THE Efficacy and Extent OF TRUE PURGATION. SHOWING, 

I. What this Operation is; not as Vulgarly understood.  
II. How Performed in Human Body.  
III. By what Means fitly to be done.  
IU. When; How oft; and in what Cases to be used: And what to be avoided; in this most frequent, and helpful Administration.    
Distinguished from Promiscuous Evacuations; iujuriously procured, and falsely reputed PURGING.  
BY EVERARD MAYNWARINGE, M. D.  
LONDON, Printed for D. Browne, at the Swan without Temple-Barr; and R. Clavel, at the Peacock near St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet street, 1696.   

THE Efficacy and Extent OF TRUE PURGATION.  
OF all the Physical Operations in Order to Curing; and to prevent Diseases approaching or feared; Purgation is the most general, useful, and advantageous: For this alone, being well and truly performed, seldom fails to give good Relief, and great Assistance; in most, and almost all the Complaints of diseased, and infirm Bodies.  
Hence it is; that this Operation is so frequently appointed, and used by all Physicians, in their Undertake of the Sick; as most necessarily required, in the various Methods, and Designs of Curing: The Energy and Effects whereof are so conducing to Cures; that look through the whole Catalogue of Diseases, and their Methods used, in any of the great Practical Authors; you will rarely find Purgation omitted: But on the contrary; more often repeated, and insisted on, than any other Operation performed by Physic.  
And most People of their own Inclination, and Choice; have Recourse to this Help (without the Advice of a Physician) when they find themselves, heavy and indisposed; full at Stomach; Appetite abated; restless, or pained in any Part. And in so doing; they design rationally, and well for themselves; but they miss it, in the Performance; not knowing with What, or How to do this Work, as it ought to be done: For, of all the Operations procured by Physic, none so much abused and mistaken, as Purgation; not only by the Unskilful in this Art; but also by the Learned; as appears upon the Enquiry and Examination anon.  
Indeed, there are many sufficient Reasons; why Purgation should be so frequently used, and confided in for Help in various Cases; both as Preventive and Curative mean.  
First; Because Nature in her common Course, daily requires Evacuation that way; is thereby unloaded and alleviated by such discharge of the excremental Faeces; which if they are retained beyond due Time, and longer than usual; Man is not so light, easy, and pleasant; but finds some Alteration and Discomposure in the Body.  
Secondly; Diseases take their Rise, more often from depraved Matter, the Relics of vitiated Digestions; not being duly separate, and sent away by Stool; but remaining in the lower Region of the Body, infesting those Offices and depraving the nutrimental Juices which supply the Blood: From hence, the vital Stream becomes degenerate and impure; producing various Diseases, and symptomatical Appearances in divers Parts of the Body.  
Thirdly; Nature by her own Effort and Abilitity to strive; more often frees herself, from the Oppression of peccant Matter, by casting it forth at the Backdoor; than by any other way.  
Fourthly; A Purgative Operation leads foremost, and gins the Method regularly in most Cases (very few excepted:) And is more often repeated than any other Operation, by the Learned and most Experienced Practisers: For if the Disease do not lie (in primis viis) in the Stomach, Pancreas, Mesentery, or Guts; but seated in some remoter Part; yet the lower Region of the Body must first be unloaded, and the foulness of those Parts abstersed; before Medicine can arrive at the Part remotely affected: Which being well performed; you may then hopefully expect, what other Medicinal Operation the Case may properly require, will be effectual; (if farther Prosecution be necessary) having thus far rightly proceeded, and laid a good Foundation for Cure.  
Fifthly, Purgation being in Imitation of Nature's Performance; or an Assistance of Nature to do that Work effectually, where in she hath been deficient; is probably and rationally the best Operation, to restore her into the Rectitude of Government; for a due execution of all the Bodily Functions.  
Sixthly; True Purgation is so Catholic and Comprehensive; so powerful and prevailing in its Operation; that it checks and abates Diseases considerably, acting alone, by its single Virtue and Power: And sometimes does perform the whole Work, that nothing more is needful to be done. And farther; this Operation, being seasonably and duly made use of; is the best Preventive to keep of Diseases; and to Preserve Bodies in a good state of Health.  
Since Purgation is of such Importance; so necessarily required in the Cure of Diseases; and also for Preservation from Diseases: You are then rightly to understand, 

1. What this Purgation is; in its proper signification, and the true Operation thereof.  
2. How, or after what Manner, it is performed in the Body.  
3. By what fit Means or Medicines, it ought to be done; that truly and fully answers, the Intention of this most effectual Operation.  
4. When seasonably and fitly, Purgation is to be used: And what Contraindications do forbid it.  
5. What Diseases, and Cases do require it.    
Purgation, by the Import of the Word, is Purification; and Purging is Purifying. That is a separating, and cleansing away of impure, feculent, and preternatural Matter, that vitiates and depraves the nutritious Juices; and is unfit for the Service of the Body. And without such Purification, there is no true Purgation; but the Operation frustrate; as not effecting what it was intended for. Therefore all Evacuations, procured by Physic at the Fundament; are not Purging properly and truly: But which are so performed, as to depurate, and render the Body more clean, sound, and wholesome.  
From this Doctrine, I shall make some Observations, as cautionary and useful; to distinguish the Abuses and Counterfeits, from true and effectual Purgation.  
That a number of Stools procured by Physic, does not always perform the Intention and Office of Purgation; nor is benefit to be expected thereby: But such an Evacuation as is promoted by wholesome good Medicine; causing a gentle fermenting Secretion, and separation of peccant unserviceable Matter, calmly sending it forth. This is the only Purging that gives Relief; and great Benefit will follow from such amicable Operations, in most Cases that present: And by Purgation after this manner (though often repeated) Nature is not impaired or weakened; but alleviated, refreshed, and more able.  
But by forced promiscuous Evacuations; hurrying out all that lies in the way, both good and bad together; though the Body is unloaded thereby, and perhaps some good may be done by chance; but more certainly some Hurt; and probably this hath the greater share, in such rude Operations, as often it falls out so: For, after those churlish Doses, made up of malign Ingredients; the pale thin Faces do appear, to testify how ill they have been treated in Physic: But they let fly lustily, and Fools think that was bravely, having forgot the Gripes and the sick Fits; thinking it was all as it should be; and do not suspect any mischief done thereby: But they will find the Effects afterwards; and must take Physic again, for the Disease of Physic.  
Many People esteem their Purging Medicine, by the Number of Stools: If it works half a score, or dozen Times; then they have made a good Day's Work; and think their Time and Money well bestowed. But a Medicine that operates, but four or five times in a Day; they make no Account of; and have not Patience to prosecute their Diseases with such flow Purgers: They must have their Business done speedily, and probably that's the way, not to have it done; for commonly, and in this case especially; the more Haste, the worse Speed. For if Purgation be a fermentative Motion, procuring a Secretion; Reason and Experience tells, that is not a quick, hasty Work. They don't consider, and they have not been well taught; that gentle Purging, and oftener taking; deliberately and gradually collecting depraved Matter; and placidly conveying it forth by wholesome good Medicine; this is the most hopeful, and helpful Operation.  Eradicativa Evacuatio, optimè per plures Evacuationes Minorativas perficitur. 
Therefore when much emptying, and many Stools are required, to complete the Work of Purgation; let that Operation be gentle, and repeated the more often (with Intermission and Respite) until Purification be perfected: In so doing, the Life will not be tired and weakened; nor the Body exhausted and impaired; by such gradual selecting, and moderate discharging of unserviceable Matter only.  

After what manner PURGATION is performed in the BODY.  
It was the Opinion of the Ancients; and so continued by many at this time; that Purgatives operate (electiuè) by attracting this or that Humour peculiarly; and that by their different formal Propriety and specific Qualities, they do attract (Sympatheticè) a different Humour or Matter: Some Water, others Choler; some draw out Phlegm, others Melancholy. Thus Hypocrates and Galen taught; from which Judgement, diversity of Purging Medicines have been contrived, to fit several Constitutions (as they suppose.) Some Bodies abounding with Choler, others with Phlegm, etc. Therefore it was thought reasonable, that Purging Medicines should be divers: And from hence the reputed Purgatives have been distinguished and distributed into several Classes: Phlegmagoga, Cholagoga, Melanagoga, Hydragoga All which will appear but an Accumulation of Errors. Dato uno absurdo; multa exinde consequuntur.  
Contrary to this Opinion; Paracelsus, Joubertus, and others, have asserted; Purging Medicines to operate (per Antipathiam) in a hostile manner; that they do prosecute, expel and drive out noxious Humours, as having Enmity therewith, and performing after the manner of Alexipharmacals.  
But neither of these Opinions will stand good upon Examination and strict Enquiry; as having no sound Foundation to support either of them; but involved with many Difficulties, as not rationally to be maintained: Notwithstanding, upon such supposed Truths; pretended Purgative Operations hath been designed and grounded thereon, to the Prejudice of Millions of People: For, if manifest Evacuation were but procured, by the common injurious Means; it always passed currently for Purgation; not being able to discern and distinguish, between Evacuating promiscuously, and Purging.  
The two former Opinions being set aside; I shall produce a third, more rational, and clearer from Entanglements.  
Purgation being an Operation, imitating Nature in her ordinary daily course; setting forth the Causes, and Order of natural Evacuations; illustrates and declares the Manner of Purgation artificially procured by Medicine.  
Food received into the Stomach, is there digested by Fermentation, into a Chyle or Juice; then sent out into the Guts: where the Alimentary Part thereof, is conveyed by proper Vessels, for the use and supply of the Body: The excrementitious and unserviceable Part, is carried down for expulsion. The motion for conveyance out of the Stomach, is performed by Fibers' contracting and compressing that Bag; the lower Orifice of the Stomach than opens, and transmits' into the Guts; where also the Fibers of the Intestines contracting, do cause a vermicular motion, protruding the Contents from Part to Part, until the Faces arrive at the Fundament for excretion. Thus much only in short, which at large might be set forth, if necessary.  
In like manner Purgation is performed (but more vigorously, and oftener evacuating) which is a Repetition of doing Nature's Work, to perfect by Medical Assistance, what could not be done without such Help. A Purgative Medicine being received into the Stomach, causeth a Fermentation there; raising up indigested Relics, and subsiding depraved Matter, cleaving to the corrugated Tunicles of the Ventricle; and puts it upon motion to be sent downwards into the Guts; there to be distributed as aforesaid.  
But this is not All; Purgation extends yet farther: For, the Stomach being the Centre of the Life, where the Regimen of the Body is more eminently managed; this principle Part; or rather the Principle of Human Nature, being there affected with the Purgative; causeth the whole Body to be drawn into Consent and Co-operation; by Unity and Identity, of the ubiquitary vital Principle: So that this depurating Fermentation is promoted by the Life, in all the Veins and Arteries; some Branches whereof, having their Insertions into the cavity of the Guts; impure and useless Matter is brought from all Parts, to be discharged into the Kennel, or Sink of the Body, and sent forth by that commom Outlet, the Fundament. Thus the whole Mass of Blood, is defecated and cleared, from heterogeneous Admixture, by Purgation; after this manner performed, and not by Attraction, as commonly supposed.  
The Regimen of the Life, is not always necessitated and obliged to visible Organs; but acts sometimes influentially, without visible corporeal Mediums; and therefore in the Oeconomy of Human Nature, many Actions are performed at distance, without the connexion of Tubes or Vessels for conveyance. But our traditional Learning gives no such Information; and therefore extraordinary Inquiries have been made in Anatomy (where it is not to be found) that they may render an Account of such internal Operations; as they can give no Reason for otherwise.  
Thus they would have the World believe; that by an exact Knowledge in Anatomy; satisfactory Accounts may be given, for all the preternatural Phoenomena, and Defections of Human Nature: And how Medicine is transmitted, to operate upon every Part of the Body. But herein they are more industrious for enabling themselves to talk finely; than to design curing successfully: Or give the true Account of Diseases; and how curing is performed in the Body: Forgetting, or neglecting this Axiom; Natura est Morborum Medicatrix: (And sometimes Morborum Factrix) which caused a Reproof from an intelligent Observator, for their over-Curiosity and expense of Time in Dissections. Sufficiebat namque pro Anatome; situm, colligationem, & usus Partium: Non autem tota vita Cadaverum Lani●nam, ad minimae venae ductus inveniendos, exercuisse. Joan. Van Helmont.  
The denominating Principal Part of Human Nature (the Regent vital Spirit, that makes, mends, and maintains Bodies) hath not been regarded and enquired into as aught; being the Efficient and Rector of all Human Actions; internal and external; both in the state of Health, and Sickness. But they think themselves concerned, no farther than Humours, and Organs; and by them to set forth a full Account of Humanity, and morbous Alterations; as also the manner of Curing.  
Purgative Fermentation begun in the Stomach, is promoted through the Body; not by Consent of Parts, and Communication by Vessels of Conveyance, as vulgarly so accounted: But (per Identitatem Medii) by Continuity and Unity of the Life; spreading and residing in every Part of the Body. From whence it is; that the Life being touched in the Centre, with a fermenting Purgative Virtue; is also affected likewise, to the Confines of vital Government. But the common Learning does not acknowledge, and teach any Communication or Conveyance; but by visible Ductures and Conduits, transmitting from Part to Part.  
That this may not seem strange; but probable and practicable, for Nature (the Life) to operate after such a secret manner; take these following Examples as parallel, to confirm the Verity thereof. The first an Operation artificially procured by Medicament, for Purification: The latter, merely natural and spontaneous by Aliment, for Refection and Restauration.  
1. A Sudorific Medicine being received into the Stomach; the virtue thereof is diffused sometimes in an hour, or two; and affects the whole Body; causing a moist Transpiration in every Part: And this must be by Irradiation, not by a long passage of Circulation, through visible Ductures of Conveyance: For, it cannot rationally be supposed, that in so short space of Time; the Medicine can be carried materially into every Part of the Body; but is virtually conveyed, by influencial Power of the vital regent Principle; residing in the Stomach, (there eminenter) and praesiding over all the Faculties. And to perform this Operation, there needs no Vessels of Conveyance out; because the whole Body is prompt and ready, for such a vaporous Transmission: Totum corpus est perspirabile.  
2. When a Person is faint and feeble by too long fasting; Meat and Drink, then received into the Stomach; enlivens and strengthens all Parts immediately (long before the Food can be distributed through the Body) and only by refreshing the Life in the Centre: Such radiant Influence streams from thence, as to affect the whole Body. So Purgative Virtue is diffused, and communicated from the Stomach; causing a fermentative motion in the Veins and Arteries; arriving therein much shorter Time, than with common Conveyance by the known Vessels; which would be long and tedious to expect.  
Hence it does appear, how Purgative Fermentation is raised, and extended at distance influent ially, by conduct and co-operaration of the Life; without visible Ductures: But the feculent Matter separated for Excretion, is exported manifestly by Vessels.  
From this Doctrine you may understand; that the World hath been deceived in the great Business of Purgation: For, Practisers not having a right Notion thereof in the manner of Performance in the Body; they could not well adapt a Purgative Medicine for the true Execution of that Operation: And Failure therein, hath given great Delays and Disappointments, in the Practice of Physic: Forasmuch as true Purgation contributes mainly in the cure of all Diseases, arising from, or depending upon depraved humoral Matter; and gives the deepest stroke, in eradicating the Seminaries thereof.   

By what means True PURGATION is to be Effected.  
Since it is manifest, that Purgation operates by Fermentation to produce Purification: Then we are to inquire, what Properties a Medicine is to be endowed with, that really and effectually can perform that Work.  
The primitive Professors having no Guide to direct, nor Footsteps to trace and follow; but making the first Attempts in designing Purgation; did venture upon divers Experiments; and what raised a Disturbance in the Body, forcing Nature to expel downwards and evacuate; was then noted for a Purgative. The Ancients, as Hypocrates, Galen, etc. coming after the first Projectors: They revised those rough inartificial Exemplars; and produced something better: And Modern Practisers have made some Amendments; but fall short of completing true Purgative Medicines: That we can only say; the latter Inventions are not so bad as the first; or what they were a Thousand Years ago; but not what they ought to be now.  
If a placid and benign Fermentation, is praevious; the direct and only way to design Purgation, which is Purification: Then no Medicine composed of virulent, or malign Ingredients; is a proper and fit Instrument to perform that Work: Nor is it reasonable to expect so good an Effect, should be wrought by such bad Means. We may from hence conclude; that all those Purgatives (so called) which in their Nature have malign injurious Qualities to Human Bodies; are improper and mistaken to produce such an Operation as Purging; which is Purifying.  
Now we are to examine, the common reputed Purgatives; so much esteemed, and so often used, by Practisers in this Age; that we may see how far they answer the Title given: Whether they be innocent, wholesome, and harmless; as true Purgatives ought: Or otherwise; affecting the Body with their ill Qualities, and operating by stimulating and noxious Impressions upon the Life.  
In the Number of common reputed Purgatives, are: Euphorbium, Scammony, Colloquintida, Hellebore, Elaterium, jalap, Briony, Gutta Gamandrae, Turbith, Sena, etc. many others: Wherein there are degrees of Badness; some not so mischievous as others are: But none to be called wholesome and purely good; but what hath some ill Quality injurious to Human Nature: And are not what true Purgatives ought to be; which I shall prove, 

1. By the manner of their Operations.  
2. By their Effects.  
3. By the Account given of them, from Authentic Writers, Ancient and Modern.    
The Operation of common Purgatives, is usually attended with uneasiness, Dullness, and Lassitude; nauseating, or vomiting; grinding or griping Pains; exhausting Evacuations and Excoriations; raking, and sometimes racking the Bowels: Some of these at least; and sometimes all of these, are concomitant Symptoms: Which do manifest their discordant, and malign Properties; inimical and destructive to Human Nature.  
Few there are that have been used to Physic; but can attest some Part hereof, by their own Experience: And some of them, will tell dreadful Stories; how they have been abused by purging Physic.  
Secondly: The ill Effects wrought from virulent Impressions of the common reputed Purgatives, that pervert the Digestions, and vitiate the Blood: They do not appear presently, but some Time after; and then not suspected, from whence or what Cause, such Alterations do come: For, after the irksome Operation is over; the next Day, perhaps, the Patiented Sufferer is more at ease; and then gins to have a good Opinion of his Purge (when the Storm is over) and says it has done him good. And I can tell how much good that is: The Body being unloaded thereby; and probably some of the morbific Matter complained of, may be carried out, (if it lie in the way ready for Passage;) and this makes a mitigation of former Pains, and at present the Patient is better. And this is the best of it, that can be told: Which happens but sometimes: As when the diseased Person is strong and able to bear bad Medicines; and the cause of Complaint not so considerable, as to require much Physic.  
But if the Disease be great; radicated and stubborn to yield; that there is need of repeated, and often Purgations: Then, and in such Cases; the common Purges, do show their Hostility to Human Nature; leaving the Characters of their Malignity behind them. Such as are so engaged into a Course of Physic; change their former Countenance, for pale, thin Chaps: Strength wears away, and feeble Legs are the effects of that kind of Purging. So it is with the stronger fort; that are able to walk about, when their Disease makes a Cessation.  
And if you count the Number of those that receive no Benefit; but are rather worse; you will find them to be many: As when the Patient is Sick and weak; that wants a true Purgative, a Medicine extraordinary good; or no good to be done otherwise: Then in such cases, the common Purges sets the Sick and Feeble forward, towards their long Home. But such as do recover (by good Providence) from Sickness, and seemingly are well; and have escaped the evil of bad Purgatives at present: Yet all the mischief is not past; there comes an after Reckoning to account for: The Relics and Impressions of your virulent Purges, hath laid the Foundation of another Disease, which you will hear of in a little time; and you cannot imagine how it should come.  
Most People have this Apprehension, that Purging Physic is next to Poison; and therefore if it does not work, they are dreadfully afraid; and well they may: But if it does operate; then they think all is well enough: but not so safe as they think: For tho' there be Evacuation sufficient, as to the number of Stools; yet the Taint impressed upon the Body, both continent and contained; and also upon the Life, to alienate and infect the Regent Spirit: There must be a Depravation from thence; the effects whereof will not be smothered; though the cause you do not imagine, when those effects do appear, a good while after: For, although some part of the Purgative Venom, comes away by Stool the Day of Purgation; yet there is a Remainder that infects the Blood, and will produce various ill effects, in divers parts of the Body.  
That it does mix with the Blood, and by that vehicle is carried into all parts of the Body: I find a late Author of the same Opinion; where he saith,  
Extra dubium ponatur, Medicamenti Purgantis corpuscula quaedam in sanguinem admitti, perque totum ejus liquorem diffundi. D. Willis. And soon after these words do follow: Quip necesse erit quasdam Cathartici particulas, succo nutricio permistas, per vasa lactea obrepere. Idem.  
Now since it is so; that the Purgative Venom commixeth with the Blood, and therewith runs through the whole Body; how careful, and fearful aught People to be in the matter of Purgation: But when the ill effects of former Purgatives do bud forth, they have no other Remedy, but to the same, and such like Purges again: They know not how to get better; they are such as the Shop's are furnished with; and such as are Prescribed to the Shops, upon all occasions. What do you think will be the end of such Accumulation of Errors? or how soon the end may come?  
Here by the way, I must Remark, and set down this injurious Repetition, for one eminent cause, of Man's infirm diseased Nature; and consequently hath contributed much, to the Abbreviation of Life; and the Offspring in Ages to come, will degenerate yet more, and be of shorter Duration; being descended from such depraved Progenitors.  
Is it reasonable to suppose, that one virulent Medicine; should raze out the Impressions of another, that went before? If the Axioms be true; Natura est Morborum Medicatrix: We cannot in Reason think, that Nature will, or can work with such bad Tools: Purification cannot be effected, by depraving and corrupting Medicines.  
And the forenamed Author; giving an Account of Purgation; yields in a great measure, to this censure of Purgatives: Nec enim de nihilo est quod vulgus adeo pertimescat, si quando Medicemen minus operetur; ne virulentia exinde contracta, & derelicta, post quam diu in corpore delituit, tandem aliquando affectus malignos produceret: a tali namque occasione, interdum pathemata quasi leprosa excitantur. D. Willis. It is not without cause, that People are afraid, when their Purge works not sufficiently; lest the virulency thence contracted, and remaining in the Body; at some time or other (tandem aliquando) should produce malignant Affects: from such an occasion sometimes Leprous Maladies do appear.  
He owns Purgatives to be virulent; which virulency, if it comes not out, but lodgeth in the Body, it produceth mischief: And I cannot see how it should be otherwise: For if it be true as this Author affirms; that some part of the Medicine is carried by the Blood all over the Body; it is not like to come out again presently; not that Day of Operation; The Venom than lies a breeding; and will bring forth in time. So that, when you Purge; you must take another to fetch out the virulency of the former: But if the second be no better than the first; you must then take a third Dose: And so you may Purge all the Year long at that rate of Purging, and be never the better, but much worse hereafter.  
After this manner, there will be no end of Purging; but there may be an end of the Patient. If it be so, and I think it is plainly so; Then such pretended Purgations, is but Tinkerly Doings-Physitians and Pothecaries are very honest Men; but Physic cheats all the World.  
It is plain from the Words of the foregoing Author; what Opinion he had of the common reputed Purgatives: Yet being urged to use them, for want of better, and more safe; he also did comply, with what his Judgement had condemned: As his Purgative Exemplars following do declare; and also his Prescripts in Practice upon several Diseases, in his Works extant.  
And other Men of repute in this Faculty, are of the same Sentiment in this matter; and have acknowledged as much: But for (à Salvo Judicio) to excuse themselves from persisting in known Error; and to render the common Purgatives tolerably useful; until wholesomer, and safer be found out: They tell you of Correctives, invented to subdue the Venom; to curb and tame the extravagant molesting Qualities of the Purgatives; that they shall perform the Office of Purging, and not disgust or molest you in the Operation.  
True, part of this may be; and the Purgatives still what they ought not to be. Perhaps the Patient does not find present Inconvenience or Disturbance: But that does not prove the Innocency and Wholsomness of the corrected Purgatives; and yet most commonly it is otherwise, and the Operation unpleasant. Injurious and unwholesome Diet does not show its ill effects presently: You eat and drink with Pleasure, and perceive no Hurt; but you will find it afterwards; perhaps a good while after: And so it is with bad Medicines, such as stand in need of Correctives.  
Now this Question ariseth; whether the Correction given to virulent Purgatives, be due Correction, or only a Palliation? Whether your Correction does raze out, and extinguish the Venom; as to make the Concrete purely innocent and wholesome? I believe not so.  
You may possibly correct, or smother some extravagant Quality more eminent, and apparently noxious to Human Bodies; but you do not change the whole Nature thereof, which is Malign and Hostile. If you correct the smell of a T— with Musk and Civet; that the offensive scent thereof is not perceived; yet it is a T— still; an impure Excrement.  
So you may correct some of the first, or second Qualities of the Purgatives, that are not sufferable in the Operation: But being malign (tota substantia) in their whole Nature; the Correctives are not sufficient security to save harmless, from future Damage. You may allay, and blunt the edge of some fierce Punging, or Lancinating Property, and make the Operation more placid, and painless; but there may be other injurious Qualities, which are dormant at present; and may produce ill effects, some Weeks, or Months after. If you knock out one Tooth; there are more left that will by't, and do hurt.  
After this manner you may eat a Toad, and have a correcting Antidote, that it shall not poison you. But I don't like such Food, that wants so much Correction; Nor such Physic: For when you think all the danger is past; there may be mischief breeding. So that you cannot say you are secure; though at present you are seemingly well.  
Some that are dextrous in Poisoning; can give that which does not soon discover its venomous Nature to hurt you: But after some Time, it will operate upon you sensibly, and by Degrees; continuing to tabefie the Body, and so infest the Life; that you shall dwindle away, and know not what was the cause.  
Some Poisons are Mortal, and kill presently: others not so Mortal, but very hurtful; acting slowly and gradually: Disguised under the Name of some common Disease; producing different effects. Some cause Dulness, Melancholy, and Stupidity: others provoke Laughter, Lust, or Fury: and some cause Convulsions, Dysenteries, Inflammations, etc.  
Some Poisons more peculiarly and immediately affect the Heart; others seize the Brain; some invade the Liver; others the Lungs: some hurt the Bladder, as Cantharideses: others dart their Venom chief upon the Genitals, and disable either Sex, causing Barrenness. All which is confirmed by Authors of Repute.  
I shall not point at the Parts of the Body, particularly this or that Purgative, shall more especially injure: But we may conclude it will fall somewhere; and you must take it for your Pains, as it falls out  
Your Correction sometimes is before Composition; and than you do something to meliorate, at least mitigate: yet, after you have done all you can; 'tis but (minus malum) not so bad as it was; and that's the best that can be said. But who is the Supervising Corrector, in these weighty Matters; that require much Care, and Skill? The Doctor he refers all, and trusts the Apothecary; the Apothecary trusts the Boys: Then the Patient he must Trust in God; for there is no Trust in Man.  
He that Purgeth with Medicine, that requires so much Correction, and is not Operator himself; He also deserves Correcting Reproof.  
But more often, the Correctives are added in composition: And such are not properly so called; but are only Palliatives: For, being thrust into the Crowd of Ingredients, they do not expunge or raze out the Venom of Purgatives; but only enable Nature to bear the Assaults; to resist and expel downwards, for to free herself by Evacuation. And such palliating Correctives are the Aromatics and Cardiacs; that are associated with the malign Purgatives; that the Patient shall not be so sensible of the mischievous Properties of the Medicine in the Operation; and for a quick and expeditious Expulsion.  
By this same Art of Sophistication; an ingenious Cook will prepare you a Mess of Pottage, made with tainted unwholesome Flesh; corrected with a high Season of well-savoured Herbs, Onions and Spices, and suchlike Correctives. The Broth may be pleasing enough to the Palate, and nothing ill discernible: But you may judge they cannot produce wholesome Nourishment. And so adulterate Wines are made palatable and pleasant in the drinking; but the ill Effects come after. And thus it is, with virulent Purgative Medicines.  
I think it unreasonable, that the Work of Purgation, which is cleansing and purifying; should be intended and attempted to be wrought, by such means as slain, vitiate, and defile the Body; if not expelled and cast out. And all this hath arised from a Mistake; supposing every thing that causeth Evacuation, does perform the Office of Purgation: But that's a grand Error; which hath introduced so many virulent Productions of Nature (designed for other Uses) to be reputed and established, in the Classes of Purgatives.  
In the Works extant of our Predecessors; that have been Physicians to Emperors, Kings, and Princes, I find their Practice hath been managed by such injurious Purgatives, (very likely it is so now:) And we may reasonably conclude; that those greatest Men of the World; had their Share, and their Fate; in such mischievous Drugs: For, had their Physicians known better; they would have been more benign to Mankind, than to have concealed them; and recommend that which is worse to Public Use.  
If the Topping Men of Government he so served; How are their Fleets, and Armies provided for? Bad enough I know; and too bad. The Soldiers, and the Seamen, they have Physic, such as it is; and that must serve. But how can it be otherwise? since the Inspection, and Care is committed to them, that know no better: And therefore all is approved very well.  
I do assert; and not without good Reason and Experience; that Curing may be managed, without virulent Purgatives, or loathsome nasty Physic; and that much more pleasing to Patients, and more hopeful in Effect: But Dogs-Tird, Horse-Dung, Piss, and many such sordid Inventions; I don't like, nor use: But they that know no better, must make use of such. Because some in their necessity have been constrained to use such, for Help in their Extremity, (not knowing what was more wholesome and pleasing to Nature) and casual Success hath happened thereupon: This is set down in Receipt-Books, and noted for specific Remedies in such Cases; as if nothing else could do it; at least, nothing so well. As if there were not Physic sufficient in the wholesome Stores of Nature, to perform all necessary Operations in Curing; but we must seek among the Venom's, and Excrements of Animals, to fetch it from thence, for internal Medicine; tho' unwholesome, or loathsome and disgustful.  
Thirdly; From the Censure, Cautions, and Corrections of the evil Qualities, of reputed Purgatives; by Physicians of Note, that have used them in former Ages; and also by such, as do continue the use of them at this Time.  
Scammony is a Purgative most frequently used; and is in most of the purging Medicines, both Electuaries and Pills of the Shops. The Ancients, and among them Aegineta and Mesue; sets down Five great Faults in Scammony, which Fritagius rehearseth, and concludes; Scammonium nunquam esse exhibendum, quin sit Correctum; nisi Animas negotiari, & Christianam charitatem abjicere decretum sit. Auror. Med. lib. 2. cap. 13. And therefore great Cautions, and Inventions are used, to correct the virulent and malign Qualities of this Drug: And about these Corrections, there are different Opinions among Physicians, how rightly and best to be done; which I forbear to recite.  
Turbith, another Purgative much used; hath its Faults too: Tres inesse noxas in Turpetho ferunt sapientes, says Fritagius. Which I forbear to set down for brevity sake. And that this hath had a bad Name in the World, the old Verse doth witness: Nolo damnosum Turbith, mea Viscera turbet. And because it nauseates and offends the Stomach; some will have the Word Turbith, derived à turbando; says Fallopius. But correctves must help all these Faults: And therefore it is put into several of the Shop-Compositions; as a good Ingredient.  
Coloquintida is a Purgative very often used; an Ingredient in many of the common purging Medicines. The virulence and violence thereof is noted by m●ny Authors. Fallopius he saith, Est medicamentum periculosum, nisi maxima adhibeatur custodia. And Solenander, in the the last of his Counsels, calls Coloquintida (Poma Diaboli) the Devil's Apples. Mesue gives it the Name of  terrae, & mors Plantarum: Because it kills the Plants that grow near it.  
Freitagius reckons up the evil Qualities of this Drug. Observatione constat, ventriculo, jecori, & cordi admodum nocere; hoc malignitate sua oppugnare, omniaque viscera mirifice disturbare; Stomachum valde concutere, ejusque & Intestinorum parietes vellicare, arrodere & eradere; vasorum & vinarum oscula reserare, etc. p. 336. Since it is manifestly so; then they consult how to master this Devil, that he shall not do so much mischief: Some will fetter him after this manner; others think it more secure, another way.  
Scammony, Turbith, and Coloquintida; these three famous Drugs are in use: Being in divers Compositions of the Shop-Medicines; both in the Electuaries, and Pills.  
As Benedicta Laxativa; Diacharthamum; de Citro solutivum; Confectio Hamech; Hiera Logadii, etc. Pilulae Aggregativae; Pil. Cochiae; Pil. Foetidae; Pil. de lapide Lazuli; Pil. ex Duobue; Pil. Rudii, where is more of Art: But after all the Labour by Trituration, Infusion, and Distillation, it is but a rude Medicine; not a true Purgaive. Who can bring a clean thing, out of an unclean? Nil dat, quod non habet.  
These Inventions surpass my Understanding, and every one else; to give a rational Account of the Designs thereof.  
There is much to be said upon the Examination of these Compositions (if it were my Business now) and I could allow Time to inquire into the Reasons of their several Associations of Ingredients; and to note their incongruous and superfluous Additions: Which proceed from Imbecility of Judgement, to compose a regular true Medicine; or else designed to amuse the World, in compounding and confounding Ingredients, good and bad together discordantly.  
Such farraginous Mixtures caused Helmont's Dislike and Complaint: Commiseror in Officinis tot Simplicium connexiones, & confusas miscellaneas, proditrices ignorantiae & incertitudinis: sperant enim Scholae, Si non juvet unum, alterum juvaturum: sicque multa associant invicem. Van Helm. Pharmacopolium. And in the same Page, these Words do follow: Vndiquaque enim pro suo Nummo decipitur Aeger; tam scilieet fide ac fraud Seplasiae, quam jurejurando Doctoratus.  
Esula is the genus of Tithymals, comprising under that Name several sorts: Bad is the best. Esula minor is accounted the safest, and most in use; supposed to purge watery Humours: But it must be corrected; else it will do great hurt. Quod Cordi, Epati, Ventriculo, Visceribusque noxia vim alioquin inferret maximum; Intestina raderet, nobiles interiorum partes inflammaret, Venarum ora reseraret, Febres excitaret, Sperma exsiccando consumeret, potentiamque Aphrodisiam extingueret. Freitag. pag. 414. A foul Account of this noble Purger: One of the Ingredients of these Medicines. Pilulae Mechoacanae; Pil. Foetidae; and Electuar. Benedict. Laxativa; that blessed Electuary: (A fair Title to a foul Medicine.) But how oft it comes into the Recipes, I cannot say.  
Euphorbium, a condensate Juice; supposed to purge Phlegm, and watery Humours; is commended and used against Apoplexies, Palsies, soporiferous Diseases, Convulsions, Tremors, Dropsies, and Gout. These are great Diseases; and therefore it was thought, they must have Medicines extraordinary, (but let them be extraordinary good then) not extraordinary dangerous, as this Euphorbium is; more likely to make a Disease than to cure one: And therefore it is cautiously to be dealt with, and so advised. Circumspectè per omnia ejus usus est ineundus; quod Fauces inflammet, interiora vellicet, urat & arrodat, Stomachum & Epar mirificè lacessat; adeò ut sudorem frigidum, summam Cordis angustiam, & demum syncopen concitet, etc. Freitag. auror. Med. pag. 341.  
Now you see what a hopeful Account is given of this Purgative, But for a Mitigation, and to bridle the Fury of this Drug; there are several ways proposed for Correction, according to the different Judgements of Physicians. Mesue, Avicen, Serapio, Manardus, Quercetan, and others. But I intent never to use it internally; and therefore shall not examine the Corrections, which is best: For I think it best not to meddle with it internally. But it may be used outwardly in Epipastic Plasters, to raise Blisters; as it is so used sometimes. But I find it an Ingredient in Pil. Foetidae; and de Hermodactilis: Probably it comes sometimes into the Recipes; for I meet with a Correction of it in the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis; and for external Application, there needs no Correction.  
I might proceed on, and go through the whole Catalogue of reputed Purgatives; after this manner to show their Virulency; or Insufficiency to perform the Work of Purgation, by such ill Qualities they are pregnant with: But that would be tedious to examine all of them, singly by their Names, and recite the Censure that is given of them, by Physicians that have used them: I shall therefore give the Character of them in the gross; according to the Sentiment of some Authors.  
Van Helmont giving Judgement upon Medicines, hath these Words: Laxativa peculiariter sensi operari duntaxat, propter latens intus sibi venenum. That the common Purgatives operate as Venom's. And soon after he adds: Sensi ideò Laxativa putrefacere vitales Succos. That they putrefy the vital Liquors. Potestas Medicaminum, pag. 383.  
And another Author, whose Writings are well known, and esteemed in this Kingdom and abroad, saith: Porro alia Cathartica, uti Jalapium, Colocynthis, Elaterium, & quaedam Mercurii praeparatu, particulis acrioribus & non raro septicis constant; quae propterea ab Intestinis suscepta, indeque sanguini transmissa, Massam ejus insigniter fundunt, & in serositatem valde praecipitant; imo interdum quasi venenant, & Crasin ejus corumpunt. Dr. Willis de Purg. pag. 71.  
This is muchwhat to the same purpose, as the foregoing Author determined of Purgatives. And a little after (pag. 72.) relating how two Children were killed with a Mercurial Powder, by an Empiric at Oxford: Nec tantum à mercurialibus, sed ab aliis interdum Catharticis, è vegetabilium familia de sumptis, Massa sanguinea it a depravatur, ut non nisi longo tempore restitui aut renovari possit. Not only mercurial, but vegetable Purgatives, sometimes do so deprave the Mass of Blood; that it will be a long time before it can be restored. Dr. Willis.  
Then he confirms what Helmont had said of the common Purgatives, in these Words: Adeo non immeritò prorsus Calumniatur Helmontius dicens Pharmaca Cathartica non semper, aut solummodo humores in corpore prius existentes educere; sed potentiâ sua corruptiva, depravatos efficere. Idem, ibidem.  
Now what do you think of the common Purges; made with half a dozen, or half a score, of such Ingredients as have been discoursed on? Magis à Remedio, quam ab ipso Morbo timendum sit. If you like'em, much good may do you; but I do not, and never shall; because I know better things.  
You may see now, (if you have Eyes and Understanding) what Effects are to be expected from such Purgatives; how apt they are to deprave, instead of purifying the vital Juices, for reducing an ill habit of Body to a sound state: And 'tis the Judgement of the Learned; but they have a learned way of Correction; that they shall not do so much Hurt, as otherwise they would.  
There is another Help found out; and that is the cause why Physicians send so many to the Waters: To rinse out, and fetch off the Stains, and virulent Impressions of counterfeit Purgatives. I should like the Waters well enough; if they would operate, and perform the Intention in a lesser Quantity: But to pour down two or three Quarts in a Forenoon; to charge and chill the Body with so much; tho' some do bear it pretty well; yet others receive Prejudice, instead of a Benefit. He that is Master of a wholesome Purgative, will do better Service, than all the Waters in England.  
Purgative, is a promising good Name; which invites, and makes the pretended Purgatives go down the better. They are such as the World hath been used to; and the People take them; because others have taken them before: They know no better, and therefore these are the best, and they must try their Fate with them. They are such as Tradition hath handed down from Age to Age; to the present Time; and Custom hath made them familiar: They are recommended (sometimes discomended) and appointed by the Learned in vogue; and therefore they are willingly, and readily received, as if they were sent by Divine Appointment, to heal the Infirmities of human frail Nature.  
But all this is, no convincing Argument; to prove their sufficiency and fitness, for the important Work of Purgation; Error is as old as Time itself; but such false Substitutes, will wear out of Date, and out of Use; when better shall appear manifestly and convincingly; as by comparing these pretended and fallacious; with what is purifying and truly purgative, as followeth.  
Having showed negatively, what true Purgatives are not; by examining and setting forth the malign Nature of common reputed Purgatives: In their Operations; in their Corrections; by their Effects; by the Judgement and Censure, of Ancient and Modern Physicians.  
I come now to assert positively; and set down the Qualifications of a true Purgative Medicine; that performs the Office of Purgation, according to the Intent, and Meaning of that Operation, in due Manner, and also in Effects.  
A Medicine adapted truly Purgative, is endowed with these eminent and excellent Properties.  

1. Balsamic, wholesome and harmless in all the Ingredients.  
2. Fermentative, to separate and depurate; wherein is comprised Aperitive and Abstersive Faculties.  
3. Lenitive and Placid in Operation.  
4. Catholic and Comprehensive; as adapt and applicable to all Cases, requiring Purgative Energy   
First: A true Purgative wants no Correction, as being wholesome, and innocent in all the Parts of Composition: That's a Medicine amicable and pleasing to Nature. And if no good can be done, (as in Cases irremediable, and past hope) it will do no hurt; but give you the Satisfaction of a Trial. And in Diseases obstinate, and difficult to be removed; requiring a Method, and Medicines of a different Operation to be assistant; then the Purgative performs only a Part; but necessarily conducing to the Cure; and without this probably no perfect Cure. But where there is a capacity to receive Relief; you may be bold in the repeated use thereof, for obtaining the desired Effect.  
But if it wants this wholesome Qualification, it cannot be a true purifying Purgative: And that Defect, makes a great Abatement in Virtue; or Frustration of the Intention.  
Secondly: A true Purgative acts by a benign and placid fermentative Operation; which is diffusive through the Body; opening and searching into all Parts; separating that which is bad, to be brought down, and sent away by the Intestines; leaving that which is good, to support and maintain the Body: Does not contaminate, nor drain out the alimentary Juices; from whence Alleviation does follow, and natural Strength preserved.  
And every Evacuation, that is not performed after this manner; cannot rightly be called Purgation; nor in Reason can you expect the good Effects otherwise: For, true Purgation is not a promiscuous Evacuation; an emptying of the Guts only; of a draining of the Body by force, without distinction of Matter: But separating all useless, superfluous, and degenerate Humours; that the vital Liquors may be preserved pure.  
Thirdly: A true Purging Medicine, operates gradually and gently; takes Time to search out, and fetch out the morbific Matter. Moderate and gentle Evacuation, is one sign of a true Purgative: But you do not deserve a good Medicine; if you will not allow Time sufficient for the Operation.  
A good wholesome Medicine is working secretly within the Body, all the Intervals of Evacuation; collecting impure Matter together out of divers Parts; and in due time sends it forth calmly without disturbance: For if it do not work moderately and deliberately, it cannot perform the Office of true Purgation: This is an Operation of Time, and no hurrying Business.  
Many People are for a Purge that works quick and often; and are very impatient if it operates little, and slowly: They must have a galloping Purge; one of the virulent and worse sort; such they like best. It is not the many Stools, that makes Purging so advantageous in Curing; but Matter offending collected in a few Stools; is that which makes Evacuation helpful and successful.  
If you spurr Nature, with a stimulating venomous Purgative, out of her own gentle Pace; you must not expect Purgation (which is Purification) from such rough, rude, hasty Proceed: You have then but a promiscuous Evacuation; good and bad together; and that may be more injurious, than beneficial.  
A Placid and Moderate Evacuation, proceeds from wholesome Purgatives: But when they are venomous, and disgustful; Nature cannot suffer them to abide long in the Body; but labours vigorously to expel in great haste: And that's one sign of a bad Medicine; not a true Purgative.  
Fourthly: A true Purgative Medicine, so qualified as before related; is also Catholic and Comprehensive, in the Classis of Purgation.  
Purgation is a Catholic and Comprehensive Operation; required and useful in all Cases, and Diseases: Either singly, and to perform alone; or is premitted, and leads foremost in a Method: Or is used intermittingly in the Course; or else comes in at the latter end, to carry off the Relics of a Disease; and is so used as necessary, in the most malignant Cases, Small Pox and Pestilential Fevers.  
If Purgation be so efficacious and extensive; as requisite in all Diseases; then a Purgative and Depurative Medicine, that performs forms this Office well and truly; deserves the Title of Catholic, for being serviceable and useful in all Cases. But although Purgation may be granted such a Latidude of Operation: yet Universality of a single Medicine, few there are, can allow of that; and are more ready to deride, than approve of such an Expedient; for the Learned in Physic never taught them so: And they say, there is no such thing in Nature.  
This is not the first time, the Learned have been mistaken: I am not guided by all what they say; but sometimes by my own Reason, and Experience herein: And therefore I do assert, (against any traditional, false-bottomed Learning) That a true Purgative, and Purifying Medicine; performs that Office in all Persons and Cases. But this is against the Physician's Interest; and therefore they will not have it so; that the Design of Adaptation to different Constitutions, might pass unquestioned. I have much to say upon this Intrigue, if I would ravel into it, and examine the Politics thereof: But let it pass.  
This Practice, of appropriating Purges to Constitutions; was rational enough, and then necessary; when Purgatives were supposed to operate (electiuè) by attracting peculiarly this, or that different Humour, luxuriant and infesting several Bodies: But now the Case is altered; and Purgatives are acknowledged to operate (fermentatiuè) by Fermentation; thereby to separate and cast off any Humour abounding, or degenerate Matter.  
True Purgative Fermentation, does not respect and levelly at this, or that particular Humour; but separates all superfluous and degenerate Matter; makes it ready for Protrusion, and Exclusion. Quali quisquis Humore abundaverit; talis evacuatur. Now elective Purgation is out of Doors; fermentative Purification comes in; as a more generous, general, and comprehensive Operation.  
I meet with an Author concurring herein, and asserting muchwhat to this purpose. Nec quidem Philosophum, aut quempiam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & ratione utentem decet asserere, Pharmaca ulla propter substantiae similitudinem, aut virtutes nescio quas specificas, in determinatum quemvis humorem agere, cumque sineerum & peculiarem foras educere. Dr. Willis de Purg. p. 70.  
Although this Author did not intent by those Words, to prove what I now drive at; yet they are useful for my Purpose, and confirming what I have asserted; touching Universality of a single Medicine in Purgative Operation: For, if no Purging Medicine acts peculiarly upon; or selects and draws out any Humour from the rest; but only raiseth a Fermentation, and excites Nature thereby to separate, depurate, and exclude what is peccant and disturbing: Then that Medicine which doth procure, such a Fermentation benignly and placidly; performs the Work of Purgation, to all Intents and Purposes, in divers Persons, and various Cases.  
From hence you may understand; there is no necessity of forming Purgative Medicines to Constitutions, and different Diseases; but that a true Purgative is Catholic, and advantageously useful in all Cases whatever, requiring such an Operation: Yet I do allow that such a general Medicine, of that Latitude and Comprehension; may be specificated, as pointing and aiming at, more directly and specially.   

When; how oft; and in what Cases, Purgative Operation ought to be used.  
There are two principal Occasions requiring Purgation: One is Preservative, or Preventive; the other Curative.  
Preservation from Diseases is very requisite: As when any Person finds some unwonted Alteration, or Indisposition; 'tis a good Time then, to use preventing means: For, it is much better, and safer to prevent Sickness; than to delay until it seize you. Aegriùs ejicitur, quam non admittitur hostis.  
All that we receive into the Body, is not fit to be retained; but Part of our Food, is transmuted, and assimilated as useful to maintain the Body: And Part is rejected, separated, and cast forth, as excrementitious and useless; by Stool, by urinary Ductures, by the Pores, and other Emunctories. When Nature keeps this course duly; and being able to perform this daily Work steadily and constantly; there will be no need of Purging: But from Intemperance; improper and injurious Food; vicious or evil Customs; Debility of Nature, and Casualties: The Order, and due Execution of Bodily Functions is thereby subverted; from whence Relics, or degenerate Matter, remains and infects several Parts of the Body; which ought timely to be evacuated and discharged; or else Sickness and Diseases will arise from thence variously; according to the Nature of the humoral Matter tainting the Blood, and Condition of the Part, where it infects, or affects; idiopathically, or sympathically. Venienti occurrite Morbo.  
But most commonly this Caution, and Advice of Prevention, is put off, and neglected: The Prosecution of Pleasure, or Profit; will not give Time for this necessary Work of preventive Purgation: But they suffer afterwards for their Folly. Sickness surpriseth; and then they are forced into Physic; but now perhaps a great deal will not do; what a little might have done before.  
All Bodies contract a Foulness within; some more, some less: Some are strong, and bear it out longer; others weaker of Nature, and the sooner fall into Sickness; or disposed thereto by the different Formation, and natural Condition of Body: Therefore to purge and purify with a wholesome true Purgative Medicine; is the best Preventive to keep off Diseases; to preserve the Body sound, in a healthful and vigorous state. But if your Purges be of the common Sort, virulent and unwholesome; that imitate and counterfeit the Office of Purging, but performs it not: I cannot say, they are true Preservatives of Health; nor may you expect the laudable Effects of purgative Operation, from such feigned, deceitful Medicines.  
For prevention, most People commonly choose the Spring, or Autumn, to purge and cleanse their Bodies; and they do well, and wisely therein: But if any Alteration should come, in the Intervals of those Seasons; you may safely purge with a true purifying Medicine, at any Time of the Year; and with more safety probably than to forbear, and defer it until Spring, or Fall: For, though your Indisposition be but small at first, and may pass off; yet you know not what it may prove, and how it may increase: But let it prove how it will; you commit no Error, in taking a wholesome cleanser, be it Frost, or Dog-Days; only order yourself, as those different Times do require: In Winter a warm Room; in Summer be moderate in motion, that may not cause Sweat; and then purgative Operation, will be kindly and beneficial, at any Time of the Year.  
The Caution that was given by the Ancients, to forbear purging in the Dog-Days; does not concern us in this Latitude we live in; much different from the Heat of that Climate where they lived, Canis non mordet in Anglia.  
For the Time of Day, most sit for Purging Medicines to be given; he Founders of this Art, appointed the Morning, as most convenient: And considering what rough sort of Purges they gave, that would not lie long in the Body, but fall to working soon; that Time was most proper: But a Purgative, that lies eight or ten Hours quiet, before it operates; the Morning is not convenient: Because the Medicine will put you by the due Time for Sleep; and will be working, when you should be at Rest the Night following: And therefore the Hour of the Day is to be fixed, as best suiting with the Nature of the Medicine.  
The Catholic Medicine I appoint to be taken at Night going to Bed; because it hinders not, but rather procures quiet Sleep; being wholesome and amicable to Nature, placid and gentle in secret Operation: And makes no Evacuation, until next Morning; perhaps near Noon, with some costive Bodies. But if your pretended Purge be of the common virulent sort; the sooner it comes out, the better; for such Purgatives ought not to lie in the Body all Night.  
Having showed how proper and convenient Purging is, for prevention of Diseases; making signs of their Approach by some Alteration or Indisposition of Body: We are next to consider, and determine of Purgation, how it may be advantageous, when Diseases are apparently seated, and actually molesting, or threatening. And now you are to be directed by Indications, suggesting and declaring when to Purge.  
Ill Humours indicate and prompt Purgation; (nemine contradicente) so agreed of all sides: And such depraved ill Humours, by a general Consent also; are adjudged the Causes of most Diseases; and fomenting or aggravating all the rest. But notwithstanding; the Rules of Art offers Contraindications, to bar the use of Purgation, at certain Times, and under some disagreeing Circumstances: So that Purgation comes in necessarily to all, as a Catholic and General Remedy, only with this difference; That the Times convenient, for that Operation in every Disease, may duly be distinguished.  
And here I shall not need to speak particularly to every Disease by their Names; but will take them in the gross; and consider them in their Nature, by which they are allied to each other; as having their Rise, and Dependence upon humoral Causes; and do therefore require Purgation. For, such as have Affinity and Alliance in Causation; may have, and very fitly, the same Means for Curation: Since Purgatives do not attract (electiuè) this or that Humour particularly; (as before proved) but by Fermentation, which operates generally and comprehensively, by separating all peccant Humours, in order for their exclusion.  
Names of Diseases are different and various from Parts affected, and Functions impeded; when humoral Causes are the same; and therefore the purgative Indication for Curing, will be the same also. Diseases being thus akin, by their humoral Causes generating and continuing; their Cures will not lie so far asunder; but may be yoked together in their going off.  
The People chatter as they are taught (by those who want teaching themselves) and are wheedled into a Belief; that every Disease which hath a particular Name, must also have as necessarily requiring; peculiar and different Medicines from all the rest: This Mistake, or Design; hath filled the World, and confounded the People, with Thousands of superfluous, dubious, and sometimes dangerous Medicines. You are not therefore obliged to change your Medicines, that perform the general and principal Operations, (Purgative or Sudorific) so oft as Diseases change their Names, yet retain their humoral Nature; which antecedent Cause, fixing here or there; infesting this, or that part of the Body, gives occasion for a new Denomination, although arising from the old perambulating peccant Matter.  
I own that Diseases may so differ, as to require a different Method; but notwithstanding they may have the same Medicines, properly and fitly, though not in the same Order. Purgatives most commonly gins the Cure; Sudorifics follow, if requisite to be used: But when Diseases are malignant, peracute, and dangerous; then a Sudorific leads foremost.  
Foulness of Body, and Obstructions; are the two general Indications, prompting and pointing at Purgation: And therefore if you look through the Practice of Physic; let the Disease be in any Part of the Body; Purging is appointed most commonly, as one of the first and chiefest Remedies: And is oftener repeated, and more relied on, than any other Operation.  
Ill Humours beget Obstructions: Therefore absterse, and evacuate the depraved Humours by Purgation; than you open Obstructions, and purify the Body with one Operation.  
Since degenerate humoral Matter, injurious and unserviceable, is brought forth by purgative Fermentation; and most Diseases arise from, and have their Dependence upon such Causes (by Consent and Judgement of the Learned.) Then it follows necessarily; that a Medicine performing that Operation, well and truly; is serviceable and helpful in all those Diseases, caused by such degenerate Humours, and depraved Matter; let the Disease be called and distinguished, by what Name soever.  
But here I would not be so understood; as if I laid the whole Stress of Curing in all Cases, upon Purgation; but to let you know the Efficacy, and Extensive Power of this Operation; being seasonably and duly used in all Diseases; and that in the most Cases, it is mostly, and advantageously used, above any other Operation: Yet there is a Time to forbear, and fit Times when to prosecute with Purging.  
And now we are to say something concerning Contraindications; that do forbid Purgation at some unfit Times; which require another Operation to be then used more properly: And this is called Method; whereby different Operations may come in seasonably and duly, not praeposterously and interfering.  
The grand Question herein to be determined, is this: Will the peccant Matter conveniently go downwards by Purgation; or must it be sent away from all Parts by Transpiration? Diseases that have Malignity; as Small Pox, Measles, Malignant and Pestilential Fevers; when the Life is seized, and oppressed with such venomous, suffocating Matter: Then sudorific Operation is the chiefest, and most secure Help to rely on; for that disperseth the infectious Miasm, and throws off (per poros) on every side: And when Nature (the Life) is disentangled, and hath prevailed by such means; then a true purgative and purifying Medicine, comes seasonably afterwards, to perform the rest: And this is so necessary, to be well and sufficiently performed; else the Dregs and Impurities remaining behind, will produce other Diseases of very ill Consequence, as it hath often proved so to many; by neglect of sufficient and true Purgation, which is Purification: But when they have taken, two or three Purges, of the contaminating reputed Purgatives; they think all is then done, that aught to be; but that's a great Mistake, which will appear so, by the ill Effects that follow, some time after.   

How oft Purgative Operation may be used: And how long to be continued.  
For Satisfaction to these Demands; we are to make these two Inquiries: First, What Ability and Strength the Person is of Secondly, What Disease the Complaining labours under, or is inclined to, and endeavours prevention thereof.  
If the Patient be weak, and worn down by Sickness; then give Intermission accordingly; a Day or two; and the Dose less than for others; that Nature may be refreshed by Respite; not impaired, but enabled to proceed in the Operation, until the Body be sufficiently cleansed. Always supposing this to be done by a wholesome purifying Medicine; not the common reputed Purgatives, that prey upon, and deprave the Body: But People vainly think, every Evacuation to be Purgation; which is a great Mistake.  
Purgation is to be continued until the Symptoms complained of, do cease. (Si qualia oportet purgentur, & facilè ferant.) So long as the Patient bears the Operation well; Nature alleviated and finds Benefit; continue on (with due intermissions) to evacuate the humoral Cause, until the Body be cleansed and freed from the morbific Matter; that there be no Remainder to breed, and cause Relapse. Quae enim à Morbis relinquuntur, recidivas facere consueverunt. Aphor.  
But many People, when they find themselves something eased, and the worst is past; they desist from prosecuting; and leave Relics behind, that procures a Return of the Disease, or something else as bad. Thus to their Prejudice, the most leave off the purgative Operation too soon; before they have finished the Work of Cleansing and Purifying: Twice or thrice Purging, they think is sufficient; and are then weary, and unwilling to do more.  
The cause of this Averseness is from hence; they have been used to the common virulent Purgatives, which are disgustful and irksome; and therefore Nature hath Reluctance against them, and People take them for mere necessity, and with an Ill-will; accounting all purging Medicines to be much what alike, and displeasing to Nature; but that's a great Mistake: For when they shall have the use of a true Purgative, that is wholesome, and easily performing the Operation; they will find so much difference then; that Purging will be no more offensive, or troublesome, than natural Stools.  
And then you can hardly err in repeating it too often, or prosecuting to long with that Operation: For true Purging, which is Purifying; does not debilitate, but roborate; and therefore Nature is well-pleased therewith, and receives such a Medicine freely; because she finds Relief thereby.  
I have heard some say; they are afraid to Purge, because they are too weak; and Purging will make them weaker; and sometime it is the Opinion of their Physician: But I say otherwise; that none but those, who are incapable of Help, and not like to live, are unfit to Purge: Always provided, the Medicine be a true Purgative. But Horse-Physick, such as is commonly used; I confess is too rough and raking, for weak, tender Bodies; and that sort of Purging, makes them more feeble and worse. Therefore in such Cases (and wanting true Purgatives) Physicians endeavour to raise up their weak Patients by Restauratives; Jellies, and nourishing Broths: Forgetting the Aphorism; Corpora impura quo plus nutriveris, eo magis laeseris. Foul Bodies the more you feed them with high Nourishment, the worse you make them.  
According to the Greatness, and Obstinacy of a Disease; Purgation is to be repeated and continued.  
They that purge for prevention, and are in a seeming indifferent state of Body; need not continue the Operation so long and so often; as others that are actually diseased, and such as have foul Bodies.  
Having gone through the several Stages of this Undertaking; if you look back and review the whole Matter treated; you may plainly perceive the great Mistakes, in the designing for, and managing of Purgation: Whereby much of the Benefit was lost, to those that wanted that Help, and had great Expectations from it. I was for some Years under the same Mistake; being led by Tradition, and imposed upon by Authorities of the Men of great Name, and this Faculty; until satisfied otherwise, in the Preparation of Medicines, and proving their Operations: The only way to have a true Account of the Virtues, and vicious Properties of the Materia Medica; and this gives the truest Light, into the Secrets of Curing; and leads the safest, and nearest ways to arrive at those desired Ends: For, without such Knowledge, all the rest is but a specious vain Pretention to Ability; and venturing upon Dangers, with bold blind Confidence.  
I hear a great noise of Learning, and Learned Men; but I had rather meet with a true Learned Medicine, without exception; which as yet I have not; in all the Books I have searched; and I have turned over as many Leaves as other Men have done. Learning sounds great; and indeed true Learning is greatly to be esteemed; for it is not so common, and easy to be found, as many do believe: But Errors, and fallacious Appearances; are more often to be met with; both in Men, and Books.  
Twenty Years and upwards; I spent in wading through the vast extent of Physick-Learning; comparing the Sentiments of Aauthors; examining their Medicines, and proving the Practice: And twenty Years more, I have laboured to get out of that Labyrinth; because I do not like it; there's too much to be good; and I should be loath to venture my Life with him that knows no better. But if this great Bulk of Learning, were reformed, and reduced to a fourth Part; the superfluous, and the false being cut off; it would be more readily intelligible, and much more truly serviceable: But as it now is; it serves Physicians and Pothecaries very well; the Hazards, and the Loss, falls upon the Patients.  
The Great, and the Rich, have their Fate by Physic; for they are served no better than the meaner sort; but sometimes worse; (I forbear to Name) yet it is commonly said; nothing more could be done, by Learning, and Learned Men: But if such mortal Cases, were inquired into; the Methods and Medicines examined; I wish there were not cause to say; that more dies by the Errors in Art, than by the Defects of Nature.  
I take my measures of Censure; not only from the Misakes, and ill Management of Purgation; but also from the Deficiencies, and Falsities of other considerable Parts of this Learning; of very ill consequence in Practice.  
'Tis much easier to blind and cheat the Work; than to do a Public Good: For, when many Years have been spent, in elaborating a Medicine truly purgative and purifying, to perform the great Work of Purgation, as it ought to be done, (such as never came out of a Shop:) They boggle, are at a stand, and take time to consider, (but not all) that others may try first; and make Report: And herein they think themselves very wise and wary; though perhaps in the mean time, they suffer by the delay, and want thereof.  
But virulent deceitful Purgatives; such Stuff as they have been used to, (Farrier's Physic) that they can take with confidence, and swallow it down freely; when advised and administered in the Recipe-fashion; being accounted (by undiscerning mean Capacities) the Learned way of taking Physic: But I account, and well know, that novel Mode of Practice to be; unlearned, unsafe, and an unreasonable Innovation; for Reasons exhibited against it elsewhere, (The Practice of Physic Reform, etc.) not yet answered; and probably never will; there is too much Truth to be opposed; and will abide the Attacks, of all the Learning, or Sophistry; that can be brought against the Validity of those Arguments.  
Much good may do you, with your Learned way of taking Physic. You may venture so as many have done, to their loss; but I never shall, because I know the Uncertainties, and Casualties therein.  
And here I might justly upbraid and deride the Paeople; as desperately self-willed, praepossessed, charmed, and Hag ridden by a Spectrum, the Apparition of feigned Learning. Then let the Obstinate and Headstrong, dote on in a dark, and dangerous Way; since Information is vilified, and nulled by Incredulity, and the Vanity of their Imaginations.  
But to wave the extravagant, and pernicious Mode of Practice, occurring in our Discourse; and return to the evil Matter in Practice; our present Subject. It seems very strange, and looks very ill; that the Operation of Purging; so efficacious in Preventing, and also in Curing Diseases; so oft repeated in Methods; so necessarily required; so many hundred Years used; by Millions of People; the Means designed, and appointed by the learned Heads in every Age: And yet the Medicines for this Purpose, are not to the Purpose; do not truly answer the Intention; but are fallacious and unfit to perform the Work.  
The disgusting, contaminating, and tabifying Purges, that stand recorded, and recommended in Books; filled in the Shops; advised, and purchased at a good rate; appointed, and falsely appropriated to Constitutions, and Diseases: What's all this? but Shamming the World, and Shaming the Profession, when it is rightly understood: And will then appear a Blot upon the Learning, and a Blemish upon Learned Men: They have sought for Purgatives, amongst the Venom's, where Purifying, and healing true Purgers are not to be found; deceiving themselves and others.  
But the People deserve no better; because they discern no better; they don't distinguish Men nor Medicines. For virulent Stimulatives, is as acceptable to them; as Balsamic true Purgatives: Any sudden Invention, devised upon a bit of Paper (cut out for Shop-work) from the hands of a conjecturing Praescriber; is as good to them, or better; than a Medicine of deliberate, and elaborate Designment; established by various Probations, and Approbations, from many Reforms and gradual Improvements, by Artists of great Industry. and Ingenuity in Pharmacy.  
This I do know, experimentally and successfully; that Purgative Operation, may be effected (as aught to be) by Medicine, wholly consisting of what is amicable, purely wholesome, and sanative: For such is the Catholic Medicine; and like it in Design, and Model of Contrivance; or equivalent to it, in aperitive, abstersive, purifying Virtues; or commodious Properties, for ready use, portage, and duration: I never met with in all my reading, and search after what is extraordinary and rare. The World was never blessed, with any thing so good, for the Purposes intended; that I can be informed of: But this Help is hid from their Eyes; or barred from their Belief; that they should wander after mean and hurtful things.  
I was dissatisfied with the common known Medicines extant in Pharmacopoeia's, and advised in practical Authors; thinking much better might be designed, and wrought: Wherein I gave myself more Trouble than Profit; which Labour and Expense of Time, hath not been recompensed, and perhaps never will in my Days: But some Person, whom I know not as yet (such are my unhappy Circumstances) may reap what I have sown; and probably to their great Advantage: For this Product may endure, and be most acceptable to the Generations to come; and then esteemed, the choicest Flower in the Physic- Garden.  
The Stress of Curing lies mostly; and often wholly, upon the Excellency of Medicine; and Failure most frequently, is in the want thereof. And were the Professors so fortunately possessed with wholesome true Medicines; tightly to perform the Operations, that Nature requires in order to Curing; (which are not many) they need not then spend so much Time, about disputable, uncertain Notions and Theorems; nor burden their Memory, with so great a System of Learning. For, the greatest Difficulties in Practice; are not the want of knowing what is to be done; as not having, and not truly knowing, wherewith to perform those necessary Intentions that lie fair before them.  
If the purging Medicines be not wholesome and purifying; but vitiating and evacuating promiscuously; as before proved: Then they do but palliate and mitigate; by taking away some of the old morbific Matter, and make new succeeding Matter: This is deceitful Purging; and causeth great suspicion upon the rest, that are set forth to perform other Operations requisite in Curing. But it is not my present Business, to examine the other Classes of the Materia Medica; how properly and truly they are regimented and associated, to executed the Offices designed for, as by their Titles importing: That, may require another Undertaking, and is a Work needful; because the Errors in forming of Medicines are not a few.  
Some of this Matter, lay offensively upon my Thoughts; and now being discharged thereof, I am at ease; so far you well, in the way you like best.  
Here's Caution enough to the Wise and Considerate; and for those that are otherwise, and undiscerning; if much more were said, it would be but Labour lost.  
FINIS.  
London, 1696. in Grays-Inn-Lane, by Kings-Gate.    

ADVERTISEMENT.  
THE Mystery of Curing Comprehensively; explained and proved A●●●…tatively and Practically. Three Parts. Approved the most Useful, Commodious, and Efficacious Expedient; against surprising painful Diseases, and secret Decays of Human Nature.  
Monarchia Microcosmi. The Origin, Vicissitudes, and Period of Vital Government in Man.  
Inquiries into the general Catalogue of Diseases: Showing the Errors, and Contradictions thereof.  
The Practice of Physic Reforme●… etc.  
A Treatise of the Scurvy. Another of Consumptions.  
The History and Mystery of the Venereal Lues, or Pox.  
Ignota Febris. Fevers mistaken in Notion and Practice, etc.  
The dangerous Transition of Pains, to Inflammations, Tumours, Apostems, Ulcers, Cancers, Gangrenes, and Mortifications, Internal.  
The Ancient and Modern Practice of Physic, examined and compared.  
The Complete Physician, etc.  
The Method and Means, of enjoying Health, Vigour, and long Life.  
All writ by the Author hereof.