unicorn bearing Aberdeen coat of arms   

Macis Macerata, OR, A Short Treatise, concerning the use of MACE, In Meat, or Drink, and Medicine.  
In six Sections, the fifth whereof containeth some Hints at the Signaturs of Simples; and the sixth, is concerning the Original and Cure of Wind, in Mans-Body.  
By MATTHEW MACKAILE Chyrurgo Medicine.  
ABERDENE, Printed by JOHN FORBES, Printer to the Town and Colleges, 1677.   

Unto the Right Honourable, GEORGE SKEEN, of Fintray, Lord Provest. ALEXANDER ALEXANDER, GILBERT MOLYSON, ALEXANDER GORDON, ALEXANDER BURNET, Baylies. CHARLES DUN Dean of Gilled, Mr. PATRICK sandeland's, Treasurer. And, the rest of the Honourable Council of the City of ABERDEEN  
Right Honourable,  
WHen I call to remembrance, that in the Year 1671 I was invited by your Ho. Predecessors, to serve this Ancient and Honourable City, as a Chirurgeon and Apothecary, and the great Obligations by Them, and your Ho. (some of of You being then Magistrates) conferred upon me, I could not but be incited to this Address (as a demonstration of my Gratitude) wherein I cannot but remind You, that at that time it was prudently Overtured, that the Compliment of being made Burger, should not be conferred upon me, until my, Qualifications were tried I had never such overweening thoughts of myself, as to pretend to more than a Competency of Knowledge in what I professed (which for me to deny, were Ingratitude to my Maker) and I hope Your Ho. have been convinced of it, by the Trial which I did then undergo, and what the Almighty hath since enabled me to do; a sufficient testimony whereof are, my Noli me-tangere tactum, or a Treatise concerning Cancers; and the Skeleton which I made [and previously thereto publicly did] and gifted to the Biliotheck of the Marischal. College, in the Year 1676. I must also render most hearty thanks for Your Honorio checking a most invidious and ignorant Mountebank H. H for his impertinently and falsely reflecting upon all the Learned Physi●●a 〈◊〉 in this City, and myself, whom he did insolently name when mounted on his Stage july 4 1677 Right Honourable; I shall not molest Your Eyes or Ears, with any adulatory expressions neither render myself censurable for them, seeing the Eulogies d●e unto You in your Stations, do transcend my Ability to express them, but only breathe those hearty wishes, that this City hereafter may never be served by any, but such as are much more accomplished than myself; and that You may still persist in the Exercise of all noble Virtues; and be instrumental for perpetuating the Splendour of this City by a hopeful and happy Progeny, which is the serious desire of,  
Right Honourable, Your Honorio, most humble Servant, Matthew Mackaile. ABERDEEN, August 15, 1677.   

Epistle to the Reader.  
IN this critical Age no doubt there will be found some of the malevolent and severe Tribe of Zoilus, whose parcellliterature incapacitating them permanently to criticise where there may be some ground for it (formerly given by myself) yet will be verbally attempting it; which maketh more apprehensive, that some will acouse me of too much scribbling. But seeing I ever leveled my Endeavours at a far nobler End, than the Nothing of vulgar Applause, and that the temper of my Genius, is too Stoical to be amused by the weak assaults of Detraction; I think I may satisfy myself, and all ingenious and sober persons, when I consider. First, that I did never obfletricat other men's Notions into the World. 2ly, Nor medale with any Subject, which another had taken in hand, 3ly, As I have not advantaged myself thereby, neither have I given occasion to any, to be at much Expense, for what I offered to their consideration. 4ly, Being in the Country sometimes a day or two, I thought this no bad way, of spending the vacant hours. 5ly, My chief design was the advantage of others; which though I ingeniously acknowledge, I could not so considerably advance (as others have dove, by their more elaborat Endeavours) by this small Treatise; yet I hope therein will be found some things, which shall under the comprehension, only of such, as have more than looked into the mysterious Temple of Aesenlapius, of whose favourable acceptance I am not much doubtful And as for the Invidious, their censure, I value no more than their knowledge, prompting them to talk, as if they were the man, with whom knowledge and skill should die; and as if Art had dignified them with the key of Nature-Cabin, and thinking that they are Masters of her greatest S●crare, though they know not how so open her House of Offies, without raising a most noxious small. Such empty and ridiculous Railers (the true Grievance of Societies) who vent formenting passions, only set on work, by their own shallow surmises, will never be able to sully the Reputation of any scr●ing their Generation in a fairer Repure, then is their own. Notwithstanding of which, I thought it my duty (having this opportunity, a little to vindicat my Reputation from the Aspersions, most furiously and without any provocation, cast upon it, by a most confident and ignorant Mountebank, Henry Hamilton; who coming to Aberdeen in the end of May 1677, did twice or thrice appear upon his Stage (like Simon the Sorcerer, giving out that himself was some great one) whilst, I was in the Country, at every time very directly reflecting upon me; and july 4. named me particularly: so endeavouring to commend his own Skill, by deerying of mine; and particularly affirming, that he had cut and cured David Craighead of a Canker in his Lip, which I had been about nine months, and could not effectuate; withal assuring the Spectators that it would never break out again. Notwithstanding of which, before the end of August, a new Tumour did appear in the same place, and was a little V●cerat. This poor man having been recommended to my care, by a Right Honourable Earl in this Shire, I did by the blessing of God, cure him without cutting, betwixt the 19 of August, and the 13 of October 1675, after which he continued whole several months. The Winter being over, he returned to me fearing a Recidive, but I refused to meddle with him, because he had troubled me more, than all others in his condition had done. And particularly, at the beginning, I had no little difficulty in persuading him to let take off his big Beard: which made me resolve, hereafter only to cut those of his quality  
If this M. had only reflected upon myself, I had taken the less notice of his Calumnies; but seeing he did also assault all the learned and skilful Physicians & Surgeons in this Kingdom, by his most Non-sensicall and ridicolous printed Paper, (which is a scandal to our Nation;) the deserved respect which I owe unto them, hath made me give the following account thereof.  
First, Therein he by way of Inscription, designeth himself, Mille Opifex, Midica●●inis Auctor, & Auspex, Primus Lecheos docuit depallere.  
And afterwards, Opithalmista, Lishomus, and Professor, no less than 14 times.  
Secondly, He having forgot the common Proverb, Laus proprio sordescit in ore; but more especially Solomon's, Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth etc. doth endeavour by his great swelling words of vanity to allure the ignorant Vulgar, affirming, First, three several times, that No Man, (and once, that No Man in this Land knew the like, or) can or could come near him in the Art. The true reason whereof St. Paul hath given— some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves are not wise. For this undervaluing, be makes a mends, by promising to put all his 5 years' Cures, in a method for the Press; for the benefit of his loving Country men. 2ly, that he cureth those that are pest help, and such as are given for dead, and beyond all hope; and offereth to cure all persons who cannot be cured by any other. 3ly, He cureth the Gout infallibly, if the person be in the height of the distemper, in six hours; and immediately thereafter, he taketh no less than 24. hour● to cure the Ciatica, as he calls it. 4ly, He affirmeth that he hath cured Children of Cataracts; by him called Catherick, 5ly, He cureth all sorts of Pox; and the falling-sickness proceeding from any cause whatsomever; and especially Ruptures (by him called Hernia Canola) without loss of time, knowledge of friends, or neglect of bussiness. 6ly, In half an hours time, he cured a woman that had been deaf 30 years. 7ly, (which is best of all) He takes forth rotten Teeth with Ingenuity. 8ly, He hath an excellent preservative against Barrenness in Women, a thousand times experienced; which must be his Mille Opifex. All which he would have believed: because he had his Education first in America, (the most barbarous and ignorant Quarter of the World) and then in Europe.  
Moreover, the rest of his Vocabularia (viz. Scrufusionem or Catua●ctum, Polypum, Scroficlus, Lyentera, Descu●ima, Colica Pessio, and Ilian Passio, Poripulmonimus, etc.) are a sufficient Touchston of his qualifications. Because for soothe this M. by serving some other of that Profession (though not as an Apprentice) hath learned to cut a Cancer, a Hernia, and to do some such Operations, (with greater confidence than knowledge,) sometimes with success (the all knowing Chirurgeons have most warrily, and sometimes anxiously advontured upon thom) therefore must He mount himself upon a Stage, deerying the Skill of all others, and so offering as it were to force Providence to get Employment to him. Were it not better for such a person to live privately? as others do; at least, until he acquyre better Language wherewith to appear, especially amongst Scholars, (for, even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise,) rather than by persisting, to demonstrate, that, in Medicine, Ignorance is more surely the eause of Confidence, than in Divinity it is of Devotion.  
So eminently accomplished Virtuoso's, would do well to spend some of their Idle hours, in the disquisition of the Cuckoo 's (or Gowk 's) nature, for solying the many Phaenomena relating to it.  
At, I. Why that Bird (being silent all the Winter) doth by its melodious voice, disturb the pleasant and concordant chirming of the Lark, and other delicious Birds; whose Organs are tuned of new, when Phoebus beginneth more vigorously to display the native splendour of all Being's.  
II. Why the vesicating Nettle, is not so often (if at all deformed, as is the mild and fragrant Lavender, by what is called the cuckoo's hospital? which is nothing else but the Sperm or Excrement of some despicable Insect, which being deposed upon the Herb, & fomented by the common influence of the Sun (which also oberisheth the useful Silk. Worm) contracteth life and then extracteth the juice of the Herb; for its Aliment. Wherefore in the middle of that Spuma, or Froth, we will constantly find, a little stercoraceously coloured Flee.  
III. Why the mordicant Nasturtium Pratense doth not slower until the Cuckoo begin to crow? for which it is also called Flos Cuculi.  
Surely the moral improvement of these Notions, and the further prosecution of these Resemblances, betwixt the irrational Cuckoo, and those who use (too doservedly) to be designed by the simple Name, would in some measure contribute to the peace of Humane Societies; and to the preventing of such insolent Impertinencies.  
This Treatise is particularly recommended unto such of the Female Sex, as are most studious, only of the Diecteticall part of Medicine (commonly called Kitchen Physic) it being chief of that nature, and most properly belonging unto them, who do prudently forbear medleing with Vomitive and Purgative Medicines, which some of them (and too many of my own, like a Rustic Fisherman, offering to Pilot a Ship to the Indies) have imprudently adventured to make use of to the prejudice of others; thinking it also ensie thus to arrive at Health (the Metropolis of all our temporal mercies) as it is to go to Edinburgh by land, from one Town to another, until they reach it. Whereas it is rather like a Voyage thither by Sea, where the Tide and Wind do and may often change, or blow tempestuously, to the puzzling of the best Pilot and all his Skill.  
The latest and best Physicians, having written of Medicine, according to the laesed or decayed faculties of Man's body, and the Concoction of the Stomach, being the first, and this Simple, Mace, a most excellent remedy for it, I thouht it might be useful for all (being altogether void of hazard) until they should advertise and advise with the Physicians, concerning that or any other Distemper occasioned thereby.  
The Courteous Reader is earnestly desired, to pardon the disproportionable prolixity of this Epistle, which hath been swelled by my necessitated Vindication from the Aspersions of One whom the Vulgar esteem a Licentiat; whom thus I have eudeavoured to Answer, according to his folly, lost he be wise in his own Conceit, for which I am altogether  by him, who affirmed, (when I accused him) that the speaking of Truth, was no Reflecting.  
Farewell M. M.   

Macis Macerata. OR, A Short Treatise concerning the use of the Mace, in Meat or Drink, and Medicine.  

SECTION I.  
HAving resolved to write a little, concerning the use of this Simple, called Mace, I shall begin with a short description of it, making use only of Schroder, as one of the best of our Modern writers.  
In his Pharmacopoea Medico-Chymica, lib. 4. cap. 219. he calls it a Rind or Bark, which groweth about the Nutmeg, which is called Nux-moschata, & Muscata, Nux Aromatica, Nux Myristica, sen Vnguentaria; & Nucista.  
Clusius affirmeth, that there is a lesser sort, called the Female, and a greater, the Male.  
It groweth in an Island called Banda in the East-Indies.  
It is covered with a twofold husk or bark, the outmost of which is the grossest or thickest (like that of the Walnut) which openeth, when it cometh to maturity; so that the other, being the Mace, doth appear, surrounding the Nutmeg, like a little Network. But there is betwixt the Mace and the Nutmeg, a thin shell, brown without, like the skin of a Chesunt; which Schroder mentioneth not, as doth Perkinson.  
The Mace of the Ancients (called Macer) is the lignous, or woody Bark of a tree, which used to be brought from Barbary.  
There is also a sort of Macer in the Oriental Ylands, which, perchance, is the same with that of the Ancients.  
The Nutmeg is hot and dry, or heats and dries, with astringency. It is good for the Stomach, Head and Womb. It dispelleth Wind, helpeth Digestion, correcteth the stinking-Breath, refresheth the Conception, aideth the Suooning and Palpitation of the Heart, lessneth the Splen (or rather the pains thereof) stopeth Fluxes, and stayeth Vomiting.  
The same Virtues are ascribed to the Mace. But, because it is of more  parts it is therefore thought more efficacious, and penetrant in its operation.  
These things Schroder affirmeth.   

SECTION II.  
IN the second place, I shall add a few words concerning its temperature (the only competent judge whereof I apprehend to be the Taste) which I believe to be, as is before expressed. And the learned Author not having adventured, precisely to condescend upon the degrees of its heat and dryness, neither shall I, who could never find the Scales & Grains, by which to measure them; and have much admired, the confidence of many, who having neither seen nor handled them, yet have peremptorily determined, the degrees of heat cold, moisture, and dryness in all Concrets Vegetable or Mineral; without giving the least show or reason for their assertions.  
Although the Mace be not so grateful to the smell and taste as is Cinnamon, yet I humbly conceive, that of all spices, its sulphureous parts (which are the chief) are most amicall to the animal spirits. First, Because (if without offence to the more refined I might aver) that in Cinnamon, there are two degrees (if not moe) of inflaming heat, for one in Mace; which is demonstrat by the taste. Secondly, It may be used in Fevers &c. (of which more hereafter) with much less hazard, than Cinnamon.  
The debate amongst Naturalists (I mean those who wrote most acuratly, concerning the old manifest qualities of Simples) hath been so great, that they cannot agree, anent the heat and cold of natural Bodies, All the Ancients affirming Aromaticks (or spices) and Salts to be hot, and the juices o● Lemons Sorrels, etc. and Vinegar, to be cold.  
And of late, some allege most confidently the forementioned juices, and Vinegar, to be also hot, that is such bodies, as do excite inflammations, when admitted into the body of man.  
Having formerly, and at large, offered to the consideration of the Ingenious, my opinion concerning this affair, I shall not here trouble the Reader therewith, but refer him to Moffet-Well, pag. 60. etc. to pag 80.  
Being thus engaged to mention that Tractat, I must desire to be excused, for taking liberty here to insert (though heterogeniously to this subject) two things, which though they did not occur to me, until after the publication of that Treatise, yet may prove useful or delectable to some.  
The first is, I being one day discoursing, with a most learned Professor of Phylosiphy at Edinburgh, anent the nature of that Water; and he maintaining the vulgar opinion, that it did run through Brimston, I answered thus.  
Because the Water of Moffet-Well, smelleth most like to the dross of Gun powder, remaining in a Gun, which hath been often shot (Gunpowder consisting for the most part, of Brimsten and Nitre) it is the vulgar opinion of Physicians that this Water runeth through Brimston to which I do oppose these two reasons.  
First This Water Vomiteth and Purgeth. But none of the forementioned Assertors, can instance one Medicine made of Brimston which commonly doth either. I say commonly: because Brimston may cause some one or two persons vomit or purge, by reason of some natural antipathy. As I have heard it reported, that there is a family in France, all the branches whereof, have such an antipathy at the Rose, that (notwithstanding it be a flower most refreshing to mankind) they would faint at the smelling or tasting of it. Secondly, It is sufficiently well known, to all Physicians, that all Medicines made of Brimston, (as the Flowers, Magistery, or Lac Bolsam, Tincture, Spirit, etc.) are most effectual in cureing Consumptions. But it is as well known, that this Water is as inimical to all persons who have this Disease, or whose Bodies are in a disposition to take it: for it hath often posted such unto Eternity.  
I do therefore adhere to my own opinion, viz. that this Water is impregnat with the Sulphur of Antimony, which I have separated from Antimony (in the resublimation of its Cinnabar) and found it Yellow and inflammable as common Brimston, & to effect the Nosetriles (when inflamed) just as common Brimston doth, by its vapour which ascendeth from it, when it is inflamed.  
If those things had tymously occured to me, I would have inserted them in the middle of pag. 60.  
The Second is, Being informed, that an Englishman did extract much Salt out of the Water and sold it in great quantities, to all sorts of persons, to be drunk with the Water, in the Year 1669. I went thither, and essayed the operation, extracting only the half of a drahm out of every Scottish-pynt. This Salt I found to be so sharp, and attractive of the Air, that in August, it dissolved into one of my pockets, though the Salt of Tartar (which is the most attractive of the Air, as yet known) did continue most dry in the other. When I returned home, I did fully dissolve it in water, and coagulat it again and am necessitated to keep it in a glass, as closely as I do my Potential Canters.  
As yet I have attempted no experiments with it, and do wish that some, who have better opportunity, would do it, for the good of our Country.  
These words, I would have inserted, pag. 82. immediately before the use or the Water.   

SECTION III.  
Thirdly, As to the use of Mace, in Meat or Drink, I shall only give my advice, anent the manner of useing it; especially seeing the most part do not only put themselves to much needless expense for it, but also do abuse it & deprive themselves of the most useful part thereof, viz its sulphureous Oil.  
The Vulgar use of this spice in the Kitchen, is either first, Boiling it amongst Broth etc. secondly, or pulverising it for Sauces and Drink.  
As to the first, It is the common custom, to put two or three pieces of whole Mace; amongst the cold water, and to permit them to boil all the time, that the Broth is a making, so that the spirituous and balsamic parts thereof, do (almost totally) vaporat with the vapour, which is constantly ascending from the Broth, which retaineth but very little of its Taste.  
Were it not then greater frugality, when the Broth is fully boiled, to put in a lesser quantity of the powder of Mace, which will impregnat more strongly ere it be for the table if the pot be closely covered.  
The reasonableness of this advice will soon appear to any who understand how to make Ale. For, such persons do not take the Malt, ere it be grinded to powder, and boil it with the water, or infuse it amongst the warm water; the last whereof, if they should do they would waste much Malt, ere they made a little good- Ale. But there is far more reason of caution, in the use of Mace, seeing its spirits are richer, and far more easily extracted, or fugat by heat.  
The second use of it, is pulverising for Sauces and Drink, I must here also regrate, the too vulgar custom of depriveing the Mace, of its forementioned spirituous Oil, by drying of it, that it may be the more easily pulverised. The truth whereof will be soon evident to any, who will be at the pains and expense, as to dry and pulverise only a quarter of an ounce of Mace, and then put it up in a paper. At the same time pulverise also much undried, and put it in another paper. After a few hours, the last paper, will be sound much more altered, and oiled, than the other.  
That we are necessitated to dry Mustard seeds, ere we can get them pulverised (otherwise you shall beat them into a Paste, as if it were dough, and make their oil, with the aqueous moisture, dissolveable amongst water, as when we make Emulsions of the seeds called cold, etc.) is no argument, against what I have affirmed, seeing the Oily spirits of the Mace, are much more volatile; than those of the Mustard-seeds.  
It were therefore expedient, to keep the pulverised Mace in a Box of Silver, Tin, or Wood, which would imbibe none, or but little of its spiritous Oil. The same advice may be asserted anent Mustard, the powder whereof, in a few hours, will make paper transparent, as if it had been wet with Oil.  
The Mace being thus prepared and preserved, a very little warmth and in a suitable time, will make a small quantity of it, communicate its spirits and taste, to any liquor, used as Meat or Drink.  
What hath been said, being most probable, it would much conduce, to the health of many valetudinatie persons, having weak Stomaches, &c to impregnat their Ale or Beer, with the corroborating spirits of this spice, by putting hal● an ounce (more or less, or every Scottish-Gallon) of its powder, into the Barrel; immediately before the liquor be put into it.   

SECTION IU.  
IN Medicine the Mace is made use of first, either entire as Nature framed it; that is, only reduceing it to powder, and not separating any of its constituent parts from one another Or, secondly, it is used in its parts separated. These commonly are, its Oils, by expression [the external use whereof is sufficiently well known] and distillation; and its Earth, which after the expression of the Oil, may be used by the poor, who are not able to buy the Mace itself.  
Entire Mace may be made use of, first, in a more simple way, or as Medicine itself, secondly, Or in a more compound manner, viz. with other Medicinal Simples.  
internally, I know no better corrobarater of the Stomach and Brain, to which its spirits are most refreshing, when extracted by infusion, amongst any convenient liquor. I use it most with Ale, taking also much of the powder, as will lie upon a large sixpence, to every pound of the liquor; which also I sweeten a little with Sugar, and that in these cases.  
First, If one have catched Cold, whereby a pain in the head, or breast (which are rarely separat, in this condition) and the Cough, are usually occasioned, a large draught [taken with an empty Stomach] of good Ale thus prepared; will ordinarily occasion a sweat and sleep; whereby the Archaeus fureus, or disturbed Nature will immediately be composed, and the molesting symptoms abated after two or three Deses (at most) taken very warm at night, or in the morning, or both.  
Many can testify the truth o● what I affirm, and do therefore never go abroad to journey, without this powder.  
Secondly In Fevers, Pleurisies, etc. when there may be need to corrobort the Stomach, I doubt i● the●e be any spice, which may be so liberally (if at all) used, as this for aromatifting of Ptisans, Broths, &c  
Thirdly. After the operation of a Vomitive [or purgative] Medicine, within one hour, I use to give to Patients this drink and to cause them go to bed, and sleep two or three hours; after which, they used to be als well composed, as I have seen others (who got it not) the day after they had vomited.  
Fourthly, In the beginning of Fluxes, with gripping of the Guts, there is no better Medicine than a draught of sweet Whey, warmed with the same quantity of Mace, and drink once or twice a day, for two or three days together.  
Hermannus Ʋander Heyden, a Physician of Gaunt, hath written a Treatise (called, Speedy help for Rich and Poor) the first part whereof, is touching the virtue of Whey, in the cure of the griping Flux and dysentery which hath been printed in French Latin, and English.  
Fifthly, There is nothing [of this kind] better for the Stomach, than to mix a little of this powder, and a little Sugar, which a cold morning's draught.  
Externally used, there is no such Anodine of this nature.  
First, The warm infusion of Mace, in Claret wine [which aught to be made stronger than for internal use] having a fourfold Linen-cloth diped into it, and applied to the Region of the Splen, or Stomach, doth soon ease the pains of them. And a Clove or two being added thereto, it will operat the more strongly.  
Secondly, it easeth also the pai●, occasioned by a pleurisy; especially if it be of the bastard sort, which is amongst the Intercostal-Muscles.  
Thirdly It is also very useful in Rheumatick-paines; which most frequently assault the Back, about or betwixt the Shoulders. But I must tell you, that I have often seen a little warm Salt, in a small Linnencleath do better; by attracting and imbibing much of the Serosity, affecting the Membrans; whereas the other doth only discuss, by corroborating the Animal spirits, which are the chief agent, in this operation. I know a very honest Carpenter who will testify the truth of this; and who was also cured of the Sciatica, by bathing in the Sea; which disease he contracted, after intermitting this bathing for three years.  
Seeing all are convinced of its usefulness Internally used, for expelling of Wind or rather for strengthening the Digestion, and so prohibiting the generation of more, I hope none will controvect, the probability of its easing of pain, from the same cause, when Externally applied.  
Fourthly, Than it must be a proper Ingredient for Epithems Cueusa's, and Suffumigations, when needful.  
Before I proceed, I can not but desire the Ingenious to observe, that when the powder of Mace is put amongst the Ale, (which ought to be in a vessel with a closely cover) the most part thereof swimeth above; and as the liquor warmeth, it gradually disappeareth by falling to the bottom. Dureing this operation, if you take the Stoop from the fire, and look into it, you will perceive the Atoms of the Mace, continually ascending from the bottom to the top or superfice of the Liquor, and immediately descending again, until the Liquor be fully saturat, with the spirituous and oily parts; after which none of the powder appeareth above, which will come to pass very near also soon, as the Stoop [being set by a little fire] shall become so hot, that one can only remove it speedily from the fire.  
The consideration of this, and the Observations following did persuade me to believe, that as the World is circular in its figure and motion, so also the most part of one motions therein (whether natural o● artificial) are of the same nature.  
As for the natural do we not daily perceive? first the circular motions of the celestial Lights round about us; or, ou●s upon, and with the Earth, about some of them. And have not Astronomers demonstrated the motions of some of them round their own Centres. Secondly, The circulation of Water in the Macrocosm, according to Eccles. 1. All Rivers run into the Sea, yet the Sea is not full; unto the place from whence the Rivers run thither they do return again. Thirdly, The circulation of Blood in the Microcosm; and in the bodies of all creatures, which have it. Fourthly, Vapours ascending from the Earth into the Air, and descending again in Rain, Snow etc.  
The artificial metions also, we see to be, for the most part, circular [as in Clocks, Milns, Spinning-wheels, etc.] and such as are not, are either directed by a circular motion (as a Ship, by the circular motion of the Rudder upon its hinges; of the Cart in the Compass, upon the Prick; and of the celestiall-bodies) or much facilitated and promoved, by one circular motion or other. Hence it is, that Chain-Pumps are most useful in great Ships; and one Horss will draw a greater weight upon a Cairt or Wagon, then upon a Slade. Moreover, whilst the Weavers-shutle is moving in a strait line, from the one side of the Web to the other, doth not the Pirn move circularly within it? Finally ● the most difficult mechanical operations, are most easily done, by instruments moving circularly; as is evident in the boreing of Metals or Wood, with Drills and Wimbles, and the more blocks that be upon a Ships tackling, the sewer men will serve to load, or unload therewith.  
The following Observations do far her prove, the Artificial motions to be circular [tho no● spherical] and very pleasant to behold.  
First Dureing the action of pure Aqua fortis upon crude Mereurie in a transparent Glass, you will clearly perceive, the continual ascent and descent of the Mercurial-Atoms, betwixt the superfice and bottom of the Laquor, until it be fully sat ●at with them.  
Secondly I did lately observe this circular motion, whilst the well defecat juice of Lemons, was dissolving very red & fi●e Coral; which being totally robed of its redness [as the juice of its acidity] the Atoms remaining, were almost also white as this Paper.  
Thirdly, Dureing the operation of the Acidum Vitrioli [wherewith I mixed some Borage water] upon the Limatura Chalybis, in making the Vitriolum Martis [commonly called Sal-Chalybts] there is no doubt, the same circular motion which though it cannot be discerned, because of the opacity of the Liquors, yet may be concluded, from also pleasant and considerable a motion, which is this. When these Liquors are affused to the limatura, there ariseth immediately such a heat and ebullition, that it there be not near three parts of four empty, they will boil over upon the Table. This ebullition concinueth but a little, and the Liquor no sooner settleth, than innumerable Aqueous Atoms, do constantly ascend two or three inches above its superfice, to which they descend again. If this operation be done in a Cupping glass (as I use to do it) many of those Atoms (whose taste doth demonstrat them to be impregnat with the Atoms of the Chalybs) will fall upon the outside of the glass, where they will lie like dew in a Summer's morning. The action of the Menstruum being ended, this pleasant shower ceaseth.  
Were it not better for Professors of Philosophy to pry into such Experiments whereby they might be prompted with excellent notions and arguments, relative to Matter and Motion, than to spend so much time, upon Ens rationis universale etc. which can never be useful in Medicine (save to make a man Hypochondriack, and so necessitous thereof) or Mechanicism, so as to gain one penny thereby  
Many such Curiosities have been little noticed by many Artists who like covetous and ignorant Travellers, to the City where they expect most gain, take no notice, of much more pleasant places, in their jurney; and intending only the purchasing of coined money, do often overlook also good lying in some small Springs; and far less make it their business, to search for the Mines themselves. The truth of this, is fully demonstrated to any, who will peruse the most ingenious and learned Physics Theological considerations, about the possibility of the Resurrection: written by the Honourable Robert Boil; wherein, by such Curiosities, by him accuratly noticed, he demonstrateth, the possibility of that great Article of our Christian faith viz. The Resurrection of the dead at the great day of general judgement; for the further confirmation of which, we may also consider the forementioned circular motion, in relation to our own Bodies and Souls.  
Seeing it is undeniable that we come from the Earth, and do daily return unto it by death; and that our spirits do then return to God who gave them; Why should any rational creature doubt? of the Soul its returning unto the Body, its old habitation; or of the return of both to God for ever; seeing he, who is Almighty, hath given his Word for it.  
I shall conclude this part of this Section, with regrateing the custom of many, who getting Wine, that is decayed in its colour and taste, and consequently, as to its 〈◊〉, by burning it with Mace, Cloves, etc. they exhaust the most part of its remaining spirits and the best of those in the spices and hen drink the worst of both. For when the spirits, are by distillation separated from the best of Wines, that which remaineth in the Still, is liker to fresh Urine, than to any other liquor.  
It were then much better, only to infuse those spices in such Wine, and by all means to retain the remaing spirits, by the clos●ess of the vessel.  
Secondly Mace is medicinally made use of, in a more compound way and that either entire or in its parts.  
First Entire as a most excellent corrective of all Purgatives; or mixed with other Aromaticks in a omaticall Powders Tablets. Electuaries, or Spirits.  
Secondly In its parts and that either Internally or Externally.  
Internally there is no better Oil, for mixing with Stomachick, Cephalick, or Splenetic Piles &c than is its liquid.  
Then what an excellent Elixir must it make, when associa ●o a convenient Menstruum which could speedily usher it, into the Archeal Court, & make its address, to all the noble Animal spirits, whose loyal and peaceable Actions it would cherish, and compesce their intestine Commotions.  
Externally the Oil by expression being so useful, no doubt a Balsam made of it, and the Liquid, must be much more effectual.  
When any such Medicine is made use of, it ought to be done after friction with a warm cloth, near to the fire; in the doing of which, there are two vulgar errors, very prejudicial to be forsaken.  
First, The rubbing of the Legs or Arms down wards: for thus more humours are drawn from the Body to those Members (affected with pain) which have no way to evacuat them, but by the pores of the Skin in sweeting; whereas, when they are by friction forced to retire to the Cavities, they may be evacuated by Vomit, Stool Urine, Spiting Sweeting &c or consumed by the concoction of the greater natural heat, there residing.  
Secondly, In such cases, people do ordinarily mix Brandie, or Aquavitae, with unctuous substances (as the Grease of Hearts, Capons, etc.) and having melted them with a little heat, by stirring they essay the mixing of them [but to no purpose] and then do anoint the place affected with any Pain. But it were better, first to rub with the Brandie (that what the Skin will imbibe of it, it may do it without any ) and then the Skin being dried, anoint with the Grease, or Oils: for these two bodies, will not mix, as Wine and Water; so that where the unctuous substance lighteth first, the Brandie can not get entrance.   

SECTION V.  
IN the Fifth place, I shall take notice of the Signature of the Mace, whereby I shall have occasion, to hint at the Signatures of several other Simples, heretofore not noticed.  
And because I know no Treatise, in our Language, concerning the Signatures of Simples, I shall first crave liberty, to give a little hint thereof, out of the two most famous Authors, who have written expressly, concerning that affair, and that in very few words. Because it is a most hateful thing, to rescribe and reprint, other men's Notions but in so far as there is an absolute necessity so to do, that what a man is about the doing of himself, may be the better understood by others. As is the citation of Euclid, his Propositions, by a demonstrating Mathematician; or of Legal Maxims, by a Barrister, or Advocate.  
As the sweet singer of Israel said, Psal 19.1. The Heavens declare the glory of God and the Firmament showeth his handie-work; so did the old Poet express the same thus, Prasentemque refert qualibet herba Deum.  
And the famous Glauber, in the 1. page of his Treatise de signatura Salium, writeth thus, The Omnipotent God, hath put upon all his Creatures great and small, his certain marks, and as it were, set painted Lineaments, before the eyes of men from which they may know what is the nature and property of every one and what profit and advantage they may or can confer upon mankind.  
But this divine writing, by the divine finger is drawn upon every thing, that from it we might learn the nature of all things.  
And Oswaldus Crollius, in his Epistle Nuncupatorie, prefixed to his Treatise, concerning the internal Signatures of things, calleth it, A Garden furnished, appointed, and adorned with most beautiful Simples, exhibiting & representing in a most pleasant spestacle, from the innate signature, the most wonderful harmenie and correspondence with the members of our body.  
I shall only set down a few of his Instances, which will fully answer my present design.  
He gins with the Head, showing why such and such things are to be made use of, for cureing its distempers; As,  
First, The Chesbow with a Crown, (viz. after the flowers are fallen) representeth the Head and Brain: therefore its decoction is profitably given in many distempers of the Head.  
Then the seeds of Cicer Arietinum [which more exactly represent the Head of a Ram] must be good for the Disease, wherewith Sheep are much troubled, viz. the Rot, which is in them a hydropsy. And they are by Botanists reckoned amongst Diuretics (that is, Provockers of Vrinet) which are proper for that Disease, in Man or Beast, for the like reason, Persicaria maculata, must be an excellent Antiscorbutic, its spots being of the same colour, with those that affect the Legs and Arms of Scorbutic persons.  
Secondly, Wal-nuts, have the entire signature of the Head their exterior Bark, or herbaceous covering, of the Pericranium, wherefore the salt of the barks, is singular for wounds of the Pericranium  
The inner, harder, or woody bark or shell, of the Soul.  
The Membran surrounding the Kernel, of the meanings, and Membrans of the Brain.  
The Kernel hath the figure of the Brain itself.  
I shall take liberty to add, that rather the woody Membran, divideing the Kernel in several places, resembleth the Dura-Mater, which divideth the Cerebellum from the Brain, and this in two parts, by the Falx, which is nothing but a production of the Duramater, and that the forementioned Membran (which is very thin) correspondeth the Pia-mater.  
Therefore it is good for the Brain, and hebetateth poisons. The Kernel beaten, if it be moistened with the quintessence of Wine it doth powerfully comfort the Brain and Head.  
Thirdly, Pag. 47. Calamus Aromaticus and Cassia Fistula, for the Intestines, to which they are very like.  
Fourthly, Pag 52. The perforated leaves of St. John's Woort have a signature; they take away the obstruction of the Pores of the Skin, and force sweat. And pag. 70. The perforated leaves are good for all external and internal hurts of the Skin. And because its flowers also after putrefaction do go away inform of blood they show a peculiar use for wounds.  
I can not but admite, that he mentioneth not the Fungus Sambuci, which most exactly representeth the Ear of a Man; wherefore it is ordinarily called Auricula judae, or Indas' his Ear. Neither the Accorn, representing the Wula; but rather the Penis, whose Praputium its Cupula resembleth very much, as the Accorn doth the Glans. However, it may be made use of for the distempers of both these members, when they need Astringents.  
I shall now set down his Opinion, concerning the Signature of the Mace, which maketh the fifth & last Instance, which I have excerped from him.  
Fifthly, Pag. 51. Mace also resembleth the Signature of the Womb: for the Mace containeth the Nutmeg (the Signature of the Child in the Womb) as the Womb the Conception or Embryo.  
Having in the first Section given a description of the Mace and Nutmeg, I shall here offer my opinion, as to the Signature of both. And seeing all resemblances of this nature, are not to be expected exact, as to every part (for Omnis similitude claudicat) I hope the Ingenuous will censure it little.  
I think then, that the exterior green and gross Husk containing the Mace and Nutmeg, resembleth the Musculous skin of the Head, the Mace is like the Pericranium, the hard shell is like the Skull, and the Nutmeg representeth the Brain itself, most exactly; as will appear to any, who will but scrape off a little thereof with a knife: for it is white, mixed with turning and winding blackish divisions as is the Brain, whose upper part is called Varicous, because of them.  
The truth of this may probably appear to any, who will [after Dr. Nehemiah Grew his method] Anatomise those Simples, with the help of Microscops and possibly in the gross Husk, there may be found different parts resembling the Musculous skin: and within the shell, some things like the meanings.  
However Schroder his forecited account of the Virtues of both, doth quadrat much with both these opinions of the Signature, I can not but add, that I am experimentally convinced, that when the Stomach, being oppressed with Bilious and Acida Humours causeth a great pain in the Head, by affecting the meanings and Pericranium (of the reality of which I have no doubt, but only of the manner how it cometh to pass) after vomiting those Humours, the infusion of Mace being drunk, will more speedily and effectually ease the pain, than that of the Nutmeg.  
I shall not deny that there is much truth in those words of Glauber and Crolliut in Thesi, nor controvert Crolli ' his forecited hypothetical instances, or any other of them. Yet I do not think those Signaturs, the only or chief mean, by which Man hath acquired the knowledge of the usefulness of natural Concrets or Simples (whether Mineral, Vegetable, or Animal) for preserving his own body (or his Beasts) in health, or restoring it to health, when impaired: because there are two other, viz. Revelation and Imitation.  
The first is demonstrate by the Prophet Isaiah his advice, [2. Kings 20.7.] concerning the application of a lump of figs, to Hezekiah his Boyl.  
If it should be alleged, that the Prophet did give this advice according to his knowledge of the doctrine of Signaturs (a fig representing a Tumour of that nature) I shall not deny it. But it being impossible, from the said Doctrine, to give a reason for the many known virtues of many Simples, we must in the first place own Gods revealing them, as the cause of our knowledge of them.  
Who could ever, according to the Signaturs, give a reason why (or have discovered, that) Antimony is Vomitive Purgative, and Diaphoretic; seeing none of these faculties do proceed from it, when used as Nature framed it, but after it hath danced, once twice, or thrice upon Vulcan's stage, in Nator's arms. Or, that one ounce of a Medicine made of it should for many years, continue to impregnat the frequently affused Menstruums, without any sensible diminution of its quantity, weight, or colour; which I affirm because I have had these 19 years, such a one; of which I may say as of the Memory, excolendo augetur: for these seven years bygon it never failed, to enervat the Tertian-Aguish ferment, at the very first exhibition of it. Or, that the distiled Oil of our Lithanthrax, is a good Antipodagrick Medicine, either alone, or mixed with others; and that its Acide spirit, is a most excellent Anodine for Luxated joints, when mixed with an emollient and anodine Decoction, than which I know no better Fomentation, in this case. If I had discovered this sooner, I would have inserted it, in my little Treatise, concerning the Oily Well at Libberton.  
God hath revealed such things unto Man, two several ways.  
First, In a more extraordinary way,  
Thither may be reduced, First, what we read in the holy Scriptures; as the forementioned instance of the Figs; and that with greater prabability, than to the Signature: seeing at the same time, the prolongation of the King's life, was also revealed unto, [and intimated by] the Prophet. No doubt also, the qualifications of jubal and Tubal Cain (Gen. 4. in the World's infancy) for Inventing and instructing in Music, and working in Brass and Iron, and the skill of those who did build Noah's Ark, as also the knowledge of Bezaliel and Acholiab [Exodus 15.] For making any manner of cunning work, and Solomon his knowledge, whereby he spoke of Trees from the Cedar in Lebanon, even unto the Hyssop; that springeth out of the Wall &c (1. Kings 4.) were of the same nature.  
Secondly. The following, or like story, may be comprehended here also.  
I was informed, by a very honourable and worthy Lady (in this same Country) who living in her Grand father's house in the Harvest, one of the maids being very warm, with cutting down Corns, when dinner was brought to her, and to the rest, she did take a large draught of small Ale, which immediately occasioned a giddiness in her head, and necessitated her to lie down upon the ridge, with her hands beneath her brow. The rest having dined, she was not able to open her Eyes, which perceived no object, when they were opened to her by others, although they had no blemish perceptible, more than when she was in perfect health. She being carried home, was presently bled in the Arm, and Physicians (who affirmed her to have the Gutta serena, which is an obstruction in the Optic Nerve) being employed, she was often Purged, and Ventosed in 14 days time, but to no purpose. When all hope of recovery was gone, about a month (all which time; she could not open her Eyes, without the help of others) after she contracted the distemper, and had resolved to quite her service, in the night time she dreamt, That one did beat raw Onions in a mortar, and did apply them to her Eyes, and that she recovered her sight. The next morning, she having told this to the Ladies Waiting, maid (who persuaded her, that she could not be the worse to try it) the application was tried at night, with one of her Eyes. which the next morning she was able to open; and therewith perceived Daylight. So the next night, they did beat many, and applied them to both her Eyes, which by this Remedy only, did the next morning, recover their former health.  
The reason of this effect, I conceive to have been; that seeing the Eyes do water much, upon the approximation of Onions, from which (as from the Horss-Radish, prepared Mustard, etc.) there are perpetual effluvia's of sharp and spirituous Atoms, which occasion the humours within, to contract a brisk motion, whereby the little matter obstructing the Nerve, as by a Torrent, was removed from that place, where it had fixed itself; as when a Bridge or Dam, is overturned by the violence of Water.  
Yet in this case, none would adventure to use prepared Mustard seeds (than which there is no better Medicine, for several cutaneous distempers) because their effluvias are for the most part sulphureous & consequently much more inflaming, and so would occasion an Ophthalmia; whereas those of the Onion, are more saline, and only deobstruent, and [as all Acides] cooleing; the truth of which Paradex, may thus be evinced, to any intelligent person.  
In Fevers, none durst ever make use of the Oil of Cinnamon [or of any other spice, so hot, either alone, or mixed with other things] amongst Prisans, or juleps, for quenching of Thirst, provoking of Urine, or deebstruating any part of the body; whereas nothing is more ordinary [to those who know a little, above the common method] than in such cases, to use the salinous spirits, of all sorts.  
This effect of the Onion, might also have been conjectured from its Signature: for it may be well alleged, that by its round figure, many Tunicles, and spirituous effluvia's [resembling the emission of rays, by which some allege that we do see] it resembleth the Eye; the hairs of whose Lids, are also represented, by the roots of the Onion; whose Stem also resembleth the Optic Nerve.  
From what hath been said, it may be probably conjectured, that it were better to contuse raw Onious, and to mix them with Cataplasines; for Schirrhous Tumours; which is contrary to the common practice, and to the learned and accurate joan. Vigerius, who in his Armamentarij Medico-Chirurgici cap. 14. de Medicamentis Maturantibus, writeth thus, Cepa cruda acr is est & mordax, sed sub cineribus cocta, acrimoniam amittit & pus movet, praesertim in his tumoribus, qui agre suppurant.  
Considering the most lamentable loss, of our most accomplished Country Man, Mr. james Gregory, Pofessor of the Mathematics at Edinburgh, (who in October 1675 was suddenly seized with a Gutta serena, having got cold by standing long bareheaded sub die, after which he died, within 14 days) I thought the noticeing of the forementioned Observation, might possibly prevent the like Disaster, in some other person hereafter.  
Secondly, In a more ordinary way (james 1.17. Every good gift cometh down from the Father of lights, etc.) gradually suggesting to our minds, that this Simple may be good for one Disease, and that for another (though not always by the mediation of Signatures) and so prompting us, rationally & cauteloufly, to attempt the trial of their Energies, upon ourselves, when there was little or no ground to fear danger, or upon Beasts, when otherwise. Thus empirically began Medicine; which gradually made its progress, according to the Proverb, Facile est inventis addere; and so became Dogmatical.  
This sort of Knowledge in Man may be called Wisdom and Invention.  
The second way how Man hath attained the discovering of the medicinal virtues of Simples, was Imitation of Beasts (which no man needs to cavil at, seeing the Almighty; challengeth men for not learning from their practices; our duty to himself, Psal. 84.3.4. Isai. 1.2.3. and 43 20.21.22. & jerem. 8.7.) to all which, no doubt, their Creator hath given a competent knowledge, of what may be good for, or prejudicial unto themselves, or their Masters, which we may call Instinct; as also a docibitie by Man (for james 3.7. All sorts of Beasts have been tamed by man and, Longa dies homini, docuit parere Leones) which in them may be called sagacity, and is most conspicuous in Dogs and Horses▪ Yea, I have been informed by very credible Persons, that some Dogs have offered to hinder their Owners, from going to places of hazard or danger, and when disobeyed have absented themselves from beholding it; and that others have discovered the perpetraters of Murders committed upon their Masters: which things are worthy of the disquisition of Divines and Philosophers.  
For prose of what hath been asserted, concerning Man's imitation of Beasts, in the Medicinal use of Simples, I shall only trouble the Reader with these few Instances.  
First, Celandin was first used for distempers of the Eyes: because the Swallow was observed to apply its juice, to the distempered eyes of her young ones; for which cause also it got its name Chelidonia, from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth a Swallow.  
Secondly, I was informed by a worthy and credible Gentleman, that his Brother in Law (living six mile's West from Edinburgh) had a Dog, subject to the Epilepsy; for which, when he found the Paroxysm beginning, he did immediately (in the Summer) run to the Meadow, where he snatched up some Herb, which did preveent his falling, if he reached thither; and in Winter he got towards the Hay-stack, with the same success. As did my Informer, so must I, regrate, that none did watch the Dog, for discovering what the Herb was.  
Thirdly, It is sufficiently well known, that wild Hawks do swallow small white stones (lying by the brinks of Rivers) for to cause them vomit viscide humours, oppressing their Stomaches; for which cause Falconers give the same Medicine to their tame ones. Moreover, I knew a friend of my own, who was much troubled with Colicall pains, which were most eased, by his swallowing 4 or 5 of such stones: for they did purge him downwards several times, and did immediately cure the paroxysms, for which he did often make use of the same individual stones.  
Before I conclude this Section, I cannot forbear to mention Dr. Levin. Lemnius, his excellent Treatise (which might be very useful to Divines) Entitled, Similitudinum ac Parabolarum, quae in Bibliis ex herbis at que arboribus desumuntur, dilucida explicatio. In which Treatise he showeth, that the dictating Spirit of God, from the Signaturs [though not expressed] of some Simples, and the known Qualities of others, doth teach us divine Lessons. The consideration whereof doth fully refute the old Atheist, who said Non rebus exiguis vacat adesse jovi.  
I shall only mention one, viz. the Willow-Tree, of which in his 8 chapter, the sum whereof take in these few words.  
The Evangelical Prophet Isai. chapter 43. having foretold the ruin of Babylon, also easily as Tow is consumed by fire, in the 44 chapter God comforteth his Church, promising the affluance of all worldly comforts, and particularly (v. 4) That they shall spring up as among the grass; as Willows, by the water courses. For, this Tree by the Latins was called Salix, à Saliendo, from jumping, or louping because it ariseth speedily, and soon becometh a Tree And the Germans call it Willige, [hence Willow] because it is prompt & voluntary in growing. It was of that fort, whose Leaves are whitish, have a pleasant smell, and do mitigat the heat of the Air; for which cause the Hollanders, do therewith garnish the Beds of Sickpeople.  
Secondly, According to Psal. 137. the jews being captives in Babylon, and the Heathens in derision, desiring them to sing one of the songs of Zion; they wept, and hanged their Harps upon the Willows, and that appositely: because this Tree is either barren, or loseth its Fruit or Seed, ere it come to maturity. Moreover, it is bitter to the Taste, neither so beautiful or pleasant in aspect, as are the Plain, Cedar, and Cypress-Trees. Wherefore Exile is fitly compared to it.   

SECTION VI.  
IN the next place, I thought it would be very suitable to the Premises, by way of Conclusion, to add a few lines concerning Wind or the Flatuosity in the Stomach and Intestines for the dispelling of which, the Mace is so much commended.  
Having lately seen and perused, A new and needful Treatise of Wind offending Man's body, In which is described, the nature, Causes and Symptoms of Wind, together with its speedy and easy remedy. By W. R. M. D. one of the Trinm-viri, who translated Riverius, his Practice of Medicine, to whose Epistle to the Reader, he hath subjoined a few pitiful Verses, showing who are Doctors, and who not. Printed 1676. I cannot but regrate, that in this learned and accurate Age, any pretending to Degrees should have obtruded upon his Contemporaries a fardel of such antique, reasonless (for the most part) Assertions, whose Errors have great need to be purged, Ignorance corrected, and Lameness reform; as will be evident to any▪ who will but take notice of the few Instances, after mentioned.  
Ere I proceed further, I must here so far exercise your Candour and Patience, as to tolerat a short Digression concerning this Book.  
After I had perused it, and taken notice of many things, which cannot but offend the Eyes and Ears of any Person related to Medicine, I did meet with a Gentleman, who having accidentally also met with it, in my Patient's chamber, he produced it to me, with joannis Fieni Andoverpiani de flatibus, humanum corpus molestantibus, Commentarius novus ac singularis, in quo flatuum natura causa & Symptomata describuntur earamque, remedia facili & expedita methodo indicantur. Telling me, that the former was on lie a Translation of this (which, by comparing them, we presently discovered) without making any mention of the first Author, which Plagiary Act, is rarely to be paralleled. The Author [or rather Translater] being conscious to himself of this guile, did in the Epistle Dedicatory, provide for himself, a poor refuge, from the deserved challenges of the Ingenuous, in these words. I shall not cease to hope, but this translation, and Contribution of this kind of knowledge to the English, and its humble Dedication, will have a fair and kind acceptation, with your Wisdoms. Not in the least supposing either the Subject, [being of Wind and Spirits] or this discourse, can be strangers to your general reading.  
A Critic did deservedly give this extemporary Verdict of this Translation, 
Fienus is my father, and its a shame,  
For such a Coxcomb to suppress his name:  
For silly Beggars, who possess no wealth,  
Yet much disdain solely to live by stealth.   
Before I mention any of the promised Instances, I shall desire you to consider.  
First, That this Treatise is dedicated to one of the most learned and famous Societies, [viz. To the Royal Society, the Virtuosos] in the World, which hath hudgely improven the Knowledge of Natural Philosophy, and Medicine, by many new Experiments, for solveing many Phaenomena, which puzzled the Pates of our Ancestors. Yet in all this Book there is not the shadow of an appearance, that either the Author (who is more , considering the time when he wrote) or the Translater, did ever hear of the Fermentation of Humours. Only it seems, that some few Chemical words, have been Echoed into their Ears, for, pag 80. he ordereth a Decoction to be made in B. M. pag. 104. Cinnamon Water, Aqua Vita Ol. Anisi pag. 106. the Oils of Spike, Nutmegs. and Mace. pag. 144. and the Ashes of a Figtree, or juniper, are mentioned, which is all the Chemistry, to be found in this Treatise; whose Dedication to the Royal Society, is also impertinent, as if one should dedicat a System of Aristotelian-Phylosophie, unto a Cartesian Society.  
Secondly, In the Epistle to the Reader (which in the Translation, is made up of the Authors two Epistles) both these Blades do pay their respects, to the most deservedly famous, and admirably ingenious Hypocrates, in these words. Of Wind, Hippoc. hath written so that little benefit is to be gotten thereby— he useth Arguments far fetched; and such as teach rather the wit of the Author, than the knowledge or cure of the Diseases that come from them.— Who wrote on this Subject, more learnedly than profitably. But I am confident, that all, who are void of Interest, and purged from the dregs of adhaerence to any thing but Truth, will be easily convinced, that in all that long flux of Time, betwixt Hipp. and us, no one amongst the numerous swarm of Pathologists, hath shown less Wit, or spoken less to the business taken in hand, than have these, the Author and Translater, from the contagion of whose unequal undertake, the reputation of that most ancient pillar of Medicine (whose memory hath been, and still will be, embalmed, with the Elogicall commendations, and admirations of the judicious and learned in all Ages,) will never suffer detriment, disparagement, or obscurity, in this or any other matter; which we hope, some more judicious and elegant Hand, will set about to demonstrat more fully, than we have here only intended to hint at.  
The first Instance which I mention, is the lame description of Flatus or Wind (mentioned pag. 9 which he calleth, an abundance of vapours from spirits, or meat or drink, of phlegm or melancholy, raised from a weak heat in the body. Yet pag. 1. he sayeth, That substance whether Air, Wind, or Blast— is called a spirit.  
Secondly pag. 16. Wind troubles such commonly, that drink thick sweet Ale, Milk, or Water betwixt Meals chief: for that corrupts concostion, and weakeneth the action of the Stomach, as if you should pour cold water into a boiling Kettle.  
Thirdly, Pag. 26 Galen saith, all the faults of water are from its coldness, by which it lieth long in the Stomach, and causeth fluctuations, and turns to wind, and corrupts and weakens the Stomach, so that it concocts worse.  
Fourthly, Pag. 28. If you drink presently after meat, the concoction is interrupted, & there will be crudities, which cause fluctuation and inflation of the Belly, like a Drum.  
The falsity of these three last Assertions, as to cold water, shall be shown hereafter.  
Fifthly, Pag. 29. Keep thy feet from cold (which our High-Landers do not: for they use every morning to bathe them in cold water, for preventing of Diseases) for Nerves go from thence to the Stomach and presently cool it, and the Colic and all inflations, are caused thereby.  
This is also excellent an Anatomical Notion, concerning the original of Nerv's, as was that of another's, who affirmed that the Blood was first generat in the Brain; though the Assertor might more probably, but also falsely, have affirmed, that the Chile owed its original to it.  
Sixthly, Pag 22. What oppresseth the natural heat of the Stomach, is the cause of Wind, as Pulse, &c Boil Beans also much as you will, they are windy.— but fry them, or any other Pulse, and they are not windy but very hard of concoction [which must certainly be, by their oppressing the natural heat, which is the cause why] they pass away slowly and make gross juice. But any way dressed they swell the body. Notable Contradictions Also all Summer-fruits, are like these.— they are phlegmatic and Windy. O brave Cherries and Strawberries, notwithstanding!  
Seventhly. Pag. 24. Onions, and all Roots except a Parsneep and Schiroots (with which Parsley's might have been associate) Leeks, and dry Figs (how come these here,) are windy. Yet pag. 12. of Beans he sayeth, that some add Onions to prevent wind: because hot and attenuating things correct Wind.  
Eightly, Pag. 55. Begin not Dinner, nor Supper with Drink (and why not the Breakfast also?) nor drink a great draught, as the custom is, after they have eaten a bit or two.— Let liquid things be eaten before hard, and loosners before Astringents. Excellent coherence.  
Ninthly, Pag. 61. I allow not Cassia it is windy. Yet pag. 65. he prescribeth Diacathol. etc. and pag. 88 Confectio Hamech, and Diaphaenicon, which to the Stomach, in comparison with Purgative Tinctures, are like Bread made of Malt, compared with Ale.  
Is it not evident, from all those witnesing citations, that the Author Fienus, hath been ignorant of the Doctrine and Nature of Fermentation; and that this Translater, hath never read the most ingenious and learned Diatriba de Fermentatione, written by his Countryman, Dr, Tho. Willis, neither his Pharmaceutice Rationalis par. 1. (Printed in the Year 1674.) in the 3 Sect. whereof, and Chap. 1. He, most ingeniously (according to his forementioned Treatise, and Principles therein) describeth the manner how Wind (by him called Flatus) is bred in the body of Man.  
Dum Alimenta invisceribus subacta & digesta à fermentis & calore ipsorum dissolvuntur, effluvia quamplurima decedunt, quae si spatium liberum & apertum obtinerent, in auras migratura evanescerent; verum ea membranâ conclusa & simul aggesta, vaporum congeriem quasi ventum constituunt qui intestina saepe inflat ac distendit, & qua data via ruens secum excretiones promovet; conclusus vere tormina, & non rare ventris inflationem create.— Hoc etenim insigniter praestat, succorum non rite miscibilium colluctatio & effervescentia. Quip dum humores adventitij aut ingesta heterogenea, ac imprimis Medicamenta, cum alijs intestinorum contentis fermentescunt, à mutua particularum refractione corpuscula quamplurima decedentia, in vaporem aggeruntur. etc.  
My Design being chief to inform the Vulgar (who know not the many different parts & humours in Man's body) how this Wind is bred in the Stomach and Intestines, I shall only illustrat the manner thereof (and that conform to Dr. Willis his Principles) by this familiar simile; daily obvious to the Eyes, and Capacities of any.  
Meat and Drink, whilst they are digesting in the Stomach [and further in the Intestines] by the help of a little Liquor (called the Ferment) and heat, they are so altered, that they become like Milk, called Chile. And if either, through the too great abundance or diversity of Meats and Drinks received, [which are great impediments in Digestion, wherefore it is, that simple Brandie, doth not occasion such belching of wind, as do the other Strong-waters, for which one called it unthankful; and one dish of Meat, is more easily digested, then is a mixture of many) or the superabounding heat (occasioned by too much strong drink) or deficient [proceeding from the oppression of too much grossness, or great variety in the Stomach] the digestion be perverted, the Chile and other humours, contained in those places do become altered, as is the decoction of Malt (called Woort) when the Yeast or Barm [which is the Ferment] is mixed with it: for when the Liquor in the Hogshead swelleth and bubbleth or belleth, the vapours ascending from them as they break, do resemble (or, are resembled by) the belching of Wind, either upward or downward. And as a Barrel filled with Ale, in this motion, if closely stopped, would burst asunder; so when those vapours, arising in our Bodies (as is said) can not get vent, by either of the forementioned ways, first swelling, and then pain [occasioned through the distending of the Stomach and Intestins] do arise. Moreover, when the natural heat is in a good condition, and the digestion is performed aright, the Chile is uniform, having all its constituent parts proportionably mixed, as hath recent Milk: but when the Fermentation becometh irregular [as is ordinary, after taking too much, especially of different Meats & Drinks] and the salinous parts begin to pred●●●●e over the rest, (which Dr. Willis calleth Sal fluorem adeptus) as when Milk in a Churn, or Kirn, becometh Acide or Sour; then the vapours arising from thence, do excite dulness, oppression of the spirits oscitation or gaunting, and pain in the head. For which I know nothing better, (if the person be unwilling to provok Vomiting) then to take a draught of Spring-water, an hour or two after Meat, when those symptoms begin to arise; or to take it immedially after Meat, for preventing of those symptoms. For the cold water constringeth the upper orifice of the Stomach, whereby the digestion is helped, and debilitateth the activity of those salinous parts, and so doth rectify the irregularity of the Fermentation; as when a Pot is boiling over, a little cold water, doth sedat the furious ebullition. Thus I hope the forementioned Assertions, concerning cold water, [in the 2.3. and 4. Instances] are in some measure refuted.  
Likewise is not Hermannus Ʋander Heyden [formerly mentioned] his Treatise (contained in his Speedy help for Rich and Poor) concerning the cure of the Gout by cold water, internally and externally used, a greater evidence of the falsity of those Positions.  
But it is not in this case, that persons are troubled with the belching of Wind, so much as when through the debility of the natural heat, viscide Phlegm is generated in, and becometh fixed to the sides of the stomach [for the prevention of which, doubtless the Mace is good] where, by its long stay and the action of the natural heat, it becometh a praeternatural ferment, occasioning the boiling of humours, the hubles or bells whereof, when they burst a sunder do occasion the unpleasant Eructations (like to the smell of too much rofled Eggs, &c) of Wind, either upward or downward.  
Any may be convinced of the probability of this, who will consider that if unfermented Ale (which we call Woort) be put into a Barrel, containing the Dregs and old Barm of Ale, or have them mixed with it; that though the fermentation will begin and proceed, yet the Ale thus made, will not be so good, or pleasant, as that which was Fermented with recent Barm.  
Here I can not but inform you, that I once was called to a Merchant's wife who had been for two hours troubled thus. For a little time she did uncessantly belch wind upward, abour 30 or 40 times; then she had also long respite; and immediately she moaned grievously also long, because of a pain in her left-Iawes, amongst her Teeth [the disease by this Author called, The Toothache from Wind] which ceasing, within a little time she began to belch Wind, as before; and continued so doing interchangeably, for the space of one other hour.  
Lastly, Is it not sufficiently well known 〈◊〉 that as pains in the Stomach and Colon (the Theatre, upon which the cruel Colic, hath acted many a Tragedy) are occasioned either by Acrimonious humours, or Wind, excited by them; so when hot Medicines (as Spanish wine, spices, etc. which are most proper, when Wind troubleth) have been ineffectual, cold water hath been most successfully used: because thereby the Acrimony of the Humours hath been blunted (as when you mix with one ounce of Vinegar, or Salt water, 4. or 5. times also much of Fresh water) and they excerned by Urine and Stool.  
My design being only, to inform the Vulgar, concerning those ordinary Means of Health, I shall not offer any thing relative to the rectification of peecant Humours, by spagyrical Medicines: but refer the same to a more accuratpen.   
FINIS.