LOIMOLOGIA.  
A Consolatory Advice, And some brief OBSERVATIONS Concerning the Present Pest.  
By GEO. THOMSON, Dr of Physic.  
LONDON: Printed for L. Chapman, at his Shop in Exchange-ally. 1665.   

To the Ingenious and Industrious JATROCHEMIST, Dr GEORGE THOMSON, In Approbation of this his Work and Design.  
SIR,  
UPon your Communicating to me the substance of a design you had in hand for the public good, in offering some things to consideration for the prevention and cure of this Pestilence which God in judgement hath sent upon us, let me assure you, and by these lines I desire to certify all whom it doth or may concern, that I embrace your design (utrisque ulnis) and willingly desire, and God assisting shall endeavour to further it in my practice, and hope all that are true Chemists will be of the same judgement, and confirm it to the world by effectual deeds, that their mind is so resolved and fixed. God prosper your design, and bless your endeavours, preserve your person, and encourage your spirit, and increase the number of able jatrochemists, of your mind; which is the hearty prayer of  
Your Cordial friend and Brother, GEORGE STARKEY, M. D. and Philosopher by the fire.   

Tria Pharmaca Loimo-Sychaia: OR, A Ternion of Powerful Chemical Remedies AGAINST The present PEST.  Scire tuum nihil est, nisi te scire hoc sciat alter: Si sciat hoc alter, scire tuum nihil est. 
AS it is the duty of the Divine to communicate what he knows to another, otherwise his knowledge is given him in vain: so it behoves the Physician to conceal the Mysteries of his Art, and to be cautious how he lays open those Arcana's he possesses, lest they be vilified and disesteemed by the vulgar, who are ready to spurn at, and tread upon the most precious things: yet withal he is obliged not to put his candle lighted under a Bushel, but to expose it to open view, that it may illuminate those that are in darkness, without Eclipsing the Honour and credit of the noble Science of Pyrotechnical Philosophy. Wherefore seeing Ignoti nulla Cupido, no man can value any thing unless he be acquainted with the worth of it; I have condescended to the persuasive Arguments of my friends, to divulge some Active Chemical Remedies, (yet much inferior to the best I am Master of) in these Contagious times, which (being duly taken) will (through a blessing from above) be powerful in preserving from and curing this Heteroclite and feral disease the Pest, from which (to their infinite shame) the Ablest of the Galenists cowardly and unworthily run away, leaving this great City destitute of their Help, when it most stands in need of it; causing others through their detestable example to Despond, and to become faint-hearted, who otherwise by confidence and resolved Magnanimity, the best preservative in Nature (forasmuch as none was ever infected by the Pest, but either from an Idea or Image of Hatred, Terror and Diffidence in the fantasy of the individual Person, or in the Archaeus, the Innate Spirit of every part of the body, as Helmont hath proved) might withstand, exclude and conquer, so truculent, sell and cruel an Enemy. Needs must the common people, who always look, non qua eundum, sed qua itum est, be possessed with Panic fear, and precipitately betake themselves to their heels, when their principal Leaders that should stoutly conduct and animate them, become Tergiversators and fugitives. If Stragglers, Desertors, and runaways in an Army (when they are to go upon service) ought to suffer loss of life and Estate; I see no reason why these men, whose function obliges them to stand out to the last, should deserve less punishment if they deliver such a vast populous City to the fury of so implacable a Foe, a Sickness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, without striking a stroke against the one, or defending the other to the utmost of their power. For my part, although I could enjoy my ease, pleasure, and profit in the Country, as well perhaps as any Galenist; yet I would rather choose to lose my life, then violate in this time of extreme necessity, the band of Charity towards my neighbour, and dedecorate that illustrious profession I am called to, in hopes to save myself by a speedy discession, a remote procession, and a leisurely recession, according to that infamous, and infidous advice which Galen hath given his Disciples. Far be it from me: I shall rather follow heroic Helmont, who hath taught me better things; and shall by my personal presence, and best Medicines, put out myself to assist any one whom God shall afflict in this kind. I therefore shall recommend to the world this Ternion of Effectual Chemical Remedies, in the certain experience of whose singular virtues in malignant Fevers, I am well instructed, and am assured by some late instances, that they are Preservative and Alexipharmacal; and taken in opportune time, Therapeutical and Sanative.  
The name I appropriate to the liquor, is Tinctura Polyacaea, from the excellent virtue it hath of preventing and healing many Maladies, according to my long observation of it. It Corroborates the Stomach and its ferment; enliveneth and invigorates the Archaeus, the vital Spirit, being circulated with the blood into all parts: It mortifies malignant Atoms, enabling nature to profligate and expel the poison of the Plague by sweat, cleansing away the morbific matter by Expectoration and Urine.  
It may safely be exhibited at any time, in any place, to persons of whatsoever Age, Sex, and Constitution, according to these instructions following. For prevention, give to Children of half a year to two, to the quantity of a spoonful or two: from thence to six years, to two or three spoonfuls; to elder persons three, four, five, six, or more spoonfuls, morning, noon, and night, or Pro re nata, as as occasion requires.  
If any find himself discomposed in his body, let him go to bed, and take one paper of this powder, which I call Pulvis Pestifugus, in a spoonful of Beer and Sugar, drinking straight after a third part of the glassful of Tinct. Polya. and another part three hours after, and so the third: let the party sweat being moderately covered, and let him not think much if he be sickish after the taking thereof. A third part or half of this Powder may be given to those that are under ten years. It is to be repeated twice or thrice, or oftener, with Tinct. Polyac. according to the magnitude of the Disease. Let Children infected take every half hour or an hour a spoonful of Polyacea.  
The Chemical pills which I call Tutelares, are to be taken a little before a light supper, one, two, or three, according to the age and strength of the person; immediately after, three or four spoonfuls of Tinct. Polyac. and as much the next morning. They are very preservative, opening the Spleen, cleansing the Kidneys, purifying the blood, resisting corruption, Expectorating and Diaphoretic, causing sometimes a stool or two in twenty four hours; if not, they are very safe and profitable. They are to be taken two, and sometimes three nights together, ceasing two or three days, and then repeating them.  
Whosoever he be that maketh use of these Chemical Remedies to a purpose according to my Rules set down, will I am certain have cause to be Grateful to the most High, and to give that respect to true Chemistry which it deserves.  
As I find these present Medicines applied to the welfare of mankind without abuse; so I shall be encouraged publicly to expose (Salvo Honore Artis Spagyritae) better things for the benefit of my countrymen, whom I plainly see are deceived and wronged on every side, both by Galeno-Chymists, and likewise Pseudo-Chymists.  
If any desire to be accommodated with these or more noble Chemical preparations in this sad time of Contagion, let him repair to the Place of my Abode without Algate, nigh the Blue Boar Inn.  

Some Observations made in reference to the present PEST.  
DIvers of the Learned have narrowly enquired into and descanted upon the cause of this feral truculent Disease, many accusing the Air, some Mephitical, noxious, fracedinous odours from the Earth, others condemning our Food; most of the Galenical gang (seduced by Astrologers) attribute the universal cause of the Pest to the Heavenly bodies the Stars, who (as they say) through their malevolent Aspects, pernicious light and motion, dart an Epidemical poison into the Air, and so infect it with a Tabiferous corruption; hoping hereby to excuse their fugitive desertion of their Patients, and gross Ignorance in Physic, from an impossibility of curing this grievous calamity. Wherefore consulting with the Augurs Coeli, those uncertain conjectural Prognosticotors of our times, they have most of them made good the more certain prediction I made in Galeno-Pale without Astroscopie, a good space before this Pelt broke out among us, that they if some Epidemical contagious Disease should reign in the City (according to their Master Galen's dictates) would quickly run out of it. Certainly this last opinion is most absurd and ridiculous, not unlike the Physicians that patronise it: for 'twere in vain for them to shelter themselves in the Country at any time from this raging Disease, if it depended upon an universal cause, so that the Air were generally conspurcated and defiled by the Stars according to their sense.  
I grant that the Air is Topically hurtful, by reason of those expirations arising from certain limited places, abounding with corrupt, filthy, foetid matter, which contracting a venomous serment, and exhaling, may very well annoy and infect the Spirits; but to impute this to the innocent Stars, such glorious creatures, is only worthy of such noxious Galenists, who frequently argue a non Causa pro Causa.  
If I may freely give my judgement, I shall under correction deliver it thus. 'Tis well known to all Physicians that have been strict investigators of the nature of Diseases, that none hath been more frequent and predominant among us, than the Scorbute, being very grassant at this day, omnia transformans seize in miracula mundi, disguised in a thousand forms, counterfeiting any disease, even those that it seems to have very little relation to, as I could instance at large. Now sometimes contemplating the strange diffusive nature and increase of the Scorbute, the high degree of malignity it did aspire to, and how it crucified and vexed poor Mortals, making a mere mock at the Trivial Medicines of the Dogmatists, I could not be persuaded but that in process of time it would at last cause (upon outward irritating occasions) some Tragical Catastrophe among us, and express in a direful manner, the grievous effects of that subtle Poison which lay coached and linking in the body.  
Seeing then there hath been in man's body such a previous Scorbutic Malignity, and still is, being now graduated and exalted to a high pitch of virulency, from several occasional causes from within and without; and sith it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as it were an Ape imitating most effects, I conceive it no great Paradox or absurdity to assert, that this present Pest hath principally derived its being from this Scorbutical Disease with whose nature it much symbolizes, most of whose symptoms are parallel to each other.  
It is undoubted that they are both Malignant, Poisonous, and Contagious, possessing and affecting the same parts alike, the Duumvirate, that is, the Stomach and Spleen, as appears by the Symptoms and Products common to both, as great oppression about those parts, suspicious respiration, Cardialgie, Nauseousness, Vomiting, extreme pain in the Head, Vertigo, Swimming, Agrypnie or want of Sleep, Lethargical dulness, profound sleep, Lypothimy, Palpitation of the Heart, Fainting, Sudden debility of the parts, unreasonable fears, terrors, despair, and confusion, Dyspnaea, irregular and difficult breathing▪ a violent flux of the belly, various tumors, Erysipela's, virulent Ulcers, Sugillations, black and blue strokes, Spots red, black, and blue; all which Accidents may be distinguished from other diseases, but are so co-incident with the present Pest and Scurvy, that they seem to differ but only secundum magis & minus. These are both Anomalous and Heteroclite from other diseases, arising, (as I said) from an absolute Poison in their kind, which making an Idea or Character in the Archaeus or vital Spirits, play a miserable Tragedy in this Microcosm, now concise and expedite, then Tedious and prolix, according as the venom is wound up to a high or low strain, by a strong or weak preternatural ferment.  
Now the occasional causes remote and more immediate, are multifarious, that concur to the production of this virulent matter in man's body, initiated, promoted and consummated, by the Archaeus irritated, debilitated, and put by its scope through several outward cross contingents from those things without which we cannot subsist, which as they are managed, modified, habilitated, and used, so affect us to our preservation or our ruin. For the Archaeus, the principal instrument of the Soul, is never idle, but is always acting what may tend to the welfare of the whole, unless it be extimulated, interrupted, and debarred by any thing that is Hostile to it, so that when it cannot bring to pass what it would, it forthwith delineates the figure of that, which a strange Exotic matter endued with a seminal power represents to it: hence emerge and appear the different Idaea's of the Poison of a Mad Dog, Tarantula, and Scorpion, each of which do express inseparable uniform Symptoms, that any judicious man may discover, and with confidence conclude, that that venom came from one, and this from another kind of Animal. It is well known, that, where there is an Affinity, concordance, and proximity of Substance, there is an easy conversion of one into another. Now since this nearness of Kin plainly appears between the Scorbute and the Pest, we have very good reason to conceive, that the former hath hitherto been in its Minority, and that now it is come to Majority, or full ripe years, and acts its part with that unwonted celerity, suitable to its Magnitude, disposition of the Air, and season of the year, and may not incongruously be termed Pestis Scorbutica, they being promiscuously joined with each other; whence come those Phaenomena's & signs that I have observed in this modern Pest, discrete or discernible from the Ancient. 'Tis certain the Pest is Morbus peculiaris suae speci●i, and had an existence before the Scorbute was known commonly among us; yet we are forced to grant that there is at this day a strange Complication, Connexion, mutual Contexture, Transmigration, Degeneration, and Transplantation of Diseases, insomuch that the cause of the first eruption of the Lues Gallica revealed in a vision to the Laic Helmont mentions, seems to me not very improbable, that some prodigiously, transcendently lecherous Soldier at the siege of Naples, where this disease came first to light, copulated with a farcy Mare, whose very vas Naturae or Vulve was overrun with purulent and carious Ulcers. Hence this holy man conjectures that the reason why this monstrous Plague (that is truly called Flagellum Scortatorum) never appeared before, is, because the like portentous horrid fact (in expressis terminis) was hardly ever committed since the Creation. Now that there is a notable Alliance of Symptoms between the venereal Pox in Man, and the Farcy in a Horse, is well known to those that are acquainted with the nature of them, being both cured by Mercury. Wherefore upon such an unspeakable unkindly Coition, it is no wonder if there was a transition of the virous Contagious ferment of the Mare into Man's body, upon which followed a Gonorrhaea, venereous Bubo's, Nodes, and many stinking Ulcers, quite of another Tribe and Family from those that are Ordinary.  
Thus may Seeds and ferments of a different kind variously mixed and blended together, produce something of an irregular, Heteroclite, unusual and Hermaphroditical nature, which afterwards subsisting by themselves, may possibly propagate their like. Thus 'tis not dissonant to reason, that some salacious Seaman, whose sperm was tinged with some foul filthy disease, exercising venery with a nasty Leprous-like Putrilaginous Harlot, did in some short space after, lying with a wholesome woman, infect her; and so grafted upon her Issue that then unknown Plague we call the Scorbute, which in length of time did spread abroad and diffuse its Miasm, or infection, being at first fomented and quickened by Maritime unwholesome exhalations and fogs, and is now Rampant and grassant in all places in these parts remote from the Sea, extending its self like a Gangrene, sending out subtle Aporrhaea's or effluviums into the Air, that contaminate those that take them in, either by the pores of the skin, or inspiration. One thing is very remarkable, that the Symptoms of the Scorbute at this day are of a discrepant and divers face from those of former times: and withal it is to be taken notice, that it lies dormant and latitant in the body, not easily to be detected or manifested but by a Physician accurately versed therein. Therefore it ought not to seem strange, if such a Sly, Close, insinuating, Treacherous, Proteus-like disease doth easily shake hands with the present Pest, to which it is so nearly allied.  
This presupposed, (and I hope I may live to demonstrate it more clearly) may instruct us, that Scorbutical remedies mixed with anti-pestilential and Alexipharmacal, are very convenient and effectual in this present Pest, as I have found by some experience; and that it is a great vanity to trust to those fruitless dull Medicines of the Galenists, as Theriac. Londin. Mithrid. Diascord. Theria. Venet. Elect. de Ovo, etc. if some Active Chemical preparations can be procured, which I perceive some few honest knowing and ingenious Apothecaries labour after, with their own fingers, who are to be trusted and encouraged ten to one before a Sophisticating, ignorant, Dull, Pseudochymist, employed by a company of idle Lurdans, A sort of Men they call Galenochymists.  
Moreover, I observe that the doctrine of Helment hath much truth in it, that never any one had the Pest, but the Soul framed a Character or Idea thereof in the Archaeus, through an Imagination of Hatred, Terror, and Horror, joined with a strong credulous conceit that it had received the Contagion.  
Wherefore I infer that the principal preservative and cure of the Pest, is, to fortify the Archaeus or vital Spirits, and to expunge that Idea of detestation and fear which caused it foolishly, credulously, and timerously, to give way to the Pestilential impression.  
In this case, all those things that generate Audacity and confidence in the Spirits, are of high concernment and efficacy; but whatsoever diminish, Enervate, and Elumbate them, are to be avoided. Wherefore those Nations are highly to be commended, that forbear to mure up in too severe, solitary and doleful, manner those that are infected; which imprisonment being tristissima mortis Imago, is enough to make one despair, to be out of heart, and to become Heautoutimoroumenos, to destroy that which might otherwise be preserved.  
To visit, relieve and exhilerate any one whom God hath wounded with this Pestilential Arrow, is the part of a truly-religious Samaritan; as to fly from him, or keep aloof, when he may preserve or do him good, is only proper to some distrustful wicked Priests, Levites, and Galenists. The mahometans may justly reprove and shame us Christians, who conceive themselves obliged not to omit general acts of Charity for fear of some particular nocument or damage. I humbly conceive, with submission to the higher Powers, that it might be more conducible to the body Politic and▪ Natural, if this rigid course of enclosing the Infected so strictly within so narrow a compass were mitigated: for hereby intercourse of Trading might be kept alive, and so miserable Poverty prevented, which hath always an Equipage and Train of sad Calamities and Plagues attending upon it; and magnanimity and undauntedness of spirit procured, which questionless would in some measure both exclude and master this Pestilential Poison. Certainly none but such an Heathen as Galen would have given his disciples such impious and uncharitable Advice, as to leave poor distressed wretches to a Lord have mercy on them, when their presence ought to comfort, and their Medicines (if they had them) to heal their grievous sore.  
Well, I hope there will be now a seasonable discovery made how perfidious and miserable Comforters these Galenists are in time of greatest exigence; and hereby the world will be rid of a Plague far worse than this present. For I believe none but those that are stupid, blind, partial, interested, and wilfully accessary to their own destruction, will ever look upon for the future with a favourable eye, such basely▪ pusillanimous, and such egregiously-unskilful Physicians. Now it appears perspicuously, that they are no better than a Crumenaemulga natio, a Purse-milking generation, as one says. I wish they were not Sanguini▪ mulga, and had not only exhausted the Purse, but also the Veins of their miserable Patients, leaving them at length in the lurch.  
It were not amiss for the Magistrate to force these Fugitives to return to do their duty, and compel them to visit the sick, and to take (as well for Cure as Prevention) those unnecessary Antidotes they have left behind according to their wise Directions. Upon my word, if our Governors be so pleased, I will without presumption take any of them by the hand, and draw them to some infected Patients, to feel their Pulses, to peep into Urinals and Close-stools, view their Tongues, as they boldly used to do at other times, when there was least need of them. Yea, and because they boast they are such excellent Anatomists, we will dissect together a Pestilential body, that they may (if they can) inform me better where the subject of that Disease is: and for Prevention and Caution, they shall take their Preservatives and Sanatives, and I mine; and then let the world judge whom God favours most, and who fares best. If they refuse to condescend to this, I hope the sage Magistrate will be pleased hereafter to favour signally the true Artists, and to reject these counterfeit and useless Doctors, making them (as they really deserve) Mundi judibrium, a Laughingstock and a Byword to the world. Which if the Higher powers be pleased to listen to, some other Chemists and myself will be engaged to convince by undeniable Instances of fact, that there is means to be put in practice, which may (through a benediction of the Almighty) be prevalent to preserve many in this vast City from the jaws of this unsatiable Monster, which otherwise are like to be devoured by it.  
Lastly, I cannot but take notice how that effectual means (not to be refused by any wise man, according to Solomon) which the good Creator (who is Philanthropos) hath ordained, is slightly, superficially, supinely, and perfunctorily exercised and pursued, both in reference to the Physician, and likewise those excellent Medicines that have of late been discovered, in some measure appropriate, suitable and proportionable to the grand diseases that are regnant among us.  
Who, but those that are bewitchedly blind, wilfully cross and contradictory, beyond a most obstinate Jew or Fanatic, would still persist to feed upon husks, achorns, and other trash, when they may be satiated with the finest Wheat-flour, prepared in a most exquisite manner?  
I think some have in them the perverse Genius of the wild Irish, that would by no admonitions and entreaties whatsoever be dissuaded and warned from tying the Blow to the horse-tail, out of a superstitious observation and reverence to that old Custom of their forefathers; although an infinite better way was made appear to them.  
I have, I suppose, (if some refined Wits understand any thing) ripped up, and sufficiently anatomised, usque ad Sceleton, (so far as a short Treatise would permit) the huge deformed bulk of the monstrous, mutilated Galenical body; insomuch that the most wise and acute Spectators and Auditors of this Nation, (who have taken the freedom to deliver their Judgement as the thing is in itself) have concluded that it was high time for such an unwieldy, lazy, cumbersome, goodfor-little, voracious, animal Sarcophagum, Cruorem consumere natum, a devourer of more than Bel and the Dragon, having surfeited himself with blood and humours, should now expire or breathe out his last, and become food for the birds of darkness.  
Yet I perceive there are some of the Spawn or Issue of this Polyphemous Giant left, that (according to the Proverb, Cat to its kind, What's bred in the bone, will ne'er out of the flesh) are hunting up and down for their prey; and rather than fail of it, will feed upon Pestilential bodies, which they much loathe and detest, being afraid to come nigh them, were they not necessitated to it. These Minorite Phlebotomists and Cathartists (being the small remainder of those many considerable ones that are vanished and gone I know not whither in a trice, (I wish into Utopia) who are still hankering after the food they were first nursed up with, have gone about to persuade the world (some part being so mad to give credit to them) that they are able to do something extraordinary for the Prevention and Cure of this present Infection. Wherefore an inconsiderable number of the inferior rank, (left behind that large Drove which is gone to seek out fresh and more wholesome green Pasture) out of I know not what desperate despiteful humour to the Spagyrists, to keep a little while above water their now-ready-to-sink reputation, will venture to trust to that very wise Directory, a Legacy their learned departed forefathers have left the City, included in their last Testament, wherein they manifest they are no longer willing to breathe in this unsanctified impure air, and upon this account have commended to them some of their Pupils dignified with the title of Honorarii, (how well deserving, let them look to it.) These, in hope at least to save themselves, if not their Patients, especially if they can but surreptitiously get some Chemical Medicines from us, will at a hazard, upon this pinch, try what a dry fume of Gums will do, a costly Pomander, a composition of Figs, Rue, and Walnuts, (a rueful Medicine to trust to, if all were known) Mattbias Plague-water, or Aqua epidemica, (I wonder they forgot S. Luke's Water, for more credits sake) an Electuary of London-Treacle and Woodsorrel, (I am persuaded a Leg of Veal and Green-sauce is far better) Bole-Armeniack (no whit better than Tobacco-clay, but that't is dearer, and farther fetched) the eating of Sorrel for a breakfast in the Summer, (for fear of heating) and Barberries in the fall of the leaf, (to keep them upright.) If these avail not, if they light upon rich Families, (let the Poor shift for themselves) than they will provide for them (taking a share with them) Pearls, Hyacinch-stone prepared (after their gross way) Bezoar-stone of the East, Unicorns horn, (equivalent to Heart's horn) Lignum-Aloes, (strange they omitted Gold, but that I believe they mean to put that into their own purse) made into a Dredge-powder, (or rather a dreggie powder) or they will make them up into Lozenges, and give them the name of Manus Christi, (though, be it spoken with reverence, he never had the least finger in it, nor without doubt ever allowed or approved the prescription of the forenamed Concretes for the preservation or cure of the Pest.) If these fail, they have Aq. Theriacalis Stillatitia, (which indeed every Nurse knows is the best thing (though sluggish enough in comparison) they possess;) yea, and Ambergreese dissolved in spirit of Sack (to make them lusty.) Nay, they will ascend one step higher, to Balsamum Sulphuris, Elixir Proprietatis, either of which if they can make perfectly right, I will be bound to kiss their hand, had they a Plaguesore upon it. Had I not spoken of a Sore, I should have forgotten their Fontanels or Issues, by means of which they hope, if the infection enter in at one hole, it will run out at another.  
Lastly, they tell us they have three great Remedies (to be magnified I am sure only for their mischievous effects) Bleeding, Purging, and Vomiting, which rarely (they say) have plate in the Plague, but are generally dangerous: (that's truth in all diseases whatsoever, managed by them) and therefore not to be used, but (I assert, not at all) upon some extraordinary urgent indicant or just Occasion (when I pray is that more visible then in the Pest, when a Man's life is most in danger?) and with the greatest caution (equal with catching the Contagion) which only an able Physician (I would fain see such an one among the Galenists) can judge of. I plainly smell the Reason of that: they would fain have their fees, but they are loath to fetch them, (and truly by my consent they shall never be sent to them) and therefore no Advice in General, (nor in particular by them) can be given. And what then signifies your three great Remedies? no more to be trusted to then broken Reeds, being so far from relieving and supporting a poor Wretch, (that vacillates and staggers up and down, intoxicated with this venomous Disease) that they penetrate and wound him to the Heart, throwing him quickly flat on the ground. If these your great Remedies, be not to be trusted to, how shall any venture upon your small ones? I wish ye had carried them all along with you, both great and small, and we should have had a fair and happy riddance both of such useless Doctors and the like remedies together. Then perhaps this populous City would have given an ear to those Physicians and remedies, which are neither generally nor particularly dangerous, as they were formerly falsely accused by you.  
It is one of the greatest Riddles in the world to me, that some men, very perspicacious and knowing in other things, should suffer their lives to be thus trifled and squandered away by these Galenists, the best whereof dare not confide in their own three great Remedies, and withal deter others from the use of them, being conscious to themselves that they are not really worthy of the name of Remedies, or any way to be trusted to for the cure of this fierce Sickness.  
We supplicate the immense God he would be pleased to give the worthy Magistrates of this City an understanding heart, that they may consult, and forthwith execute, what may be efficacious for the preventing the Depopulation and ruin that is like to be from this Contagion.  
Wherefore we shall humbly propose that there may be a competent number of such able Chemical Physicians employed, that may visit the infected in this City, take them by the hand, cheer them up by courageous Expressions, giving them those Active Medicines, that will (Auspice Den) if the Poison have not too far seized upon the Spirits, mortify and expel it; using all industry whatsoever to preserve the rest of the family from Contagion; to purify the Air, to cleanse the utensils of the house to purpose from any venomous Odour: which we will undertake to perform, depending upon the bounty and free gift of the Magistrate as we may deserve, (only we desire we may have Commission, encouragement and countenance from him) without contracting for a Stipend in a higling manner, as the Galenists of late insisted upon, and a certain Chemist too much a Suffenus postulated, when his Majesty out of his gracious care for the Town of South-Hampton, commanded an election to be made of an able Spagyrist to be dispatched away forthwith for the stopping the raging infection in that place. The person whose fortune it was to be chosen, could not rest himself satisfied with the King's royal word and pleasure (which would have been reward enough to a truely-ingenuous man) but he must stand upon stipulation, upon a contract and mercenary terms, with the most potent Prince in Christendom, to the great prejudice and disgrace of this noble Art, and the disrepute of the Learned professors thereof: which unhandsome Action I for my part declare to the world, utterly to disowne, and shall always renounce the subscription to such dirty things: and to take off any aspersion upon myself in this particular, I openly protest that it was done without my consent or knowledge, having not been at their Convention this half year. For I am resolved never to join with some men that carry an Enterprise to bring a black cloud upon learning, and a vile estimation upon Schools of sound Education; and shall always defend Decency, Eutaxie, and good Government in the Church and State: although the Galenical Gastri-mytho's, those deluding Whisperers, have otherwise (but falsely) represented me to the world, by the mouth of that paltry fellow johnson. Yet thus much I profess▪ that I shall not be wanting to give due Respect to the meanest Chemist whatsoever in his Station, supposed he be Philomathes, a wellwisher to Literature, Industrious, Conscientious, and Honest in his way; and shall also join with him (as it becomes me) for the promotion of the Spagyrical faculty, and give thanks to him for the least mite of knowledge he shall cast into this vast Philosophical Gazophylacium, wherein are contained profound pyrotechnical Secrets.  
After this little digression, let's return and address ourselves to the prudent Senators of this great City, to whom we humbly tender our service in our Profession for the good of the distressed Nation, not in a precarious manner, for want of Employment, or a lucriferous design for our own Interest and self-ends (which we scorn and detest, not unwitting that merx ultronea putet, offered Ware stinks) but really and cordially for the relief principally of our Calamitous Neighbour, whose Skin is daily Sacrificed to Moloch.  
If we receive an Auspicious and serene Influence from Authority, we shall plainly demonstrate, that (imploring a blessing from the Father of Lights) we are able to save those who would otherwise perish in the hands of the Galenists: and then we doubt not, deserving well herein, our generous Covernours will show themselves grateful to us, and will in some proportion recompense us according to our merits: if not, ipsa quidem virtus sibimet pulcherrima merces; we shall rest ourselves contented that we have done what becomes honest and knowing Physicians: and that no Exceptions may be taken at us by a company of merely Titular Pharisaical Chrysalises or outsides, some of us here nominated do declare without cracking ostentation (common to our Antagonists) that we can vindicate ourselves Graduates, having taken the degree of Doctors ex condign as in right we deserve it, not as a company of unworthy Medicasters', Asini Phalerati, that have acquired it by Custom, Money, or the intercession of Friends; whose nakedness would become shamefully ridiculous and contemptible to the world, if they were stripped of their Doctoral Gowns. For our parts, we had rather be what we ought, then seem to be: and to this I doubt not but most (if not all the persons here mentioned) will subscribe.  
Chemical Doctors. Chemical Students and Practitioners. Dr john Friar. Mr Thornly. Dr jos. Dey. Mr Tho. Norton. Dr William Currer. Mr Mar. Nedham. Dr Thomas Troutbeck. Mr Tho. Odowd. Dr Ever. Maynwaring. Mr Tho. Williams. Dr P. Massonet. Mr jere. Astel. Dr Spranger. Mr Ed. Cook. Dr Horsington. Mr Horsnel. Dr Geo. Thomson. Mr Febure.  Mr Tho. Smart.  Mr Kefler.  Mr Tho. Tillison.  Mr Wilson.   

Elogium Sulphuris: A brief Commendation of the admirable Virtues of SULPHUR.  
Sigh many of our unfavoury Galenists, whom 'twas high time to lay aside, are become on a sudden Mercuries, ('tis strange by what art, considering their Dulness, and corpulent indisposition) and have taken their flight from us, (certainly Timor addidit Alas) we know not whither, perhaps into the New world in the Moon; Farewell Frost: Better lost then found: and we hope we shall never see them more.  
However, we are very glad they have left us Sulphur behind: truly no thanks to them; for in promptu causa est, the reason is plain: it is too divine and pure a thing, according to the Greek Etymon, for such terrestrial, feculent Humorists to meddle with. Yet perhaps they would have attempted to have deprived us of it, if their departure had not been vel●cior Euro, being hurried away in Post-haste: and Needs must be go the devil drives. Withal, I call to mind, they do not much care for fire and brimstone, forasmuch as it is of too hot a temperament, and puts them in mind of another world, where the Causoes or Burning Fever much reigns. Thus far Comically. To be serious.  
We have great cause to magnify the Pantocrator and wise Disposar of all things, who hath bestowed upon poor unworthy Man so choice and rare a thing as the common Mineral Sulphur in so plentiful a measure.  
It is deservedly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, divine, from its excellent endowments, and eminent Medicinal properties. There is reckoned two sorts of it.  
One (which is the best) is called by Hippoc. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because it hath not gone thorough the torture or trial of the fire: it is named in the Shops, Sulphur vive, Graec. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in that it being set on fire, burneth all away, without leaving any considerable caput niort or dross behind.  
The other sort, that is usually made up into Magdaleons of a Cylindrical figure, is extracted out of Pyrytes, the Copper-stone, and other Marchasites. This is justly counted the worse sort, having something Arsenical in it, a kind of poisonous fume arising from the Pyrytes.  
Now the Sulphur vive was that Hypocrates made use of inwardly and outwardly, with which he provoked (as Helment sets down) large Sweats in the Plague, impregnating or filling generous Wine with the Gas or Spiritus Sylvestris, a most spirituous substance of Sulphur, set on fire after this manner: He took an indifferent large narrow-mouthed Glass, putting into it a Match made with Brimstone, set on fire; with which after he had sufficiently filled the Glass with fumes, he stopped it close, suffering it to stand till such time the foresaid fume fixed to the sides of the Vial; and then poured so much wine into it, that filled about a third part thereof: and stopping the mouth of the Glass very close, he shaked it notably, so long, till it had imbibed or taken up all the Gas, or subtle fume of Brimstone: and this Sulphurated wine did the good old man give often with a little Fluxed Salt, for prevention of the Pest, and promotion of the Cure. Which preparation I cannot but highly commend to the world, being ascertained of the excellent virtue thereof in resisting Contagion and Corruption, having in it something Antidotal adaequately proportionable to such an Exquisite Poison; being easily mixable with our Archaeus, and thereby mortifying the invisible Atoms of the Pest, it rectifies the pernicious odour thereof. Needs must that which so powerfully preserves bodies from fermentation, acidity, and putrefaction, be a prevalent Remedy against this contagious disease. It is very remarkable, that any liquor or juice well satiated with this fume, will keep forty times longer than it would do otherwise, as I have often tried in several various humid bodies. Moreover, I know not a better Antidote against the poison of a putrid Slut; for her nastiness shall hardly offend a man, if the utensils and what she prepares have a sufficient Tangle from this purifying flame. It kills most Infects, especially Lice, if the Linen and Woollen Clothes be throughly and to a purpose sulphurated therewith, that the fume may penetrate them. Now this is not to be done carelessly and slightly, as I generally observe it is ordered. For as good never a whit▪ as never the better.  
He that desires to reap the benefit of this divine Concrete, aught to put the quantity of a Walnut or more into an earthen pint-Poringer, setting it over quick coals till it take fire, placing it in the middle of a room, or the foot of the stairs, that every nook and corner may be delibuted and tinged with its odour, doing thus four or five times a day. For preventing or taking off any infection from Clothes, set this porringer with the Sulphur kindled, into a Pail or Firkin, and lay upon the mouth of it your Garments, turning them with discretion. If any thing be well filled with this Sulphureous spirit, the contagion will hardly take hold of it: if infected, it may easily be carried off by some repetitions of the ascending fume. Take notice that there ought not to be added or mixed with Brimstone any thing extraneous, as Pitch, Tarr, Rosin, or the like; for thereby you do but castrate or geld it of some part of its virtue, as some Adulterators commonly do, that they may the better cover over their imposture of selling it at an excessive rate: thus▪ suffitibus sua Apocrypha annexuit Satan, Most divine things are polluted by humane Inventions; but let it be sincere and pure without fraud.  
What an excellent Treasury of rich endowment the great Creator hath infused into the Sulphurs of all Concretes, acute Helmont hath plainly discovered: for, saith he, In Sulphur sunt fermenta, fracedines, odores, sapores specifici seminum, ad quasvis transmutationes.  
These are mysterious Stories to the Galenists, every whit as strange to them, as Regeneration was to Nicodemus: Wherefore I shall leave them to their wilfully-desired ignorance, without pity, or further instruction: for I see they are best affected with a nihil scire, so it be lucriferous in their profession, and that's to them amabilis Insania, & mentis gratissimus Error.  
Yet what mundified Sulphurs can perform, I shall in part satisfy the more ingenious, by the benefit that may accrue to Mankind from the use of the three forementioned Remedies of the inferior Tribe, which principally consist of Vegetal and Mineral Sulphurs well purified.  
To conclude, my advice is, that who desire to preserve themselves from this present Pest, do drink every morning either Sulphurated Wine, Strong Beer, or what Liquor they please, wherein hath been steeped a large quantity of Horse-Radish-root, with five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten drops of good Spirit of Salt; and no doubt they will find a far better effect, then from a Galenical Electuary of London-Treacle and Woodsorrel.   
FINIS.