A Physical Treatise, Grounded, not upon Tradition, nor Fancy, but Experience, Consisting of Three Parts.  

The First, A MANUDUCTION, discovering the true Foundation of the Art of MEDICINE.  
The Second, An EXPLANATION of the general Natures of DISEASES.  
The Third, A PROOF of the former POSITIONS by PRACTICE.   
By WILLIAM RUSSELL, Chemist in Ordinary to His MAJESTY.  
LONDON, Printed for John Williams at the Crown in St. Paul's Churchyard, MDCLXXXIV.   

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.  
MY Blooming years, happening to be in that sullen Time, wherein nothing here but Storms and Tempests appeared were so blasted; that little else was manifest in me, but what those sad Disturbances had impressed; so that, at the One and twentieth year of my Age, I found Ambition to outweigh my Natural Inclination: which I had never discerned, had I not been overwhelmed by the Providence of the Almighty, and by his great Judgements (both on Mind and Body) brought to submit to his Government. Whereupon, it was clear to me, that the Actions of Childhood had not so blemished my Understanding, as youthful Ambition had done: from hence, a Strife arose in me, which ended not, until (through Mercy) a right Apprehension was given to me again; by which, after some series of time, I could and did willingly turn out this Unnatural and Haughty Guest. Hence proceeded my Private Life, which hath now continued for about Thirty three years; and given being to my Principles, and Practice; and by Consequence birth to this Treatise, which is a brief Account of my frequent Experience, That being an unquestionable Ground; and every Thing, that hath not its Original from some such undeniable Principle, can never have a certain Effect.  
To fear GOD, and love our Neighbour, are Precepts, so universally adhered to (as the Summary of Divine and Moral Acts) that Jews and Christians, Turks and Pagans, have ever subscribed to them; notwithstanding the various Forms, and Figures, wherein they have been represented. Therefore do I think, that there is no sensible Man, but must say, that Remedies of an Universal Tendency, in which all Apprehensions and Inclinations agree, are more efficacious, safe, certain and speedy, than any particular Remedy whatsoever, whereof there are Doubts and different Opinions; in as much as Nature never varyes, in all her Endeavours, from the Capacity, Ordination and End of every Individual; and that, which all concur in, must needs be true: so that, whatsoever Seed she manageth to Generation, that still produceth the uniform Figure and Virtue, according to its Primitive Appointment; unless by some accidental Cause impeded. Nevertheless, although I seem in this whole Treatise, to mind nothing but Universal Dispositions; yet I have bid fair for Particulars also, as my Seven years living upon Vegetables hath sufficiently demonstrated, and in that time my Examinations of their particular Virtues; not by Reading what others have Written thereupon; but by experimenting their Operation on my own Body, and on others also. But, since I do not find them useful, except particularly to some Persons; and though specifical to Diseases of each kind, yet unable to supply the Defects of Nature so well as Things of an Universal Tendency; being seldom singularly serviceable, till after other Medicines are given: I presume no ingenious Man will think I wholly decry their use, but rather exalt them in their proper place, intending (in my Explanation of this Treatise) to write more fully of them, whereby it may be known I have endeavoured to understand the use of Particulars, as well as of Generals.  
But, let not any one think, the Doctrine here asserted to be Novel; for 'tis as ancient as Physic, or Physicians; which Hermes Trismegistus his Smaragdine Table sufficiently declares, where he saith, As is that, which is above, so is that which is beneath; and all is by the Mediation of One Thing. Which true Position of his hath been so far from being denied by those Men, who have observed Nature in her secret Meanders, from that Time, unto this very Day, that None of common Reason will or dare contradict the same: for the Egyptian Learning plainly enough demonstrates Hermes to be their Prince; and their Hieroglyphics show, that not Tradition, but Natural Sagacity should be the Guide of all Inquisitive Minds, whereby to understand their Powers and Actions. This was so certainly believed in that Age, that all the neighbouring Nations, even in the Times of the Greeks, sought knowledge no where, but in that Place; and from thence the same hath been derived to Us, as appears by the Romans first admitting thereof, and bequeathing it to our Climate. For, from Esculapius his time, to Hypocrates (the 14th in Descent from him) it doth appear, Nature was always allowed to be the Physicianess of Diseases; and from that time, unto this Day, none have denied it; except such Men, as sought Innovation, and thought they could govern Nature better, than she could govern herself. But since that Age, there have risen a sort of People, that did not so ingenuously follow Nature and Reason, in the Investigation of Truth, as their Predecessors did; but have (for Interest sake, or else out of Ignorance espoused, and imposed upon the World false Doctrines suitable to their Ambitious or Covetous Designs; whereby they have clouded the Understandings of Men, and introduced erroneous Positions, to the shame of Sciences, and prejudice of Mankind.  
Aristotle, having a Monarch to defend him, presumed to burn the Books of his Ancestors; yet could not fully confute, nor wholly smother the Truth therein contained. By these, and other like Means, the very Tract of the Ancients is almost wholly lost; and now Nothing, but Nature herself, can restore that to Man of which there are no plain Precedents, or evident Footsteps. For, when Christians had forsaken that Simplicity, which was the Crown of Religion, and became Asserters and Ascribers of Infallibility to themselves; then arose the Roman Vicar, as their Dictator, the Limiter, Bounder, and Measurer of all Divine and Natural Things which they themselves (being seized with Egyptian Darkness) could not distinguish; so that, if any new Matter was apprehended and declared, which was not affirmed by this Governor, death ensued; as appeared by that Germane Bishop, who (endeavouring to prove the Antipodes) was condemned to die; because he had presumed to assert That, which was not approved by this Head of the Church; and the Learning which many Academics (at this Day) boast of, is not so much the Result of Natural Sense, as of that Politic Government.  
Nevertheless, these Men own and acknowledge Hypocrates to be their Patron; but did they (as they pretend) truly consider, and imitate him, they would not force, but follow Nature. For, it appears (by his Rules and Sayings) that Nature was his Guide; because he taught, that Matter, while crude, was not to be expelled out of the Body; which is a perfect Indication, that he would have Us to expect a due time till Nature showed what she would have performed, and when she expected such assistance; and not to precipitate her into Actions, unto which she had no tendency; and by taking her off from her own work, to take part with the Disease.  
The same Hypocrates long since declared, that the Man, who in all his Life brought forth nothing, which was of Service or Benefit to his Neighbour, deserved no remembrance among Men. Therefore, if I have herein aimed (according to my narrow Talon) to be serviceable to Mankind, I am thereby but a Disciple to that great Master: yet, if what is contained in this Treatise, be of any advantage to Others, the thanks thereof is not so much due to me, as to my Opposers, whose Provocations have excited me to this Vindication of my Proceedings; like the Philosopher's contranatural Fire, which (in destroying the outward Form) excites the inward Spirits to unite, and concentre, for their own Preservation; to the begetting or bringing forth of some new Substance of another Species.  

Charge not on me the Scribe's, or Printer's faults,  
Who see with Others Eyes; but they whose Thoughts  
Vulgar Opinion governs, are worse blind:  
In me the Organ's dark, in them the Mind.    

The First Part.  
A Manuduction, DISCOVERING The True Foundation of the Art of Medicine.  
THE Practice of Physic being various, (and in the Judgement of most very uncertain) because the Galenists have one Theory, and Chemists another; I cannot perceive any thing herein more serviceable to the Public, than to distinguish their Foundations, and what use I have made of them.  
The Galenists have 4 Humours, 4 Complexions, and 4 Qualities, to raise their Structure on: And when either of these exceed their due Temperament, they judge a Disease present; and to that apply their Remedies; never so much as thinking of a Mover, or first Cause of these Disorders.  
The Chemists, according to Paracelsus and Helmont, establish their Theory on the first disturbance given to Nature in her own Inns, and Acts; not so much respecting Effects as Causes, nor the Matter disturbing, as the Spirit disturbed: and to this they apply their Remedies.  
This later Foundation, with me (under great trouble of Spirit) at last overcame all doubtings, and I readily adhered to these sublime Conceptions; having for their Basis such perspicuity as the Light of Nature did really demonstrate, and Hypocrates, their allowed Patron, doth attest, saying; Nature is the Physician and Curer of Diseases. Yet, upon Examination of their Remedies against this Spiritual assault, or first being of Diseases, I perceived they depended not upon any particular known Medicines, but on universal Dispositions, drawn from Metals, Minerals, Salts, Animals, or Vegetables. Hence, I began to despair of arriving at any certainty to attain Remedies so gifted, as to be capable to reduce Nature to her Primitive Unity with and in the Faculties of the Body. For, I well knew, that all the known Remedies of these Times, were not the Medicines of our Famous Progenitors, nor capable to answer to those Ends; being the Products and Offsprings either of unfound Hearts, or ignorant Heads, too much devoted to Gain and Applause; who, having forsaken the Substance, embraced the Shadow; and gave Names to Remedies, as Paracelsick, which have as much difference from his in Disposition, as Light has from Darkness. All their Medicines were either endued with particular Faculties, and hostile Dispositions, (as Purging, and Vomiting, the Sound as well as the Sick) or else curtailed by Fire, and fiery Spirits, and so rendered Diaphoretical; under all which Considerations, they became wholly unfit to answer that great End of Nature, Curation.  
I did not think those supreme and general gifts were wanting in Nature; but (because I knew not the Artifice, by which they might be attained) they were to me as things of no value or concern: having therefore suspended my thoughts, till I better understood them, I greatly bend my Mind to Animals, Salts, and Vegetables; and from them endeavoured (as far as in me lay) to separate their Terrestreity, and by Mistion, their Specificality; and having spiritualised them, I found they were not unfit to be administered in any Case, so far, as communication of Strength was needful: And so great a Blessing attended for some space of time, that they seemed to answer the utmost desires of Nature. Yet, my Mind being not idle I always feared, that this Success might arise from the smallness of the Malignity, or the happy Genius that prompted me to these Endeavours: Nor was it long before my suspicions proved truths. For, when I found some Persons not cured, though the Principal Parts were not perished; and that continual strife stirred up by Nature, ended in her own Conquest; I positively concluded, that those Medicines, that were fit to stir up Action (if not also endued with a Vitality, to keep Nature in Union with and in her own Organs, to act unto the time of Death without loss of sensibility) were far short of what a true Physician should endeavour to compass.  
Now was I again bewildered, my Grief renewed, my Ignorance seemed greater than at first, and my Labours I undervalved as things of no Moment, Books could not help, and Counsel (at that time) among Men was not to be hoped for. Therefore I accused myself as rash in attempting that, which seemed impossible to be attained; and even despaired thereof. But, considering in myself, that these my endeavours had not their Original in me by Education, nor by any Consideration of Profit or Honour, that might accrue from the pursuit of the same; but from a natural Propensity, strongly overweighing my other Inclinations, which (at that time) to my outward Man were pleasing enough, and not without great strife fully subdued; I resigned myself to the good Pleasure of the Highest, and endeavoured Stillness more than Understanding.  
Indeed I plainly viewed all things, but would not discuss them so far, as to raise any Foundation therefrom, or to bring thoughtfulness in myself. For, I perceived a Disquisition of aught, that stood not in Unity with all things, would be particular, uncertain, and dangerous; yea, utterly unfit to answer the ends of Nature: because I found it wanting to the attainment of true Healing: and in this way of simplicity I was found of What I knew not how to search for: Nature, in stillness, brought forth that, which Reason (without Light) could never have acquired, even under its most acute Scrutiny; For, it not being sensible, there was no ground for Reasoning.  
In this opening, I saw, that every Universal Remedy had its Root in the first, or second Life of Minerals and Metals; the last Life of them being either over-compact, or venomous. This Aspect was grateful to me, and gave me strong hope, that Time and Stillness might produce more Evidence. Nor was I deceived: for the way of destroying the last Life of some Subjects (endued with an Universal Tendency) was in the Properties of Nature made manifest to me. Then did I see, as in a Glass, the wonderful Gifts implanted in Metals, Minerals, etc. by the Pleasure of the Most High, as a Relief to Mortals, in this latter Age of the World; wherein Diseases are increased and heightened by various Venom's (the Relics of popular Distempers) and complicated through the Vices of Life, and want of an unspotted vitality in our original constitution. Besides, it appears that the World itself waxeth old, the Powers thereof are much altered, all the external Virtues of its Superficies are declined; but Metals and Minerals, that have not known the force of the external Air (the great Propagator of Life and Corruption) are less Partakers of the Universal Debility, than those Things which exist chiefly by that Air. Not that they have not their Air also, but it is otherwise qualified; rather to forward their Compaction, and concentrate their Virtues, than to corrupt them. By which means they seem to be appointed (since, as to our Air, they share an unspotted, unchangeable Life) as true Succours, to withstand the Impressions of our external Air, and the many Changes and Complications of Diseases, that reign amongst us. But Vegetables, by reason of a seeming decay of Vigour in the Elements, or the declining State of the External Virtues of the World's Superficies, (though they have many Excellent and Peculiar Endowments, which wisely used may be sometimes serviceable in the Cure of the Sick; when freed from their Terrestreity and Grossness, that in their Reception, they put not Nature to too much trouble of Digestion) yet, if they be not so universalized by unition, that they no longer serve under their particular Gifts, they indeed cannot contribute any thing to Nature in her most deplorable Cases: Whereas, Mineral and Metalick Virtues, being more concentrate, have more universal Dispositions; and so are more fit to serve Nature, to all intents, than the other. For, Minerals and Metals are not specificated to this or that Person, or to this or that Disease; but to the Properties of Nature, in her first Operation in Bodies: by which indeed, as to the noble parts of principal Members, one Mineral or Metal may be more suitable, than another; but, as to Diseases and Persons, there they solely act according to Nature's deficiency and so become true Succours: because, when they are prepared as requisite, they are not transchanged in the Body, the Light and Vigour, or Ray of them being the Medicine. So that the Substance of them passeth away unalter'd as to weight; and therefore not being touched by our Ferments, bringeth less trouble to Nature, than one spoonful of Wine would do; And this is, because there is no reaction of Nature upon them, as in other Medicines: but if they be administered in so weak a state, as before separation of the form they are cast out by the Draught, than they are altogether useless.  
Minerals and Metals have their Gifts from GOD, not from Man's Art: For Art doth not confer Virtue, but by separating the Shell discovers the Kernel: And their implanted Virtues are for our benefit; posited there and not to be concealed, neglected or slighted, as things not to be used; because Envy and Ignorance have condemned them: for, by that means, the End of their Creation would be frustrated; which will seem to the Rational an evil conceit. Shall Wheat be contemned as unfit for nourishment, because it hath husks? or Almonds for their hard Shells?  
I write not of the external Properties of Minerals and Metals, but of their inward Parts, in which is concentred a more vital Air than in other things, by which they famously manifest their Universal Disposition. Air, we see, above all things visible, refresheth Man; Now, the Air enclosed in them is of an unsearchable power, purity, and penetration, beyond what is in any single Concrete; more friendly than ours, wherein we breath; for though it be liable to its Laws for transchangement, yet its Virtues in order to Sanity are thereby not diminished. But, the external Parts of Minerals and Metals are indeed venomous, and may justly be censured as altogether unfit to be relied on, for Succour in Diseases; because they compel Nature to Expulsion, and are not subservient to her, in exciting natural Vigour, except against their own poisonous hostility. Therefore, what hath been, or shall be writ, concerning this, must not be understood of the Exterior Parts of Metals or Minerals, or of the Medicines made thereof, which are commonly known; but of such Medicines, as truly perform what I have specified, by assisting Nature, and are so vastly different from those of Common Use, that their subsequent Operation can never be declared, before they are taken: to day they have one Action, to morrow another, and the third Day another, as the Diseases happen to be changed by their Virtues. As for Instance;  
In all Acute Diseases, if much material, Vomits, Stools, or Urine are largely provoked; and then afterwards, Sweats; but after the Fevers are extinguished, than Stools again, till the Relics are removed. But in acute Diseases, where there is more depression of Spirit, and less Matter, there Sweats arise at first, and continue daily till the Evil be overcome; and then Stools for a Day or two, according to the Relict, and so they cease acting. And all this is effected by the same Medicines; which, if continued from the Beginning to the End of Distempers, will clearly manifest these Properties.  
Now, can any One imagine, that this variety of Actions, in one and the same Medicine, in the same Body, and in the same Disease, is any thing else, than the Action of Nature? seeing it is evident, that Vomiting and Purging Medicines never become Sweaters or Binder's, except Nature, through Incapacity of expelling them (falling under the Burden of their Venom) sends forth Sweats, as Signs of an evil Guest.  
Whatsoever therefore doth so directly fortify Nature, as to make her act every way suitable to her own Necessities, cannot be any other than Virtue; and seeing it hath pleased GOD to implant such Virtues and Powers, in Minerals and Metals, no unbyass'd person will say 'tis unfit they should be enquired into.  
Medicines thus endowed are more safe than others, as never performing aught that can be injurious, seeing Nature only manageth them, and they Purge not when they should provoke Sweat; nor do they Vomit, when purging by Urine or Perspiration is required; they leave no Relics in the Body, for they are clean, having all unnatural Impurities removed. The Child new born, the Woman new laid, the most aged and most weak safely take them, without any the least damage ensuing therefrom.  
I write not this conjecturally, but from the Experience of more than Twenty Years. For, these Remedies, having an universal Tendency (not working by Vomit, Stool, or Sweat upon the sound) do only in the Sick Operate, as Nature findeth most convenient, and so are only her Servants: but other Medicines, that have not so universal a Disposition, though in former Ages (when Diseases were more simple, and had rarely any thing extraordinary in them) they might be very profitable, yet now they cannot be used without Danger. For, where Nature herself is undetermined, a Remedy, that hath not a Gift to reach the Life, and strengthen her to compose those Confusions, that cause so great a Complication, and indetermination, may indeed by its particular act alter the Scene, but not the Tragedy; and change the Seat of a Disease from one Bowel to another; but if any do impartially observe the Event, they will soon perceive; that the change of Place hath rendered the Disease (before easily cured) not curable, unless with great difficulty; and not at all, but by General, Remedies. Yet, let no Man mistake me so far, as to think these Medicines (I mention) to be very easily obtained: No, the Common Preparations have no such Endowments; Nor can the converting of a Vomitive and Purging Medicine, into a Diaphoretic, render its Gifts more splendid: nay, rather, what before in itself had an universal Disposition, is now become only a particular Bemedy, being no otherwise serviceable, than where Sweats are needful. And it is clear to every skilful Labourer in the way of natural Medicines, that every universal Being, tormented by Fire or fiery Spirits, is not bettered though changed: For every direct Change is a diminishing of the Natural Gift; And whosoever spends his time this way to alter General Medicines, will injure both himself and his Neighbour, and shall never arrive to any certainty in the true Matter of Medicine.  
The outward Life of Metals or Minerals is poison, which unless overcome, with Conservation of the Species of them, they cannot exhibit their natural Gifts. For Mineral Virtues are like Lilies among Thorns: if a Man remove not these, he will be wounded with their Prickles, before he can attain the Sweetness of those. The outward life of Minerals must die and be annihilated; their middle Life is Medicine, Antidote against Poison, an Exhilirator and Server of Nature, without any determinate Action; a great Light, impressed with a Divine Seal, capable to extirpate the Characters of diseasy Images, or at least to subvert their Acts; having a natural faculty to remove every occasional Matter, by Nature's own Power; not compelling but exciting Her, as hath been sensibly experimented. This proved to me the Truth of Helmont's Theory, which though believed, yet without this Testimonial Act, I might (with the generality of Searchers) have ruined myself, by adhering to what was visible, and supposing what I enjoyed not, as impossible to be attained. For every true Natural Medicine worketh not by its own Power (which is ever inimical to Nature) to Vomit, Purge, Sweat, provoke Urine, etc. but by Nature's dispose; being such as never operates on Bodies well and in health, althô taken in a six-fold quantity; nor on the diseased and sick, but in the way Nature finds most conducent to health. Because Nature is the Physicianess, and all that is ministered to her, aught to be at her Dispose. And that she knoweth how to use Medicines of an universal Disposition, appeareth, in that she doth by them Purge, Vomit or Sweat, where occasion is; and that as forcibly and sensibly, as the strongest direct Medicines can do; yet with so different Success, that Sweats, though endured for many days, do not weaken so much as others (though only for some hours) excited by a forcible Diaphoretic; Nay, the Patients▪ each day grow stronger and stronger, than the first Day of taking them. So likewise, in Vomiting and Purging, there is no debility of Nature, though they work many Weeks together, in such a measure, that the gentlest of direct Purgers (if used so long, and wrought after the same manner) would bring to Death's door, if not totally extinguish Life: but these separate the occasional Matter only, and weaken not. Besides these Properties mentioned, that prove their Subserviency, (which is but the dark part of Universal Remedies) there are other more vital Separations, which manifest their Endowments; insomuch, that the very same Medicines that did provoke, do also stay Vomiting, repress unnatural Sweats, stop Fluxes, cure the Dysentery and Gripe of the Guts, as also all Fluxes of the Womb, white or red; stay the Menses if inordinate, and bring them down when stopped; hinder Abortion, further the Birth when ripe; prevent the After-pains, yet cleanse more securely, than any Specific whatsoever; dissolve or ripen Imposthumes, transmit seemingly fixed Tumours from one part to another, so as sensible Tumours of the Womb, have by the use of them become Imposthumes of the Abdomen: an Action, if well noted, of no small Advantage to the Sick, and of great Comfort to an honest Ingenious Physician. I have also known Urine (in a great Obstruction thereof, contrary to the Common course of Nature, yet naturally) vented through the fleshy parts about the Kidneys; and that in such a Quantity, as was not inconsiderable, had it been voided the usual way: though this continued no longer, than the Obstruction was separating; for then Nature assumed her usual Passages. And for a Crown to the Reality of Universal Medicines, I shall add; They more powerfully excite Nature by insensible Transpiration, than by all the usual Passages; which Operation (If Physicians be not stark blind) is of more service a Thousand fold, especially in our days, than Purging, Vomiting, Sweeting, etc. were it not the grand unhappiness of Mankind, to measure the offices of their Living Spirits, by the Effects and Consequences of their intemperate Lives. For these Remedies of an universal Tendency, exciting Nature to Insensible Transpiration, perform that part of Medicine, which is least minded, though of greatest Concernment; and althô of late years it hath been conceded to, as true, because sensibly experimented; yet the Medium, by which it is performed, is a mystery to the greater part of Physicians.  
But to proceed to more sensible, and less disputable Actions, (what hath been already specified being most certain, because so often known by myself) Nothing, below an Universal Tendency, is capable of such different Operations, nor can it be so disposed, as Nature may be capable by the same, to extravert the introversate, and that without Damage to the Parts or Organs, since it is not given to Nature to create Gifts, but to use them.  
For every particular Remedy, though most pure, cannot be extended beyond its Gift: As for Instance; The purest Stomachical, that hath Gifts to fortify, to cleanse and separate the Impurities of that Part, not being endowed with an Universal Disposition to strengthen Nature (to war against those dark Images she hath conceived, and by that means impressed on another Digestion) and also a Capacity of removing occasional Causes; it shall indeed corroborate the part for the present, but at the same time shall separate the Impurity thereof to other Digestions, and so rather render the Party worse: because, the Root of the Disease being in the Archaeus, and that Specific is uncapable of communicating aught thereunto (except what concerned that particular Bowel) the Disease itself must necessarily be increased in the place to which it is transferred, and never be subdued, until the Darkness, overwhelming the Spirit, shall be driven away; or the occasional Matter (in which those Ideas are impressed) nullifyed.  
Whence it is clear in the Light of Nature, That Remedies of an Universal Disposition are essential to true healing. Not that I judge Specificks altogether useless; because I certainly know, that the great Art of Physicians consisteth in finding out and fitly applying the same: yet with this Proviso, Viz. That they suit to Parts and the Operations thereof, and be universalized as to Persons, so, that the sad, the merry, the cold, and hot Constitutions may thence reap a like Benefit; which is no such hard matter to accomplish: For, if a Specific be fermented with an Universal, by this means it is made more general, and mindeth not Constitutions, but the offended Part, in the Operations thereof. Yet these Remedies must be used with great Judgement; because all Specificks have a direct Action, (whether they be Acidums or Alkalies, Aperitives, Diuretics, Diaphoreticks, Vomiting, Purging, Resolving, Separating, Contracting or Coagulating Medicines) and if unduly or unseasonably applied, are direct Evils. For, whosoever giveth a Diaphoretic in the beginning of a Fever, before any Digestion happens in the Febrile Matter, doth by the same indeed produce Sweats, but to the great disadvantage of the Sick: because that Action of the Medicine, contrary to the disposition of Nature, carrieth the more subtle parts of the occasional Cause into the Blood. And besides, the Sweeting Remedy, because not gifted to strengthen Nature, and incline her to her own Acts, leaves the more gross and ofttimes uncoctable diseasy Matter in the Stomach; which proves fatal to the Patient; or at least renders the Disease difficult to be healed. Therefore Specificks, though never so pure or certain, and having an universal Ferment, but not having thereby universal Gifts, cannot be used generally without apparent danger: though, in defects of Parts and Faculties, where Nature indicateth her own Wants, they act more swiftly and certainly than Remedies more general. Yet it hath been obvious to me by manifold Observations, that direct working Medicines, given in the beginning of Diseases, have generally injured the Persons afflicted; by removing the offensive Matter to places, where Nature (without that force) would never have done.  
Let any One but observe the Progress of Malignant Fevers, Small Pox, Plague, etc. and he must necessarily discern, that any Purging Remedy, though but a Clyster, (because Nature endeavours to make separation another way by the Skin) doth notably hinder the then needful and necessary Expulsion; and, by attracting inward, brings Death, or a very great danger thereof. Now, althô in these Acute Diseases, by reason of their swift Motion and sudden determination, Errors are more obvious; yet are they as certainly committed in the Chronical and more slow Distempers, and attended with the same Consequences, though longer before they be manifested. For, whensoever, by direct Remedies, the Diseasy-Matter is transmitted from one Digestion to another, must it not unavoidably be rendered worse? and what was Originally an Evil in the Stomach or Spleen, if carried to the Gaul or Liver, (and there hurting the Actions and Parts of the same) shall it not be more difficult to cure, seeing those Bowels are remote from the Stomach, and have a different Digestion, and are not so easily reached by Physic? For, as Mustiness in a Barrel affects Wine, Beer, or Vinegar, with the same Odour; so doth it in like manner affect any urinous Liquor. How much more shall diseasy Ferments, if by separation, without being overcome (which no Purgative Remedy can do) they be carried to the Duodenum, necessarily infect the adjacent Parts? Also, if I understand any thing in Nature, the original of all Chronical Diseases, that are not seminal, proceeds rather from the Errors of Physicians, or the unruliness of Patients, than from the Weakness of Nature, or strength of increasing Diseases. For, it is almost daily seen, that one Disease is changed into another; not as progressing naturally thereto, but through irregular Practice, by Purging, Bleeding, Sweeting, and other direct Actions; whereby acute Diseases become Chronical, and Chronical Acute; by the one making the Life miserable, and by the other inferring sudden Death. Which may easily be demonstrated, and I intent something thereof, when I shall treat of the Progress of Diseases.  
Moreover, it is very manifest, that particular Medicines (how prevalent soever to any particular Part, and the Disease thereof) where a Complication of Diseases is present, act rather against than with Nature; because they cannot be employed by Her against the Complication, or the Original of the defective Part, for such Remedies, acting particularly, and not generally, by cleansing the Part render it more fit for Reception of the Complicating Evil. So that, by such irregular Practices, Diseases of the first Digestion consequently become Distempers of the second or third, etc. And this is, because Diseases of the first Digestion, not being there subdued, but carried thence to the second or third, put on another Nature; and sometimes become complicated, though simple before, through a natural disposedness to receive all depending Evils of the Place the diseased live in, or of the time or season of the Year, or of the Parts they possess. For, when Diseases once degenerate, they are excited (Nature growing weaker) by every adjacent Evil: whereas in their first assault, one Digestion alone being concerned, Nature can much more easily overcome them.  
If I thought what is here expressed were not sufficient to prove the Truth of this Matter, I could easily demonstrate the same, by the Practice, either of Patients not timely using Remedies, or of Physicians using things improper. For, I do not find Chronical Diseases (in their beginnings) to have took Root in Us, except from the above specified Errors. And althô some seminal Dispositions derived from Parents (labouring under the same Affects) may beget diseasy Inclinations; yet they, not being able to act without Matter, may well be subdued, or at least kept from further Increase, if General Means be timely used; unless some principal Vessel be naturally deficient.  
Every seminal Disposition is incorporeal, till Matter (through debility of Nature) be conjoined with it; for than it becomes active and a Disease: but if the Matter, which is the occasional Evil, be removed, the Action ceaseth. Now, this Matter at the first is easily expelled in a short time; because, every such occasional Matter is first manifested in the Stomach. But when the seminal Disposition and that Matter have moved each with other any time, strange Torments are begotten, and the Actions of divers Parts injured thereby. Then indeed Medicines, though never so speedy in the beginning, cannot do much, but require length of time, by reason of the Complication, which happens through the many Digestions damnified. For, in the first Motion thereof, the first Digestion is but begun to be defiled therewith, and strives against it: then Universal Medicines can easily contest with the Matter, and in small time overcome; because the Disease is yet undeterminate and floating; no Disease of any denomination having Existence in the Body (except where some Vessel or Part is hurt) till the first Digestion submitteth to it, as an admitted Guest, and ceasing to strive against it, sends Superfluities (as Nourishment) thereunto. This is apparent in every true Gout; Before the Paroxysm begins, Loathing at the Stomach, and a restless Disposition is perceived for a Day or two, and the Pain never approacheth, till the Burden be thence removed; though indeed, the Torture which happens afterward, doth many time's cause, as it were, a Loathing: Yet that is rather the Effect of Anguish, than of Matter. For, whereas at the first, these Universal Remedies work upon the Matter, by Vomits, Sweats, Stools, or Urine, and when the Pains exist in the Joints, have no action at all; yet when the Dolours are removed, than they operate the same way again. And this is a sufficient proof of the possibility of keeping even Hereditary Diseases, from growing, or increasing to any great height, by General Medicines, if seasonably applied.  
These General Dispositions of Medicines here treated of, are singularly useful, to keep Physicians from Error; because Medicines of an Universal Tendency do manifest the Distempers of particular Parts; and (as with the Finger) point at the Seats of Diseases, beyond the Imagination of Any, that have not proved them: for they most sensibly act on the diseased Part. And, where such Medicines are first administered, there particular Remedies, that are specific to Parts, have afterwards the greater efficacy: because Nature being assisted in General, doth readily dispose of the Particular, according to its Gift also. For, althô they cannot cure every Disease, yet their clearing the first Digestion, by strengthening and removing the Evil thereof, cause the particular Medicine to act, without any stop, upon the affected part. And by this method it is, that Distempers accounted uncurable, have often been cured.  
But the great Occasions of Errors committed in the Medicinal Faculty, are:  
1. Ignorance of Nature, what she is able to do.  
2. Want of Knowledge of the possibility of Remedies to be so universal in their nature, as to do, or leave undone, as it most conduceth to Nature's help.  
3. The grand mistake of Practitioners, touching the Causes of Diseases; judging all Distempers to have their Original from Humorous filths, and in the mean while never thinking of Venom's arising through Ferments▪ much less of the Spirit that makes the Assault. For, althô they hourly see the Effects of Anger, Sorrow, Envy, Fear, etc. yet, when they apply Remedies, the first obvious Cause, that turns the whole frame of Man, is not considered by them; and only what they produce is the Subject against which their Medicines are directed.  
As for Example: When Rage kindleth Choler, they seek to allay Choler, that is only the product of Rage. Choler maketh not Men angry, but Anger conceived maketh that sensible; For Nothing liveth, but hath enough of that Juice (so called) to be in Rage sufficiently, yet unless the Spirit be defiled by a wrathful Image, there is no sense of it apparent.  
So also, when our thoughts are greatly exercised with a strong desire to attain what is unknown, the Constringing Fiat presently ferments the Chyle with so great a sharpness, through the Contraction of the Spirit in that Exercise, that it is manifest in the Gust, or sensible Taste, and is in Nature the Cause of what is called Melancholy; but, if persevered in so long till Separation happen, without great helps, a certain distraction is produced, or some violence that is worse.  
Envy and Malice have not much different Effects, for the former cause, when they are conjoined with a strong desire, except that Madness hence does more rarely happen; yet in that Cold dark harsh fire they impregnate the Chyle, and induce great Leaness on the Body, harshness and darkness in the Skin and Hair, and are not curable any more than the other, by any Means applied to the Humour: For, althô that be altered by the force of Physic to day, and wholly separated; yet if the Spirit strenuously persist in the same Design, the Disease (in the twinkling of an Eye) is generated again: because, what is once done, may be done a second time, and needs not any intervening Agent. Althô 'tis true, that Matter once generated, augments the Evil, and increaseth the Darkness so largely, that the Spirit is thereby more materiated, more exasperated, and in greater Anguish.  
Fear stagnizes the Blood, brings Coldness, Sighing, intermittent Pulses, Convulsions, and (if strongly persisted in) sudden Death, or great Stupidity. Now, it is true, that in case the occasion of Fear be removed, it is no hard matter to conquer the Effects; And so, it is consequently true in other Ideas: but if continued in, though but in a mere dejection, or sinking of the Life, they are rendered more difficult to cure, than the more evil and active Passions.  
Sorrow is accompanied with debility of Faculties, a pining away of the Body, and a wasting of the Spirits; and is a Causer of Pains in peculiar Vessels, through the alteration of Chyle, (the Parent of manifold Evils) yet if once overcome, the Effects are not long in expelling, though they have altered almost all the Constitution.  
Now, in as much as 'tis evident, that Disturbance of the Spirit is the Generator of defects in the Body; can it be thought, that real Venoms (whether Epidemical, Endemical, or Artificial) shall less distaste than the aforementioned Conceptions; since they absolutely assault the Spirit, and endeavour the Extirpation of Vital Light? the former arise as well from feigned as real Objects; the later only from real, active, and (after a sort) living Essences: therefore in reason more perceptible, and causes of greater Wrath, Fear, Stupor, Sorrow, or irregular Action in our Nature; unless we think every thing is agitated by Necessity, as Sparks fly upward, and that there is no living Understanding and Election in Us. But, if we bring these things to a sensible Test, it cannot be denied, but that we feel the force of Anger, Fear, etc. in our Bodies; which, if the Spirit in Us were not the Ruler, could never be so.  
Yet, to come nearer to our Selves: Do not trivial Errors, even of Meats and Drinks, Heats and Colds, primarily affect the Spirit? Who is there, whom fullness of Meats and Drinks doth not affect with Dulness and Heaviness? Do not Heats, when overmuch, cause Faintings and Languishments; and doth not the Supplement of Cordials (actual or potential) supply that defect? Likewise, is it not apparent, that Cold (when offensive) stagnizeth the Blood, giveth Cause for dolour in the external Parts to Imposthumous Humours; or stirs up Disorders internally, through the let of vital Separations; and is usually the Begetter (if the Spirit be not helped to perform its natural Separations) of Vomitings, Fluxes, Fevers, Coughs, and what not, through the obstructing of the vital Spirit? Yet however, this can be no more than the Occasional Cause; the Efficient must be the Spirit erring in its own Acts, that must constitute this formal part of distemperature, and bring it to a Disease. And doth any thing sooner restore Nature to her wont Action, than such things as fortify her, and help forward Transpiration, which the Cold letted? Also, it is very clear, that if any one, upon the first Sense of a Distemper, doth but use such Universal Means, as can keep Nature to act without disturbance; he will certainly find, that all these Distempers (so generally afflicting) are driven away almost as soon as they came. For, by the first Assault, the Archaeus is only confused, and hath not throughly impressed the obstructed Matter with a diseasy Character. And this my Patients do generally find true, insomuch that for many years, few of them know aught of a complete Disease, unless they neglect their Remedies in the beginning.  
For every Medicine of an Universal Tendency is gifted from above, to withstand the Formation of Diseases (if the Internal Spirit hath not given to them a Seminal Being) inasmuch as it addeth Power and Activity to Nature, through the Light and Life that is in it, to Act regularly. Therefore, of how great Concern is the knowledge of Medicines strengthening, exhilarating, and pacifying Nature; since she is the only Actor, as well as Curer of herself? How chary then ought a Physician to be of what he gives to his Patients, that he may not compel Nature by the Crudeness, Contrariety, or Poisonous Property of Medicines (which qualities all direct Purgers and Vomiters have) to exhaust her strength, by opposing one Evil with another?  
If Physicians have not Remedies more general, pure and friendly, than those that are usually given (I mean such, as can excite Nature to Action, give her strength, be employed by her to this or that Operation, without leaving Relics Offensive, nay sometimes more troublesome, than the Disease itself) the want of such can be no excuse to them: For GOD hath not left Mortals deprived of Remedies, of a more friendly and benign Nature and Condition, did not Pride, Covetousness and an overweening Conceit, accompanied with Negligence, attend some Book-Doctors, keeping them from searching into the Mystery of true Practice. These Men conclude, if they administer according to a written Rule, set out by any they esteem able (let the success be what it will) 'tis justifiable, because answerable to what was directed; they themselves being Judges; though it be contrary to Nature in all Respects. But, were Nature more minded, and the Receipts of Doctors less, we should see an happier effect on diseased Persons. And were the errors they commit, writ on their Foreheads; or the means, by which they have attained their Grandeur among the People, duly examined; they would be ashamed of the one, and abhor the other.  
Nature is that we ought to observe, to strengthen her where she is weak, to enlighten her where dark, to pacify her when enraged; that Fear may vanish, Rage may cease, and Amazement be expelled. Whosoever can accomplish this, shall find the most stubborn, and accounted uncurable Diseases, to fly before him. But, Diligence, a sound and unbiased Understanding, accompanied with Patience, Love and Zeal, are Essential to open these Deeps, and to discover such Medicines, as are fit to extirpate those Exorbitances. Alas! those that have trod this Path, have been very few (or they have concealed themselves) and what they have written rather stirs up desire, than satisfies. The Famous Medicines of Paracelsus and Helmont, notwithstanding their Voluminous Writings, and frequent Citations of them, contribute little to us, only, that they incite us to follow Nature: but the Remedies themselves, either died with them, or are very secret: No general Rule is extant, whereby such Medicines may be obtained. What shall we do? Where shall we seek? unless we can find the Path of Nature is general, we shall not be able by Art to answer her deficiency in particular. The Pious and Learned Silurist, in his Silex Scintillans, hath something fitted to this purpose, where he saith: 
When Nature on her Bosom saw  
Her Children die,  
And all her Fruits withered to Straw,  
Her Breasts grown dry;  
She made the Earth (her Nurse and Tomb) Sigh to the Sky:  
Till to those sighs, fetched from her Womb,  
Rain did reply.  
So, in the midst of all her Fears  
And faint Requests,  
Her earnest Sighs procured those Tears,  
That filled her Breasts.   
What is most natural is most fit to be exemplary, and will seldom fail those that follow it. But, to rake the Volumes of the Dead (when their Sense is buried with them) to find Understanding, is as irrational as for the Blind to endeavour to discern Colours. Besides, it is a great undervaluing of Man's own Capacity, Nature's Bounty, and God's Blessing, to judge what hath been once done may not be done again. For, although their Medicines be dead with them, or obscured; yet Nature is still in being, and her Lord (the Dispenser of every Virtue) lives for evermore, loves his Creatures, created Medicines for them, and never faileth to impar● Gifts to the Sons of Men, according as they stand capacitated to receive them. But, if we think the old Metho● of the Ancients (set the natural Part thereof aside, which is the least Particle thereof) which is already known, and found to be uncertain, to be sufficient for Diseases which were not then in being, it is as much as to fit one Hat to every Head, and one shoe to every Foot.  
Let it be inquired how Remedies came first to be known, seeing we know Man is born into the World, with the least Capacity to help himself; and then Knowledge must either arise by instinct, or by being acquired by Experience; or be attained to by Education, or by Something beyond all. Assuredly, Education cannot rightfully assume to itself the principal Place; for it is most certain, that that Knowledge which is real, must either be taught from Natural Instinct, or be acquired from Observation. And if from either of these, whensoever new Diseases happen, must not the Cures of the same naturally arise from one of them two? because there is no Rule, nor can be any for what was not in being before. If no Rule, then certainly natural Instinct, or Experience acquired by Observation, must be the only available and truly prevalent Medium, by which the most certain and proper Remedies of such new Evils can be known. Education in these Cases cannot help; For, 'tis apparently manifest, that all Education ariseth from certain received Principles, of supposed Conveniency or Inconveniency: and as the Principles are, true or false, particular or general, so do they enlarge or diminish the Understanding. What takes being from Experience is true (if they, who possess the same, have a true sentiment of the experiment, and well understood the Causes) being sensible; yet, as it hath being from Effects, it is not always presidential for the future: But, what ariseth naturally, and hath the inborn Principles in Man for its Guide, is the true Patron of all General and Particular Knowledge; I call to witness the Testimony of all Ages, and ask:  
Who instructed the first Authors of Physic, when there were neither Books, nor Precedents? Who taught Hypocrates so many Ages since, to distinguish something Divine in certain Diseases, and to have a Cure for a popular Plague, never known or heard of before? Whence was it, that the same Man (in that Age of the World, wherein Diseases and their Remedies were neither known nor distinguished in any measure) did obtain a most clear Light, not only to distinguish, but also to cure Diseases with proper Medicines? How was Basilius a Monk instructed, who in his days became a most knowing Physician? Did not Paracelsus and Helmont, neglecting the Traditions of their Predecessors, obtain Medicines of greater Efficacy, than all that went before them? Paracelsus, though bred up in Schools, chosen Professor of Physic in Basil, raised not his Knowledge from what he had read, but from the Light of Nature operating in him; as sufficiently appears by his dissenting from every known Rule; and by his effectual Cures; as also, by his own declaration, That he had not read any Book of Philosophy or Physic in Ten Years time together. And Helmont acknowledged, That he found out more certainty, when Discourse and Fancy, or Imagination was subdued, than by all his Readins or Conceptions: To the Truth of which, some now in being can bear their testimony. And is it not daily manifest, that the Indians, which have no Books, by Natural Instinct only find out the Virtues of Plants, so that they rarely want a Medicine for their Common Distempers? Do we not ourselves often see Sick Persons (given over by Physicians) to be cured by their own natural Impulse? One Person is cured after one sort, Another after another, altogetehr contrary to a known Method; which we ignorantly call Chance, but it is so only to Us: For, without doubt, this is Nature, that naturally excites Man to his Cure; as the Dog, to Quitchgrass; the Cat, to Nep; the Swallow, to Celandine, etc.  
If Nature be (as indeed she is) the Exciter of these Animals, to their proper Remedies, without any Conception, Forethought, or Reasoning of their own; how much more is she of Man, in whom is latent a Capacity of knowing things in their Roots, so, that some Men, void of much discourse or Reasoning, when the internal Man in them is touched or excited, utter wonderful things; yet, are uncapable of Reasoning how, or why they utter them? Even so, Arts appear more polite, where Nature bringeth them forth in Man, without the Consult of his Reason. For as the Strength of the Lion, and Fierceness of the Tiger, the Courage of an Horse in time of Battle, and the Fearfulness of the Hare, are not the Consults of their Strengths or Weaknesses, or the Effect of Education, but ingenited Properties; so we see some apted to Music, to Poetry, to Limning, to Arithmetic, the Mathematic Science, and Mechanic Arts, in so high a measure, that they evidently outstrip all others that have been educated therein. Who did ever exceed Appelles? When did ever Art make a Poet come near Homer, for exactness of Fancy? Nay, 'tis generally taken for granted, that Poets are born, not made. Our own days produced a Child, capable of solving most solvable Questions in Arithmetic, without a Teacher, or known Rule. The Merchants, that Trade to the Gold-Coasts, have told me, that the Negroes, upon their Fingers, sooner account the value of Commodities, though in broken Numbers, than our acutest Merchants can with their Pen. How many have we seen excellent Artists in Mechanic Works, that never learned them of Masters by Education skilled therein? But to conclude all, of whom did Archimedes learn his admirable (and as yet unparallelled) Inventions of Mechanic Engines, by which he so long withstood the Roman Army, both by Sea and Land; using his single Artifice only, without the help of other Weapons? insomuch, that Marcellus, General of that Army, speaking in Mockery to the Engineers of his own Camp (as Plutarch writeth) said: What? shall we never cease to make War with this Briarean Engineer, and Geometrician here? who, sitting still at his Ease, in sporting manner, hath with shame overthrown our Navy, and exceeded all the fabulous hundred Hands of the Giants, discharging at one instant so many Shot amongst us? Whence, I say, had these Men their Instruction, while we, who have had their Books and Experiments (or at least an indubitate Relation of them) yet attain not to their Perfection, though so many hundred Years be past, and so many Hands and Heads have been employed since their time? Surely Nothing hath been a greater Cause of this deficiency in Us, than our supposing Things declared to be a better Rule to be gone by, than the Principles they began upon, who declared them. And were it not for that, I cannot but, think, that we had been long ago so enlarged in our Understandings, as these Lines need not have been written at this time. But then, I would also be understood to suppose, that the Foundation, in and by which these famous Men attained to the Perfection of their Arts, be not neglected by Us: For they, not regarding (perhaps not having, or not using) the frail and uncertain help of Books, not trusting to the written Experiments of others, suffered themselves in great Simplicity (as the Child above mentioned) to be taught by Nature. This way they obtained a more certain knowledge, than wa● possible to be attained by any other way.  
Wherefore, to be unlearned in the Art of Physic, is not to want the benefit of Languages; for a due Observation of, and living up to the Rules of Nature in that Case provided, are the chief Things necessary to that Science, which is more easily attained by a sound Judgement, than by reading the most Book-Learned Wits. For, since Nature is the Guide of the Universe, and of each thing therein, it is not to be doubted, but that as she brings forth Medicine, so she doth the Physician also to administer the same, whether it be considered generally or particularly, as to those Remedies, the Gifts of which (in all Ages, Times and Seasons, to all Persons and all Diseases) are always the same: or to such Remedies as are more specific, or particular, which are produced by her in one place only, at one time, and for some Persons; as Medicines fit for foam certain personal, or local Diseases; and in another Place and Time, for other Persons and Diseases.  
And it is clearly manifest, that the knowledge of the Virtues of Roots, Herbs or Plants, hath been nothing advanced since the Days of Theophra●tus (a Man naturally experienced ●herein, and the Divulger thereof) except what hath been discovered by Observation from Beasts, Birds, Old Women, Clowns, Indians, or some such way unexpectedly. Not, that Nature hath been all this time ignorant, or uncapable of succouring her own Offspring, especially since Diseases have multiplied; but those that pretend themselves Physicians, have not been gifted by her, but have opposed and hindered her proper Endeavours; they, being bend and resolved to be wiser than she, and to compel her by Remedies: a Practice their Forefathers never knew: thinking that Man, who was made in the Image of GOD, hath no Light or Guide in himself, sufficient to direct Him to his own help, or the help of his Neighbour.  
O great Blindness! What Man? the Summary of all created things, that hath an immortal Soul, shall not that in him, which descended from above, be capable to distinguish what is fit for his help? Shall Birds and Beasts have the privilege to know the fitness of Remedies, and Man be judged uncapable thereof? Shall barbarous Indians, and rude Shepherd's Husbandmen or Old Women do greater Cures, than the Learned Doctors of our Age? O Shame! For, to be ignorant of what illiterate Persons know, is a great reproach to the Learned; if they, pretending great knowledge perform little, (even in the Faculty, of which they call themselves Masters) and the other, pretending little, are able to do much more than they. But, this is, because the One is excited by natural Instinct, and the Other only by credulous reading.  
Althô, at present, these things may sound harsh to the Ears of some, yet being true, and having Nature for their Foundation, they will, perhaps, outlive the Enemies of the same; and (in this latter Age) be as generally received as heretofore (in times of Apostasy) they have been denied.  
Our Ancestors in Art (though vulgarly reverenced under the notion of Antiquity) were really but the Infancy of the World; 'tis our Age which, by following long after theirs, is indeed the true Antiquity: Why then should we dote wholly upon their Childhood-inventions; and not rather, having the advantage of Example (which the Beginners must needs have wanted) proceed and grow old in Understanding, as well as in Time? a Pigmy set upon a Giant's shoulders, may be able to see farther than Him.   

The Second Part.  
OF THE General Nature of Diseases.  
A Person is then properly said to be Sick, when some Part, at least, cannot perform its due Action; and whatever produceth that Infirmity, is styled the Cause; and that Disability of the Part to do its proper Office or Function, is called a Disease: of which some are Simple, some are Complicated.  
Simple Diseases are either Natural, Preternatural, or Contranatural: Pardon the Coinage of the last Word, because it seems as analogical, as the Terms, Supernatural, Unnatural, Connatural, and the like.  
Of the first Sort are all Hereditary Diseases transferred from Parents to Children, and may be considered under the deficiency of Parts, transmitted Ideas, or corporeal Venom's; sometimes singly, as when any weakness of Parts in Parents (not labouring under any other Disease) is conveyed to their Offspring, who have those deficiencies during Life, in one measure or other; yet are not at all thereby the more liable to greater Diseases, but to the trouble of Nature's exercise, where that deficiency is; except, Nature failing in her own endeavour, admit Retents of things to her further Disturbance; which yet may easily be prevented, by the help of Remedies specific to the Parts. But, if to the weakness of a Part, a material Evil be added, then indeed the Persons (if not quickly cleared of that Disease) through the weakness of their inward Parts, do either soon die, or live a miserable Life. Nevertheless, even in the conveyance of such Morbific Ideas, if the Parts be sound, and no accidental thing happen to give vigour thereunto, they perceive nothing thereof for a long time, as is observable in the Derivative Gout, which a Child (though begotten by Parents strongly possessed therewith) feeleth many times nothing▪ thereof, till 40, or 50 years of Age: For, it is absolutely necessary and essential to every Ideal Disease, (except Mental Evils) to have material filths for the Idea to work upon. For instance I have observed, that those, who have contracted the poison of the Lues mummially, and have otherwise been of sound Parts, have had no tokens, nor appearance thereof in several Years themselves, (and perhaps never may) yet some of the Children proceeding from the same Bodies, have been naturally infected therewith. And likewise I have known other Parents Ideally defiled, to have had Issues that appeared sound and free (because Seeds admit not of aught but Ideas) for 7, 10, or 12 Years; and afterwards that Ideal Disease, by occasional Matter, hath manifested itself apparently as an hereditary Communication. Besides, it is observed generally, that those who are contaminated with that Disease, by a seminal Contact, have never any Sense thereof for several Months; and Others, on whom the Disease (so acquired) breaks out at any time, are conscious of some disorderly Acts, that have introduced Superfluities, for captivating the Spirits; without which that Malady, when seminally induced, is not made manifest. But, if the Lues be materially contracted, than the soundest Body, and the clearest Spirit, escape not free from the sense thereof for many hours, or at the most not for above 3 days: because it materially affects the Parts, discovers its proper Signs, and manifesteth itself to be material; and the Archaeus, striving against it, produceth Sores and Fluxes in the Parts infected, thereby to centre the Evil in the Part, to prevent its further progress in the Body: by which means, Gororrhea's newly gotten are quickly healed, all the internal Parts being sound; nor do they ever arise to the Lues, except Means be wanting to keep them from further spreading. For, Material Diseases, (though very venomous, by reason of their corporeity) are easier overcome, than the spiritual or Ideal; because they aseend not to so great an height, as to captivate Nature, so as to make her nourish the Evil without resistance, except great Errors are committed: whereas the Ideal do at first darken the Spirits, and then make them subservient (through insensibleness of the unmateriated Venom) to prepare Matter for the existence and nourishment of that spiritual Evil, and then is the Disease form.  
Now, for corporeal Evils that are derived from Parents, having their original from maternal Nourishments, they manifest their cruelty so soon as the Child is born, by one Sign or other evident to the Sense, as by Vomitings, Looseness, Restlessness, Thrush, or Convulsions; sometimes by Acrimonies external or otherwise, by which their Lives are quickly cut off, if they be not helped with Remedies that can fortify the natural powers to resist those Evils. And that general Opinion (grounded upon the defectiveness of common Remedies) that Physic is not fit for Children, hath in all probability cast away many, that might have been preserved: for material Evils, how great soever they seem, are seldom mortal, if the internal Powers are strengthened by natural Medicines; because the Spirit in them is not so vitiated, as to nourish the Evil: though indeed a diseasy. Idea, imprinted upon the Archaeus of a Child, striveth to bring the Disease into act, upon the advantage of every occasional disorder.  
Preternatural Diseases (so called, because they have no Root naturally from Parents, or from diseasy Seeds; but are accidentally begot by variety of Distempers, as the Spirit or Part is more or less vitiated) are such as arise through the Errors of Digestion; by Fullness, Emptiness, Colds, Heats, Sorrow, Anger, Fear, Hatred, etc. things transmuted, transmitted or retained; or when one Disease is changed into another through misapplication of Physic, or the irregularity of the Patient. Under Fullness, is comprehended Gluttony, Drunkenness, or any Excess beyond the ability of Nature to digest: for the disagreements likewise of Foods (which, though taken in small Quantities, may notwithstanding offend) are to be numbered among Excesses; because, by reason of their Properties disagreeing with Constitutions, through want of use; their difficulty to be digested in their being over solid, their tendency to corruption, their fermental Dispositions, or their hostile Venoms to particular Natures (by their Antipathy thereunto) may prove equally burdensome, as the overcharging of the Stomach with agreeable Meats and Drinks: Either of these are the Foundations of Surfeits, which beget Languish in the Body, Vomitings, Headaches, and Loosnesses, through disability of the Pylorus; and if not conquered or healed in their primitive Root and Seat, than the Jaundice (black or yellow) Iliac or Cholic Passion, Diarrhoea; Quotidian and Tertian Fevers, Dysentery, Lientery, Imposthumes, and Obstructions in the Spleen, Mesentery, and Reins, have their existences: whence Dropsies, Consumptions, Hysterical Passions, Cachexies, Falsies, Vertigoes, Apoplexies, and Epilepsies, have their original. For, when Evils are not subdued in the Stomach, but viciously slide into other Bowels, to defile and beget strange Ferments in them; then the Spleen and Stomach conspire to the maintenance thereof; their own Government being characterically blemished with the foregoing disorders. Emptiness, if too much, makes a depression of the Spirits, languishing of the Vital Powers, and an indisposition of the Parts of assimilate Nourishment. The only Remedies of this, are Foods of a nourishing and more spiritual Operation. Colds and Heats, in too great a Degree, congeal or resolve the natural Spirits to an extreme, and obstruct, or expend the same.  
Contranatural Diseases are all Epidemics, Endemics; and every Poison, yea, all such Maladies as derive not their original from the Parent's Seed; nor take beginning from preternatural Excesses in Meats and Drinks, Errors in Digestion, or the like; but immediately from without assault the life. Of this kind are the Pestilence, and all annual (commonly Autumnal) Distempers, by us called New Diseases, which arise from the putridness of the external Air, by which our internal Air or Aether, being primarily defiled, suddenly contaminates the Spirit of Life, so as to beget Diseases correspondent to the Calamity the Spirit is oppressed with, under the predominating Powers of Stupor, Rage, or Fear.  
In Stupor, the Disease having enervated the Efficacy of the Spirits discrimination, finisheth the Tragedy without resistance: and when 'tis finished, Nature herself gives testimony of her own Vanquishment, by that small refuscitation of her proper Powers, which plainly shows her Incapacity to strive against the prevailing Evil; because, while sensible of the Assault, she willingly yields to Death, without Strife: as was sufficiently manifest to me in those, that (in the Year 1665,) had the Plague; in whom, Nature, so soon as she was sensible of her own Inability of overcoming, voluntarily submitted to the prevailing Evil. And, though Sense was perfect, yet, when the Tokens appeared, each Person so concerned, though seemingly well (Weakness excepted) as at any other usual time, seldom failed of dying in 12, or 24 hours▪ Under this manifestation of the prevailing Disease, the Pulses are equal▪ though slow, the Urine thin, and nothing visibly different from an healthful State: nevertheless in these, there are Twitchings of the Nerves, Tendencies to Convulsions, which (except Remedies be applied of so benign a Nature, as to be capable and able to enliven the Spirit to act against the Disease, and resist its Venom) always end in Death.  
In Rage, Nature being sensible of the Evil, acts violently against it, moveth in and by the Fire of Nature, stirs up Vomitings, Headaches, Frenzies, and Vehement Burnings, Blanes, Buboes, Carbuncles, Pustles, etc. ferments the Blood sometimes to evacuation by the Nostrils, Bowels and Urine. But, if Remedies be used, that can resist the Venom and appease the Rage, Sweats following, all those inordinate Acts cease; Blanes, Carbuncles, and Pustles ripen; Buboes dissolve, and the Disease is by little and little overcome.  
Fear betrays the Succours of Nature, and renders all endeavours useless; because (through that) she readily receives the Venom, sinks under it, and rather endeavours to nourish, than strives against the Enemy. The Signs of which are Faintings, Languish of the Spirits, Palpitations of the Heart, Tremble of the Pulse, and rarely ever any other Testimony of the Disease, than the Tokens: and if such Persons have (as sometimes happens) Blanes, Pustles, Carbuncles, or Buboes, they neither ripen, nor dissolve. In this Case (though so desperate) if high Cordials be at first administered and continued, with those Medicines, that resist malignity, than sometimes the Sick are happily cured, otherwise they certainly perish.  
The Distinctions of Diseases, Natural, Preternatural, and Contranatural, being premised; it is now to be understood, That the Change of one of them into another, or the Mixtion of them each with other, beget a Complication; as the two General Evils, the Lues and Scurvy (in their progress, from their first beginnings in Us, to the Exit of our Lives) do clearly demonstrate. Touching the Lues, a Distemper too well known, I forbear to speak; but generally in the Scurvy, a Disease by me long observed, I find the power of Contraction (or Congelation) and Resolution. For Scurvys present themselves to our consideration, as arising either from too great Constringency, whereby the Effervency of the Blood is stayed; or from an overgreat Tartness, or Resolution of the Chyle into an abounding Fermentation. In the one Case, the Bodies of People afflicted are always (or for the most part) chilly, sleepy, numned, stiff, and indisposed to Motion; in ●he other, they labour under Faintings, ●alpitations of the Heart, involuntary sweats▪ and Heats, and as soon troubled with Cold again. For, in the Assault ●●om without, are inferred Numnesses, ●ontractions of the Nerves, extreme ●oldnesses and Lamenesses. And when ●ature (by the Assault perverted) er●neously strives against them, hor●ble Pains ensue, and produce Rheu●atisms, and Scorbutic Gouts, (the Effects of Tartness) known by Dolours in the Nerves, as well as in the Joints and, when the Assault is more inward, then arise Palsies, Convulsions, Vertigoes, and all other capital Diseases, that have their Original from Congelations in the Nerves. On the other hand, when Resolution is present (for Congelations and Resolution's are too frequent in every part of the Body; and, as Paracelsus well observed, are the Sources or Originals o● all Diseases) there sometimes happens a Resolution of the Members, by Fermentations in the Blood, Erysipela's all open Sores, Cancers, and the like also inordinate Bleedings, preternatural Fluxes of Blood, Bloody Vomitings, vehement Burnings, Looseness of all kinds, and the like. For, th● Diarrhea, Lientery, Dysentery, Catarrhs, Hectic Fevers, Solution o● the Joints, etc. are properly calle● Diseases of Resolution.  
I should now subjoin a discour● touching the Forms and Operation of ●●enomes, forementioned in this Theory, but because they rarely come in play, I had rather supersede that Treatise, until the Doctors vouchsafe to allow them an Existence; Wherefore I shall here put a short end to the General Nature of Diseases, whose universal Work it is to put such an end to Ours.   

The Third Part.  
A Proof of the former Positions by Practice.  
NOw, I proceed to a direct Explanation of my Practice in Cure of Diseases, consonant to the Theory above given. But, because I have elsewhere spoken of Cures, by me performed in the same Method, from the Year, 1657, to the Year 1665; I will discourse only of those Distempers, that since that Time (though of the Progress and Determination of the Plague alone then raging, I could write a large Volume) have fallen under my Care, and been Cured without the help of any of the Compositions of the Shops, or commonly known Chemical Remedies; both which kinds of Medicines, I do, in a manner, tacitly disclaim, as unfit to serve the extreme Necessities of Nature; yet, have I so far allowed of them, as they may in some sort or degree be of use in Cases less difficult: well knowing, that 'tis only the Prudence of Physicians, in a due application of Remedies specific to Parts or Juices, which renders them serviceable to the End, for which they were made. Nevertheless, for brevity sake, and because in my Theory to this present Practice of Physic, I have at large discoursed about this matter, I shall say no more of them; but go on, by the Practice itself, to prove the Use of General Medicines to be rational, and true, certain in Nature, and confirmed by Experience.  
In order to which, I begin with the Plague in the Year 1665, and the Diseases of the following Years; wherein popular Distempers (the Relics of the preceding Plague) did sufficiently manifest themselves in their Vigour, and reigned long, to the Astonishment of those Doctors, who (the Year before) conscious to themselves of the Deficiency of their own Medicines, fit to resist that Malignity, forsook their Patients in a time, when their Skill (had it been worth Esteem) would have been of greatest Service.  
Having affirmed, Diseases to be either Simple, or Complicated, Resolved or Congealed, as I must (with Paracelsus) acknowledge all Diseases are, it is now time to speak of their Cures; first particularly, and afterwards, generally.  
In order to which, for order sake, I intent to give a short hint of Cures, both particular and general (in discoursing of which, I shall be exceeding brief) afterward, by many Examples produced from my own Experience, of more than Eighteen Years since the last Plague, confirm the Truth of this my Theory, by my proper Practice in a larger manner.  
Therefore first, I thus say: In Congealed Distempers, Remedies furthering Transpiration, by resolving those acrid Powers, that hinder the same, are most conducent to the Cure of them. But, in Resolution of the Powers, where Faintings, and Palpitations are predominant; there Constringents are most serviceable.  
Yet open Tinctures, by which Nature may (as in a Glass) see her own Deficiency, perform both the one and the other, more strongly or more remissly, according to the Excellency of them.  

Of the Plague.  
IN the beginning of the said Plague, I used all the known Anti-pestilential Medicines (both of Ancient and Modern Physicians) which I found would indeed provoke Sweats; yet not naturally, but by help of clothes, where a great Burning generally was, before the Sweats appeared. By reason whereof, Nature, (being wearied) through such a forcible way of acting, could not be supported sufficiently to the extirpation of that Venom, so as to dissolve Buboes, without maturation; nor ripen Blanes, or Carbuncles, but by a long Series of Time, and great Conflicts of the Sick, which too frequently ended in Death; though, the Plague (at that time) was not come to the height of its Malignity. Perceiving this, I had recourse to my own Medicines, which I had formerly found successful in most Fevers: For, by these Remedies, such as came to me upon the first Assault, if the Chyle was infected, and any Fullness remained in the Stomach, they usually Vomited at first, and presently after fell into Sweats, without preceding Burnings, or the help of clothes. And the Sweats, for the first 12, or 24 Hours, were like drops of Water from a Bucket, for largeness; yet was there not any Depression of Spirit, but more ease, and greater vitality or liveliness, and the Continuation of the same Sweats was pleasant and refreshing: by which Means, Buboes dissolved, and in the third Day (at farthest) the Malignity was separated: And, though the same Remedies were continued, yet after that time no Sweats appeared, otherwise, than was usual in an healthful Person, the Time and Season being considered. But where Blanes and Carbuncles appeared, there Sweats were not so great, nor so continual; but usually on the third Day, the Blanes and Carbuncles opened, and their Eschars were divided from the Living Flesh, and digestion so followed into Matter, that in a short time (comparatively to that, where other Medicines were used) perfect Health followed.  

The different manner of Assaults at that time.  
In the first Assaults of that Pestilence, some were taken with great shivering Pains in the Back and Head: others were afflicted with Lightness of the Head, without pain; but had Tremble and Palpitations of the Heart, and sometimes Swoonings. Some were assailed, as with a Stroke, Stab, or Prick; Others with Blanes, Buboes, or Carbuncles, without any manifest Sickness at their first appearance.   

My Method of Cure.  
Under all these various manifestations (except where great fear was) I always used one and the same Method. When they were first taken ill, I ordered them to go to Bed presently, and lay no more clothes on, than they usually did in time of health; then I gave them my Powder, in a spoonful of Wine, Ale, or Beer: and I gave my Aqua Pestilentialis, if taken with shiverings, two or three Spoonfuls; but if hot, then but one Spoonful, or one Spoonful and half, persuading them to lie still; which if they did, Sweats presently followed, and for their supports therein, they were allowed Mace-Ale, Posset-Drink, Sack or White-Wine; thin Caudle with a little Wine in it, and either of these somewhat often repeated, but in small Quantities. My Aqua Pestilentialis was taken as often, as need required; sometimes once in an hour, sometimes more, and sometimes less, as Occasion was. My Powder was repeated once in two, four, or six hours, according to the Capacity of Nature: where Diminution of Sweats and of Strength happened, it was often taken; but if the Patients continued sweeting, and strong and brisk, only once in six hours. But, if there seemed a Tendency to a Looseness, which (in that Disease) was usually fatal, my Coralline Cordial was often used, a spoonful at a time every half hour, until the Signs of Laxity disappeared. Where great Thirst was concomitant with the Disease, I used my Simplex, mixed into the form of a small Cordial Drink, ordering one spoonful at a time to be taken into the Patient's Mouth, and swallowed down leisurely, as it were by Drops. And if great Restlessness happened, through want of Sleep, I administered ten grains of Salt of Hartshorn purified, and dissolved in Cytron-Water, or White-Wine Posset-Drink, and repeated the Dose once in two hours, not neglecting the foresaid Powder. This Remedy thus seasonably given, seemed to me far more successful in relieving Nature in that Exigency, than any common Dormative Medicine, of what kind soever. But, if presently after the Assault there appeared a Stupor, Drowziness, and a slow Pulse; then did I make a strong Cordial of the Simplex, and gave of it a Spoonful at a time, once in an hour (not neglecting either the said Powder, or the said Aqua Pestilentialis) till the Pulse was raised, and the Sweats flowed free; and then I proceeded in all things, as before specified.  
In great Fear, though I gave the Powder at first, yet I always used large Quantities of the Coralline Cordial, to refresh the declining Spirits, and to procure free Sweats; which if attained, than the Method before spoken of was continued to the end of the Cure.  
In the Anguish of Carbuncles and Blanes, I applied outwardly (besides the internal Medicines) my Resolving Cerot, and changed the same once in 6, or 12 hours, according as the Dolours were more intense, or more remiss. For I had, by sad Experience, seen the fruitlesness of all Magnetical Attractives, whether Mineral, Vegetable or Animal: nay, the prepared Toads, so famous in the Year, 1603, (testified of by Helmont, and before him highly extolled by Paracelsus) proved here of no use, either to extract the Venom, or prevent the Malignity of that Disease.  
I here write nothing of Buboes, because (where my Medicines were used) they never ripened, but dissolved; except, where Patients were disobedient, and unwilling to continue in their Sweats, and so gave Occasion to the maturation thereof: which (though but seldom) happening, I then applied only my Resolving Cerot, as before; and found the same, as well in ripening as in resolving, to exceed all Poultices and Plasters, I ever used before, or since.   

Remarks upon the Carelessness of Patients afflicted with the Plague, or their Attendants, etc.  
WHen some Persons, using my Medicines, had lain in Sweats, for 24 hours, more or less, and found themselves seemingly well, and free from all Disturbances, or Sense of the Pestilential Venom, they (notwithstanding their Sweats continued large and free) would needs rise out of Bed, and so checked those Sweats, inferring on themselves sudden Death. For, I always observed, that no One, having that Disease, who did rise out of Bed before the third Day; or at least before Sweats (excited by the use of my Medicines) had wholly ceased, did ever recover; except by that long and tedious way of Maturation of Buboes, which then admitted not of Dissolution; because after that time, Sweats could never more be naturally excited.  
Also, no less fatal Errors were committed by Nurses, and such as attended the Sick, in laying on too many Clothes, during the time of their Sweats: for, so doing, Violence was offered to Nature, and the Spirits, oppressed thereby, languished under their own Burden, and were no longer capable of help, by any Means whatsoever.  
Moreover, where People (in time of the Pestilence) to please their Appetites, eat large Meals, or overcooling Foods, as Fresh-Fish, all sorts of Fruits, Melons, Cucumbers, etc. though in a remiss degree; yet, if the same Persons were taken with that Disease, great Vomitings and Loosnesses followed, which did generally end in Death. Because such Persons could not (by any Remedies) be brought to Sweat, after the manner of those, that lived Temperately, and avoided like Excesses. Also, these Patients were wont, for the most part, to impute their extreme Loosnesses and Vomitings, rather to their own inordinate Eating, than to the Power of the Plague, then Raging; and so, sought not Remedies against the invading Venom, but used particular Medicines, according as the present and (by them thought) only Occasion required. Whereas, on the Contrary, Those that lived Temperately, and were watchful over themselves, so as to take Remedies presently after the first Sense of any Assault of that Venom, and followed the Order before prescribed, very rarely miscarried. For, whole Families, that have been large and infected, have all escaped, through their proper Care, and Prudence, in duly observing the Directions above given.  
Yet, which is to be lamented, I have observed, that when Spots appeared, of what kind soever they were, the Nurses and Tenders of the Sick, seeing them, were seized with so great amazement, that they forsook all their former Care, insomuch as they gave up their Patients for dead; though those Spots were not the direct Signs of Mortality. For all I have seen, having such Spots, (except One) did recover. But that Spot, which whosoever was seized with died under it, had a round Circle, dark blue, and green, (after the manner of Mixtions of Colours in the Rainbow) and in the Centre thereof a Crimson Spot, that felt hard under the Finger, in comparison of the Softness of the other Flesh. This, in that Plague, was the infallible token of sudden Death: Therefore such Spots were rightly called Tokens.    

Of the Griping of the Guts.  
THis Disease, for some Years (especially the first) after the Plague, did sufficiently manifest itself to be a Relict of that Popular Distemper: For this Malady Exceeded all other acute Distempers; the Patients, afflicted therewith usually dying at the third or fifth day. The reason of this, was because the Veins opening, the Blood flowed out, like a Torrent, and passing through the Guts, no laudable Excrement could be seen in the Stools, but Blood, and a Gelly-like Matter, that smelled like boiled Horns. The Pains were excessive, Stools almost continual, though in small Quantities; and until such time as by the power of Nature alone, or through the help of proper Medicines, the Blood was restrained, the Gelly-like-Matter lessened, and Excrements laudable (both in Odour and Existence) began to appear, this Disease was never cured.  

My Method of Cure.  
Upon the first Assault, or great Gripe, and appearance of Blood, or Gelly-like-Matter in the Excrements, I gave my Powder (above specified in the Plague) once every two hours, my Coralline Cordial once every hour, and applied to the Belly Tripe parboiled, which was laid on warm; and when that waxed Cool or Smelled, other warm parboiled Tripe was applied. By this Method, the first Day the Blood was restrained, and the Pain somewhat mitigated: The second Day, the Gelly-like-Matter lessened, and some appearance of Excrement showed itself: And on the third Day, laudable Excrements were seen, and the Gelly-like-Matter disappeared. Then, by continuing the same Medicines, in the former Method, large Sweats were produced, which (being continued in but one Day or two) perfect Health succeeded. Nor did I ever know any One, from that time unto this very Day, perish by ahe Malignity of this Disease; if they took my Medicines (and begun with them at first) according to this Order.   

The Order of Diet, by me prescribed in this Disease.  
I ordered Jelly of Hartshorn to be given to the Sick, and thin Broth made of Tripe or Sheeps-feets, with Bread (not Oatmeal) boiled in it: Beer and Wine I forbid, till the Disease slackened. I permitted Milk and Water, with Mallows in it, to be frequently drunk, in small Quantities at a time. But, where great Thirst was, I allowed Posset-Drink, made white, (not green) with a little Canary, or Malago Wine in it.   

Remarks upon the Errors of Physicians at that time, in administering common Binder's, Opiates, or other Restringents.  
In the Cure of this Disease, ay deservedly rejected all Common Binder's, or Restringents, too much at that time used by other Physicians, how specifical soever they were, or might be supposed to be; because I discerned, that Nature, being enraged by the presence of that Corroding Venom, wanted only suitable helps, to restrain her own Exorbitances. I likewise rejected Opiates, because they were uncertain; and though they eased Pains, they cured not. For, I had well observed, in this Disease, That whensoever a forcible Stop was made, either by Opiates or Restringents, (if Nature were not, at the same time very strong) then Lightheadedness and sudden Death followed. For, such Remedies, having no Power to expel the present Venom, did only Stop the Passages, by which Nature herself intended to separate that Evil; so that, instead of being natural Helps, they proved no other, than unnatural Introducers of Death.    

Of the Scurvy.  
THis being the general Disease of our Country, seemeth both Nurse and Tomb to all other Distempers. The last Plague was buried in it. For, when that Pestilence waxed more mild, it plainly exhibited Scorbutic Symptoms. The Lues is, by it, so masked, that its Original cannot be discerned. Autumnal Distempers are hid therein; and every preternatural Disease, of what kind soever, if not radically expelled by suitable Remedies, discovers itself under a Scorbutic Form. Yea, Paternal Diseases, though very various, do never appear without some Signs of the Scurvy commixed with them. Hence it comes to pass, that when Particular Remedies are applied to Particular Parts, or the Vices of them, (no General Medicine being in the mean time used) though they may cure or remove the particular offences of these or those Parts, yet it is but as the Cutting off the Hydra's Head, in stead of which many more appear.  
Now, as it is apparent, that all these Diseases are covered by the Scurvy; so it is no less manifest, that the same Distemper doth both nurse and nourish them. For the Lues becometh more mild, through the dark cold and stupifying Nature thereof; so that it doth not so often occasion great pains in the Bones between the Joints, as were usual (when the Lues was simple, and not complicated with the Scurvy) but wandereth in the Nerves, disaffecteth the Brain, produceth Gouts of a new strain, Rheumatisms, Convulsions, Palsies, Vertigo's, Lethargies, Atrophea's, Lamenesses, etc. In every of these Diseases, though particular, which by the Ancients (according to what we read of former Ages) were well known, and often cured; yet, at this time, if they be remedied, it is rather casual, than real: because the greatest part of those Patients, that in our time have been thus afflicted, were never cured by any Medicines of the Ancients, unless in a long Series of time, where Nature herself was the Sole and Principal Actor: but, by General Remedies, they usually obtained a safe and speedy Cure. For, it is clear, that when the Lues is new shaped, by the modifying power of the Scurvy, that the Remedies, usually successful in expelling and annihilating the Rage of that Disease, proved notoriously inimical to Nature; by reason of the cruel Qualities of Mercury, by the power of the Venom of the Lues, made corporeal. Which Corporeity, where the Lues is simple, is found to be of great Use and Service in abating the Rigour of that Disease; but when Scorbutical it rather increases, than lessens the same: as I myself can (by sad Experience) testify; and Hartmannus did many Years ago, in his own Practica Chymiatrica, and in his Annotations upon Crollius his Basilica Chymica, sufficiently manifest the Inimiciousness of Mercury to Persons in any measure afflicted with the Scurvy; yet he highly praiseth the Virtue of Antimony in Scorbutic Distempers; which plainly shows he had a true Sense of the different Nature of such Diseases and their Remedies.  
The Gouts of our time very rarely appear Simple. For in all my Practice, for 30 Years past, I never could discern above three Persons, afflicted with that Disease (which in them was Hereditary) that did exactly answer to the Descriptions of the Ancients: all the Other have appeared rather Scorbutical, than otherwise, and been by me cured after the same General Method above specified. But in every true Gout, simple and not complicated (as in this our Day all such Distempers generally are) the tormenting Pain thereof is only in the joint-water, or Synovy between the Joints; not elsewhere: whereas these Complicated or Scorbutic Gouts are attended with Pains in the Muscles, Nerves, between the Joints, and in the Vertebra of the Back, in the Os Sacrum, and Head; Places never mentioned by the Ancients (in all their Descriptions of that Disease) as liable to Arthritick Dolours, or more or less to be affected therewith. Therefore,  
Having thus far given a brief, but true, Definition of the Nature of the Scurvy, showing how it intermixeth itself with other Distempers, disguising, changing and nourishing them; I now proceed to Examples of Cures of the same Disease, as it hath manifested itself to Us, in these our Days, under several Forms.  

Example 1.  
A Man of good repute, having for some Years laboured under great debility of Faculties, with dejection of Spirit, and Leanness of Body, insomuch, that the Physicians he then used, concluded an Atrophea or Consumption to be present; therefore, as the best Remedy for One in his Condition, they ordered him to suck his Wife's Breasts: This Means he used, and other Remedies by them prescribed, notwithstanding which, a general Lameness followed, with a Palsy, and great Convulsions, which wrought so great Confusion in his Physicians, that (not knowing what to do further) they gave him over for dead or uncurable. After which, Application being made to Me, when I had well weighed his deplorable State, heard what had been done, and saw the lamentable Effects thereof, I discerned that the Source of all was the Scurvy, and that nothing could alleviate that Evil, but Medicines of another Strain. Therefore, I first of all gave him my Scorbutic Cordial (the Brain being deeply affected) with my Powder, repeating that once in six hours, and the Cordial as oft as he pleased. At Night going to Bed, I gave my Arcanum Metallorum, and my Scorbutic Tincture, 30 Drops at a time, in all his Drink, Day or Night. This Method being continued for some few Days, his Convulsions ceased, the Weakness of his Limbs began to abate; and, instead of great Chillness and Coldness, that formerly attended, Warmth and Itchings began to discover themselves, and (at last) gentle breathing Sweats: by which Means, his Palsy was taken off, his lost Speech restored, by little and little he recovered the Use of his Limbs, and was at length wholly freed from his Disease, and lived (though always a weakly Man) Thirteen or Fourteen Years after.   

Example 2.  
An Aged Gentlewoman, afflicted with Rheumatism-like Pains, (after an Autumnal Fever) which Physicians labouring to remove, by applying cooling and altering Things, did indeed take off the external Dolours; but (by their Remedies) retracted the Matter causing those Pains inwards to the Bowels and Mouth of the Stomach; which great Evil deprived her totally of the use of her Limbs. Whilst in this sad and deplorable State, being utterly given over, as a dying Person, or at least uncurable, by her Physicians, I was sent unto. When I came, and had well considered her Condition, and found her Stomach to be so very weak, as not able to retain a Glass of Sack, without rejecting the same suddenly by Vomit; I did not in this Case (as in Others) give her my Powder at first, but my Scorbutic Cordial and Scorbutic Tincture, as I saw Cause, and the Exigency of her present State required. When, by these Means, I discerned her Spirits to be somewhat enlivened, and her Stomach fortified in some competent measure, I then gave my Powder once a Day, and my Arcanum Metallorum at Night. Having continued this Method for six or seven Days, I found her Water began to Change, and some Signs of Separation therein, whereby I judged her Digestion to be in some measure recovered. This Course I continued Day by Day for a long time together; in which, I discerned that those Pains, which were before (by their Medicines) brought into her Belly and Mouth of her Stomach, were again retired outward: after which many Pustles came forth, and her Limbs by little and little gathered Strength; and, about three quarters of a Year after, she recovered her pristine State of Health, and is now alive at this Day, though several Years since.   

Example 3.  
Another Woman, though Young▪ yet through Convulsions was so drawn together, as to go almost double; and when no Remedy could be had for her from other Physicians, she came to me. After I understood from her how it had been with her, I proceeded to the Cure as follows. I gave her my Powder every Morning, my Arcanum Metallorum, and Arcanum Veneris at Night; sometimes one, sometimes the other, as occasion was, and the Exigency of the Disease required; not omitting to give my Scorbutic Tincture to be taken in all her Drink, during the whole time of the Cure. Continuing this Method, she was recovered in a short time, and is yet living, though several Years since.   

Example 4.  
A Young Gentlewoman, afflicted with a great Congelation in the Sternon, always inclining her Head downwards to the Stomach, as if it had been contracted and forced thitherwards, never having the benefit of Sneezing, but long suffering great Palpitations of the Heart; little or no Sleep, and such as was, much confused, continually under Terror, and at the same time with Child; sustaining this Misery until the time of her Delivery, and after that finding no Abatement of the Evil, notwithstanding the Advice of several Physicians, and the frequent Use of their Remedies, did at last send to me. ay, finding her in that sad Condition, and understanding all the Remedies she had used to be fruitless and unsuccessful, discerned her Disease to arise from Congelation, under the Scorbutic Power. Therefore, the Fourteenth Day after her Delivery being come, I first gave her my Powder, which quickly brought her to more sedateness, than she had found in some Months before, and the small Sleep, she then had, proved more refreshing than formerly, as she herself acknowledged. This Encouraged me to proceed, and She (according to the Result of her own Reason and Judgement) rationally submitted to the following Course.  
My Powder was given once in 4, or 6 hours; my Scorbutic Tincture in all the Drink she took; my Arcanum Veneris, and Arcannm Metallorum every Night alternately; my Hysteric Cordial, and Hysteric Drops, upon every Occasion, or Exigency of Nature; not neglecting other Cordials (by intervals) for support. This Method, being daily continued, till Strength came, and she was able to move, did at last (with a few other Auxiliaries) accomplish the Cure so apparently, that the external Cutis all peeled off, her whole Mass of Blood renewed, and she seemed unto All (that knew her) to have assumed a new Complexion, and Nature.  
Note: That this Woman had not Sneezed in 6, or eight Months; but upon the first Motion thereunto, the Congelation seemed to be much more easy, and afterwards she sneezed usually twice a Day, and by that Means the Contraction daily lessened, until it was totally dissolved.  
Also, among the various Scenes, that happened in this Disease, there never was any Purgation by Stools and Vomits; but the Distemper gradually vanished, by Transpiration, small Sweats, and Urine, without any other sensible Evacuation thereof. And now she hath attained her full Strength, and perfect use of her Limbs, with as great Activity of Spirit, as did ever attend her before, and hath since conceived with Child.  
It cannot rationally be expected I should here set down every Accident, that happened, and the particular Auxiliaries I used, in this and the other Scorbutic Diseases before spoken of: because, so doing, I should extend this Treatise to too great a Bulk, and render it less serviceable (by augmenting the Price) than otherwise, as by me intended, it is like to prove. I could also here subjoin many more Examples of Scorbutic Distempers by me Cured, after the former Method; but for the same Reason I omit them, and proceed to Examples of Cures performed in other Diseases no less deplorable.    

Of Palsies.  
PAlsies are fourfold, and therefore have rightly obtained four distinct Denominations, as follows: Palsies of Contraction, Palsys of Resolution, Numn-Palsyes, and Shaking Palsyes; which two last are partly resolved, and partly congealed, therefore cannot be ranged under either of the former.  
Of the Cure of these, by four Examples only, I intent to speak, with as much brevity, as the Subject Matter itself can admit.  

Example 1. Of a Contracted Palsy.  
A Maiden Child, about Ten years old, having her Arms and Legs drawn together, and her Neck drawn of one Side, (this being certainly known to every Physician, to be a Paralytic Contraction) I began at first, as I had done in other Cases, with my Powder, giving it twice the first Day, and at Night my Arcanum Metallorum. This Method I continued Day by Day, using frequently my Mixtura Simplex, given five or six times every Day. Sometimes I gave her my Volatile Spirit (not the fetid acid Phlegm) of Tartar, in all her Drink. By which Method, in three Weeks time, there seemed to be some Amendment, the Nerves were more relaxed, the Head began to ache backward, and a Warmth more than usual in that Part; and this descended down by the Backbone. Soon after this appeared a Driuling in the Mouth. After the Powder had been taken for a Month, it began to work every Day, and wrought a whole Month after by Vomit and Stool alternately: yet still, with Increase of Strength, and Restoration of Faculties. And, in about ten or twelve Weeks time, she was perfectly restored to her pristine State of Health, and is since married, hath had Children, and is alive at this time.  
Note. In this whole Cure, no other Medicines (than what are above specified) were used, except a Resolving Oil, and that only for the first three or four Weeks, until the Powder began to work; then I ceased the use thereof.   

Example 2. Of a Resolved Palsy.  
IN Resolution of the Members of a Male Child, where all the Nerves were relaxed, so that Arms; Legs, and Neck, hung like Parts, that never had Capacity of Motion; I used only my Powder, and my Arcanum Metallorum for three or four Weeks together, and the Child by little and little gathered strength, and was at length perfectly recovered; is since become a strong man, and alive at this day.   

Example 3. Of a Numn Palsy.  
A Man of Seventy years of Age, was numned all over one side, his Speech for the present quite taken away; but coming to me, and taking my Medicines presently (having long before been my Patient) he was cured in three Weeks time, in manner thus: I gave him my Powder twice a day, and my Arcanum Metallorum every night, with my Scorbutic Tincture in all his Drink. This Method being followed, in the first three days he could move some of his Fingers; and so, Strength and Heat coming gradually into every Part, about the tenth day he began to drivel, and the Powder to operate so, that he had loose Stools every Day; and soon after recovered his Speech, and the perfect Use of his Limbs, and is yet alive, though about Ten years since.   

Example 4. Of a Shaking Palsy.  
A Lad, about 14 years of Age, labouring under an Autumnal Fever, fell into a Palsy, having a continual Shaking, with strong Convulsions also attending. To him I gave (as to Others I had done) my Powder, my Arcanum Metallorum, my Mixtura Simplex, and the Arcanum of Antimony prescribed by Basilius. By which Medicines, used after my former Method, he was perfectly restored in a short time.    

Of Convulsions.  
COnvulsions take beginning, either from an unnatural Fermentation of the Juices of the Body, whereby every Vessel or Organ is overmuch disturbed; or by particular Compunction or Compression of the Nerves contracted; or else from Nature's true Sense of what is fit to be separated from the Parts offended, and her Endeavour to separate the same; as is apparent in the Beginnings of the Small Pox, where the nutritive Juices are condensed, by reason of the Morbific Ferment, and so made unfit for the Nutrition of the Spirits, and the necessary Separation appertaining thereunto; being wholly uncapable to be distributed to the Parts. Here Nature, regularly acting, makes Convulsions, which open the Nerves, and render that Diseasy Ferment fit to become the Matter of the Small Pox, or Fevers: for, so soon as the Convulsions cease, the Small Pox appears; as is sufficiently evident by the Events: and it is apparently manifest, that such Convulsions are sooner Perioded, than the Ideal. And althô the Small Pox or Fevers be very Malignant; yet it is rare to see any One fail under those Distempers where Convulsions have preceded: though a Convulsion happening after those Diseases, is most frequently Mortal. For, the first is the result of Nature's strife against the Disease; but the other (the Disease being annihilated, and Nature overcome) ariseth from the Terror of Death, of which it is a general Prodrome.  
Also, the Superfluities, that Children bring with them into the World, are the occasional Causes of those many Convulsions, that attend them in their Infancy. For, they being Retents of the Maternal Nourishment, which (coming then first under the Dominion of the Stomach of the Infant) cannot not be received as a Guest, but are rejected, and opposed as an Enemy to Nutrition; and if not subdued in the Act of the first Digestion, by Vomiting, or Stools, Red or White-Gum, etc. they become the Matter of long continuing Convulsions.  
Likewise, in Breeding Teeth, Convulsions often happen; For, by the Compression or Punction of the Nervous Fibres in the Gums, made by the ingrowing Teeth, Nature is enforced to make Convulsions, that the Teeth may break through those Fibres, impeding their forthcoming.  
But most lamentable are the Ideal Convulsions, which have their Original from Terror, Frights, or Fears: For the Spirit, by the amazement they infer, produceth a dark Image, or Impression, by which it is overwhelmed, and so driven to irregular Actions, which occasion uncertain Events; because being surprised with Stupor, and not knowing what to do, it doth nothing to right purpose, by reason of the variety of Imaginations which (in these Cases) are as various as the Conceptions of the mind can be.  

Of the Cure of Convulsions, that happen before the Small Pox, etc.  
In the Cure of these Convulsions, I generally use my Powder once in six hours, by which the rigour of them is usually abated; but, if in a short time the Convulsions be not lessened by the use thereof; then I give my Arcanum Metallorum, or my Arcanum of Camphire (administering either of them, as I see Cause) and repeat the Dose once an Hour, till the Convulsions cease.  
Note: Here it is to be observed, that even in these Convulsions (where my Medicines are used) the Fits are more frequent, but shorter, until wholly annihilated, and the Small Pox appears.   

Of the Cure of Convulsions from Relics of Maternal Nourishment.  
These Convulsions rarely happen, where my Powder is given to Children, so soon as they are born, and often repeated; and if they do afterwards arise, such Convulsions are soon and easily taken off, by the Use of other Medicines prenominated. But, where Convulsions happen in Children, that have not had the Benefit of such Remedies; there I must confess the Work to be long, and irksome, requiring Soundness of Judgement in the Physician, because of the great Variation, that happens therein; but more especially, by reason of the Dissatisfaction of Parents and Nurses, seeing the Fits more frequent, though much shorter, when under my Cure: For, I once knew a Child, so afflicted that had an hundred Fits in one Day; and this continued ten Days together, the number not lessening; yet, with this Advantage, (notwithstanding the Fits were so numerous) that the Child became daily more lively, and each Fit shorter and shorter. After the Tenth Day, this Child had no more Fits; but was constantly attended with Breathing Sweats unto perfect Recovery.  
Note: In Cure of this Child, I used the same Medicines as before; but not without other peculiar Auxiliaries, too long to be here recited: nevertheless I purpose to speak of them, when I write (as I intent hereafter) of Particular Diseases, and the Remedies I used in Cure of the same.   

Of the Cure of Convulsions in Breeding Teeth.  
In the Cure of these Convulsions, I have by Experience discerned, that though the former Medicines were effectually helpful in this Case; yet, if Incision also were not used, the Cure was not so easily completed.   

Of the Cure of Ideal Convulsions.  
In Ideal Convulsions, I have experimentally found my Powder, and my Arcanum Veneris, to be of general Use and Service; but could not (so speedily as I desired) complete the Cure by them, without the help of particular Auxiliaries. For, in these Convulsions, the Variety of Ideas is so great, that it requires a Judicious Application of various Specificks.   

Of Lethargies, Coma's, and Apoplexies.  
These Diseases have all their Original from one dark and stupefactive Source, where the Gates of Sleep continually stand open: for such as are afflicted with them, are either troubled with overmuch Drowsiness, or oppressed with Sleeps too profound. These Distempers differ only in the Degrees of their Power: In the two first, there are only subtle Vapours, (by the Schools called smoky) which having their Assent from the Diseasy Power of Darkness in Us, do after an obtuse manner stifle the Natural Faculties; but in the Latter, viz. Apoplexies, they more intensely act, and materially by Blood, or otherwise suppress the Faculties of Life, and so absolutely overwhelm all the Powers of Nature, that the Body (or the Spirit thereof) becomes wholly Insensible.  
I have great Reason to speak of these Diseases in this manner, having been much exercised therein. If called in the beginnings of them, I have found them to be sooner removed, than several other Distempers of less danger: for if the Spirit can be timely excited, to strive against the Evil, they quickly vanish. What Medicines are helpful to One, are really helpful to All, the Dose only considered: but I never found, in any of these Cases any other than general Remedies to be profitable, or available in exciting Nature to free herself from the imimpending Danger; therefore Generally,   

In Order to Curation,  
I here begin with my Cephalic Drops, which I give once, and a little while after they have been taken, my Arcanum Metallorum; and 6 hours after that my Powder, and so interchangeably using my Powder and Arcanum, except that sometimes (as I see cause) instead of my Arcanum Metallorum, I give my Arcanum Veneris. I proceed always giving my Cephalic Drops once every hour, during the whole Cure, which is usually completed in three Day's time; during which, Sweats rarely happen, until the Drowsiness be wholly over; but now and then loose Stools. And in real Apoplexies, Nature stirs up Vomitings, Sneezing, Bleedings at Nose, or else expels by Urine great Quantities of insipid Water void of Odour.  
Note: Where Vomitings are, which usually precede an Apoplexy, if any Physician endeavour to restrain such Vomitings, or the Patients themselves be unwilling to bear them, than they inevitably fall under the Burden of that Disease.   

A particular Example of the Method I used in the Cure of a Lady of Sixty nine years of Age.  
THis Lady always dreading an Apoplexy, by reason her Relations had often died of the same; desired I would give Order, in Case of a sudden Assault, what should be used Whereupon I left with her Woman some of my Arcanum Metallorum, giving charge, That if the Lady were suddenly taken with Vomiting, o● Lightheadedness, she should give that to her first, and not the Powder, though she was formerly used to take it; and to send immediately away for me, because she then lived four Miles ou● of London. This Assault happening my Arcanum given, and I sent for, ● hastening thither, found her drowsy, though the Cold and Stupidity were somewhat less, than before the taking what I had left for her. I than gave her the Arcanum Antimonii Basilii; which is not used or known by any one else that I can tell: After the taking of which, Warmth increased, a little Sneezing happened, Urine came away abundantly; insomuch, that in six hours' time, there was above 3 Pints of Water received, void of all Urinous Odour, or Saline Tast. The Head grew hot, Blood issued by Drops at the Nostrils; these Actions happened in the first six hours after the Assault. After this, the Spirit became more lively, and the Blood more frequently issued out at Nose and Mouth, which continued more or less for three days together: In the mean time her Sleeps were short, but refreshing. Then my Powder was given every 4 hours, my Arcanum Metallorum once in 12 hours, and my Cephalic Cordial once an hour. And in four day's time, all Symptoms of the Disease vanished, Weakness only remained.  
Note: This Cure being taken in hand before the Brain was fully stupefied, the Remedies had the greater Effect; for I have (to my Grief) too often seen the same Medicines prove useless, though the Dose was given in a threefold Quantity; and where they were serviceable to prevent the Evil, they did not bring away so much Blood, but caused Sneesing, and Urine in like Quantity, and Frequency. Also I have observed, that Direct Vomitories, given in this Disease, (as they too often are) are as dangerous, as things repressing Vomits, before the Patient is throughly seized with the Disease; but after the Stupor is at its height, a forcible Vomit, if it operate strongly enough, may do good, otherwise the Patient certainly dies. The same may be said of Sacrification, Phlebetomy, (though that carry a seeming Conveniency in Sanguineous Apoplexies) Blistering, Clysters, and other forcible things, which cannot separate the Sanguineous Matter, except accidentally only; therefore are uncertain helps; whereas Medicines of an Universal Tendency, and truly gifted, act just as Nature requires, and so frequently act with greater force and certainty, than any of a Specific operation can do. But there is too often a great failing in Physicians, that they discern not Apoplexies before they seize, and so cannot contribute help for preventing them; which is much to be bewailed.    

Of Imposthumes.  
IMposthumes are as various as the Juices of the Body, yet all of them have but one Original, which is the Retents of Superfluities, not capable to be separated without Apertion of the Skin; except such Remedies be used that can further the Resolution of what is Congealed or Stagnized; which Resolution, so procured, yields more ease to Nature, and is performed with less Anxiety, than when turned into Quitter. For it is clear, if Nature can separate things, without Corrupting them, her Government is not then much blemished; in the performance of which, General Medicines are only capable to assist her. Here Books must be laid aside, all Recipes dis-esteemed, conclusive Judgement, and all Indications neglected, but Nature wholly tended, and referred to; We in the mean while (by a due application of suitable Remedies) adding Light to her to act by, and Power to overcome the present Stagnization. For in so doing, the Scene is altered, and Nature rendered capable with ease to remove That, which before could not be removed, without too great Molestation. For the Wisest of Men, upon the first Appearance of a Tumour, cannot by any known Rule judge of Nature's Capacity or Propensity to determinate the Evil; or whether it be more profitable to resolve, or suppurate the same. As is apparent in some Tumours, where by attempting Resolution, the subtlest or thinnest Parts being separated, the Remainder is so indurated, as not to be resolved or suppurated; and so it becomes the same, that Surgeons call a Schirrus.  
But, in suppurating Tumours, great Pains, Anguish, and different Symptoms, in differing forms of Heats, Colds, etc. often happen; through the Distress Nature falls under, by reason of the Largeness of the Tumour, and the difficulty to bring such Evils to perfect Suppuration: and at last, unless they open themselves and be judiciously handled, they are often changed from one thing into another. For, 'tis evident, that the Opening of some Tumours by Incision, and keeping them open by cramming in of Tents (a Practice too often used) doth either change the nature of the Tumour, or at least prolong the Cure. Whereas, in either Case (viz. in Resolution, or Suppuration) if Nature be well minded, no such Symptoms or Accidents happen.  
Now, if such Errors be committed, as is daily obvious they are, in External Imposthumes, how much more in the Internal (I mean not those, that are internally caused by Contusion, or other Acts of Violence; because of them I have elsewhere spoken) which are never seen, or known, but by their Effects? though, in truth, every Internal Imposthumation hath the same occasional Cause, as the External have: For they, being also caused by the Relics of Nourishment not separated, fall under the Laws of a disturbed, or sensible Spirit; which makes so great Variety in them, not sensibly to be discerned by the Physician, that he must of necessity, either refer himself to the help of such virtual Remedies, as are capable to take off the Disturbance, and fortify the sensible Power of right Distinction in Nature; or he can never arrive to so much Satisfaction in himself, as (Scientifically) to declare how, or which way, the Disease is, or may be cured. This is, by reason of the great Uncertainty of the Inclination of Nature in these Cases: for sometimes she seeks to resolve, or maturate the Relict, in the Place, where it is, which is a true natural Way; at another time environs the same with a Cistis, in order to Suppuration; and at another Season, and in another Place, sends forth Blood out of the Veins, intending thereby to separate that Retent (without Digestion) by the common Passages; which, if stopped or letted by the way, quickly tends to Pus: and then (if in that form it be separated) the Irruption is so violent, that it sometimes proves mortal; as is too frequently apparent by those Cataracts of Blood and Matter, that (in such Cases) issue out by the Nostrils, by the ureters, by Vomiting, by Stools, and by the Womb. Here Nature herself erroneously acts, like those Physicians, who inconsiderately attempt to purge out Retents before they are digested, contrary to the Mind of Hippocrat●s, and the known Rule of Paracelsus, who saith, Every Disease (to which I add, every Diseasy-Inclination) ought to be cured in its own place. For 'tis evident, that some Imposthumes are not wholly Sanguineous; and the Retents, being rarely such, (because the Veins as they have their own Valves, so they have their peculiar Passages to evacuate Superfluities by) the Blood that attends them, is rather in order to Resolution, than Putrefaction, provided Nature be in her own Path; but if diverted therefrom, either through the want of Light in herself to act by, or the Physician's Error (in mis-application of Remedies) those sad Effects, above spoken of, do inevitably follow. For every Retent, which Nature can neither resolve nor digest, (being forsaken) naturally corrupts, by the Heat and Moisture of the Place, and so maketh a real Imposthume: but Experience proves, that those Actions of Corrupting, may be prevented by a timely application of suitable Remedies; as is apparent by the following Example. Where Relics of preceding Fevers are, there Nature sends Blood to be materiated, to maturate by putrefaction the offending Evil, in order to its Expulsion; but if prevented by due Medicines, and Transpiration happens, than no Putrefaction follows. For where proper Means are used, Blood (extra Vasa) is not corrupted, but kept from putrefying, or otherwise resolved without Pus; I myself having often seen Blood after long extravasation coughed up dry and hard, without the least Sign of Putrefaction.  
Likewise every Vessel (of what kind soever) being over-filled, and Nature not capable to separate the same by the Common Passages; that Fullness (by her forsaken) becomes the Matter of Imposthumes. Or if any Matter be stagnized, that also is liable to the same Transchangement, and produceth Effects as bad, or worse than the former; as is sufficiently witnessed by the Dry Belly-Ache in the West-Indies; and by some of our Countrymen afflicted with the Scurvy, in whom the Knots in their Nerves give a palpable Testimony, not only of Siagnization, but also of preternatural Congelation; not much unlike to our knotty Govis, or Tophuses in the Lues, which happen upon the Bones; where, for want of Internal Attraction of the Parts, or External Separation from them, the nutritive Juice of the Parts is indurated, and thereby becomes the Matter it afterwards shows itself to be. For, when a floating Evil, or Diseasy Spirit undetermined, assaults the Life; then Nature sends forth Blood out of the Veins, to encompass that Spiritual Evil, to materiate the same, and so makes Fiery Phlegmones, and Diseases of like kind, which are true, real, and natural Imposthumes, proper Issues of her own Intentions.  

Of Fiery Phlegmones in general, and their Cure.  
I forbear to write particular Examples of these Diseases, because they are so numerous, so frequently cured by my Method, and so certainly known to the Patients themselves; But in general the Tumours are large, the Blood (at first appearance) uncorrupted; yet it is not long before great Pains, the Forerunners of Putrefaction, discover themselves. And though at the first manifestation of these Tumours, when only a weight and burden upon the life is perceived, letting Blood doth somewhat diminish the Tumour, and prevent Pain; yet, if it have a diseasy Character, that doth not hinder the foregoing determination of Nature towards separation; but allaying part of her fury, doth I acknowledge render the Suppurative Power less burdensome. But if Quitter be begun to be made, than Nature by Phlebotomy is hindered of her own Determination; and being thereby weakened, languisheth, and labours to little purpose, making those Distempers tedious in suppurating; whereas, had not that supposed Expedient been used, Suppuration would much more speedily have followed.   

The Cure.  
In the beginning of these Diseases (whether inward, or outward) if there be a tendancy to Pain, or no Pain, if a burden be, I give my Powder once every 4 hours; if Sweats happen after taking it, and the Pain be not great, the Tumour is soon resolved. But if there be real Matter made in these Tumours, then though the Tumour seemingly decrease, yet the Impostumation cannot be hindered; but doth quickly and suddenly come to maturity; and being throughly ripened, is as suddenly cured, yet if Pains increase after taking the Powder, I give my Arcanum Veneris once in 24 hours, and my Powder (as before is said) once every 4 hours; continuing this Course unto the end of the Cure.  
Note also, in External Cases, I apply my Resolving Cerot once in 12 hours.   

Of an Imposthume in the Liver, and its Cure.  
Being called to a Child 7 years of Age, having Hardness, Weight and Pain in his right Side, and a short Cough, with an unsavoury Odour; which I strictly observed, and thence presently distinguished (especially after I had compressed the Side of his Belly under the Ribs) what the Disease was, and that the Seat of it was in the Liver; yet, not willing to be happy in my own Distinction, I desired an intimate Friend of mine (One of the honoured Society of the College of Physicians) to accompany me, to see the progress of this Distemper; which he observing, fully concurred with me as to the Seat of the Disease.  
The Cure hereof was thus performed; The first day I gave my Powder once in 4 hours, my Arcanum Veneris at Night, and my Aperitive Spirit in Drink, as often as the Child drank; and outwardly I applied my Resolving Oil. After the first or second Day (continuing the same Method) I found the Tumour did not increase in Magnitude, but the Dolour was much augmented, till two Nights were passed. The third Night, the Pain lessened, and within a Day or two after, the Child being taken with great Sickness, and Vomiting, a large quantity of suppurated Matter was cast forth; and no sooner was a cessation of that Vomiting, but great Coughing happened, whereby more of the same putrid Matter was plentifully spit up. After which, the Child falling to sleep, and resting, no more Vomiting followed; but the Coughing and Spitting continued (by Intervals) for 3 days together. This time expired, the Coughing began to abate, and the Urine thenceforth was filled with purulent Matter, which continued to come forth in great quantity (with the Urine) for 7 days together, not seeming to be diminished in all that Time. About the eighth day happened a loose Stool (the Child having been costive all the time before) in which appeared the same purulent Matter, as was before separated by Vomiting, Coughing, and Urine. From that time, the Urine began to clear, and so continued clearing each Day unto perfect Recovery. In this Cure no other Medicines were used, than those above specified.  
Note: Notwithstanding this Child had Stools each day after his first loose Stool, yet (except that once) no Pus appeared in the Excrements. Also, it is worthy of Note, That during the whole Cure, no Blood came forth with the purulent Matter; a sufficient Testimony of the perfect Suppuration thereof.    

Of an Imposthume of the Stomach, and its Cure.  
A Young Woman coming to me, having great Dolour in her Stomach, and that largely extended to hardness on the outside, yet compressive; notwithstanding the many Remedies she had taken (according to the Judgement of her Physicians) pro dolore Ventriculi, the Anguish of her Stomach increased, her Spirits languished, she was subject to great Heats and Colds, Hysteric Passions, Fuming in her Head, uncertain Sleeps, etc. indubitate Signs of an Imposthume present. In this Condition I took her into my Care, and proceeded in her Cure, as follows.  
I gave her my Powder once in six hours for the first day, and my Arcanum Metallorum at Night; and daily continued the same Method, with my Scorbutic Tincture in all her Drink. In 7 or 8 day's time, the Imposthume opening, she voided by Vomit a large quantity of Pus; and for 4 or 5 days after (taking the Powder) vomited every day, and brought up part of the Cistis. At 5 day's end the Powder wrought downwards, and the purulent Matter came away by Stools, with the remaining part of the Cistis.  
Note: Here was no Separation by Urine, for that was clear (as the Urine of a sound Body) during the whole time of the Cure.   

Of an Imposthume separated by Urine.  
A Woman complaining of great Pains in the Sides of her Belly and Loins, without any sign of Tumefaction (sensibly perceived by herself) though full of Pain and Torture; when all Means failed, used by other Physicians, (they judging her to be afflicted with Cholic-Passions; because of the Heats, Colds, Tying up, and great Anguish she endured) applied herself to me. This deplorable Case of hers, not being at all obvious to my Distinction, and finding no place for any peculiar Remedy, I gave my Powder first, as in other Cases I had usually done; and (because the Pain was in the descending Parts) my Aperitive Drops in all her Drink, and my Arcanum Metallorum. The Powder I gave but once in a day, and the Arcanum every Night. This Method I continued for 10 days; in which time the Pains daily lessened, and all bad Symptoms vanished. Yet, being careful, that no Relict might be left, I appointed the same Medicines to be taken, in the same Order, for 4 days longer; in which space of time came away by Urine a little long Bag (some Drops of Blood preceding the exit thereof) in which was contained Matter perfectly suppurated. Notwithstanding this, she continued the Use of the Powder, for some Weeks after, unto perfect Recovery.  
Note: Here, in this Cure, was no Separation made, but by Urine only.   

Of an Imposthume in the Head, and its Cure.  
A Man of middle Age, having weight, puncturing and a Swimming in his Head, being persuaded to take my Medicines, used them for a small time according to my Order; but, finding his Pain to increase, refused to be longer governed by my Directions. After this, taking Advice of Others, he used Sternutories, whereby issued by the Nostrils a very small quantity of Blood and Matter. These Remedies not producing that Ease he expected, his Physicians advised him to Purge; in the doing of which, appeared both Matter and Blood in his Excrements: and, though the Purge was very gentle, yet this Looseness continued upon him for several days, infering so great Weakness of Body, that he was not able to walk the length of a Room. Blood and Matter issued at every Stool, and the Torment than was greater in his Belly, than in his Head. He languishing thus, and himself and his Friends discerning their own Inadvertency, to follow a specious (but groundless) Hope of the Advantage of Separation by Stools; and finding his Weakness greater than before, referred themselves a second time to me. Then I gave my Powder every 2 hours, my Coralline Cordial once an hour; which Medicines, though they did somewhat ease the Pain in the Belly, and lessen the Quitter which was exonerated with the Excrements; Yet was it full 10 day's time, before a stop was put to this unnatural way of Separation.  
Note: As the Dolour of the Patient's Belly decreased, the Pain of his Head increased; and then, to his own Sense, his Head was seemingly extended.  
Perceiving this, I every Night gave my Arcanum Veneris, and the Powder every 4 hours: Then in 4, or 5 Days the Imposthume in the Head opened afresh, yielding through the Nostrils and Mouth an indifferently large quantity of Matter, but imperfectly concocted; together with small pieces of Skin, and at last so much skin, as extended upon a Trencher, was as large in length, as the Trencher itself. Afterwards more small pieces of skin came away; but in Conclusion, nothing except Blood and Matter was vented, till the extirpation thereof.   

Of an Opened Imposthume in the Head, and its Cure.  
A Woman middle-aged, having for some Months laboured under the great trouble of an Imposthume opened, as was manifest by the fetid Matter, that flowed from her Nostrils and Mouth, having so great a Swimming in her Head, that she could not go half a Flightshot, without resting; and so great a Sense of Fullness in her Head, that (putting her Finger into her Ear) she could feel the floating Matter movable; after all endeavours had been used, by Errins, Purgations, Drying-Drinks, and whatsoever other Means her Physicians thought most fit to be practised; the Putrefaction being not changed, nor the Fluctuation stopped, she applied herself to me.  
In this Case, I used nothing but my Powder twice a day, for several days together, and my Aperitive Drops in all her Drink during that time. By the continued Use of these Means, her Head seemed (to her) more lightsome; that ill Savour of the descending Matter was almost totally extinct. Then, I gave my Arcanum Metallorum, after which a Gleety-Water flowed a great while, but void of savour. This Method I continued for almost 9 Months after; in which Time all that Distemper seemed to be subdued, and Nothing remained, except an ill Habit, under a Scorbutic Form; against which I administered what was formerly specified to be proper in Scorbutic Distempers. By which Remedies, her Head was reduced to its pristine state, Weakness only continuing in that Part. This Cure was performed many Years since.  
Note: It is impossible to write of all particular Cases of Imposthumes, (though very briefly, they being so numerous, and daily presented) without enlarging the present Work to too great a Volume; therefore I refer the Reader to the Reasons urged by me in the foregoing Prologue to these Examples: because the Medicines (by me used) are one and the same in every kind of Imposthume; without other Variation, than what occasional Accidents may cause me to use.   

Of Fevers, Putrid, Malignant, Epidemical, or Accidental.  
All these Fevers are so well known, and so frequently happen, that they need no Description: for, whether the Patients be taken with Chillness, Headache, Vomiting, Pain in the Back, or other Symptoms; they are all (by me) cured after one and the same Method, with small, or very little Variation.  
I always give my Powder, in the beginning of these Distempers, and order the same to be repeated every four hours. And then, if a tendency to Putrefaction be in the Chyle, the Powder either makes Vomits, or stops them: Yet, in these Cases, Sweats do not suddenly follow the taking the Powder, till all the putrefactive Disposition is removed; however, on the fourth day a laudable Hypostasis will appear in the Urine: after which time, constant Sweats follow unto the end of the Cure, which (if my Simplex be daily used with the Powder) is usually completed on the 7th Day. But, in Epidemics, that are continual, if the Patients take the Powder so soon as they are seized with Shivering, then Sweats quickly follow (unless the Chyle be infected) without Vomiting, or Looseness: and if the Powder be repeated once in four hours, it rarely happens, that the Cure is not finished, on the third, fourth, or fifth Day at farthest, if the Sweats (coming forth in the mean time) have not been checked.  
Note: That in Cure of these Fevers (viz. Putrid and Epidemic) I administer all things, as in the former Plague; except my Aqua-Pestilentialis, and some other things only fitted for that present Necessity.   

Of Fever's continual, and intermitting, complicated, and of Fevers simply Intermitting.  
In these Continual Fevers, though stronger Paroxysmes daily be, or every other day; yet, in the Intermissions the Fever is not wholly off. Nevertheless, in these Cases, I follow the same Method, as in the other Fevers, with this Variation only, viz. That I give my Simplex (or Febrifugal Drops) once in an hour or two; both in the Paroxysm, and Intermission. This Order being observed, these Fevers are generally terminated, at the third or fourth Fit: at which time usually 3, or 4 loose Stools happen, just upon the Separation of the Febrile Power.  
In Intermitting Fevers, where no constant Continuance is, between the Paroxysmes, I also give the same Medicines, though not in the same Quantity, and have always found them to answer the Ends of Nature; unless, by Irregularity of Patients, their proper Effects have been impeded. Therefore, in these Cases, I could never see any just necessity for the use of the Peruvian Bark, called the Jesuits Powder: for what Repute soever that Bark hath got in the World, the Merit thereof is as yet undiscerned by me. By my Medicines, both Spirit and Matter are separated, and not locked up together, as by the Peruvian Bark they always are. For, I have by Experience discerned more grievous and long adhering Calamities to follow the use thereof, (especially in quartans, or Malignant Fevers) than those Diseases themselves would ever have left. Yet, I deny not, but that sound People (of hail Constitutions) where no Malignity is, having Intermitting Fevers, may receive benefit, by the taking off the Fits by that way; provided Nature herself be strong enough to subdue the Relics afterward; otherwise not.   

Of quartans.  
These Fevers, according to my Opinion, are far better and much more safely Cured without; than with the Jesuits-Pouder; because I never found their long Continuance prejudicial to Nature; except where Nature herself, or Physicians, have inferred Damage, by not resolving Matter, and Spirit, at the same time; therefore, I here speak no further of them.  
Likewise of Small Pox and Measles, Diseases very well known, I forbear to write any thing; except this observation, That their Malignity is somewhat abated, their Matter diminished, and the Patients continue in Sweats most of the time, by the use of my Medicines: And of Convulsions, preceding the said Small Pox, I speak not here, because they are sufficiently treated of in the Chapter of Convulsions.   

Of Diseases of the Womb.  
Having hitherto said nothing of those grievous Infirmities, incident to Women only, that arise from the Inordinacies, Defects, and Distemperatures of the Matrix, (which hath a peculiar Government in their Bodies) and generally prove to be more frequent, lamentable, and dangerous, than most or all of the other Diseases above treated of; I thought it highly necessary here to subjoin a peculiar, plain, and succinct Discourse of them, showing what Remedies I used, and the Method I always observed in Cure of the same   

Of Imbecility of the Womb.  
I call that an Imbecility, when the Matrix is not capable of Conception; or after Conception, hath not strength sufficient to retain the Embryon. Both these do naturally arise, either from some superfluity adhering to the Part, or through Indisposition of the Archaeus thereof: The One of these is Spiritual, the Other Material. The Spiritual is evident by the Proneness of the Archaeus (or Spirit of Life) to form a too great Contraction, or overmuch Laxation in the Part: the Material is sensibly obvious, by overmuch Moisture, or extreme Dryness. That, which is material, consisting of those Excesses of Dryness and Moisture, is remedied by my Powder taken twice a day, three Days before the, Monthly Flux, and during that flowing, and for three days after. This Method being observed for two or three Months, those Weaknesses are for the most part removed, and the Womb rendered apt to perform those natural Offices, it could not do before. But, in Contractions and Laxations of the Womb (most true Effects of the Error of the Spirit, or Archaeus, of the Part) there is no Observation of time required: only, when such Patients come to me, I order them to take my Powder twice a Day, for three Days together (all the said three days▪ and during the whole time of their Cure, taking my Scorbutic Tincture, 20 Drops at a time, in all the Drink they drink) and when the three first days are expired, I give one Dose of my Arcanum Veneris, every Night going into Bed, and my Powder every morning following; always keeping this Method, till the Evil be sensibly removed. Other Accidents, that may intervene, during such Cures, cannot well be described here; but must be referred to the Judgement of Physicians, to apply their helping-hand whensoever they do occur.   

Of Miscarriages.  
But, because (in the former Paragraph) I but tacitly hinted at Abortion, where I spoke of the Imbecility of the Womb, to retain the Conceived Embryon, I think it needful here to express myself further, touching such like Accidents attending Women with Child; of which, some are false Conceptions, with the true; others only Tendency to Abortion▪ without any false Conception; in both which, I intent to declare, what hath been my Judgement and Practice, candidly and freely, and how▪ I have cured, or helped the same▪ Where false Conceptions have been (in Women with Child) which were usually followed with great floodings rendering the Parties doubtful, whether they had conceived or not; gave my Powder often, till the Flou●ding) ceased. Then (if the Embryon wa● not too much injured by that Flooding) the false Conception was explled and the true preserved. And, because in this Case, there is often great Faintings, I ordered my Scorbutic Tincture to be given, 20 Drops at a time (in Drink) once in 2, or 3 hours▪ where no false Conception was, and yet a Tendency to Abortion, perceivable by the falling of the Womb and Pains attending, I gave my Powder once in four hours; And if i● twelve hours the Pains ceased, th● continued use of my Powder perfectly cured, without other helps: but if (as sometimes happened) those Symptoms vanished not, I gave one Doses of my Arcanum Veneris, at night, and six hours after my Powder, than I applied my Histerick Plaster to the Navel, and by these means completed the Cure. Yet, where Abortion unavoidable happened; I (by Experience) found the continued observation of my Method above prescribed; with the Addition of my Hysterical Spirit, did certainly take off all Relics of the said Abortions without prejudice to the Party.   

Of Childbearing.  
If Childbearing Women, before the Birth, have floodings, and no Pain, and yet the Child be right; the taking the Powder stops floodings, brings on Pains (if the time of the Birth be fully come) and causeth an happy Delivery. But, if the Child be not right, (for which there is no help but the hand) then if the due time of the Birth be not fully come, the same Medicine, stops floodings, and represseth Pains till the natural time of Delivery approacheth. When that comes, and the Child is Born, I give the same Powder (according to the Childbed Woman's strength, or the Exigency of Nature) either every two, four, or six hours to overcome the After-pains; which it certainly in a short time takes off. Also if false Conceptions remained in the Womb after the Birth, or (through Ignorance, or Carelessness of the Midwife) any part of the After-burthen were left; none of these did ever putrify (but were naturally expelled) where my Medicines were used: For I certainly know, that all such Relics were safely expelled (without putrefaction) if my Powder, Hysterick Cordial, and Hysterick Drops were taken according to my order. Yea, I have by long Experience known, that where my Powder was continually used (twice a Day) by Women lying in, during the whole Month, they always found greater strength and liveliness, than could be discerned in others, not taking the same Medicine; though the green Water continued longer in such, than in those, unto whom none of my Powder had been given. Therefore (to prove the certainty of these Medicines) I can most truly assert, that never any Woman using them in the manner above prescribed, died in Childbed (of the Diseases of Childbearing) from the beginning of my Practice unto this very Day under my Hands.   

Of floodings in General.  
floodings, so well known, and too often lamented, are frequently stopped, but never cured, by Particular Remedies: Therefore, in such Cases, I give my Powder once in two or four hours, and continue the use thereof, in the same Method, till the floodings cease, which usually is in a day or two after the first administration of the Medicine; also all Acrimonies (occasioned by those floodings) are taken off, and the Cure happily effected by the use of that Remedy only; which performs not this by a forcible stopping or binding, (as particular Medicines usually do,) but by inciting Nature to free herself from that Inordinancy; which being done every natural Evil, usually attending such floodings, is certainly removed: For Nature, assisted thereby, permits not the Blood to corrupt in the Womb; through the Acrimony of which foul Ulcers are often form, nay, sometimes Sphacela's are induced, and other Evils, to the ruin of the Patient.  
But, because what is hitherto written, will unto most men seem only an Historical Relation of Womb-Diseases in general; no particular Cure being hereunto annexed; I therefore now descend to a more plain Demonstration, particularly proving, by several Examples, the Power and extraordinary Service of my Remedies, when used as is fit, in those sad and deplorable Cases above mentioned.   


Example. 1. Of an Imposthume in the Womb of a Woman with Child.  
A Woman, about seven Months gone with Child, was afflicted with great Pain and Torture in her Womb; which manifested the proper Signs of a contra-natural Cause existent, by Issue of Blood (not Flouding-like, but by Dribling) at last of Quitter. Upon these apparent Signs of a suppurated Imposthume, I was sought for and hearing what had happened, could not but give Judgement of an Imposthume present. Yet, having read Hipocrates (of whose Sincerity and deep Skill, in curing Diseases of his time, no Prudent Man, unto this day, doubts) and finding him to proclaim Imposthumes, and Ulcers of the Womb, not curable in Women with Child, I was very loath to be concerned in this Case: but, Importunity and Necessity overweighing, I adventured to apply myself to the Cure. In order to which I first gave my Powder, once in 8 hours, and my Arcanum Veneris, at Night going into Bed. This Method was continued every Day, without other Medicines (except some small Cordials for Support) unto the time of her Delivery. During which space of Time, after the taking these Medicines, Matter flowed each Day more than other, for a great part of that time; in which time her Pains nevertheless vanished, and she grew more lively, than before; but when the time of her Delivery drew near, the Matter, that came forth, was less and less each day. After Delivery, I viewing the Bag, in which the Child had been contained, did plainly discern the Compass of the Imposthume, and some part of the Matter unresolved, upon the Outside of the Bag. But afterwards to this same Woman, so well delivered of a Sound and well proportioned Child, I gave my Medicines (all the time of her lying in) in the same Method, as is above prescribed; and she recovered Strength, and after this had several other Children, and is now alive, though this happened fourteen years since.   

Example 2. Of a Dropsy in the Womb of a Woman with Child.  
A Woman with Child, before quickening, being swelled (to outward appearance) like one ready to be delivered, sent for me: I seeing the Woman, and hearing how it was with her, could not but be amazed, and doubt of the reality of her Conception. Nevertheless because. I well knew the certainty, and effecacious Power of my Medicines (above specified) in Cases no less deplorable, I rejected all thoughts of particular Remedies, and applied myself to that general Method I had formerly used. Accordingly, I gave my Powder, Night and Morning, for three days; yet no separation happened during that time; but the Woman found herself somewhat more lively than before. The fourth Day, I gave my Arcanum Metallorum, and the following Morning my Powder: That Day came forth a Dribbling of Water, and the next Day more. This Method I continued, and, in three Days time after, more than too Gallons of Water, was voided, and the Dropsy separated. Then I ordered the Powder to be taken Night and Morning, until Quickening; and all the time after of her being with Child, I prescribed to her the same Powder, to be taken a Day or two at a time, whensoever any Appearance of a Return of the Dropsy was; and, by this means, she went out her full time, had a sound Child, and several Children after, and hath continued Well and in Health for about these seven Years since.   

Example 3. Of an Ulcer in the Womb.  
In this sad Case, the Neck of the Womb was tumified, uneven, hard in one place, tender in another, and raw in a third; as was clearly testified by divers Midwives then present: The Sanies, that flowed from thence, was Red, Yellow, and greenish White. In Cure of this Woman, I gave my Powder every Day once, and at Night my Arcanum of Metals, and (perhaps) the next Night my Arcanum Veneris, changing them as I saw occasion; but my Powder I always gave once a Day. During this Cure, many Changes and Accidents happened, to which I applied particular Remedies, too long to be here inserted. After some Series of time, all these Accidents vanished, and the suppurated Matter by little and little abated, and at length perfect Health followed. This Woman after her Recovery Conceived, and hath had several Children since, and is alive at this day. This Cure was performed about seven Years ago.   

Example. 4. Of a Tumified Womb.  
A young Woman, labouring under a natural Deficiency propagated to her, striving to extrude itself by Hemeroids and Piles, being also at the same time afflicted with a Tumified Womb, hard and sore, so that she could not possibly bear the Congress of her Husband; and having long sustained this Calamity, and finding the Remedies of other Physicians useless, applied herself to me. I straight, in order to her Cure, gave her my Powder every Morning, and my Arcanum Veneris, every Night, appointing my Scerbutick Tincture to be taken in Drink, by twenty Drops at a time, as often as she drank. And this Method was continued for full four Months; after which time she quickly Conceived with Child, and hath ever since remained well, though she were cured of this Malady divers Years ago.   

Example. 5. Of a Mola.  
Being called to a Woman, labouring under great floodings, who conceited herself to be with Child; when I had observed the great quantity of Blood, that came from her, the Midwife (than present) gave me an account of the closure of the Womb; and so, an Impossibility of distinguishing the Concern. I finding her Case such, caused the Powder to be given twice in one hour; in which time, the Flux of Blood began to stop, and the Womb to open a little, yet no more than sufficed to admit the Midwife's finger to distinguish somewhat unusual. Whereupon I desired her to give me some more plain Testimony of what she felt; and by her words I judged it to be no Child. And as I judged, so it proved: for, when the Midwife could somewhat better reach, what she had before touched, she brought forth a Glevy Matter, white and clear: I, seeing this, ordered her to bring it away as fast as she could; but, she (having no more place open, than for one Finger to enter) brought it away by piece-meal, I giving some Cordial for support to the afflicted Woman, in the mean time. This Matter I caused (when as much was brought away, as possibly could be by the Midwife's Finger) to be put into a Basin of Water, where it joined all together, and seemed in quantity to be no less than a Quart would contain. Now because (without force) the Womb could be no further opened, the Remainder was left to the power of Medicine. Therefore I gave my Powder every hour for twenty four hours; at the end of which, this sadly distressed Woman began to be pretty sedate and quiet, and no Blood appeared: for I think she had before evacuated all, or the greatest part of all she had. Then I gave my Powder twice or thrice a Day, for several Days after, and sometimes my Arcanum Veneris. During this Cure the Cleansings were not Sanguineous, but Aqueous, and continued for Seventy two Days. In all which time no Blood appeared, but a Cleansing Water, sometimes of one Colour, sometimes of another, as is Common to other Women After this, she each Day increased in Strength, and at length became perfectly well, and hath since had several Children.  
Now, forasmuch, as I have (in all the Diseases abovenamed) made frequent mention of my Powder, showing the particular use thereof in those Cases; but have never yet Published the General use of the same, though it seems to me to be of greater concern to the Public, than any other Medicine before specified; I am therefore willing here to subjoin a succinct and plain Description of the General use of this Powder, and also of my Scorbutic Tincture (the first being more Material, the latter more Spiritual) for the necessary help of particular Persons or Families, where Physicians are not easily to be had: experimentally knowing the Powder to manifest its Operation chiefly in the first Digestion, and the Effects thereof; and the Tincture to be singularly useful, for Purification of the Blood, opening the Obstruction of the Nerves, Spleen, Liver, and Gall, separating the superfluous moisture of the Glandules, and acrimonious Humours in the Reins.   

Of the Use of the Powder.  
In the beginning of every Disease, known or unknown, where the Stomach is concerned, there I give the Powder first; which, though it may not cure (as in Apoplexies) yet it is more safe than any other commonly known Remedy, either of the Shops, or of any Modern Physicians of Public Note at this Day: because it is not only subservient to Nature in preventing the formation of Diseases; but is also (if timely taken) sufficient to enervate, or nullify their existence when form. For in the Primary Assault of any Disease (that is, upon the first perceivance of Illness) being once or twice taken, it either wholly prevents the growth and increase of that Disease, or renders it fit to be more easily cured with other Medicines.  
In Diseases arrived to some height, as of two or three Days, or longer continuance, especially if undeterminate, this Powder sometimes solely and alone works (being taken at first twice or thrice a Day, and afterwards Morning and Evening) unto perfect Recovery; but, in Intermitting Fea●ers I always give it an hour before ●he Fit. In every Epidemic, Putrid, or Acute Fever, it answers the regular Intention of Nature; because it sometimes Vomiteth, Purgeth, and provokes Sweats (without the help of clothes more than usual) and otherwhile stayeth Vomiting and Looseness arising from Nature's Error, or debility of Parts, or Organs; rectifying her Error, and strengthening the Parts. Also it stops those Morbific Sweats, that arise from Languishment; or altars such Sweats, as are produced by forcible Diaphoreticks, unseasonably used, contrary to the intent of Nature.  
In Vertigoes, and all Dolours of the Head; Stomach, Back, or Sides, it is a Medicine of general Use and Service.  
In the Iliac and Cholic Passions, in Numnesses, and all Pains in the Muscles, that happen from the Scurvy; or in any other Congealed Distemper, or what may be comprehended under the Name of Congelation, this Powder proves itself a powerful Remedy; because, if taken in hot Posset-Drink, Sweats usually follow the taking thereof.  
Also, in every Scorbutic Distemper it is very available, and acts as variously as the Scorbutic Form is various; for in all Fluctuations, or Diseases of Resolution, it is no less serviceable, than in Congealed Distempers; because being a Medicine truly Natural, Nature can use it either way, to her own benefit.  
In Pleurisies, Bruises, and all Imposthumes inward or outward, it will completely answer the Desire of a good Physician: for it powerfully resists Putrefaction; and though it cannot always prevent Imposthumation, or hinder Putrefaction when begun; yet it ripens the Matter begun to be Putrified, and afterwards expels it when perfectly digested.  
In the Bloudyflux it is a certain and speedy Cure, even to admiration; also in the Griping of the Guts, attended with vehement Vomitings, and a continued Looseness, it effects so much, beyond the Power of other Medicines, as is scarcely credible; yet the same Powder, in extreme Costiveness, accomplisheth the Work, by loosening the Belly.  
In the Smallpox, taken in the beginning of the Disease, it causeth Vomiting, Purging, or Sweats, and then binds the Body (as is fit) and brings out the Smallpox; fortifying the Life as far as it is gifted for that work.  
In the Jaundice, no Medicine, that ever I used, exceeds this: for it extirpates that Disease, Root and Branch.  
This Powder, frequently taken, prevents the Formation of Worms in the Body; where Matter of Worms is made, it expels that; and if Worms be really form, enableth Nature to cast them out alive or dead.  
In Surfeits, contracted from Excesses of Meats, Drinks, or overgreat Labour it is singularly useful; because it either causeth Vomitings, or Stools, or provokes Sweats powerfully, thereby to clear the first Digestion, or resolve the Congelation, caused by those Excesses.  
In Convulsions, it is highly serviceable, as (in the Chapter of Convulsions I have largely showed;) and if given to Children newly Born, and for some time used, it prevents such Fits, by carrying off those Crudities Children bring with them into the World.  
In all highly Malignant, and Pestilential Diseases, it proves itself a true Succour to Nature, if taken every four hours. For in such Cases it acts vigorously towards expelling all Venoms.  
In Feminine Diseases, all Intemperancies, Inordinancies, and Distemperatures of the Womb, 'tis a certain and speedy Remedy.  
If Women with Child take the Powder upon any Sense of Illness, or where a Tendency to Abortion is; it prevents the Danger thereof by strengthening the Womb. In the Birth it brings on Pains, and hastens the Labour with Safety; but if the natural time of Delivery be not near, it restreins Pains until that time comes. It stops floodings, facilitates the Birth, and cleanseth as is fit, curing the After-Pains; and in Women Lying in, answereth the Necessities of the Patient, either in Cleansing or Strengthening.  
Likewise, the Monthly Flux is by this Remedy brought into due Order; if inordinate, it checks that inordinancy; if too little or not at all, it brings down the same in due time and Order; being taken at certain times of the Moon, with respect had to the Age of Women or Young Maids. Therefore, in the Latter (with other small helps) it sometimes cures the Green-Sickness, altering the Inordinacy of the Appetite, and brings them to a due State of Health, and right Colour of Complexion.  
In the Piles and Hemorrhoids it is a Medicine of singular use: for it opens the Piles, or dissolves them; it opens also the Hemorrhoids, and cures them when opened, preventing Ulcers in the Parts.  
Also in the Sore or Ulcerated Breasts of Women, this Powder is of great Service.  
It strengthens a weak Stomach, enabling it to retain the Food, and digest it; especially if taken so soon as the Parties have eaten. And in all Weaknesses of old Age, so far as the first Digestion is concerned, it is of use.  
The Dose to a Man or Woman, full grown, is ʒj. to a Child newly-born, 7 or 10 gr. and so proportionably to all Ages, between the Birth and full Growth. It is to be repeated once in 4, 6, 8, or 12 hours, according to the manner of its Operation, and the Necessity of the Sick. The Vehicle may be either Breast Milk, Beer, Ale, Wine, or Mace-Ale, as the Patients best like, or the Necessity of the Disease shall require.  
Note: In the Use of this Powder, let the following General Rule be always observed. Whether it worketh by Vomiting, Purging, Sweeting, or Urine, so long as any such Operation lasteth, it ought to be continued; so likewise, in restraining diseasy Sweats, contra-natural Vomiting, or Purging, continue the use of the same, until it be clearly seen, that Nature hath no further need thereof in that Exigency.   

Of the Use and Dose of the Tincture.  
In Apoplexies, Palsys, Vertigoes, and Epilepsies, Rheumatisms, Gouts, Stone, Stranguries (too frequent Issues of the Scurvy) and other Distempers, that have their Propagation from things congealing, or too much acrimonious, inferring Pains or Numnesses, etc. I have by Experience found this Tincture to be of general Use and Service, if taken in the following Order.  
Considering most of the Diseases abovenamed, are either Hereditary, or of long Continuance, or Both, it is expedient in all the aforesaid Cases, that this Tincture be taken daily four times a Day (in Beer, Ale, or Wine.) twenty Drops at a time, when the Stomach is most empty; but more especially; let it be taken in the Morning fasting, and at Night going into Bed, without mixing the same with any Specific, or direct-working Medicine: though (it must be understood) that this Tincture must never be taken, but in some Liquor, or other.  
In Scorbutic Affects, appearing in other forms than above described, use the Tincture in the same manner, until the Diseases be abated, never using any other Medicine with it, except my Powder, or other Medicines above specified in the Chapter of the Scurvy; only the Dose must sometimes be increased; as it must also in all Tendencies to Stagnization, whereof chillness, and coldness are forerunners.  
In all Impurities of the Blood, of what kind soever, whether Pox, Surfeits, Scabs, Tetters, Scales, Ringworms, Spots, Freckles, Morphews, Sores in the Mouth, or other Parts, if constantly taken (in manner aforesaid) for a Month together, viz. Four times a Day, or as often as the afflicted Party drinks, and the external Parts washed, with his (or her) Urine every Morning and Evening, it will prove itself a very effectual Remedy.  
In the Green-Sickness, and Feminine Obstructions, this Tincture is of singular use, if taken three, or four times a Day in Drink: For, it restores their lost Complexion, and opens all Obstructions of Spleen and Liver. Also it cleanseth the Spleen and Reins, easeth the Dolours of the same; and is of admirable Service, in Hypochondriac Melancholy. But in these Distempers it must be taken in all Drinks, or Liquid Meats the Patients use, viz. 15 Drops at a time, and constantly every Day, until their Afflictions are altered  
In the Distempers of Old, or declining Age, as Asthmas, Coughs, etc. that arise from the debility of the Transpirative Faculties; by reason of which, they labour under shortness of Breath, and troublesome Phlegm, it is beneficial. For, althô this Tincture cannot wholly take off these Distempers from aged Persons, yet it doth much alleviate them; provided it be frequently taken, and that in a large Quantity, viz. 40 Drops at Night going into Bed, and also every Morning fasting.  
In Suppression, Difficulty, or Sharpness of Urine, it is an Effectual Remedy, if 20 Drops be taken Morning and Evening in Mace-Ale, or in a Decoction of Mallows if they design Ease; or Parsley-Roots, if they intent Expulsion.  
In Convulsions, Lethargies, great Pains, Weights, or Numnesses of the Head, it is profitable, if taken 4 times a Day, 20 Drops at a time.  
Against Pains in the Stomach, and the Weaknesses thereof, it is very efficacious, if 30, or 40 Drops be taken at a time, twice or four times a Day in Drink when the Pains begin to invade, and the use thereof continued, till the Dolour ceases. Only in this Case, let the Parties grieved be sure to take Care, never to eat or drink, until they are assured, that what they eat and drank before be well digested.  
In Imbecility of the Generative Faculty, or in Weakness, Coldness, and Vnaptness to conceive, this Tincture is very profitable, if twenty Drops at a time be taken in Sack, three times a Day, viz. In the Morning Fasting, one hour before Dinner, and at four a Clock after Noon; and the fourth time at Night going into Bed, in Mace-Ale, especially if the Powder be used with it. This Method must be continued for a Month together.  
For Recovery of Strength in Consumptions, where the Lungs are not Ulcerated, this Medicine ought to be given, by 10 Drops at a time, as often as the languishing Party takes any thing Liquid (whether Broth, Milk, jellies, or Emulsions of any kind) as also in all his or her Drink.  
The same Tincture is no less effectual in the Jaundice, if 30, or 40 Drops be taken at a time, in what Drink the afflicted Party best liketh, in the same manner as before; and the Use thereof continued, till the Urine be clear, as it was before the Disease invaded.  
Against After-Pains in Childbed, and to open Obstructions, this Medicine effectually yields Relief; if 10 Drops be given to Women in that Condition, in their usual Caudle, every time they drink it.  
A Child of a year Old may take 2 Drops, in two Spoonfuls of Breast-Milk, and so proportionably.  
Note: In taking, or administering this Tincture it is very convenient to be careful, not to suffer your Selves, Friends, or Patients, to be over-persuaded, by any Arguments whatsoever, to take Purging or Solutive Medicines, althô your own, Friends, or Patients Bodies seem to be somewhat Costive: for so doing you will much retard the benefit, which would naturally accrue from this Tincture, by its Transpirative Virtue. And let this also be a Caution to All, in every kind of Distemper, where this Medicine is used, not to take or intermix any other things, (except as is above in this Treatise described) with the same.  
Now, because I very well know the Generality of People to be so far from believing these contrary Operations, that they will exclaim against them, as Impossibilities in Nature, I thought it requisite here to subjoin (as is well known to Practitioners in Chirurgy) that the Herb St. Johns-wort, doth as certainly dissolve congealed Blood in Bruises, as by Congelation an incised Wound, Stab, or Prick: which being Actions so different, may somewhat plead for the Verity of what I have written. But, if this single Example be not sufficient, let any One make Experiment of the Power of the Ash-Tree, cut down (when Sol is in Gemini, with the Girdle of Orion, and just ascending) and divided into small flat Sticks; for any one of them applied to a Cut, Stab, or Prick, and held there for some small time, quickly and evidently heal the Wound without Suppuration.  
Also in Bruises, though large and great, if a broad piece of that Wood be rubbed gently upon them, he shall find a sudden Resolution, in the space of a Quarter of an hour (if this be done at first) and no Blackness appearing: and if it be applied speedily, In Burns, and Scalds, no Blisters will arise: In Stinging of Wasps and Bees, and Pricks of Thorns, this Wood is a speedy Remedy, if presently applied: In Bleeding at the Nostrils, though very great and large, if a piece of the Wood be held to the Nostrils, and rubbed just above the Gristle of the Nose; you shall quickly see the Blood stopped. Likewise, in Bitings of Dogs, though their Teeth have entered deep, if suddenly applied, all the Anguish, and Danger of those Bitings are as suddenly removed.  
If a single Plant can perform such various and contrary Actions, what then shall Minerals and Metals effect, wherein all the Seven great Properties of Nature are concentred.  
I could enlarge this Section with many other signal Examples and Proofs, but I shall conclude all with this Corollary: that, since Nature is the true Preserver and Curer in all Distempers; and is more active and subtle for her own Preservation and Recovery, than any adventitious Agent can be. That Preparation must needs be fitter, and more useful (in those her Methods) which attends and assisteth her Inclinations and Actions; than That, which disturbs her Intentions, and imposeth Operations upon her, contrary to her own Designs: to which Errors and Mistakes all particular Medicines, and the Applyers of them, are very obnoxious. Wherefore, if I have had the Blessing to find out Medicaments (universal as to Parts and Persons) which will be perfectly compliant, and subservient to Natures' ●s Tendencies, as my long and successful Experience of them persuades me I have done; and whereof Others may be likewise convinced, if they will make studious Trial of my Receipts; I would not have any prejudicated Person wonder at this my Assertion, that one and the same individual Medicine can congeal and resolve, open and shut, work upwards and downwards, or (in a word) produce quite contrary Effects, though Some Doctors have averred to my Face, this thing to be impossible: For, if Nature in contrary Exigencies, cannot but act contrary ways to her own Relief; then consequently the Physic that doth not forcibly drive Nature out of her Course, but officiously follow her in her own Motions, must like an Handmaid necessarily trace the Footsteps of her Mistress. And what Man, that does but understand, or possess a Nature, is ignorant, that the Means and Passages which she takes in Difficulties for her Succour and Safety, are strangely different, contrary and mysterious; and yet most ingenious to a Miracle?  
Here are no Angry flames, only some bright  
Beams of plain Truth flowing from Nature's light.  
FINIS▪     

THE TABLE.  

A.  
ANcestors in Art, the Infancy of the World, 53  
Ancient Artists how they attained the Perfection of their Arts, 50  
Apelles and Homer commended, 48  
Archimedes his unparallelled Inventions of Mechanic Works, Ibid.  
Arts appear more polite, where Nature brings them forth, 47  
Author, why he at first followed Chemistry, 2  
His good Success therein, 4  
How non-plused in following the same, 5  
His Satisfaction afterwards, 7  
His Patients how they preserve themselves, 38  
First Authors of Physic who instructed, 45   

B.  
BAsilius a Monk, a most knowing Physician, 45  
Book-Doctors reprehended, 39, 40, 52, 53, 72  
The Reason why they are ignorant, 53  
Buboes, why the Author writes nothing of them, 80   

C.  
'Cause of Deficiency in Us, 49  
Change direct a diminishing of the natural Gift, 16  
A Child capable of solving most solvable Questions in Arithmetic, 48  
Childbearing, 149  
Choler maketh not Men angry, 33  
No sense of it unless the Spirit be defiled with a wrathful Image, ibid.  
Cold stagnizeth the Blood, 37  
The Begetter of various Diseases, ibid.  
Convulsions, 107  
The Cure of those that happen before the Small Pox, 110  
The Cure of those that happen from Maternal Nourishment, 111  
The Cure of them in breeding Teeth, 112  
The Cure of Ideal Convulsions, 113  
Compositions of the Shops, and commonly known Chemical Remedies, rejected by the Author, why, and how far he allows them, 71  
Corporeal Evils, hereditary, take beginning from Maternal Nourishment, 59  
Chemists differ from Galenists, 2   

D.  
DIsease defined, 55  
Diseases Simple, Natural, Preternatural, and Contra-natural; how complicated, 66  
Hereditary, what, 56  
Ideal, must have material filths, 57  
By occasional matter manifest themselves, 58  
Darken the Spirits, 59  
Preternatural, what, and how caused, 60  
Contranatural, and Autumnal how caused, 63  
Diseases of the Womb, 145  
Chronical, their Original, 26  
How they take Root in Us, and are changed one into another, 28  
Of the first Digestion changed into Distempers of the second, or third, how, 27  
Degenerated, how made worse, 28  
Have no Existence in the Body, till the Stomach submitteth to them, 30  
Hereditary, kept from increasing, ibid.  
Disposition, seminal incorporeal, 29  
Distempers, accounted uncurable, how cured, 31, 40  
Suddenly cured, why, 37  
Disturbance of the Spirit the Generator of Defects in the Body, 35  
Dropsy in the Womb. 55  
Its Cure, 56   

E.  
EDucation, its Insufficiency, 43, 44  
Emptiness, its Effects, and the Remedies thereof, 62, 63  
Envy, and Malice, their Effects not much different, 33, 34  
Experience commended, what takes being from it, is true, how, 44   

F.  
FEar, Its Effects, etc. 34. 65, 66  
Fevers, Putrid, Malignant, Epidemical, or Accidental, 140  
Continual, Intermitting, and simply Intermitting, 142  
Ferments, diseasy, strange, how begotten, 26. 29  
floodings in General, 151  
Fullness, defined, 61   

G.  
GAlen's Method, why neglected by the Author, 1, 2  
Gonorrhea's, hurt not in the Lues, except Means be wanting, 59  
Gout, true, its Symptoms, 30  
Derivative, may lie concealed until 40, or 50 years of Age, 57  
Griping in the Guts, how cured, 84, 85  
Order of Diet in that Disease, 87  
Remarks upon the Errors of Physicians in Cure of that Disease, ib.   

H.  
HElmont, commended by the Author, found out certainty by Stillness, 45, 46  
His Theory how proved true to the Author, 17   

I.  
IMbecility of the Womb, 145  
Imposthumes, 120  
In the Head, cured, 135  
In the Head opened, cured, 137  
In the Liver, cured, 129  
In the Stomach, cured, 132  
In the Womb, cured, 153, 154  
Indians, without Books, by Natural Instinct find out the Virtues of Plants, 46  
Inquiry, how Remedies came first to be known, 43  
Instinct, natural commended, 44   

K.  
KNowledge, of Medicines, of how great concern, 38  
Real, taught from Natural Instinct, or acquired by Observation, 43  
General, and Particular, its true Patron, 44  
Of the Virtues of Roots, Herbs, or Plants, not advanced since the Days of Theophrastus, 51   

L.  
Language's, not absolutely necessary in the Art of Physic. 50  
Lethargies, Coma's, and Apoplexies, 113  
Their Cure. 115  
A particular Example of an aged Lady cured of the Apoplexy. 116  
Lues, and Scurvy, the two general Evils, 66  
Lues, materially contracted swiftly infects, why, 58   

M.  
MAgnetic Attractives fruitless, when, 79  
Medicines, Natural, work not by their own Power, but by Nature's dispose. 17  
The Means to obtain such, 40  
Particular, act rather against, than with Nature in complicated Diseases; why, 27  
General, how they act in the humane Body; their Safety and Properties, 12, 13, 14. 18, 19  
Of Paracelsus, and Helmont, why of little Service to Us, 41  
Marcellus, his Speech to the Engineers of his Camp, 49  
Man hath capacity of knowing Things in their Roots, 47  
Men, void of much Discourse, etc. utter wonderful Things, ibid.  
Method of the Ancients uncertain, 43  
Metals and Minerals, their outward Life Poison, 11. 16  
Their Virtues more concentrate, than those of Vegetables, 9  
Not specificate to Person or Disease, ibid.  
Their Gifts from GOD, the Light or Ray of them true Medicine; not changed in the Body; but bring less Trouble, than a spoonful of Wine; their Virtues condemned, why, 10  
Their Air, and its Properties, 11  
Their Operation against acute Diseases, 12, 13  
Their middle Life Medicine, Antidote against Poison, etc. 16, 17  
Miscarriages, 147  
Mola, and its Cure, 159, 160   

N.  
NAture, Guide of the Universe, 51  
Physicianess, and Curer of Diseases, 2. 18.  
The only Actor, and Curer of her Self, 38  
To be observed by Physicians, 40  
Naturally excites Man to his Cure, 46  
Brings forth both Medicine and the Physician, 51  
How restored to her wont Actions, 37  
Her Incapacity to strive, when, 64  
Negroes, in Accounting excel, 48   

O.  
OCcasions of Errors committed in the Medicinal Faculty. 32  
Opinion, that Physic is not fit for Children, refuted. 60   

P.  
PAlsies, fourfold, their Cure by four Examples. 102, 103, 104  
Patients afflicted with the Plague, and Remarks upon their Carelessness, 81  
In whom the Tokens appeared, their State described, 64  
Paracelsus his Endowments, 45, 46  
Pestilence, how caused, 63  
Plague, the last described, different manner of Assaults therein, and the Author's Method of Cure thereof, 76, 77, etc.  
Antipestilentials of Ancient, and Modern Physicians ineffectual, 73 34  
Persons, Sick, cured by their own natural Impulse, 46  
Phlegmones, fiery, in general, and their Cure, 127, 128  
Physicians, aught to be chary what they administer, 38  
Practice of Physic various, 1, 2  
Things necessary to that Science, 50  
Practitioners, their grand Mistake, proved by Example, 32, 33   

Q.  
quartans, 144  
Rage, its Effects, 65  
Remedies, general, how serviceable. Their difficulty to be obtained, 14, 15  
Their dark part, what; their Properties, Essential to true Healing, 18, 19 22  
Their general Dispositions keep Physicians from Error, 31  
Remedies, Particular, when useful, 21. 31   

S.  
SCurveys, whence they arise, and their Effects, 67  
Of them in general, 89  
Their Cure by Ensamples, 93  
Seeds, admit not of aught but Ideas, 57  
Spirit of Life, or Archaeus, the Ruler, why 36  
How primarily affected, ibid.  
Erring, becomes the Efficient Cause of Diseases, 37  
Specificks, not altogether useless, 22  
How made more general, 23  
Sorrow, its Effects, 35  
Stupor, its Effects, 63  
Surfeits, their Foundation and Effects, 61, 62   

T.  
TInctures, open, their singular use, 73  
Transpiration insensible, how excited, and the benefit thereof, 20  
The Medium thereof unknown, 21   

V.  
VEgetables, not so serviceable, as Minerals, why, 8, 9  
Venoms, 68  
Virtues, of St. John's-wort, and the Ash-Tree, 176  
Of Natural Subjects, not conferred, but only discovered by Art, 10  
Ulcer, in the Womb, and its Cure, 157  
Urine, vented through the Fleshy Parts about the Kidneys, 20  
Use and Dose of the Author's Powder, 162. 169  
Use and Dose of the Author's Scorbutic-Tincture, 170   

W.  
Womb, tumifyed, and its Cure, 158  
World, waxeth old, 8   
FINIS.