this Position cannot be denied, since our Climate and modern times affords many Histories of the like nature to affirm it. Something of the causes of the Hipocondriack illusions shall be added, which are either accidental, or natural.  
Accidental from the fury of some rotten Fever, that humour chief abounding and putrifying, thereby enflaming the panicles of the brain, begetting a disease subject unto Cure by phlebotomy, or the Medulla or in ward substance insensibly without heat, and thereby in a kind of total alteration there settled, if the disease be long making she malady inveterate which often convert into passions of the mind, by naturalising, or else by vice of the spleen, being infirm in the change or receipt, or disposing rightly the faecall, blood, sometimes also through debility of the mouth of the stomach, that shall still discharge the belchings of evil digestion, accompanied with a wind up into the brain, and also crosses in estate or affection are of this rank, yet with some difference.  
The causes natural are from constitution, parentally and spermatically communicated; or from some nutriment in the womb, by defect either of the mother, or part which hath power in the time of shaping especially to do 'tis effects and mischief, because then the stains of such evils have, a domination without remedy, which when the quickening of life arrives, 
Reason why.  they cannot so easily empress their qualities into our bodies, since the spirits then in their office are somewhat enfeebled, to defend and correct the impurities of such Aliment.  
In Fevers commonly these melancholy adust fumes are mixed with other abundant humours, eff●er putrified and kindled, or inflamed only; which vitiating the fancy, or reason, or both, according to their mixtures begets those varieties of distractions are common amongst persons with this evil affected, which with innumerable delusions of things, impossible either in their own bodies to he altered, or without them to have being, miserably overthrows their reason, and as the portions of their brain either shall be weakened and receive, or yet retaining ability to expel these corrupt vapours, so as the differences made, as they shall be affected either particular or general if they be parentally infected, they have not this hurt in their birth, but after some years as the seed of the parents shall administer at such growth, ripeness, or declination, which is the cause that many are safe for much time, and yet suddenly change in full years, for there is a secret work in nature founded from the quality of the sperm, that until such maturity, 
The Gout Palsy, Stone, with many other griefs, as from the like c●us● many things.  or declining age, such griefs shall be kept secret, until by a sudden change (in the miraculous mysteries of Nature) ordained, these passions of the mind break fresh and appear; as it were by a private power in the seed of the Parents, to keep the Creature inviolate until such time, and then not able any more to bear the burden of its own had derivation, it renders matter sufficient, to make the mind sink under the weight of its proper and natural defects, this happens to men in their vigour or their growth unto it, but if it chance to them in their age, 
Observation. Nota.  which is seldom, the matter is different; for although it carry in it the qualities of the seed, and may challenge them as Authors, yet the spirits which were kept in the spermaticke substance of the noble parts, were more light and unsteady, and able to be quenched or disturbed with the common defects of mankind (in declining days) being of that temperament of making and if they be matricially given from the mother, or member, as it contains and is in temper, they come with us into the world: and it violent, shorten our days, or if continued for the most part infutuate us: howsoever, the Will and Divine pleasure excepted, as they shall arrive us as Plagues and Visitations, when these causes can take no place, but to proceed from this pertinent digression.  
In such Fevers many times, there is a deprivation of all the faculties, the Imaginative, Rational, and power of memory, and if all be abused, there is a lamentable confusion of all wrought, as in Calenture, a disease frequent amongst Mariners, that in little time visit different, and hot Climates which though assisted, by their intemperate Lives and had diet, makes up this cruel Disease if the imagination (the reason and memory yet whole, 
Nota.  but so much only hurt as the ●anta●●s wounded must needs distemper them, or impart of its disquiet) he wronged, then is occasioned many times uncouth persuasions of themselves, that they are Wolves, Serpents, Ghosts &c. being altered into their natures, shapes, and qualities, or else that they are fashioned out of Clay, or made of Glass, with such like fopperies. Now their reason in some part safe, but as much as the force of this grief may change it, 
Nota.  instructs them, to behave themselves according as their imagination deceives them with gestures suitable, and with some show of order. Or to avoid the vicinity of hard and robusticke things, since they are composed of such brittle metal as they are persuaded; with a settled care to keep themselves entire and from breaking, it out of these vanities they are recovered, the remembrance of these follies is not wiped out, unless that were also dulled by an inherent humour, apt to be thickened by heat, or coldness which is not able to smother or freeze its spirit if their reason is only distracted, 
Cause.  they act things utterly dissonant to that faculty, and what their imagination shall present, their rage throws into many wild expressions, and yet they retain a mischievous memory, as also bad intents, both to themselves and others, which often times they will shadow with dissimulation, which hath no affinity with their reason as it may appear, because it is mischievous without cause, which reason must condemn, these sort of people in their affliction suffered for many years, and are sent as into the Hospital of St. Are, retired & kept for their security They are difficult of cure, because the functions of their understanding are ruined, & cannot labour with the physician's endeavours as it doth in such whose imagination only suffers: History. worthy Master Burton in his Melancholy (a work worthy of honour from all posterity) to this purpose makes mention, of a certain man that imagined himself dead, and as his reason in manner yet safe instructed him that the departed had no need of nourishment, he denied all sustenance, but was recovered by presenting before him, (being for some time kept in darkness to make the sick more apt) men in Winding-sheets who mee●ing with delicates on purpose there placed, fed; he with some amazement demanding whether they deceased could feed (his appetite without doubt assisting in this work) they replied as he saw, with hunger, here his reasons took place, for since they might eat, he had as good reason to satisfy himself without violating the solitude of the grave, and thereupon tasting food was restored to his health. Who can deny his reason here to be notably efficient?  
●. Goular● in his wonders of these latter times reports many such Histories: if the reason and memory are destroyed, they languish under a multitude of distractions because their want of memory enforceth them to wander through many and different apparitions, 
Nota.  for their memory causeth them longer to stay on some one piece of vanity expecting an event (as is before spoken) which otherways they would suddenly lose, Reason. and give place to what ills the flame of their distempers shall fashion unto them, but this doth not commonly happen. 
Nota.  These Hypochondriacal oppressions seldom assault the memory alone, Reason. since the impressions there lodged, must be by the solid natural coldness of the part received, which constitution is able reprehensively to deny the encroachments of so had a Guest, if it should at any time sink under such burdens, it loseth its virtues by an essential coldness in its a was seat, for this is rarely done from any other cause, since the imagination and reason living in more active compositions, their making is more apt to receive such smoky fumes, to make this plain: what receiveth a stamp or figure of any thing cannot be said to be liquid, never east though of a soft substance, for Oil and Water can bold no impressions, Wax etc. is of a more compact body, and able to bear its own substance without dilatation, will so the Clouds embrace vapours when solid things deny them, for it is to be understood, that although the fantasy and understanding have a kind of mixture with their seats, 
A necessary Observation.  and that portion of the Brain where they are lodged, yet also we must conclude they have a peculiar division from that part in respect of their excellent spirits, and although spermaticully infixed there, (yet naturally in themselves, and as it were by necessity in their Offices that are quick and subtle) divided: this is made manifest in regard these faculties can be hurt, 
Why.  and yet the part be safe, but it is other ways with the memory, since that hath a more real and essential incorporation, and hath a dependency begotten of it in a manner, Reason. and from these dispositions, their aptness to receive such evils is derived.  
Symptom From the natural Causes (to which the foregoing Maladies have some relation) these branches likewise issue, a desire of solitude, always seeking suspicious retirements, which a contempt of society, unnatural alterations of the visage, gesture, language, which at last break out into a misbeleese of their soul's estate and happy condition: this humour is the Devil's Throne, in which he triumphs over the wounded conscience of a sinner in which he delights to dwell, when he presents them their transgressions as they are in judgement, many, dreadful, and remembered, and not as they are in mercy wiped out and forgotten. This incredulity and security are companions, and both equally dangerous, and they which are troubled with the first must he gently, and carefully entreated, to settle such storms in them, but those that are poisoned with the secure lethargy, must be roughly (yet wisely) handled, to a wake them out of their Diabolical besotting.  

First appearance.  Before this evil carrieth any outward show, either in their countenance or tongue: there commonly precedes disquiet in their sleeps, every slumber is accompanied, or broken up with some dreams, begotten from the melancholy vapours assault the brain, passing through the meatus, with the precious dews of rest, the causes of these Visions (which have commonly a satanical confusion, and if they bear any stamp in the memory they are horrible, and full of featefull constructions working in their strength; on the weak imagination of the sufferer) are from the infirmities of the Spleen afflicted with a cold and flatuous disease, 
And why.  which receiding the tincture of the natural disposition of it, suddenly ascend with the moistures of the latter digestion, and beget these disorders, this is in the beginning and infancy of this grief.  
Reason. 2 For the pores of the body shut up in the times of sleep, and these steames denied any other place, and being stirred by the natural heat, made more hot, by collection of the spirits into the breast, and confines of their place of Creation, as it were by enforcing ascend, when rest i● dissolved, and exercise ensuing, thess are other wales disperit and spent, and then the brain remains undisturbed until the increase of this grief in stubbornness and abundance, when it offends, as hath been formerly related.  
The trosses in Estate or affection, as they are accidental from the cause, so they are natural by inclination, and in their event.  
For although such misfortunes may he concluded, the cause yet the disposition (being melancholy) urgeth the accident, which is easily done in such inclinable constitutions.  
Position. Most certain is the scope of this position, unless we will conclude in our noble and delicate bodies, a furious and barbarous heat to lurk: his Histories some are of credit, and some doubtful, which the Indicious Reader may without a Comment, consort with his understanding something of the virtue of Minerals, and specially of Gold (being the noblest may be added, to strengthen the Authors Answer to Quercetanus, and the Augustan Physicians, although it may be thought, that without the loss of substance, Minerals can yield up no part of their vegetive spirits to our bodies, yet the contrary is visible, that Mineral vegetives unto other Vegetables will give up their qualities without loss of substance, what else should we think of those frequent infusions, (of Antimony, filings of Steels) in Wine, whose spirit extracteth Virtue out of them: witness that latter invention of the Empyricks, the Antimonial Cup, further, beer and water shall pull out of it this power, which being put into the body shall show its beleterick quality in strong vomitings, violent operations, hurtful and other emptyings. Gold and all Minerals are bred in the bowels of our mother Earth, Reason. 1 and are the offspring of her womb, than it this visible event he in such metals, why may not Gold diffuse into the heart a secret vegetation and invisible refreshing, since as most Physicians allow, it doth.  
Reason. 2 All, or most Philosopher's consent, that in its Creation it hath a near affinity with that principal member, and by sympathy may effect it: not in our desire of it, as it is in dalew, and therefore generally affected and wished for, but in the matter of its making, which because it is Sine vita, cjus officio, et creationis loco. It is likewise without heat, humidity and softness, which the heart possesseth by its life, office, and place of Creation.  
And may not there be lodged in our bodies a matter fitted for the produce of that metal, which the native heat deficient in some power, may be the cause that it doth not appear in its making.  
There is in the bones a substance that carrieth some shape of its matter; and in the collection and first separation of that spermaticke and similar portion of the seed, if there were that quantity of spirits mixed; which in the Earth's womb, the indigested matter of Gold must be accompanied with, who knows what births, or wonders in the bowels of nature may be delivered us, to meditate on?  
It were a strange issue if any such should be brought forth; and yet that such may be is not destitute of a reason, if we without a prejudicated & perverse opinion examine it, neither to this assertion is History barren, but yields us many Miracles Registréd for posterity: One of notable account I will mention.  
1. Horsed in his Historical and Philosophical Discourse, reporteth that john Muller a Carpenter, dwelling at Weigdell dorfe a Village of Silesia, had a Son, borne the two and twentieth day of Decemb. Anno. 1585. in the year 1593.: being sent to the School of the Village, a Girl discovered that this Child had the last great tooth of the left side and lower jaw appearing of bright shining Gold, this report and some other occasions invited Doctor Horsed near unto Weigdell-dorfe: and sending for the Child found that report to be true. The Child having the use of its as of his other, the Gums red, and naturally planted about it, his curiosity drew him further for touching it, he found it to answer the Carat of Hungary. This Doctor Horst was a man of good repute, and a most famous Physicians, I will not further urge this, but leave it to the judicious Reader, to receive or deny it. But to proceed.  
Object Some may think that by a malevolency in other Minerals lodged, being utterly contrary to our natures such events follow.  
Then why not by an answerable benevolency in gold, Answ. bestowing upon us the benefit of a Cordial, may not Gold raise out of its use a success as certain and good unto our bodies?  
Object Yet some may say, that because other Minerals in their impurities produce their operations; since in them is left a venom which nature cannot divide, or their substance will not admit to be separated, since such had qualities (in our bodies manifested) their compositions cannot be perfect without, but must be of necessity: and that Gold hath no such vicious and excremental matter in its making, and therefore it must have no virtue. Such virtue I grant, yet this is a weaker Objection to prove none, but we cannot but allow it a Creation; and therefore a virtue, and internally, else we must accuse this excellent pure birth of gross absurdities, that other imperfect Bodies should be virtual and assistant to our noble natures and not Gold: all the plants of the earth are arguments in this doubt, and out of their different virtues (although many, yet inferior) approve the excellency of Gold.  
What was of metal, and may be consumed in the stomach cometh to pass, by salt and moist humours contained in the ventricle; which without the addition of heat to give life to what they can beget, would erode a decay in all gross metals by rust, and not by conversion into Chyle.   

Cap. 2. Censure of the fourth and fifth Positions.  

Position 4.  
IN this Position there is little matter of Ambiguity, only I will not set my belief so on the Tenters as to make it receive his Histories of the kind Greek, and Strumpet: (amongst others mentioned) for truth, for the heart of all Creatures living in the air, and nourished by blood hath such a powerful and active elaboration of spirits, that the story of the Hind hath a very bad relish to be swallowed and digested for truth.  
Next the Lunary swell of the substance of the brain, filling the capacities of the Cranium, and ever in pulsative motion, makes the Greek and Whore both of bad reputation, to subsist so many years with life, and without grief, or any sense of the hurt as the History reports.  
Further that Iron corrupted into rust should so disquiet the ventricle, as he threatens (unless it be by the quality of the humour by which it was so altered, and with which it must be mixed, thereby mutually augmenting each others vice) since I have administered a large quantity of it alone, which hath not ended in such afflictions, not in the least motion that promised any violence to ensue.   

Position 5:  
THis is sufficiently refuted in the Treatise of the possibility of the Cure of wounds in the stomach, happening there in the discourse most needful and in order.  
But when as the Author speaks of the aptness of nature, to make delectable by use what at first was irksome, this experience confutes, since use of things loathsome increaseth rather that vice in our dispositions, not bestowing a gratefulness, for we see even in meats of soft and sweet juice (since our natures affect change and variety) the too frequent use of them, and continued yields them distasteful, much more balsamic Oils that carry neither to the eye, , or our imagination a shape, or taste to render them acceptable. What our Author hath set down viz. Ol. Com. Lib. S. Hiper Com. ℥. 2. being put together and imbibed, hath a very faint power to infuse a balsamicke virtue. Whereas in this Position also he relates a History of a Girl fed with poison by Napelly, a King of the Indians; what we begin with in our Infancy, being the spring and first buddings of nature may carry with it some success in naturalising contraries with our bodies; since in the growth of things such endeavours may be made most effectual by the necessity of increase, through which the body accepts such intentions (in the receipt) as aliment, and therefore is converted: as we may perceive in Plants whose colour and taste may be altered into the likeness of others, if as soon as the seed is sown, and that the earth hath swollen it with its moisture, we observe convenient waterings, with some mixtures needful (well known to the skilful Gardener) which in the maturity of them cannot be: so in our full years, when we are confirmed, or near confirmation, when growth of spermatick parts cease, and the Collumes of the body (the bones) have arrived unto their proportion; such conclusions must have a more able resisting, even to denial, besides our reason and imagination which in such Cases pleads with our palates.  
To assure this, where he quotes Avicen who saith, things accustomed cannot beget passion, it is (for his purpose) in part consented to, I mean Avicens intent, not the words, to confirm our Author's meaning, that extends to all bodies, without excepting constitution, or other abilities, which oftentimes doth compel a change.  
But I think Avicen is to be understood in robusticke laborious natures, in which accustomed things though never so gross cannot beget distemper, yet this hath a double cause, from the use, and pour made more able by labour: yet I hope he will allow delicate bodies a change of diet, since they cannot submit in that, to such custom, besides, change is the custom which they observe, and then he will conclude such order cannot be broken without peril: so that our Authors own Argument denies his assertion, for if change in such bodies is their custom, assuredly their stomaches cannot continue one sort of food to nourish the body with quiet, much less imbibe Oils and such compositions a sufficient time to infuse qualities, unless we imagine that our Author would have nothing to do in his Art, but with such rustics.  
When he citys Paul Averrhoes, and Hypocrates in the alteration of Medicaments, they witness against his Opinion (especially if he means internal administrations, as to imbibe a quality must be by such) since such variety they only ordained to shun loathing.  
Further in this Po●●tion he hath worthily distinguished betwixt preservative and curative remedies, that, since to keep the body whole and without disease requireth a strict, and in all an equal defence from the six things not natural in their extremes, viz Sleep●, Watchfulness, Sloth, Exercise, Fullness with its quality, or Emptiness: Haec enim sa●●ta●●● tu●●dae praecepta sunt: which Rules admit no alteration without peril: also if any inclination be discerned in the body, ●ot yet of growth, or being, to offend, the remedies that shall be administered, either to corroborate, remove, or alter, by humecting, or desiccation, by cooling or adding heat, by relaxing or restriction, or in all these a temperance intended as the cause shall instruct, must not suddenly be altered, or without an assured reason and great care, for since one thing is to be effected nature delighteth in one sort of remedy (though altogether it be not so in diet and untriment) in whose society it rejoiceth, and is mutually assisting, partly in the long use, since thereby it hath insinuated without disturbance into nature, this affection being also assisted by a sensible relief, and thereby made more acceptable; likewise by reason the relish or palate is by Disease depraved, and so made apt to take what hath a different taste, which must be maintained, least by change it refuse all, and grow weary of the choicest, now though these orders seem to maintain our Author's argument, in the drinking of balsamicke Oils, they no way assist in that case: since the body being without a natural Disease requireth not any such observations, the evil the rustic was afflicted with was accidental, and yet procuring no mutation in the body; and in any such disasters by the infliction of a wound; if the Physician should then by balsamic Oils seek to endow the body with any such qualities, since the Curative work must suddenly ensue, and break up the order of preservative institutions. He would condemn himself in the success of a notable errors, the wound drinks now in practice (by the excellent Surgeons of these days) excepted, which being nutrimentally employed, are of wonderful effect: for which purpose all Surgeons that use the Sea, should carefully in a clear dry air, and the shade prepare them for keeping and their use: Mr. Doctor R●ade in his Lectures on wounds hath set down the most efficient.  
To end this. in all preservative administrations (if a dangerous necessity urge not the contrary) the Physician must carefully observe both the constitution and , and so fit his prescriptions, that they may be agreeable to the one, and acceptable to the other.  
For the Curative remedies, the Disease must either deny or approve their continuance, and use, especially in inward griefs; yet in such change we must not be rash, but observing if nature be not disturb's with what is given, or weakened without profit to wait and hope a success, for when nature shall accept a remedy if it be administered by sound judgement, it will also extract a virtue and efficient power out of it, and positively employ it: we must also note whether the remedy be proficient or no, for it is not enough that it doth no hurt, but it is of necessity (if we intent a Cure) that it be profitable; for by such delays the strength of nature may waste and suddenly vanish. Besides as many miraculously, contrary to expectation or judgement, have been healed by the continuance of a medicine, so many thereby have suddenly perished: for the Physician by no humane reason, is able to know the secret works of nature, since without any visible or judicial appearance it often bursteth out into violent execrations, and either breaketh the unitings of stubborn and malignant Diseases, or expireth. Now, when such good effects are; the Physician must not then omit the change of Medicaments to help any commondable Act of Natures, (●o made able and endowed) in some other work, if necessity command.  
For topical applications the eye is the most ready discerner, and yet not always to be trusted but with judgement.    

Cap. 3. Censure of the sixth Position.  
IN this search I will not busy myself with the varieties of Authors that writ on this subject, which being collected and knit together appear a very confusion. I will only examine so far as my own Genius shall direct me; First, the nature of the faculties of the Magnetes, briefly. Secondly its substance. Thirdly, the working and congruity of its virtues in that substance. Fourthly and lastly, I will survey our Author's reasons from other simples grounded, to confirm the power of attraction to be retained in the loadstone being pulverised: and of these in order.  
First therefore concerning the faculties, it is to be questioned whether the power attractive and respective are wrought in the Stone by one spirit or no? since as it respects the Poles, it hath a will to pass unto them, but in the vigour of attraction to pull unto itself what it delights in: which are distinct virtues, and may argue a double spirit; but if we regard how inseparably these are united together, it is to be imagined (with some boldness) that these two functions are done by one only spirit: Moreover, if we consider how exact it is in all its affections, without change or contradiction; in both whose efficient powers, there is but one only order of disposing, and that immutable, yet each virtue with a certain dependency upon each other, and thereby mutually assisting, for two they were acted by a double spirit, proper to either virtue, this could not be without change, as those spirits shall be, either singly exasperated, or lessened, which in one spirit cannot yet alter order; which is unchangeable in its work either quickened, or dulled.  
Secondly concerning its substance, we may think if we will not admit a confusion, these to be brought to pass by one only vigour in itself, and yet assisted by the influence of the Poles, endewing the stone with a Planetary force to resist time, or age: first in itself properly living, which may well be said; for as the breath is p●t into our bodies by the Divine Creator, yet (by divine institution) it is maintained in our bodies, by their own effectual working with spirits, which subsist in nutriment: So, although the virtues may be Planetary, and brought into the stone by Influence, yet by a subtle elaboration in the stone they are sustained, and therefore properly living in itself, as also because if it be divided into many portions, yet every lump will have its Aequator, from which it equally divides and disposes its virtues, to either Pole respectively.  
These divisions wrought and altered by the vigour of respects, which although it be not done, by the substance of the stone altogether, yet it is by the spirit respecting, sustained in it, and may challenge some share in that work; next, being so endued, many handred years cannot visibly abate the qualities of the smallest stone, or deliver it perishable in the least: being also manifested, by such equal alterations in the stone, which shows its influence and Planetary immutability, which a though it be not so strictly knit to the substance of the stone, yet it is made a part of it by it; habitation.  
Further it must necessarily be possessed of a power in itself, because all bodies enriched with the influence of any constellation must have a fit and congruable substance, to entertain, nourish, and hold such qualities: also the virtual effects of some stones, more than other, approve it, as they shall be of substance, able to enterfaine such a quantity of spirits.  
Next it is of a similar growth, by its singularity of Sympathy only with Iron, not having affinity with any other Mineral, nor mixed with any other affection, which witnesseth a power in itself able to give unto it, and this not done by an absolute necessity, as compelled by a natural inclination, but voluntary as it giveth or requiteth, although there may be some such necessity suspected in its attraction for nutritions sake.  
Thirdly concerning its agreement of the virtues in its substance, if we examine what hath been disputed in the two former parts, we may well conclude that the foirit of respect, is chief derived from the influence of the Poles, yet inhabiting the substance of the stone, though not equally, and miraculously mixed with the power attractive in the same body, with which it passeth into the Iron; the spirit respective quickening the virtue attractive, and the virtue attractive fed and nourished by an admirable virtue in the Iron, which is made evident in the delight it enjoyeth in its proximity: the power of the Magnetes, in both qualities vivified and made more active, especially the attractive, by the Iron as it is food, out of which as the Magnetes extracteth nutriment, so it infuseth its proper excellence, and by which it bestows both the actual and potential efficacy of itself, more powerfully to other portions of the Irons nature, which is made plain in touching the Mariner's Compass Needle, for the Poles of the stone must be engirt with Iron, which Iron giveth the virtues, for as the stone exacts a tribute of food, by invisible workings; so doth it invisibly infuse the same measure of spirits into the Iron it extracteth, to shun vacuity: the spirits of the Iron being this food, by a natural propinquity and the substance; the ready and subtle distributer of its virtues with a wonderful equality and pureness: as if in it of those spirits, there were a second and necessary change for such uses.  
Now if what hath been said holdeth any scope worthy belief, than we must conclude the spirit attractive is wrought by necessity, requiring nutriment, and quickened by the spirit respective in the attraction; and since these qualifies are infused by our only spirit, dwelling in the stone, and done by Will, not compulsion (although the respective spirit is principally derived from the Influence of the Poles, yet pleased to inhabit the bowels of the stone, and there maintained in its fullness and vigour. It must necessarily follow, that if the respective spirit be lost in tituration, as it must needs be; the virtue attractive must consequently perish, since the respective power is the life of it, quickening, and making it active in all its duties.   

Cap. 4. A further search into the sixth Position.  
YEt more able reasons from the qualities of the stone in its body: and the virtues as there lodged and being may be collected.  
First if the Magnetes be generally, the Palace of these Virtues as the body is to the spirit, yet since the power attractive is particularly fixed, and chief and most powerfully planted there where the respective flame delighteth to dwell, we must agree that these virtues are not so essentially in the substance of the stone, since in two peculiar points of it, the spirits of respect please to appear (distinguishing either pole) which pull unto them the vigour of attraction, being the duller power, to be conveyed with the nimbler spirits of respect into the nature of the Iron, by which that wonderful infusion of qualities is effected: then if these powers are not every where equally distributed, but unsteady and flying (although our Author concludes them to be most firm and stable which this last assertion refutes) how can we hope, or by what reason shall we expect these powers to be detained in the stone so tightly reduced into powder, as the composition of an emplaster requireth.  
Further if we consent that these spirits are equally condayed, and so remain in every parcel of the Magnetes, and flying out where the most subtle part of the stone is, yet I would know by what power the virtues are so altered, by division; as if you separate by the Aequator (as near as possible may be attempted) the Arctic from the arctic, yet either part will assume unto itself an Aequat●r, and two spirits of respect, distinguishing either Pole with as able a virtue as the whole Mass possessed.  
Is not this wrought by a Planetary Influence in the respective virtue, able to alter its own property and nature with the attractive power when so divided, and to quicken it to its proper effect by a necessity in either Pole to exact its tribute: and doth not the Pole raised participate the greatest portion of the stone by reason the earth's condense body interposing the one, and the other by its proximity and being without any such interposition, made more lively, and doth not the attractive power also where the respective is weakened, fail in equal proportion with the respective? Assuredly yes; now can these be called steady, or are they not by influence there planted, These by experience made manifest: worthily approveth the conclusion of the third Chapter.  
Moreover to add the Sinews of another reason to the former, since the attractive so absolutely (as it appeareth to me depends upon the spirit of respect, and that also the Aequator necessarily is from the division, certainly we will consent, there must be a body left to entertain these distinct virtues, viz. The virtues attractive and respective of either Pole, with the Aequator, because they work in and by that body, or else if any virtue be wanting, or the body (being not of capacity to receive them) deny their society, since their number, and unity is so absolutely necessary, we cannot but allow a notable deprivation of their virtues, if not an utter ruin, and what substance can there be in the Magnetes, for such receivings of qualities so titurated? even as the finest Flower if we will according to Art confect an Emplaster. Moreover in union things best maintain their vigour.  
But say that in such Atoms of the stone being reduced into powder there should be all these virtues, yet whether they can be of power to effect what is expected in a work of such moment as the Prusian Swallow-knife was, with success and profit, is questionable?  
Some are of opinion that the fountain of this respective spirit, is about or near the centre of the earth.  
Their reasons are drawn from certain experiments from the Mariner's Compass, for the point of the Needle being touched hath a kind of inclination downwards, which they term dipping: also if the Needle by the South end of the stone be endued, yet on this side the equinoctial it will have a northern respect, though not so nimbly in its quality appearing if touched by the Arctic seat of that virtue, in which sudden change and subtle passage, there must be an excellent spirit allowed, agreeable in all points to what hath been prae-written but the verity of this assertion I leave to be made known by time and experience: for since in no manner it weakeneth the argument in mention, but if well and truly considered strengthens it.  
Nevertheless it appeareth strange unto me, that since it is generally known that the Magnetes (possesseth two Poles) and yet should not infuse the like distinct virtues by touch, into the points of the Needle, but with so swift a mutation of the virtues of the one into the effects of the other, which rather seemeth to be a defect then a power.   

Cap. 5. A prosecution of the Censure of the sixth Position.  
NOw let us deny what hath been discoursed, and conclude that the Magnetes being reduced into powder shall yet retain the quality of attraction yet it cannot be with that power as to penetrate the substance of the Ventricle, the muscles, fleshy membrane or Cutis, because the quickening of the respective spirit must out of all doubt be wanting: and although our Author may select out of his merry Stories, boasting the effects of the Loadstone (as he intends to his purpose) in pleasant pastimes by carrying Needles to and fro, on the face of the water with the like, which he unprofitably reckons up, to put nerves unto the feebleness of his Argument: I hope he will consider by what power in the Magnetes all these miracles are perfected, no other forsooth but by the power attractive simply, which desireth a kind of aliment from the nature of Iron is in the needle.  
Further he must agree that the respective faculty cannot be infused but by touch, (as he doth not confess in his Tale, but experience in some sort being above his authority, and all his numbered witnesses that have purchased their seeming reasons, out of the labyrinths and disquiet of their own fancy and brain sick Opinion, with the suffrage and allowance of the multitude, that are easily seduced by the common report, & allow consent of men's deservings in such mysteries without approving) confirms this affirmative, by which touch both the attractive and respective vigours are given to the Iron more effectually, and that this motion on the brim and visage of the water is done through the qualities of the Loadstone, in whose sphere and circular extent the needle is, letted by no interception; for if you touch the needle thereby endewing it, it will as he reports, dance after your hand, moving the Magnetes under a thick table, (yet within the bounds of its sphere) other wise it will not so move if untouched, or but slenderly, for it is wrought by the spirit of respect, which is of power to penetrate condense bodies, and vicinity of the stone, which absent, and the needle aptly planted as in the Compass it doth as it were forget its inferiors benefactor; and earneth after its Pole or Centre, being the first spring and Original of such influence, from the second treasury; but how this could appear in the Rustics Knife, not being touched is doubtful, unless it be granted by the heat of nature, Refutation incorporating in itself such a force enticed out of the stone, by which it may be so drawn, by the muscles and flesh so endued on which the emplaster was applied, (which were vain, since it gives its spirit to no other metal but to Iron, much less to make our flesh virtual) yet whether being mixed with Oils and fatty ingredients, that have only a vegetive, not a vi●all heat in them, as the muscles have notably to pull from it, (as he reports their force added may illustrate the vigour of the Magnetes) this attraction may not be letted, is questionable.  
Since fire may be quenched with Oil, Simile. if there be a fit quantity, that can embrace it, by reason of its abundance actual coldness and moistening, although it be a ready material to be converted into flame, yet not in that form, Gums although they have the virtue of attraction, yet since they labour not with that spirit and power the Magnetes doth, they cannot be said to quicken its spirit, but rather to dull and extinguish it, by their adverse faculties, especially being rend by Tituration.   

Cap. 6. A further search into the sixth position, being the fourth and last part of our examination of our Author's reasons drawn from other simples etc.  
Whereas the Author in this Position hath cited Gums and other Drugs to strengthen the Opinion he holds, (now in question) he is much mistaken as I think, in their natures, Gums and other Drugs being extracted have their portion, and exact not a future or successive nourishment for they dry, Reason. 1 whither, and in small time lose their properties, which approves the foregoing Reason: Reason. 2 
Gums and oils.  next they do not visibly draw forth, but rather (or for the most part by heating and humecting with a comfortable warmth and dew, grateful and vegetating the part, whereby nature is rather assisted to expel, than altogether freed by the proper power of attraction in the medicament: Reason. 3 next they being mixed one with another by melting or otherways, are as it were one and the self same in consistence or nature, be they Rosins, Wax, powders of Seeds, Roots, Fruits, etc. these not possessing so admirable a spirit as the Magnetes, to vivify their virtues, which hath fellowship in its operative power only with Iron, but Gums and Drugs have a changeable affinity to be suspected, and with all members of the body (and otherways) either similar or dissimilar, and uncertainely working, which shows they are not of that excellent Creation, perfect and certain as the Load stone, Reason 4 but of a grosser birth and imperfect, and certainly congruity of things makes them more efficient, when contrarieties impediat and kill the faculties of one another, as we may gather out of the composition of Medicines, where many simples naturally vicious and hurtful in themselves, are by the addition of others grateful unto our bodies, and oppugnant to their qualities of hurt and poison made helpful and corrected, if any pact of their substance either the gross or subtle holds in it a temper to be changed or assisted, being of a dissimilar growth, all which may be allowed in the Magnetes, and Gums, &c, though not venomous, yet of opposing natures, the one pure, the other imperfect: to enlighten this reed Weekerus, Lib. 4. Pract. Generalis. Cap. 20.35, 36.  
Reason. 5 Next Oil, Pepper, Cloves, Gums, Seeds, Fruits, Root, Leaves, Flowers, etc. have all apt bodies to be pulverised, in whose tituration and mixture one with another, there can be no perishing of Virtues, but addition, and that for two regards.  
Cause. 1 First they have that excellent respective flame, to lose which the Magnetes hath to give life and action to their gross birth and substance (of which it is begotten) and in which the spirits dwells reciprocally sustaining one another, which by division broken up and lost must needs produce the ruin and ceasing of both in their functions and power, as before spoken (repetition in matters so difficult being needful to recover memory, and guide the intellect) Cause 2 Secondly they are but several portions of one root, by so many differences of nature in their issue and spring, and by her labours, divided into as many figures and changeable parcels of Gums, Seeds, Roots, Fruits, etc. which being reduced again into one body by pulverizing and kneading, or melting together make up the same mass which nature in her will intended to be but as one lump, yet by such alterations succeeding one another according to the season, both of heat, coldness, moisture, or dryness, and their mixtures in their buddings, and through the change of time, they are endued with: it cometh to pass, they appear out of their Coats in such variable shapes, colours, and distinct Virtues; now the Loadstone being entire, and having no other issue then itself by nature intended such, and by her will made the same and unchangeable by seasons being bruised, must lose the vigour of itself, 
Nota.  for we must make a difference betwixt things which nature hath brought forth divided, and those which she hath delivered whole, the divided offspring of her womb, garnished with many forms, more Virtues, though begotten from one Root, brought into one heap, or body, is but the pulling bacl of things to the first intent of nature, which although it be done with an abundant change of what they would have been, in her first intention, yet in consent and concordance of their qualities their Virtues may be quickened, and in effect are but the same she did intent.  
But those pieces of her Womb she brings forth entire of one only substance, colour and Virtue, not to be altered by times or seasons, warmth, coldness, dryness, moisture, not visibly collecting or losing power, thus to be crushed and broken must needs slake their Virtues, if not utterly quench them.  
What may be objected out of this last part of this discourse, in affirming that Gold and other Minerals lose not their Virtues by pulverizing is vain, for the Loadstone will not, so fare as it is possessed with their matter and substance, but they are not enriched with its spirit both attractive and respective, concerning which the Reader may be better satisfied if he please to look back to what's pre-written. Now I am not so confident, but that I submit to the judicious, only it doth not appear unto me that the Magnetes reduced into powder and so incorporated, can retain its Virtue attractive, but I will descend to experience.  
Master Bond my very worthy friend, an honest and painful Student in the secrets of the Load stone is of this opinion, I am assures he is able to give satisfaction in this matter to the ablest, since these times can harely afford his equallin the Mathematical Studies, and mysteries depending upon that Art.   

Cap. 7. Censure of the seventh and eighth Positions.  

Position 7.  
IN this Position he hath worthily set down the Rules of Indication, whereby the Physician is able to know what is menaced, and thereby invited through a necessity, to study the letting of what may be dangerous, if arriving as threatened. Indeed the Disease, the Cause, and strength of the Patient, are those three principles, which we should always respect, and labour to be well instructed in. First, the Disease must employ our understanding to know, if it either in quantity quality, or both offend, venomous, abounding, or together. Next if one humour, more or all it hath infected, to which may be added, where the seat of the evil is, if in the noble parts, or parts serving, yet equally dangerous, or other ways, or whether the grief hath implanted itself in one, more, or in all parts serving, by its own proper quality and venom, as in pestilent Fevers, etc. or accidentally.  
The second needful enquiry is, of the Cause, whether that hath power, from the defects and want of nature in itself, or by accident and disorder. The natural failings are either spermaticall, or age, parentally conferred, or by the common Devourer Time, out of which Causes are thrust forth many branches: to the judicious most evident. The accidental are innumerable, and from different means, the disquiets by disorder are likewise many, but commonly our own.  
The third quaere is the strength and estate of the afflicted body, totally, as in Fever, etc. from one Cause, or totally from accident, as in Symptoms: or member, simply without accidents, or else, compositively with, or partly, as in Apostumes, etc. or totally, as in Sphacelus, or corruption of the whole flesh and bone; in all which we must carefully consider whether the body or member be of ability to assist a medicine of force, able to root out the evil by concocting it without trouble, or languishing underits violence, or no: or else to endure the assaults and rage of the distemper, till itself by paroxysmes, and those come evacuations in their end ensue, shall waste itself, and not eat up the treasury of strength or no?  
These circumstances are so needful, that without their knowledge we cannot promise to the sick any hope of their recovery being never so apparent, but the Physician shall be puzzled with many varieties, which will shift his reason into a labyrinth of idle doubts, neither can he (if he be ignorant of these) advise himself by the Index of nature whether it be safe to attempt, Ex irpare, aut morbum palliare, haec enim opera in verâ causae et virum consideratione constant et indicata sunt. The Histories he hath numbered & related, of many that have lived without some principal part, in some measure supporting the throne of life, I cannot altogether so fit to my belief as to conclude them worth repetition, yet of this anon. What he mentions to happen by Disease carrieth some show of possibility: History In my knowledge, a man suffering under lues venerea had Os frontis, by the cruelty of the Disease perforated like a sponge; out of which issued abundance of malignant quitture, by fits ejected, as the Arteries upon his breathing were filled with air.  
History. After his Decease his Cranium being dissected, it was manifest that the brain was notably consumed, and totally infected; also a Greek woman dwelling in Scio, of the age of twenty six years, having for thirty months expectorated a rotten stinking purulent matter, after her decease her Thorax being opened, her Lungs were almost wasted her Liver dried up: for assuredly from the Liver that quantity (even to admiration) of matter is violently pulled into the corrupted capacities of the Lungs and see ejected, by which it cometh to pass the body doth so suddenly extenuate: for it may be presumed, the Arteries in the want of those moist dews which engirt their tunicle may let lose the vital blood, which may sweat through their Coats, and he diffused into the fold of the Lungs, which being empty of natural humidity to quench their flame, and thereby made hot by them, without remedy, this exhausting of Radicke moisture must follow, which by the pestilence of the sick member suddenly altered intomalignity, the function of the breast as readily exonerates.  
There is often made a cista, out of the pannicular enclosing of the Lungs, or breast, filled with this matter or corruption, which having there a place of receipt, and in some measure by conversion into so vile a quality continually vexeth, with a sharp and violent cough, together with ejection of that filth which cough and expectoration miserably extenuating and disturbing the body ceaseth not, until that Bag be separated, partly by rottenness in its own root or uniting, and partly by violence of the breast in its unvoluntary motion, thereby dis-uniting it, and till then is ever without remedy: this to many happens.  
Yet that the heart should so be spent, I cannot relish a consent to believe it: since all other parts as it were from a necessity, depend upon it: but the heart hath no necessary derivation but from itself; the Liver, Lungs, and Ventricle, etc. ordained to serve, as all Creatures doewait in their duties the occasions of man.  
But whereas he reports of some, that have lived without a Liver, or Spleen, from their birth, is most fabulous; can a substance be begotten of nothing? or can a thing be without its matter? no more can these bodies of ours be without Livers, they being the well springs of blood, and the food of all members: the Liver is the Aliment of the heart, and the food of that vital fire, the dews of the brain, and the milk of the fleshy members, articulations, and bones: but if without a Liver, without a Spleen, Object since that is occasioned in nature by the Liver. What may be objected that other Creatures have being without Livers, Reply. as some Fishes. Worms, etc. I answer, they are gotten from their like, next the air in which man breathes, requires heat and moisture as the Liver is possessed of, which the earth and waters hold not in an agreeable mixture: Next, Creatures of base birth, as Flies, Maggots, Spiders, etc. as they are raised from a corrupt matter, so they end, and have necessity of no part, and indeed that Women have lived without a womb carrieth some shape of tr●th, and cannot want a reason, since it only serves for conception, being the seat, and is the utmost Gate of the natural purge, some never have them by a hot and dry intemperature of the Liver by which they are consumed, for out of the superfluities of the Liver they are begotten, and by their natural moisture, etc. many are barren, and seem to have no use of it; for an eye, ear, or other the like member, may challenge as great need to be, as it, but not with such danger wounded, because the Matrix hath affinity with sensible parts and is made of them; in the following Section he speaketh of medicinable Herbs boiled in his broth, which I will add to this Chapter: Excellently was those medicamental Herbs, boiled with his alimental broth being both sustenance and medicine, by which nature not only receives a medicinal quality, to finish the evil, but also a nourishment to the enfeebled body so necessary to both, that without it the wound had been more perilous in two notable respects; 
● Respect.  First, what is in the shape of medicine, our will doth naturally loath, and although in our knowledge we conclude a necessity of the receipt, yet our affections hurt with a kind of abhorring, makes what is administered most ungrateful, and less able in the efficient Worke. 
● Respect.  Secondly, what is so mixed with alimental substance, not only is received, but by the sympathy of parts with it is concoct, with more sweetness and liking the medicinal virtues of the Herbs, thus being more apt to infuse quality then as this Treatise mentions by Balsamicke Oils, irksome both to the eye and pallet.   

Position 8.  
MOst assured is the conclusion of this Position, in the benefit of nature and her unsearchable ways, to thrust forth what is obnoxious either in the quality or quantity: Hypocrates (in this puzzle of secret confluxes) concluded, the paths of nature to be inscrutable, nevertheless, although this congealed blood by the Veins emptied was a miraculous benefit in nature, yet it is possible in reason, for the blood out of its proper seat curdling and clodding together, by that sweetness and congruity it holds with nature, might be sucked in by the Mesenterics, Reason. 1 which by the dry heat of the Liver (then enlarged by Fever) knitting into a solider body (for what divides not by moisture, by heat indurates having an earthy substance mixed with it) may so be sent, with the Urine to the reins, and there lodged, and if heaped into a mass, and implanted in the branches of the Kidneys, being too difficult, or too big to be evacuated by the ureters, may by the power of nature, to exonerate itself of such obstructions be shivered and broken into smaller portions and so ejected, as we see in the concretion of the stone: moreover that the heat of the Liver may so knit the curdled blood, being of a clammy substance, is manifest, Example. since by that heat it baketh into Gravel, the viscous salt excrements of the blood which I think must be the seat of the first matter of the stone begotten; although the Kidneys and Bladder be the moulds, where it receiveth firm increase and hardness. This is most evident in the Livers of beasts, that when abundance of this tartarous substance hath been with slime compact, it bath even in the Gibbous and outward flesh of the Hepar begotten stones.  
Reason 2 There may be another cause of this emptying, if the effusion of blood should so be pulled in, by the attractive power of the Liver, it may not suddenly settle into heaps, in regard it is yet in the continent of natural heat, besides being accompanied with sufficient moisture, but the Liver burdened, hastening the thrusting of it forth, it may more swiftly be conveyed to the Kidneys, which descending into the Bladder, and there pausing may have a space of retention in that place, till it be so settled and united, nevertheless it cannot be denied, but as an acceptable and profitable duty in nature and as wonderfulll, so to expel it.  
One History amongst the rest of the Matron of Cullen, in my opinion is of small credit, since where there is no air (as in the Grave there cannot be) to refresh what is respired, smothering must needs ensue, it cannot be denied but that in such i'll take of all the faculties of the body if life remain, Reason. the Lungs must needs move though not to be discerned by us, because the vital heat requireth a fit cooling, to its vigour and power: but how this could be given it in the Sepulture it startles me; next in such Recoveries all the Aromatic Cordials are too little often to good success, Reason. 2 and what comforts could be in the Pit, but the frost of Death, and fetters of Moriality. I cannot imagine, the Apothecaries have but few Drugs there, and the best are Earth, Worms, which are apt to devour then raise up bodies in that frozen zone.  
Object Or if you conclude that this Caros and congelation may so stupify a body, even so that it draweth no breath into the Arteries, 
Refuted by 3 Reason.  and yet that there may be life, yet the good luck of this old woman must be such that at the very instant she must awake out of her Trance, when her Grave was opened (and not before) or the issue of her body would have been Worms instead of Sons, for if before (but few minutes of time) the Grave was redigged, she had revived, (since then the heart must have required a due portion of breath, therewith to fill the Arteries and Veins, and abate and temper its fury, she must have perished by suffocation, for supplies of fresh Air, are so necessary to life, that with much less want, most able Bodies have been destroyed.    

Cap. 8. Censure of the ninth and tenth Positions.  
THese two Observations in the first of this Position which our Author (by the authority of Hypocrates) delivers to be carefully avoided. etc. Timidity, and Temerity, are of such effect to the dishonour of the Physician, and ruin of the Patient, that they are certain producers of both: I will only discover the events in their several parts, and first of unnecessary fear in the Chirurgeon, which extends either to the Patient, or remedy chief to the Patient, when the Chirurgeon for want of knowledge (for from impotence in Art both those errors issue) shall judge either the constitution to be weak, by his ignorance in its composition, or else not of an apt making for some sort of remedy: these Objections he frameth to himself, not from the grounds of reason, or experience, (both which admit a Science) but from a weak capacity, united with a desire to know: the first, unable to examine a truth in difficult conclusions: the last, carrying him into many readings, whose obscurities beget the greater distractions, which he not of power to wind out of, sinketh into a miserable doubt, being the mother of his fears; since assurance in all undertake ends with best success. The other Branch of this fault is, a jealousy of the remedy: in which being not able with profitable judgement to question the nature, and temperature of the ingredients, he must rest disturbed; for in such knowledge of their operation, either by a subtle, or open force; agreeable, or with some ruff quality, (whereby he is enabled, to correct, or subdue a Vice in any simple) he is with a safety in the administration satisfied: in which want he must ever be suspicious of good success, and conscious of much mischief: of this sort are those in whose natural gifts there is not that salt, is necessary in such mysteries: being only fitted with sufficiency for mechanic Arts, in which the eye of the body (and not that of judgement) is most required, the first almost sufficient, and but a little glimpse of the other making it so; some such now a days under expert Physicians are bred up, and live in the common allowance: but yet are barren in what they profess: their Tutor's excellence and authority holding them up in the storms of Opinion, that they perish not, in despite of that weight of ignorance hang● upon them, which 〈◊〉 benefit to them only, and no more. But a destruction to many, if their consciences are not more sensible than their brains, in desiring the advice of the more able.  
Next Temerity, (answering the first definition) is a prompt Excutioner of evil, Self counsel, and of the two is the most dangerous: it is a sudden disposer of of things worthy, a careful examination, and in its best work, and ablest resolutions is always to be suspected, but most commonly ends in destroying; it neither regards constitution, customs, congruity, age, or season, to all which the expert and careful Physician (that takes in charge his own conscience, as well as men's lives: lest that he willingly wounded more perilously, than the afflicted Patients body) must have a wise regard: first respecting in view of the Patient, constitution, either of body or member, to which the medicine must have a congruable force, quality and substance, a force not to overthrow, but help, a quality agreeable, without violence, a substance apt to be received.  
Secondly, custom we must question: for when that Idea of nature hath ruled, that the Physician must labour to imitate for what hath been of long continuance cannot be altered even i disease enforcing such alteration, without had events and peril, in this discourse I will only remember some Histories. In the time of my service to the Emperor of Morocco, and chancing after the overthrow he received (from Hume●-ben Booker the Saint) at the river of We●labid, near the foot of the mountain Atlas: many Moors there dangerously hurt, and with myself by flight escaping visited me, at my house in the City of the jews (where all Christians have residence) imploring Cure, I receiving some that I judged curable though not profitable, into my care: and in my proceed for their recovery with such Medicines the Country afforded, and instituting them a spare diet and change of fare; (their food being rude, viz. made of stour, and some other course mixtures moulded into small corns like Coriander seeds, and throughly heated by the steam of their Flesh pots which they term Cuscosu●) and much: (they being greater eaters) even to gluttony, to which ●●●nder life they were not easily persuaded, but by enforcing (since if they would not follow my order, I denied in nothing to assist them) with regiment, when they had consented to, & but some few days vigilantly observed, I found that a sudden languishing without reason (which if it had continued would have been without remedy also) afflicted them: at last examining what might be the cause of this extenuation, attended on by ●●●x, and fever, without the least success in their wounds: by which afflictions, faintings ensued, even at every dressing, and sensible touch of their griefs (which hindered the due applications) I considered the cause might be in the want of their accustomed sustenance; since the quality altered, to such whose bodies even from their births were sustained by one sort of Aliment, must needs beget a distemper, as also the quantity, since being used to labour, and thereby still to be furnished with good appetites, and they to be satisfied with fullness; as also commonly rising from meat, to lie down to sleep, in the want of which custom, they rather enduied a famine then an Order. I returned (upon this consultation with myself) to them, their liberty of feeding both in quantity and quality: whereby their strength was suddenly restored, and their wounds recovered, the disgestive power more commendably, even to consolidation and siccatrice all things happening to my expectation: delicate bodies using change of diet, sometimes quickened, and likewise dulled in the desire of food, as the disposition of the stomach, or nature of the viands presented shall invite or refuse, are best able to stoop profitably to the strict institutions of Physic: by reason such change (as is said in the second Chapter, and survey of the fifth Position) is their custom.  
Thirdly Congruity, both of medicine and part must be enquired after: in the defect of either there may follow, inflammation, or stupefaction, and from both, different and fatal end, or extenuation, or some Hydropic dispositions either in body or limb, or from both, to both a certain ruin.  
Fourthly Age, must be diligently questioned and in that ability, which neglected, the power of a Medicine may suddenly extinguish the natural beat, either by suffering or benumbing for aged bodies full of rheum, by much suffering and dolour, are easily inflamed, and by narcoticke remedies are as readily stupefied even to extinction, if they exceed in the least ability, which errors youth would wrestle with, and overcome.  
Lastly, season must employ our judgement, since it both monthly by the Moon, and conjunction of Planets, as likewise parts of the year quarterly presents us with many varieties worthy our note and observance, and if fitly applied (in the scope of our intents) are both pertinent, and profitable.  
Next, Rashness, in the application of Medicaments is an Argument of weakness knit to a kind of impudent boldness, the effects sometimes are to extirpation of life, frequently to amputation of a limb, and that operation is by such often attempted, and done with a barbarous rudeness, where topical remedies with judgement administered would have promised a restauration, and have brought to pass so excellent a duty: a lamentable work, and to be deplored.  
Of this rank of Practitioners, are Tooth-drawer's, Mathematical Fortune-tellers, and that rabble of women, which strut up and down with their skill in their pockets, which they purchased from the Chirurgeons boy for some Garment trifle, when the events of their lusts, their diseases and poverty thrust them into the Hospital, to be patched up (for this employment) by those worthy houses of charity: neither will they omit, to bolster out their wickedness, with some show of ability, to those whose misfortunes, and sottish ignorance hath thrown them into their hands, and their own beds, in depraving the worth of so many worthy gentlemen, the Physicians and Surgeons of those two free Mansion-places for the poor and maimed; whose knowlenge and care meet in one Centre, and are equal, both great, and each one the cause of the other, and inseparably united.  
Furthermore, whereas he saith the passions of this Position of Anger, or Fear in superficial wounds should altogether be the cause of such deplorable conclusions, I cannot approve his testimony; certainly the viciousness of humours flowing to wounded members (often times the abundance ●onely is of strength to produce, or bring with them lamentable accidents) and begetting strange alterations in tender natures, whereby Fever is incited, by erosion, and inflammation, and such humours kindling and putrifying in the Veins by such heat, may be the chiefest cause of such mischiefs, although the Discourse in this Position allow it but a second and succeeding means being derived, yet made more able by the violent motions of the mind.  
Indeed they are of a powerful quality, dail experience witnesseth, in the sudden alteration of the Visage, the spirits and blood being pulled bacl with a kind of violence, in all these passions: viz. Anger, F●a●e, and sudden Terror: but whereas he speaks of Histories, yet relates none, that men may die of Anger the truth is to be suspected: The passion of Anger, and the rest are simp'e passions, not mixed with any other; (as guilt is, which is mingled both with fear and anger, and therefore cannot properly be called a passion) but as the sudden ebullition of the spirits, causeth a drawing unto the heart by abundant heat which naturally attracts the spirits dispersed into the Arteries and Veins, in the service of the body; so doth it as readily drive them out again, to execute what the mind in such rage shall either conceive to be a revenge, a satistaction, or remedy, insomuch that the parts of the body not left destitute of heat for many minutes, cannot perish by an Apopler, unless the matter was prepared, and lurking in the brain, that laboured under such a griefs, which this short deprivation of heat may occasion, as our Author affirms.  
Next fear is of a more kill nature, since it is a distress that liveth in the body for much time, as the occasion shall enforce: besides, as it is properly seated in the heart, which man sensibly seeleth (although the animal spirits in the brain by their faculty, through knowledge of the cause and event, presents it and makes it available) so it defuseth an evil se●nper into the blood and natural spirits, quenching their vigour also: procuring a vile alteration by extinction of the conserving flame of the body, which at last forsaking the blood, leaves behind it an inveterate grief, which seizeth on nature, by a kind of infiring in every member, even to perishing, but this is after some time.  
Further sudden terror, of all the rest is most apt to bring forth such lamentable events; for this passion not only seizeth on the heart, with a strong power of fear, whereby as it were crushath it to pieces, but by a necessary and furious calling bacl the vital spirits (sent abroad into the channels of nature) to its aid; it threatneth a stifling in the proper Vessels of the heart. Besides, in arger there is a boiling of the arterial blood, by which their quality of heat is maintained, which bursting forth meets the flowing of the spirits, and thrusteth them bacl, to their seat & duties, and reviveth them by piercing through them; but in this assaulf there is no such elaboration, but a dulling even to insensibility, without any quickening, whereby follows a greater freezing of them in their fountain and place of arrival, so that they return not, if in part they do, yet it is with an irrecoverable feebleness: Further, scare hath its expectation, and can judge of the conclusion, which may a little refresh, but in this there is neither; not through reason, but the passion afflicted and ruling in its extremity: the differences thus fare opened I leave it to the courteous and judicious Reader.  
Moreover, whereas our Author attributes but a successive power unto the care, to beget such hurts, or to make stight wounds difficult, or mortal, I think he is in an error concerning this point, the passions of the mind effect without any material, but I hope he will conclude the ears to be a subtle one: since it is received into our veins, and arteries, and according to its impurities and corruption, leaveth there its tincture and condition, these pestiferous seasons are witnesses, with the allo once of all grave Writers, besides many chronic evils, with have been cured by the only benefit of the air: but of this enough.  

Position 10.  
ALthough this Position admits of tents to the depth of profound wounds, yet I conclude that it is not so strong an Argument, as to be followed, or approved, but rather that the tents should not pass too fare, or too much beyond the membrana carnosa.  
The works of nature are the safest and most acceptable, in which amongst her examples of memory, her defence from the hurts and oppressions of contraries, are not a little to be admired. I will not Muster up a Legion of Histories to repeat unto the wise her common labours, but as our present occasion invites will only search the truth of this position.  
It is assuredly confessed, that to lodge in the confines of nature, any thing that is contrary to her being, must be an offence and a disease, we must also consider that what is not of her must be offensive, as we see by things violently carried into her bowels, which hath and doth frequently so employ the skill and care of the Chirurgeons to draw forth, or free nature of, we may further know, that what hath been so left (especially being either in bulk and form terrible) hath been the cause of lamentable events even to destruction. Then I would know by what Rule these times use the stuff in of great Tents, or dossells of toe into the broken members of the body, to extend and wound the muscles and sensible parts by unnecessary dilations? Doth the Artist seek to extract offensive things by which only nature is freed, and will he presume to thrust them, or the like into her entrails? doth nature labour the dissolving of griefs, and will the Surgeon's hand produce dolour? did the afflicted Patient suffer the pains of the wound in the receipt by Gun shot, or the like violence, the torment of incisions to enlarge the Orifices of the wounds, the better to convey in Instruments for the pulling forth of what is against her will or sufferance there lodged and after all these endure will the Physician cram in all bad evils as he drew forth, in passing flannulas and Tents through and into the tender compositions of the members of our body, whereby there is a writhing and punction of those parts of exquisite sense produced, and no profit, Object if they that affirm such Tents necessary, should say that they cause healing from the bottom as they commonly dispute I reply, Refutation a pretty Argument to make good an error, it is the providence of nature to effect the benefit of such healing, since 'tis her labour from thence to expel, in which Virtue, with a sweet and unwonted heat without such Tents, she doth perfectly the work of Incarnation, which imperfect heat must needs impediat, Reason. 1 and where there is pain, such imperfect heat must consequently be, what else is her common ejections of Apostumes even from the profoundest parts of her composition, what else is her thrusting forth of bullets, Arrow heads, splinters lost (in her fabric) to the hand of the Chirurgeon, and convaid through many secret ways in her frame, and sent out to our amazement; Is it not her duty in such hidden passages to enwrap those offensive materials, afflicting her in such measure with slimy compulsions, in which as in a Coat Armour, Reason. 2 yet as if it were made of soft pillows, she  them, that their shape or substance being either sharp or hard, should not (in her progress with them, to some convenient sink of her emptyings, or open and fit place to discharge them) again wound, hurt, and afflict her, and doth nature being the only Physician thus provide for her relief and safety, and shall we break her Law? or shall not she be a finger to a wise Physician, to point out, and appoint in her works of prosperity and success, what he should wait to beget, seek and attempt to do, who hath filled those vacuities and openings of her bowels, in the passage of such pieces of bones, splinters, bullets etc. with these, and join them together again but she? Advice. Next if you would heal from the depth, besides the excellent endeavours of nature, in this case you may insert comfortable Balms, whose warmth and softness searching into all the rents and openings of a wound, invites a happy success, when hard Tents, and such like fillings of wounds as is now practised, miserably exhausts the spirits of the Patient in long and tedious sufferings and haileth to the member a corrupt and vild condition through evil fluxions, and either destroys or makes the edill most torrid and stubborn, if not incurable.  
Object But if this use of Tents should not be, the mouth of the wound contracted would engird what is contained, and thereby be dangerous to hasten had symptoms.  
Solution. Tents are so necessary that their use must not be neglected, and the former Reasons are allowed, but yet no● further to be approved then only for the sufficient dilation of the Orifice, which only requireth Tents of such length that they may not two straws breadth pass beneath the Membrana Carnosa, being so fitted that they may be large at their heads, and small, soft, and slender at their points, 
Form of Tents.  in the penetrating wounds of the Thorax they may be framed longer, when our Author hath cited Tagaultius, in eight Causes to affirm the use of Tents necessary, I will briefly examine their necessity.  
First when wounds are etc. He cannot think that any power in the substance of a Tent is of a deterging assistance, in the Cure of wounds, or that in the making it hath any effectual quality to that work, what may be presumed by its arriving to the bottom is of weak force, to conclude a necessity, since more properly (as it hath been delivered) that may be effected by fitting Medicines, and the sering. For the enlarging of wounds, I cannot conceive what he means, since it hath been ever allowed that where wounds for the extraction of any thing infixed in the body are to be enlarged, or for conveyance of any Instrument to perform that duty, it is not so convenient to wait the dilation by Tents, since in such Cases there is a sudden (for the most part) execution required, and not delay, (without peril) to be endured; but this by the Knife to be brought to pass.  
Secondly in hollow wounds etc. It were a notable piece of folly, to think that in the generation of flesh Tents are requisite, which in old and unapt constitutions, and aged people is to be done, by medicaments that have a power to heal, and thicken the pure portions of blood sent to the part afflicted, for such intent, I may well say intent, since it is natures, for there is an end of all putrefaction, and malignity, there will be but bad or no generation of flesh begotten: which good event in the time of growth, and our youth is best perfected, more slow, after growth of parts, most difficult in age.  
Thirdly in wounds altered etc. this hath such dependency upon what hath been formerly said, that it need no other discourse to refute it, only a looking back to what hath been already disputed.  
Fourthly in contused wounds etc. I admire Physicians of such worth as their labours have registered them to posterity, should link objections of one sort and sense so together, rather to stuff a Volume and beget number then probability, in contused wounds (especially made by Gun-shot, which are most likely to be with perforation, and thereby to demand the use of Tents) what is absent that hath not been formerly spoken? is there not foulness since contusion cannot be dispatched without corruption? is there not loss of substance, since contused flesh which receiveth the air must needs putrify, and be separated by incision, or digestion from the sound portion: and if such loss be, must there not be generation of flesh, which is subsilly and often done invisibly, as the digestive power shall rid away the lost and rotten parts of the contusion? but I will be brief.  
Fiftly in wounds which with phlegmon etc. This is in all most unnecessary: for I would know, if phlegmon or any other Tumour can be so healed or removed? may not hard Tents rather cause such evils, which being thrust into the bowels of nature, and sensible parts, raise up into great pains, etc. I hope our Author will allow some other precepts to let the fury of bad symptoms, or he will be ever attendant with evil success in all his endeavours.  
Sixtly in those that are made by bitings &c. I must ever acknowledge the qualities of such wounds is venomous, which poison in them must of absolute necessity be discharged, which evacuation must rather be done by medicines attractive (than any other kind of remedy) which have a comfortable warmth in them, to alter and digest: I cannot be persuaded that any such power is in Tents, simply as they are; these sort of solutions rather requiring a liquid body to search and penetrate, than a fast that shall only hang upon a Tent, and not open itself to every part of the wound.  
Seventhly, in those that must be handled &c. which commonly are by the Disease opened when little flesh is naturally: yet in the fleshly parts, where the bones are lodged deep, there is indeed an expedient use of Tents, of indifferent length, for in such Fistulaes', the Orifice is subject to be drawn together, which out of all doubt must be hindered, for such corruption, or such defluxions, which have in them a malignity, must readily be emptied, since their retaining may cause the Ulcer to receive worse qualities, and degenerate into a more sordid temper.  
Eightly, Those that now by oldness etc. the former assertion in all points is agreeable to this, and needeth no other resolve.  
In the black Sea (the Turks being in fight with the Cossack's of Russia) near the River of Hos●a, experience sealed unto these Reasons, her allowance where many being wounded with Harquebuz-shot through the brawny parts of the Thighs and Arms, 
Experience  I healed only with Tents of not half an inch in length, placed in the inferior Orifice, being in the Turks Galleys not furnished with Medicines needful, only a spare diet ordered, to which naturally they are affected, which was of worthy assistance.  
For the deligation, I conclude necessary, as the member where the affliction is methodically, either in matter of the Action to hold together, or intentively to hinder fluxion to the part (by opening a capacity) shall instruct the Physician, in which both of time, and manner, how, and how long to be continued, his own observations must give him the best advice. As for the often shifting of dress, if the Pus issuing be virulent and sordid, either naturally or accidentally, it is necessary actually, twice in four and twenty hours to cleanse it because such filth must needs infect and erode the parts adjacent, and increase the evil both in quality and form: if grateful and commendable, but once, and that duly to be observed, without neglect. For it is to be presumed, be it never so laudable it would rot, but not in that time: and to shift dress oftener, it would dispose it to the air too much, which is most hurtful in wounds, and would hinder a secret work in nature, both incarnative and digestive (by a superstuous moisture maintaining putrefaction) & by altering the hopeful dispositions of the matter, and cooling the natural vigour, labouring that good effect, by both, of consolidation in the member.    

Cap. 9 Of the excellency of many secrets, and the abuse of Medicines of wonderful operation, being administered by unskilful people.  
IT is not unknown to the expert Practitioners of these days, how ancient Authors have given place to the use of many remedies, and with great success; for which they could hardly deliver a reason: for the secrets of nature are so inscrutable, that they pass the bounds of humane judgement, yet in the search of their working qualities, it is expedient that such persons undertake, that are truly endued with knowledge; for some there are, who out of vain glory attribute to themselves belief to end so great a labour, but these fail by that vice, which encourageth them, since it cannot live but with ignorance, its inseparable companion. Others by necessity are enforced to such Hyperboles of themselves, that a mean capacity may judge there is no truth in them: but others through a charitable inclination without any other respect, either of fame, or reward are invited, to such happy collections, even to the good, and relief of many. These are abundantly to be commended, and cherished; with these there also dwelleth a modest and commendable fear to attempt any thing, which delivereth itself full of doubt, to their eye and censure: in which they will not travail but with the advice of the expert Physicians: these are the richest and surest treasures of the poor, in whom they find certain relief, and by their charities in Medicine are made acquainted with the common distributions, which they bountifully share unto them, which by custom seems to be an inheritance: what other places of charity end in, they begin to perfect, when the afflictions of their bodies are taken off, they alienate them from further refresh: but such success endewes the Subjects of their pity, with many immunities; the mansions of the sick have one crop of compassion, but these many.  
Now although these pious Collectors for the poor (whose purses, in food, and remedies, are their Exchequers) may have many precious Medicaments, purchased from a naked desire to know and do good, yet many times they may err in the administration, for although Authors have left to the comfort of posterity most excellent receipts, yet if they be not with Art applied, they may as well ruin, as raise up: for the trust of health, we must not so much give unto the remedy as to the knowing Physician, that can employ it. There may be many exact colours mixed by a rude hand, from order and prescription, but the skilful Apelles, must put life unto them in the figure intended: without whose hand they would but sully a Table with confusions, and not present a shape; although I must in this matter confess weakness in me, yet I shall not fail (if any suspicion of danger appear) in those shall seek help from me, to use the assistance of some able Physician; for in my Travails, by observation, experience, & conversation with both jewish, Arabian, Italian, Spanish, and Greek Physicians, I have attained unto many worthy secrets, and shall be ever ready with my best skill and care of them, to assist those that shall employ me in their recoveries, especially in these griefs following, I have had good experience, viz. Gout in youth, Dropsy, when the virtues of the Liver only, and not the substance is wounded: yellow and black jaundice, Cough, and oppilations of the breast, Lungs and Liver, ulcers of the reins, gravel and stone in the Kidneys, strangury; Worms in children and people of age, falling of hair, French evil: sore breasts, not indurated by Cancer, or therewith ulcerated, and the like, in which the sick shall receive honest satisfaction, neither will I attempt things difficult, but with the advice of the skilful Physician, and expert Chirurgeon, attributing the success wholly to GOD, to whom be all Glory for ever. Amen.    
The end.   

An Historical Addition of the wounds of the Stomach admirably healed.  
Diomedes Cornarius, chief Physician to the most Sovereign Prince Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, Brother to the Emperor Rudolph the Second, in his admirable and rare Physical Histories, published in Lypsia, Anno 1599  
IN the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred forty six, in Bohemia a Countryman in hunting was byra broad-headed hunting-staffe wounded in the Ventricle about the stomach or the upper Orifice thereof, the wound was large, and was not possibly with any industry of Art to be consolidated; but the lips of the wound by little and little contracted a Callous. The gaping of the wound he stopped with an Instrument thereunto fitted, so that when he would, he could thereat with Linen Clouts make clean his stomach, and send forth the meat and drink he had ingurged. This the Imperial Majesty alone (who looked upon the wound) may sufficiently testify: as Mathias Cornare his chief Physician heard him oftentimes say.   

julius Alexandrinus, chief Physician of the Emperor Rudolph the second, in his Annotations to the fourth Chapter of Galens method of Physic, describes the same History somewhat more copiously.  
A Bohemian of a Town called Pugge-brot, who was wounded in the Ventricle, began thereat as often as the wound was dressed, to reject his meat. The Physicians hereat stood astonished, judging the chance desperate, and therefore handled they the wretched man neglectfully, and cured him not according unto Art, as being in that case utterly unskilful. So at last the lips of the wound began to be callous, there issuing always thereat part of the meat that he had eaten; sometimes very impure, sometimes I know not what kind of Chyle or juice.  
Thus the man left in this misery, only covering the wound with some clouts, and bandaging it about for some years lived. This man while the wound was green, had he had all things administered according unto Art, I suppose the wound might have been united and agglutined: because he lived after that a long while forsaken and neglected by the Physician, for the wound was not in any thin part of the Ventricle, but in the thicker and-more fleshy part, as is the constitution of the upper Orifice thereof.   

james Oethius in his Physical Observations records the like History.  
IN the Province of Fulda I was familiarly acquainted with 2 industrious Chirurgeons, David and john Schenk, who constantly affirmed to me that in times past they cured a robustuous Soldier, who by a rustic of Marpach in the same Province, was with a Hunting-staffe struck through the right Hypocondrium, and after they had diligently searched the wound, they perceived it to penetrate into the Ventricle, and thereat the meat and drink he had supped up altogether to gush forth. Wherefore declaring to the sick man, and to his kindred the greatness of the danger, assays the Cure, and penetrating that part of the Ventricle that was wounded, to the wound of the muscles of the Abdomen, and there with one suture fastened together the gaping of the Ventricle, and that wound of the muscles of the Abdomen. The Patient stoutly endured this dolorous kind of Cure. At last after the wound by little and little was consolidated, the sick man recovered his former health and strength. I enquiring after the truth hereof from the Countrymen of that Town, that were present at the Cure, they did all witness unto me that such a thing was done.   

john Gessen of Gessen, his History of a Bohemian Rustic, whoswallowed a Knife too.  
IN the year one thousand six hundred and two, and in May, there met me a Countryman of Prague, of mean stature, young and lusty, with a Surgeon in his company, who rehearsing that some few days ago being in a Winetaverne, he did in sport put a knife into his mouth, and it sinking to the Gullet unawares fell down and pierced into the Ventricle; desired that in that misery I would supply him with my advice.  
He unbuttoning himself, we saw a place bunching forth, which after we very heedfully handled, we found that the point of the Knife somewhat more blunted in the bottom of the sto nacke tending to the left side, but the haft turned towards the back. Therefore when I shown him the greatness of the danger, and that the Knife could not go bacl the same way it went in, nor also by the intestines could possibly come to be avoided; the Patient hereat astonished, and considering his misery, earnestly desired that forthwith by Section I would free him from inevitable death: But when I shown him too how dangerous it would be by reason of violent Symptoms that might come thereon by such an operation, and advised him to commit the matter unto nature, he did rest contented with my advice. For I declared unto him that in my time at Paris, a Knife likewise being swallowed down by a juggler, the ninth month after egreded by the groin. Thus I parted with this wretched man, seriously admonishing him not to stir, nor to stuff himself lest the Knife might change its place. And the Surgeon I charged to apply suppuratives to the part affected.  
A little while after the Knife endeavoured to come forth, which endeavour the Surgeon furthering with a Magnetical Emplaster, it did at last break forth. The Knife the Imperial Majesty hath commanded to be laid up amongst his jewels, and to testify the Miracle, to be preserved.  
Written at Prague on Saint john Baptists day. 1607.   

An extract of a Letter written from the famous Dan. Becker, to Otho Heurinus, Professor of Physic in the Academy of Leyden, belonging to the mighty States of Holland.  
Of the continual Apost●umation of the thin Gut, and Stomach, sending forth the Chyle.  
Most Noble Sir,  
A Matron, here this year one thousand sire hundred thirty eight, of the age of fifty years was much troubled beneath about the Navel with an Aposthume, which by reason of many causes came at last to be a Fistulous Ulcer, whereunto the humours from all about the body flowed: And she presently complained of a pain in the left Hypocondrium, where also a tumour of swelling did appear, which of its own accord broke and closed up again, a purulent matter by a sinuous way creeping even to the Orifice of the Fistula next the navel, and issuing forth thereat. By and by after there followed a Chylous matter of the mess she had eaten: and this was an evident sign that the intestine there resident was consumed. For ten days together of whatsoever she did eat or drink, two or three hours after there issued thereat a kind of Chyle, to the great terror of the Patient and standers by. The things premised that were to be premised, I prescribed her a potion of wound herbs, and advised that thrice a day she should take somewhat of this Balsam. Take of the simple Balsam of Mastic ℥. 3. of the tops of Hypericon. M. 1. let them boil a little and be expressed.  
It is wonderful, after ten days passed in that Cure, a perfect consolidation of the internal Ulcer in the intestine was obtained, so that after that nothing of the chylous matter by the Fistulous Ulcer under the navel issued forth. Hence we may manifestly conclude the unspeakable power of God and Nature (God's hand) in the curing of diseases, for which way was it possible the Chyrurgious hand should arrive at this secret ulcer, there to absterge the matter collected and to cleanse it? Ho wheit three months after the consolidation made there ariseth in this wretched body a greater evil; for whereas the Surgeon contrary to the charge of the Physician endeavoured the consolidation of the sinuous Ulcer under the navel, behold immediately there is matter collected about the left Hypocondrium, making a new Apostume, the opening whereof he neglecting, and the patiented greatly fearing nature does it of her own accord, and casteth forth the matter by the gaping lips of the Ulcer. Some few days after followeth a viscous phlegmatic matter, such as always lies upon a man's stomach. To conclude, whatsoever she takes issues at the Ulcer.  
All signs as well of the matter as of the place affected affested that the Apostume lurked in the bottom of the Ventricle, and being therewith eaten through and opened, yielded issue for the matter swallowed. I could not leave this wretched woman with the Prognosticke, and destitute of all help, because as yet she was somewhat strong. I prescribed therefore, that she should use with the decoction the consolidating powder of Bole Mastic, Lily Root, Quintessence of Crab's Eyes, and the like made up together, and that she should use this Balsam; of the Balsam of Mastic ℥. 3. of the Oil of Hypericon well prepared ℥. 1, S●m. mixed together, for five days together she continued the use thereof, by which time the Apostume of the stomach is admirably healed; so that afterwards for two month's space nothing came forth of what she had taken. But some three months past, when the Patient loathed the Medicines prescribed for her preservation, and that the Surgeon unadvisedly again assayed the consolidation of the Fistulous Ulcer under the navel (because it was the first that grew) there in that place next the ulcer was matter collected into an Apostume. This a long time after being opened, all that she had taken at the mouth together with had humour issued at the gaping. But I advised her then that nature could no longer endure any medicines and curing, because all the Corroboratives and Restoratives that were used immediately went forth at the ulcer: and she being spoiled of all her strength by the disease, old age and defraudation of her food, at last without any trouble or fear of death gave up the ghost. I could willingly have opened the Corpses, whereby I might have been an evident eyewitness of the constitution of so great and hidden a Disease, but that she desired not to be exposed to view, and put to search out the cause of her deadly Disease, her Kins folks also willing to observe her desire suffered not. But I rest, for fear I might nauseate and molest your excellence.  
Farewell and love still, most Noble Sir, Your most observant. Dan. Becker.   

SOme Histories in my own observations illustrated I will add, to give life to the former being in Morocco, there repaired unto me, a Moor of the Tribe of the Shabonetes, this man being wounded some three inches above the Navel, as he reported by a Turkish Haniarr, which is a crooked broad Knife they wear about them, and (which was a Miracle) without Fever, or any other Symptom walking six or seven days about his affairs, only applying to the wound a little Honey, their common Medicine, till at length by inflammation and rottenness in the wound, for want of digestive, helps and convenient abstersion, he was a little vexed with pain, therefore desiring my aides, as well as the Country could furnish me with remedies, I resisted the Accidents appearing, and having somewhat perfected the work of digestion, I perceived a portion of broth to issue at the wound, which but a small time before he had received at a jews house of his acquaintance, therefore concluding the Ventricle to be perforated, I advised him of the danger; which he making a slight account off, applied himself to his labour, which calling him thence, he requested me to give him some of the Balsam I administered to him, that he might finish the Cure in his absence from me, to which I consented, and in three weeks after he returned in perfect health, the Medicine was framed of these following ingredients: viz. Saint johns-wort Century, Spear Mints, Balm, Pennyroyal, Rosemary Flowers, Spikenard, Time, winter Savoury, Wormwood, infused in Dyle, to the straining I put Azibar, being a kind of course Aloes they have there: Turpentine, Rosin, Wax, and Honey, dissolved in the Oil, and boiled o●ver a gentle fire, to a fit body.  
May not also the Cure of R. P. be here again repeated, since he so happily was recovered, to the glory of God, and lived about a year and a half after, till he perished under the burden of a sorrowful Captivity, wherein I did partake with many other, where also expired.  
Captain William wild, a Gentleman so excellently qualifyed in the gifts of natures, and those made perfect, by the gifts of Grace, that he lived a happy Pattern to men of his Coat, and died as sweet an example: whose goodness made him without flattery, or failing a friend, where he saw desert drooping, or his conversation had built him up such to any. His purse was as open as his heart, and his good counsel as free as either; all without adulation, envy, or conclusion, but in his own. He hath left a worthy memory of himself to his Country, Kindred, and Friends, with a Tomb that shall repeal him, when the tongue of Marble is dumb, and Hospitals have outlived their Benefactors, whose Monument is neither subject to the Worm, nor Time. Another wonder of this sort, nothing inferior to what hath been discoursed of happened, I will briefly set down: A Neger Slave belonging to a Shecke of the cast of Wellid-Amar, being hurt by his Master under the shortribbs on the right side, & the stomach being pierced, was without any order of diet, or had accident, healed, by the former Medicine, I had prepared for some of the King's Eunuches that were hurt, and escaped out of the Battle of Wedlabid, to the glory of our omnipotent God, whose abundant mercies in all things appeareth.  
FINIS.   

Errata.  
PAg. 9 l. 11. for exercised. read. excised. p. 68 l. 10 f. infamy. r. infancy. p. 69. l. 3. f janus. r. guns. l. 33 f refuse. r. refute p. 70. l. 9 f. untruth. r. truth. p. 71. l. 33. f. so. r the. p. 73. l 11. f. elimentall. r. alimental. p. 74. l. 9 f excelling r. enfeebling. p. l. 32 f. dispatched r. disputed. p 76. l. 6. f. in corn. r. incarn l. 27. f. temper. r. tempers. p 78. l. 4. f especial, r. spinal. l. 33 f. paniculous. r panicular. p. 79. l. 3. f. heat. r. sense p. 92. l. 9 f. strained. r. strayed. l. 19 f body. r. bolus. p 96 l 6 f. enfeebled. r. enabled. l. ●8. f as. r. are l. 29. f. fresh. r. forth. p. 67. l. 18. f though. r. being. l. 38. f. is not able. r. is able p. 98. l. 10. f. as into the Hospital of St. Aire retired r. into the Hospital of St. Bethlem and are there retired. p 99 l 3 f. reprehensively. r. repurcussively. l 12. f easy. r. airy. l. 28. f. kind. r. hind p. 107. l. 33. f. execrations. r. executions. p. 109. l. 14. f. their. r. it's. p 111. l. 4. f. our. r. one. p. 112 l. 11. f. arctic. r. antarctic. p. 123. l 28. f. firm. r. form. p. 127. l. 14. f. greater r. great. l. 16 f. nothing. r. any thing. l. 17. f. with. r. which p. 131. l. 10. f. ear r. air. l. 14. f ear. r. air. p. 132. l. 21. f. all. r. as. l 30. f. unwonted. r. unwounded. p 133. l. 3. f. compulsions r. compactions. l. 16. f. these. r. flesh. l. 26. f. torrid. r. sordid. p. 134. l. 26. f. there. r. until there.