A Serious Debate, and General Concern, RELATING TO HEALTH and SICKNESS.  By E. M. Med. D. 
The Second Impression with a Postcript.  
THE Art of physic, as now improved and enlarged, consists of five Parts: 1. Physiologic. 2. Pathologic. 3. Semeiotic. 4. Hygiastic. 5. therapeutic. The Therapeutic is put last, in the order for Study and practise; but is first in Dignity, Antiquity and Excellency; for as much as the two main Columns, that support the whole Frame of this Art( viz. Pharmacy and chirurgery) stand in the fifth Division.  
Pharmacy, the invention, preparing and proving of Medicines; gave the first Being, and Name to Physicians; in this work they were first employed: and Chirurgery was the next most necessary acquirement; that gave repute and esteem to the Primitive Professors: and these two are so needful to enable and make a Physician complete, in the Office of Curing; that if he be defective in the one, he halts on that side; but if he be devested of the other, he is reduced to nothing; for without Medicines he is useless; and without a certain knowledge therein, he is unable to perform any true Service to the Sick and diseased; but is an uncertain and unsafe Practiser.  
Notwithstanding the grand importance of these two principal Parts: First Chirurgery was lopped of, and separated from them; afterwards and not long since; Medicines were deserted by them; and they reserved only to themselves, the notional, talking, and genteel part of their Profession: the motives thereunto, and feigned pretences for that unreasonable desertion, I must wave at present.  
But take notice, as undeniable( from the Records of antic Authors, and by Confession of our Modern Writers) that Medicines were the Rise and Foundation of Physicians and their Art; in the making and constant management whereof, Physicians of the greatest famed and Eminency, did Personally employ themselves, inspecting the preparing and compounding their own Medicines diligently at home, to be knowing and expert therein, and to secure their Art from Invasion: not depending and relying upon the Care, Skill, or Honesty of Substitutes, nor any subordinate Men and their Servants, in a perfunctory Shop trading way; but managed all by their own labour, or diligent inspection over their own Servants at home, as greatly concerned for Mans Life; and so careful for providing for the Sick, that nothing appertaining to the whole business, but passed through their own hands, or managed under their eye.  
This was the primitive and ancient practise of Physicians, even those of the greatest Renown( called the Princes of physicians) gained their repute and famed by this exemplary and most laudable practise: Aesculapius, Hermes Trismegistus, Hippocrat●s, Diocles, Caristius, Galen, Scribonius Largus, Andromachus, Oribasius, &c. all the Ancient Heroes in physic. That it was so, appears by their own works extant; as also from the testimony of authentic Writers; Joan. Langius▪ Quercitan, Sennertus▪ &c. Inquirers into Antiquities.  
Hippocrates in his Book 〈◇〉, chargeth all Physicians with the preparation of their Medicines, which they ought to have ready in their own keeping; and this was diligently observed by all the Professors, for many Centuries after him. Physicians then were samed by their Medicines which they themselves prepared, practised with, and published: whose own names gave Titles to the Medicines of their own invention and making; and to whom the People did resort for their celebrated Remedies; for Names were not then given to Medicines for nothing; but that they might be known whose they were, and where to be had, for a public good. Praestantissimi medici domi suae suis manibus medicamenta composuerunt, & suis nominibus insigniverunt. Sennert. institut. lib. 5. p. 3. Sect. 2. Cap. 1. and this practise continued so for many hundred years, to the ready relief, and public benefit of the Diseased.  
And for encouragement to the Professors in this so important and necessary work; some studious and learned Emperours, Kings and Princes, did contribute their experiments and endeavours in Pharmacy, whose Medicines, invented by them, bear their Names to this day recorded by Authors of repute. And of such esteem were Medicines, that the Ancients called them 〈◇〉, deorum manus, as well they might, for without them, Learning can effect no Cures.  
Physicians therefore being then very sensible, that Medicines were the most considerable part of their Art, they judged that weighty affair, indispensably requiring their personal attendance upon, and chiefest care to manage: a true sense whereof, caused some of our most ominent modern Physicians, not to depart from this laudable custom of the Ancients, but were industrious and diligent in the Preparation of their Medicines: as Paracelsus, Libavius, Angelus Sala, Basil. Valentinus, Crollius, Quercitan, Faber, Mynsicht, Hartman, Schroder, Helmont, Swelfier, &c. Men of great famed and note.  
But Physicians of latter times gradually declining( being addicted to ease and pleasure) and our present Age more generally revolting from this necessary labour, most hopeful, and most helpful practise of the primitive Professors, resigning the management and care of Medicines( their proper duty, mystery and important charge) into the hands of tradesman; Medicines thereby prostituted, and exposed in a Shop trading way, fell much lower in estimation and repute; now accounted a vulgar mechanic employ; that some of our proud Doctors( but not the wisest) think Medicines too inferior for them to meddle with; and some shallow-brain undiscerning People, account it a disparagement and lessening of a Physician to be employed in that work: but the Vanity of such weak Heads, and the villainy of those Revolters, that first betrayed the Pharmaceutick Art into a Trade; and the many ill consequents that unavoidably attend this new mode of prescribing, both as to Patients and Physicians, and also a stifling of the Art itself; plainly doth appear in a Serious Tract entitled, The Ancient and modern practise of physic, Examined, Stated, and Compared, By E. Maynwaringe, Med. D. To which no Answer( though long expected and much desired) as yet hath been given, in defence of their unreasonable innovation, and Spurious practise: for as much as, the Reason, Arguments and Truth of that Book, bids defiance to any Learned, Argumentative, objecting Pen; worth replying to.  
Illiterate Men▪ of mean and broken Fortunes( taking advantage by this imprudent neglect, and strange revolt of the Professors) finding the common People very ready, and easy to be catched with their bait; have craftily and gainfully got the Custom of setting forth their hazardous, or trivial Medicines; whereby some the most knowing and expert Physicians, exercising the ancient true practise, have been discouraged from offering to the World, the products of their Art and long Experience in Medicinal Preparations; for fear of scandal, and of being accounted in the number of those empirics, by some undiscerning People▪ But if a Man will forbear doing his duty, to serve the public as he ought, for fear of aspersion from prejudiced, ignorant, or ill-minded People; he wants that resolution and courage that a good Man should have: for such reflections and discouragements, the best of Men will meet with in the best of things they shall undertake. If tradesman in physic be your Enemies; if they shall traduce and desame you behind your back, for lessening their trade; regard not their words, they served me so; what then— tu ne cede malis, said contra audentior into. And if Quacks have defamed the custom of publishing a Medicine, it must be restored again into its former just repute, by the learned and legal Physician: the abuse of any thing does not take away, nor ought to hinder the right use.  
And as for diseased Persons, you are willing perhaps, and some very desirous( such as are greatly and dangerously afflicted) that Men of Art, Industry and Learning, should find out something more rare and excellent, beyond what is common and indifferent; that may give you the most expeditious, and best help, in a difficult and deplorable condition: and who can you expect this extraordinary Medicine from? But from a diligent, industrious Physician, that constantly labours in the various preparations and trials of Medicines, to acquire that which may excel, and out do the common stuff. But when he hath gained such a Medicine, what must he do with it? Conceal it, and keep it by him? or would you in particular, have only the benefit of it, and every Body else should be deprived of it? No, you will say, that's incharitable: if every Body then may have the use of it, then every Body that stands in need thereof, must be informed of such a Medicine; and how can that be, but by Printing and publishing? As Sermons, all manner of Learning, Engines, ingenious Inventions and improvements in all Arts, and Manufacture, that may be useful to the public, are Printed and Published, to the praise of the Authors: so likewise may a singular Medicine, that deserves to be made known, for the benefit and relief of many, that languish for want thereof: quae multis valeant, omnibus innotescant.  
And it is much the Peoples interest, to encourage such industrious excelling Physicians, Operators in Medicines; that they may not confine their rare elaborate inventions, and successful Experiments, within the narrow compass of a private practise, but expose them also to public use. Hereby such as languish under that means, the places of their abode doth afford, and some perhaps given over as incurable; may then be informed of prevalent Remedies, and have extraordinary help conveyed to them from far: and those who think it irksome, and will not undergo; and some that cannot bear the Charge of a course of physic, with Doctor and apothecary, may receive great relief, by a single extraordinary Medicine. And when such Men of the greatest knowledge, and long experience in various trials and proofs of Medicines, shall thus produce their comprehensive catholics, and choice sudorifics; a Treasure will be laid open, that, what is most excelling and rare, will be known and transmitted through the Kingdom, bringing relief to those that languish in difficult Cases, ●●d often perish for want of such help. He that picks straws all day, is as serviceable and ●eneficial to the public, as he that studies and labours many years, to acquire noble Medicines, and then conceals them. Impium est ea tacere, quae si promulgata essent, multorum miserè decumbentium in levamen extarent.  
In imitation therefore of that exemplary, secure, and most knowing practise of the Ancients; I have been constantly exercised, in the designing, preparing and proving of Medicines near thirty years: which labour hath been recompensed with a full satisfaction and certainty in the various nature of Drugs and Medicines; not otherwise to be known by Book reading, and speculative Conjectures, then converted into prescripts. Optimum est majorum sequi vestigia, si rectè praecesserint. Senec.  
And having so acquired certain Medicines▪ not common and ordinary, I think it necessary to expose some to public use, such as may be most generally helpful, and chiefly wanted. And finding the People most frequently complaining of Scorbutick humours, that infest them in several parts of the Body;( notwithstanding the common traditional Medicines used) and knowing how productive and spreading the Scurvy is, causing various alterations in divers parts, complicating with, and aggravating all other infirmities incident to human Nature; that as the Solitary cause, or complicated affect, most Diseases may be termed Scorbutick in these Northern Countries.  
Hence it is, that Engalenus, Sal. Albertus, Reusner, Langius, Martinus, and other Eminent Writers, have well noted unto us, how generally the scurvy acts its part, and bears a name in most Diseases: Scorbutick Consumptions, Scorbutick Dropsies, Scorbutick Palsies, Scorbutick Gouts, Scorbutick fevers, hectic, malignant, Continual, or intermitting called Agues: Convulsive motions, difficult and short breathing, Lienteric and Dysenteric Fluxes, Pains vagrant or fixed, of the Head, Teeth, Breast, Loins or Limbs. Gripes, Cramps, Itching, Spots, tumours, Ulcers: all these may, and often do arise, from the fertile Seeds of a latent scurvy, not discernible, but to the most sagacious Physician; not curable, but with Medicines truly Antiscorbutick: all which more at large, is set forth in my Treatise of the scurvy.  
These Considerations put me upon the most urgent inquiry after, and diligent labour for, the means most powerful to oppose and subdue this secret destroyer of Man's Life, and not to keep the People doing, and undoing them with physic; as it is now frequently practised. After various trials in Preparation, and proofs by practise for many years, at last I gained two Medicines( now perfected, and more complete than formerly) which I shall recommend to all Persons afflicted with any Scorbutick Symptom, or other Disease complicated with the scurvy, made obstinate, and exasperated by their Conjunction. The first is a solid Extract made up into the form of Pills, for more ready, easy, and convenient taking: the other is liquid, digested, impregnated and spiritalized into an Elixir; not as some cheating Quacks have falsely titled their Medicines, which are not so; nor do they know what an Elixir is.  
These two Medicines are proved to be the most useful, easy, and best expedient to prevent, alloy, and subdue this difficult Protean Disease the scurvy, with its dependents and complicated affects: restoring such as have long lingered under the tedious use of common traditional Medicines. The Pills are the best preservative to keep the Body clean: The Elixir to roborate and strengthen the faculties, that are declining and deviating from the performance of their several functions. The Pills may be taken very well without the Elixir, if the case require not the use of both: but when both are used they are a complete Course.  
The Scorbutick Pills are purgative and diuretic in their Operation; working upon all Scorbutick, indigested and corrupt humours, carrying them forth by Stool and Urine: radically cleansing and purifying the Body, as the most useful and necessary Medicine in all Cases and Courses of physic, requiring purgation and urinary Evacuation; which operations rarely are omitted.  
They open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, Pancreas, Mesentery and bowels; gently searching, cleansing, and eradicating, not only the scurvy, but also bringing forth the seminal matter of other Diseases. Quali humour quisquis abundaverit, sumpto hoc pharmac● purganti; talis evacuatur.  
They relieve the Head, Breast and Stomach, oppressed, pained, or otherwise ill affencted: clearing the Canals and ductures of Communication; leading to and from the several parts of the Body, for conveyance and mutual assistance.  
They evacuate watery, salt, itching, corroding, putrid and ulcerating humours; hereby the humoral Causes of tumours, Pains, Stitches, Gripes, Fluxes, Fumes and Flatulency, are removed and carried off.  
Very good to ease and bring down swelled, Hydropic, or Gouty Limbs, and to promote the healing of all Sores; diverting and drawing off the noxious humours flowing thither.  
They cleanse the Kidneys and urinary passages, from sand and gravel, useful and advantageous for such as are inclined to, or troubled with the ston.  
These good effects are thus performed by a wholesome vegetable Extract formed into Pills; operating pleasantly and safely with young or aged, Women with Child, and the weakest Bodies. I need not name all the Diseases this Medicine is proper for, and adapted to; since I have given an account of the Causes almost of all Diseases, and to them this Medicine does efficaciously and sitly apply: the humoral Causes therefore being thus taken away, you may then reasonably think the various Diseases bread from thence, must necessary be removed also, as the Patient is capable: and although Diseases are very numerous, and much different by their names, from Parts affencted, and other Circumstances; yet are they not a quarter so many in their causes; several of them may be sorted together, as arising from one root; and will require the same Curing Medicines: Morbi multi unico remedio curantur; cujuslibet enim membri plaga, non habet peculiarem semper causam; said ab uno eodemque exiguo licet semine, plures surgunt affectus; but most People must have a several Medicine, or Medicines, for every complaint that they have a name for; else they think it not possible to cure them, and ridiculous to attempt it: but a Prescriber does humour their Fancies; he spares not Ink and Paper, and gives the People as many Medicines as they please. If you can persuade your Patients thus to take Medicines confidently from your hand writing, without any other care or pains; and make them think they are well provided for; 'tis a fine easy practise and well for you; but not so safe, and well for them. A Medicine from a Physicians hand, is more secure, is much better than from his hand Writing; but the Prescriber lives genteelly, and the Patient( attended with Doctor and apothecary) dies genteelly, with the great Formalities of physic; this therefore must needs be, a very genteel new mode of practise: But to let pass at this time, what more is to be said, and that is much: but to return, for directing the right use of the Scorbutick Pills: and first the Dose is to be known.  
A Dose is the due quantity of a Medicine to be taken at once, or for one operation: And because Bodies differ very much in point of Purging; as some are very easy, others hard to purge, and this is not to be foreknown but by trial; therefore begin with a small Dose, and try the Nature of your Body; afterwards increase your Dose, as the Condition and strength of Body requires; remembering that six or seven Stools in a day is enough: for gentle purging, and oftener taking, calmly collecting and drawing forth the peccant humours, is much better, than forcibly hurrying out both good and bad together. Eradicativa evacuatio optimè per plures evacuationes minorativas perficitur. Begin with two Pills, next time thr●e; and having then tried your Body with the strength of the Medicine, you may afterwards increase or abate in the Dose; as your case requires to have them work more or less.  
Take them every other night going to Bed, for three or four Nights; then rest a Week, and you may take again in like manner; if your Disease be obstinate, or foulness of Body so require. The next Morning after Pills taking, drink some Posset, or warm Ale; or Whey in the Summer Season. And thus you may do in the Dog▪ Days, or Frosty Weather▪ with safety and benefit, if occasion urgeth; only ordering yourself suteably to the Season: ●nd this take notice of, that you may sleep at any time of the day between the working, if ●●u be so inclined; for rest and ease promotes the operation best.  
Some there are that will take a Dose of Pills, once in a Week, a Fortnight, or a Month; and think that may be sufficient to Cure them; that truly may do some good, and yet but little, towards a difficult Cure, and you cannot in reason expect more; if your Infirmities be considerable: for the first Dose only empties the Guts; but the second, third, and fourth, do the Execution; drawing out from all parts of the Body. But if you take for prevention only; to keep your Stomach and Bowels clean, and in good condition; I do not discommend you to take now and then, though at a distance. And therefore some Persons, that from their experience prise this Medicine, above the ordinary and common sort; have these Pills ready in their keeping, that they may not want them in time of need; being a ready help for such as live in the Country, or travail by Sea, or Land: they being so convenient for Carriage, and so durable in their Virtues, for many years. And you that live where physic is plenty, and easy to be had, yet such a Medicine you may not procure, although you give your Gold for the Advice.  
The Restoring Elixir, is a different Medicine from the former, and performs another operation, very useful in all the debilities and deviations of Nature from her right course; reducing the principal Faculties defective or weak, and restoring them to vigour and rectitude.  
This Medicine is frequently used with the Scorbutick Pills, for as they by purging carry off the impurities and noxious humours, that oppress, clog, obstruct and hinder the functions of several parts of the Body, from performing their duties; So this Elixir is proper to quicken, strengthen and raise up those Faculties that are languid and weak, to rectify and reinforce them, when declining and deviating; giving an additional strength, for reducing them again, in the true execution of their Offices. This Elixir raiseth a decayed Appetite, strengtheners the Digestions, restores weak Parts, refresheth and fortifies the Spirits, resists Melancholy, helps old Age, Consumptive, and sickly Persons. This much promotes a Cure, confirms it afterwards, and secures from relapsing. Natura corroborata est Morborum Mediatrix: Says Helmont.  
It is not needful to name all the particular Cases and Diseases wherein this Elixir is useful; since I have given you the main intention, and general scope of its operations; namely strengthening and restoring. People of reason and understanding, by what is said, may know when they want it, and when to use it; and for others, it is in vain to inform such.  
The manner and times of taking the Elixir is thus: It is to be taken every intermitting day between purging, and after purgation is over; then you may take it every day, so long as you find it convenient and helpful. A Man or Woman must begin with twenty drops the first day, thirty the second, and forty the third; Continuing that Dose afterwards. For Children you may proportion it according to their Age. Take it Mornings, fasting two or three hours after: also at five a Clock Afternoon, in a Spoonful of good Canary, Sherry, or Rhenish: but if those be wanting, then in good French Wine. You may go abroad, or ride after it, any time of the year, if Strength of Body permits.  
These two Medicines I frequently use in practise; and which are the result and perfection of many years labour and experience: and others may have the same that live far off, for sending: but if they can procure as good nearer hand▪ it will be very well; but I doubt they will fall short, and miss of their hopes( though they give a good Fee for the purchase) and to be frustrated herein, is a great disappointment: for Medicines nearly concern Man's Health, and his Life; that preserves and restores the one, and saves the other( as the means) from being lost. Medicines therefore being of so great importance, there cannot be too much care and pains; for procuring that which excels the rest.  
And since the worth of a Medicine is not to be known but by trial and use; the only guide and help you have in that choice is the credit of the Author; his Learning, long Experience in the Preparations of Medicines; and practise therewith: such a Man you may trust, but there are not many of them to be sound; where you meet with him, you may prise him: you must not seek him among the Tribe of Prescribers; that make and give out Medicines, only upon a piece of Paper; that's an Unskilful, Unsafe, and Unwarranted practise; although supported and used by men of good learning; but for all that, I must say, and will stand by it, that all the Learning they can muster up, cannot maintain and justify that practise; for Learning and great Reason directs and appoints otherwise.  
Some people there are that inquire after, and give ear to Medicines of alluring, great, and high Titles: Infallible Elixirs, Never failing cordials; Pills of wonderful operations; and such like delusions put forth by boasting Quacks: and these the vulgar are fond of, and vainly believe: for which folly they sometimes pay dear, and repent when it is too late; having lost the opportunity of Cure: but for the Masters of that great Art, that deserve to be exalted; a Pillory may be thought the fittest reward for such wonderful Medicine-makers. But now I think of it again, they may well be called wonderful Medicines; for some of these Boasters and great liars, have gained some thousands of pounds, with a mean, trifling Medicine in a short time; which many a good Physician could never do, with all his Learning, and Industry in practise, all his Life. But he that sets up for a Cheat, is the likeliest Man to thrive: these then must needs be wonderful Medicines, that work such wonderful effects. And that so many people should be imposed upon, their sense and reason deluded by a sort of Men ignorant and unskilful in this profound Art: that's another wonder wrought by those stupendious Medicines; so that now I am satisfied; they had not their great Titles and wonderful Names for nothing.  
These Inferences may be drawn from hence. First, That there are more Fools in the World than wise People: and they that humour and adhere to the foolish Party, are the greatest gainers. Secondly, That lying and cheating gets more oftentimes, than learned industry and upright dealing. Thirdly, That the improbability and unfitness of Undertakers to perform such great and strange pretensions; begets Admirers, Followers after, and provers of their Rarities. Fourthly, That requisite and fit qualifications, likely to perform what is promised in Art; this being no wonder, makes no noise, and therefore not so much regarded. Fifthly, That it is a doubtful thing, whether long Study, and great Industry to attain the Character of skilful; will then make a rich Man, or a poor complete Artist.  
But notwithstanding all these doubts, discouragements, and difficulty of the People; he that labours in his Station by true steps, sincerely pursuing the welfare and safety of others, by the most acquirable best means; may expect some satisfaction here, or reward hereafter.  Non ut placeat; said ut profit. 
From my House in Old Southampton Buildings over against Grays-Inn, Nov. 10. 1689. E. Maynwaringe.  
FINIS.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
HAving lived in Ireland many Years since; where observing the Endemical Disease of that Country, which commonly begins Lienteric, and makes its Transition into a Dysentery or Bloody Flux; the Disease proving fatal to many; especially to those that have not been accustomend to that Air and Food: which Alteration caused a languishing Sickness, and the Death of many in Cromwel's Army. And now in this Juncture, there is more need for extraordinary Physical Help; fresh Men going over, and being more exposed in War, to irregular Living, than at other times in Peace: I thought myself obliged not to conceal the prevalent Assistance and Help which may be given to all such as are seized with that Disease, or desire to prevent it: and that by the use of a single Medicine, sufficiently proved, and approved with great Esteem. For its Certainty, Safety, Innocency, and Pleasantness of Operation, I judge( by the Proofs already given) it will exceed all Medicines, as yet found out. It checks the Orgasmus, and allays the turgid Fermentation of Humours; soon takes off Gripes and Pains, ceaseth the Flux, and heals excoriated Bowels. It is small in Bulk, light for Carriage, always ready for Use, durable in Virtue seven Years. The most commodious, expedite, and powerful Means, Preventive and Curative, for Army and Navy; beyond the usual Accommodation.  
I might enlarge upon the Character of this Medicine, but shall forbear until it be required by Authority; or desired by Private Persons; to whom I shall give ● further, and more particular Account of its comprehensive Power, and efficacious Adaptness to other Cases, from the Experience I have had thereof in practise.  arbour à Fructibus; Artifex ab Operibus; & Medicus per Medicamenta optimè dignoscitur.  

ADVERTISEMENT.  
A Treatise of the scurvy: showing the various Nature, and Cure of that Disease. By Everard Maynwaringe, Dr. in physic.  
The History and Mystery of the Venereal Lues, Gonorrhoea's, &c. Resolving the Doubts and Fears of such as are surprised with this secret perplexing Malady, &c.  
A Treatise of Consumptions, Scorbutick Atrophies, hectic fevers, Phthises, spermatic and Venereous wasting, &c.  
Of Pains, Inflammations, Tumours, Apostems, Ulcers, Cancers, gangrenes, and Mortifications, internal. Therein showing the secret Causes and course of many chronic and Acute Mortal Diseases, rarely discerned. With a Tract of Fontinels or Issues, and Setons.  
The complete Physician, qualified and dignified; the Rise and Progress of physic, illustrated: Physicians of different Sects and Judgments distinguished.  
The Ancient and Modern practise of physic, Examined, Stated and Compared: The Preparation and Custody, of Medicines;( as it was the Primitive Custom) asserted and proved to be the proper charge, and grand Duty of every Physician successively, &c.  
Inquiries into Medicines: catholic, specific, and Appropriate: Their different Operations and Extensions, showing the excellency of the two former; the uncertainty and hazard of the last, conjecturally adapted to Person and Case, &c.  
The Method and Means of enjoying Health, Vigour, and long Life: Demonstrated from the Causes of Abbreviation and Prolongation▪  
All writ by the same Author.  


licenced and Entered according to Order.     

LONDON. Printed for Thomas Basset, at the George in Fleetstreet; and Thomas horn, at the South-Entrance of the Royal-Exchange: 1689.