A Medical-Philosophical Discourse OF FERMENTATION OR, Of the Intestine Motion of PARTICLES IN EVERY BODY.  
BY Dr. THOMAS WILLIS of Christ-Church in Oxford, and Sidley Professor of Natural Philosophy in that Famous University.  
Translated into English by S. P.  
LONDON: Printed for T. Dring, C. Harper, J. Leigh, and S. Martin. MDCLXXXI.   

TO THE Most Reverend Father in Christ And the Right Honourable HIS GRACE, GILBERT: By Divine Providence Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate and Metropolitan of all England, and one of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Councellors.  
Most Holy Prelate,  
THE Eagle will not acknowledge his suspected Chicken, by one only sign, for it is not enough that it can look against the light, unless it be able also to behold the Sun's Beams without winking: and indeed although this our hasty issue, whether by the help of its own blindness, or of that doubtful light in which it lived, hath been able to come abroad, yet it hath not sufficiently given marks of its true race, until it might delight its Eye with your brightness as at the Sun's Beams.  
These Meditations or Discourses though several times published, now therefore at length boast, that they are able to show themselves to the light first, with your Sacred name in the front, it is than but reason, that the same Maecenas, who hath brought me forth into the open light, from my own darkness, and from the filthiness, and soot in which I was involved, being condemned among the metals; should think not it any detraction, to lend to my Works Ornament, and Splendour, as well as to the Author and Publisher.  
It was by your means (most Noble Prelate) that I obtained the Votes in this Famous University for the place of Sidly Professor, for how small soever my Merits might seem, they were helped by the greatness and weight of your opinion.  
I am exceeding conscious to myself, how unfit, being destitute of all help, I came to that Province, both for the Dignity of the Place, of the University, and of my Maecenas, yet I believe nothing is to be despaired of, under so great Auspicies. I would therefore, if there be any thing, at any time, more happily thought of, in the scrutiny of Nature; and brought forth by me, that it be not referred to my Ingenuity, or (which I might perhaps more truly deserve) my Industry, but to the Influences of my Patron: For to him only he Dedicates and Consecrates himself and all his, who is  
Your Grace's most humble And for ever obliged Servant, T. W.   

THE PREFACE.  
THE same thing happens to me, about to speak of Fermentation, that once did to a Famous Historian, when he wrote his Commentary of the Roman Empire, to wit, whilst he endeavoured to draw forth, as it were in a little Table, the affairs only of that Nation, he was necessitated not only to recount the Actions of one people, but of all mankind: in like manner, whilst I did meditate on a few things only concerning the energy, and the means of the working of Ferments, I have brought into this Tract, as it were swelled up with a certain Ferment, the whole Provision, and Dowry of all Nature. Entering upon this Disquisition, I thought I had been tied only to the Baker's Oven, and Brewer's Furnace, being condemned to the Mill, not to have proceeded beyond their limits, unless by chance, or with leave; but after that I had begun to look more deeply into the matter, I perceived I had gotten a far more large Province: Because it plainly appeared, besides these of Art, very many Works of Nature, to be not only like, but themselves the effects of Fermentation: For when, for the solving of the Phoenomenas', which are met with about the swelling up of the mealy Mass, and the working of Wine, and of other Liquors, I had Composed divers Arguments, Reasons, and Hypotheses, I found at length, those first begotten Particles, by whose Orgasm or Heat, those vulgar preparations do Ferment, to beget the Causes of motions, and alterations, in whatever things they are mixed with besides; wherefore, I may be pardoned, if I have strayed far from our proposition, and have seemed to any one, to have heaped together here, too plentiful an Harvest of Matter, because I was wholly led by the same third of Ratiocination, and the most conjunct Affinity of things, to these various and divers Concretes. If any one shall object, that I prostitute the unusual Notions, and almost only heard of, in the Shops of the Chemists, unhandsomely among the works of ordinary people, I say, these Principles, which being brought indeed to perform the self moving motions of Natural things, also more easily to represent them to the vulgar capacity, and lay them not only before their Eyes, but even into their very Hands; what of these kind of substances, I call Particles, men though rude and unskilful, may perceive even by the help of their senses to be in the things: besides the names of Sulphur, Salt, and Spirit, and the rest, are more familiarly known, than Matter, and Form, or the four Principles of the Peripatetics. As to our method, and manner of Philosophising, no man can blame me, if I should not here describe all things according to Rule, and Analytick Patterns; because in this Work, it chances for me to wander, without a Guide, or Companion, in solitary places, and as it were in a solitude trodden by no footsteps, where I not only make a Journey, but my way also: therefore, when ever I deviate, I cannot be said to err, among right Judges of our endeavours, who have no Path in which I should Walk, nor could found a Track, which I might fear to miss.   

ON THE AUTHOR'S Medical-Philosophical Discourses.  

THE intricate and hidden cause of things,  
Both Peace and Strife by what means Nature brings,  
What various motions Bodies do inspire;  
What mixes with the Waters quenchless Fire?  
What Bonds the Elements together tie,  
Before this happier Age unfolded lie:  
Things hid to former Ages, and unknown,  
The Secrets of the world to all are shown.   

Metals dug from the Bowels of the Earth,  
Thomas they from Phoebus boast their Heavenly birth,  
We without light, dark and obscure behold,  
And Splendor's found only in burnished Gold.  
Iron unknown lay hidden without light,  
By Slaves wrought from the Mine grows dazzling bright.  
This to whole Troops confusion doth afford,  
Wit, which first framed, stoops to, the Victor Sword.  
We thus of old did Nature search in vain,  
Our Arts did only i'th' outward bark remain,  
But now we her hid mysteries unfold,  
And the great secrets of the world behold.  
Better than us, herself can hardly tell,  
What Love doth far within high Mountains devil.  
What flame first gives the Marble Quarry birth;  
To Metals forms blind Rudiments of Earth,  
And the hard child doth to perfection bring:  
Why Earth shows her rich Treasures in the Spring;  
And shines, made brave with her own Native flowers.  
What gentle gales, and what sweet moistening showers,  
Do on the pregnant Goddess Seed bestow;  
Whilst Heavenly Iris mounts the Cloudy Bow.  
Why Ceres swells with watery Nymphs embrace,  
What Strife, what Wars spring from hot Bacchus' race:  
What Vulcan doth th' Aetnean Furnace blow;  
What doth soft fires thorough all Bodies throw.  
What Spirit nimbly moves the human frame:  
Whence Milky juice here, there a Purple stream,  
Watering the Body: whence the Crimson flood;  
And the quick Circulation of the blood.  
What hidden fires in veins and  burn,  
Which do the boiling Blood to Fever's turn.  
What mixes freezing cold with parching heat,  
And makes the different Zones together meet.  
Whence comes the Pestilence with Stygian breath,  
Riding on blasting Winds, and armed with death.  
What Prophesying Humour through the Reinss doth pass,  
What colour, and what odor in the Glass?  
All things lie open now: He did not know  
So much, to whom Prometheus did bestow  
His stolen fires: We now every part  
Of the whole Earth compass about with Art.  
He's happy who Causes of things can show;  
Sacred to Nature and to Phoebus too;  
About his Temples Delphic Laurels spread,  
And flames of lightning ne'er shall blast his head.  
Whom Hermes doth with Sacred Arts imbue,  
Whose Labours, Learning out of Darkness drew,  
May all's day's happy be, may he shine bright,  
And may he still enjoy Celestial light:  
May no Disease infect with poisonous breath,  
Him, who gains Health from Sickness, Life from Death.    

OF FERMENTATION, OR THE Inorganical Motion OF NATURAL BODIES.  

CHAP. I. Of the Principles of Natural things.  
THere is nothing more rarely to be met with, in the Vulgar Philosophy, where Natural things are unfolded, with the vain figments of Forms and Qualities, than the word Fermentation: but among the more sound (especially of later years) who respect the Matter and Motion chief in Bodies, nothing is almost more usual. But Fermentation hath its name from Fervescency, as Ferment from Ferviment or growing hot. The word is well known in making of Bread, and in the purge of new Wine, Beer, and other potable Liquors: thence it is also applied to other things, which are want to swell or grow turgid, after the same manner: that at length it signifies, whatsoever Effervency or Turgency, that is raised up in a Natural Body, by particles of that Body variously agitated.  
Bodies of a divers Consistency and Habitude, are apt to a Fermenting, viz. either Thin or Thick, Liquid or Solid, Animate or Inanimate, Natural or Artificial; in all which is found an Heterogeneity of parts or particles, to wit, there are in them some substances light, and always endeavouring to fly away: and also there are others thick, earthy, and more fixed, which entangle the subtle Particles, and detain them in their Embraces, whilst they endeavour to fly away; from the strive, and wrestle of these two twins, in one Womb, the motion of Fermentation chief proceeds; but on the contrary, what things do not Ferment, for the most part consist of like Particles, and are of the same Figure and Conformation, which indeed consociat among themselves, without any Tumult or Turgescency, lie quiet, and enjoy a deep peace. If Must, or new Wine, or new Ale or Beer, be closely Bottled up, or put into Vessels of small vent, they will grow so very hot, that often the Vessels are in danger of breaking. But if the same Liquors, being Distilled by themselves, and than what is separated shut up, from thence no motion or heat will follow. Wherhfore, Distilled Waters, hot Spirits, Oils, fixed Salts of Herbs, and very many other more simple preparations of the Chemists, remain a long while without any alteration or Fermentation, Perhaps some of the Particles do evaporate, but the rest do not tumultuate. In the mean time the juice and blood of Vegetables or Animals, as also all Liquors Concreted, and compounded of many things quickly Ferment, and from thence enter into divers turns of changes. The Spirit of Wine being closely shut up in a Phial shows no sign of growing hot, but if but a little Oil of Turpentine be added to this Spirit, the Particles of the Liquor will so leap forth, that I have seen it break a Glass Hermetically Sealed. All Distilled Waters of Herbs, so they be kept simply in a Glass, will remain incorrupt a long time, but if you add to the same Sugar or Syrup, it presently grows sour and is corrupted: Wherhfore, that the Fermentation of Bodies may be rightly unfolded, we must inquire, what those Particles or Substances are, and of what Nature of which mixed things are Compounded, and from those being put together, and mutual strive, motions for the most part naturally proceed.  
Although there be many and divers Opinions of Philosophers concerning the beginnings of Natural things, yet there are three chief deserve our Assent, and Faith, before the rest. That famous fourfold Chariot of the Peripatetics obtains the chief place, which emulous of the four wheeled Coach of the Sun, is hurried by a quick passage, through the fictitious Heaven of the first Matter, and measures that vast and empty thing, with a perpetual reciprocation. For they say, all things are Constituted out of Water, Air, Fire, and Earth; and that out of the divers transposition of these, Generation and Corruption, as also the changes of all alterations whatsoever, do arise. In the second place, and next, stands the Opinion of Democritus and Epicurus, which lately also hath been revived in our Age, this affirms all Natural effects to depend upon the Conflux of Atoms diversely figured, so that in all Bodies, there be Particles Round, Sharp, Foursquare, Cylindrical, Chequered or Streaked, or of some other Figure; and from the divers changes of these, the Subject is of this or that Figure, Work, or Efficacy. The third Opinion of the Origination of Natural Things, is introduced by Chemistry, which, when by an Analysis made by Fire, it resolves all Bodies into Particles of Spirit, Sulphur, Salt, Water, and Earth, affirms by the best right, that the same do consist of these. Because this Hypothesis determinates Bodies into sensible parts, and cuts open things as it were to the life, it pleases us before the rest.  
As to the four Elements, and first Qualities from thence deduced, I must confess that this Opinion doth something help for the unfolding the Phaenomena of Nature, but after so dark a manner, and without any peculiar respect to the more secret recesses of Nature, it salves the appearances of things, that 'tis almost the same thing, to say an House consists of Wood and Stone, as a Body of four Elements. The other Opinion, which is only a piece of the Epicurean Philosophy, forasmuch as it undertakes Mechanically the unfolding of things, and accommodates Nature with Working Tools, as it were in the hand of an Artificer, and without running to Occult Qualities, Sympathy, and other refuges of ignorance, doth happily and very ingeniously disentangle some difficult Knots of the Sciences, and dark Riddles, certainly it deserves no light praise: but because it rather supposes, than demonstrates it Principles, and teaches of what Figure those Elements of Bodies may be, not what they have been, and also induces Notions extremely subtle, and remote from the sense, and which do not sufficiently Quadrate with the Phaenomena of Nature, when we descend to particulars, it pleases me to give my sentence for the third Opinion , which is of the Chemists, and chief to insist upon this in the following Tract, to wit, affirming all Bodies to consist of Spirit, Sulphur, Salt, Water, and Earth, and from the divers motion, and proportion of these, in mixed things, the beginnings and end of things, and chief the reasons, and varieties of Fermentation, are to be sought. If any one shall object, That the Atomical, and our Spagyrics Principles, are altogether subordinate, to wit, that these, though at the last sensible, are resolved into those, only to be signified by Conception; I shall not much gainsay him, so it shows that those Conceptions are real. I being dull and purblind, leave the more accurate to quick sights, being content to be so wise as to perform the business of the outward Sense with Reason: for I profess, it pleases not me, to device or dream Philosophy. But that our Work may more rightly proceed, it will be necessary, to speak first a few things of these kind of Principles in general, and of their Affections.  
I mean by the name of Principles, not simple and wholly uncompounded Entities, but such kind of Substances only, into which Physical things are resolved, as it were into parts, lastly sensible. By the intestine motion, and combination of these, Bodies are begot, and increase: by the mutual departure and dissolution of these one from another, they are altered, and perish. In the mean time, what Particles are gathered together in the subjects, or departed away from them, will appear under the form of Spirit, Sulphur, Salt, or of one of the rest.   

CHAP. II. A description of the Principles of Chemists, and the Properties and Affections of them.  
1. Spirit's are Substances highly subtle, and Aetherial Particles of a more Divine Breathing, which our Parent Nature hath hid in this Sublunary World, as it were the Instruments of Life and Soul, of Motion and Sense, of every thing; whilst they of their own Nature are always enlarged, and endeavouring to fly away, jest they should too soon leave their subjects, they are bound sometimes with more thick Particles, that by entering into them, and by subtilizing them, and variously unfolding them, they dispose the substance to maturity, as is to be observed in the Vegetation, and Fermentation of Bodies; sometimes being restrained within some spaces, to wit, the Vessels or Bowel of living Creatures, they are compelled more often to repeat the same measures of their motions for the performing the works of Life, Sense and Motion. From the motion of these proceed the animation of Bodies, the growth of Plants, and the ripening of Fruits, Liquors, and other preparations; they determinate the Form and Figure of every thing, prefixed as it were by Divine designation: they conserve the bonds of the mixture by their presence; and open them, by their departure, at their pleasure: they bridle the irregularities of Sulphur and Salt. The perfection and state of every thing consists in the plenty and exaltation of Spirits, and the fall and declination, in their want and defect.  
As to the Subjects in which the Spirits are: Minerals because they are of a more fixed nature, wanting Motion and Vegetation, are almost without Spirits, or at lest are contented with a few. For the birth and growth of Vegetables, they are required in a more moderate quantity. In the Constitution of a living Creature, where there is greater Use of Spirits, for Sense and Motion, a far more plentiful quantity is found. In the works of Art, and chief in those which ascend to perfection, by Digestion and Fermentation, there are found to be a sufficiently great proportion of Spirits: but in all subjects whatsoever, whilst the immersed Spirits are mingled with the other Principles, their condition or state comes under a threefold consideration: for they are either depressed and scattered, and so involved with more thick Particles, that they are very little seen, or show forth their powers, as in things undigested, crude and unripe, may be perceived, in which the Spirits can hardly extricate themselves into motion, and from which they can hardly be drawn by Distillation. Or secondly, the Spirits flying forth from the thick substance of the rest, are full of vigour, shake and rightly dispose the more gross Particles, subtilise the thick, digest the crude, and bring things to the esteem or height of maturity and perfection: or lastly, Spirits having obtained the height of things, do luxuriate and make excursions out of the Body: hence those that remain, are by degrees lessened of their plenty and strength, until being lesle in power than the Particles of the Salts and Sulphur, they are put under their yoke, and by little and little are destroyed and driven away out of the Subject; on this threefold state depends the beginnings or rudiments, the maturity and exaltation, and the defect and end of things.  
It is observed, when the Spiritous Latex is drawn forth of any Liquor by Distillation, that the vapour or steam is not elevated into dew, that is, come together in little drops or dew, every where poured forth, as it is want to do in watery things; but it is divided into streaks, and many little rivulets, and renders the Alembic marked in every part, with strait lines, only not meridional, leading from the Centre of the top, to the brim of the Circumference. The cause of which seems to be this, to wit, since that the spirituous substance is very subtle, it is not easily Collected into Liquor; neither is it fixed every where about the sides of the Vessel, in its ascent, as watery Liquors; but always stretches further, and unless when it comes to the top itself of the little head, doth in no wise stay, but there the spirituous breath, being restrained as it were in a punct, and being brought backward, it gins to gather into dew: wherefore, from that top, as it were the Fountain, the Spirits flowing forth on every side by streams, descend in streaks towards the mouth or brim of the Alembic. And when those lines wholly disappear, it is a sign, that the spirituous substance is quite stilled forth, and that the watery breath only ascends.  
2, Sulphur is a Principle of a little thicker consistency than Spirit, after that, the most active: for when the Spirits first break forth from the loosened substance of the mixture, presently the Sulphureous Particles endeavour to follow. The Temperament of every thing, as to Heat, Consistency, and amiable frame or contexture, depends chief on Sulphur; from hence also for the most part arise, variety of Colours and Odours, the faimesses and deformity of the Body, also the diversity of tastes. In the Bosom of this the Spirits immediately in which as in a Copula, they are united, by the more hard embraces of the rest. The substance of Sulphur, though lesle subtle, is yet of more firceness and unruliness than the Spirits are, for this unless it be restrained, by the embrace of the others, as it were in bonds, and its Particles be detained one from another by the interjection or coming between of the rest, not only leaves the subject, but destroys itself, with too impetuous an eruption. Indeed the little bodies of this being gently moved, do cause digestion, and maturation, sweetness, and many perfective qualities in things: being a little more strongly moved, they induce heat, and an excess of qualities, inordinations, and chief a stinking savour: but being more impetuously moved or stirred up, they bring in the dissolution of Bodies, yea a flame and Burning.  
The substance of Sulphur is never seen sincere, yea it consists not of itself from others, but vanishes away into Air: its Particles being concreted and chained together, with Salt and Earth, are fixed as it were , as is seen in Metals and some Stones: or being Diluted with Spirit and Water, and tempered together with the rest, exist in motion, by which means (as was before said of Spirit) they are in a threefold state, within the substance of the mixture: for either first of all its little bodies being involved with Salt and Earth, or too much drenched with a watery humidity, are obscured, so that they exercise but little of virtue, from whence the humid and cold temper of things exists, their qualities are Obtuse, Dull, and of small virtue or force, and the Bodies lesle apt to be inflamed, as is discerned in unripe Fruit, raw Juices and green Wood Or secondly, The Particles of Sulphur begin to shine forth with Spirit, to be more thickly heaped or rolled together, and to appear eminent above the rest of the Principles. And so by its motion, they evaporate the superfluous moisture, digest Crudities, and induce a warm temper in things, active qualities, a lively force and maturation, or ripeness: which kind of exaltation of Sulphur may be observed in Wine and Liquors long Fermented, in ripe Fruits, in the Youth and florid Constitution of living Creatures. Or thirdly, The Sulphureous Partickles being gathered into vigour, grow too hot, lose the bonds of mixture, and desire to fly away; and from their divers manner of departure and separation, the dissolution of Bodies variously happens: For either they evaporate with Water and Spirit, by degrees, and without tumult, and leave their subjects lean and dry, which, when the Sulphur is wholly gone, fall into Ashes: Or secondly, in Bodis which abound with Sulphur, when the mixture is loosened, and the Spirits begin to fly away, the remaining Particles of Sulphur are want to be very much moved, and to grow exceeding hot; and being shut up in a thick substance, are gathered together more nearly, (as in Dung and Hay growing hot) and conceive heat, and sometimes Burning: breaking forth after this manner, by heaps, and impetuously, they breathe out a stinking smell, and bring on a rottenness to the subject. There is a third manner of eruption, whereby the Sulphureous Particles go forth of Bodies, when they withdraw themselves, as it were with violence, and being gathered together, break forth into fire and flame: whereby indeed becoming unbridled and untamed, they break all bars or lets, and wholly destroy the substance or frame of the Subject: By this means, by their own and proper effervescency they procure a Burning, as when they being laid up wet, or the wheels of Carts, or Axletree, made hot by motion do fire, or because Sulphur is enkindled by Sulphur: for its Particles being impetuously moved, shake or move all that's near them, and carry them into the like motion of Conflagration, as shall be more fully shown hererfter, when we shall discourse concerning the nature of fire.  
3. Salt is of a little more fixed nature, than either Spirit of Sulphur, nor so apt to fly away; but bestows a Compaction and Solidity on things, and also weight and duration, It retards the dissolution of Bodies, and promotes Congelations and Coagulations, and very much resists Putrefaction, Corruption, and Inflammation; to wit, forasmuch as it fixes the too volatile Sulphur and Spirit, and detains them in a Body: wherefore ponderous Woods, Stones, Metals, and what abound in Salt, are hardly enkindled, and remain a long while free from Corruption. Not only the duration of the individual, but also the propagation of the Species, depends very much upon the Principle of Salt, because the fertility of the Earth, the growth of Plants, and especially the frequent faetation, and bringing forth of young, in living Creatures, takes their Original from the Saltish Seed: hence it is, that Venus is said to arise from the Sea, and Lust is called Salacity. For Salt having obtained a flux, gathers together, and stirs up into motion, the idle, or too much disjoined little Bodies of Spirit or Sulphur, and excellently keeps them together with itself, for the producing the first groundwork of things.  
Salt within the frame of the mixture, is either altogether fixed, when its Particles being almost destitute of Spirit and Water, but bound together with Earth, or Sulphur, or both of them, grow into Stones, Metals, of Minerals of another kind; which fixity in Nature is imitated in making Glass, and Earthen Ware: or Salt is loosened from its fixedness, to wit, when its Particles being mixed with the other Principles, and chief with Spirit and Sulphur, and Diluted with Water do unfold themselves, and being diffused through the mixture, do Ferment with the rest: whilst the little Bodies of the Salt are after this manner put into motion, there is observed of them a threefold State or Condition, to wit, of Fusion, Volatilisation, and Fluxation.  
I call the State of Fusion, when the little Bodies of the Salt being Commixed with the rest, begin as to their smallest parts to be dissolved, and diffused, and explicated here and there, through the whole substance of the mixture, as may be observed in the Germination of Plants, in the first Conceptions of living Creatures, and in the beginnings of Fermentations; hence Spring only a rude and indigested formation of things, an ingrateful savour, and for the most part bitter of biting.  
From these first Rudiments of Motions, the Saline Particles ascend by little and little, to Vigour and Volatilisation, together with Spirit and Sulphur: to wit, whereby they run through the whole substance of the Body, and variously move its matter, and dispose it towards maturity. Some little Bodies sharpen, and stir up into Motion, others Fix, Establish, and Congeal into a stony hardness. If there be plenty of Spirits and Sulphur, the Particles of Salt, as their handmaids, go about to unite, and associate themselves intimately with them, that they are not only snatched together with them, through all the recesses of the mixture, but (the subject being exposed to Distillation) Salt also ascends in the Alembic, even as the Spirit. From the Volatilisation of Salt, Beauty, and Fairness, and savour chief sweet, hap in things, as in the florid blood of living Creatures, in ripe Fruits, as also in Sugar, Milk, and Honey, we know by experience.  
I mean the Fluxation of Salt, when the saline Particles, which being first gathered together, with Earth, or Sulphur, of associated with Spirit, and so remain separated one from another, afterwards the bond of the mixtion being loosened, they become wholly free, and unloosened from the yoke of the rest: for so they flow together, explicate themselves through the whole frame of the subject, and whilst Spirit and Sulphur for the most part fly away, these exercise a dominion over the remainder, and induce a soureness into the whole mixture: by reason of this Fluxation of Salt, Wine, Milk, Blood, and Eateable Things, at first grateful and sweet, grow ingratefully sour when they begin to Corrupt; and for this Reason, all Salts whatsoever, having gotten a Flux, by a violent Distillation by Fire (that is, being driven from the Combination of Earth) grow sour, than if the same sour Liquor, be put upon the insipid dead Head, the Whole lastly becomes salted.  
Salt being deprived of the Company of the rest, (except the Earth) becomes at last fixed, as is observed in Sea-Salt, or the incineration made of Herbs, whose Particles so cleave together, that they cannot be pulled asunder by the strongest Fire. When Vegetables are Distilled, some Saline Particles, though but few, made fit for Fusion, ascend with the rest; and from thence some Distilled Waters retain a genuine savour of the mixture: The parts of living Creatures being exposed to Distillation, yield a Volatile Salt: when Minerals, or ponderous Woods full of Salt, are brought under by Chemistry, the Distilled Liquor is like to Salt that hath gotten a Flux, and is very sour.  
Spirit and Sulphur easily unlock the substance of the mixture, and make way for themselves; but Salt cannot, unless it be snatched forth of doors together with the Spirit itself. As Spirit and Sulphur being outwardly applied, in dissolving or burning a Body, open as it were the doors for their Companions shut within, so also, Salt Liquors Distilled, do the same thing. For Stygian Waters strongly Corrode Metals, and are seen like a flame put to them, to burn and consume the same.  
Salt resists Inflammation, for that it detains the Sulphureous Particles in its Bosom, and hinders them from breaking forth. But excepting that Sal Nitre increases the burning of Sulphur, which indeed happens by accident, because that Salt, as it were an Hermaphrodite, grows very turgid with Sulphureous Particles also, combined in the mixture; wherefore, when the Salt is melted by other fired Sulphur, the shut up Sulphur, breaks forth with violence, and (like a blast from a B●llows) shakes the enkindled fire round about, and drives more impetuously the subject into a Body: In the mean time, if your put the flame to Nitre, it will not be enkindled at all; but being put to a Sulphureous Body, it promotes its enkindling; but the other Salts, lesle turgid with Sulphureous Particles, or rather destitute of them, being mixed with Sulphur, hinder its enkindling, and sometimes put it out.  
So much for the Active Principles, which effect, as it were, the first groundwork of Bodies: those which follow, chief bestow on them Consistency and Substance. For from hence exist either Liquids or Solids, Small things or Great. For Water and Earth, fill the little spaces that are empty, through the Combination of the rest, with their coming between, and amplify and enlarge the lineaments of he Body, otherwise too short and contracted.  
4. Water is the chiefest Vehicle of Spirit and Sulphur, by whose intervention they consociate one with another, and with Salt; for the other Principles, being dissolved by a watery humour, or at lest diluted, continued in motion, without which they grow stiff, as congealed things.  
When Water is wanting, the active Principles meet together too strictly, and mutually rub against, and consume themselves; and when for this reason, the supplement of food is cut of, the Body grows withered. If humidity abounds too much, these Elements are estranged or dissociated too much one from the other, wherefore the subject becomes sluggish and slow, and of lesle efficacy, and unapt for motion. Besides, Bodies too moist, are liable very much to rottenness and Corruption; because from too much Humidity the Combination of Spirit, and Sulphur, and Salt, is too loosely effected; that they do not mutually embrace one another, nor are retained with their embracement, in the subject. Indeed Water abounding easily evaporates, and than the frame of the mixture being loosened, and the doors set open, Spirit and Sulphur easily break forth, the way being made, and leave the subject, as it were vapid, or made sharp with Salt: for from hence, the infusions of Vegetables, Decoctions, Juices of Herbs, and all Liquid preparations, if the quantity of Water be greater than the rest of the Principles, and improportionate, quickly Corrupt.  
Water is most easily drawn forth out of every thing by Distillation, for when Spirit and Sulphur are often entangled with nets of Salt or Earth, they hardly let go-their embraces, and are not obedient but to a more intense heat, and often times require a previous Putrefaction. Water most easily, and often with no labour, is driven out of every Body. But most often it snatches in its flying away, some more lose Particles of Spirit and Sulphur, and carries them with itself, forth of doors.  
5. As the interjection of Water in Liquids', so of Earth in Solids, fills the empty little Spaces and Vacuities, left by the other Principles. For these, hinder the active Principles from a too straight embrace, whereby they should rub against themselves, and cleave one to another; also by its thickness, it retains too Volatile things: besides, it enlarges the due substance, and magnitude in Bodies.  
The more that Earth abounds in any thing, it is so much the lesle active, but of longer duration: hence Minerals endure a long while, than next the greater Trees; in the mean time Animals, and the more slender Plants, are but of short age.  
In Distillations, Earth ascends the Alembic, almost not at all, or but in a very little quantity: for the most part it is left, with a portion of Salt, for a Caput Mortuum or Dead Head; therefore it is called Terra Dammata, or damned Earth: because, when the other Principles are freed, the Prison being as it were broken, this is still detained: besides, Earth being deprived of the Company of the rest, is of no Use, nor capable of change, or exaltation.  
Thus much for the Elements or Principles of Natural things, considered apart, and by themselves. It follows, that some of their Affinities and Conjugations be unfolded: because these very strictly cohere with those, and very hardly or not at all are joined with others. Out of the mutual Combination of some, and disagreement of others, various Affections arise, the knowledge of which gives no little Light to the Doctrine of Fermentation.  
There is a certain Kindred and Similitude of parts, between Spirit and Sulphur, which are agile or light, and easily to be dissipated in both; wherefore, Spirit being driven forth of the Body, draws abundantly with it Sulphureous Particles, as is discerned in Spirituous Liquors Distilled out of any thing; to some of which if you mingle Water, the Liquor appears as it were troubled with precipitated Sulphur, but the Spirit without the Sulphur is undiscernably mixed with the Water, which however by reason of is Volatility, may be also easily drawn away and separated by Distillation.  
Although Spirit and Sulphur are Principles very resembling, and (because of a ready motion) either are inflameable, yet they are not one and the same, as is asserted by some: For Sulphur Copiously subsists in Bodies almost destitute of Spirit, to wit, in common Sulphur, Antimony, and other Minerals; in which its Particles are very fixed, and of their own nature almost , which is very far from the Nature of Spirits: For they abounding in any mixture, never lie idle, and always in motion, bring various alterations to the Subject where they devil; than if they abound in strength, they easily and without tumult carry themselves forth of doors of their own accord. But Sulphur, although it abound, doth not easily evaporate, but hath need of a strong heat, or an actual fire, that may make a way for it; and lastly, it breaks forth, not without a stink or burning: yea, if you endeavour to Distil Oily and Fat things, although very Sulphureous, with a moderate Fire, they are want to yield a Liquor only Waterish, and not inflameable; but if we provoke generous Wine, which swells with Spirit, by the gentle heat of a Bath, a most burning Water will Still forth, and apt wholly to be inflamed.  
Spirit is not presently joined with Salt: For Sugar and Salts are scarcely dissolved, by the rectified Spirit of Wine, but are after a manner associated by a long digestion and circulation; as is perceived in the Volatile Salt of Animals, of Tincture drawn forth from the Salts of Herbs, or of Minerals, by the Spirit of Wine. If that Spirits excel in plenty, and virtue, they assume to themselves, and Volatilise the Saline Particles. And therefore the Salt contained in the Juice or Blood of Animals, being associated with Spirit is volatilised: also the Spirit of Wine, being Distilled by many Cohalations, with the fixed Salt of Herbs, renders it Volatile, and makes it pass through the Alembic; but if the power of the Salt be greater, it tames the Spirit and fixes it. Hence the blood, being become Salt, by means of an ill diet, becomes lesle Spirituous. Fixed Salts, and the Oil of Vitriol fix the Spirits, grown too volatile, and unbridled; and Coagulate the Spirit of Wine itself.  
But Sulphur is a more fit subject of the Spirit, by the coming between of which it easily is united with Salt and the other Principles; and as Spirit best agrees with Sulphur and Water, so Sulphur intimately cleaves to Earth and Salt.  
As to Sulphur, besides its affinity with Spirit, it hath a great relation with Salt itself, to the volatilisation of which it doth not a little help: wherefore in Bodies which abound with a volatile Salt, there is found plenty of Sulphur, as in Amber, Soot, Horns and Bones, as also in the excrements of living Creatures; where Salt and Sulphur are in motion, and evaporate from the subject, a very stinking smell is sent forth; for Sulphur being sharpened with Salt, pricks more strongly the sensory, and strikes it with its sharpness; in the mean time, Sulphur exhaling with Spirit, both pleases the sense, and excites a very pleasant Smell.  
Sulphur is as it were distracted between Spirit and Salt, and adheres at once to both parties. In the Distillation of Amber, Turpentine, Hartshorn, and the like, a certain lesser part of Sulphur, being united to Spirit, first ascends, and causes a Yellow Oil, or clear Liquor of a grateful smell: the other part of Sulphur, being joined to the Salt, is driven forth in the second place, and is Distilied with a most stinking smell, in the form of a read or black Oil: In like manner, in the Circulation of the blood, a pure and delicate portion of Sulphur, being mixed with the Spirit, supplies both the Animal and Vital Spirit with matter; the other more thick part, being Boiled and Roasted with Salt, is laid up in the Choledock Vessels (or belonging to Choler) as it were a certain excrement separated from the blood. As Spirit does not easily Cohere with Salt, so Sulphur does not with Water: wherefore Fat and Oily things, as also Gums and Sulphureous Resines, either swim upon the Water, or sink down to its bottom. But Sulphureous things, Salt coming between, are commixed with a Watery Liquor, as we see Oils imbued with Sugar or Salt, to be dissolved in common Water, which otherwise would flow separate.  
Sulphur is not so tractable in Distillation, as Spirit, Water, or Salt: for the Particles of this, being very Viscous, stick together among themselves, and also to others, that they cannot easily be pulled from their embrace. Hence among Sulphureous things, there are some, which are not forced, but by a strong and burning heat, into a stinking Oil, and very empyreumatick, or smellin go Fire: but others, more pertinaciously cleaving together, are not to be loosened by Distillation, but are only broken into integral parts; and so ascend under the form of a dry Breath, as common Sulphur, Benzoin, Camphor, and the like.  
Salt, besides its affinity with Sulphur, is also most strictly united with Earth; wherefore Stones, and the more hard Minerals, consist chief of Salt and Earth. The Acid Spirits of Minerals, (which are only Salts resolved into Liquor by Distillation) if at last they be poured on the Caput Mortuum, Cohere with a strict embrace to it, that there will be need of a most strong Fire, to drive them forth again. Also in Glass, the union of Salt and Earth is so strictly made, that it will not suffer a Divorce by any means. Salt also is most easily dissolved in Water; and it melts of its own accord, in a moist Air: and these are as easily separated one from another.  
By reason of these Combinations, these Principles have got various Appellations, and not Congruous in their own Nature to themselves. For Sulphur, for as much as it is Associated with Spirit, is called pure and sweet; when with Salt, impure and stinking, for as much as with Salt and Earth, it is called thick and Earthly; when the Spirit assumes to itself Sulphureous Particles in a moderate quantity, it is seen to be sweet; when saline, sharp; when both, bitter. Salt has a divers disposition, and is known by many names, by reason of its various mixture with the other Elements, and chief with Earth: for besides the Titles of Fluid, Fixed, Volatile, for this reason it is termed Marine, Aluminous, Nitrous, Vitriolic, Armoniac, or of some other kind. By some, these kind of Conjugations are esteemed, but wrongfully, as so many divers Principles, when they are but more simple mixtures, by the coming together of the first Elements, and being loosened by Distillation they openly show their Race, from whence they are. For all Salts whatsoever being driven into a Flux by the Fire, show Liquors very near of Kin one to another, to wit, Acetous: by the like means Spirit and Sulphur are compelled to put of their Masks, and to resume the Native Species common to each.  
And so much for the Principles of Natural Things, and of their Affections and conjunctions. It is abundantly manifest, that these kind of Substances are in every Body, (besides the analysis of Bodies Chemically instituted) also from the Mutations, and effects of Things, which hap of their own Nature. When Must is Ripened into Wine, is not Spirit, a Sulphureous part, also Salt, and Earth Conspicuous to our Taste and Eyes, besides the watery Liquor? Also the Juice of every Plant being exalted by Digestion, exhibits the same sincere, and as it were distinct: what is greater, things subject to the Flame, when they seem to be burnt, and reduced almost to nothing, they go into these kind of Particles; besides the Salt remaining in the Ashes, the Smoke and Flame grow together into Soot, as it were a Meteor, in which are comprehended together, Spirit, Sulphur, Salt, Water, and Earth, as it were in a certain compendium of the mixture. For the active Principles abound in Soot more than in any other inanimate Body.  
But because with some there hath spread a certain suspicion, that those our Princlciples, chief the Saline and Sulphureous, are to be produced for the most part by Fire, and are no ways to be found in mixed things, unless after the coming between of that: I will witness to you in some instances, that the thing is plainly otherwise. Concerning the first, It is commonly known, that the Ashes of every Plant, being once Elixivated, or made into a Lie, if it be afterwards Calcined, will not yield any thing of Salt; besides if Concretes being Distilled, Exhale or Breath forth a very sharp or acid Liquor, their Calx is not saltish; and on the contrary when the Salt being Volatilised or brought to a Flux, ascends the Alembic, you shall seek for it in vain in the dead head. To prove the existency of the Sulphureous Principle in Vegetables, take Guaiacum, or a piece of any other ponderous Wood, and being put into a Glass Retort, draw it forth by degrees; it shall exhibit, together with an Acid Liquor (which water is saltish) in great quantity, a blackish Oil (which part of it is Sulphureous.) It appears from hence that this was in the Body before the Distilling, and in no wise produced by its Operation, because if you proceed after another manner, that the Sulphur may be taken out of the Concrete before Distillation, the Liquor that comes forth will be almost wholly deprived of its Oiliness: Wherhfore, if you pour Spirit of Wine to those Chips of Wood, it will Extract in a great quantity, by this Menstruum, a pure Resine, which is the Sulphureous part if self: than if you Distil (as before) in a Retort, the remaining Chips being washed in common Water and dried, you will have a very little Oil only. What is more to be admired, and confirms also more fully the truth of this kind of Origination, some Bodies, which being almost destitute of Spirit and Sulphur (because chief Volatile) consist chief of Salt, Earth and Water, are separated into these Elements by Distillation: the same mixture in number, and wholly known by the same accidents, is restored to them, being mingled together again; for example, if you Distil Vitriol in a Reverberating Furnace, you shall have a Phlegm almost insipid, or a Watery part, than a Liquor very sour, or a Salt having gotten a Flux, and in the bottom, a Read Earth, and finely Purpled: this being rightly performed, if the two Distilled Liquors be poured to the dead head, you shall have the same Vitriol, as you had before, and again revived, in the same Colour, taste, yea and almost in weight. In like manner you may proceed, with the same success, with Nitre, Sea-Salt, Salt of Tartar, and perhaps with Alum and other Minerals: So that those Concretes, which consist of fixed, and stable Elements, may like a Mechanic Engine be pulled into pieces, and presently without hurting the Machine, be restored or made whole. But there is enough spoken concerning the Principles of Natural Bodies. These being thus premised, we will proceed to the thing proposed in the beginning, to wit, the Doctrine of Fermentation.   

CHAP. III. What Fermentation is: It's Division as to the Subjects, and first of Minerals.  
FErmentation is an intestine motion of Particles, or the principles of every Body, either tending to the perfection of the same Body, or because of its change into another. For the Elementary Particles being stirred up into motion, either of their own accord or Nature, or occasionally, do wondered more themselves, and are moved; do lay hold of and obvolve one another: the fubtil and more active, unfold themselves on every side, and endeavour to fly away; which notwithstanding being entangled, by others more thick, are detained in their flying away. Again, the more thick themselves, are very much brought under, by the endeavour and Expansion of the more Subtle, and are attenuated, until each of them being brought to their height and exaltations, they either frame the due perfection in the subject, or complete the alterations and mutations designed by Nature.  
Fermentation is an action or motion merely Natural, and what doth perform it, are only Particles Naturally implanted in the Concrete; yet as to the subjects in which they are found, it is want to be variously distinguished. And either things of Nature are said to ferment in a threefold Family, of Minerals, Vegetables and Animals; or the Works of Art, to wit, when Actives are applied to Passives by an outward Agent. Though the Term and consideration of Fermentation, are chief due to Artificial things, and things made by Hand, yet it will not be from the puropse, to speak first something of Natural Things, that a Comparison being made of either, the Truth of our Hypothesis, and the certainty of the Principles may be confirmed. But this only lightly and by the way, in this place I shall pass over, because their more full handling belongs to Physiology, or the Doscourse of Natural or Physical Things.  
In the first place, as to Minerals, although in the Bowels of the Earth, the Fermentation is lesle conspicuous than in the Supersicies, yet it easily appears that the Elementary Particles, or the Fermentative Principles, are included in the depth of the Earth, as in a certain pregnant Womb: which there constitute Concretes, and things gathered together, by strict Embraces, the Productions of Minerals; but being loosened, and moved in the Bosom of the Earth, or exhaled upwards, cause the appearances of Meteors.  
First, The Generation of the more hard Minerals, induces rather Congelation than Fermentation; because indeed these Principles, growing together in every Subject, are so fixed, and as it were bound together in Bonds, that they are not able any ways to move themselves, or to departed one from another. This kind of Fixation chief depends on the plenty and greater proportion of Salt and Earth, (sometimes with an addition of Sulphur) than there is of Spirit or Water, To wit, Salt and Earth, being most smally broken, and resolved even into a Vapour, lay hold of one another, and stiffen into a hard matter, and at last not to be loosened; almost after the same manner as making of Glass, and the burning of Bricks and Earthen Ware, are performed. For Glass consists of Salt and Earth, which when being broken into most small bits by a very intense Fire, they suffer a Flux, they mutually lay hold of one another, and so strictly and intimately come together, that they arenever to be parted. Glass is more fragil, or easy to be broken, than Earthen Pots, or Minerals, because it has a greater plenty of Salt, than of Earth, which is more plentiful in Earthen Ware, and in Minerals: To some of which, also happens a modicum of Sulphur, and for that reason they are more tenacious and ductil; as is to be observed in Metals, when in the mean time stones, and what contain little of Sulphur, are fragil, and apt by every stroke, to fly to pieces. In Vitrification there is need of a violent Fire, for the fusion of the Salt and the Earth, (whose Particles, as is commonly said, are the Pestles of the Chemists) but within the Bowels of the Earth, there is not required such a fusion by Fire, for the Concretion of Minerals, because Salt and Sulphur exist, being naturally resolved into most simple Particles; which, when they lay hold on the Earth, easily stiffen into Metal, or into a stony hardness. There are some Fountains found out, which, for that they folw with a Primitive Salt, and resolved into small Particles, what every Bodies are immersed therein, they 'cause them presently to become stony. We have read also, of Men changed into Stones, yea a whole City to have been stiffened into a stony substance, by the Air, or by some Vapour brought forth of the Earth: The Faith of which thing is left to the Authors.  
Meteors are made out of the same Principles by which Minerals are made, and conceived almost in the same Womb: but loosened from Concretion wand'ring here and there, and diversely fluctuating: or which being included in Subterraneous Vaults, and there moved, produce divers Springing up of Fountains, or ebullitions of hot Vapours; or exhaling from the Dens of the Earth, and being mixed with Airy little Bodies, they cause within the Region of the Atmosphere, as it were a divers fashioned Landscape, of Clouds, Winds, and the appearances of other things, in the Superficies of the Earth, or on high: in either there are highly active Principles, chief Salt and Sulphur. Spirits are either deficient in Meteors, even as in Minerals, or are found only in a very small quantity or proportion: to wit, they are almost wholly excluded from these, by reason of the strict frame of the Subject, which doth not easily yield space, and passage for their motion; also they abstain from those (viz. Meteors) by reason of the lax, and wholly lose structure of Matter, from whence they, who are mighty in swiftness, easily break forth, and desire to fly away.  
Within the Bosom of the Earth, the Saline Particles being loosened, even into a Vapour, and than kneaded with an Earthy Matter or the moistening of Waters, they 'cause Eruptions of Fountains, and Acidulous or Spa Waters, which resemble the disposition of Vitriol, Alum, Nitre, sometimes of Iron or Copper. Also the Sulphureous little Bodies being loosened, and gathered together, enkindle an Heat, and sometimes Subterraneous Fires; by whose Breathes the Dens and Caverns being made Hot, like an Hothouse, whilst the Watery humours pass through them, they from thence conceive their Heat, and supply the Springs of Hot Fountains for Baths.  
In like manner, in this visible and Etherial world, Vapours both Sulphureous and Saline, and of a divers Kind and Nature, perpetually breath forth, and are diffused through the whole Region of Air. From hence the diversity of winds, the vicissitudes of Cold and Heat, Rain, Snow, Hail, Dew, and Hoar Frost, and what are of this Nature, have their Origine. Concerning the particular instances of these, the famous Gassendus may be consulted, who in his Epicurean Philosophy, most aptly deduces the Phaenomena, almost of all Meteors, and the reasons of them, from the Exhalations of Sulphur, and Salts, either Nitrous, Vitriolic, Aluminous or Armoniac.   

CHAP. IU. Of Fermentation for as much as is observed in Vegetables.  
IN Vegetable, Fermentation is yet more plainly discerned: for whilst they Bud forth, Grow, Flower, hear Fruit, Ripen, Decline and Dye, we may observe the divers motions of Particles or Principles, their various Habits and Tempers. I intent not here to describe the several ways and proceed of these. It will be sufficient, for the undolding the Doctrine of Fermentation, to take notice of some chief instances, concerning this Subject.  
If is manifest, by daily Experience, that all Plants whatsoever, exposed to a Spagyrical or Chemical Operation, may with little labour, be resolved into the aforesaid  Elements; But in some there is found a greater plenty of Salt, in others of Sulphur; in some Spirits abound: Water, and Earth, are in most proportionated, according to the Bulk and magnitude of the thing. Plants in which Salt abounds, with a mean of Sulphur, and a little quantity of Spirits, are for the most part of long Age, somewhat big, or flourish all the Winter, or though their Leaves fall, they keep a Nutricious Juice under the Bark. Of which sort are the Oak, Ash, Elm, Boxtree, and all ponderous Woods and Shrubs.  
In some Sulphur abounds, uviht a little Salt and Spirit, as are the Pine, the Firr-Tree, Cyprus Tree, Juniper, Ivy, Olive, Cedar, and Myrtle Trees, and all resinous Plants; which, for the most part have a sweet smell, and are perpetually Green, by reason the juice, wherewith they are nourished, is viscous, and not easily to be dissipated. In others, besides plenty of Salt, and Sulphur, Spirits also are found, in a greater proportion, as are Fruitbearing Trees, and especially the Vine, from whose Fruit the Juice being wrung out, and purified by Fermentation, grows very big with Spirit. Of this rank are Plants for the most part Medicinal, also such as produce Curious, and Odoriferous Flowers, But in some Water and Earth luxuriat in too great a quantity above the other Elements, as in cold Plants, and such as grow in too rank a Soil.  
The Germination of Plants happens after this manner, either it is made out of the Seed, Root, Trunk, or of its own Nature, from the naked matrix of the Earth. First, the Spirit being shut up within, by the Ambient Heat and Moisture loosening the frame of the mixture, being loosened, it presently endeavours to fly away: But being held back in its flight, by the more thick Particles of the rest, stretches forth more largely its Den, and together with the other Principles, with which it is bound, thrusts forth on every side, into length and breadth: even as a little bundle of Silk, being contracted into wrinkles and folds, is opened here and there: In the mean time, the little Spaces left by the enlargement of the Spirit, and as it were made hollow, are filled up by the next Matter, driven even into the Vacuities. And after this manner the Architect Spirit, with his Ministers, Salt and Sulphur, still stretching forth itself, like a Snail, frames for itself an Houfe, whose Inhabitant it is, and by dilating itself, stretches forth that, until at last it hath wrought the Plant into the due Bulk and Figure designed by Nature.  
You may take notice, that the times of the year, for the Budding, Flowering, Ripening, and decaying of Vegetables, are of great Efficacy and Virtue: All the Winter, the Womb of the Earth, as it were shut up, is almost barren: for the Spirituous Particles, which are want to actuate the rest, and as it were to lead the dance of Natural Motions, are either chased away by the Winter's Cold, or being Congealed in their Subjects, are fixed: Wherhfore at this time Germination and Vegetation are very rare, unless that some irregular Plants, which are composed of plenty of Spirit, Salt, and Sulphur, dare to break forth. But in the Spring, when the bowels of the Earth begin to be a little warm, by the Vicinity of the Sun, presently they are impregnated with a wondered Fecundity, and produce the effects of their Seminality. Not only the Superficies of the Earth, but also the Water and Air, every where, grow big with Spirituous Particles; which as it were raise up from the Dead, the little Bodies of Salt, and Sulphur, and bring them into Motion: Therefore, besides that the Plants Bud, the Juice and Blood of living Creatures is quicker and more apt to abound. At this time the Birds and Fishes build their Nests, and bring forth Eggs: also we may perceive in ourselves the Blood to flow high in the Vessels, and usually to Ferment too much. For all things are than full of this Aetherial Substance, and the whole Bulk of Nature, as it were inspired by a lively Fermentation, is abundantly fruitful of Motions and Generations. Yea, these our Principles, at first separated and dispersed one from another, led as it were by an Appetite of Copulation, enter into mutual Marriages, and being Married together, almost with infinite Embraces, 'cause a most ample Seeding, and Germination of the Herby State.  
At the beginning of the Summer, (and perhaps in some sooner in some later) when sufficient time hath been granted for the Stature and Magnitude of every Plant, and that it is now come to the height of increase; it behoves Nature to perfect her Work, and to cook and ripen the Substance, as yet rude and undigested: Wherhfore the active Principles leisurely extricate themselves from the more thick, and creep forward towards the top, there being placed with a mutual increase, they are form into Flowers and Blossoms, from which at length (for that they are of a soft and light texture) Spirit and Sulphur easily evaporate, and the frame of the mixture quickly decays. But Nature careful of the perpetuating every thing, when it cannot keep for ever the individuum, is so provident, that the Species may not wholly perish: Wherhfore she institutes new and more firm and lasting Combinations of Spirit, Salt and Sulphur. For she selects from the whole Substance of the Plant, the more noble and highly active Particles, and these being gathered together, with a little Earth and Water, she forms in the Seed, as it were the quintessences of every Plant; in the mean time the Trunk, Leaves, Stalks, and the other Members of the Plant; being almost quite deprived of the active Principles, are much depauperated, and are of lesle Efficacy and Virtue.  
About Autumn, after the Seeds are framed, (as it were pledges left in memory of the Plant) the Particles of Spirits, Salt and Sulphur, which remain, being now placed in their Strength or Exaltation, endeavour a Dissolution, and Departing one from another. And first of all, the Spirits evaporate by degrees with the Watery humour, through the Doors fet open by the Summer Sun, with which the more pure parts of the Sulphur, make also their Journey: in the mean time the Salt being fixed with the Earth, and more thick Sulphur, is left behind: Wherhfore in most the Leaves fall at this time, and in those of a tender and light Constitution, the Principles are wholly dissipated, and the Trunk and Stalk, together with the Root, wholly die. In some, after the falling of the Seed, with the Leaves, the Stalks whither; in the mean time the Principles, which may renew the Plant in the next Spring, are preserved in the Root.  
Also Winter coming on, the face of things is wholly changed; and the Elements, which in the Spring did affect to be Joined and to Mary one with another, seek nothing more than Divorces. The Spirits fly away from very many things, and wander in the Air; in the mean time the Particles of Salt and Sulphur lie as it were benumbed and asleep. Not only the Bodies of Vegetables, but of very many Animals, are left as it were dead all the Winter, till they are raised again to life by the Spirit, returning with the Vernal Sun, and as it were animated anew. But this little Branch being made concerning the Vegetation of Plants, it is now fit that we proceed on our Journey to Fermentation, by the Rule of our before established Method, to what is to be observed, concerning the parts, and humours of Living Creatures.   

CHAP. V Of things to be Observed of Fermentation about Animals.  
IT is so certain that the Bodies of Animals, consist of the aforesaid Principles, that it wants no proof. For they so plentifully swell up, with Spirit, Salt and Sulphur, that their Particles are obvious to the sense: Wherhfore th●● are moved with a more swift motion, and more excellent senses of Life, and Functions of Heat, in the Sujects, in which they are implanted, are enlarged. It would be too much labour, and tedious, here to describe, the several manners and processes of Fermentations. The first beginnings of Life proceed from the Spirit Fermenting in the Heart, as it were in a certain little punct. The motion of this, is not as in Vegetables, slow and insensible, and only to be known by their increasing; but presently becoming rapid, is conspicuous to the Eyes: because the Spirit leaping from the Punct, as from a Prison, being stirred, and having obtained the Vehicle of Blood, swiftly runs forth; and leaping forth, it cannot wholly fly away, it makes hollow spaces for itself in the thick substance, in which it is included, for its excursion, being compelled some other way backward. Lastly being returned to the Heart, it Ferments the more, wherefore it stretches forth further the spaces of its Excursion, and so easily makes an hollow way for its return back; and after this manner, for the carrying about the Blood, Arteries and Veins, as Channels and Rivulets are framed through all the parts of the Body: and on such a Vicissitude of Motion, or Reciprocation, depends the life of living Creatures, which, that Nature might preserve a long while, she placed the Ferment in the Heart, by whose instinct, or endeavour, the Blood grows impetuously Hot, and as it were enkindled into a Flame by its Deflagration, diffuses the effluvia of its Heat round about on every side: for by the Fermentation, or Accension which the Blood suffers in the Bosom of the Heart, very many Particles of Spirit, Salt and Sulphur, endeavour to break forth from its loosened frame: by which being much rarified, and like Water boiling over a Fite, the moved and boiling Blood is carried through the Vessels, not without great Tumult and Turgescency. We would speak more in this place, both of the Natural Fermentation of the Blood, and the Feverish, but that we reserve this Consideration for a peculiar Tract, where we Treat of Fevers.  
Besides this Ferment constituted in the Chimney of the Heart, upon which the motion and heat of the Blood very much depends, there are others laid up every where in the Bowels, of a divers disposition, by the help of which, both the Chyle (which is the Rudiment or Beginning of the Blood) and the Animal Spirits, its Quintessence, are truly framed. There are others also which serve for the perfecting the Blood, transmuting it into other Liquors, and freeing it from Excrementitious Matter: It will be too far from our proposed method, to wander, to insist upon each of these, and to reap another's Harvest: Wherhfore I will only add in this place, some select instances, which may illustrate the Doctrine of Fermentation.  
It is commonly received, that the Concoction of the Chyle, in the Ventricle, is made by the means of a certain Acid Ferment: That such a thing is the Acid belching in a full Stomach, and the want of it in the loss of Stomach, in Feverish and Dysenterical people do testify, etc. and its restitution a sign of Health: to which may be added this Observationn; Chalybeat Medicines being taken at the Mouth, a little after excite a Sulfureous savour in the Throat, as if hard roasted Eggs had been eaten: which seems wholly to be made by the Acid Ferment of the Ventricle, gnawing the Iron, even as Spirit of Vitriol, being sprinkled upon the filings of Steel, excites such a stinking and Sulphureous Odour. Some say this Ferment is breathed into the Stomach from the Spleen, but by what means that may be done doth not yet appear by Anatomical Observation. It seems not improbable that this Ferment is implanted in the Ventricle, that it is only made by some remains of the perfected Chyle, which fixed in the folds of the Ventricle. and there growing sour, puts on the Nature of Ferment; even as a portion of Doughty being fermented or levened, and and kept to a sowrness, becomes a convenient Ferment or Leven, for the making of Bread. In like manner this kind of Acid humour being prepared from the Aliments, and long carried in the Ventricle, promotes the Concoction, and subaction or subduing of the Food. For Acid things, which are full of Salt, carried out to a Flux, excellently conduce both to the Fermenting and Dissolving of Bodies: Wherhfore by the action of this, Salt and Sulphur, with which eatable things very much abound, are broken in the Ventricle, and are reduced into very small parts. The Chyle being after this manner Fermented, acquires a Milky colour, by reason that the Sulphureous Particles are dissolved together with the Saline, and mixed with the Acid Ferment. For if you pour an Acetous humour to any Liquor impregnated with Sulphur and volatile Salt, it presently grows white like Milk; as may be discerned in the preparing the Milk of Sulphur, or the Resinous extracts of Vegetables. Yea, the Spirits of Heart's Horn, or Soot, being very full of Volatile Salt, if they be poured to any Acid Liquor, or simple Water, acquire a Milky colour.  
Concerning this Ferment hid in the folds of the Ventricle, it is observed that it is after various manners, and changes the Aliments by a divers means: for though in a sound Constitution it is indifferently Acid, and chief owes its force and energy to the Salt being brought to a Flux; yet it often declines from this laudable condition, and contains in itself either too much of sowrness, or lesle than it aught to have: In the former Case, where the Salt hath got too sour a Dominion, all things taken in, (the Saline Particles being carried forth to a Flux, and the rest unduly brought under) presently grow sour: as most often happens in Hypochondriack Distempers: on the other side, where the Volatile Principles obtain the first place, (Fermentation being too hastily made) the Sulphureous parts of the Chyle are suddenly, and as it were forceably exalted, and the unconcocted of the Saline, pass into Choler: which ordinarily happens to those abounding with bitter Choler. They therefore who have the Ventricle affected after this latter manner, Sweet and Fat meats being eaten, they are troubled with a bitter and bilious Taste: Again, they who suffer the contrary disposition, although they eat the most simple Food, sand forth plentifully Acid and Stinking belchings: and indeed this seems to come to pass even after the same manner, as when a little too much Yeast is put to the Batch of Doughty, it becomes bitter; or when too great a Portion of sour Ferment, or Leven is put to the same Dough, the Bread from thence contracts a mighty sowrness.  
As the Blood in the Heart, and appending Vessels, the Chyle in the Ventricle, so the Animal Spirit is wrought in the Brain, whose Original and Motions are very much in the dark. Neither doth it plainly appear, as to the Animal Spirit, by what workman it is prepared, nor by what Channels it is carried, at a distance, quicker than the twinkling of an Eye. But it seems to me that the Brain with Scull over it, and the appending Nerves, represent the little Head or glassy Alembic, with a Sponge laid upon it, as we use to do for the highly rectifying of the Spirit of Wine: for truly the Blood when Rarified by Heat, is carried from the Chimney of the Heart, to the Head, even as the Spirit of Wine boiling in the Cucurbit, and being resolved into Vapour, is elevated into the Alembick; where the Sponge covering all the opening of the Hole, only transmits' or suffers to pass through the more penetrating and very subtle Spirits, and carries them to the snout of the Alembick: in the mean time, the more thick Particles, are stayed, and hindered from passing. Not unlike this manner, the blood being delated into the Head, its spirituous, volatile, and subtle Particles, being restrained within by the Skull, and its menyuges, as by an Alembick, are drunk up by the spongy substance of the Brain, and there being made more noble or excellent, are derived into the Nerves, as so many snouts hanging to it. In the mean time the more crass or thick Particles of the blood, being hindered from entering, are carried back by Circulation: But the highly agile and subtle Spirits enter the smallest and scarcely at all open pores of the Brain and Nerves, and run through them with a wondered swiftness: For there is need only of such Receptacles and Channels, for the Animal Spirit, in which there are none, or at lest very small cavities or holes; otherwise the blood or excrementitious humours, their Followers and Companions would not be excluded. Also, besides, if these Spirits should run about through too open and lose spaces, being easily dissipated, they would fly away: wherefore, when there is need of a Pipe for the transmitting of blood, or serous water, the Spirit of Wine runs rapidly through the secret passages of the Instrument or Leather. Neither doth the more strict frame of the Brain and Nerves serve only for the straining of the subtle from the thick, and the pure from the impure; but also that spirituous and most subtle Liquor, being as it were distilled from the blood, gets yet a farther perfection in the Brain; for there being inspired by a certain Ferment, whereby it is yet more volatilised, it is made more fit for the performing the offices of motion and sense. Because the substance of the Brain is exceeding full of a Volatile Salt, which is of great Virtue for the sharpening and subtilising the Spirits; therefore the Spirits of Heart's Horn, or of Soot, are far more penetrating than Spirits of Wine.  
The Seminal Vessels and Genital Parts, do so swell up with Fermentative Particles, that there is nothing more: here Spirit, Salt, and Sulphur, being together compacted, and highly exalted, seem in the Seed to be reduced as it were into a most noble Elixir. These kind of active Principles do not only Ferment in the Womb, for the forming of the Child or Young ones, but also as it were with a living Ferment, they inspire through all the Body, the whole Mass of blood, that it may be more Volatile, and more sharply Hot: wherefore in women who have the Ferment of the Womb in good order, their Face is furnished with a curious and flourishing colour, their heat is more lively and copious; moreover, the Mass of Blood growing too rank, there is need of emptying it every Month by the Flux of their Courses; but when this Fermentation from the Womb is wanting, both Virgins and Women become Pale, and as it were without blood, short wound, and unfit for any motion. Also in men, from the Seminal Ferment, hap abundance of heat, great strength, a sounding Voice, and a manly eruption of Beard and Hair; by reason of the defect of this, men grow womanish, to wit, a small Voice, weak Heat, and want of Beard are caused.  
Since we Treat of Ferments, which are found in the Animal Body, we may here opportunely inquire, what is the use of the Spleen: concerning which all good things are said by some; that it is as it were another Liver, and serves for the making of blood, for the Viscera of the lower Belly: It is by others reputed to be of a most vile use; that it is only the Sink or Jakes, into which the Feculencies of the blood are cast. By reason of its structure, we make this sort of conjecture; because the Arteries, do carry the blood to this, and the Veins bring it away, neither any other thing is carried in, or conveyed out, and for that its substance is filled with black, and stagnating blood, it seems that it is as it were a store-house for the receiving of the earthy and muddy part of the blood: which afterwards, being exalted into the Nature of a Ferment, is carried back to the blood for the heating of it: Wherhfore, while the blood being carried by the Arteries enters the Spleen, something is drawn from it, to wit, the muddy and terrestrial Particles, which are as it were the dregss, and Caput Mortuum of the blood; that by this means the whole Mass of the Blood, might be freed from the Melancholic or Atrabilous Juice; which is separated in the Spleen, even as the yellow Bile or Choler, is in the Liver: wherefore, for the most part the Spleen is of a black or bluish colour, by reason of the Feculencies or dregss there laid up. But as this Juice deposited in the Milt or Spleen, is not altogether unprofitable, but by reason of the plenty of fixed Salt, is of a very Fermenting Nature; it is not presently, as the Choler, cast into the sink, but is farther Cooked in the Spleen, and being exalted goes into a Ferment; which being lastly committed to the blood promotes its motion and Volatilisation: Wherhfore, as something is drawn from the blood, entering the Spleen by the Arteries, to wit, the Crude Juice of Melancholy; so something is continually added to the same, flowing back through the Veins, to wit, the same Juice concocted and exalted into the Nature of a Ferment: Even as Chemists, in Distilling, that the Liquor may be made better, separate the Subtle and Spirituous parts, from the Caput Mortuum, and than pour them on it again; and this work they so often repeat, till the Caput Mortuum or dead Head, is by frequent Distillation Volatized, and the Liquor rightly exalted, even in all its Particles. That this is the use of the Spleen, it is a sign, for that this inward being ill affected, the blood either ferments too much, as in the Scorbutic and Hypochondriack Distempers; or if the Spleen be obstructed, or beset with a Scirrhous Tumour, the blood is destitute of fit Fermentation, and causes the Dropsy, cachexy or evil disposition of the Body, or the Tympany.  
As we assert, the Earth and muddy part of the blood, which consists chief of Earth and fixed Salt, being separated in the Spleen, to pass there into a Ferment; so it seems not improbable, that also the Adust, or as it were the fiery part of the blood, to wit, the Yellow Bile, which consists chief of Salt and Sulphur, being separated in the Liver, and from thence transmitted to the intestines, serves for some use of Fermentation. For this being mixed with the Chime or Juice, fallen from the Ventricle to the intestines, makes it there to grow hot and to swell up; whereby both the Elementary Particles are more overcome, and by reason of the Rarification or swelling up, the purer part is wrung forth into the Milky Vessels, for the Nutritious Juice.  
We are not only born and nourished by the means of Ferments: but we also die: Every Disease acts its Tragedies by the strength of some Ferment. For either the Sulphureous and Spirituous part of the blood, being too much carried forth, boils up immoderately in the Vessels, like Wine growing hot, and from thence Fevers of a divers kind and nature are enkindled: or sometimes the Saline part of the blood, being too much carried froth, suffers a Flux; and from thence it being made acid, austere, and sometimes sharp, is apt for various Coagulations: from which the Scurvy, Dropsy, Stone, Leprosy, and very many Chronical Diseases arise.  
Yea we also endeavour the Cure of Diseases by the help of Fermentation: For to the preserving or recovering the Health of man, the business of a Physician and a Vintner, is almost the same: the blood and humours even as Wine, aught to be kept in an equal temper and motion of Fermentation: wherefore when the blood grows too hot, even as Wine, it is usual to empty some out of the Vessels, and to alloy its Fervour with temperate things. If any extraneous or heterogeneous thing, is mixed with it, unless growing hot of its own accord, it drives it forth of doors; Purging, Vomiting, and Sweeting Medicines, by shaking and fusing the blood and humours, promote its seclusion: when that the blood is depauperated, and grows lesle hot than it should do, Cardiacks, Digestives, and especially Chalybeats or steeled Medicines restore its vigour and Fermenttation: not otherwise than Wines growing sour or degenerating into a deadness or want of strength, are mixed with more rich Leeses, whereby they may Purge or grow turgid anew. I could easily unfold the Curatory intentions, as also the effects and operations of every Medicine, according to the Doctrine of Fermentation; but I design aparticular meditation for this thing: for the perfecing of which serious work, God willing, I have determined to add to the business of Medicine, as I hope, something not unprofitable.  
Having thus far wandered in the spacious field of Nature, we have beheld all things full of Fermentation; not only in the distinct Provinces of Minerals, Vegetables and Animals, do we discern the motions and effects of this, but also the whole Sublunary world, seems as if one and the same substance were planted, and very pregnant through the whole with Fementative Particles; which in every Region and Corner of it, as little Emmet's in a Molehill, are busied in perpetual motion and agitation; they fly about here and there; sometimes upwards, sometimes downward they are hurried, they variously meet one another, associate themselves, and again departed asunder; with a continual Vicissitude they enter into divers Marriages, and suffer Divorces, on which the beginnings, the death, and transmutations of thins, depend. These little Bodies do not only very much abound in the bosom of the Earth, or in the midst of the waters, but they are especially diffused through the whole Atmosphere of the Air in thick heaps. It is sufficient that I have noted in this place, some examples in a word: I have not determined a more full speculation of them here. It is time that we proceed from Physical things, to the works of Art.   

CHAP. VI Of Fermentation, as it is performed in Artificial things.  
IN the works of Art, so various and manifold provision of Fermentation is perceived, that it is altogether impossible to enumerate their several Species; or to reduce the divers instances of this to certain Classes or Heads of distribution. Making use of the third of the following method, we will subjoin some examples, (which have happened to our observation) by whose rule, many others may be laid open.  
Concerning Fermentation, which is made in the Subjects, made by hand, or human industry, these three things are chief to be considered.  
First, of what Nature and Composition Bodies are, that are most fit for Fermentation, and which are lesle convenient for it.  
Secondly, What things are requisite about Fermentation, to wit, what are want to promote, or also to hinder its motion in every Subject.  
Thirdly, How manifold the motion of Fermentation is, and the end of it; also what are the effects and alterations which follow it.  
As to the first, That all Bodies, (when tending to perfection) may truly Ferment, they are required,  
In the first place, That there be some parts lose and disjoined; otherwise the Fermentative Particles will not be stretched forth, or move from place to place: Wherhfore in the more hard compacted things, or in viscous things, or too much boiled, or evaporated too a spissitude or dryness, Fermentation does not succeed. What are Liquid, as Wine, Beer, the Juices of Fruits and Herbs, easily and quickly swell up; next to these what are soft, though they are of a thicker Consistency, as Bread, and most Eatable things, and Medicinal Compositions.  
Secondly, It is required that there be an Heterogeneity of parts, or a confusion of all the Principles together; to wit, that some Particles do oppose othess, and stir them into motion. For the more simple Bodies, in which one, or at most two Elementsonly are strong, with a very small proportion of the rest, are unapt to Ferment: because like Particles, or Symbolical Elements, lie benumed and quiet. But between the unlike, therearises presently a strife for domination, and some provoke others into motion.  
Thirdly, There is a third condition, that there be neither too much Crudity, nor Maturity of parts, in the body Fermenting. In the Former, the active and subtle particles, are not easily extricated from the more thick, nor are brought into motion: as it appears in Juices, which are pressed forth from unripe Fruit; also in Beer which is made of Barley or Malt, not come forth or germinated. In the latter the Particles being made too volatile, are not contained in the bond of the mixture, but presently evaporate, and dispose their Subjects to Putrefaction. Wherhfore, Juice expressed from Summer Fruits, or others too ripe, will not easily pass into Wine, but it will quickly corrupt. And for this reason, extravasated blood, milk, and urine, do not Ferment, but quickly putrify.  
As to the second thing proposed, there are many ways by which Fermentation is either promoted or hindered. The first and chiefest, is the adding of a certain Ferment to the body Fermenting; the Particles of which, when being first placed in vigour and motion, may raise up the others, idle and sluggish, in the to-be-fermented Mass, and may drive them into motion. But there is a twofold Ferment; either absolute, which is the same kind of Body, in which the active Particles, being altogether placed in their vigour, are notably in motion, and so whilst they are committed to the Subject in Fermenting, snatch with them into motion other Particles there of the every kind before sluggish: by this means Barm or Yeast, beaten Eggs, and such like, stir up a Fermentation almost in every thing. Or the Ferment is respective, to wit, which consists of Particles, very much of one kind, which meeting other of another kind, in the Mass to be Fermented, grow hot with them, and so produce in the mixtnre a turgency or rising up of all the parts together. After this manner Saline Particles having gotten a Flux, grow very hot, with other Salines, either fixed or alchalisater; as appears when acetous Liquors are poured on Corrals, Heart's Horn, shells of Fishes; also when the Spirit of Vitriol, and the Salt of Tartar, are put together, a great ebullition is excited.  
There are some accidents and external circumstances, which variously conduce, either to the provoking or hindering the motion of Fermentatio; of which sort, are chief the condition of the Ambient Air, the placing or laying up of te body Fermenting, and the means of conserving it.  
The Southern Air (in which hot and humid Particles every where abound, which also entering easily any Bodies, obtain the force and place of a Ferment) impresses a notable motion of Fermentation in very many things: Wherhfore in drinkable Liquors, it doth not only raise up at first, the force of effervescency or growing hot, but also for a long while afterinduces new swell up in them being Fermented. On the contrary, the Cold and Northern Air, binds up, and very much fastens Bodies; and in very many things hinders them fusions, and flow of the Elements, and oftentimes, either hinders Fermentation from being stirred up, or restrains it being begun. Also the hot Summer Air, because it too much moves the active Principles, drives away the Spirits and subtle parts, exalts the Sline, and Sulphureous into a Flux, and so perverts their equal motion; and either the Sulphur or Salt being too much carried forth, it easily brings to Bodies a rancidness or putrefaction, or a mouldiness; which nothing favours the business of Fermentation.  
It is a vulgar opinion, that some select times of the year, to wit, those in which the Vegetables of every Kind flower, cause anew the motion of Fermentation in the Juices, and other things prepared of them, after they had Fermented a long time before; so that Beer, when the Barley, and Wines in the time that the Vine, flowers, conceive rise up, or new Fermentations: they say also, that Bread and Flour, when the Wheat is in Flower, is want to become sooner musty and moldy: also that spots or stains of the Juices of Fruits, as the Mulberry, Blackberry, Rasberry, and such like, being in , are want to be gotten forth again, at that time when those Fruits are Ripe. Concerning these things, I ingenuously confess, that I have not made trial of them, by my own proper observation; so as to dare to affirm it for truth in every part: I will therefore lightly pass them over, for it would both grieve and shame me (jest I should relate false things) to Philosophise concerning doubtful things.  
Concerning the laying up of the Fermenting Body, these things are chief to be observed. When things first being to Ferment, that they are not to be shut up in too close Vessels, neither while the Liquors are hot, are they to be put into Bottles or Casks. For the Particles, at first boiling up, and as it were rarified, desire a very large space: wherefore the Fermentation of Wine or Beer, is begun in open large Vessels: but when they grow lesle hot, those kind of Liquors, jest the Particles being set and moved into motion, too much, should fly away from the Subject, they are kept best, either in a cold Cellar, or close Vessels. In the preparation of Vinegar, we boserve the contrary, to wit, it is want to be placed in a hot place near the Chimney or Oven, or exposed to the Sun's beams: to the end that the vinous Spirit being depressed, the Saline part might be exalted into a Flux, and so might give a sharpness to the Liquor. There is another observation, that Liquors do Ferment better in wooden Vessels, than in Glass, or Stone: For by long infusion, some Saline little Bodies are got froth of the Wood, especially the Oaken, which promote Fermentation.  
As to the third thing proposed, concernign this thing; although to speak properly, the motion of Fermentation, is only a carrying forth of the Principles confused together, from a state of Crudity towards maturity; and the end of it, is a tendency to the perfection of every thing: yet use or custom hath obtained, that this word is attributed to very many other motions of Natural things, and includes other ends, and effects, far different. Therefore when the Fermentative Particles in any Body, are greatly in motion, the alterations which follow thereupon, may be in some respect referred to these three Classes.  
First, it either respects the exaltation, and perfection of the parts of the same Body; or the resolution, and corruption of them.  
Secondly, Or the dissolution of the parts of another Body is intended; or the precipitation of those loosened.  
Thirdly, By the motion and action of these kind of Principles, a coagulation, and also a congelation, now of the same Parts, now of different Bodies, are induced. It remains, that we briefly run through every one of these Species of Natural Motions, and ways or manners of Fermentation.   

CHAP. VII. Of Fermentation, as it is seen in the exaltation of Bodies, and tendency to Perfection.  
THE Exaltaion of the parts, is perceived best in Works, or in all things appointed for human use, forasmuch as they get a greater perfection and vigour, by Fermentation; as, chief Aliments and Medicines do: in many of these, we endeavour to carry forth the Spirituous Particles above the rest; and so to procure in the mixture, a grateful sweet taste, and other agreeable qualities; as we may observe in Bread, Beer, Wine, Cider, and many others: But in some, we strive to exalt the Saline part, the Spirit being somawhat depressed; as in Vinegar, Meath, Broths, also in Sauce, Pickle, or in Preserved things, which are made of Salt and sharp Liquors. We rarely on purpose carry forth the Sulphureous part above the rest, for from thence a stinking smell, and ingrateful rammishness, are want to hap to eatable thinds. Among foods set apart for man's use, Bread, Beer, Wine, and Cider, have the first place; which own mostly, whatever they have of virtue, or strength, to Fermentation.  
Concerning the making of Bread, these things are chief to be observed: the Meal of Wheat, or Barley, or of any other Grain, being kneaded with common-water, is reduced to a mass, to be afterwards baked in an Oven. If there be nothing else added to this, it becomes forthwith heavy, and ponderous like Clay, clammy, and of an ingrateful taste, and of difficult digestion: but if in the kneading it, there be added a Ferment, the Mass presently grows hot, the bulk swells, and afterwards being baked, it is made light, spongy, of good digestion and grateful to the taste. If you desire to know the reason of the difference, it is this. The meat of the Grain is imbued with a moderate proportion of Spirits, also of Salt, and Sulphur; but the Particles of these, are overwhelmed in the Mass, with a viscous humidity, being kneaded with water; so that they move not themselves mutually, nor are in motion: wherefore in the baking, some superfluoous humidity evaporates; what remains is cleaving, viscous, and becomes pressed close like Clay, and ponderous. But when a Ferment is mingled with the Mealy Mass, the active Particles of the Ferment being first-stired up into motion, take hold of their Companions in the Mealy Mass, and carry them with them into motin. By this means, whilst some move others, they shortly are all stirred up into Fermentation; tumultuating here and there, they compass and run through the whole Past or DCough, they subtitise and attenuated the clammy and terrene parts, and they lift up the mass, with the motion, and make it hollow, with little holes; which yet in the mean time, jest it become too spongy, and whereby the parts made hollow, and attenuated might more exactly be mixed, it is wrought with long kneading, than afterwards, before the Fermentation ceases, and before the hollowed parts sink close down, it is baked in the Oven. In the baking, the superfluous moisture evaporates, and moreover, very many Particles of Spirit, Salt, and Sulphur, fly away; wherefore, the mass becomes lighter, and lesle ponderous, in the mean time, those which remain in the Bread, being much exalted, and brought to maturity, cause in it a laudable consistency, with a grateful smell, and taste.  
The Ferment commonly used, is a portion of the Mealy Mass, and unbaked, which is kept, being imbued with Salt, to a sowtness (it is called in French Levain, because it lifts up the Mass) or the flowering of Beer, or Ale, called Yeast or Barm; or for want of these the leeses or dregss of Beer, or beaten Eggs, are made use of. In the mealy Ferment, the Saline Particles having gotten a Flux, do chief predominate; as also in the faeces of Beer: wherefore the Bread Fermented by these, is made harsh and somewhat sour: In the mean time, Yeast being very big with Spirit, Ferments the Bread more potently, and brings to the Mass lightness, and a very grateful sweetness. Beaten Eggs abound with Spirit and a Volatile Salt, and do yet more cause the Bread to Ferment, and tender it more Spongy: without doubt there may be other kinds of Ferments used; for whatever are big and turgid with Spirit, or abound with Salt carried out to a Flux, seem to be fit enough for this use.  
Sometimes the mealy Mass is kneaded with Sulphureous matter, as Butter, Suet, Fat, or such like, which being baked in an Oven, while it is hot, it is seen to be light and spongy, (to wit while the Sulphureous Particles, are kept in motion by the heat contracted in the Oven) afterwards, when this Mass grows cold, it becomes heavy, weighty, and very close: to wit, the ascititious heat being exhaled, the Sulphureous Particles, before carried forth, at length sink down; and when the Particles of the rest, not being excited into motion, the Mass therefore becomes as it were Infermentated: For in these kind of Subjects the Sulphureous Particles, because they are very viscous, hinder the motion of the rest, nor can they themselves persist in motion, longer than they are forced, by the actual heat.  
Bread is sometimes made of the flower of Wheat, or Barley, that is Germinated or Maulted, which without any Ferment added to it, becomes so exceeding hot, that it cannot be contained in a compacted mass, but that in the baking it spreads abroad: the reason of which is, in such Flower, by the Maulting it, the active Principles are before placed in their vigour, and exaltation; wherefore in the kneaded Mass, when they are urged, by the heat of the Oven, they run forth inordinately, and force the more thick parts, hindering them, and as it were fling them down headlong. We have said enough of making Bread; we will now pass to Beer.  
Beer is made of Malt or Barley, germinated and dried, which is performed after this manner: First, the Barley is put into common water for three days, that it may intumifie or swell, than (the water being let out from it) it is fling in a heap upon a dry floor, moving it twice or thrice a day, jest it grow too hot, until it gins to germinate, or bud forth, or put out little shoots of Roots. Afterwards, by frequent casting it about, it is hindered from germinating or springing forth any farther, and lastly, being laid upon a Kiln, it is made dry by roasting it; by this means, it yields a meat wonderfully sweet.  
The reason of this kind of process is this; the Barley is permitted to spring forth, that its active Principles might be brought or set into their strength, or exaltation: for when it germinates, the Spirit, Salt, and Sulphur, at first asleep, and sluggish, do swell up or grow big together, and their sluggishness being cast of, they are prepared to exercise their powers. The other preparations, hinder the Barley from germinating further, jest that its Principles being very much loosened, should exhale too much, and fly away from the Subject. The Meal of the Barley thus prepared grows sweet, because the active Principles are set in exaltation like Fruit brought to a maturity: wherefore also the Liquor impregnated with this Meal, grows very turgid or big with Spirituous and Fermentative Particles; when the simple decoction of Barley, scarce Ferments at all, nor is kept long, but that it becomes musty, and insipid.  
But Beer is made after this manner; upon the Meal of the Barley, prepared as above said, boiled water is poured, and is suffered to be macerated, or mashed, for some hours, that it may be sufficiently impregnated with the active Particles of the germinating Barley, now placed in their vigour: This Liquor being satisfied or filled, is drawn of clear from its settling, and is lastly boiled, that it might get a something more thick consistency, and be able to be kept the longer: Than, when it is somewhat cold, it is Fermented, a Ferment, or the flowering of Beer or Yeast, being put thereto, and so tuned up in a Barrel. Concerning its Fermentation, these things are especial worthy of observation.  
If it macerate with, or stand too long on, the Maulted Meal, the Liquor becomes thich and clammy; and afterwards will hardly Ferment or Work at all: the reason of this is, because the active Principles, in this work, are of a prompt motion, and move together with them, the earthy Particles; with which, if by a long stay, the passages and pores of the Liquor are filled; being too full, they are wholly obstructed, and as the contents in the Stomach, stuffed to a furfeit, scarcely Ferment at all.  
If too hot, or too cold, the Liquor be put into the Barrel; as in the great heat of the Summer, or the cold in the Winter, Fermentation doth not rightly succeed: for by too much heat, the Particles are dissipated one from another, that they cannot, mutually take hold of one another, and so work; by too much cold, they are bound up and fixed, that they scarce enter into motion, neither perform it strongly.  
When the Liquor of the Beer Ferments in the Vat, the active Principles do on every side explicate themselves, they precipitate in the bottom the more thick, and Earthy, being partly driven as it were into flight, and partly sticking to them, they lead them as it were Captive to the top, and there make hollow bubbles continually growing up, and bring them as it were to servitude. After a due Fermentation, the whole space of the Liquor is rendered clear and without dregss, in which the Spirits with a little Salt and Sulphur, do abound; in the mean time, in the settlement or dregss, a little of Spirit and Sulphur, with a greater plenty of Salt and Earth remains. So long as these shall be in their places the Liquor will be clear, sweet, and Spirituous, but if long kept, or not shut up closely in a Barrel, great part of the Spirits will fly away: in the mean time, by the defect of these, the Saline Particles being exalted, and having gotten a Flux, impregnate the whole Liquor, and make it sour; for when Beer, as also Wine, goes into Vinegar, it doth not hap because they are wholly deprived of Spirits, (for so they would degenerate into a tasteless thing) but because the Tartareous or Saline parts, are carried forth to a Flux, and infect the Liquor with their sharpness; in the mean time, the Spirits being lesle in power, are depressed, that they cannot resist them. Very hot weather, Thunder, the noise of great Guns, or the tunning it in the open Air, suddenly makes Beer grow sour, for by these means the Spirits being disturbed in their equal motion, are dissipated; and in the mean time, the Saline or Tartarous parts, being before separated, and depressed, are moved, and carried forth into a Flux.  
Indeed it plainly appears that the Spirituous parts in Vinegar, are not wholly destroyed, but suppressed only whilst the Saline are placed in a Flux; because from Vinegar, may be Distilled, a Liquor exceeding hot and burning, like the Spirit of Wine, after this manner: With the Distilled Vinegar, a Salt is extracted from Minium, or Led Calcined, of which you have plenty, and shall distil it in a Retort, the Vinous and burning Spirit is driven into the Receiver; the reason of which is, because when the Saline Particles of the Vinegar are united with the Salt of the Lead, the Vinous Spirits yet remaining are than freed; and having obtained their own right, they are urged from their lurking places by the heat of the Fire: but those Spirits are not produced from the Lead, because if you give thereto a more vehement Fire, the Salt of the Lead, will be melted into a Metal.  
But we will return to Beer, from whence we have digressed; to which, how great a perfection happens, by Fermentation, appears by this experiment. If you take Beer new made, not yet purged by Fermentation, and place it to be Distilled in a Bladder or Cucurbit; only a vapid or tasteless water ascends, without any Spirits, and strength at all: but if you proceed after the same manner with Beer truly Fermented, you will have a hot water, and highly Spirituous. And this takes away the objection of some, who say that water being even impregnated with the Meal of Malt, should not be any more boiled, jest the Spirits should exhale; because the Spirits, before Fermentation, are so obvolved with the more thick Particles of the rest, that they cannot break forth from the Concrete.  
The more the Beer is impregnated by the Malt, the stronger it is, keeps the longer without souring; which is helped if Hops be boiled therein, from which at first it grows bitter, but afterwards recovers a grateful sweetness; the reason of this is because the pores of Liquor, which are empty of the Particles of the Meal, when they are possessed by those of the Hops, the consistency is made more compact, and is more full of Fermentative Particles; wherefore there is not quickly given any room for the Flux of the Salt. But that the Liquor being at first bitter, afterwards grows sweet, happens for this reason; because the Spirituous and Sulphureous parts, supplied by the Meal of the Malt, come not so soon to maturity, because of the others mixed with them from the hops being boiled therein: but when this happens, that they grow to maturity, they easily excel all the others, and impart a sweetness to the whole. Not only Hops being boiled in Beer, keep it long from souring, but also many other bitter, or sharp things, do the same: for these, forasmuch as they exceed in a Volatile Salt, hinder the flow of others Salt; wherefore, some are want to put into the Barrel, a piece of Sassafrass Wood, the tops of Wormwood, Broom, the Firr-Tree, the rinds of Oranges, also Spices in a small quantity; by which means, the Drink, though of a smaller substance, is kept a long while from souring. Thus much concerning the preparation of Beer, on the consideration of which, (as also of Bread) we have stayed long, because the word Fermentation is chief due to these. Let us pass next to Wines. Excepting the Blood of Animals, there are no Liquors that grow hot, like Wines; there is found in none a greater plenty of Spirits, Salt, and Sulphur, or a more remarkable turgescency, or swelling up. The Fermentation of Wines, and the handling of them Fermenting, are want to be taught among the Vintners or Wine-coopers', as a secret only to their Apprentices, or the Adepti of their Art. Among them there is delivered a certain Physical Science, or Method of Medicine, by which means, the impurities of Wines are purged forth, their heats attempered, or also their defect, or sickness may be healed. There are many ways to be used, besides that of sophisticating, as a secret, by which depauperated and tasteless Wines are sold for sound and rich. But as to our proposition, that the Doctrine of Fermentation might be illustrated, these three things aught chief to be considered, concerning Wines: First, Their desaecation or cleaning, and their going into parts. Secondly, Their immoderate effervescency or growing hot, from what causes it is want to be stirred up, and by what means to be suppressed. Thirdly, The declination of them, when they grow worse: and by what remedies they are kept that they do not quickly pass into a tastlesness or Vinegar.  
1. As to First, That Fermentation may beging in the Must, there is not (as in Beer) required, the putting to any Ferment, for the Juice being expressed from the Grapes, doth so greatly swell up with active Particles or Principles, that it presently of its own accord, grows remarkably hot: but it is a usual thing in some regions, when the Grapes are trod, to besprinkle them with Quick Lime, by the provoking of which, as a Ferment, the Liquor pressed forth, grows more fervent, and is sooner purged. The Must or new Wine, is at first put into open Tubs, for that they cannot be contained in close Vessels, for their great heat or working, which so boils up, that water over a Fire grows not more hot: when the Wine is a little cooler it is put into more close Vessels, in which it is further purged by Fermenting. In the purifying, the Spirituous and Subtle Particles greatly shake the more thick dregss, and dismiss them from themselves on every side, that the Mass of the Vinous Liquor, being made free from the mixture of the dregss, is rendered clear and without dregss. The Faeces or Leeses of the Wine consist of Salt and Sulphur, with a little Spirit and plenty of Earth; which whilst the Wines grow hot, being separated by degrees, either by Coagulating themselves mutually, are affixed to the sides of the Vessels under the Species of Tartar, or like Leeses or Mother, settle to the bottom. In the mean time the Liquor swimming over them, is very clear and exceeding Spirituous.  
Sometimes the defecation or clearing of Wines is hardly brought about, as a Vinous Liquor is not easily freed from the mixture of Tartar: wherefore Vintners are want to put to the Wines some Bodies that either clear them, or precipitate them, so as the Earthy matter swimming in them, may sooner settle to the bottom: The things which so clarify Wines are of two sorts: for they have either viscous parts, as Clew, the Whites of Eggs and such like, which stick close to the faeculencies of the Wine with laying fast hold on them, and carry them with themselves towards the bottom: Or else they abound in a precipitatory strength, which while they enter into the pores of the Liquor, thrust forth the more thick Particles from thence, and strike them down to the bottom; as are the dust of Alabaster, Calcined Flints, and such like.  
2. Wines though at first they were well cleared, yet afterwards they conceive immoderate effervescencies, so that the Tartar, being stirred up from the bottom, it at length mingled with them; also the Spirits being loosened, now the Sulphureous Particles, now the Saline being too much carried forth, tender the Wines unsavoury, clammy or sour. We will consider these things, from what Causes they come to be so, and by what means they are Cured.  
Wines very often contract heats, when they are full of Tartar or too rich Leeses: For Tartar or Lees, though separated from the Liquor of the Wine, and depressed to the bottom of the Vessel, yet for that they consist of plenty of Salt and Sulphur, they still sand from themselves Fermentative Particles, by the inspiration of which the Wine is kept in an equal motion of Fermentation: and as the Wines are leisurely ripened, so the Salt and Sulphur which lurk in the Tartar, are by little and little exalted; until at length, being carried forth to a Flox, they infect the Vinous Liquor, with a troubled feces or dregss, and compel it to grow immoderately hot, andn to boil up. Against these too great heats of Wines, there is necessity, that they be presently drawn of or racked, from this too rich Leeses, and put into another Vessel, or else it comes to pass, by reason of its too great disturbance, the Sulphur being very much exalted, that they become unsavoury and ropy; or the Spirit being lost, and the Salt carried forth to a Flux, they contract a fowrness, and turn to Vinegar.  
Neither doth Wine grow more hot than it should do, only from Tartar, or too rich Leeses, but by too great agitation, immoderate heat, or by an extraneous or strange Body put to it, and not miscible, or that cannot mingle with it: for by these and other ways, the Sulphureous part of the Wine grows hot, and from thence conceives ceives a fervour, and undue boiling up; for the settling of which, besides the racking or drawing it of, from one Vessel into another, they use to pour plenty of Milk, into the Pipe or Barrel, by whose mixture the heats and tumults of the Wines are presently appeased; but as by this means the Spirits of the Wine are very much overcome, it cannot keep long, but soon after degenerates to Vinegar or without taste; therefore the Vintners are necessitated to cell presently the Wines mended by this Artifice, and very suddenly to draw them of.  
These kind of heats of Wines, though they be timely appeased, before they wholly spoil the Wines, yet they leave some viciousness, by which the Vinous Liquor is altered from its due colour and consistency, and is manned lesle grateful to the Palate: for Wines made hot, oftentimes become of a more deep colour, viz. they degenerate from a watery and clear colour, to a Citron or Read, and give to the taste a rankness; all which indeed proceed, from the Sulphur being too much carried forth and exalted: For these kind of distempers of Wines, they proceed after this manner; for the mending the colour, oftentimes simple Milk, or boiled with Glue or fine Flour, is poured into the Hogshead or Pipe; for these procure a certain separation of the exalted Sulphur, and with its whiteness give clearness, or restore the colour to a brightness. Mucilaginous, clammy, or ropy Wines, are amended by the infusion of  Alum, quick Lime, Gypsum or Plaster of Walls, Salt and the like; for these cause a new Fermentation, that the more thick Particles are thrust forth from the rest, and precipitated towards the bottom. The unsavouryness is helped by the same means.  
3. As to the third proposition; Wines are depauperated or made poor, when by a long effervescency the Spirit and more pure Sulphur, being exhaled, the Saline Particles begin to be exalted: in this case their languishing strength is sustained with certain remedies, as it were Cordials.  
As the Spirit and Sulphur being too much carried forth, and exalted, is cured by the drawing of the Wines from the rich Leeses: So the same being depressed, the remedy is that they be put to a more rich Tartar or Lees: wherefore the Vintners, are want to pour the depauperated Wines, destitute of plenty of Spirits and Sulphur, and which begin to grow sour, by reason of the Salts being carried forth to sound and fresh Leeses or Tartar; that they might as it were anew inspired with Spirit and Sulphur, ferment and recover new strength and vigour, besides they make Syrups of generous and rich Wines, with Sugar and Spices, which they pour among the stolen and deadish Wines. Further. for Wines turning to Vinegar, they are said to administer profitably, some other remedies. Gratarolus praises with many more, Lard and Swine's flesh salted, wrapped in Linen, and put into the Cask: and truly it is probable that the Sulphureous odor of this doth restrain the Flux of the souring Salt; for this end the same Author commends Leek-Seed, Pine-Nuts, blanched Wheat, boiled Wine, Ashes, the shave of Willow, and many others, for the Salt readily acts on these kind of Subjects, and spends its force; even as Virgin's sick of the Green-sickness, desire greedily to eat such like absurd things, that may satisfy the extraneous, and for the most part sowrish Ferment of the Ventricle, but very hurtful to themselves. There remains another kind of Cure, whereby small Wines almost corrupted, and growing vapid or smachless, recover new vigour for a time, to wit, a portion of Rhenish Wine, or others, very Fermentable, is laid up, and hindered from Fermenting, from whence it is made a perpetual Must (commonly called Stum) if a little of this Liquor be poured into a Cask of stolen Wine, and jogged together, it gives a fresh, and new Fermentation to the whole: so that that Wine will froth and boil, and shut in a Glass will leap forth; but the drink mended by this Artifice, is accounted very unwholesome, for that it is apt to stir up an immoderate Fermentation in our blood: wherefore it is prohibited by Edict, that the Wine-coopers' or Vintners make not use of this kind of Sophistication.  
It is usual thing also, to stop up close, in Stone or Glass Bottles, for a time, small Wines, and new Ale or Beer, which being afterwards opened, the Liquor ferments so impetuously, that being almost all rarified into froth, it flies forth of the Bottles: which besides contracts such an acrimony or sharp cutting, that it can scarce be swallowed: The reason of which (as it seems) is this: The turgency or swelling up, and the notable acetosity, sharpness, or quickness of these kind of Liquors, proceeds chief from the Salt being exalted, and having gotten a Flux; for when as the Liquor, being full of much Tartar and little Spirit, is shut up close in a Vessel, all the Particles together are forced to be fermented, and when they cannot be separated, and fly away from one another, they do the more trouble one another, and break themselves into small bits; that by this means the bond of the mixture may be wholly broken; but the little bodies loosened one from another, and as it were freed by reason of the closeness of the Vessel, are forced together: wherefore when the Vessel is opened, all the Particles at once being ready for flight, like Air suddenly rarified, break forth with noise and tumult; and because the Saline parts having gotten a Flux, by reason of the plenty of Tartar, are stronger than the Spirit and Sulphur, from thence the notable cutting sharpness is caused in the Liquor.  
Cider comes next to the Nature of Wine, to wit, of the smaller sort, which kind of Liquor, is only the Juice pressed from Apples, and brought to maturity by Fermentation: concerning this kind of Drink, it is worth observation, that if it be made of Summer Fruit, or too much ripened, it will not keep in strength, but presently degenerates into a deadness: but if it be prepared of very unripe, and sour Apples, it contracts a bitterness, for that the Spirits do not sufficiently arise in this, but give place to the Salt, having first gotten a Flux: but in the other, they are not long enough retained, but wholly fly away, before the mass of the Liquor attains to full Fermentation: but there are Fruits and Apples, exceeding fit for this business, which being endued with a more firm consistency, are not quickly corrupted, neither do they attain their perfect maturity or softness, but of a long time: The Juice of these wrung forth, and put into a Cask, does not grow hot, as Beer, with a great frothy head, but after the manner of Wines, with a noise, like a Pot boiling over the Fire: whilst Fermenting after this manner, it is made clear, the more light recrements, are carried upwards, and remain in the Superficies, as the flowering: but the more thick parts and Tartarous settle plentifully in the botteom; but the more solid Crust, or Cogulated Tartar, is not fixed to the sides of the Vessel: which is a sign Cider is a more wholesome Drink, nor so infestous to the nervous stock, because it abounds lesle with a sharp Salt than small Wines. The Liquor swimming over these Faeces or Lees settling in the bottom, enjoys it as it were its food, and is kept by its inspiration in strength; from which if it chance to be drawn forth, it quickly grows sour: for indeed this kind of Drink, is in great danger to be destroyed by the Flux, or sowmess of the Salt: against this i'll, to preserve it, some are want to cast into the Caks Mustard Seed bruised, or Mustard Balls, for that the Volatile Salt of this hinders the Flux of the acetous Salt, so that the Liquot thereby presently grows clear, and keeps the longer: another kind of remedy against the sowrness of Cider, is, that as soon as it gins to grow sour, it be drawn of from its Leeses, and kept in close stopped Bottles, with a little Sugar; for by this means it ferments anew, and because, together with the Flux of the Salt, the Spirits being carried forth, are detained from flight, a very grateful sharpness is caused to the whole Liquor. Also, almost by the same preparation, and the like process of Fermentation, a potalbe Liquor is made out of Pears, which is however above measure sweet, and if plentifully drunk, renders the Belly lose, as if they had taken Physic.  
So much for Fermenting Liquors, whose virtue consists in the Spirit being carried forth, and obtaining the height of perfection: there remains other preparations, whose vigour is placed in the Saline part being exalted, and having gotten a Flux; among these, Vinegar is of chiefest note, the way of making of which, being wholly unlike the aforementioned, requires a method of Fermentation, very different from those before described: for example, small Wines, or more generous or strong Beer, being put up into the Cask, are exposed in the Summer time, for a long while to the Sun's Beams, or else in the Winter, they are kept near a Stove in some hot place; after this manner, whilst some Spirits evaporate, the rest being put under the yoke, the Saline parts are exalted and infect the whole Mass of the Liquor with their sharpness: but not only Wines long kept, or Stolen Beer, out of which the Spirits of their own accord, begin to go away, but fresh Must, or new Beer, pass after this manner into Vinegar; for the Country-women are want to place without doors all the Summer, strong Ale, and hghly impregnated with Malt, in a Cask, by which means they make an exceeding biting and most penetrating Vinegar.  
Yea after the same manner almost, our kind of Hydromels', Honnied Drink, or Meath are want to be prepared: to wit, they boil sixteen parts of Water with one part of Honey, to the consumption of a third part, adding than some Spices, togegether with a sharp Ferment, they place the Cask and Liquor for many days in the Sun, and after wards in a Wine-Cellar. It seems the Sunning of it is used, that thereby the Saline parts being brought towards a Flux, might somewhat restrain the nauseous sweetness of the Honey: and by that means the sweet being tempered with sharpness, a most pleasing taste is afforded to this Drink.  
By reason of the sharpness arising from the Flux of the Salt, also very many eatable things are want to be prepared after various manners; hence the flesh of living Creatures, and especially of Fishes when they swell with too much Sulphur, are pickled with Salt Brine or sharp Liquors, that the Salt being brought forth, they may become more grateful to the Stomach. It would be a tedious brsiness to insist here on particulars; but I will in this place describe a certain noted kind of Oaten Broth, Crewel, or Flumery, which profitably nourishes Feverish, also Consumptive and Hectic people.  
This kind of Drink, that it many become gratefully sowrish, the Meal of Oats is put into common water for about three days, till it acquire a somewhat sour taste: than, this infusion is placed upon the fire, and with a Ladle is stirred about until it boils, and when it rises up ready to flow over the Vessel, it must than be poured forth into a platter, and presently cooled; it will appear like Jelly, and may be cut into bits; which if heated soon melts. In this preparation may be observed, that by a long infusion of the Grain, the Saline parts being brought forth, do get a Flux; than these so impregnate the Liquor that the more thick Particles being by the heat brought into its pores and passages, they are so strictly shut up, that they cannot easily sink down, but that the whole mixture becomes like Jelly.  
It would also be too great labour to heap together here, the various Condites and kinds of Pickles, for it would be to describe under that rank the whole Art of Cooking and Diet. For in both the only aim is, that for health's sake and for pleasure, the active Particles in our food. may be placed in their vigour and exaltation; for so they greatly please the Palate, and by a more easy digestion go into nourishment: for this reason, not only Drinks, and Consections of Corn, and Herbs of a divers nature and kind are thought on; but also we variously prepare flesh, both boiled and roasted, and add to them sauces, that the Particles, now the Spiritous, now the Saline, being carried forth to a Flux, might please the taste, with a certain sharpness. Those which are of a more fixed nature, are brought to exaltation, by Sauces made of Sugar, Salt, or Pepper. They are want to keep some flesh almost to putrefaction, that by that means, the active Particles being place din their strength and motion, may become of a more grateful taste. Here might be in terwoven, a long discourse concerning Medicinal Compositions, but because this subject, deserves a peculiar consideration, I will say nothing more of it here. Let us next see by what motion of Fermentation and Habitude of Principles, Natural Bodies tend towards dissolution; or what is the progress of every thing to Putrefaction and Corruption.   

CHAP. VIII. Of the motion of Fermentation, which is observed in the Death, also in the Putrefaction and Corruption of Bodies.  
NAtural Bodies in which Spirit, Salt, and Sulphur, are found in but a mean quantity, do not stay long in the same state: for these active Principles are employed perpetually in motion: As soon as they come together, they tend from Crudity and Confusion towards Perfection, for the fake of which, when they have reached the height, they are able to come to, they are not quiet in this point; but from thence they make haste towards the dissolution of that thing. Those which are more volatile do first of all break forth from the loosened bond of the mixture; than the rest separate into parts, until the form of the mixture wholly perishes: The Spirit being carried forth to the top, flies away first with the water, and the more pure Sulphur, and by its expiration, diffuses a very grateful odor; afterwards the more thick Sulphur, with the Salt, being loosened from the band wherewith they were tied, and having gotten a Flux, by degrees evaporate, and together disperse a very stinking smell: together with these, the water parts flow forth, and the frame of the subject breaks, or falls down into Earth or a Caput Mortuum.  
This kind of process may be observed both in natural things, and also in Subjects prepared by Art: Concerning Natural things, the disjunction of the Elements, and their separation into parts, may be seen both in the death of living Bodies, or the extinction of life and vegetation; and also in the corruption of them being dead, and in their reduction to a rottenness.  
As in Vegetables, the growth and maturity depend on the combination and mutual cleaving together of the Principles, so the decay and death depend on their going asunder, and separation, in Plants and Fruits; being by degrees cxalted from a crude and sour Juice by Spirit and Sulphur, they come to maturity; to which a sweet taste and smell, and a pleasant colour hap: than presently the same matter, the Spirit and Sulphur, and the rest of the Elements leisurely flying away from the subject, is soon reduced to a filthiness and rottenness: If after the subtle and more pure Particles of Spirits and Sulphur are flown away, there still remain plenty of Earth and Salt, with some Sulphur, the matter does not putrify, but grows dry with an hoariness: but if the thick Salt and Sulphur, having gotten a Flux, break forth from the Subject, together with the rest, the bond of the mixture being loosened, presently the external humidity, possesses the spaces left by these, and the Body is resolved into rottenness.  
Also all Animals whatsoever, have set bounds of their growth and duration: For they ascend from their beginning, by slow increase, to motion and sensation; than to the strength and exaltation of Nature: in which point they stay not, but from thence, by equal steps, make haste towards their fall.  
If the cause of this kind of limitation be required, we say that Mother Mature hath placed in the primigenious seed of every thing, such a stock of Spirit, Salt and Sulphur, which might suffice for the producing the utmost thirds or lineaments of Bodies: so that the growth and ascent of the thing, to its height or acme is only an evolution, or unrowling of that radical matter, and protension or stretching itself forth into a greater dimension; in the mean time the little spaces and vacuities, which are made by the protraction of this matter, are filled up by the active Particles, supplied by Nutrition, which also by a continual series of motion are ripened, exhaled, and give place to others succeeding. As soon as this seminal matter is unfolded and exalted to the height, that it cannot be moved, or expanded further, the matter is than brought to the state of its perfection: from thence some Particles of this Radical substance, together with the secondary supplied from the Nourishment, begin to evaporate; and others daily, and than others, being after this manner consumed, both the solid parts, by degrees decrease in their substance, as also the Nutritious Juice and Blood, even decline for the worse, till by a long wasting, the props of the Body, are made dry or withered, and the blood so depauperated, that it will not suffice for sustenance to the vitalfire: just as it may be perceived in a Lamp, if the Oil being continually consumed, in its place be put water, the Liquor is rendered poor, and diluted, that it is not able any longer, to cherish at all the flame of the wick.  
When the Life of animals perishes, (either it expires after the aforesaid manner leisurely, and like a Candle or Lamp is extinguished, the Oil or Tallow being consumed; or it is choked by a hasty death, being snatched away by Fate, or the violence of a Disease) presently the Spirits, with Salt and Sulphur, flowing together in the blood; and also planted in every part, cease from their regular motion, and are moved into confusion: than they partly exhale from the pores, with the vanishing heat, and partly being shut up within in the Cavities, inordinately Ferment, with the remaining Particles, and make a swelling up of the inwards, and of the whole Body. But afterwards the frame of the solid parts being by degrees loosened, and the Sulphureous Particles, together with the Saline, having gotten a Flux, begin to evaporate; from thence a strong stink and corruption arise. The active Principles, breaking forth by heaps, do often mutually take hold of one another, and being combined in the superficies of the Carcase, produce Worms: at length when they are wholly exhaled from the Subject, what remains sals into dust.  
It is a usual thing for Worms to be generated in Vinegar when it is corrupted and lost its strength, which being exceeding small; and somewhat long and smooth like Eels, swim in the Liquor, and may by the help of Glass be exposed to our Eyes; these being seen, it is commonly said, that the sharpness and pricking of the Vinegar proceeds from these little Creatures, which is a vain thought that deserves not a refutation; for they are only to be found in dead Vinegar; and I pray from whence have they their teeth sufficient for the gnawing of Iron? But the whole corrosive force of Vinegar is more truly referred to the self having gotten a Flux: in the mean time those little Creatures seem to be begotten by this means; it is sufficiently known, that when very many Subjects are brought to putrefaction, the active Principles being thrust out of doors, yet still affecting their old dwelling, remain somewhere about the neighbourhood, and being joined together, do often produce living Bodies; wherefore, when moist things putrify, most often little Worms grow on their Superficies; but in Vinegar the business is a little different, to wit, because the Elementary paritcles are more fixed, therefore when the mixture of the Liquor is wholly dissolved, the active Principles, although loosened, yet breaking very hardly and difficultly from the substance, meet together in the bowels of the Subject, and there mutually cherishing one another, cause those little Creatures in the midst of the waters.  
Also the Bodies of living Creatures, being prepared for our Food, are disposed towards putrefaction, if they are put up for some days, till the active Particles are loosened, and begin to be in motion, tending to exhalation; wherefore both the Flesh becomes more flaccid, and in eating more tender and soft: and if they are kept longer, till the Saline and Sulphureous parts being carried forth into a Flux, do break out, presently a stinking smell and putrefaction is induced.  
There are many ways whereby flesh is want to be kept from putrefaction; the chief of which are, that it be pickled with Salt or Spices. Things are kept a long time incorrupt and very grateful to the taste, with Salt: Dead Carcases are imbued with Spices, that they may remain a long while in their Sepulchers. As to the first, Brine or salt Pickle hinders the eruption of the Sulphur, and fixes it in the Subject by its embracement, and retains it. Spices, as they consist of very active Principles, stir up a new Ferment in the Subject, the dead Carcase; and the implanted Elements of this, join into the society of their motion, and retain many of their Particles flying away, yet longer in the body: As Salt and Spices are made use of for the preserving long flesh, and Sulphureous things, (which also preserve all other things from Putrefaction) so Vegetables, and their Flowers and Fruits are better conserved with Sugar: for this by cherishing the active Particles of the Subject, restrains them within, and besides, renders the Confections, of a very grateful taste.  
Minerals, chief the solid and hard, because they are endued with plenty of Salt and Earth, with little of Sulphur, and with a lesle quantity of Spirits, therefore they rarely, or not at all conceive Putrefaction: there is the same reason for resionous things, which though they abound in Sulphur, with Salt and Earth, yet because there is but a small portion of Water and Spirits, therefore their frame is not easily loosened, neither are they obnoxious to Putrefaction. Among Minerals, Common-water only, falls under this rank: for this, if it stand still, or is kept long in a Vessel, its Salt and Sulphur, though but in a little quantity, having gotten a Flux, begin to evaporate, and together to induce Putrefaction: but so long as water is in motion, these particles are still involved with others, and so by their mutual embrace, are detained from evaporation.  
Artificial things and preparations, are not lesle subject to Putrefacton than Natural things; for Bread, and all manner of Eatable things or Food, Wine, Beer, and other Drinkable Liquors, also Medicinal Confections, being long kept, first loose their strength and vigour, and than afterwards are Corrupted: concerning which, we may observe these following things.  
The more the things are Compounded, and have all the principles conjoined together, the sooner, and the easier, do they enter into Putrefaction; wherefore Eatable things, prepared of Flesh, Broths, Decoctions of Herbs, also many Medicines made after the Calenical way, are want) unless preserved with very much Salt or Sugar) to be Corrupted in a short time: In the mean time, Distillations, and Chemical Preparations, which consist of Homogeneous, or not much different Particles, are kept sound a long while.  
In Compounded things, if there be too great quantity of water, things sooner putrefy, for so the frame of the mixture is too lose; so that the fixed Principles cannot take hold of the Volatile, or keep them back from flight: but those in which Spirits abound with moderate Salt and Sulphur, if they are kept in a close Vessel, that they may evaporate but little, continued a long time, as may be perceived by strong or generous Wine. The next to these, are those things which are preserved with Hony or Sugar, or in which the Saline Particles are in in great plenty be Nature.  
Many of these, whilst they are corrupted, are either made Moldy or Rank, or they grow sour, or degenerate into a vapidness, or without taste: things are made Moldy, when the subtle Particles in the exhaling, are detained by the more thick, and cleaving together by their mutual embrace on the Superficies of the body, grow into a soft Down or Hoariness, even as Moss is brought forth by Stones or Wood exposed to moisture.  
Rankness or unsavoury Taste, happens chief in Sulphureous things, for Oily and Fat things, by Heat or Age, become Musty or Unsavoury, to wit, when the Spirit being very much exhaled, the Sulphureous Particles are too much exalted, and begin to evaporate.  
Sharpness or Acidity is induced from the Salt, being to much carried forth and loosened, for when the Spirit is depressed, or exhaled, the Salt being fused, conceives a Flux, and so brings in a Sowrness: hence Wine, Beer, Cydar, also Milk, very many Eatable things, and the Juices of Herbs, when they are long kept, or if they are moved by too immoderate heat of the Air, or shaking, do easily grow Sour.  
Liquid things, degenerate into a vapidness or tastlesness, when the active Principles, are for the most part gone forth, and nothing eminent besides Water and Earth, or of the subtle parts, is left in the Subject.  
That I may contract what is aforesaid; the corruption of every thing, is only the separation and departure of themselves from one another into parts of the principles before combined, (the bond of the mixture being loosened) which motion, by reason of the divers disposition of their breaking forth, (either with or without a stink) ends in Putrefaction or Rottenness.  
Where Spirits abound, and that there is also plenty of Sulphur and Salt, and the Particles being loosened from their bonds, break forth in heaps; the mixture putrefies with a stink; also if it consist of a thick substance, so that all the parts are not rightly ventilated, it conceives a heat from the Putrefaction: in such a Corruption, the stink proceeds from the exhalation of the sharp pointed Sulphur, or made pricking with the Salt: Putrefaction follows, for that the external humidity, enters into the place of the Particles flying away: But the heat is produced by the Sulphureous Particles being moved together in heaps, and being shut up within the Subject, that they gather together, and being united act more strongly. But if there being the Subject a lesser proportion of Salt and Sulphur, so that when the mixture is loosened, the Particles are moved more slowly, and evaporate leisurely; the Body grows dry, and is reduced to a wasting, without any ill smell, Putrefaction or Heat.  
It will not be from the purpose to inquire in this place, from whence some empty Vessels, and more moist bodies, by lying long, conceive a certain stink without Putrefaction; also other things being put into them, or lying near them, are want to partake of their Evil; for which affection, a proper Latin word is not easily to be met with; in our Idiom it is called Mustiness, and in some sort seems to be designed by the word Mucor, unless that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Mucor, points at Bodies infected with a certain Down or Hoariness, (which we call Moldiness) which here never happens. The consideration of this matter is not improperly referred to the Doctrine of Fermentation, for this Tincture or Impression of a stink, unfolds itself far abroad, as if it were a certain Ferment, that the Vessel but lightly imbued with it, infects whatever Liquors are put into it, and infusions of them, even new and often iterated; we may observe a twofold effect of this thing: For sometimes the Vessels being almost empty, at first vitiated, afterwards infect most Liquors, which they by chance receive, with a musty odor: sometimes more moist compacted, and solid things, being kept long, somewhat close in a Cellar, contract this vice of their own accord; when in the mean time the contagion is not perceived to be in the place where they were kept; which things either may become musty, not because they are corrupted, for in most Spirit, Salt, and Sulphur, being yet contained, in the bond of mixture, the frame of the matter is kept whole, but the vice only consists in this, that from the Subjects after this manner disposed, effuvia's as it were aculeated or sharpened fall of, and therefore become ungrateful to our smell and taste.  
First, that any Vessel may conceive a mustiness, there seems to be required in the first place, that is in ward hollowness be large, and its mouth narrow; th' wit, whereby a passage may lie open to the outward Air, and rest may be granted to it being entered in: for Juggs with broad mouths, also Bottles close shut, do not easily get this fault. Secondly, that besides the more ample inward hollowness, the sides of the Vessel be endued with pores, and very small passages; for in these kind of little spaces besmeared with humour, the Air being strictly shut up, remains more quiet, and is apt to stagnate: Wherhfore Glass Bottles are not so apt to suffer this evil as Wooden, or Stone Bottles. Thirdly, that some moisture, though very little, stick about the sides of the Vessel, or in its bottom, whereby the Air being entered may be entangled: for if the Bottles be hung up, with their mouth downwards, that all moisture may drain out, they will never be musty.  
In the second place: when Bodies, without any contagion of a Vessel, contract a mustiness or moldiness of their own accord, we may observe, first, that they are of that kind, which consist of Heterogeneous Particles, that is, a mixture of all the Elements together; because the parts of Vegetables and Animals, and preparations of them, easily receive this evil; Minerals for the most part remain free from it: Secondly, that there be plenty of humidity in the concrete, for the more dry continued a long while without any hurt: Thirdly, that the Bodies be either kept in a heap unmoved for a long time, or else in some close Cupboard, or Cellar, without Air; for so Wheat or Grain, in a heap, unless it be often moved, as also all Eatable things, being put up in a close place quickly grow musty.  
According to these positions we conjecture, that mustiness is made an affection to a moist inanimate Body, from the ambient Air, being admitted within its pores, and being got in there stagnating, whereby the Elementary Particles of that mixture, being combined together with those sent in by the Air, are exalted into the Nature of a Ferment; that they diffuse themselves on every side with wondered activity, and their effuvias, as it were sharpened, ungratefully strike against the sensories of the taste and smell. When therefore, some Subject becomes primarily musty, a certain portion of the Air placed near, and hindered from ventilation, enters into its pores and passages, and there being entangled with a tenacious matter, is wholly shut up within the substance of that Concrete. From the mixture of the shut-up Air, the implanted little Bodies of the matter, especially the Sulphureous and Saline, acquire new heads; that afterwards, when they are exactly to be mixed with no other Body, yet very greatly Fermentative, though intermingled with any other thing, retain their own Nature, and being diffused through the large substance of the matter, infect the whole; to wit, they dispose by that means, the Particles of that new matter, that they being armed with sharp points, bring in like manner a trouble to our senses: But in the mean time, from the mustiness, whether primarily arisen, or received by Contagion, the mixture of the thing is not dissolved, nor the Principles dissipated; yea those things which are wholly tasteless, do scarce at any time become musty: the musty smell depends chief on the active Principles, disposed by a peculiar rite, by the involved Air and their effluvias; wherefore if they almost wholly fly away from any Subject, that is rendered almost incapable of this affection.  
There may be observed a certain likeness between mustiness and an Empyreuma, or taste of fire or burnt-too, for as in this, the Particles of the fire being entangled, and included by a tenacious matter, by their long ftaly there, pervert the implanted little Bodies of Salt and Sulphur, from wherece their effluvias, strike our Senses with an ingrateful sharpness; moreover, being mingled with other things, they affix to them, the disposition of their pravity; so in mustiness, the Particles of the Air, being obvolved with a viscous matter, and stagnating, they change by their presence the Saline and Sulphureous little Bodies, from their due temper, whereby they being as it were gifted with sharp preckings, do strike bitterly our sensories, and being exceeding Fermentative, diffuse their Odour to others: the alteration being either way contracted, can scarce be blotted out, by any mixture with other things, or emendation by Art: The chief means of helping of either, is by placing it in a reciprocal trajection, viz. Empyreumatical things, or tasting of the fire, are to be a long while exposed to a more moist Air, whereby the Particles of the Fire may exhale: and musty things are to be held to the Fire, or put to such things which may sweeten their Nature, to wit, quick Lime, Sulphur, or Srygian waters, by which the parts of the included Air are driven away, and so the remaining little Bodies of the mixture are want to recover their pristine state; wherefore, if musty Liquors are distilled, the water falling into the Receiver, will be deprived of that stink: But the smatch of Fire or Empyreuma, is not so easily mended by this Artifice.  
So much for Fermentation, and the motion of the Principles, for as much as within the Confines of the same Subject, they dispose it, either to maturity and perfection, or to wards dissolution and corruption. It now follows to treat of the motion of the same kind of Particles and Principles, for as much as some of one Body do act on others of another Body, and by dissolving the mixture, do wholly draw them forth, and sand them outward, or by precipitating it 'cause them to go into parts.   

CHAP. IX. Of the motion of Fermentation, as much as is to be observed in the Dissolution of Bodies.  
FOR the Solution of Bodies, there are two great solvencies, or Menstrua, which exist from Nature, to wit, Water and Fire: Fire, if it be next and immediately applied, destroys most Bodies, drives away the Princlples one from another, and as it were dissipates them into Air, Earth only, with a little Salt, being left behind; if it be mediately applied, it brings awsy some Particles, so that in the mean time others remain: After which manner it serves chief for Distillations, and Chemical Operations, and is also used in the Preparation of necessaries for our Food, both about the Boiling and Roasting of Meats. Water does not so readily destroy Bodies, but it draws forth some parts from the Subjects, and receives them into its own Bosom, and firmly retains them for various uses: But as it does not easily penetrate every Body, but leaves almost untouched those which are of a more fixed Nature, various ways are thought of, whereby the Menstruum of water is made sharper, and is rendered fit for the dissolving of any Bodies whatsoever. For by means of the Bodies, which it aught to dissolve, and of the parts which it aught to receive in it slef, it is armed as it were with some Weapons; with which it is able to unlock any Subject, and to possess now these, now those Particles. The Menstruum of water is sharpened with Spirit, Salt, or Sulphur: to wit, either with each of these, or with more of them joined together; we will first speak of the watery Menstruum, with the various sharpening of it, and afterwards of the fiery dissolvent.  
Common water most easily dissolves the more simple Bodies, except sulphur; and hides their Particles, in its pores and passages; it readily receives Salts of every kind, and easily imbibes Spirits; it loosens the frame of Earth, and cherishes its more thither little bodies, in its embrace; but it is hardly mixed with Fat, and Oily things, and receives not their Particles, but by the coming between of others, but drives them forth to its Superficies, as not miscible, or thrusts them down to the bottom.  
Water in some measure enters the more compounded Bodies, whose frame is somewhat lose; and than receives into its bosom, some not simple Particles, but resembling the nature of the whole mixture: hence most Vegetables, also parts of living creatures, and some Minerals, being put into common water, do impregnate it with a certain virtue; and from most Metals, by a long maceration, it takes away some strength, though but small. Some Bodies are dissolved by water, which yet a Sulphureous or Spirituous Menstrua leave almost untouched; as the Gums Tragacanth, Arabic, etc. also Salts and Sugar.  
The first and most common way of sharpening, whereby simple water may more easily enter the Bodies to be dissolved, is, that it be furnished with fiery Particles, or darts of adventitious heat; for so it is driven more deeply with a certain force, into Bodies, and destroys some thrids, as it were the smallest mites, in their most inward recesses. Wherhfore we are want to boil for a long while, the matter to be dissolved in water, or at lest to infuse it in warm water, by which means, the more tenuious, and certain subtle Particles, which resemble the nature of the Subject, are easily drawn forth, and impregnate the water, with the virtue of the whole mixture.  
So much for the simple, or natural Menstruum of water, to wit, for as much as its activity is want sometimes to be promoted, by fire or ascititious heat. But this cannot be so simple, but that it contains in itself some Particles of another kind; as many be gathered from its easy Putrefaction; for oftentimes it is impregnated with Spirituous, Sulphureous, or Saline breathe, contracted from the Air or Earth, that for the drawing forth the tinctures of very many things, sometimes it excels an Artificial Menstruum; for that Acidulous or Spawish waters, Mineral waters, Rain water, and May Dew, are of frequent use among Chemics, for the remarkable faculty of dissolving, with which they are strong. Besides, 'tis a vulgar observation, that some waters most easily dissolus Soap, and being throughly mixed with the same, causes in the liquor a great spume or froth; such, if they be rubbed between the fingers, feel soft and gentle; but other waters, which being handled with the hands, are more harsh, refuse the mixture both of Soap and Oil, and so are accounted unprofitable for the washing of : these sort of waters, if they should be evaporated in a Glass, oftentimes affix a Crust to its bottom and sides; because they are impregnated, more than they aught, with Saline Particles, with which, when the Saline parts residing in the Soap combine, the Sulphureous are carried away, and they being excluded the pores, are thrust forth as not miscible, to the top of the Liquor. When Flesh is boiled in these waters, it grows very read; which tincture indeed being thence contracted, is a sign, that those waters are somewhat imbued with Vitriol, or some other kind of Salt. But we will pass to Artificial Menstruas, in which the watery Liquor is furnished with Spirit, Salt, or Sulphur, being gathered apart, or many of them together.  
The Spirituous Menstruum of water is made, when from a Body swelling with Spirits, a clear and limpid water is distilled; as from Wine, or strong Beer, or other Bodies truly Fermented, and brought to exaltation: The kind of dissolvent is hardly to be had so sincere, but it is mixed with the Particles of more pure Sulphur, and sometimes of a volatile Salt. The former kind of Liquor is called Spirit of Wine, which being subtle, and very penetrating, easily enters the Bodies, and parts of Vegetables, and also of living Creatures, but hardly Minerals, or not at all: it extracts from many things, not any Particles, or resembling the Nature of the whole mixture, (as common water) but chief Spirituous, and Sulphureous, the rest being almost untouched; wherefore, it is want to be used for the resinous magisteria of Vegetables, (which it draws fofth almost sincere or without mixture, under the form of Cum or Resine) in the mean time, it is not so fit as common water, for the extracts of Plants, which are not so endued with Sulphur: from Sulphureous things, as Benzoin, Sulphur, Olibanum, Styrax, Amber, and the like, it draws forth excellent Tinctures: It dissolves the fixed Salts of Herbs, also of Pearls and Coral, before prepared with Vinegar, by a long digestion, and receives their Tinctures into itself: it leaves Sugar, and Gums, being dissolvable in water, almost untouched. But there is another Spirituous Menstruum, that is sharpened with a volatile Salt, such is the Liquor which is distilled out of blood, Hartshorn or Soot; it is far stronger than the former, and cuts most Bodies, except Metals, into parts, and oftimes destroys the forms of the whole mixture: yea it most excellently dissolves secondarily, the most fixed Metal, to wit, Gold, being first reduced into a Calx, by its proper Menstruum, and reduces it into a Tincture, or potable Liquor.  
They are accounted Sulphureous Menstrua, which are brought forth of Sulphureous Bodies, under the form of an Oil: these are prepared, either by distillation, such as are chief the Oil of Turpentine, Juniper, and the like; or by expression, such as are wrung forth of Olives, Almonds, and other Fruits, or Seeds of Vegetables. Things distilled are of more efficacy, than preparations by expression; either of them draw forth some Particles, from Vegetables, or Animals; by the virtues of which, these Oils being impregnated, they are made fit for Medicinal use. Yea they are conveniently enough made use of, for the extracting of the Sulphureous Particles of Minerals, which sometimes they draw forth sincere or unmixed: But if Oil of Turpentine, or Lin-seed Oil, draws forth by dissolving, the combustible part of common Sulphur, in the mean time, the remaining Saline parts, and untouched by the Menstruum, grow into Crystals; as is obvious to every one, in the preparing the Balsam of Sulphur.  
Mineral Bodies, in which the bond of Concretion chief depends upon Sulphur, as are the Firestone, Antimony, common Brimstone, and the like, are in some sort dissolved by a Sulphureous Menstruum, which draws forth of the Body, Particles of the same kind, the Saline being almost untouched: wherefore Oil of Turpentine, Linseed, etc. draw forth a Tincture from these; in the mean time, Saline Menstrua such as are distilled Vinegar, or Stygian waters, profit little for the dissolving their Bodies: but that these, unless before Calcined, hardly are touched. But on the contrary, where the frame of the mixture consists of a Saline bond, such as are Iron, Copper and the like, Saline Menstrua, as Aqua fortis, Spirit of Vitriol, Salt, etc. receive in the dissolving, the Particles of the same Nature into themselves, the Sulphureous being almost untouched. This plainly appears, in the solutions of Metals, but chief and remarkably in Camphire, which Stygian waters reduce into a Liquor, in form of an Oil, swimming on the Menstruum; to wit they dissolve its frame, and receive some Saline parts, on which the Concretion depends, into themselves; in the mean time the Sulphureous being untouched, they are gathered together apart, on the Superficies of the Liquor. There is something to be wondered at concerning Antimony: to wit, that its Concretion being very irregular, that Mineral becomes exceeding unlike, not only to other mixtures, but also to itself; for it is very lax, nevertheless much compacted; it lies open to the lest injuries, yet is almost impervious to the greatest, so that it may equally number its losses, with its Victories: some of its Particles lie so lose, that they are brought away by any Oily Menstruum, or by a common lixivium or Lie: others in the mean while do so pertinaciously stick together, that Aqua Fortis cannot touch them, only Aqua Regia being poured upon it can know it; which so strongly resists it, that the fume raised up from thence, presently obscures the whole Room wherefore there seem to be in this, parts wholly of a different Nature, some imperfectly mixed, viz. Earthy and Sulphureous, which are easily loosened by a fit solvent; in the mean time others wholly Metallic, perfectly mixed, coming near in some sort to the Nature of Gold itself; which therefore are only to be dissolved, by a fit Menstruum of Salt.  
The Saline Menstrua are of divers kinds and natures, viz. of Vegetables, Animals, or Minerals. Among Vegetables are eminent, the sour juices of Fruits and Herbs, Sergeant Vinegars, acid Liquors distilled out of ponderous Woods, as Guaiacum, the Oak, and Box; in all which, the Saline Particles having gotten a Flux, either by Art or by Nature, give a notable sowrness: or the Vegetable Menstruum consists of Salts of Tartar, or made by the cineration of Herbs, and dissolved, which by the Fire are very much whetted, and acquire an acritude; in these the Saline Particles are fixed, and in a condition opposite to a Flux. To the rank of Animals I refer the Spirit of Urine, Hartshorn, etc. which although they are impregnated with Spirits, yet the take their chief forces from a Volatile Salt. But the strongest Saline Menstrua, are drawn forth of Minerals, such are acetous Liquors, which are most strongly forced by fire, out of the Salts of Nitre, Sea-Salt, Alumn, Chalcarth or Vitriol, and such like.  
Those which are drawn out of Vegetables, as Vinegars, and acid Liquors do best of all dissolve Corals, Pearls, Shells, and Shelly substances: because in these there is great plenty of Alcalizat Salt, with which the fluid Salt, which abounds in those kind of acetous Menstrua's, desires to be most strictly united; wherefore they being applied to the body to be dissolved, enter its pores and passages, loosen the Complications of the Particles of the Alcalizat Salt, and snatch them into their own Embrace. Even after the same manner, the fluid Salt in a Vegetable Menstruum, approaches the Volatile Salt in the Horns of Animals.  
These kind of Menstrua's do corrode some Metals towards the Superficies; but do not so potently unlock their bodies by diffolving, as Stygian waters, some Sulphureous subjects, being before loosened by Calcination, do enter aptly enough, and from thence carry forth Saline Particles. Wherhfore, for the Salt of Tinn, Led, Antimony, Soot, and others, being first reduced into a Calx, we use distilled Vinegar.  
The Salts of Tartar, and the fixed Salts of Herbs, although they serve for precipitation, rather than dissolution, yet because they consist of sharp, and very penetrating Particles, they are of egregious use: For watery Menstrua's are chief sharpened with these, for the extracting of the Tinctures of Vegetables. And although bodies which abound with an alcalizat Salt, as Pearls, Corals, etc. are left wholly untouched by reason of the Homogeneity or agreeableness of the parts in either; and that also, they but little gnaw, only on the Superficies, being put upon Metals, and grow together with their Salt, and Sulphur into rust; yet Sulphureous bodies they readily enter, so they be loosened by the fire, and unlock and pull asunder their jointings or complexions; wherefore, for the making of the Milk or Magisterium of Sulphur, the Salt of Tartar most excellently conduces.  
Saline Menstrua's are most strong, which are forced by distillation out of Minerals, to wit, out of Vitriol, Niter, Sea Salt, Alumn, Arsenic; Acetous Liquors are distilled either from these single, or from many of them mixed together; which as they are of the highest sharpness, like to fire, readily enter most bodies, but chief Metallic bodies, and such as consist of a Saline bond, and dissolve them easily into most small parts. These Liquors are only Saline Particles, which being driven by the force of heat, from the embrace of their Earth, having gotten by that means a Flux, are converted into water: as actual fire chief assaults Sulphureous bodies, and by destroying the body draws to itself the Consimilary parts; Stygian waters (which are also called potential fire) easily pull asunder bodies, which very much abound with Salt, as Metals; and break them, inviolable by fire, into most minute parts.  
Concerning the Solutions of Minerals, we may observe, that their frame is not easily destroyed, or loosened into parts, as other Concretes of Nature; but for this, most stung Menstrua's, and those chief Acetous, distilled from Salts, are required; the reason of which is, for that the Concretion of Minerals, depends mostly upon great plenty of Salt, binding the rest of the Particles, as with a bond; wherefore their substance is more solid, more hard, and compact, and only gives place to a Saline Menstruum. When any Mineral, or Metal is dissolved, the fluid Particles of the Salt, in the Menstruum, most easily enter the most strict Complications, of the fixed Salt in the mixture, and impervious to any other solvent, loosen them from their binding, and snatch them into their Embraces: after this manner, the Particles of the Salts being united, and dilated by the Liquor, are hidden in the pores and passages of the Menstruum; and together with these, stick, and are also supped up, by the Menstruum, the more pure and minutely divided bodies of Earth or Sulphur, which were in the mixture; in the mean time, the more thick, and more stufed with Earthiness, are precipitated to the bottom of the dissolving Liquor: wherefore Gold and Silver are wholly devoured by the Menstruum; but Iron, Led, etc. and also Metallick recrements, sand forth from themselves, in the dissolving, Heterogeneous Particles, as so many offscouring: when Minerals are broke into parts by this means, the divided Particles, and most minutely broken, (so long as they equally cohaere with the Parti-of the fluid Salt, which are in the Menstruum) being dispersed through the Liquor of the Menstruum, and hidden in its pores and passages, are supped up, and rendered invisible. Yea also, the humour of the Menstruum being taken away, the remaining Calx, which consists of the Particles of a mixed, and fluid Salt, combined together, is dissolved in any other Liquor: but if after a Metallic solution, the fluid Salt be drawn of, from the Particles of the thing soluted, or by Calcination, it neither poises any Liquor it is put to, with a new adjection of fixed Salt, nor do the little bodies of the thing soluted fall through the pores of the Menstruum, nor are they lastly supped up, by any Liquor added to them.  
But that among Metals, some are corraded by any acetous Liquor; in the mean time others, as Silver and Gold, require a peculiar solvent, as it were to be unlocked by an appropriate Key: and what is more wondered, common Aqua fortis, which eats Silver, leaves Gold altogether untouched: Gold, and has no power upon Silver: The reason of those may be thus understood: Gold and Silver are more compact Metals, very much cleansed from earthy matter; wherefore they are not broken into parts by any solvent, but only by those kind of Menstruas, which consist of a Salt homogeneous or agreeable with them. But as the frame or substance of Silver depends upon a Vitriolic Salt, and that of Gold, on an Armoniac Salt (or of a more perfect kind, to wit, such as is want to be most strictly complicated with Sulphur) hence Aqua fortis, so long as it is strong with a Vitriolic Virtue, combines with the Salt of the Silver, and therefore unlocks its frame or substance, but doth not loosen the concretion of Gold, which depends upon an Heterogeneous bond: If that to this Menstruum, Sal Armoniac be added, the power of the Vitriolic Salt is blotted forth, and the Saline darts of the solvent are made fit only for the Gold, the Silver being untouched.  
When Minerals are corroded by acetous Menstrua's, we are not therefore to think, the same always to be resolved into Elementary parts: that the Salt and Sulphur of them, may be had sincere or unmixed, by this means (although some boast, that they are easily able to show such analysis of Metals) for that it appears to our observation, and frequent experience, that many of these are of so compact and solid a Concretion, that they cannot be broken, but into integral parts: as for example, Gold and Quicksilver, after what manner almost soever handled, when they are reduced into manifold Calxes, will at last by a strong fire acquire their proper forms: viz. the Saline Particles of the Menstruum, loosen the bond of Concretion, whereby the most minute integral parts of the mixture stick one to another; but the same solvent, is not able in all things, to break asunder the Copula of the first mixture, whereby the Elements are mutually bound together: so that for the most part Metallic Calxes, are only little bodies of the Concrete, broken into most small little Globes, being involved by the Saline Particles of the Menstruum: Wherhfore, fire being applied, those corrosive Salts being pulled away from their Embrace, are wholly driven away; than the Metallic little bits, or dust, as so many little particular Globes being fused, by the intense heat, coming together into one Mass by melting, resume the Species of the Metal: wherefore, they who commonly affirm, that the Salts of Minerals for the most part, are only the Saline Particles of the solvent, conjoined with the Metal, reduced as it were into fine flower, without doubt speak truth in the preparations of Sol and Mercury, or of Gold and Quicksilver; also the Salt or Sugar of Saturn or Led, is nothing else: But that sweetness comes only from the Vinegar; for if in the distillation 〈◊〉 Vinegar, the joining of the Vessels are closed with Clay, and Salt, Chaulk and Horse-Dung, on the Superficies of this, grows together a most white Salt, wonderfully sweet, in every thing like to that Sugar: but from some, viz. from Iron, Copper, and Silver, are prepared fictitious Vitriols, which are for the most part Saline: For that the same, by distillation, amy be forced into acetous Liquors, as the Metallic recrements.  
Besides the solvence hitherto recited (which, by means of the Particles, which are strong in them, act upon a peculiar and determinate matter) I know that Chemists do boast wondered things, of a certain universal Menstruum, by whose inspiration every body what ever, may be easily reduced to its Principles, or first Elements: And though Helmont have bragged, that he had attained to this Secret by his own Labour, and now daily the Adepti of Chemistry, do aspire to this end; yet the hopes and endeavours of most, have failed them in this work, even as in the Philosopher's Stone. There are also some other famous Menstrua's, viz. The Aqua vitae Tartarisated of Quercitan, and his Philosophic Vinegar, which are of noted use in the preparing of Medicines; but since I know nothing, or any strange thing they have done, in the dissolution of Bodies, we will pass them over.  
So much concerning solvent Menstrua: about bodies to be dissolved, a certain provision should be instituted, whereby indeed their complexions may more easily be unlocked, and cut into most minute parts: Wherhfore the Concrete is now pounded into powder, now cut into little bits, that the way might lie open for the solvent, to its most inward recesses. If that the frame of the subject be harder, and more strict, that it will not give place, but of a long time, to the Menstruum, before the disslolution is begun, there aught to be administered some aperitives, or openers, whereby the concretion may be first loosened, and somewhat opened: wherefore, the tincture of Steel, is more easily extracted, if its filings be sprinkled with the juice of Lemons, or the Spirit of Vitriol: in like manner Hartshorn, or the shave of Ivory are handled when we would have the decoctions of them quickly made: when formerly I have been very solicitous about this thing, viz. that I might tender the more hard bodies easily soluble, in any Menstruum, and that I had especially tried many things about Iron; after several experiments, at length by a certain chance, and almost thinking of something else, I found out a preparation, whereby without any Corrosive, or Acid Liquor, by the mediation only of a gentle heat, the body of Iron is opened, that being reduced into powder, gives immediately a tincture, to any Liquor, that neither Salts themselves, are sooner dissolved in common water: By this means, I am want to prepare suddenly, in great quantity, Mineral waters, which exactly resemble our Tunbridg Spaws; and to tender Wine, Beer, Milk, or Whey, with no trouble Chalybeated. By this means, Syrups, Tinctures, Extracts, or Magisteria our of Steel, are most easily to be had. Moreover, plainly by the same Artifice, Corals, Pearls, Eyes, and Claws of Crabs, and all shelly things, are prepared, that their powders presently impart to any Menstruum, a tincture, or the virtues of the whole Concrete. And in this preparation, no strange quality is introduced to the Subject, nor its own proper quality lost.  
When I had by this means, learned to unlock all Bodies whatsoever, consisting of a Saline bond, presently from the Analogy of this, was made known the means of unlocking Subjects, whose Concretion is wholly Sulphureous: for I am want so to prepare common Sulphur, that its powder immediately impregnates any Liquor, with the tincture and virtue of Sulphur. The Spirit of Wine, suddenly contracts a deep colour, and very read, that being put into it. Common water by the infusion, or decoction of the same Powder, is rendered clearly Sulphureous, and gilds Silver, and by this means, from that Tincture, a precipitation being made of White Wine, or Vinegar, the Milk of Sulphur is easily prepared, in great quantity. Out of Sulphurated Wine by this infusion, I make a Syrup, than which there is scarce found a more excellent remedy, in the distempers of the Thorax. By this means, Tinctures, Extracts, Magistries, are prepared from Sulphur, with no labour, and without any smatch of the fire. By the same way preparations from Amber, Benzoin, and other Sulphureous things, easily dissolvable in any Menstruum, are composed. But enough and too much of this: we will now pass to the other great dissolvent of Nature.   

CHAP. X. Of the Nature of Fire: and by the way of Heat, and Light.  
WE may almost pronounce the same thing of Fire, what the Philosophers of old did of the first Matter, to wit, that it was potentially every where, and in all things; but in none, in act. For among these sublunaries, Fire hath got no existence of its own Nature, or certain means of duration: It is produced almost in every Subject, but is retained long in none, but it suddenly vanisheth, and expires: yea unless some external accidents, oftentimes should concur for its production, I think it had not at all been in the world. Some have dreamt, that its Sphere is situate under the Moon: but this was introduced only, for the making the Hypothesis of the four Elements: for such a thing seems consonant neither to Sense, nor Reason. That we may rightly search out the Nature of Fire, we must seek in what Bodies it is chief to be found, and how they are disposed; and than we may proceed to the unfolding its essence.  
The Subjects most convenient both for the producing, and the maintaining of Fire, are of that kind, in which there are very many Particles of Sulphur, and but only a moderate portion of Water, Salt, and Earth: for these do hinder its inkindling, and being plentifully poured on it, extinguish it being enkindled: Wherhfore Bituminous, Fat, and Oily things, quickly take flame: so also Chips, Straw, light and dry Wood: in the mean time, Metals, Minerals, the glebe of the Earth, Dung, wet Straw, and green Wood, are hardly, or not at all to beinkindled.  
Secondly, we observe, that all the time Fire continues in the Subject, Sulphureous Particles fly away in heaps, and from the departure of these, the substance of the burning body is by degrees destroyed; in the mean time, very much of Salt and Earth, remains in the form of Ashes, after the burning.  
There is a third observation, that when the Sulphureous Particles are wholly, or for the most part flown out of any Subject, the burning wholly ceases, and the form of fire is quite destroyed; nor can it be renewed in the remaining matter, wanting of Sulphur.  
Fourthly, we will note, that sometimes some Bodies conceive a burning without the advention of another fire, only by their own effervency, and by the intestine motion of the implanted Particles, and of their own accord are reduced into Ashes; as when wet Hay is laid up close, it first grows hot, than afterwards breaks forth into smoke and flame; or the Wheels and Axeltrees of Carts or Wains, being heated by too great agitation, are enkindled.  
According to these positions, we may affirm, that the form of fire, wholly depends upon Sulphureous Particles, heaped up in any Subject, and breaking forth from it in heaps: and that fire is no other thing, than the motion and eruption, of these kind of Particles, impetuously stirred up. For Sulphur is of an exceeding fierce and untamed Nature, whose little bodies, when (the yoke of the mixture being shaken of) they begin to be thickly heaped together, diffuse themselves on every side like a torrent, break whatsoever obstacles are in the Subject, destroy whatever comes in opposition, or fling it down headlong. Nor do the only unlock their proper Subjects, but also lay open the gates and doors of any other Subject near, that they can reach to, and there incite to the like fury, all the consimilary Particles of Sulphur, and provoke them to an eruption: wherefore fire every where inkindles fire.  
The Sulphureous Particles, while they, heaped together within the confines of their Subject, or on its Superficies, are agitated with a rapid motion, but are detained by the Embrace of other little Bodies, from a more free eruption, and more aggregated, constitute the form of fire; as is to be seen in burning Coals, or in glowing Iron; but when these sort of Particles fly away by heaps, from the same Subject, and bound together, they produce flame, which is only an heap, or rather a torrent, of the Particles of Sulphur flowing together, and conjunctly flying away: if Watery, Earthy, and Saline Particles, are commixed with the Sulphureous breaking away, and are able to disjoin and separate them, only smoke is excited; which afterwards, the Sulphureous little Bodies more plentifully breathing forth themselves, and getting together, breaks forth into flame.  
The enkindling of Fire happens very many ways. The first and most simple is, when from hard bodies struck one against another, but oftenest from a Flint struck against Steel, sparks of fire break forth; which being received in Tinder, made of a Linen Cloth burnt to blackness, dilate themselves, and than a Match or Sulphurated thing being applied, they 'cause the enkindling of a flame. Secondly, a fire often happens in dry Wood, and dry things, when by the too great attrition of the parts, and agaitation, being made hot, they conceive an enkindling of their own accord. And thirdly, when Bodies abounding with Sulphur, as Hay, or Flax laid up wet, (of which mention was before made) grow hot of their own accord, and afterwards are enkindled. The fourth way, is the most usual, of introducing fire into any Subject, that it may be enkindled by another fire. We will a little more consider the several processes of these.  
1. Hard Bodies struck one against another, shake forth little sparks of fire: as a Flint with Iron, or with a Flint; Indian Canes, the Fire Stone, and many other things. The reason of this is, because the Particles of Sulphur, which reside in the Superficies of a hard Body, if they are smitten by another hard Body, are not able to go back inward, (because in hard things there is not afforded any session of the parts, from place to place) nor can the smitten Particles of Sulphur evaporate by degrees; but that by reason of the vehemency of the stroke, they are necessitated to break forth in heaps: Wherhfore, when by this means, many of them are moved together, and are aggregated, they exhibit the apparition of fire, The sparks being received into the half-burnt Linen or Tinder, are dilated into a greater fire, for that the Sulphureous Particles, in such a Subject are eminent, and are brought as it were to the very top itself of eruption or breaking forth, wherefore by the lest spark being moved or stirred up, a way being made they fly away.  
The very same reason is for Wood being made hot, and afterwards fired, by too great attrition; by which means, the Axeltrees and Wheels of Chariots, or of Mills, are frequently fired: for the Sulphureous Particles, being by this means very much moved, are more thickly heaped together; and when, having as it were made an Army, they are able to remove, or strike away the rest, they presently break forth in Troops, and by their going away 'cause a burning.  
In Hay or Dung laid up wet, the Particles of Sulphur very much abound; which having gotten the watery Latex for a Vehicle, run themselves into motion: but when for want of Ventilation, they cannot by little and little exhale, being straitened within, and so brought into their exaltation, they are able to join more one to another, and mutually to incite themselves: than afterwards, being very much heaped together, they unfold themselves more largely, and begin to break the Dens of the Subject, and so produce a burning. For it is to be observed in any Subject, when the Particles of Sulphur, being more slowly moved, fly away by degrees, neither heat, nor fire, but only a dryness, and leanness, succeed. But if they are more rapidly moved, than that they may be able to exhale leisurely, a heat is stirred up in the Subject: than if yet they are agitated more vehemently, and impetuously, and being more thickly agglomerated or heaped together, they break forth in heaps, a deflagration or flame follows the heat.  
Fire being enkindled in any Subject, enters and inkindles, whatever Sulphureous thing is next it. For as Saline Menstrua, viz. Stygian waters, assault Metals, stuffed with Mineral Salt, and loosen their Saline Particles, as being of kin, from the mixture; so also the Sulphureous Particles, being enkindled, break whatever Sulphureous Particles are next them, and stir them up into the like motion of burning, with themselves.  
Thus much concerning the nature and production of Fire: it remains that we next inquire into the effects of Fire, and also concerning its virtue and efficacy; to wit, what kind of Bodies it dissolves, and by what means; and also for what uses it serves for. The chief effects of Fire are Heat and Light; either of them are excited by emanations, or Effluvia, sent from an enkindled Body; but after a far different manner: for truly, heat is most often produced at a distance, without light; also light, without any sensible heat.  
Heat, forasmuch as it belongs to the sense of the touch, is conceived, when a certain passion is induced in the skin, or any other Organ of the touch, whereby the little Fibres and Nervous parts are drawn asunder, moved into light Spasms or Convulsions, and sometimes (if the stroke be vehement) suffer a solution of the union. This is want to be done, either by the bringing near of Fire, or of another Body made hot by Fire, or by some other means. For from either, the Sulphureous or warming Particles being excited, into a more rapid motion, and breaking forth by heaps spread abroad, which, as so many little darts, being thrust into our skin, or other Sensory of the touch, either by tickling gently, they bring to it a pleasing sense of heat; or by striking it more grievously, the troublesome sense of burning or scorching.  
For the effect of heat, Fire is applied to Bodies, eith immediately, and so either for the sake of Burning, Roasting or Boiling; or mediately, viz. by the interjection of another Body. Bituminous things, Coals, and other things dug out of the Earth, also Vegetables and chiefly their Leaves, and Woods, are burnt, for heat, necessary for human uses, and for the producing, and conserving it. Stones are burnt for Lime; Vegetables for the preparing of Salts. The flesh of Animals is want to be Roasted, and the Fruits of Vegetables; whereby they may become better food for men. For by Roasting, the superfluous humidity is evaporated, and the Sulphureous parts being stirred by the neighbouring heat, are placed in their vigour and exaltation, by which means, they afford a more grateful food to the , and of better digestion to the Stomach. By fire Metals are fused or melted, and most Minerals, whereby they are either very much purified, or they are better form into various figuresby Smiths. Metals, and very many Minerals, also Salts, although they are not inflamed, and take a firing (because they abound with lesle Sulphur, than Salt) yet by a violent fire, they glow, and suffer a fusion; for that the Sulphureous Particles of the Fire, enter the Saline little Bodies, though most compact, and dissociate them for the time; which however pulled one from another, presently the fire being exhaled, come again together, and are strictly united.  
Secondly, when fire is mediately administered, the Particles of the soluted Sulphur, and heaped together into fire, are dissociated, as when a cloud is dispersed into most little drops of Rain: wherefore they lay aside the form of fire; but though dispersed, they easily pass through any impediment, and induce a sufficient strong heat to every Subject. By this means, fire is accommodated to very many uses, the chief of which, and the more accustomed, are, elixation or boiling, digestion, and distillation.  
In Boiling, the Particles of heat do pass into a watery Menstruum, and being united with its Particles, insinuate themselves deeply into the thing to be boiled: whose superfluous humidities they carry away, digest the crudities, and carry them into a state of maturity. Boiling is instituted, either that the Liquor might be impregnated with the strength of the thing to be Boiled, or that the thing to be Boiled might be made tender, by the Liquor entering into it, and its Particles exalted: for Meats and all Eatable things, are rendered more grateful to the Palate by Boiling, even as well as by Roasting.  
Digestion is very much used in Medicines, that their more slow Particles, may be carried to a greater activity; and sometimes, that they being too fierce might be fixed, and rendered more mild.  
The most noble use of heat, or of mediate fire, is had in distillations; for the Particles of heat, do pull away some Particles of the Subject from others, (as it were by a Spagyric Anatomy) they resolve all Bodies, into their parts and principles. But the consideration of this thing, is too laborious and hard, to be inserted into this Tract.  
As heat respects the Sensory of the Touch, so Light that of the Sight, and affects it so after a proper and peculiar manner, that nothing at all is discerned, besides the rays of light, direct, or reflected: for the various appearances of Colours, and the divers proportions of Bodies, and whatsoever we see with our Eyes, is only light; to wit, either proceeding directly, or straight from a lucid Body, or retorted from another Body, to the Eye, and so form into various figures and colours. The consideration of Light, contains in itself, very many stupendious things, and is of deep speculation; which are not however proper for this place: It will suffice to take notice here, of a sew things, concerning its Original, Motion, and Perceptibility.  
Light is want to be distinguished, either that it is Etherial, which flows from the Sun and Stars; or Elementary, which only proceeds from a fired Body, enkindled into a flame. It seems, that either is only flame enkindled in a greater dimension, and dilated into a most thin composition: for it appears to the sense, that from Sulphureous things being inflamed, (as for example) from a burning Candle, most thin Effluvia's. or most small divided little Bodies perpetually do spring; which being diffused into an Orb, and stretched forth into right Lines, as it were from the Centre to the Circumference, are still expanded on every side, in a great heap, and fill all the space within the Sphere of its activity, with a luminous ray. The Particles of the flame, which first fall away or departed from a lucid Body, are still driven forward by those following behind; and so these also by others; and so by a continued Series of Particles of the flames still succeeding, the beams of light are form, and are thickly or closely directed into all parts.  
The motion of these is exceeding swift; like streams of water, breaking forth with a force, they pass through the medium in the twinkling of a Eye, and, as those waters, if the motion be cut of near the Spring, most swiftly vanish. When the Rays of light come directly from a Luminous Body, they constitute a medium, only clear or lucid, without the appearance of any colour or image: when the same Rays meet with a solid Body, they do not pass rightly through it, but being either broken of, they are drowned or lost, or else they are reflected and leap back or rebound, as when a Ball being cast against a Wall, with a continued motion is struck back, upon other parts, according to the Angles of what stopped it. The Rays of light, reflected from other Bodies, being fallen into the Eye, represent the Images of visible things, and the varieties of colours. For as the superficies of visible Bodies are rough, and endued with little pores, and innumerable eminences, or rise up, hence the Rays of light, being most thickly impacted in them, and reflected from every part, according to all the ways of inclinations, and directions, as for as they go, do meet together round about, into very many tops of Cones, in which the beams proceeding from the whole object, as from a base, represent the image or similitude of the whole; and in these kind of images, the medium is every where planted, that wherever the Eye is placed, it beholds the image of the same thing, though not wholly after the same manner. But forasmuch, as the beams of the same light, being impacted in every Body, and variously refracted and distorted, about its rough and unequal superficies, from thence reflected as it were with turn and wind into the Eye, they 'cause the divers Phaenomena or appearances of colours, to appear. For colous, and images of things, do not exist in their own nature, but as it were spectrums, only from another place, change their apparitions by the Rays of light. When dark night brings thick darkness to this inferior world, things are not perceived but by the Touch, and loose all their appearances: when the Sun revisits the Hemisphere, he brings forth a new Creation of things; and the whole Atmosphere is filled at once, with a sudden and manifold progeny, to wit, with infinite images of Bodies, and appearances of colours.  
Therefore Light does not only illustrate the medium, that sight may be made, as some would have it; but it also creates the very objects of sight, and introduces them into the Penetralia or inward parts of the Eye, yea to the most inward recesses of the Brain. This doth the same Office for the Eye, as the Intellect doth for the Soul, to wit, it forms the Ideas or Images of Bodies, and renders them perceptible by the visive faculty. Light only is able to penetrate the Coats and Humours of the Eye, to move the little Fibres of the Optic Nerve, and to stir them up into an act of senfation. Because the Images of things, being forged by the Rays of light, variously reflected, and meeting together on the tops of the Cones, are stayed within the Pupil, or dark spot of the Eye; they seem as objects in a close Chamber, admitted by a small hole, to be represented to the lief: and the Concave or Convex Glasses, whereby the parallel beams are broken, or the inverse reduced or brought back, do egregiously supply the humours placed in the Eye, beyond the industry of human Art; by the help of which, the image of every object is painted, near the thin skin of the Eye, in its just figure and proportion: and than, from the motion, which this Image impresses on the little Fibres of the Optic Nerve, the act of sight is performed in the Brain. Thus much for Heat and Light, the Speculation of which, though it may seem to be altogether besides the Doctrine of Fermentation, yet forasmuch as by the motion of these kind of Sulphureous Particles, many other Physical Operations also performed, a brief mention of them aught not to have been overpassed in this place. But before we shall lay aside quite the consideration of Fire, it will be here worth our while to inquire concerning some Subjects, as it were irregular, to wit, in which fire shows admirable virtues, and beyond its common manner: of this sort, are among Simples common Sulphur, and Sal Nitre; among Compounds, Gunpowder, and Aurum Fulminans.  
Concerning common Sulphur we may observe, that it quickly catches fire, heat it immediately breaks forth into flame such (as nothing besides) that by its deflagration it puts out the Kitchen fire, that it sends forth a blueish flame, and whitens all objects with its Smoke or Soot. If you behold the matter of this Subject, or the parts of which the mixture is composed, its Spagyrical Analysis will exhibit, great plenty of pure Sulphur, a moderate quantity of Vitriolic Salt, a little of Spirit, Water and Earth. For when common Sulphur is dissolved, by the Spirit of Turpentine, the Sulphureous part impregnates the Menstruum, with a very deep Tincture, and the Saline grows into Crystals: or when it is fired under a Bell, the Sulphur wholly burns, in the mean time the Salt being resolved, and having taken a Flux, is fixed about the sides of the Vessel, and so exhibits a Liquor, most like the Spirit of Vitriol, or rather the very same. To which add, if you mingle the Oil of Vitriol, and Antimony together, and distil it in a Retort, a Yellow Sulphur, just like the common, will be Sublimed in the neck of the Retort.  
I say therefore, because there are very many Particles of Sulphur in this Concrete, and that they lie lose and unbound in the mixture, (to wit, neither divided and separated by the coming between of Earth, or Water, nor much bound together by Salt) therefore they are of a most prompt motion: wherefore by the lest spark of fire, they break forth from the lose frame; and because very many run forth adoors together, therefore not a naked fire, as in every Combustible thing besides, but first of all and immediately a flame is enkindled. It's flame becomes blueish, because 'tis almost pure Sulphur that burns, not mixed with the Particles of Water and Earth, as it is in Wood or Straw. The very same thing happens to Spirit of Wine being inflamed. It extinguishes the Kitchen fire by reason of the little Bodies of Vitriolic Salt left behind; and the same being eventilated with the flame and fume of Sulphur, gives a white colour to things; the like to which, the Effluvia's, exhaled from the Spirit of Vitriol, or Stygian Waters, do effect.  
Concerning Sal Nitre, we will take notice, that it is not to be enkindled at all by itself; but to be melted by an intense fire: but being mixed with any Sulphureous things, it breaks forth into a flame, with a certain force and explosion: For being added to common Sulphur, Antimony, or Tartar, it burns with a thundering noise; also if you put into melted Nitre, a burning Coal, or Wood, the flame is exploded round about, with a wind, so that the matter put in is fling up and down here and there, and often times fling clear out of the Vessel: by this kind of deflagration, what is Nitrous is consumed, the fixed Salt (which is Tartar) remains. When Nitre is distilled, Sand or Brick dust, is mixed with it in a double quantity at lest; otherwise the Nitre melting is not at all loosened into a vapour. In the distilling the vapour sent forth is very read; so that the Receptacle shines with a splendour, as if a flame were shut up within it: a sharp corrosive Liquor is stilled forth, which dissolves most Metals; also Gold.  
These things being truly weighed, it seems that this mixture consists chief of abundance of Salt, and a little Sulphur, but these not fixed and idle, but either exalted, and ready for motion, and not without a certain resistance bound together: to wit, the Sulphureous little Bodies, being rolled about by the Saline, and as it were strictly pressed, still endeavour to get forth; but being strictly bound within, they are not able to rise forth by their own strength, or endeavour: but as soon as, by the mixture and enkindling of another Sulphureous Body, the Particles of the Salt are disjoined, and their Prisons unlocked, presently the included little Bodies of Sulphur, as it were breaking Prison, fling themselves forth with violence, remove every Obstacle, and strike the Air violently with a sudden eruption.  
The reason why fire doth not enkindle Nitre, being enclosed in a Vessel, but only melts it, when in the mean time, any Sulphureous matter being fired, makes it to flame forth with a noise, is, because the little Bodies, which fall away from the fire, enter the Nitre, make it a little lose, and dissociate the concretion of the Salt, but not so loosen it, that a way may be made for the included Sulphur: but by the addition of Sulphureous things, the Saline compaction is more dissolved, and is so far unlocked, that the Particles of the enclosed Sulphur fly away all together, and being freed from their straightness, do hugely stretch themselves abroad, and seek greedily an immense space.  
That there is plenty of Sulphur in Nitre, besides its deflagration, the Genesis of it sufficiently testifies; for it is beget chief in places, where the Sulphureous Excrements of Animals abound. The use of it in agriculture argues the same thing, because the fertility of the Earth depends very much upon it: And to this also, the flaming colour, shining in the distilling may persuade.  
From these premises, it will not be difficult, to unfold the nature of Gunpowder, used in Warlike Instruments. For the sudden firing, and vehement explosion of it arise, for that those very many, and almost infinite Particles of Sulphur, which constitute that fire-dilating Body, being fired, fly away together in a moment; all which breaking forth at once, a force being made, and desiring a most free and ample space, for their expansion, violently move the Air, and all obstacles, and so are exploded or thrust forth with a noise. There is in this mixture, common Sulphur put, because its Particles are lose, and ready for motion, and therefore apt to move a quick enkindling: there is added Charcoal dust, because in that also, the little Sulphureous Bodies (as is seen in Tinder, that is made of half  Linen) are brought to the very top of eruption; and therefore these presently conceive an enkindling, and both these being fired, and opposed to the Nitre, they quickly loosen its frame, and sand forth the Sulphureous Particles enclosed in it; which indeed break forth from their impediments with a force, and as the blast of a Bellowss, increase the strength of the whole in firing. The Charcoal dust is added in a moderate quantity; though it abounds with Terrestrial matter, yet by reason of the Sulphur being carries forth in it, it accelerates the deflagration of this mixture: For the Coal and Nitre being beaten together, is sooner fired, and with a greater explosion, than Nitre and Sulphur: But if the Coals be added to this Composition, (as they are want to make it for Cannon and great Guns) in a greater quantity than it aught, and improportionate to the Nitre, the immediate firing is somewhat retarded, by reason of the interjection of the Earthy matter; and it happens, that the Sulphureous little Bodies therein, apt to be too hastily enkindled, are a little disjoined, and so the substance of the infused powder, takes fire successively, and by parts, and not all at once.  
The reason of Aurum Fulminans does not so manifestly appear: but it seems wondered, that the Calx of a Metal, otherways inviolable by fire, should be borough into a powder, one grain of which, if it be but lightly heated by fire, is exploded with so great a force, and yields such a noise, that is an hundred fold beyond Gunpowder. I know many deduce the cause of this, as in Gunpowder, from a Nitrous-Sulphureous mixture: For they suppose the Nitre drawn forth from the solvent Menstruum, to join together with the Sulphur of thE Metal, and so the powder from thence prepared, to get that fulminating force. But in truth, if this matter be better thought on, it will appear far otherways; because this golden thundering powder, is not at all enkindled, as preparations of Nitre with Sulphur: for if fire be put to it, it goes of only successively, by grains, nor as in Gunpowder, doth the whole fulminate at once; but being put into an Iron, Silver, or other convenient Vessel, and for some time heated, by a sudden fire, at length all the Particles being stirred together into motion, it is exploded with a mightly noise; but yet being explosed, it yields neither flame nor sparks neither is the Gold lost. For if this powder fulminates in an open Vessel; whatsoever is of the Gold, remains after the thundering, in the form of a purple powder; and may be gathered up. That the genuine cause of this may be extricated, there are some things to be observed, concerning its preparations, which will give no small light.  
For the making of this powder, it is altogether requisite, that a solution of Gold be made with a Menstruum, impregnated with Sal Armoniac, or at lest Analogical to it: for I have tried it in vain with the Spirit of Nitre, Salt, with the Bezoartic Spirit, and some others. Than next it is requisite, that the Calx be precipitated with Oil of Tartar; for if the same be brought into a powder, with Silver or Mercury being cast in, it loses its thundering force. Also, if the Liquor of the Tartar, be too precipitately poured in, that with the great heat, a repercussion of the thing soluted be made, it often loses its fulminating virtue: but a precipitation being leisurely made, the powder settling in the bottom is washed away, by the often pouring on of warm water, which, though it be most often washed and dried, far exceeds the weight of the dissolved Gold.  
According to these positions, in seems most likely, that whilst the Gold is dissolved by an appropriate Menstruum for this business, some little Bodies of Sal Armoniac, (or some other resembling it) being greatly akin to the Gold, do most strictly cohere with its Particles; which than by the Salt of Tartar leisurely in the precipitating infused, are more fixed, and more strictly tied fast together: and than the explosion of this powder, or Solary Calx, is nothing else than a violent eruption of those kind of Salts, from the Cohesion or Embrace of the Gold. For when the powder prepared after this manner; is brought to the fire, or is otherways made hot: the heat causes the Sal-Armoniack Particles, or others of the same nature affixed to the Solar, to dissociate; which notwithstanding, (when they hardly departed one from another) are not pulled asunder, but by a strong and continued heat: yet afterwards being pulled asunder with a certain force, by reason of the sudden and violent breaking of, they strike the Air impetuously, and so 'cause a most strong noise, for their bulk. But in the mean time, if the explosion be made under a Silver Spoon, you will see a separation made of either Particles, here the Solar of a Purple colour, there the Saline of an Ash colour. But that this powder doth not make a noise, unless it be leisurely precipitated with the Oil of Tartar, it is because some Particles of the Salt of Tartar, being before bound together with the Salarmoniac Particles, do couple together, by which means all are more strongly combined: For the Salt of Tartar being pounded with the mixture of Nitre and Sulphur fixes their Particles for a time; that this Composition is not presently enkindled by heat; but afterwards is exploded with a strong noise. And powder prepared after this manner seems to imitate the Nature of Aurum Fulminans: and it is probable that from other Minerals dissolved and precipitated by reason of the strict Cohesions of the Salt with the Metallic matter, and their violent abruptions, thundering Calxes may be prepared. That truly the preparation of this chief depends on the Combination of the Salts, it appears, because, if in the Precipitating (as I have known it sometimes to have happened) the Oil of Tartar, being too hastily infused, the Complexion of the Salts is dissolved with the Metallic matter, the powder falls in small quantity to the bottom, and of a very Purple colour, whose grains are fragments of almost most pure Gold, and therefore they do not fulminate at all: afterwards in that precipitated Liquor, very many slender Crystals grow together, which are indeed the Salts, having suffered a Divorce from the Metal. Besides, That the Salt of Tartar, trings something to the preparation of this powder, it is a sign, because those things which take away the fulminating force from this, are of the same Nature, which chief work upon the Salt of Tartar; as a beating it together with common Sulphur, Spirit of Salt, Oil of Vitriol, or of Sulphur: for these grow hot, and greedily desire to be joined with the Salt of Tartar, and so they call it away from the Embraces of the Gold; by which means the Combination of the Salts, with the Particles of the Gold, is loosened, and therefore loses its Gun-like force. What is commonly said, that this powder will be presently enkindled, or exploded, by a most light heat, or by shaking it in an Iron Ladle, is nothing true, as appears to me, for I have often tried it. Nor is it more worthy of belief, what is said, that this only forces downwards, and breaks the thickest hollow Pipes with its force; in the mean time, that it doth not move or shake any thing laid over it, because long since I made trial after this manner; two grains of this being laid in a Silver Spoon, I covered with a Doller, than a Candle being held under the Spoon, upon the explosion of the powder, there followed a great noise, and there was a little hollow made in the bottom of the Spoon, almost through, and the piece of money was carried up with a force to the Ceiling, wherefore, when this Aurum Fulminans is explosed, its force is diffused round.  
Although vehement heat, and incited, and also the emission of Smoke and Soot, depends for the most part upon fire; yet sometimes we perceive it to be produced in some subjects, and that in a very high degree, without its being actually enkindled. A most known instance of which thing is, quick Lime sprinkled with water: which also Stygian waters show, being mingled with Iron, the Butter of Antimony, and with the Salts of the stagma of Vegetables. The learned men, Gunter, Conringius, Hogelandus, and almost all that have touched on the Doctrine of Fermentation, have delivered the effects of this Nature, as especial examples of Fermentations, wherefore it will be worth our labour, to inquire something concerning each of them: but on this condition (which I also have observed in other disquisitions) that I willingly let alone the opinion of others; for a Traveller had rather drink at the Fountains themselves: I will than as briefly and succinctly as I can dispatch the business.  
Quicklime is made of the Lime Stone, also of many others (excepting only such which consist of a reddish and as it were sandy grain) being Calcined in a close Furnace, for many days, with a reverberating fire: by this means, the frame of the mixture is loosened, that it goes into a friable matter, or that may be crumbled, which by reason of the high astriction or binding Nature, in which it excels, serves most excellently for the making of Cements for Walls: This Calx or Lime being taken from the Furnace, reteins still the form of Stone, and seems cold to the touch, but water being poured thereon, it swells up, and grows wonderfully hot, sending forth smoke, that it burns all Bodies that are put into it, besides it falls of itself into a white dust: To which Particles this motion and heat aught to be ascribed, viz. whether to those implanted in the Lime stone, or to the others acquired by the fire, doth not easily appear: but that we may lose this knot, if we can, I have instituted this Analysis of quick Lime. I put about half a pound of it into a large Cucurbit, than water being poured thereon, I fitted the little Head with a capacious Receiver, by and by, within five minutes of an hour, the matter began to swell, and to grow very hot; than a smoke, and a breath being raised, all the Vessels became so hot, that I could scarce touch them with my hands. A clear water Distilled forth into the Receiver, about six Ounces, which was not sharp, but of a Styptic or Astringent sweetish taste; the remaining powder in the Cucurbit, I boiled with common water, and the Lie thereof made, I endeavoured to boil away with a gentle Fire; while it did evaporate, there gathered together on the Superfices of the Liquor, a white and crusty little skin, also of a sweetish taste, and the same being taken away, presently a new one succeeded; the humour being at last wholly exhaled, there remained in the bottom nothing that was sharp or salt.  
We may Collect from this, that this heat doth not proceed from the implanted Principles of the Lime stone, viz. either Saline or Sulphureous however moved within themselves: for only a sweetish Salt was to be found in it, which was also Volatile; and it is a sign that there is not much Sulphur in the Limestone, because by a long Calcination, the form of the mixture is not quite destroyed, nor its substance wholly broken: wherefore, it is very likely, that whilst these stones are burnt in the Furnace, some Particles of Fire do strictly cleave to the Saline, and so reside in that mixture, as it were strangers; which whilst they lie a sleep, and continued idle, and being separated one from another, by the coming between of Earth, although they are very many, do not raise up heat; For all heat depends upon motion: but when water is poured to it, those fiery Particles, being thrust out of their Cells, flow together, and fly aways by heaps from that Inn; so breaking forth by Troops, they 'cause a very intense heat, and because diluted with water, only a smoke, and not an actual Fire.  
It is a sign that little Bodies of fire, or fiery Particles, do stick a long while in matters Calcined, because Iron Instruments, according as those Particles are driven forth of their pores, more or lesle, leisurely or by heaps, become soft or hard; tough or brittle: morover it is observed, that bricks or fresh Earthen Vessels being dipped in water, 'cause a certain hissing; also Tobacco Pipes, if one end be put into water, and the other brought near to the Ear, yield a certain sharp noise and rumbling: add to these, that fixed Salts being Calcined, or having suffered a Flux by the Fire, become far sharper; also Stygian waters, by reason of those kind of little Bodies involved therein, which afterwards leisurely evaporate, perpetually sand forth sharp fumes: and when these are poured upon Saline Calxes, not only an Ebullition is raised, by reason of the disagreeing Particles of the Salts, which strike one another mutually, whereby they might be more strictly combined; but besides, heat and smoke succeed, which for the most part arise from the fiery Particles being shuck out of their Dens. But it is not easy to give a reason why quick Lime, and no other Concretes, retain so copiously those kind of fiery Particles, and yield a strong heat, water being poured on them.  
'tis plain enough that when the Sulphureous Effluviums of Fire, (forasmuch as they are most penetrating) enter all Bodies whatsoever, brought near, affect them affer divers manners: those which are more lax, and stuffed with active Principles, are destroyed wholly by burning, and because their substance decays, the fiery Particles, as Soldiers in a City spoiled by themselves, do not continued long in the ruined place, but go farther, and move their Tents: but where the Concretion of the Subject is very compact, and that its Elements cannot be so pulled in pieces by the fire, that they rather grow stiff, as is seen in Metals, Glass, Bricks, and other things made hard, either by boiling, or fusion; the fiery Particles entered in, being received in an incommodious Inn, presently go forth again; and therefore few are want to stay in mixed things of this kind, or in things fused, or Calcined: but if fire be so applied to the more hard Concretes, of which sort are most stones, and shelly Concretes, that the bond of the mixture be unlocked, some parts, viz. the Watery and Sulphureous are driven away, and so some spaces are made hollow, very fit for the receiving any stranger; in the mean time, that the frame of the matter be not wholly destroyed, but that it may continued its compacted and stony form, which flows not away together with its Particles, and ever threatens its ruin; in such a Subject, chief the Particles of fire, possessing the spaces of the parts flown away, copiously remain; and there cleaving close to the Saline little Bodies, being detained one from another, by the coming between of the earthy, lie quiet; which notwithstanding afterwards, being violently driven from those Inns, are able to produce by their eruption, an intense, and almost fiery heat: in the mean time those Saline little Bodies, are so loosened, by the long familiarity of the fiery, and by the embrace of one another, and of the strangers, that they become Volatile, and being diluted with water, for the greatest part evaporate with it; and the remaining Salt, because also Volatile, and having suffered almost a divorce from all the rest of the Principles, is both sweetish, and becomes desirous of Conjunction, and astringent; and therefore also is of excellent use for plastring of Walls.  
But that Stygian waters, being poured upon the Stagmas of fixed Salts, produce heat, and the same mixed with Iron, or the Butter of Antimony, stir up a mighty ardour, with a blacking smoke, the reason seems plain. As to the Stygian waters and fixed Salts, it may be said that both these Concretes are only Salts, having got divers states by the fire, and so either being very much stuffed with fiery Particles (which are the most minute atoms of Sulphur:) But they being confused together, do forthwith rush into mutual embraces, and because the Particles of either, are made unlike, therefore, whereby they may be more strictly united, there is made a great attrition of parts, and together an excussion of the fiery Particles, from whence the great ebullition, with a heat is excited: when the same Menstrua, are poured on Iron, or the Ice of Antimo, the Salts of either come together, and shake forth the fiery Particles, and also the Sulphureous Particles, before implanted in either Subject; which flying away in heaps, 'cause a smoke with a heat, but not a flame.   

CHAP. XI. Of the motion of Fermentation, as it is to be observed, in the Precipitation of Bodies.  
WE have hitherto treated of the Solutions of Bodies; it remains now that we speak of Precipitation, this is performed only in Liquids, which, when as they are stuffed with Heterogeneous Particles, are compelled by a matter Precipitating those Particles, to separate one from another, and to obtain for their substance, divers places and conditions: wherefore, since in this operation, there is an agitation and motion of parts, its consideration aught to be referred to the Doctrine of Fermentation.  
Precipitation is performed, either in Natural things, as thiefly in Milk, Blood, Urine, and perhaps in some others; or in Artificial things, which are of a divers Kind and Nature: but they may be described and ranked in a certain order, according as the Liquor to be Precipitated, or Precipitating, is either Spirituous, Sulphureous, Watery, or Saline: besides, according as the Particles separated from the rest, are either Elementary, (viz. either Sulphureous, Earthy, or Saline) or Integral, which participate of the Nature of the whole mixture, and are only very small portions of  
There are two common and known ways of Precipitation, whereby is made from Milk, both Cheese, and Butter: As to the first, if any sharp thing be poured into warm Milk, the thicker and Chcesie parts, presently separate from the serous and thinner, and are gathered together into a thick substance. The reason of which consisits in this: Milk has a somewhat thick consistence, and its pores and passages are very much beset, with the thicker (to wit the Cheesie) contents; wherefore when something more subtle and penetrating, (as is Rennet) passes through the Liquor, it easily thrusts forth the more thick Particles, with which the pores were possessed; which than mutually Embrace one another, and are separated apart from the thin, and Eheyie Liquor. When Milk is kept long to a sourness, it is Precipitated after the same manner, without Rennet, by warming it over the fire. For in stolen Milk its Saline parts get a Flux, than being stirred up by the fire, supply by their own soumess the turn of Rennet, yea it is not improbable that the fluid Salt in the Rennet provokes the Saline Particles of the Milk, into a Flux, and that for this reason chief its Coagulation succeeds: for that the Saline parts having gotten of their own accord a Flux, so bind the pores of the Liquor, that the more thick Contents are willingly exterminated from them: wherefore we do say, for that reason, the same thing happens, when a Flux of the same Salt is caused by some thing else put into it. But that the Coagulation of Milk happens, not only by reason of the passages and pores being possessed by a strange Body, the sign is; because the Salt of Tartar, though exceeding Precipitatory, effects nothing, of this, and this effect is excited almost only by sour things. Sugar hinders the Precipitation of Milk, and many other Liquors, because it restrains the Flux of the Acetous Salt, and as it is easily Soluble, and its Particles are soft and blunt, they extrude not the former Contents implanted in the Liquor, but fill all vacuities, that afterwards there is no space whereby another Precipitating Liquor may unfold itself, and break into another's quarters.  
But Country people are want to make Butter of the Flowers or Cream of Milk, kept for the most part to a sourness, only by shaking or Churning it. The reason of which (as it seems to me) is this: in Cream there is great plenty of Sulphur, with which also a mean portion of Salt and Earth is mixed, as may be conjectured, both by the sourness of the Liquor remaining of the Butter, or the Buttermilk, and by its thicker consistency. In this mixture, the parts both Saline and Sulphureous are in motion, and a Flux: but as the Liquor is thicker they cannot presently fly away: wherefore it remains, that if the bond of the mixture be further loosened, they will separate into parts, and that first the Sulphureous Particles, which exceed the others in power, are Congregated together with a mutual embrace; wherefore these two things, the Churning of the Cream performs, viz. it brings the Sulphureous parts by their often obvolution together, whereby they do the better entangle themselves, and muturally ensnare one another; besides it breaks their mixture with the rest. For this reason, in the Winter time, (when Cream is thinner, and abounds lesle with Sulphur) Butter is hardly made. Besides the admixtion of Salt or Sugar wholly hinders its making; because by the coming between of those little Bodies, the Sulphureous parts are hindered, from a mutual adhesion.  
The chief Precipitation of the blood, which is performed within a living Body, is made in the Reinss; where, not without the strength of a certain Coagulum or Rennet, the serus matter is separated from the rest of the blood; just as Whey from Milk: For which reason Diuretical things are of the same Nature, as those which bring a Coagulation to Milk; and therefore, because they more Precipitate the blood by susing it, they 'cause a large profusion of urine. The blood being sent forth of the Vessels, separates into various substances, by its own disposition: whilst it is warm, it is variously Precipitated, by some Liquors poured to it, (in like manner Urine) not without a pleasant Spectacle. If you pour upon warm blood the spirit of Wine, Heart's Horn, Soot, Vitriol, or other Liquors, chief Spirituous or Saline, a wondered Ebullition and heat is stirred up; whence we may conjecture after what manner it grows turgid, in Fevers. But before the rest. the Salt of Tartar, and a Solution of Alum, procure both in Blood and in Urinal, a great perturbation of the Liquor, and falling down of the parts: for these disturb all the Contents in the pores and paffages of the Liquor, and by their astriction, very much lock them up for a long time.  
Precipitation in Artificial things is of greater note and use: for this for the most part floolws Dissolutions, and succeeds them as it were by a certain right of Order; becaust this takes out to their Jaws, and as it were lays by, the prey, which all Menstrua take by dissolving. According to the diversity of the Menstruum, and of the Body dissolved, Precipitation also variously happens: but in some Subjects there are two chief remarkable things, concerning the manner of Precipitation, to wit, the soluted Particles, immersed in the pores and passages of the Menstruum, are want to fall out of them; either by reason of the narrowness of the containing space, or else by reason of the Contents being increased in weight and bigness: for in some the pores of the Solvent, being either leisurely bound up, or beset with a strange Body, shut forth from their Cells, the little Bodies of the thing soluted, and sand them to the bottom; as may be observed in Sulphureous Solutions, or such as are made of the whole mixture of integral parts, in a thin Liquor; which are disturbed, and lay away their Contents by external cold, simple water, or at lest by any Acid infusion. After this manner resinous Tinctures, also of Sulphur, Olibanum, Benzoin, and the infusions and decoctions of Vegetables, also Urinal, Milk, and Blood, are want to be Precipitated: but in several others, besides that the pores, and passages of the Menstruum, are either leisurely drawn together, or possessed by a new guest, also something new grows to the Particles of the thing soluted from the Precipitating matter, whereby being increased in weight and bulk, they can be not longer sustained; but that they are necessitated to sink to the bottom. This is chief seen in the Saline Solutions of Minerals, which are only Precipitated by the Salts; whose Particles presently cleave to the little Bodies of the thing soluted, and increase their substance, that presently they descend to the bottom by their own weight: For in Saline solutions, the little Bodies of the thing soluted, are strictly bound together by the fluid Menstruum, with the Saline Particles; and the Particles run hastily and are heaped together into the Embraces of the same fluid Salt, from the Precipitating infusion of the fixed Salt: wherefore, when these three, (to wit, the little Bodies of either Salt, and of the soluted matter) do cohere together, they constitute greater grains than can be eontained in the narrow spaces of the Menstruum, and therefore being thrust out, they fall down towards the bottom: That this does truly hap after this manner, the great affinity, both of the fluid and fixed Salt, is a sign; that the Particles of both being placed near or mixed together, are presently combined in one: also, because many solutions of Minerals, are presently Precipitated by a fixed Salt, but not by Vitriol or Alum being put in, which do much more bind, and stop up the pores of the Liquor. Thirdly, it appears clearly even to sense, because that the matter put for a Precipitate, far exceeds the thing soluted in bulk and weight, and is impregnated by the fixed Salt adhering to it, But these being thus disposed, we will descend to the particular cases of Percipitations, forasmuch as Precipitation is made manifold, to wit, according to the diversity of the Menstruum, of the soluted matter, and the Precipitating infusion.  
Simple water, though it do not well sustain the Particles of the mixture which it receives into itself by infusion, or Cohesion, yet hardly sends them away by Precipitation. For the pores of this Menstruum are too open and lose, wherefore the Precipitating matter, doth not easily strike the little Bodies of the thing soluted: in the mean time, by reason of the more lose frame of the Menstruum, some parts of the soluted Body sink down; others of their own accord evaporate, from whence that Liquor doth not long keep the Virtues or Tincture, with which they are impregnated by another. As some more thick parts and Terrestrial may be thrust down to the bottom, or otherways separated, we put in the Juice of Lemons, or some acid thing, or boil in it the whites of Eggs, to wit, that whatsoever is thick might cleave to their viscous substance.  
Spirituous and Sulphureous Menstrua, being impregnated with the Sulphureous Particles of the thing soluted, easily lay by their burden; for they are Precipitated by common, or any Distilled water; as is seen in Sulphureous and Resinous Tinctures of Sulphur, Scammony, Benzoin, Frankincense, and others of that kind prepared by the Spirit of Wine, or Oylof Turpentine, which presently grow Milky, by Water or Phlegm being infused. For in these sort of solutions, the pores are wholly possessed, that they admit nothing besides the thing soluted, and besides, both the Liquor, and soluted Matter are so thin, that they easily give place to any thing else being infused.  
When Menstruas of this kind are filled with Saline Particles, as we may observe in the Tinctures of the Salt of Corrals, of Tartar and such like, Precipitation does not presently succeed from common water, but from an Acid Liquor, as the Spirit of Vitriol, Salt, etc.  
Saline Menstruas impregnated by the solutions of Stones or Metals, are most easily Precipitated by Saline Particles, and scarce by others. The chief Precipitatory Liquor, is the Salt of Tartar, or of Herbs burnt to Ashes, deliquated or melted; for this strikes back the Particles of every soluted thing whatsoever, and sends them headlong to the bottom; to wit, forasmuch, as it passes through every where, the little spaces of the solvent, and sticking to the Contents, increases them in bulk, that they more easily fall out of the pores of the Menstruum, bound also together with their own weight.  
What fluid Salt (as Vinegar, Stygian waters, etc.) dissolves, the same a fixed Salt precipitates; and on the contrary: because Salt of Tartar being melted, most excellently penetrates common Sulphur, and receives the Tincture; which than is precipitated by a fluid Salt, viz. by the Spirit of Vitriol, and the like: which indeed does not hap, by reason of the disagreeing Particles of the Salts, and mutually opposing one another; but for that the same are greatly of kin, and rush into mutual Embraces: for from hence, the little grains of the thing soluted, by reason of the cohering of both the Salts together, being increased in bulk and weight, are more readily thrust out of the little spaces of the Menstruum, and descend to the bottom. We will in this place, more sparingly insist upon instances of this nature, because the more full handling of them belongs to the Chemical Work.  
Precipitation is not only observed in the separation of a more thick matter, from a serous latex, and in the settling of the disturbed parts towards the bottom; but sometimes the Particles shut up within the pores and passages of the Liquor, are so small and subtle, that being Precipitated, they are not discerned by the sight, neither do they quickly descend to the bottom; but from their situation and position, being variously changed, the colour, and consistency of the Liquor, are diversely altered. I was want in times past, to sport with the solutions of Vegetables and Minerals, which being made by themselves, were clear like Spring water, and appeared bright, being commixed, shown now a Black colour, now a Milky, Read, Green, Blue, or some other kind. The solution of Saturn, (or Led) being made with distilled Vinegar, appears bright like common water, if you add to this Oil of Tartar, like clear water, the mixture strait grows White like Milk. If Antimony calcined with Nitre, be boiled in Spring water, the straining seems clear, and almost without smell, which yet being dashed by any Acid thing. presently acquires a deep yellow colour, with a most wicked stink. Common water being imbued by an infusion of Mercury Sublimate, is presently tinged with yellowness, by Oil of Tartar dropped into it. Quicksilver and Sal Armoniac, being beaten together, and Sublimated in a Matrace by the heat of Sand, go into a white powder, this being soluted by melting shows like to clear Spring water, which yet being smeared upon Brass or Copper, appears like Silver; and being lightly rubbed on brazen Vessels, renders them as if they were perfectly silvered. A solution of Calcined Tin, being put to melted Salt of Tartar becomes bluish. A clear infusion of Galls, being mixed with a solution of Vitriol, makes Ink; if you add to this Spirit of Vitriol, or Stygian water, the black Liquor is by and by made clear like Spirit of Vitriol, or Stygian water, the black Liquor is by and by made clear like Spring water; and this Oil of Tartar reduces again to Ink. And what is more wondered, if you writ on Paper with the clear infusion of Vitriol, and frame any Letters; what you so writ presently vanishes, nor is there any marks of the Characters left: but if you smear over the Paper with an infusion of Galls, presently the Letters may be read, as if wrote with Ink; which yet, with a Pen run over, dipped in Spirit of Vitriol, you may put quite out at once wetting, and than again reder them, with wetting them with another Liquor of Tartar. The Sky-colour Tincture of Violets, being dashed with Oil of Vitriol, becomes of a Purple colour: to which, if you add some drops of the Spirit of Heart's Horn, that Purple colour is changed into Green. Brasil Wood, being infused in common water, leaves a very pleasant Tincture, like to Claret Wine; if you pour to this a little distilled Vinegar, the Liquor appears clear like White Wine: a few drops of Oil of Tartar reduces it to a deep Purple colour: than if the Spirit of Vitriol be poured in, it becomes of a pale yellow, like to Sack; if you add the Salt of Lead, being soluted by deliquation, the mixture grows presently Milky: by this means you may imitate that famous Water-drinker, who having swallowed down a great deal of Spring water, was want to vomit forth into Glasses placed before him, diversely coloured Liquors, resembling the ideas of divers kinds of Wines: for Glasses being medicated with the aforesaid Tinctures, (so lightly that they may not be perceived by the standers by) will not only 'cause the water poured into them, to imitate every Wine, but will exhibit the very Proteus himself of the Poets, changed into waters, and from thence putting on all colours, and infinite forms.  
If a Reason of these kind of appearances be asked, it aught to be sought in the minute Particles, contained within the pores of every Liquor; which as to their site and position, being diversely altered, by another Liquor infused, transmit variously the Rays of Light, many ways break or reflect them, and so make divers appearances of colours. For when the Rays of Light pass through almost in right Lines, they make a clear colour like Spring water; but if in their passage, they be a little broken, the Liquor grows yellowish; but being more refracted, they 'cause a read colour; if they are bowed back, so as to be drained, or that they cannot show themselves, a dark or black colour arises; but if they are again reflected, to the outmost Superficies of the Liquor, they created the image of Whiteness: after this manner we might variously Philosophise about other colours, and their appearances, the diversity of which, and sudden alterations in Liquids, depend chief on Precipitation: because, as the Particles contained in the Liquor, are driven sometimes more near by another infusion that they clasp themselves together; sometimes are ordered into other series of positions, the divers representation of colours is made. For Liquor being impregnated with little Bodies or Atoms, or this Nature, most minutely broken, seems as an Army of Soldiers placed in their Ranks, who now draw into close Order, now open their Files and Ranks, now turn to the left, now to the right hand, as is diversely shown in the exercising of Tactics, or the Art Military. When two clear Liquors being mixed together shall make Ink, it is because the Particles contained in either, approach near one another, and as it were placed in their close Orders hinder the passage of the beams of light: when afterwards, this Ink is made clear by another Liquor poured in, it is because the new Bodies of the thing put in, disperse abroad the former close joined Particles, and drive them as it were into their open Orders.   

CHAP. XII. Of the motion of Fermentation, as it is to be observed in the Coagulation, and the Congelation of Bodies.  
OOagulation and Congelation of Natural Bodies, not lesle than their Solution, depend only on these our Principles. The improportionate mixture of these, and the exaltation, and powerfulness of some above others, are the cause of either. Spirit and Sulphur being loosened from the bond, do not only pull asunder the proper Subjects, but the set upon whatever is next them; and where they are mighty in number and strength, they affect nothing more than divorces and separations from the rest of the Principles, and suffer no delay: but on the contrary, Salts love to be united to the rest, and to be made into hard and solid substances; and being destitute of the Company of the rest, presently to enter into new Friendships, and desire only not to be joined to any opposite. If at any time they are more impetuously moved, either by their own disposition, or being soluted, they destroy the substance of others, this thing seems to be done for this end, destinated as it were by Nature, that they might found out Subjects agreeable to themselves, and having through War obtained Peace, they might at length be more strictly united to them: wherefore when Saline Menstruums corrode Stones or Metals, they are Coagulated with their Particles, and grow together into diversely figured Crystals.  
When we here treat of Coagulation, we do not take this word after the usual manner: to wit, as it is want to be vulgarly usurped, when Milk is become congealed, that is, departs from its simple and equal Liquor into Heterogeneous substances, viz. Cheese, or Curds and Whey, or thick and thin; in like manner, when blood or other humours go into parts after that manner, they are said to be coagulated: also, we have elsewhere given this sense, to this word, though to speak properly, these sort of motions aught rather to be referred to Precipitation than to Coagulation. But here we would have to be understood, by the term Coagulation, an alteration in Bodies of the same kind, as when things at first tender and soft, grow hard, into a stiff, and as it were stony matter: or any thing is said to coagulate, when Saline little Bodies being dispersed abroad in any Subject, begin to be congregated and joined together, and from thence united, either among themselves or with Earth, produce out of a soft and fluid substance, a hard and compacted. This may be perceived in the shells clearly stony, of Fruits and Seed; in Bones and Horns of living Creatures, in Shells and Shelly scurffs of Fishes; all which indeed very much abound with an Alcali Salt, or the same Volatilised. Among Handicrafts, or preparations from human Industry, the Crystalisation, Vitrification of Salts, or making of Glass, also the baking of Pots and Earthen ware, aught to be referred to Coagulation.  
But it is properly called Congelation, when the Saline Particles, coming from elsewhere, strictkly bind together the Subjects on which they fall, fix the Particles variously moved within the substance of the mixture, and gather them together, that by that means the whole becomes stiff, and as it were stony. We may behold these kind of effects in Ice and Frost, by which soft Mud, or fluid Springs of waters grow stiff, into a very Marble substance. Also the same is manifestly beheld, among the Operations of Art, in the confusions of some Salts, and mutual Concretion in Sublimating; by which means, they go into a substance, now like to Ice, now to Snow. To which may be added the Artificial turning of water to Ice, which is performed by the mixture of Salt and Snow; but the instances which we have remarked in either of these, about the Works of Art, we will in this place briefly run through, and a little consider the reasons of them, and the ways of being done.  
The Crystalisation of Salts, is procured after this manner; Salts of every kind are throughly dissolved in common water, and their Particles being dispersed through the whole mass of the Liquor, wholly disappear; afterwards, if this liquor be somewhat evaporated, that its passages and pores be something bound together, the little Bodies of the Salt close one with another, and mutually take hold of themselves, and join together, the outward cold binding them, and are figured in the midst of the water, into Crystals proper to their Nature. By this means Sal Nitre into Pyramids, Sea Salt into Cubes, Alum into eight cornered Figures, Sal Armoniac into six cornered, and other Salts are form into other Figures of their own accord, after a constant manner.  
If the Reason of this be sought after, we say that these kind of Salts are not simple Elements, but Bodies made up of abundance of Salt, with the other Elements mixed with them in small quantity; which even as other Natural Concretes, are allotted by the first Creator, peculiar manners of figurations, according to the surpassing strength of Salt and Spirit, and commixion with the rest. For in determining the Figures of Natural Bodies, Spirit and Salt are as the Rule and Compass in describing Mathematical Figures: Spirit, as the movable Foot of the Compass, or as a Pencil in the hand of an Artist, variously excurs and draws here and there divers fashioned lineaments. But salt (as the applied Rule) moderates the excursions of the other, and determinates them, and restrains them within the confines designed by Nature: when the Spirit is more powerful than the Salt, there happens a greater variety in the Figuration of things, as in Vegetables and Animals; because the Spirit running forth more largely, forms very many Marks of its Pourtracture, and describes Bodies not in right Lines, but intorted, and very much variegated. Where the Salt Lords it over the Spirit, as in Mineral Concretes, and chief Saline; Bodies grow together in lesle adorned Figures, and are accounted the first and more simple, and of that sort, as the Mathematical descriptions in right Lines or Circles. For those Salts, are as it were second Elements; and from the implanting of them in Bodies, the proper and native Figures of things, very much depend; and therefore they themselves are primitively imbued by Nature with a certain Elementary Configuration, (so that according to Plato, God in truth exercises Geometry) and the first regular Figures are form in the more simple, that things compounded of them, might arise furnished with all manner of variety of figures.  
The fixed Salts of Herbs being prepared by Calcination, because they are almost destitute of the Fellowship of Spirits, do scarce go at all into Crystals, nor are they coagulated, but by a long evaporation. Sea Salt containing a very little Spirit, with great Labour goes into Cubes. Next to this Alum, guifted with a little more Spirit, is more easily coagulated, and grows into more elaborate Figures, viz. eight cornered Sal Nitre, swelling with spirit, is most easily coagulated, and is framed into a more perfect Figure, viz. Pyramidical; which consists of both Spherical, and Right Lines. But Volatile Salt, (such as is distilled out of Urine, Blood, and the Horns of living Creatures) being associated with a plentiful Spirit, is drawn into Concretes, very much varying, which imitate now the Horns of Staggs. now the Figures of Plants. Out of Mercury, with Salt, or the Calx of Silver, by an Amalgama, in the midst of the waters a Silver Tree is form, with Stock, Trunk and Branches, painted to the Life. It is a usual thing in the Winter time, for the Air, impregnated with Saline Vapours, and fallen on the Glass Windows, to be condensed into most fair Firgures of Trees and Woods. So much for the Crystallisation of Salts: The other Species of Coagulation, is Vitrification, of which we will speak next.  
Vitrification (which is also said to be the last mutation of Bodies, of which Nature is capable, and from which there is no going back) depends upon a fused Salt, and united to an Earthy matter, even to its smallest Particle: for when either matter is fused, by a most vehement fire, and divided in its smallest parts, the Bodies of either, being put into a Flux, are by so strict a marriage joined together, that afterwards they are never to be pulled asunder.  
There are many ways, and divers provisions of Vitrification, to wit, of Sal Alcali, with Sand or a sandy matter fused together by a violent fire, common Glass is made; which is transparent, both by reason of the abundance of Salt, and of the clearness of the Sand; for if you behold the little Sands of which Glass is made, with a Microscope, each of their little Globes appear, (as they were Glassy Gems) clear and shining. Wherhfore Salt promotes; the fusion of that clear matter by fire, and than is admitted into its most strict embraces being fused.  
Besides Glasses of divers Colours and Consistences are made of Minium, the Calx of Tinn, Antimony, and some other Minerals, (when the Sulphureous part doth first fly away) fused, now by themselves, now with Flint or Sandy matter. The reason of all which consists in this; that Salt and Earth, being most smally broken by a violent fusion of fire, and being divided as to their lest Particles, catch hold of one another, and so are bound together, by the most strict bond of the mixture. The Coalition or Coupling of these, is never to be dissolved, because there is wanting within in the mixture, other Principles, which might unlock the frame of the Subject: yea Salt and Earth, being joined by the mediating fire, do so intimately cohere, that they affect not divorces of themselves, nor suffer them from another.  
The baking of Earthen Pots and Bricks, is of kin to Vitrification (or making of Glass) whereby moist and soft Clay is stiffened into a very stony hardness: But in these, there is greater plenty of Earth, and lesle of Salt; wherefore they are lesle brittle, and not transparent. Concerning these we say, that by the fire mediating, and as it were handying the smallest, broken, and divided Particles of Salt, are married to every Particle of the Earthy matter, and with them grow hard, into as it were a stony substance, and that not easily to be resolved. Also in these kind of matters, prepared by human Industry, we imitate indeed, with an excellent Artifice, the Concretions of Bones and Stones, made by Nature in divers Families of Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals.  
As to what respects Congelation; Salts of a divers kind, do often meet together, and grow stiff, into as it were a new substance: But this happens many ways. Of these, some Salts being mixed together, presently grow together into Crystals: for the Acid Spirits of Minerals being added to the Salts of Tartar, or those made of the incineration of Vegetables turn into a white Coagulum like Snow, and with a spumeous or frothy Heat: The reason of which is, that the Particles of the Salt, having gotten a Flux, take hold of other Salts in the Spirit, Alcalisate by melting; but by reason of the first Particles of either, being made unlike, there arises a strife; than form the same consociated in one, that white settlement is made.  
Not unlike the same manner, these Acetous Spirits, to wit, of Vitriol, Nitre, Salt, and others being mixed with Metals, while they corrode them, are Crystallised together with their Saline Particles: so the Spirits of Vitriol, Nitre, also Stygian waters, (which are only Salts having gotten a Flux) are form into most elegant Crystals, in the dissolving of Silver, Iron, Copper, and other things. For Salts, even as Sulphur, being loosened from the mixture, dissolve other mixtures, and greedily desire to be united with the Homogeneous Particles of the same Subject.  
There is another manner of Congelation, when Salts being mixed with some other matter, are elevated by Sublimation out of their Subjects, and than congeal the Particles of that new matter, which they carry away with them, and grow together with them (like a Meteor) on high: after this manner the Salts of Vitriol, Nitre and Sea-Salt, being sublimated with Mercury, are congealed as it were into a snowy substance: The same being sublimed with Antimony, go into a matter like Ice. After this manner the Natural Congelations, by which some Minerals, and chief Vitriols and Sulphurs', are begot in the Bowels of the Earth, may be imitated. For of Iron and Copper are prepared factitious Vitriols, which are very like the Natural: Of Antimony Sulphur is made, which answers to an hair our common Sulphur in taking fire, colour and smell: for example pour Oil of Vitriol, to the height of a finger's breadth, upon pulverised Antimony; and let it be distilled in a Retort in a Sand Furnace, a yellow Sulphur will be sublimed in the Neck of the Retort, that cannot be discerned from the common Sulphur: which is a sign that the Concretion of Sulphur is made in the Earth, when some Sulphureous Mineral is corroded by the Salt of Vitriol, whose Sulphureous parts are congealed by the same Salt. This also is an Argument, that Oil of Sulphur, which is separated, by enkindling under a Bell from the Sulphureous matter, is nothing else but Vitriolic Salt, nor doth any thing differ from Oil of Vitriol.  
Artificial Congelation concludes instances and examples of Congelations: to wit, whereby common water, or any Liquors being put over the fire, or in an Hot House, are suddenly congealed into Ice: 'tis a common way, and vulgarly known, Salt being mixed with Snow and Ice, and agitated or shaken in a Vessel put into water, suddenly the water about the sides of the Vessel will be frozen. This will be done if you make trial of it, either with common Salt, or Sea-Salt, Nitre, or also with Vitriol, Alum, Shall Armoniac, or Mercury Sublimate: For Salt of every kind, being put to Snow or Ice, loosens their mixtures, and sends away the Nitrous and Congelative Particles from the Subjects; which presently being immersed in the neighbouring water, Congeal it, as if they were freshly blown from the North.  
What is more admirable; let a dish with Snow be placed over hot Coals, and in the middle of the Snow put a Glass full of water: as the Snow is melted by degrees by the fire, the water shall be frozen: for the Nitrous Particles, being driven away by the heat, by their departure, they are dashed against the neighbouring water and congeal it.  
And thus much for FERMENTATION in general, and briefly of its various parts; it had been almost an infinite Labour, and from our purpose, to heap up instances in so diffuse a thing. Those hitherto brought, however chosen out of Natural Philosophy, were fit to wait upon the following Medical dissertation, that we may more happily know the Original, Progress, and State, as also the Remedies and Cure of Motions, and Mutations, in Causes, which variously hap to all kind of Bodies, and somewhat respecting the Tumults, which from thence are begot in the human Body, from the blood being irritated, and the rest of the humours; to which exercise, God willing, we will now proceed.   
FINIS.   

THE PREFACE.  
To the Friendly Reader,  
TO Institute in this Age a new Doctrine of Fevers, may perhaps seem the same thing, as if any one should go about to describe the midst of our Country, for a Land before unknown. For what respect the Diagnosis of this Disease, seem to be firmly Established already, by the Precepts and Practice of the Ancients and Moderns; yea by long Experience, they are so generally in the mouth, and known of all men, that nothing can be more. However I deserve pardon, if I a little receded from the Vulgar Opinion concerning Fevers, as a way mightily worn out; and go in a lesle trodden Path; because I am not the first, or only man that directs his course against the received Opinion, as against a Stream. For in truth, in the Medical Art, (and that deservedly) those things have not pleased the men of our Age, which did those of the former: because the Ancients relying on a false Position concerning the motion of the Blood; proceeding as it were through slippery and moist places, often fell foully and dangerously: wherefore it is no wonder, if those who come after should take care for the thorough instauration of Physic, and for the Re-Edifying the Building, (as they say) even from the ground, the Ancient Props being fallen down, on that which our most Famous Harvy hath laid, the Circulation of the Blood, as a new Foundation in Medicine. But in this Work, Learned men of other Countries, but chief of our own, have happily laboured, not only in removing the Rubbish of the former Building, but for the supplying this plentifully with Stone, Planks, and other matter. In times past, among the Ancients, as the distribution and Natural motion, of the Nutritious humour, of the Blood and Nervous juice; so the Feverish heats, and preternatural motions of them, were wholly hidden and lay in the dark: but now new Lights have shined forth, and it is granted us to know the Causes of things before hidden, it doth not become prudent men, and professing Philosophy, even to shut their Eyes and remain blind in the Light itself; but especially about a Disease by which the third part of Mortals have still fallen to this day, to be rather willing to Err with the Ancients, than to understand the Truth with the Moderns, or to believe what is more likely, argues a mind guilty of notable stubbornness. When therefore the Puretology or Fever Tracts of former Medicine, had no firm and stable Basis, and that it is easy to show that it was built upon very many, and plainly false Errors, what should hinder, but that we having gotten more certain Principles, should endeavour to erect a better Science concerning Fevers? Truly I think it would hardly be, although the pleas of the Ancients, should be yet openly maintained in the Schools, but that many Physicians, who have a mind to look within the Bark, would frame new Hypotheses to themselves from their own Ratiocination, by which they might more exactly quadrate the Phaenomena of Fevers, than by that of the Ancients. But it may be objected, that Fevers have been happily cured by the same Remedies, and the like method of Curing, from the times of Hypocrates and Galen, even to our days; and therefore it may seem a rash Work and little safe, that we should endeavour new things, after having had the Experience of so many Ages, especially since it is about the human Body. To this it will be easy to answer, that Medicine was at first Empirical, and Remedies were not invented by general Precepts, or by Rule, but by the frequent trial of several things: And if led by the Example of Hypocrates, his Followers had only polished his Observations and Experiments, without doubt the Medicinal Art had grown up better, more handsomely, and with greater benefit to the Sick. But that the Light, clearly enkindled by the Ancients, did so suddenly shut up, and darkened the Eyes of Posterity, it was, the preposterous study of those, who too bastily framed, almost out of their own Brain, Physic into a general Method, after the manner of some Speculative Science: for by this means, before they had laid a firm Foundation, a sufficiently specious, and deceitful Pile of unstable Doctrine, was erected. That therefore in the Cure of Fevers, some Indications being more anciently received, remain yet confirmed, and are to be perpetually observed, is to be ascribed wholly to Experience, the first Mistress of this Art, and not to the Precepts of Scholars. And from hence, I hope for myself, to have gotten a defence sufficient enough; for if the Opinions wholly erroneous of the Ancients, had not hindered, but that the practice of Medicine, at first instituted by a certain induction of observations; had proceeded commodiously enough; the Theory being joined with Truth, would have brought much lesle hurt to the Sick; or have lesle carried away those exercising Medicine, quite contrary from that Path, which Antiquity had left commended to us. In the mean time, 'tis not to be dissembled, that naked Experience, without the helps of Method and Reason avails little, yea very often doth much hurt; for neither are the same Diseases, every where to be driven away by the same Remedies. But he seems to have hit the mark, who joins both together, that Reason may not pervert Experiments, and Nature itself, not that this may remove Reason from its place. Although that I know well enough, I have not obtained it, yet I will freely profess, that I have aimed at this Mark; and perhaps I may have deserved some praise, even in failing in these sort of Adventures; for after I had not found in Books, what might satisfy a mind desirous of Truth, I resolved with myself, to search into living and breathing Examples: and therefore sitting oftentimes by the Sick, I was want carefully to search out their Cases, to weigh all the symptoms, and to put them, with exact Diaries of the Diseases, into writing; than diligently to meditate on these, and to compare some with others; and than began to adapt general Notions from particular Events: and when by this means, for a long time, observing the Accidents and Courses of Fevers, I had busied myself, for the finding out forms of Reasons for their Cure, at length a new Pathology of this Disease was conceived in my mind; which afterwards, by the frequent increasing Concourse of Observations, as it were the Juice and Blood, was form by degrees into a Child, such as it now appears. But the Infant, which I had ordered to be kept closely, in our private house, being remarkable for Paradoxes, as it were a monstrous shape, the importune diligence of Friends has taken care to bring abroad being gotten forth of my hands, and to be publicly beheld. What therefore is there said concerning Fevers, besides the common manner, I would not have any one esteem it brought forth by me, as from a Doctor in the Chair: doubting, I bring these thoughts into Public, and submit them to the Examination and Emendation of the more Learned. That others before me have not spoken all things truly concerning this thing, shall be an Argument that I may Err, yea (if you please) that I have Erred: however, if I should have rightly traced forth any marks, in this, at lest new search of Truth; and shall have incited others (who are far better able) by this occasion, to the full finishing of it; it will not repent me altogether of this, though rash beginning.   

OF FEVERS.  

CHAP. I The Anatomy of the Blood; and its Resolution into five Principles: A comparing it with Wine and Milk.  
THE Doctrine of Fermentation being explicated, it remains that we handle the chief Instance or Example of it, to wit Fevers. For it seems that a Fever is only a Fermentation, or immoderate Heat, brought into the blood and humours. It's name is derived from Februo (or Purgament, which also is derived from Ferveo to be Hot) which word indeed is commodiously put to every Fever, for that the blood in this Disease grows hot, and besides, by its fervour, as working must, it is Purged from its filthinesses. But that this Fermentation or Feverish effervescency, may be rightly explicated, these three things are to be considered. First, What the Fermenting Liquor is; whether only blood, or any humours besides. Secondly, In what Principles in the mixture, and in what proportion of them, this Liquor consists. Thirdly and lastly, By what motion and turgescency of those parts, or Particles, of which the blood is made, the Feverish effervescency is stirred up. These being thus premised, the Doctrine of Fevers shall be delivered, not from the Opinions of others, but according to the comparisons of Reasons, picked (though from ours, yet) from diligent and frequent observation, and confirmed by certain Experiments; all which however, I willingly submit to the judgement of the more skilful.  
It plainly appears, even to the sense, that the Blood doth hugely boil up and rage in a Fever, for every one (though rude and unskilful) being in a Fever, complains of the blood being distempered, and of the same growing hot in the Vessels, and as it were put into a fury. Also, besides the blood raging in the Veins and Arteries, it may be lawfully suspected, that that juice with which the Brain and Nervous parts are watered, is want oftentimes to be in fault; for when this Liquor is seen to be carried back from the blood, into the Nervous stock by a constant motion, and certain Circulation, and from thence through the Lymphatic Vessels, into the Bosom of the blood, it is probable, if by reason of a taint contracted from the blood, that humour be depraved in its disposition, or is perverted from its equal motion, that from thence, the Rigour, and Pain, Convulsion, Dilerium, Frenzy, and many more symptoms of the Nervous kind, usual in Fevers, do arise.  
After the Blood and Nervous Liquor, two other humours, for that being apt to grow hot, fall into our consideration, viz. The Chime or nourishing Juice, continually coming to the Mass of Blood, and the serous Latex, perpetually departing from the same, which though they be the first and last Liquors separated from the Blood, and distinct from it, yet being confused with it, they aught to be esteemed as its associate parts, or compliments: For the nourishable Juice being fresh brought, is accounted the Crude part of the blood, and to be assimilated; and the Serum, its stolen part, and to be carried away. And after this manner, so long as either are Circulated with the blood itself, in the Vessels they participate of the heats of the first begotten blood, and oftentimes occasionally begin them, or increase them being begun: but by what means these things come to be done, is declared hereafter in their proper places. As to the rest of humours, which are only the recrements of the Nutritious juice, or the blood, when they are included, either in their proper Receptacles, or constrained in the narrow spaces, in the Viscera, neither wash the several parts of the Body with a continual lustration, as the blood or Nervous Liquor, or the other humours but now recited, are to be exempted from this rank; sometimes perhaps they may be the occasional cause that the blood doth conceive an undue Effervescency, or that it persists in it longer; but it is only the blood, (with the Nervous Liquor, the alible juice, and Serum associates) which boiling up above measure, with its heat, and stirred up with a rage through the Vessels, diffuses the preternatural heat, and induces the formal reason of the Fever: but how this comes to be done, is not to be known plainly, but by a more near beholding the Nature of Blood, and as it were an Anatomy made of its Liquor.  
There are in the Blood (as in all Fermentative Liquors) Heterogeneous Particles which as they are of a divers Figure and Energy, remain a long while in the mixture, by their mutual opposing one another and subaction, the motion of Fermentation is continually conserved; as is perceived in Wine, Beer, and other Liquors: than, if the mixtion of the Liquor be somewhat unlocked by the adding of Ferments, the Native Particles being freed from their bonds, do yet more swell up and induce Fermentation, with a more rapid motion and heat: which is seen in a familiar Experiment of the Chemists, viz. when fluid Salts are mixed with Saline Liquors of another kind; from thence a great heat and ebullition are stirred up. Wherhfore we aught to inquire concerning the Blood, of what Particles it consists, that it should be fit to Ferment, (as Wine, Beer, and other Liquors) of its own Nature: than by the help of what kind of Ferments, both its Natural and Feverish heats are performed, with warmth, and a more quick motion.  
The Mass of the Blood by the opinion of the Ancients, was thought to consist of four humours, to wit, Blood, Phlegm, Choler and Melancholy: and it was affirmed, that according to the eminency of this, or that humour, divers temperaments are form; and that by reason of their fervors or exorbitances, almost all Diseases do arise. This Opinion, though it flourished from the time of Galen, in the Schools of Physicians, yet in our Age, in which the Circular motion of the Blood, and other affections of it were made known, before not understood, it began to be a little suspected; nor to be so generally made use of, for the solving the Phaenomenas' of Diseases: because these sort of humours do not constitute the blood, but what are so called (except the Blood) are only the recrements of the blood, which aught continually to be separated from it: For in truth the Blood is an only humour; not one thing about the Viscera, and another in the habit of the Body; nor is it moved at one time by Phlegm, and another time with Choler, or Melancholy, (as is commonly asserted) but the Liquor growing hot in the Vessels, is only Blood, and wheresoever it is carried through all the parts of the Body, it is still the same, and like itself. But because by reason of the abundance of the implanted heat in some, and because of the smallness of it in others, the Coction of the Aliment is now quicker, now slower performed in the Bowels, and in the Vessels; therefore the temper of the Blood (though but one, and always the same Liquor) becomes divers: and according to the various disposition of this, it may be said that men are Choleric; Melancholic, or of another temperament. Besides, because whilst the Blood is made in its Circulation in the Vessels, some parts continually grow Old, and others are supplied anew, hence from Crudity, or too much Coction, there is a necessity that what is excrementitious should be heaped together: which notwithstanding by its effervescency, (as by the working or depuration of Wines it comes to pass) it is separated from its Mass, viz. the watery humour, fixed in the Bowels, or solid parts, is it which is called Phlegm: some Relics of adust Salt and Sulphur, being separated in the Liver, and received by the Choleduct Vessels are called Choler; the Earthy feculences being laid up in the Spleen, are termed Melancholy. In the mean time, the Blood if rightly purified aught to want Choler, Phlegm and Melancholy: even as when some Wines, or Beer are purified, the more light Particles are carried upwards, which constitute its Flowers or Head; and the dregss are pressed down to the bottom, which grow together into Feces or Tartar: yet none can truly say it, Wine or Beer is composed of Froth, Tartar, and a Vinous Liquor, But as these humours, commonly so called, are made out of the other Principles, viz. Choler out of Salt and Sulphur, with an admixtion of Spirit and Water; and Melancholy, out of the same, with an addition of Earth; and as the blood is immediately forged out of these kind of Principles, and is want to be resolved sensibly into the same, I thought best, the common acception of humours being laid aside, to bring into use these celebrated Principles of the Chemists, for the unfolding the Nature of the Blood and its affections. There are therefore in the blood as in all Liquors, apt to be Fermented, very much of Water and Spirit, a mean of Salt and Sulphur, and a little of Earth. The blood being loosened by putrefaction, exhibits the same separated and distinct. Also in the blood contained in the Vessels, or being fresh let out from them, we may discover their energies and effects: besides when in the Food, whereby we are fed, by the juice of which the Liquor of the blood is made, these same are implanted, no man will go about to deny that the blood also is made from them: wherefore I will briefly run through these, and endeavour to show by what means the Consistency, the Properties, and the Affections of the Blood are made by them.  
1. Spirits (which readily obtain the chief place) are a subtle, and greatly volatile portion of the blood. Their Particles, always expansed, and endeavouring to fly away do move about the more thick little Bodies of the rest, wherewith they are involved, and continually detain them in the motion of Fermentation. The Liquor of the blood, continually boils up with their effervescency or growing hot, and equal expansion in the Vessels, and the rest of the Principles are contained in an orderly motion, and within the bond of the exact mixture; if any Heterogeneous thing, or unagreable to the mixture, be poured into the bloody Mass, presently the Spirits being disturbed in their motion rage, shake the blood, and force it to grow hugely hot, until what is extraneous, and not missible, is either subdued, and reduced, or cast out of doors. By the irradiation, or rather the irrigation or watering of these, the Bodies of the Nerves are inflated, the Functions of the Viscera, and also the Offices of motion, and sensation are performed: from the want of Spirits, also from their motion being depraved or hindered, arise great vices of the Natural oeconomy or Government. The more quick motion and effervescency of these in the blood, (above what is in Wine) chief depends upon the Ferment of the Heart; because, whilst the blood passes through the Bosom of the Heart, its mixture is very much loosened, so that the Spirits, together with the Sulphureous Particles, being somewhat loosened, and as it were enkindled into a flame, leap forth, and are much expanded, and from thence they impart by their deflagration, a heat to the whole. By reason of this kind of expansion, and suffusion of heat, there is made a continual expense of Spirits, which being rarified, as it were enkindled, continually fly away, and are evaporated forth a doors: and as long as we live there is made a continual reparation of these by aliments, chief the most delicate; which contain in themselves very much of Spirit and swelling matter: from which juice being drawn by digestion, and collated to the blood, is assimilated to it and fills up its defects. When the Blood of Animals is distilled, the Spirits (like Aqua Vitae) ascend of a limpid colour, they are made very sharp and pricking by the adhesion of the Salt; yet they are not so easily drawn of as the Spirits of Wine, but that there is need of a more intense fire to force them, because they are hardly driven from the fellowship of the thicker parts, with which they are involved.  
2. That there is plenty of Sulphur in the blood, it is plainly seen, because we are chief fed with Fat and Sulphureous Aliments, also the Nutriment from the blood, carried to the solid parts, goes into Sulphur and Fatness. It is most likely, from the dissolution of this, that the read Tincture of the Blood doth arise: for Sulphureous Bodies, before any others, impart to the solvent Menstruum, a colour highly full of redness; and when by reason of too great Crudity, the Sulphur is lesle dissolved, the blood becomes watery and pale, that it will scarce dye a Linen rag read. The Mass of blood being impregnated with Sulphur, and together with Spirits, it becomes very Fermentable: which however, whilst it enters the Ventricles of the Heart, there suffers a greater effervescency, or rather accension; and on the Particles chief Sulphureous, being inflamed; and thence diffused through the whole, the lively and vital heat in us depends. When the Sulphureous part is carried forth, and doth too much luxuriate in the blood, it perverts its disposition from its due state, that therefore the blood being either depraved, or made more bilous or Choleric, doth not rightly Cook the nourishing juice; or being enkindled throughout, it conceives heats and ardours such as arise in a continual Fever. For the Sulphur being too much exalted; and swelling more than it aught, stirs up great heats in the blood: and they whose-blood is more plentifully impregnated with Sulphur, are most obnoxious to Fevers. By reason of the Particles of this being incocted with the Nutritious juice, and from thence carried to the solid parts, fatness, softness and tenderness, come to out Body. From the Flesh or Blood putrefying, by reason of the abundahce of evaporated Sulphur, a most evil stink breathes forth: In the distillation of Blood, Sulphur ascends under the form of a blackish Oil, which also by reason of the Empyreuma, stinks most wickedly.  
3. That Salt is in the blood, is evinced by the Salt; which, though fixed, is drawn forth, by being eaten, from Vegetables, and from other eatable things, at first lesle volatile, afterwards by the most excellent digestion of Nature, and Circulation, is highly volatilised; that it passes through, not only without a remaining Caput Mortuum, all the members and parts of our Body, but also the blood being exposed to distillation, ascends the alembic, and leaves the dead Head as insipid earth: If at any time the Saline Particles are not rightly exalted in the Blood, by reason of ill digestion, but remain crude, and for the most part fixed, from thence the blood becomes thick and unfit for Circulation, so that obstructions are begot in the bowels and solid parts, and serous Crudities are every where heaped together: But if the Salt be too much carried forth, and suffers a Flux, the Spirit being depressed, or deficient, a sour and bitter disposition is given to the blood, such as is observed in Scorbutical people, and those sick of a Quartan Fever. Also from the Salt, for this reason being variously coagulated, the Stone, King-Evil, Gout, Leprosy, and very many other Chronical Diseases arise. But when Coction being rightly performed in the bowels and Vessels, the Salt is duly exalted, and being associated with the Spirit, is volatilised, than by reason of its mixture, the Liquor of the blood more equally ferments; also is defended from Putrefaction, Stagnation and Coagulation: Also the Saline Particles, bridle the fiercenesses of the Spirits, and especially of Sulphur; wherefore, those who have their blood well filled with a Volatile Salt, are lesle obnoxious to Fevers: also hence those who often are let blood, are more apt to Fevers.  
4. Besides, There are in the blood (as it is a thick humour, and hath a gross consistence) many Earthy Particles: from hence also, it's too great Volatilisation is as it were supported, and it's too hasty accension hindered: even as Charcoal-dust, is added oftentimes to Gunpowder in a greater proportion, that all its parts may not take fire at once, and too soon. Further, from the Terrestrial Particles of the blood and Nutritious Juice, the bulk and increase of the Body proceeds. Lastly from the distillation of the Blood, a light and friable Caput Mortuum, is left in great plenty.  
5. Upon the watery part of the blood depends its fluidness; for from hence its stagnation is hindered, and the blood is circulated in the Vessels, without growing thick or stiff: also it's too great conflagration, and adustion is restrained, and its heat attempered. When blood is distilled a clear and insipid water is drawn of, at lest in a double proportion to the rest; for from hence the matter of Urine, Sweated, and every humid Excrement, for the most part proceeds.  
What things were but now asserted, concerning the Principles of the blood, and the affections to be deduced thence, will better appear, if we consider consider a little the blood according to its sensible parts, and shall comkpare it with other Liquors which are in daily use among us. Those sort of Liquors, which have a very great Analogy with the blood, are u.z. Rich Wine and Milk. As to the reasons of Fermentation and growing Hot, it is most fitly compared to Wine, as to its consistency, coagulation, and departure of the paits one from another, it is likened to Milk.  
In the first place therefore, it is observed of Wine, that so long as it is shut up in the Vessel or Pipe, its subtle and spirituous Particles, do perpetually agitate, or very much shake others more thick, break them, and tender them fit for an exact mixtion; what is heterogeneous, and unfit for subaction or mingling, is separated by its growing hot: In the mean time the purified Liquor greatly fermenting is in perpetual motion, whereby all the parts (as Atoms variously moved up and down, in a beam or streak of light) do stretch themselves forth onevery-side, and contend with a constant rolling about, from top to bottom, and from thence to the top again. By the attrition and refraction of the Particles very many Effluvia of Atoms, go away from the Liquor, which if the Vessel being closely shut, they are kept within; the Liquor grows too excessively hot, and oftentimes causes the containing Vessel to burst in picecs. Blood, much after the same manner being shut up within the Veins and the Arteries, is urged with a constant Circulation: The Vital Spirit makes subtle, breaks, and exactly moulds the more thick Particles; what is heterogeneous, and not mixable, it expels forth of doors; in the mean time by the refraction and kneading of the parts, Effluvia of heat do constantly stream forth, and evaporate through the pores; which being shut in, if transpiration be hindered, presently by reason of the too great boiling of the blood a Fever is enkindled.  
Secondly, we will observe concerning Wines, that they grow turgid, or swell up, if any extraneous thing, and of a Fermentative Nature, be poured to them; yea sometimes, that they are moved more than ordinary of their own accord. For, when by a long digestion, the Sulphureous part of the Wine is too much exalted, it conceives a greater heat than it aught, and (unless presently appeased) perverts the disposition of the whole Liquor, with its swelling up. It seems to be for the very like reason, that the Feverish heat which is want to be introduced by reason of the same Causes, is stirred up in the blood, as shall be shown in the next Chapter, where we treat of the Motion and Heat of the blood.  
The third Observation, or comparing of the Blood with Wine, shall be of this sort: Wines (as also many other Liquors, as for example, Beer, or Cider) have their times of crudity, matruation, and defection. For when they are first made, the Spirituous parts are so obvolved by the others more thick, that they show themselves but little, and put forth almost nothing of strength or virtue: and as the other Particles, are not yet subtilised, nor truly concocted, the whole Liquor remains crude, and of an ungrateful taste, and if put to distillation, not any Spirit ascends. From this state it comes by degrees to perfection, and when the Spirits being extricated from their entanglements, obtain their own right, and have subtilised and exalted the more thick Particles of the rest, the whole mass of the Liquor becomes Clear, Spirituous, Sweet and Balsamic. Lastly, when by a long Fermentation, the Spirits are consumed, and begin at length to fail, the state of defection is induced, whereby Wines, and other Liquors, either pass into a tastlesness, or at last the Salt and the Sulphur being too much exalted, are made sowt or unsavoury. In like manner the blood also, while it is Circulated in the Vessels, may be considered according to this kind of threefold disposition: First, in the making or crudity, which has relation to the Chime new made in the Viscera, and freshly poured to the blood; the Particles of which, like to unripe Fruit, are crude and undigested. Secondly, In the persect state or maturation, which belongs to the blood being sufficiently wrought, and made Volatile, according to all its Particles after it is inspired by Ferments, and its enkindling in the heart exalted. Thirdly, in its defection, which respects the blood; after it hath burned forth, and its Spirituous parts are very much flown away, and the rest growing old and poor, have need to be removed; and so they are either the Relics of Salt, which are with the Serum strained forth continually by the Urine; or they are Particles of Salt and Sulphur, boiled and baked together, which are strained forth by the virtue of the Liver into the choleduct Vessels: or lastly, they are dregss and earthy recrements of the blood itself, which are carried into the Spleen, and there (as it were a Caput Mortuum, exalted by a new digestion) go into a Ferment, at length to be transmitted to the blood. Whilst after this manner, the generation of the blood, and its due maturation are truly dispatched, it is pleasingly circulated within the Vessels, neither wanting in motion or heat nor inordinately troubled with them. But if either the supplement of the nourishing Juice, be not made agreeable with the rest of the blood, nor assimilated with it, but that either by reason of the defect of Concoction, it is washed into a very crude humour, or because of its excess, it is roasted into a  matter; or if the blood growing old, does not lay aside what it casts of, and give way to a new Nutritious humour; I say, by reason of these kind of Vices, concerning Sanguification, or the making of blood, the blood is variously perverted from its due temper and equal motion, and now becomes Watery and Cold; now Sharp of Salt; now Acid, Austeres, or by some other way degenerate, and sometimes obnoxious to stagnations, and somimes also to immoderate heats.  
We may observe these kind of degrees of crudity, coction, and defection, in the blood, both of the sound and of the sick: in healthful persons after a more plentiful repast, Surfeit, or hard drinking, when too much of Serum or of Juice, is poured to the blood, its whole mass being too much diluted with a crude humour, becomes more watery and lesle spirituous; wherefore men are rendered sluggish, and unfit for motion or exercise. In sick persons the Phlegmatic Constitution of the Body, induces such a crudity of the bloody mass, as is discerned in the White Dropsy, the Dropsy, Pica or longing Disease, and the Chlorosis or Green-sickness. Also the state of this kind of crudity, comes in an intermieting Fever, and in truth is the cause of the Feverish accession, viz. by reason of the dyscrasy of the blood; the nourishing Juice being heaped up, is not assimilated to it, but for the most part goes into a crude, or otherwise degenerate matter; with which, when the mass of the blood is filled to a plenitude, swelling up it brings on the fit.  
The state of Maturation, Concoction being finished, happens in healthful persons, some hours after Eating, especially in the morning, to wit, when the supplement of the Chime, is spiritualised, and as it were enkindled in the whole, by reiterated Circulations: for than men are made more nimble and lively, and more ready for studies, or any business.  
The state of Defection, is in the blood of sound men after fasting long, hard labour, and want of Food, for than the Vital Spirit being very much evaporated, the mass of the blood gins to become as it were lifeless, wherefore they presently languish, and are made weak. Moreover, the blood by a too long Coction is burned, and grows bilous, from whence those accustomed to want Food, or fasting, for the most part become sad and melancholic. Some Diseases habitually induce such a disposition of the blood; such are the Scruvy, the Yellow Jaundice, the Cachexia (or evil state of the Body when the nourishing Juice turns to ill humours) long Fevers, and most Chronical Diseases, in which, the whole mass of blood, passes from from a Spirituous, into either a sour, sharp, or austere Nature.   diagram of the brain 
Figura TWO d2.  
de medio s vid pag: 414   diagram of the brain 
Figura Ia.  
de medio T vid pag: ●●  
It is sufficient that we have hitherto drawn a parallel of the blood, from which comparison with Wine and Milk, may be gathered what sort of Particles and Substances, it comprehends in itself, viz. Spirituous, and very agile or nimble, (such as generous or rich Wine has) for the heat and motion; and besides soft and tender (such as are in Milk) for the nourishment of the Body. Yea also, this Analogy of it with Wine and Milk, is yet further confirmed by the use of them in our diet, out of which the blood is generated; forasmuch as Milk is the best and most simple Aliment, and with it Infants, and Children, who have need of a plentiful provision of blood are nourished chief: But Wine copiously begets vital Spirits before all other things, and being weak and fallen, excellently restores them, wherefore it is want to be esteemed instead of Nectar for old men, or those of ripe years.  
The Nature and Analysis of the blood flowing within the Vessels, being opened after this manner, the Nutritious Juice deswrves yet our consideration, being supplied from the blood, and separated out of the mass of blood, for the nourishment of the solid parts, and cleaving to them (whereby it may be the better assimilated) like Dew. For the Nerves, Tendons, and the rest of the solid parts of the whole Body, are washed with a certain alible juice. The Vital Spirits, having obtained the Nervous Bodies for a Vehicle of this, blow them forth at length, and expeditiously execute the actions of Sense: also that humour coming upon the solid parts, and assimulated with them, enlarges their bulk and growth. This is not a place to inquire after the Origine, Birth, and manner of the dispensation of this: If shall suffice only, that we have noted, that it is supplied from the mass of blood, and (as it is rendered highly probable by the most Learned Doctor Glisson, and Doctor Wharton,) after it hath passed through the Nervous part by a certain Circulation, what remains, being now made as it were poor, and lifeless, is sent back by the Lymphatic Vessels, to the blood. Whilst this Juice, being little cocted, or purged from dregss, is sent from the depraved blood, to the Nervous parts, 'tis want variously to irritate them into Cramps and Convulsive Motions; also, no few Symptoms in Fevers, arise by reason of the depravation, and irregular Motion of this Juice, as shall be more largely laid open in another place.   

CHAP. II. Of the Motion and Heats of the Blood.  
SO much for the anatomy of the Blood, as to its primary Elements and Constitutive parts, into which it is sensibly want to be resolved; also as to its Affections, which appear clearly, by the comparing it with Wine and Milk: it remains for us next to inquire concerning the motion of the Blood, both Natural, (viz. by the help of what Ferment, and by what swelling up of parts, it is Circulated in a perpetual motion through the Vessels) and preternatural, viz. for what Causes, and what fury of parts, when it boils up above measure in the Vessels, and conceives Feverish Effervescences. These being rightly unfolded and premised, we will enter upon the Doctrine of Fevers.  
Concerning the Natural Motion of the Blood, we shall not here inquire of its Circulation, viz, by what Structure of the Heart and Vessels, it is wheeled about after a constant manner, as it were in a water Engine; but of its Fermentation, viz. by what mixtion of parts, and mutual action of them together among themselves (like Wine fermenting in the Tun) it continually boils up. And this kind of motion, (as it were truly an intestine war of the blood) depends both on the Heterogenety of the parts of the blood itself, and on the various Ferments, which are breathed into the mass of the blood from the Bowels.  
As to the first: those things which have altogether like Particles do not ferment, wherefore, neither distilled waters, Chemical Oils, Spirits of Wine, or other simple Liquors are moved, as hath been already observed: but I have said, that Blood, according to the Nature things quickly irritable, doth consist of a proportionate mixture of the Elements; in which Spirits, for that they are very nimble, continually strive to expand themselves and to fly away: but being entangled by the more thick Particles of the rest, they are detained in their flight. And being detained after this manner, they toss about, break to pieces, and very much subtilise the more thick little Bodies, by which they are hindered; they volatilise the Salt, otherwise fixed; by a most minute kneading, and by the adhesion of it, they perfectly dissolve the Sulphur, compacted in itself, and not miscible with the rest, and boil it in the Serum. They break the Earth, even to its smallest parts, and mingle it with the rest. But in the mean time, by the striking and moulding the Salt and the Sulphur, Effluvia's of heat plentifully proceed, which being mixed with the rest, and on every side diffused, increase the motion of the Fermentation. And after this manner all being most minutely broken and diluted with watery Particles, they constitute the Liquor of the Blood: which, whilst in the Vessels, as Wine shut up in a Pipe, continually ferments, and, according to all its Particles is in perpetual motion.  
But the Fermentation of Wine, and of Blood, differs in this: that in Wine there is no wasting of the old parts, and a coming again of new; but the Liquor being shut up in the Vessel, remains still the same: but ' its otherwise in Blood, in which some parts are continually destroyed, and in their place others are always generated anew. In Wine, the times of crudity, maturation, and defection, are distinct, and are successively performed in the whole; In Blood, that threefold state is celebrated at the same time 〈◊〉 parts: Fermentation being once begun in Wine, is continued even to the end, but In Blood, because it is washed still with crude Juices, it aught still to be renewed; by which means, the Nutritious Particles, not of kin, are assimilated to the rest of the Latex; wherefore, for this work, besides the Fermentation once begun in the blood, there is need of some Ferments, which may continued the same, otherwise about to leave of.  
That Ferments are required for the making of Blood, this is an Argument; that when they are wanting by Nature, they are with good success supplied by the work of Art: for fixed Salts, Alcaly Salt, Extracts, Digestives, Openers, and especially Chalybeate Remedies, help for this reason, that, as it were by a certain Ferment, they restore anew, the weak, or almost extinct Ebullition or Boiling of the Blood.  
As to what respects the Natural Ferments, very many may certainly be form, and in divers parts, or hid in the Bowels: for any humour, in which the Particles of Salt, Sulphur or Spirit, being much exalted, are contained, puts on the Nature of a Ferment: after this manner, the flowering or dregss of Beer or new Wine, being kneaded with Meal, and the mass kept to a sowrness, come under this rank, by which new Beer, and the like Liquors, as also the mass of Bread, are most excellently Fermented. In like manner in the Ventricle, a sowrish humour participating of exalted Salt, there helps concoction: and in the Spleen, the feculencies of the Blood from Salt and Earth being exalted, go into a Ferment.  
How much vigour comes to the Blood from the Womb and Genital parts appears from hence, because by the privation, or evil disposition of them, follow, in Maids the Green sickness, in men, barrenness or loss of virility, want of Beard, and a shrill voice. But the chief Ferment, that serves for sanguification, is established in the Heart; for this is the chief fire-place, in which the cruder Particles of the Chime, are as it were enkindled, and acquire a volatileness: which thing may be confirmed by many reasons, but especially by its effects, which we suffer in the precordia, as often as the Blood ferments more or lesle than it aught to do: for when it is too much enkindled in the Heart, it is agitated impetuously, as it were by fires put under it; the signs of whose immoderate Ebullition are, a deep pulse and vehement, than almost an intolerable heat in the Precordia, with a vehement thirst; on the other side, when the Fermentation of the blood is lessened in the Heart, we are affected with an anhelous, and difficult respiration upon any motion; as may be perceived in the Dropsy, Cachexia, and Yellow Jaundice: the reason of which is, not because the Lungs are stuffed, or filled full of a tough or clammy matter; but because the blood doth not rightly ferment, in that Repository of Fermentation; wherefore, being fallen into its Bosom, it is not presently Rarified; nor doth it soon leap forth into the Lungs, but being apt to stagnate, and remain there, causes an oppression of the Heart itself; for the helping of which, frequent breathing is made, that the blood being let forth into the Lungs, succour might be brought to it: but if by motion or exercise, the blood be more provoked into its Ventricle, than can be derived by respiration, or the pulse, into the Pneumonic Vessels, there is danger of choking. The like happens in those that are dying: when the pulse is very small, and the blood being heaped up in the Heart for want of Fermentation, gins to stagnate and to clodder, we than breathe deeply, with a noise and elevation of the breast; to wit, the blood with the ultimate endeavour of Nature, and the whole force of the Lungs, as long as it is able to be done, is emptied forth into the Lungs, jest residing in the Heart, it should wholly choke it.  
Therefore, Motion and Heat, in the Blood, depend chief on two things, viz. partly on its own proper disposition and constitution, by which, it being forged very greatly with active Principles of Spirits, Salt, and Sulphur, of its own accord swells up, or grows turgid in the Vessels, even as Wine in the Tun: and partly on the Ferment implanted in the Heart, which very much rarefies the Liquor passing through its Bosom, and makes it to leap forth with a frothy heat: that the blood, which is quietly instilled to the Heart through the Veins, running gently like a River, from thence leaping forth through the Arteries, (like a Torrent) with noise and rage, might be carried forward, to all the parts of the whole Body. By what means this is done, though it is not easy to explicate Mechanically, yet the manner, and some not improbable reason of this thing are delivered by most Learned men, Ent, Cartes, and other. They suppose indeed, as it were a fire to be set in the Chimney of the Heart, which presently inkindles the blood infused through the Veins, (even as a flame put to Wine burns it) which being so enkindled, by its deflagration (like lightning) passes most swiftly through the Arteries: so that heat, a most rapid motion, and Effluvia sent by Perspiration, are want to proceed from the accension of the blood in the Heart only. Hogelandus affirms, that there is a Ferment hid in the Bosom of the Heart, that compels the Liquor of the blood to boil up, and to grow hot, with heat, and a plentiful emission of Soot, just like Spirit of Nitre, when it is poured on the Butter of Antimony: so that the blood flowing in gently through the Veins, being forthwith Rarified into spume and vapour by the serment of the Heart, runs very impetuously through the passages of the Arteries. 'tis almost the same thing, whether it be said to be done, either by this, or by that way: for the alteration which the blood receives in the Heart, may be equally deduced from a flame, or a Nitrous Sulphureous ferment, there supposed to be placed. Because, whilst the blood slides into the Ventricles of the Heart, presently the frame of the Liquor is loosened, and the active Particles, especially the Spirituous and Sulphureous, the bond of the mixture being broke, do leap forth from the rest, and strive to expand themselves on every side; but being kept in by the Vessels, and being forced together with the remaining Liquor, through the open passages of the Arteries, they rush with violence, and swelling up by the way they can found, and by that means, diffuse Effluvia of heat, through the whole body: there is little difference, whether this expansion of the Particles of the blood, and exertion into the liberty of motion, be said to be done by Accension, or by Fermentation, forasmuch as by either way, the frame of the blood may be so unlocked, that from thence the Particles of Spirit, Salt, and especially of Sulphur, being incited into motion, (as it were by an enkindled fire) may impart heat to the whole Body.  
But this Rarefaction, or Accension of the blood in the Heart, very much depends upon the disposition and constitution of the blood itself: for if its Liquor be rightly cocted, being made volatile, and (like rich Wine) brought to maturity, it than Ferments there after its due manner, whereby the soluted Particles of the Spirits and Sulphur, diffuse an equal, and moderate heat to all parts. But if the blood, by reason of an ill manner of feeding, and want of Concoction, be crude and watery, than it is lesle enkindled in the Heart, and from thence follow a frigid intemperance of the whole, difficult breathing and wheesing, with a weak pulse, and languishing; as in Cachectical people, those distempered with the Green Sickness, and such as are about to die, may be perceived: but if the blood becomes too luxuriant, and apt to grow turgid, by reason of plenty of Sulphur being carried forth, or of its Effluvia being restrained, or of eating hot things; either its Accension or Fermentation in the Heart, is very much in creased, so that from thence a Feverish heat, and greater effervescencies than usual, are stirred up in the whole. This various Fermentation of the blood in the Heart, according to the various temper of the same, may be illustrated by the example of Wine: fresh Must, that is yet crude, though it be boiled, or put on the fire, will not burn; but this being purified and brought to maturity, is easily enkindled, but sends forth a small flame, and quickly out. The same at first growing hot, or otherwise warmed, if enkindled, is greatly inflamed, and for the most part is consumed by its burning.  
Whilst the Blood, after this manner being rarified, or enkindled in the Heart, and from thence growing hot, through the passages of the Vessels, is resolved into minute parts, some little bodies departed from its loosened frame, which refuse at last to be united, and fitted with the rest of the Liquor: but these are of a twofold Nature; either thin, which like smoke form the burning fire, or Effluvia from a Fermenting Liquor, do evaporate from the Liquor of the Blood, by a constant Diaphoresis, through the breathing holes of the Body; or more thick, which like ashes left after burning or the settling dregss after Fermentation, aught to be soon strained from the mass of Blood, and to be carried forth of doors: for otherwise, by their confusion, they produce notable perturbations in the Blood. Whereby the Blood growing more hot, is dissolved in the Heart, therefore these recrements, both Fuliginous and Earthy, are more plentifully heaped together; and when by reason of too great congestion, they cannot be presently subdued and secluded from the mass of Blood, they bring forth a swelling up of the Blood and Feverish Heats.  
Concerning the Motion, Heat, and Natural Fermentation of the Blood, in the equal tenor of which, the means of our Health consists, what hath hitherto been spoken, shall suffice. We will treat a little more largely of the preternatural, or too great effervescency, on which the types, and Paroxysms of Fevers depend: I call that too much, or Preternatural Fermentation, when the Blood, (like a Pot boiling over the fire) grows hot above measure, and being rarified with a swelling spume, distends the Vessels, excites a more quick pulse, and like a Sulphureous Liquor having taken fire, diffuses a burning heat on every sied.  
This kind of motion or Fermentation of the Blood, will be best of all illustrated by an example of Wines growing hot. For Wines, besides the gentle and equal Fermentation, by which they are at first purified, at some times do so remarkably grow hot, and boil up, that they fly out of the mouth of the Vessel, and if they are closely stopped up, 'cause it to burst in pieces. After this manner, as if struck with fury, unless they are immediately drawn away from the Tartar; or their Leeses into another Vessel, they will not cease from growing hot, until the Spirit being very much loosened, and the Sulphur or Salt too much exalted, they are either made unsavoury, or degenerate into a sowrness.  
Such an Effervescency in want to be stirred up for two causes chief: First, When any extraneous thing, and not miscible, is poured into the Tun, (so some drops of Tallow, or Fat, being dropped into the Cask, will produce this motion) or secondly, when Wines being enriched with too rich a Lee or Tartar (by reason of the Sulphureous parts being above measure exalted) conceive heats of their own accord, and exceedingly boil up. For in whatsoever substance Sulphur abounds, and its Particles being loosened from the mixture, consociate together, and are bound close in one, there such immoderate heats are procured.  
After a like (though not wholly the same) manner, whereby Wines grow hot, the boiling up of the Blood is induced, to wit, either what is foreign, and not akin to the Blood, is mixed with it, that when it is not assimilated, is want to 'cause a Perturbation, and growing hot, until that Heterogeneous thing, is either subdued or cast forth of doors; and the Particles of the Blood being confused and troubled, are at last shaken forth, and that they get again their former place and position in the mixture. Or, Secondly, the Blood grows hot above measure, because some Principle, or its constitutive Element, (viz. Spirit or Sulphur) is carried forth beyond its Natural temper, and becomes enraged; whereby indeed the Particles of this or that, being not agreeable to the rest, are loosened from the mixture; being loosened, they become more violent than they aught, shake much the Liquor of the Blood, and bring forth a heat, which is not allayed, till the Blood being as it were inflamed, burns forth with the long fire of a Fever. By either way, whether the Blood grows hot in the Vessels, by reason of the pouring in of a thing not miscible, or by reason of the rage of the Spirit, or Sulphur being carried forth, because from thence its frame is more loosened, therefore it is more enkindled in the Heart; and the active Particles first loosened from the Ferment there implanted, do grow exceeding hot, leap forth from the mixture, and disperse on every side by their motion, a strong heat, and as it were fiery: but yet with this difference, that the Effervency, which depends upon the mingling of some extraneous thing with the Blood, is for the most part short, or renewed, which, when what was Heterogeneous is separated or subdued, is quieted of its own accord, and the shaken parts of the Blood, and put out of order, easily return to their Natural site and disposition. But the Ebullition which arises from the inordination of the Spirit or Sulphur being enraged, is continual; to wit, here the whole mass of the Blood is so loosened, and dissolved from the strict bond of the mixture, that as an Olly Liquor having taken fire, it ceases not to grow hot, or to be inflamed, till the Particles of Spirit, or Sulphur, or the Combustible matter, be for the most part burnt out.  
There remains yet a third manner of Preternatural Fervency, whereby the Blood is subject to alteration, which happens not to Wine, but most often to Milk; viz. when at any time, from a Morbific cause, a coagulation of its Liquor is induced, so that its substance is poured forth, and goes into parts, and there is a separation made of the thick and earthy from the thin; by which means the Blood is not fitly circulated in the Vessels, but that its congealed portions, being apt to be fixed in the extreme parts, or to stand still in the Heart, do interrupt the equal motion, or grievously hinder it: For the sake of the restoring of which Effervency, greater are want to be stirred up in the Blood, to wit, such as hap ordinarily in a Pleurisy, the Plague, Smallpox, or the Venereal Disease.   

CHAP. III. Of Intermitting Fevers or Agues.  
BY the Premises which we have spoken of already, concerning the Anatomy, Motion, and Heats of the Blood, there now lies open an easy passage to the handling of Fevers. The Notions which are commonly set forth, concerning a Fever, out of the force and Etymology of the word, I here purposely omit: It may be described after this manner, that it is, An inordinate motion of the Blood, and a too great Heat of it, with burning and thirst, and other Symptoms besides, whereby the Natural oeconomy or Government, is variously disturbed. As we have remarked already, conceming the growing hot of the Blood, so now we do of a Fever, that indeed, its accession is either short, and by fits, which is therefore termed Intermitting; or else great, and long protracted, which is called a continual Fever. We will first speak of the Intermitting Fever.  
Thomas an Intermitting Fever, in our Popular Idiom, is known by a proper Name, and is distinguished contrary to a Fever commonly taken, yet because it hath too great Effervency of the Blood joined to it, it is to be called a Fever. It is peculiar to this, from a continual Fever, that it hath certain remissions, or times of intermission; that every fit gins with cold or shaking, for the most part, and ends in Sweat; that the accessions or coming of the fits, return at set Periods, and certain intervals of times, that a Clock is not more exact. Wherhfore, we will first discourse concerning this Fever in general, what fort of heat of the Blood it is which continues its fit, and from whence it is raised up. Secondly, Wherhfore the fit appears equally with cold and shaking, as with sweat following. Thirdly, What may be the cause of the Inmission, as also of its certain set Periods. Fourthly and Lastly, Are added some irregularities of Intermitting Fevers, as when now cold, now heat or sweat is wanting; or when the Periods are wand'ring and uncertain, when the Remission or space of Intermission, is not equal, but now comes sooner, now later, and sometimes redoubled: and I will endeavour to show the reasons of these: and of other Phenomena or appearances, which variously hap in this Distemper. These being laid open, we will go on to unfold in the next Chapter, the division of an Intermitting Fever, and the kinds of it.  
As to the first: The Effervency of the Bolld in an Intermitting Fever, (or Ague) for the time of the fit, is as violent and strong as in a continual Fever: wherefore, it is concluded, that the parts of the Blood, among themselves, or some Heterogeneous thing being mixed with it, do strive together, and Ferment above measure. But there is required, that they may Ferment, or too greatly boil up among themselves, that some Principle, as chief Spirit or Sulphur, being too much exalted and enraged, do appear above the rest; which, when it cannot be yoked with them, brings in a continual strife and heat: but from this cause, a continual Fever draws its rise, because such an Ebullition of the Blood, being once begun, is not suddenly allayed, and when it is appeased, it does not afterwards presently return. Wherhfore for an Intermitting Fever, 'tis to be supposed, that some Heterogeneous thing is mingled with the Blood, whose Particles, when they are not assimilated, make so long an Ebullition of the same, till either being kneaded, they are rendered miscible, or being subtilised, are shut forth of doors. Wherhfore, such a matter being brought under, or shut forth of doors, the fit ceases, and when this matter springs again, it stirs up a new Ebullition, and so a new fit is brought on.  
Concerning this Matter, which being mixed with the Blood, induces the periodical Heats, and the other Symptoms of an Intermitting Fever, 'tis very ambiguously, and diversely disputed among Physicians, where it is generated, in what seat or place it lodges, and by what means it so exactly observes, the times of its Motion, and Ebullition. But it would be a work of too much labour and tediousness, to recount here all the Arguments, of the Ancients, and Moderns, to reduce them into order and to weigh their reasons; Wherhfore, doubting, I propose what has come into my mind, when I thought deeply of the matter, and submit to the judgement of others.  
Of necessity there is something, which brings in the Heat of the Blood exactly periodical, that is generated in our Body at the several periods, or accessions of the Fever, always in a set measure, and equal proportion, and is communicated to the mass of Blood; with which when the Blood is filled to a plenitade, it forthwith grows turgid, and conceives an heat: But this is supposed to be either an Excrementitious humour, stiding down into some Ours, which by degrees, and at a set time, being brought to an increase, and moved, Ferments with the Blood: or it is the nutritious Juice, supplied from the matter of Food, and delated in weight and measure, which, when it is not assimilated, by neason of a desect in sanguification, being heaped up to a fullness, for its own expulsion, induces a turgency in the Blood. The reason of Intermitting Fevers, is commonly explicated by the former way, and the causes of the Intermission, and set times of approach, are fetched from the nature of the Humour, and the seat, or place where it is cherished. The Nest, or Mine of this Disease, almost by an unanimous consent, is fixed on the first shop of the Body, and from hence the reason of the Intermission is fetched, and the continual difference of an Intermitting Fever: but they affirm the matter to be Choler, Phlegm, and Melancholy; and as these humours are said to putrify slower, or sooner, so the Feverish courses, are said to be absolved, in the space of the one or more days. But this Opinion, after the Circulation of the Blood hath been made plainly known to all, is deservedly rejected. For when the Blood never stagnates in the Vessels, but washes every place with a perpetual motion, and continually carries away their filth, it is implssible that the Mine of this Disease should subsist in the Mesaraick Veins, where it is commonly asserted to be: as to what belongs to the cavities or dens, for the heaping up of the humours in the Viscera, It veither appears, by what means such should be form without a Tumour or Imposthume; nor by what instinct, such humours, shut up in their Nest, do increase, are consumed, and lastly spring forth again, at so exact intervals of times. Besides, what is affirmed concerning Bile, Phlegm, and Melancholy, and of their periodical motions, we hold wholly suspected; because these sort of humours, are not afforded sincere, such as are described in the Schools: but the Blood, having gotten a various disposition, now being hotter, now colder, its nature imitates the qualities of such humours; or in its Circulating, it lays aside its Recrements, which being deposited in little Chests or Vessels, are falsely believed to be Morbific, and Preternatural humours. Wherhfore, as the nutritious Juice, is the only humour wherewith the mass of Blood is daily refreshed, and its supplements are made still in measure, and proportion, without doubt, the periodical heats of the Blood, are to be drawn from the accession and commixtion of this.  
I have already remarked concerning the Particles of the Blood, a triple state of crudity, maturation, and defection: to wit, the nourishing Juice, supplied from the daily Food, comes crude, is mixed with the Blood, and being for some time Circulated, is assimilated to is, and is ripened into a perfect humour: afterwards growing stolen, it goes into parts and is laid aside. Whilst after this equal manner, the Blood is continually restored, and its losses repaired, it very quietly Ferments, without any trouble, or immoderate heat, and is circulated within the Vessels; but if the supplement of the nourishing Juice, is not (as before) ripened, nor goes into Blood, by a perfect digestion, its Particles being confused with the Blood, remain as it were some Heterogeneous thing, and not exactly akin, in the mass of Blood; with which, when it is filled to a plenitude, the Blood forthwith grows troubled, and conceives a Feverish heat, whereby the fresh supply of this depraved Juice, is either overcome or cast forth of doors. I say therefore, from the first instant, in which the nourishing Juice is not assimilated with the Blood, its Particles, though mixed with it, are as yet Circulated with it, without any great tumult or perturbation, and so afterwards till the mass of the Blood is filled with them to a turgency: but than it quickly boils up, and conceives a heat: almost after the same manner, as new Beer put into Bottles, which, if they are closely stopped, that nothing may evaporate, is at first contained in those Vessels, without heat or force; afterwards when the Effluvia being still restrained, the mass of the Liquor swells up, notably Ferments, and by reason of the force of Fermentation, oftentimes makes the Bottles fly in pieces: also this happens at a set time, and in the space of so many hours, as in an Intermitting Fever, the Liquor arises to its height of turgescency.  
There yet remains a difficulty, for what cause the nutritious Juice, being consused with the Blood, is not assimilated, but degenerates into an heterogeneous, and Fermentative matter: I suppose this to be done, for the most part, not by the default of the Aliments, nor yet of the Bowels, but by the vice of the Blood itself. For the Blood, even as Wine, sometimes passes from its native and genuine disposition, into an acid, sour, or austere disposition; and because the Blood makes Blood, it comes to pass, that when it is departed from its due temper, it easily perverts the provision of the nutritious Juice, by which it should be repaired. What that disposition of the Blood is, and by what means contracted, shall be told hereafter, when we speak of the kinds of Intermitting Fevers, and of their evident, and Procatarctick causes. The Heat, or Effervescency therefore of the Blood, which constitutes the fit of an Intermitting Fever, depends only upon the assimilation of the nourishing Juice being hindered; the Particles of this being commixed with the Blood, are not (as before) ripened, nor are made into perfect Blood; but by the mixture of these, the mass of Blood (as it were new drink) is imbued with little Bodies greatly Fermentative; when the which are more thickly heaped together, and the Blood is filled with them to a swelling up, it presently grows hot, and a mighty agitation, and strife of the Particles is made, by which, they break, and subtilise one another, till at length the vital Spirit getting the dominion, and the rest being brought under, what is extraneous is thrust forth of doors, from the company of which, the Blood being freed, the remission, and intermission of the aguish fit follows; but afterwards from a new supply of this Juice, a new fit is brought on.  
Secondly, As to the shaking, or cold preceding the heat, in this Distemper, I say, when the Particles of the nourishing Juice, do proceed from a state of crudity, towards maturity, but do not attain it, they contract a notable sowrishness, with which they greatly prick, and haule the nervous parts, and 'cause the sense of cold: even as new Beer, which being stopped close in Bottles, passes from a sweet into an acid and nitrous taste, that for the cuttingness and cold, can scarce be swallowed. When therefore, the Particles of this sort of crude Juice, being endued with a Nitrous sowrness, do fill the mass of the Blood to a fullness, or to a swelling up, and when they being more thickly heaped together, begin to enter into a Flux, they first of all strike down the Vital Spirits, with their sharpness, and somewhat overthrew their heat; wherefore the Blood Becomes colder, and is more slowly circulated: yea, and by reason of the defect of heat, the sense of cold is perceived in the whole Body, and a pulse very rare exists. Moreover, when the nervous and solid parts, are watered with this sort of acetous Juice, for their last nourishment, by the Flux of this, which happens together with the turgescency of the Blood, these sensible parts are pulled, and irritated into Tremble and Convulsions. And this without doubt is the true and genuine cause of the cold and shaking, which are excited in a fit of the intermitting Fever; to wit, the Flux, and swelling up of the nourishing Juice, degenerated into a Nitrous matter, with which the Spirits and heat being suffused, are blunted, and the Nervous Bodies being provoked, are moved into tremble. But afterwards, when these Nitrous Particles being thrust forth, from some part, into the Superficies of the Body, the Blood is somewhat freed from their weight and oppression, the Vital Spirits recollect themselves, and begin to shine forth; but from thence a most intense heat succeeds, because, both the mass of Blood, by reason of the growing hot with the Feverish matter, being loosened, and also its mixture being laxed, the Sulphureour Particles are more plentifully enkindled in the Heart; and because (the pores of the skin, being possessed by the same matter, thrust forth towards the circumference of the Body) the vaporous Effluvia are restrained within, which do more shake, and make hot the Blood, that heat persists still in the Blood, until that Fermentative matter being wholly burnt out, and together with the adust recrements, remaining after the burning, being fully brought under, and subtilised, and involved with the Serum, insensibly evaporates by sweat, or transpiration.  
Thirdly, These things being premised, it will not be hard to show the reasons and causes of the intermission, as also of the set periods, viz. the intermission follows, because all the Morbific matter is dispersed in one fit, and so till new be substituted, there is a necessity that a remission follow. But new matter gins to be begot, of which the last fit failed, to wit, the mass of Blood being but now emptied, receives the nourishing Juice, and perverts it (as before) by reason of its defect of due making of Blood, and of Concoction, into a Fermentative matter; but its little plenty, stirs up little or no trouble, or Fermentation; but when the Blood is filled to a swelling up, it presently ferments, and is in Flux, even as when new Beer, or new Wine, shut up a long while in a Vessel, at length, at a certain time, boils up, and leaps forth at the mouth of the Vessel.  
But that the Fits, or Accessions, do for the most part come again, at set intervals of times, and that so certainly, that a Clock is not more exact; the reason is, because the nourishable Juice, is for the most part supplied from the Viscera, to the Blood flowing in the Vessels, in an equal measure and manner; for though we do not daily take exactly, so much meat and drink in weight and dimension, yet, because we for the most part eat at set hours, for the satisfying the Appetite, from the things eaten, and the mass of the Chime heaped up in the Bowels, an equal portion of the nutritious Juice is conveyed to the Blood through the Milky Vessels: wherefore, if at such hours, so much of the nutritious humour is poured into the Blood, which increasing to a fullness, and swelling up, it brings on the fit that day: certainly, this being finished; in the space of the same time, sufficient matter is laid up, for the following fit: But if errors in feeding be committed, and that the sick indulging their Appetite, eat more plentifully or inordinately, the approach of the fit anticipates the wont hour, by reason of the Bloods being filled sooner with the Feverish matter; if that the sick are abstemious, and more sparingly take their Food, the intermission is drawn out longer.  
If it be yet asked. wherefore the periods of intermitting Fevers, be not of one kind, and of the same distance, but that some repeat or come again daily, others on the third or fourth day? The cause is the divers constitution of the Blood, to wit, whereby it is perverted from its due temper, now into a sourish, now into an acid or sharp, or into an austere or harsh disposition. By reason of the divers evil constitution of this, the alible Juice, being fresh carried, departs more or lesle from maturation, and is perverted into matter, apt sooner or later to ferment. When the Blood has acquired a sour, hot, and bilous disposition, I suppose that some part of the nourishing Juice is ripened into perfect humour, and is assimilated with the Blood, and so goes into Food, to be carried to the solid parts, and is affixed to them; but the other part of it, from the Blood being too much cocted, and depraved, is changed into a Feverish matter, and supposing, that half of the nutritious Juice is after this manner perverted, in double the time, in which it is said to have a full Concoction in our Body, (that is after eight and forty hours) this kind of Fermentative matter, rises to a plenitude, and turgescency, and than induces the fit of a Tertian Fever. If that, by reason of the austere, and pontic nature of the degenerated Blood, (in which a fixed Salt, with an Earthy Faces is exalted too much) and therefore apt to ferment more slowly, only a third part of the nutritious Juice is corrupted, than in three times the space of the aforesaid time, the fit is induced; that is, after seventy two hours, in which, the period of a Quartan, is want to be concluded. But, if by reason of a greater infection of the Blood, almost the whole supplement of the nutriticus Juice is perverted into a Feverish matter; than in the space of that time, in which the plenary coction aught to be absolved in the Vessels and habit of the Body, (that is after twenty four hours) this matter arises up to the motion of turgescency, and brings on the Quotidian fit. And hence it comes to pass, that in a Quartan Fever, strength and courage do not presently fail, whilst in a Tertian, the sick are want to become more weak; but in a Quotidian Fever, they are sooner brought into languishing, and greatest weakness: to wit, in each, as more or lesle of the nutritious Juice goes into the Food of the Disease, so much also is drawn away, from the strength and firmness of the Body. But more fully of these, when we treat of the several kinds of Intermitting Fevers, and the Causes of them.  
Against the equal Circuits of these Fevers, it is argued: that for the most part, the fits do anticipate the set time of the day, by the space of some hours, and sometimes also come after it. But in truth, this objection is taken away, if the times of intermission be computed, not by days, but by hours; for so the intervals which but now seemed to be now sooner, now longer protracted, will appear for the most part equal, by this Rule; forasmuch as in respect of the day, it is said a Tertian Fever, sometimes prevents the wont time of its accession, two, three, or more hours, or comes after it; in the mean time, every circuit exactly repeats or comes again, every time, after so many hours. Wherhfore the chief differences of Intermitting Fevers, consist in this only, that the time of the accession in one Fever, comes more swiftly, and in another more slowly, viz. now at twenty four hours distance, now at thirty four, now at seventy or the like.  
From what hath been said, (unless I am deceived) it clearly appears, what the Effervescency of the Blood is, which constitutes the fit of an Intermitting Fever, from whence the forerunners of cold and shaking, and lastly, what may be the reason of the intermission, and of the set periods. But that these, and many other appearances of this distemper, depend upon the evil disposition of the Blood, and because of the depravation of the nutritious Juice, and not from humour, lurking in some mine, will yet more manifestly appear, from the collation of the signs and symptoms, which are to be met with, worthy of note, in this distemper: than secondly, from the Procatartic, or more remote causes being truly weighed, which are want to induce this distemper: and thirdly, and lastly, from the ways of the Crisis, and Cures, by which this Disease, either ceases of its own accord, or is driven away, by the help of Medicines.  
First, Among the Signs, the Pulse and Urine, deserve the chief consideration: The Pulse, the cold fit coming on, is very rare, and low, which clearly argues, the Heat, and Vital Spirits in the Blood, to be as it were overwhelmed, by some crude matter, not easily combustible, just as a fire enkindled on the Hearth, and than covered with green wood, glows very slowly, and flames forth little, which afterwards, the crude humour being blown away, breaks forth into an open and very strong flame: so also, the Blood, the crude matter, which is in Flux, being something overcome, or dispersed, is very much enkindled; and what remains in the Blood is burnt up, when fermenting with the Particles of it, and induces a most violent heat, with thirst; wherefore the Blood growing impetuously hot, is urged with a vehement, and most swift Pulse: otherwise, it being too much heaped together in the Heart might 'cause the danger of choking.  
As to the Urine; that is imbued (especially in a Tertian Fever) with a deep colour, and as it were inflamed, also when the Contents are wanting; which seems to denote a scorching of the Blood, and too adust temper: moreover, in this Distemper, different from others, the Urine, for the most part is ill, when the Patient is pretty well, and on the contrary; forasmuch as all the time of the intermission, it is at a great distance from its natural state, it becomes filled with a read colour, and thick, being exposed to the cold, and lays down a plentiful sediment, like to ; which is of necessity to be so done, because in the whole interval of the remission, the Feverish matter is circulated with the Blood, and there rises to maturity, with a secret increase. But in the middle of the fit, when the heat, and burning are at the greatest, the Urine is laudable, and comes more near to the natural, viz. the Fermentative matter, being sent to the Circumference of the Body.  
The symptoms preceding the fit, confirm the same thing; for many hours before the fit gins, a perturbation of the humours, and blood, is perceived; an Headache, Vertigo, sparkling of the Eyes, unquiet Sleep, etc. which plainly show, the Blood first infected with the Fermenting matter, and the assault of the fit to be only so long deferred, until the mass of the Blood is filled to a swelling up, with the same kind of matter: The forerunners of the approach of the fit are, now a paleness at the ends of the Fingers, or Toes, or in the Nails, sometimes a Convulsion, or numbness; now a coldness, and pain in the Loins and Thighs, and sometimes a shivering and trembling invade the whole Body, which clearly show, the Blood in the Arteries and Veins, and also the thin Liquor in the Nervous parts, first to conceive the motion of Fermentation, and this Effervescency, not to be excited from any other fire-place, or mine. If it be objected, that the sick are most often infested with Vomiting, about the time of the fit; from whence it may seem to be concluded, that the chiefest hurtful matter is established in the Ventricle, and in the first passages, especially, when this distemper is chief cured, by the timely taking of a Vomit; I confess, very great Vomitings are sometimes stirred up, in the fit of an intermitting Fever; but this more often happens, because in the Feverish shivering, the membranes of the whole Body are pulled; wherefore the Ventricle also, as it is a very Nervous part, is distempered with a Convulsion, and having from thence contracted a Spasm, casts forth upwards whatsoever lurks in its bosom. Besides, if that the Choler-bearing Vessels, swell up with Bile or Choler, by the same Convulsion also of the Viscera, the Bile is pressed forth into the Duodenum by the Galish passage, and is emptied into the Ventricle, and there, by its fierceness, provokes yet to more cruel Vomiting, wherefore for the most part, the vomiting which is excited for this reason, follows the shaking only. But that the Choler was not in the Stomach before the fit troubled it, but only pressed forth from the Choleduct passage, by the Spasm and Convulsive motions of the Viscera, and poured forth into the Ventricle, appears from hence, because if a Vomit be given in the midst of the interval, between the two fits, little or nothing of bilous matter will be drawn forth; besides, this bitter humour is of that fierceness, that it cannot be long contained in the Ventricle, but presently it will procure the pain of the Heart, and Vomiting. Besides this sort of Vomiting, excited in the shaking fit, sometimes a Vomiting is provoked in the midst of the burning fit, or in the sweat, the cause of which is, the redundancy of the bilish humour in the Blood; of which if there be greater plenty, than what diluted with Serum may be sent forth by Sweat, a great part of it, whilst the Blood is circulated about the crevices of the Liver, is laid aside in the Choleduct Vessels; which, when being filled to a distension, exonerate themselves, and sand away the Choler to the Intestines and Ventricle, and there a Convulsion being presently stirred up, sometimes Vomiting is provoked, and sometimes the Belly becomes lose, and the Stools liquid. In this Year 1657. I observed very many affected after this manner, for when after an hot and dry Summer, about the middle of Autumn, an Intermitting Fever generally raged, the sick were want suddenly to grow very ill, in the middle of their hot fit, and sometimes also in their sweeting, and the Sweated being struck in, to be taken with Swooning; but shortly after, when a Choleric Vomiting followed, they were eased.  
Not only the signs and symptoms, but the Procatartic or more remote Causes of this Disease, clearly indicate, that it takes its rise from the temper of the Blood being changed: because Intermitting Fevers, are most frequent in the season, and places, in which the Blood receives the greatest alteration from the Air, viz. either in the Spring, when the vernal heat shutting out the Winter's cold, causes the Blood, before benumed, and apt to be more slowly moved, to begin to flourish, and luxuriate in the Vessels, and from thence, to get a bilous and hot temper: or in the Autumn, when the Blood being torrified, or roasted by the Summer's heat, and therefore its Spirits very much depressed, and Salt and Sulphur exalted, acquires now a sharp and Choleric, now a binding and austere disposition: wherefore, at this season, Fevers, now Tertian, now Quartan, are frequent; besides, in some places, there is that constitution of the Heaven, that on all men whatsoever, there comes either a Tertian or (more frequently) a Quartan Fever; although in the first offices, where the Mine of the Disease is commonly believed to be lodged, there be no congestion of humours, by reason of an ill manner of living, or sickly disposition. Yea, they most easily fall into this Disease, who have their inwards firm and strong, and who abound with a lively heat: on the contrary, those who by reason of a weak Concoction, heap up Crudities in the first passages continually, that they are prove to the Dropsy, or Cachexia, remain free, for the most part, from this Distemper; to wit, the Blood being made more watery, (like Wine degenerated into a tasteless substance) is altogether unapt to be fermented.  
Not lesle, doth the Cure of Intermitting Fevers seem to prove this our Assertion, whether it be Natural and Critical, or Artificial, and performed by the help of Medicines. As to the first, Intermitting Fevers are want to be terminated, after a twofold manner. The first is, when from the fits themselves, the temper of the Blood is altered, and often times is reduced into its Natural disposition. For when in every coming of the fit, very much of Sulphur, and adust Salt is burnt out, and exhaled by Sweat, the Liquor of the Blood, by that means, becomes more temperate, and lesle torrid: wherefore, oftentimes this Disease is cured, at six or seven periods, and of its own accord ceases: but if it be longer protracted, and that the Blood being somewhat changed, from the sharp and bilous temper, or disposition, is not restored to its Natural temper, sometimes it degenerates into an Acid, Watery, and also Pontic or saltish temper, from whence a long Tertian Fever passes into a Quotidian, or a Quartan; also oftentimes, because the Blood is greatly depraved, by the long continuance of this Fever, the Jaundice, or the Scurvy, or the Cachexia follow. The other manner, whereby this Disea●● is terminated, is, when the change of the Air, or the Country, brings a notable alteration of the Blood: for so Fevers begun at the times of the Equinoxes, are ended about the time of the Solstices; also the sick, travelling into another Region, often grow well.  
As to the cure of it, by the Institutions of the Medicines, it uses to be done two ways, viz. Empirically, and Dogmatically; and in this Disease, Empirical remedies, sought from Quacksalvers, and old Women, are more esteemed, and oftentimes do more than the prescriptions of Physicians, administered after the exact method of cureing.  
Empirical Remedies, which are said to cure Intermitting Fevers or Agues, are of that sort, which drive away the approaching Fit, without any Evacuation: and are either taken inwardly, or are outwardly applied, where the Pulses chief beaten, viz. For the most part, they are bound either to the region of the heart, or to the hand-wrists, or to the soles of the feet; these sometimes are so commonly known to help, that some have warranted the sudden cure of this Disease, by these Remedies, under the pain of some Forfeiture: Wherhfore it is worth our inquiry, how these operate, and by what way or means they stop the Feverish accessions. It is clear, First, that those which are outwardly applied, do immediately impart force, and action to the Blood, and Spirits; and when they drive away the Fit, by preventing, without the Evacuation of humour, or any matter of necessity, the reason of this effect consists only in this, that by the use of these sort of Medicines, the turgescency or swelling up of the Blood, with the Feverish matter, and Fermentation are stopped; to wit, from the Medicine tied about the Body, certain little bodies, or Effluvia are communicated to the Blood, which do very much fix, and bind together the particles of it, or also, as it were precipitate them, by fusing and shaking them; and by either way, the spontaneous growing hot of the Blood, is hindered: as when cold water is put into a boiling Pot, or as when Vinegar, or Alum is fling into new and working Beer, presently Fermentation ceases, and the Liquor acquires a new taste, and consistency, whereby it becomes fit to be drunk, as if it had been kept to ripen a long time. But that these Ague-stoppers do work after this manner, it is plainly seen, because those which are of principal note, do excel in a Styptic, and binding force, or else with a precipitating virtue; hence Sea-salt, Nitre, Salgemmae, the Juice of Plantain, Shepherds-burse, any binding Herbs pounded with Vinegar, and the like, bound to the wrists; the root of Yarrow, Tormentile, also Camphor hung about the neck, are said to take away this Disease: yea, those also which are taken inwardly, are of the same rank; The Juice of Plantain, Red-rose water, Alum, for that they fix, and constrain the Blood, a decoction of Piper, Sal Armoniac, or of Wormwood, Spirit of Vitrial, also asudden passion of anger, or fear, forasmuch as they precipitate the Blood, by fusing and shaking it, do oftentimes hinder the Agues approach: even as the Concussion, and shaking much, any Liquor, or the infusion of astringent things into it, hinder its spontaneous Effervescency and rage. It is usual with some Empirics, for the cure of Agues, to tie a little knot in a Linen rag, or a piece of Paper roled up, so strictly to the wrists, pressing hard upon the beating of the Pulse, that the circulation of the Blood is somewhat hindered, and by this means, the Aguish fit coming on, is driven away. Very many by this way, I have none to be most certainly cured of a tedious sickness; the reason of which seems to be, that whilst the Blood is hindered from its motion in any part, it grows more tumuluous in the other parts; and so, by this perturbation, stirred up in the whole Blood, the spontaneous Effervescency of the Liquor, being about to follow, is hindered. But that the Fit, by this, or  other means, being once hindered, does not afterwards easily return, the reason is; Because, if this Feverish, and depraved matter, be contained longer in the Blood, it is afterwards cocted, and in some measure ripened: and therefore the Blood does not (as before) altogether pervert, either this, or the provision coming to it anew, but gins to digest and assimilate it: besides, when the Fit is once stopped, its custom is broke, by the instinct of which alone, Nature oftentimes repeats those her Errors: for, as when it has once made a fault, it is want more readily to do ill after the same way; so when it once omits its fault, it more easily accustoms itself to do better.  
The dogmatieal cure, is instituted for the most part, by Vomitory and Purging Medicines, also with the letting of Blood; with which the sick are miserably tormented, and the Disease seldom profligated or driven away; that deservedly, this Distemper is called the shame of Physicians; but Tertian Fevers are sometimes carried away by a Vomit given just before the coming of the Fit, which indeed happens (as I think) for the reason before mentioned. For I have said, That the cause of a Tertian Fever, is an evil disposition of the Blood, whereby it passes into a sour and bilous Nature; and therefore it doth not rightly assimilate the nutritious Juice brought to it, but changes it into a Fermentative matter; wherefore, if the Bile or Choler be copiously drawn forth of the Blood, that Choleric and hot intemperance is very much taken away, and that Fermentative power ceases of itself, But Emetic Medicines do chief perform this, for if they operate strongly, a Convulsion is not only brought to the bottom of the Ventricle, but also the Duodenum, with an inverse motion, is drawn together towards the Pylorus, and the Cholerby a continual thrusting forward, being squeezed forth from the Choleduct passage, is poured into the Ventricle, which is presently cast out by Vomit; which being copiously performed, the galish bladder is almost emptied, and after that, it becomes a receptacle, that draws forth, and separates the bilous humour, or the particles of adust Sulphur and Salt plentifully poured into the Blood; the next Fit sometimes is by this means prevented, not because the mine of the Disease is extirpated by Vomit, but because an Evacuation and motion is excited, contrary to the Feverish motion, and for that reason, the spontaneous Effervescency of the Blood is prevented. Also by this means, sometimes the Disease is taken away after the Fit, because this way, the Blood is fully cleared from the bilous humour. It is worthy observation, that in a Quartan Fever, Vomits profit nothing, and seldom in a Tertian, unless administered presently at the beginning, whilst the Feverish disposition is yet light, and not fully confirmed.  
Concerning Intermitting Fevers in general, there yet remain some Irregulars of them, to be explicated, which vary from the wont manner: for unless these unusual appearances be solved, this our Hypothesis will seem to be defective, and to halt in one part. First therefore, they are want sometimes to lack the cold or shaking fit. This Intermitting Fever is frequent in Autumn, whose fits are want to exercise the sick, only with heat, and that most Violent, and in many they come with great Vomiting, but no Sweat or Cold; than after four or five periods, upon the coming on of the fit, the sick are want to be chil, and presently after to quake, and in the declination to sweated: The reason of this was, because, from the very hot Summer, the Constitution of the Blood was become sharp, and very much burnt: Wherhfore, the Particles of the crude Juice, being commixed with it, were presently terrified or made hot, and scorched; that they did not at first, (like new Beer) grow hot with an Acrimony, and than afterwards blaze forth; but a turgescency being stirred up, (like dry wood laid upon a fire) presently the whole took fire, and broke forth into flames; but afterwards, the Liquor of the Blood being fired by several fits, became lesle torrid, that the depraved Alible Juice was not presently torrified, but passed into a Nitrous matter, and fermenting with a sharpness, which at first swelling up, induced the sense of cold to the whole Body. When the cold fit was begun, for the most part Sweated concluded it: which indeed happened, because the Blood being made more watery, is more easily resolved into vapour, with the Feverish matter, even as a watery Liquor is more easily drawn forth by distillation, than what is Oily, or of a more thick consistency.  
It often happens, in the declination of this Disease, when the fits begin to lessen, that the sense of cold and shaking, by little and little are diminished, and at length vanish, and the fit only troubles the sick, with a light burning: The reason of which is, because at this time, the Blood being somewhat restored, towards its natural state, gins to concoct and ripen the crude juice; so that a great part of it is assimilated: but some Excrements, being heaped together in the Blood, bring forth as yet a light burning: but when the Feverish Particles, do not participate of the Nitrous Acrimony, the Fermentation of the Blood is induced without any shivering, by which, what was extraneous burns forth, is either subdued, or carried forth of doors. Sometimes also, in the declination of this Disease, the fits appear without any burning, only with a light cold: The reason of which is, because the Morbific matter, being rather Nitrous, than Sulphureous, when it is in Flux, does somewhat blunt the Natural Heat; and by that means is dissipated, and vanishes, without any great deflagration.  
There is yet a great doubt concerning the intervals of the periods, which sometimes seem to be double in the same Fever, that the first Accession answers to the third, and either perhaps comes in the morning; and again the second to the fourth, and both hap in the Evening; and so forward: wherefore, the Fever bearing this figure, is want to be named a double Tertian, or Quartan, of which it doth not easily appear, how they should be done, if the fits depend upon the evil disposition of the Blood, and from thence on a Congestion to a Turgescency of the depraved Nourishing Juice: for which cause, they commonly affirm, that this double figure is stirred up, or draws its original from a double Nest, or Mine; but to me it seems most likely, that in this case, sometimes it happens for the Fever to be simple, and of one kind, also its types or figures to be alike, and all congruous one to another, but the error to arise, because the interstitia of the periods, are not computed by hours, but days: For when as, the beginnings of the fits are distant one from another, not exactly twenty four hours, but either sixteen, or thirty hours, in a Quotidian; and in a Tertian, not forty eight, but forty, or fifty six, more or lesle, or thereabouts; it comes to pass, that every other fits, hap before, and the others after Noon. To which also may be added, that the different manner of eating, which the sick use, very often produces great inequalities of figures: that sometimes the fit is redoubled twice in a day, as I have often observed in Cachectical men, or full of ill humours, and living disorderly: but it doth not seldom hap, that Intermitting Fevers, repeat fits, which do neither observe the same distance, nor bear altogether the figure of the same mode. I have many times observed in a Quartan Fever, that besides the set come or Accessions, returning on the fourth day, about the same hour; some wand'ring and uncertain fits, did infested the sick; that sometimes on the day preceding, the wont fit, sometimes on that following it, another fit (though lighter) was excited anew, with shivering, Heat, and Sweated, exactly like the figure of an Intermitting Fever; and nevertheless, the primary Accession returned at its accustomed time. This for the most part, is want to hap, either from diet evilly instituted, chief from surfeit, and drinking of Wine; or else from Medicines wrongfully administered: The reason of which (unless I am deceived) consists in this. The mass of Blood, being want to be filled to a swelling up, with the Fermentative matter, at a set time, often, by reason of some errors in eating and drinking, heaps up more matter, than can be easily dissipated in one fit; and when it unequally Cooks the same Fermentative matter, it often happens, that it first shakes of its superfluous, or more thin part, as it were by a certain skirmish, in a more light fit, but dispels the more thick, (after the primary Accession) as yet remaining in the Blood, by a Feverish Fermentation arising anew. And when the fits, in an Intermitting Fever, redouble after this manner, either become more remiss, for that the same matter in either, is only divided; and eventilated by two accessions. Besides, when this Fermentative matter, or Nutritious Juice, depraved in its circulation, is continued, partly in the Arteries and Veins, with the Blood, and partly in the Nervous stock, and solid parts, it may hap, that both humours do not ferment at once, but a great part of one may be dispersed in one fit, and than a great part of the other, in another fit.   

CHAP. IU. Of the kinds of Intermitting Fevers, and first of a Tertian.  
WE shall easily accommodate to our Hypothesis, delivered in the former Chapter, concerning the nature and beginning of Intermitting Fevers, all the Phaenomena which belong to it, and the reasons of them. But as those which are of this sort, do not observe the same space of Intermission, or of return, and their figures, as to the appearances of their signs and symptoms, do not altogether hap after the same manner; therefore according to the diversities of these, and especially from the distance of the fits, the various species and differences of Intermitting Fevers, are assigned. The chiefest division of them is, into Tertian, Quotidian, and Quartan: We shall here remark the chief things worthy of note concerning each of them.  
It is called a Tertian Fever, not which is accomplished at the distance of three days; but inclusively from the day in which one Fit gins, from thence the other returns on the third. In the mean time, if the Fits be sometimes longer, viz. protracted almost to twenty four hours, and the Remissions anticipated also by their accessions, or come of the Fits, the space is oftentimes lesle by a night and a day. This Disease is commonly distinguished into exquisite and spurious; The exquisite or exact Tertian Fever is, which gins with a vehement shaking, to which succeeds a sharp and biting heat, which goes of in sweat, and its Fit is finished in twelve hours, and that the perfect intermission follows; In the spurious or bastard Tertian, the cold and heat are more remiss, but the Fit is often extended beyond twelve hours, yea often to eighteen or twenty. These differ as to the various disposition of the Blood, which is in the former more torrid and sharp; therefore perverts the alible Juice from Crudity, towards an adustion, wherefore a more vehement Effervescency is stirred up; but as the matter more equally burns forth, it is sooner finished. In the latter, besides the adustion, the Blood abounds with too much serous humidity, wherefore, the nourishing Juice degenerates into a Crude matter, and therefore lesle apt to be overcome, and to burn forth; wherefore, its Fit is gentler, and more unequal, but is not finished but in a longer space.  
The Essence therefore of a Tertian Fever consists in this; That the Blood (like Beer brewed with too high dried Malt) being too sharp, and torrid, does not rightly subdue, and ripen the alible Juice, which is taken in from crude things eaten, but very much perverts it into a nitrous-sulphurous matter; with which, when the mass of Blood is filled to a swelling up, like new Beer stopped up in Bottles, it conceives an heat: From the flux of this nitrous matter, which blunts the heat, and vital spirits, and pulls the nervous parts, first the cold, with shaking is excited; than the vital spirit getting strength again, this matter growing hot in the Blood, gins to be subdued, and enkindled in the heart; from whose deflagration, an intense heat is diffused through the whole body; than its relics being separated, and involved with serum, are sent away by sweat.  
This torrid Constitution of the Blood, consists in this, That 'tis impregnated more than it aught, with particles of Sulphur and Salt; wherefore, the Procatartick causes, which dispose to this Disease, are an hot and bilous temperament, a youthful age, hot diet, as an immoderate use of Wine and spiced Meats, but especially in the Spring and autumnal seasons of the year, when the Blood (as all vegetables) is apt to flower, and to ferment of its own accord. By reason of these occasions, the liquor of the Blood, is want to be thoroughly roasted, and to be changed into a choleric temper: and when it departs from its natural Disposition so much, that it perverts the nutritious Juice, into a matter plainly Fermentative, the beginning of this Fever is induced; which sometimes happens from this intemperance being leisurely increased and brought to the height; but more frequently, an evident cause raises up this disposition into act, and we ascribe the origine of this Disease to some notable Accident. Wherhfore, lying on the Ground, or taking cold after sweeting, or transpiration being any ways hindered; also a Surfeit, or a perturbation of the Stomach, from any thing inordinately eaten; and lastly, What things soever stir up an immoderate heat in the Blood, bring the lurking disposition of this Disease into act: for that, from every such occasion, the nutritious Juice, being heaped in the Blood, and somewhat depraved, conceives a Flux, and departing from the rest of the Blood, ferments with a nitrous sharpness, than being enkindled and shaken by the Spirit, and vital heat, it induces the Fit, with a very strong burning.  
A Tertian Fever, is want to be more frequent in the Spring, at which time, the Blood is livelier and richer, and therefore more fitted for this kind of Feverish distemper. If this Fever being taken, be ended within a moderate time, 'tis commonly said to be a Medicine, rather than a Disease; which is partly true, because, by this means, the impurities of the Blood burn out, the obstructions of the Viscera are discharged, and in truth the whole body is ventilated, so that 'tis wholly freed from every Excrementitious matter, and the seminary of growing Diseases. But if this Disease be long protracted, it becomes the cause of many Sicknesses, and of a long want of Health. For from hence the mass of the Blood is very much deprived of the vital Spirit, and (like Wine too much fermented) in a manner grows lifeless: wherefore the Jaundice, Scurvy, or Cachexia, follow this Fever, being long ere it be cured For by its frequent Fits, the vital Spirit very much evaporates, and because it is but little restored by things eaten, the Blood therefore becomes weaker, and almost without life: In the mean time, the particles of Salt, and Sulphur, are carried forth more, and exalted; from whence, the Blood is made shap, and salt, and so more unfit for Circulation and Transpiration.  
Moreover, This Disease being long protracted, oftentimes changes its Figure, and from a Tertian Fever, becomes either a Quotidian, or sometimes a Quartan: than sometimes from either, it returns into a Tertian. The reason of this is, the disposition of the Blood being variously changed: which at first being sharp, and bilous, had perverted the nutritious Juice, by that means, that it arise to a fullness of swelling up on the third day; afterwards, by the frequent Deflagration, becoming lesle sharp, or in truth more waterish, it grows far weaker as to its Constitution, so that it doth very little, or not at all assimilate the nourishable humour, and ripen it, and by that means, the increase of the Fermentative matter is made sooner, and the Fits return daily: or else, the Blood from a sharp and bilous intemperance, (the constitution of the Heaven, or the year, bringing on this alteration) is changed into an austere, or saltish, and therefore more slowly perverts the nourishing Juice, and the increase of the Feverish matter, gathering together more flowly, it doth not conceive the Fits till on the fourth day: but if either, by the means of Physic or Diet, the temper of the Blood is reduced from either dyscrasy, towards a bilous, the periods also are altered, and they resume the figure of a Tertian.  
Certain symptoms are want to come upon a Tertian Fever, which are commonly esteemed for the Crises of this Disease; and in truth sometimes, these appearing, the Distemper either clearly ceases, or gins to abate of its wont fierceness. But these kind of signs, are chief these three viz. The Erysipelas, or an Eruption of pimples in the Lips, the yellow Jaundice, and an Inflammation, or swelling suddenly excited, in this or that part of the body: very often there happens after three or four Fits to the Sick, little ulcers, with a crusty scab, to break forth about the Lips, and although there be no coming away of any matter, in all the body beside, yet from hence they presage, that the Fever is about to departed, which sometimes the event proves true. But indeed sometimes, I have observed, that the hoped for effect has not succeeded, but that the Fever pertinaciously, and for a long while hath afflicted them, when their Lips have been broken out. But as to what respects this Symptom, it seems to arise, for that the Blood having got a more free Diaphoresis, it not only thrusts forth adoors, the more thin, and smoky recrements, but also the more thick; and when the same, in other parts more easily exhale thorough the more open Pores, they stick in their passage about the Lips, by reason of the skin being more strictly bound together; and because the vaporous matter, abounds in particles of adust Salt, and Sulphur, being fixed in the skin, it there hinders Circulation, and therefore induces Pustles, and little Ulcers; perhaps the more hot breath, which is breathed forth from the mouth, and nostrils, may contribute something to this Distemper, forasmuch as it scorches, and burns the Blood, and Juices flowing thither: wherefore, it may be said, That this eruption of Pustles, denotes only a more full Diaphoresis in the whole, by which, the more thick, as well as the thin recrements of the adust Blood, evaporate forth of doors. For I have known in some, from a Tertian Fever, little welks like the small Pox to break out in their whole body, that if by this more plentiful Ventilation, as it were a purging, the Blood be so freed, that it recovers its pristine disposition, the Fever is cured: But if (as sometimes it happens) some recrements, though more thick, break forth, yet others stay within, and still cherish the Feverish disposition, those little Ulcers, argue only a greater taint of the Blood, and pertinacy of the Disease, therefore it may be observed, when that scabs break out in the lips, if the Fever does not presently abate, that it will be more grievous, and tedious for the future.  
Sometimes the yellow Jaundice comes upon a Tertian Fever, and cures it; (which Hypocrates has also taken notice of) the reason of which is, because, when the Blood has got a sharp or bilous disposition; that therefore it had perverted the alible Juice, and from thence had heaped together excrementitious matter, it is oftentimes freed by that dyscrasy, when by a sudden Secretion, the recrements of adust Salt and Sulphur, are more plentiful purged forth. This the Choleduct vessels being irritated by Physic, or of their own accord, and so pouring out plentifully the Bile, from the Blood, do often perform: because Vomiting, Purging, and especially a Diarrhea or L ask, very much conduce to the cure of this Disease, yea sometimes, the Blood itself, putting forth of its own accord, thrusts forth the bilous recrements, as its off-scouring, and in the circulating puts them forth in the skin, and so inducing the yellow Jaundice, cures this Fever.  
When an Inflammation, (as sometimes 'tis want) comes upon this Distemper, the Ague is commonly said to fall down into the part distempered with the Tumour. But that by such a breaking forth, this Disease is cured, 'tis no wonder; because the Blood by this means continually lays aside out of his bosom, the provision of the degenerate nutritious Juice, and transfers it to the distempered part; and therefore, the degenerate and fermentative matter in the mass of Blood, does not easily arise to a fullness of swelling up: wherefore, the Belly being perpetually lose, hath by degrees helped some, for that the Blood by this means, readily casts forth its burden, now growing low, and not having a more full increase yielded to it: sometimes also, a Deaf; ness suddenly arising, the Tertian Fever has presently ceased, to wit, by reason of a continual translation of the Feverish matter, from the bosom of the Blood, into the head.  
If that the Tertian Fever, within a short time, neither by the free accord of Nature, declines by degrees, that it doth clearly cease within seven or ten periods, nor is cured by any of the aforesaid means, nor is removed by the help of Medicine, but that after ten or twelve Fits, the sick are still grievously afflicted, it will be a very hard task to cure it: because the Blood, from the continual heaping of the Feverish matter, and by the frequent burn, becomes at length so depraved, that it concocts nothing truly for the nourishment of the Body, and for the sustaining its strength; neither is it able to shake thoroughly out of its bosom, the impurities and excrements, whereby the Disease may make a Crisis or separation, but in truth, the same growing in strength every day, the Blood, besides its dyscrasy or evil disposition, gins to be hurt somewhat in its mixture; wherefore, more frequent Fits infested them, nor does a perfect Remission come between, but that the sick being very weak and languishing, are almost continually Feverish, with thirst and heat: when it is come to this pass, unless they are succoured by remedies from Art, or that the change of the Place, and Air, bring timely help, this Disease often ends in death.  
As to its cure: the method of healing is commonly directed to this one scope, to wit, that the mine of the Disease may be extirpated, and that the Feverish matter may be eradicated out of our Body, without any cherisher remaining, or fear of relapsing; wherefore, Vomits, and Purges are diligently Instituted, which when profiting nothing to the cure, but that the Patient's strength is very much broken, the sick are jest by the Physicians, and the business is wholly committed to Nature. The Intentions (as it seems to me) aught to be of this sort: First, a restitution of the Blood, to its natural Temper. Secondly, a prevention of the depravation of the nourishing Juice, as much as may be. Thirdly, an Inhibition of the Feverish Fermentation, that the Fit may not be excited. And these Indications take place, not only in a Tertian Fever, but in any other intermitting Fever besides: which yet are to be performed, not by the same ways and remedies, but by several, according to the diversity of the Disease, of the condition of the sick, and of the symptoms chief urging. However in the curing of this Disease, there is more to be attributed to Nature, and to a good order of Diet, or way of Living, than to Physic.  
1. Concerning the first Intention, to wit, that the Blood may be reduced to its natural Temper, Vomits, letting of Blood, and Purging are of great use: especially, if they be celebrated in the beginning of the Disease. Vomitories help, both for that they Purge the Ventricle, that the first Concoction may be better performed, and by that means the nourishing Chime may be more purely supplied, for matter of the Blood; but chief, for that by plentifully pressing forth the Bile, form the Choleduct passage, they empty the Galish bag, as by that means, the Bile is poured forth more full from the mass of Blood; and so the Blood is purified, from the recrements of adust Salt and Sulphur. The opening of a Vein, cools and ventilates the Blood, as by that means, 'tis lesle torrified, or scorched, and is circulated more freely in the Vessels, without danger of burning. Also Purging, plentifully draws forth, and by provoking expresses, or squeeses out, the Bile, from the galish Vessels, and consequently from the mass of Blood. For this end, (to wit, the reduction of the Blood) Digestives bring help, the more temperate Vinegars, or Acetous things, forasmuch as they fuse, and altar the Blood, and do attemper its fervour. Sometimes also, the change of the Soil, and Air, notably amends the evil constitution of the Blood, before all other Remedies whatsoever.  
The second Intention, is excellently performed, by Diet, and an exact manner of living; which in this Disease aught to be slender and sparing: wherefore it is commonly said, Starving is the best Remedy for this Disease: and it appears by common experience, that by a more spare eating, the coming of the Ague fit, is very often prolonged, beyond its wont Custom. There are especially two things to be observed, concerning Eating and Drinking: The first, that the food be slender, that nothing Sulphureous or Spirituous be given, for so the Conflagration of the Blood will be lessened; than secondly, that the Fit approaching, or urging, nothing of Aliment be taken, wherefore, in fasting the Fit is lighter, and sooner finished.  
As to the third thing proposed; the Inhibition of the Feverish Fit, is instituted by Remedies, which stay the Fermentation of the Blood. But though this Remedy seems Empirical, and unmethodical, and very failable to Physicians, yet I have found these Fevers to be very often cured by this means, when Medicines have profited nothing: What they are, and by what means, without the suspicion of Witchcraft, they afford help, for the curing this Disease, is before noted. We shall here only advertise you, that the use of these is most profitable after Physic, and opening a Vein, if there be need of it; and unless these be reghtly performed beforehand, those other rarely stop the Fit. But Vomiting, Purging, and breathing a Vein, unless they be presently celebrated after the beginning, yield little help, yea, more often are want to hinder: For whilst the Blood is strong in vital spirit, its evil disposition, may with easy labour be corrected, or amended: wherefore, if the Bile, about the beginning, be copiously drawn forth, or the Blood eventilated, it is reduced to its natural Complexion; but afterwards, in the progress of this Disease (the Spirit being now very much exhausted, and the Salt and Sulphur too much exalted) if these kind of Evacuations be administered, they do more debilitate the disposition of the Blood: and therefore it is clear by observation, that the Tertian Fever, is rarely or never cured, by these Remedies late administered, and often passes into a Quotidian. I myself have known some, in the Spring time, being strong in very good health, from a more strong Emetic taken for prevention sake, causing a violence by the Evacuation, to have presently fallen into a Tertian Fever; and others, for some time cured of this Fever, when they had taken a strong Purge, for the carrying away of the remains of the Feverish matter, upon it to have fallen into a Relapse. It may be readily said, that the mine of the Disease, being before at quiet, was stirred up, and brought into Act, after this manner by the Medicine: But if you consider this thing rightly, it may rather be said, that from the strong Medicine, the disposition of the Blood was very much hurt, and when at first it was prove to a bilous dyscrasy, that it hardly did assimilate the alible Juice, from this evident cause, it forthwith degenerated, that it wholly perverted the Nutriment, into a Fermentative matter, and so conceived the Feverish disposition. It is a common opinion, that a Tertian Fever can scarce be cured, without a Vomit, wherefore some Medicasters', are want under the pretext of the necessity, to give to all whatsoever, labouring with this Disease (though languishing and weak) and Emetic Medicine not without great danger of life: and those whom they judge wholly unfit for such a Medicine, they leave as not easily curable to Nature. But (as I have often found the contrary by experience) this sort of practice is evilly instituted; yea, I rather judge, for the cureing of a Tertian Fever that Vomits are rarely or never to be required, unless in a strong Body, and very easily prove to Vomiting, and when the Ventricle happens to be burdened, with excrementitious matter, but instead of it, that a gentle Purge, by which the load of the humours may be pleasantly brought away may be of better use: because, a Purge in this case, doth the same thing as a Vomit, to wit, it evacuates the choleduct Vessels, that the Bile, being plentifully exhausted from the Blood, the Feverish dyscrasy is mended. But when the galish humour, being emptied forth into the Ventricle, is cast out upwards, from thence there is great hurt brought to the stomach, and a mighty perturbation excited in the whole Body: But if that humour be enticed downwards by a gentle Purge, it is sent forth of doors, without any trouble. Than, if to a gentle Purge, once or twice repeated, be added a very slender diet, without flesh it often answers the preservatory Indication, that there needs no other Remedies, for the taking away the cause of this Disease; but that these being rightly performed, shall tender beneficial those things, which being either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied, stop the Feverish accession. By this sort of plain and easy institution of Medicine, viz. A Purge of the infusion of Senna, and Rhubarb, a slender diet, and a Febrifuge or Ague-resisting Topick, laid either to the wrists, or the breast, I have known very often, and in very short time, Tertian Fevers cured, without the use of any other destroying Physic: yea, a thin diet only, with Annulets timely administered, hath very happily cured  women, and also very weak old men, whose strength could not bear Purging. I have so often made trial of this method, with good success, that I doubt not, but that a Tertian Fever, may as easily be cured, as any other Disease, if it be at the beginning handled after this manner, viz. before the temper of the Blood be more hurt, by an evil manner of Diet, or by Medicine untowardly administered. For the truth of this thing, I will relate this following History.  
A certain noble young man, endued with a bilous Temper, had caught an intermitting Tertian Fever; upon the approach of the Fit, he Vomited forth much yellow and greenish Choler, than he was troubled most grievously, for many hours, with a great pain of the Heart, and most strong Heat and Thirst. On the day of the intermission there was taken from this person, with whom I was by chance, by my prescription, eight ounces of Blood, and in the afternoon was given an Emollient clyster, he also used a most slender Diet, (viz. only made of Barley) He took every night going to sleep, this Opiate, viz. Conserve of Roses vitriolated half a dram, of Diascordium a scruple, also every morning of the Salt of Wormwood a scruple, in a spoonful of the Juice of Orange: but when these did not succeed (for the Fit returned somewhat more remiss, but with cruel Vomiting, as at first) besides, for that this sick person, extremely abhorred a Vomitory Medicine, (because not long before this, from a very gentle Emetic, he had Vomited almost thirty times, until being distempered with the Cramp, and Convulsions, he was brought into great weakness, whit hazard of his life) therefore, the day following the aforesaid Fit, I gave him a Potion of an infusion of Senna, Rhubarb, and yellow , with Salt of Wormwood, in Spring-water, by which he was Purged ten times, with ease: In the morning after, and three hours before he expected the Fit, I put to his wrists an Ague-resisting Medicine, and took from him six ounces of Blood, by which means, he missed his Feverish Fit, and than being again Purged after the same manner, became perfectly well.  
If that the Tertian Fever, by reason of the evil Constitution of the sick, or because of errors in Diet, or committed by Physic, hath more deeply rooted itself, that after a long sickness, the Fits still grow worse, and the sick extremely languish, with want of Strength, Thirst, and almost continual Heat, want of Appetite, wakeing, weak Pulse, high coloured Urine, and very full of Contents, the Curatory method aught to be a little otherways instituted; In this case, first it is to be endeavoured, that the dyscrasy of the Blood, may be taken away; wherefore, the sick are to be fed, with slender Aliments only, as Barley broth, or Grewel, with opening Roots boiled in it, (flesh-broth being wholly laid aside) the Belly is to be kept lose, (if need be) with the use of Emollient Clysters; besides (Purges being omitted) only digestive Medicines, which fuse the Blood, and bring away gently the serous Impurities by Urine, also comforting Remedies, which corroborated the Viscera, and cherish the Spirits, are chief to be insisted on. To this end, Apozems are fitly to be prepared, of Herbs, and Roots gently Diuretic, also Opiates help very much, of temperate Conserves, with Sal Nitre, or the fixed Salt of Herbs, with shelly powders, and the Spirit of Vitriol mixed together. When the disposition of the Blood is somewhat mended, that the Urine is clearer, and lesle coloured, also sleep quieter, with a remission of thirst, and heat following; than may be profitably administered, Remedies to stop the Feverish fit: wherefore Ague-resisting Annulets may be applied to the Wrists or to the Soles of the Feet; also the powder of Peruvian Bark, or of something instead of it; or also of the Barks of the Ash-Tree, Tamarisk, or Gentian, with Salts mixed with them, and drunk in White-Wine: after the come of the fits are taken away, and the sick being to get strength, and desire Food, and in some measure to digest it, gentle Purges may be of use: but let the sick still abstain, from a more plentiful Diet, or participating of Flesh, and they will shortly after recover perfect Health without any violent Purge or Phlebotomy.   

CHAP. V Of the Quotidian Intermitting Fever.  
BEcause of its affinity to the Tertian Fever, and likeness of fits, the Quotidian (or daily) Fever comes next, viz. whose Accession is want to return every day. It is the opinion of some, that this sort of Fever, is only a double Tertian, and doth arise from a dispersed matter, having gotten a twofold Nest; to which I cannot assent, and I suppose its beginning is to be attributed, to a peculiar dyscrasy of the Blood. In this the symptoms of cold and heat, are more remiss, but its is longer continued, and oftentimes it is want to last eighteen or twenty hours: This Fever for the most part follows a Tertian, for when the Vital Spirit is very much flown away, by the frequent deflagration of the Blood, and (the Feverish disposition still remaining) the Blood is made weaker, it doth not concoct the nourishing Juice, or ripen it, but perverts almost the whole into a Fermentative matter; wherefore it comes sooner to its increase, and is gathered together to a plenitude of swelling up, within double the time, than at first. But because the congested matter, participates equally of crudity, and adustion, therefore the heat of the burning is lesser, and more unequal, and (like green wood laid on the fire) slowly burns; for which reason the fit endures longer.  
Sometimes it happens, that a Quotidian Fever, doth arise without a Tertian going before, viz. when a Feverish disposition, falls upon a Cacochymic Body, or full of evil humours, and stuffed with depraved Juices; for than the Blood, being poor in Spirits, perrverts in a greater measure the nutritious Juice, and in a shorter time, gatheres to a fullness of swelling up: But that which gins an every days Ague, oftentimes changes its figure, and becomes a Tertian; just as a Tertian, often goes into a Quotidian, because between these Fevers, and their causes, there is a great vicinity; and the constitution of the Blood being a little chaged, it makes a transition from one to another. A Quotidian Intermitting Fever, is not so easily cured as a Tertian: For whether it comes at first simple, or follows upon another Intermitting Fever, it is still excited from a stronger cause, and argues a greater dyscrasy of the Blood, which will not presently give way to Remedies. But also, if this Fever be of long continuance, or comes upon another Chronical Disease, it has most often adjoined to it, besides the taint of the Blood, the infirmities of the inwards: to wit, the Blood being spoiled, easily affixeth its impurities, by degrees heaped up, on the Viscera, whilst it passes through their Meanders: from hence it is, that in a Quotidian Fever, the weight of the Ventricle, an extension of the Hypochondria, Obstructions, or Tumours, now of the Liver, now of the Spleen, or Mesentery, are joined together; but these kind of distempers, are not the cause of the Fever, (as is commonly believed) but only its product. Wherhfore, in this Fever, besides the simple method of Cure, which is shown in the Tertian, many other intentions or coindications, come under consideration: to wit, that the Ventricle be cleansed from its load of humours, the stuff of the Inwards freed, Infirmities corroborated; and that together with these, the dyscrasy of the Blood may be mended, and the Accessions of the Fever may be restrained, must by all means be endeavoured; from whence, by reason of these kind of various intentions, we come to the Cure by a longer way: In this case, Vomits (if strength will bear them) are of benefit before all other Medicines: also Purges, whereby the assiduous supply of Excrementitious matter, may be drawn forth, are often to be repeated: Besides these, digestive Remedies, openers of Obstructions, such as restore the Ferment of the Viscera, and Blood, and correct their evil dispositions, are frequently to be administered. Wherhfore, the fixed Salts of Herbs, and their Extracts, Acid Spirits of Minerals, and sometimes preparations of Steel, do very much help: concerning these main things, the task will be hard, when by reason of the manifold evil, many things are to be done together, yet by reason of the assiduity of the Feverish fit, there is leisure for the sick to use few only. In Distempers so complicated, though the reason of the method requires, the impediments to be first removed, and than to Cure the Disease, yet I have known, this kind of Fever, beset with many other distempers, in a Body full of humours, often Cured, without method, and by an Empirical way; viz. after a light provision of the whole, Ague-resisting Remedies being outwardly applied, have at first stoopped the Feverish fit, that than there was time, for the Curing the other distempers, and more happy occasions of healing were granted. I lately visited a Noble Lady, who being long endued with a Cachectical habit of Body, a month after her lying in, being weak and languishing, was taken with a quotidian Intermitting Fever; after six or seven fits of it, her strength was so much cast down, that she could scarce rise out of, or sit up in her Bed; nor able to take never so little Food, though very slender, but upon it, most grievous molestations were raised up, in her stomach; besides, the Region of her Ventricle, and left Hypochondrium, was wholly beset, with a hard shining tumour, and cruelly painful: by reason of her strength being mightily cast down, there was no place left for Evacuation, but the use of Clysters; also her Stomach, being very weak, loathed all other Remedies, unless very grateful, and only in a very small quantity. In this difficult case, circumscribed between narrow limits of Curing, I counselled these few things, to wit, that twice in a day, she should take this mixture, viz. The magisterial water of Earthworms two Ounces, of Elixir Proprietatis twelve drops. Moreover, I ordered to be applied to her Ventricle, a Fomentation, of the Leaves of Sea-Wormwood, Centaury, Southernwood, with the Roots of Gentian, boiled in White-Wine, in an open Vessel: also, that after the Fomentation, a Cake of Tosted-Bread, and dipped in the same Liquor, should be worn upon her Stomach; besides, Ague-resisting Medicines were ordered for her wrists; and with these Remedies only, she missed her Ague fit, on the third day, and remained free from it afterwards; than, by the use of Chalybeat Remedies, she became perfectly well, within a short time.   

CHAP. VI Of a Quartan Fever.  
IN a Quartan Fever, the period is longer than in the rest; to wit, which is extended to the fourth day inclusively; also its continuance uses to be longer, and its cure harder: because this Disease is protracted for many months, yea, oftentimes for years, and seldom, or scarce at all, is cured by Medicines.  
The Fit, for the most part, gins with cold, and shaking, to which a very troublesome heat succeeds, but more remiss than in a Tertian: Sweated for the most part concludes the Fit. At the first coming of the Disease, the Fits are more grievous, and very infestous, and keep the sick in their Beds; yea, they make them loose their strength, and vigour of Body: But afterwards, the trouble is more easily born, so that the Fits are suffered out of Bed, and sometimes in a Journey, or being about any business. If it continued long, it induces the Scurvy, or Hypochondriac distemper, and involves men in an unhealthful condition.  
The causes which dispose to this Disease, are first, the constitution of the Soil and Air, because this Distemper is proper to the fall of the Leaf, or Autumn, that you rarely found this Fever to begin, but about that time: also in some places, especially about the Seacoasts, this uses to be general, or common to the Region, and to come upon those living there, or Strangers coming thither from elsewhere. A declining age, which is passed its acme or height, also a melancholic Temper, and which, by reason of an ill manner of living, is obnoxious to the Hypochondriac Distemper, 'cause this: besides, long Fevers of another kind, and Chronical Diseases, often pass into a Quartan Fever.  
According to these positions, and rightly weighed, it may be said, that a Quartan Fever, even as the other intermitting Fevers, depends upon a vicious disposition of the Blood; to wit, because the nutritious Juice, being by degrees delated into the Vessels, is perverted into a Fermentative matter; and the effervescency of this, heaped up even to a fullness of swelling over, constitutes the Fit of the Quartan Fever. But as in this Fever, there are some things, which are peculiar from the rest, we will inquire, what kind of dyscrasy of the Blood it is in this Disease, distinct from the others, and by what means it excites, the very remarkable Symptoms.  
The opinion, which is commonly had concerning this thing, is very far from truth: almost by the consent of all, the Essence and beginning of a Quartan Fever, is ascribed to a melancholic humout, heaped up somewhere in the first passages, and there periodically Putrifying. Instead of this, we affirm, that in this Disease, the Liquor of the Blood, doth pass from a sweet, spirituous, and balsamic, into an acid, and somewhat austere Nature, like Wine growing sour: to wit, there is too great a want of Spirits, and the Terrestrial, or Tartareous part of the Blood, (which consists chief of Salt, and Earth) is too much exalted, and being carried forth into a Flux, induces the sourness of the mass of Blood. Even as Beer, being disturbed by Thunder, and infected with a troubled lee or dregss, grows sour. The Blood, after this manner degenerated, from its native disposition, doth not rightly dress the alible Juice, and assimilate it to itself, but perverts it into an extraneous matter; with which, when it is satisfied to a fullness, in the vessels, and the nervous parts are watered by the Juice, from thence arising, a Flux of this matter, and as it were a spontaneous effervency follows, by which indeed, the Feverish Fit is induced, with shivering and heat, as is want to be in a Tertian.  
In a Quartan Fever, the periods have longer intervals, because, when the dyscrasy of the Blood is become sourish, and therefore lesle violent and hot, it perverts the alible Juice without strife, or tumult: wherefore, it assimilates some of it, and the depravation of the rest, does not so far recede from its natural state, as in a Tertian, and from hence, its congestion to a plenitude, is made longer, and almost in another half of that time, in which a Tertian rises up to a Turgescency: And therefore, those taken with this Fever, are indifferently well, and are strong; which is a sign, that the nutritious Juice is lesle depraved; also, the Fits are made without cruel burning, because the nutritious humour, is perverted into a fermentative matter, without great adustion.  
But why this Disease is so hard to be cured, and so pertinaciously infests the sick, the cause is, the melancholic constitution of the Blood, which is not easily to be taken away, and yields almost to no Remedies. The choleric disposition of the Blood, is mended by the frequent Deflagration, and ceases often of its own accord, even as too rich Wines are depressed, by their own growing hot, and are want to be reduced into their due state: but this melancholic dyscrasy of the Blood, in which, with a want and defect of Spirits, Salt and Earth are too much exalted, (as when Wines grow sour) is most hard to be restored, and is almost of the same labour and difficulty, as to put again life, and a vinous Spirit, into Vinegar: For that the Blood, depraved after this manner, may be restored, it will be needful, that its whole mass should be volatilised and as it were made Spiritual anew: wherefore, in this case, evacuations profit not a jot, yea, by more depauperating the Blood, oftentimes the strength is cast down, beyond help: but they had need to exalt, and make volatile what is fixed, and to promote a Transpiration, or Spiritualisation, in the whole mass of Blood: From hence it is, that in this Disease, the change of the Air and Region, most often brings help, before all other Remedies: For the Spring following, oftentimes takes away those Quartan Fevers, that had arisen the Autumn before: which without doubt happens, because the changed condition of the Air, is want to altar for the better, the evil disposition of the Blood: also for the same reason, the change of the place, most often cures this Distemper, inexpugnable to all Physic.  
If it be demanded, wherefore this Disease chief gins in the Autumn; and rarely in the Spring, or Summer time; I say, the Autumnal time doth most fitly produce this kind of Feverish disposition of the Blood, for when very much of the Spirit, and Sulphur, hath flown away by the Summer's heat, and that what is left gins to be bound up by the cold; the Liquor of the Blood, (as Wine growing sour by too much heat) easily degenerates into a saltish, and acidulous or sharp Nature: This also, the Sea air, by infecting the Blood and Spirits, with saline Vapours falling on them, easily procures: yea, also the affinity of this Disease, with the Scurvy, and Hypochondriac distemper, plainly shows, the evil disposition of the Blood to be in fault, whereby it becomes salt, and earthy, with the want of Spirit.  
Concerning Quartan Fevers, the last year was so abundantly fruitful of observations, that many might collect by ocular Inspection, whatever belong to this Disease; for when the most hot Summer was past, about the end of it, an Epidemical Fever (of which in another place you shall have a description) followed; than the Autumn coming on, when that Disease had ceased, a Quartan Fever began very much to rage; that in very many places, the fourth part of the people was taken with it: neither did it only infested old men, splenitick and melancholic men, but of every age and temper, also Infants, Children, and young men ordinarily: which was clearly a sign, that this Distemper had drawn its rise, not from a melancholic humour, heaped up, by the default of the Spleen, but from the dyscrasy of the Blood, brought in, through the intemperance of the year: for the mass of the Blood, after too great heats, even as Wines after immoderate effervescencies, was made fit to grow somewhat sour, or to get an austere disposition, and so also prove to this sort of Fever, as is already showed.  
If the Remedies, which for the Curing of this, have been made trial of, both by Physicians and Empirics, were collected together, their description would swell into a great Volumn; but although there is instituted, a manifold provision of Medicine, against this evil, yet very few are cured in the Autumn. In some, about the beginning of their sickness, before the Disease has taken too deep root, a Vomit hath brought help; but in most, all manner of Cathartics, though an hundred times repeated, have profited nothing. In whom the evil had deeply implanted itself, the sick received no help, from the most studied Medicines made use of all the Autumn. But when at this time, I perceived the ordinary method of Medicine, was administered in vain, I proposed to a Noble Virgin, requiring a sudden Cure, by any means, to be performed, that if she would endure a Flux at the Mouth, for some days, from a Mineral Medicine, by that means, it might be hoped, that the Disease would be profligated. When she had readily assented to this, I gave her a gentle, and very safe Medicine, by which a light spitting only was provoked, and that finished within twelve days: As soon as the Salivation began, she missed her fits, but at those times they were want to come she felt a perturbation in her whole Body, with an oppression of the Heart, and dread of swooning, but after the spitting was finished, she appeared very well; and when again after two months' space, she was troubled with some light fits of this Disease, from an Emetic powder, twice or thrice taken, she was wholly cured without relapsing.  
After the winter Solstice, this Disease began to rage's lesle, and to cease in some of its own accord, and in many others, to be easily expunged by the use of Physic: because at this time, the dyscrasy of the Blood, contracted by the Summer's heat, is want to be blotted out leisurely, by reason of the cold of the Winter, and the mass of Blood growing old, as it were to put of its old spoils, and to be reduced towards its natural State. But those, who were of a melancholic temper, or had their viscera, and especially the Spleen, evilly affected, or that used an ill manner of Diet, received no change at this Tropic, but to the next period of the year, viz. to the vernal Equinox, or the Spring, kept the Disease; and than in most, the Blood being either restored of itself, or its intemperance more easily mended by the use of Remedies, this Distemper was seen to be overcome: But in the mean time, many old men, and such as were full of evil humours, or otherways unhealthy, ordinarily died, in all that space of time, of this Disease; also some lived, who could not shake of its yoke, though the Summer Solstice were passed. But although very many had laboured with this Fever, as it were Epidemical, almost thorough the whole year, yet none (that I know) contracted it first in the Spring, and very few grew well of it during the Autumn, that in truth, I do not doubt, the dyscrasy of the Blood, to be the cause of this, and the cure to consist in the change of it.  
The Remedies, which most often brought help, (as appeared at lest to our observation) were of this sort, which did restrain the Feverish Fit: for the evils of the disposition of this sort, which did restrain the Feverish Fit: for the evils of the changed, if now the habitual custom of the Fits were broken of, Nature recollected herself, and easily recovered the pristine state of health, by her own endeavour. And this kind of intention, (to wit, the inhibition of the Fits) though sometimes performed by Vomits, given a little before the coming of the Fit, (for these did not rarely stop the Feverish motion of the Blood, by raising up another motion contrary to this) yet this Indication is far more certainly, and indeed happily effected, by the use of those kind of Medicines, which do not altogether, evacuate from the Viscera, but induce, either a certain fixation to the Blood, or a precipitation of the Feverish matter, for a time. Wherhfore, those whom I undertook to cure, in the Spring, and afterwards; I handled (and in most with good success) with this method; a provision being made of the whole, sometimes with an Emetic Medicine, sometimes with a Solutive; I was want three hours before the Fit, to lay a peculiar Ague-Medicine to the wrists, and together, to give them to drink in Sack, an Ague-resisting powder, and to order the sick to be kept in Bed in a gentle sweat: It seldom happened, but at the first, or second time, the Feverish Fit, was by this means restrained, and than, by the same Remedy, sometimes reiterated, the Disease at last wholly ceased. To this kind of practice, (besides our experience) the use of the powder, of a certain Bark, brought of late from the Indieses, seems to give some Faith, and approbation; which is said, most certainly to cure this Disease; but the virtue, or operation of this, without any evacuation, consists in this only, that it hinders the coming of the Feverish Fits.  
Concerning this Peruvian Bark, because of late it hath begun to be in use, there are some things to be said, which offer themselves to common observation. The common manner of exhibiting this is, that two drams of it beaten to powder, be infused in Sack, or Whitewine, in an open Glass, for two hours, and than upon the coming of the Fit, the Patient being put to Bed, that the liquor and powder be drunk up. This potion often takes away the approaching Fit, yet oftentimes though taken after the wont manner, it prevents the next, however, either in the first, second, or third period, the Fit is inhibited, and the Disease seems to be cured, it is often want to return, within twenty or thirty days; than this powder being again exhibited, the Disease is for a time deferred about the same space, and by this means, I have known many sick of a Quartan, to have suffered some few Fits only, a whole Autumn, and Winter, and so to have detained the enemy in his precincts, till the Spring coming on, the disposition of the Blood is altered, for the better, by the help of the time of year, and of other Physic, and so this distemper vanishes by degrees. Those who by this means, have procured these frequent truces of the Quartan, have lived cheerful, lively, and ready for any business, when otherwise, being weak, and pale, they were brought into languishment, and a vicious habit of Body: scarce one of an hundred, hath tried this Medicine in vain, yea, if but half, or a lesser quantity, viz. the weight of but one dram, taken, it very often takes away the Fits, and suspends the same, a shorter space only; neither is it any matter, whether it be taken in strong, or small Wine, unless with the respect, to the disposition of the sick: because in a more hot temper, it may be profitably taken in distilled Water, or Whey; also, a clear infusion of it, the more thick substance being cast away, produceth the like effect, but of shorter durance: I have taken care to reduce this powder into Pills, with the mucilage of Tragacanth, with a little cost to the sick, to be given to some; after what manner soever it is taken, unless, to those loathing and abhorring every Medicine, it causes no manifest evacuation, and takes away the Fit, almost from all; neither is it only in a Quartan Fever, but in the other kinds of intermitting Fevers, to wit, in every one where there is any remission coming between, given with good success. It is commonly ordered, that a gentle Purge should be taken before this, but in some who are very weak, and keep their Beds, this powder being taken carefully, without any previous Medicine, hath procured laudable effects. In the mean time, I will ingeniously confess, that I have not seen an intermitting Fever quite cured, by this Bark, once taken: nay, rather the Fits not only of a Quartan, but of a Tertian, and Quotidian Fever, wholly overcome easily by other Remedies, seeming to be driven away by this powder, have constantly returned after a short time. For this Reason, they who suppress intermitting Fevers, otherways easily curable, no necessity urging them, by this Medicine, for a little while, only seem to institute a deceitful Medicine, and do no more than those, who skin over a rotten ulcer, which will shortly break out again; in truth, in some cases, the use of this will be requisite, viz. when by thy too great assiduity of the Fits, the spirits of the sick are cast down, truces are by this means procured, by which Nature may recollect herself, and afterwards may be more able to fight against this potent Enemy: also, that a Quartan Fever, during the Autumn and Winter, may pass over with little trouble, this Bark is profitably administered: But those, who expect a longer resting time, from the assaults of this Fever, are bid to take this powder in greater quantity, and more often, to wit, that they should take two drams, three several times one after another, whether the Fits return or not; by this means, they remain longer free, yet they retain within, the Enemy still, though asleep.  
If it be demanded, concerning the Nature of this Bark, and the virtue in suppressing the fits of Intermitting Fevers, it is not to be dissembled, that 'tis very difficult to explicate the causes of these kind of effects, and the manner of working; because, there is not found as yet in any Subject, besides, the like efficacy; but from a singular experiment, a general Reason is not to be rightly fitted: however, from the appearances diligently Collated, we will deduce some Theses in order, which may make at lest some steps towards, if not obtain the verity of this thing.  
It is to be noted therefore, in the first place, that this Medicine, being inwardly taken, especially exerciseth its force and energy on the mass of Blood; because, it does not at all irritate the Viscera, neither causes in them any excretion, or trouble; besides, whilst it communicates its virtue to the Blood, it doth not at all put forth Antifeaverish property; wherefore, not always the next following fit, but the second, or the third, is prevented, by the same being taken: and for this reason, that it may sooner affect the Blood, it is a usual thing, to drink the Liquor, very much impregnated with the same powder, for so its Particles are more easily conveyed into the mass of Blood. Secondly, the virtue of this Bark, being impressed on the Blood, stays in it for some time, and that either shorter or longer, according as either a greater or lesser portion of the Medicine was taken inwardly; for the Particles of this, being confused with the Blood, are a long while circulated with it, and by how much the longer they stay, by so much the more they affect its mass, and produce a longer effect: for though Aliments, and some other things taken in, for that they are presently overcome by the native heat, put of whatever they have of virtue, within some few hours, this being than assimilated or sent forth adoors, they cease to operate: yet some Medicines being taken inwardly, because they are not easily tamed, nor cast forth of doors presently, by an irritation stirred up, they remain for many days very active, and hold a long time the Juices, and the Blood, in this or that manner of Fermentation, this may be observed of some Medicines, also of Poisons, and counterpoisons, the once or twice taking of which, for some days, is want to affect our Bodies for a longer time; for 'tis an usual thing with Cathartic Medicines, when they work little by Vomit, or Stool, to break forth after many weeks outwardly, in Pustles and Wealks: yea, if Death be avoided, from the drinking of Poison, every body knows, that the virulency will lie hid, a long time in the Blood and Juices. In like manner also, this powder, and perhaps very many other things inwardly taken, although they seem asleep, yet continued to act, on the Spirits and Humours.  
Thirdly, although this Medicine acts immediately on the Blood and Humours, yet it takes not wholly away, the Feverish dyscrasy, implanted in them: for, as soon as its force is consumed, and all its Particles are flown away, from the mixture of the Blood, the Distemper being only suppressed for a time, at length rises up, and repeats its fits after its wont manner, but forasmuch as Nature, by the space of this cessation, becomes stronger, therefore, after the Relapse, the fits (not as before) but on the third or fourth day, according to the first figure of the Disease, are want to return.  
Fourthly, It is remarked, that this Remedy, does not stop the Feverish accessions, as the ordinary Ague-resisters or Febrifuges, by fixing, or also by fusing the Blood; for than the next fit always, and not the second, or third following after, is prevented.  
According to which positions, that we may instead of a Corollary, subjoin some things concerning the manner itself of working, whereby this Medicine seems to act; we say, it is most likely, that when the Particles, proceeding from the same being taken, are throughly mixed with the Blood, they compel it into a certain new Fermentation, by which, whilst the Particles of the Blood are continually agitated, they are wholly hindered, that they cannot heap up any Excrementitious matter, or enter into Feverish turgescencies; for, as after the biting of a mad dog, or stinging of any venomous Creatures, the Blood itself, and nervous Juice, are a long while empoisoned, yet jest they should conceive presently great irregularities, counterpoisons being taken, do hinder their Liquors, by retaining them in another Fermentation; the use of which, if so long continued, whilst the virulent little Bodies are quite flown away, no horrid symptom is to be feared, from that evil being contracted; but if the strength of the Remedy, being too sparingly given, be first consumed, forth with the Venom repullulates, and the old Poison, thought to have been exploded, is at length brought into act: by the same way, when the Blood, having gotten a vicious disposition, perverts the Alible Juice, and whereby it might more rightly expel it, heaped together to a fullness, conceives Feverish swell up; this Peruvian Bark being beaten, and administered, by the Commerce of its Particles, so agitates the Blood, though distempered with an evil disposition, with a new excited Fermentation, and altars it, that it in some measure concocts the nourishable Juice, and continually evaporates its Recrements, that they are not heaped together as before, into the matter of a fit: But, when the Particles of this Remedy, are wholly flown away, from the company of the Blood, and the whole virtue consumed, the evil disposition of the Blood, before contrancted, at length rises up, and so the Feverish fits return, after their wont manner. Sometimes perhaps it happens, that whilst the Feverish fits are suppressed, by the use of this powder, by reason of the season of the year being changed, or by the help of another Remedy, or by the endeavour of Nature itself, that dyscrasy of the Blood may be mended, by degrees, and so the Fever may at length vanish, of its own accord. This I have known to hap, but very rarely, because almost with the same certainty, by which you expect the Feverish fits to be suppressed, by that powder, you may afterwards look for their return.  
As to what appertains to the sensible qualities, with which this Bark is noted, it appears to abound with bitterness, and a certain stipticity, that it seems to the taste, to have the likeness of Savour, which is in most Conterpoysons, as the Root of Gentian, Serpentary, Contrayerva, etc. for what are bitter in act, are strong in excellent virtue, for the suppressing the force of preternatural Ferments; yea, the Root of Gentian, which is likest to this Bark, was in times passed of famous use, for the Curing of Quartan Fevers. But now, although this Peruvian powder, be the only Alexiterion or Counterpoison, as yet found out against a Quartan Fever, to wit, that inhibits (though only for a time) its fits, and of other Intermitting Fevers, yet it is not to be doubted; but that there are in the world, other Medicines extant, which are as good Ague resisters; and it is hoped, that led by the example of this new invention, we may be excited, to the finding out the virtues of Herbs, almost as yet unknown: so, whilst we shall insist on the trial of several, and the Empirical be joined to the Rational Medicine, without doubt the Cures of the Quartan Ague, and of other invincible Diseases, may more happily be accomplished; which therefore I promise' more willingly to this Age, or at lest to the next, when being led by the Analogy of this Book, I have found out a Medicine, for the profligating of Fevers, of use not contemptible, it not being long since variously tried, which also I am want to give to the poorer sort, instead of something else, with good success.   

CHAP. VII. Of continual Fevers.  
A Continual Fever is that, whose fit is continued for many days, without intermission: It hath its times of remission, and of more fierceness, but never of intermission; the burning is now more remiss, now more intense, but still the sick are in a Fever, until by the temperament, or insensible growing well, the Disease is wholly Cured. Concerning this, it behoves us to inquire, what Effervescency of the Blood it is, which causes a continual Fever; than, by what ways, and from what causes, it is want to be excited: also, how it differs from that, which is in Intermitting Fevers. And these being performed, we will descend to the Species of Continual Fevers.  
There are many ways, by which the Blood growing hot, induces a continual Feavear, the chief of which may be reduced to these Heads: The first way is, when the more spirituous, and subtle Portion of the Blood, becomes too hot, and is distempered, with a certain burning, which therefore agitates the other parts of the Blood, and incites it into a certain rage, so that the Sulphur, or the Oily part of the Blood, is more dissolved, and more enkindled in the Heart, also, for that cause, there is among all the Particles of the Blood, a certain syncrisis, contrariety, or perturbation, by which in truth, being confused, and put out of order, they are not able quickly to be extricated, and reduced into their former posture, wherefore, a heat and burning more than is want to be, is stirred up in the whole Body: but when the Spirits are only in fault, their heat and disorder, are want within a short space, to be allayed of their own accord, therefore, this Fever is often terminated within a day, and is rarely continued beyond three: and therefore, is called an Ephemera, or a Fever of a day, or Synochus of more dayr,  
2. The second manner, or degree of growing hot, is when the Sulphureous or Oily part of the Blood, being too much heated, conceives a Fervour: for than, it both grows immoderately hot in the Vessels, and being very much enkindled in the Heart, produces by its deflagration, a very strong heat in the whole Body. Indeed the Blood, as to its temper, mostly depends on the condition of the Sulphur; when by reason of crudity, the Sulphur is lesle dissolved, the Blood is made watery and cold, and is moved slowly in the Vessels: but if the Sulphureous, or Oily part of the Blood, grows hot, beyond its Natural disposition, presently it becomes fierce, and improportionate with the rest, so that, almost the whole being acted, as it were into a flame, by the Ferment of the Heart, compels the mass of Blood to grow immoderately hot, and to boil up. For as when Wines, endued with a rich Lee, are stirred up into an heat, by the too rancid Sulphur; or as Hay, laid up too wet, by reason of the want of Ventilation, conceives of its own accord a burning, the Particles of the Sulphur being loosened from the mixture; in like manner, when the Blood is not rightly ventilated, but being restrained from Evacuation, by reason of the admixtion of some hot thing, or a more plentiful sanguification; or for some other cause, the Particles of the Sulphur begin to be thickly gathered together; presently, all its Liquor, immoderately boils up, by the Sulphurs' being loosened, and inflamed in the Heart, and this kind of Fever is induced, which is called a putrid Synochus; notwithstanding which appellation, though of many rejected, for that the Blood so long as it is in motion, doth not putrify; yet forasmuch, as in this Fever, the mixture of the Blood, is somewhat loosened, by the Sulphur being too much exalted, and the mass of its Liquor being changed, from its Natural disposition, tends toward putrefaction, therefore, the term of a putrid Fever, as hath been anciently used, may be still, with good reason, retained.  
3. The third degree of growing hot, (and which constitutes a distinct kind of continual Fever) is excited, from a certain malignant, and envenomed Ferment, by which, when the mass of the Blood is imbued, and the Spirits, and the Sulphureous part together, conceive an heat, and their burning is not sooner appeased, than that either that malignant matter be consumed, and cast forth of doors, or else a certain coagulation, and as it were putrefaction, of the Blood, from its corruptive venom is induced, by which, both circulation is hindered, and the Vital Spirit extinguished. This malignity is want to arise, either from a certain contagion received from without, or from some infection begotten within us; according to these ways the malignant Fever, Smallpox, Measles, and also the Plague, draw their beginnings, and by their contagion, far and near set upon many.  
There are therefore three degrees, or manners of growing hot, by which, the kinds of continual Fevers are determined. From the subtle portion of the Blood made hot, or the Ebullition of the Spirits, the Ephemera arises, as also the Synochus of one or more days; by the Sulphureous, or Oily part of the Blood, being too hot and enkindled, the putrid Fever is stirred up, than thirdly, upon an envenomed taint, infecting the Blood, and congealing its Liquor, malignant Fevers depend. In every one of these, by the depravation, or rather corruption of the Alible Juice, fresh carried into the Blood, the various fits, inequalities, and critical motions arise. But before I enter upon the several kinds of a continued Fever, it is requisite for me, to consider, how the growing hot of the Blood, in a continual Fever, differs from that other, which constitutes Intermitting Fevers.  
I say therefore, that the growing hot of the Blood, in an Intermitting Fever, depends only, upon the commixtion of a certain Fermentative matter, and not rightly miscible, with the Blood, and on its growing up, to a fullness of boiling over. Because of this heat, with the Blood in the Vessels, and of the deflagration in the Heart, the fit is induced; because of its growing cool, the intermission follows, that in the coming between of the fits, neither the Spirits, nor Sulphur, become outrageous, but the bond of the mixture being kept whole, the Liquor is circulated in the Vessels, equally, and without trouble: on the contrary, in a continual Fever, the disorders of the Spirits, and of Sulphur, of either, or both together, by their proper Ebullition, also without the mixture of any other, stir up the Ebullition of the Blood; wherefore, there are required, for an intermission, besides the difflation or colling of the Excrementitious matter, a deflagration of the enkindled Blood, and a reduction of it to its due Temper.  
The Constitution of the Blood in a continual Fever, is of the same sort as of Wines, when they grow hot upon too rich a Lee; to wit, are mighty in Spirit, and grow turgid with exalted Sulphur, and therefore they conceive a Fervour, and greatly boil up, of their own accord, without the mixture of any other thing. In an Intermitting Fever, the Blood is moved after that manner, as Wines, when they conceive an heat, because of something poured to them, that is not miscible with them: Moreover, in this Fever, the disposition of the Blood is of that sort, as of Wines, when in their decay and declination, they become ropy, unsavoury, or acid, to wit, in which the Spirit is depressed, that in the mean time, either Salt, or Sulphur, or both together, appear above the rest, and infect the whole Liquor with their disorder. An Intermitting Fever, for the most part, is free from danger, because the constitutive parts of the Blood, although they should somewhat change their disposition, however, keep the bond of mixture, and whilst they are in power, are circulated equally in the Vessels, yea they pervert the nutritious Juice, into a matter, not altogether besides Nature, but rather infesting, with its fullness and turgescency. In a continual Fever, besides the intemperance, the mixture of the Blood, and constitution of the Liquor, are somewhat loosened, and its corruption easily follows; wherefore this Disease often ends in death: further, the nourishing Juice is depraved, into a matter wholly vicious, and altogether infestous to Nature.   

CHAP. VIII. Of the Ephemera or Fever for a Day.  
I Have said, the lest degree of heat, which induces a continual Fever, is placed in the subtle, and Spirituous part of the Blood, being too much agitated and heated; for this, like the Spirit of Wine, boils up on every light occasion, and conceives a fervour, by a too great motion of the Body, or perturbation of mind, by the ambient heat as of the Sun or vapours, by hot things taken inwardly, as the drinking of Wine, and the eating of peppered meats, and being irritated by such like. For the Spirits of the Blood, easily take fire, and being impetuously moved, are not presently appeased, but they move throughly other Particles of the Blood, variously confounded, and snatch them, into a rapid and disorderly motion; also from this motion of the Spirits, the Sulphur, or Oily part of the Blood, is more boiled forth, somewhat more dissolved, and something more fully enkindled in the Heart, by which means, an intense heat is raised up, in the whole Body. But forasmuch, as Sulphur is enkindled, and inflamed only by small parts, and not in the whole, that fervour of the Spirits is quickly appeased, and ceases: wherefore, the Fever which is excited by this means, for the most part is terminated, within twenty four hours, and therefore is called an Ephemera, or a Fever of a day. If that by reason of a greater heat of the Spirituous Blood, it is prolonged further, it rarely exceeds three days, and is called an Ephemera of more days, or a Synochus not putrid: but if it should hap to be lengthened beyond this time, this Fever easily passes into a putrid, viz. from the daily Ebullition of the Spirituous Blood, the more thick Particles of the Sulphur, at length begin to take fire, and involve the whole mass of Blood, in its Effervescency: even as the Spirit of Turpentine, being shut up in a Cucurbit, and being put into a Sand Furnace, if it be forced with a moderate heat, boils up gently, as the Blood in a Fever of day; but if the heat be made more strong; the Liquor grows impetuously hot, till it breaks forth into a flame, to which the inflammation of the Blood, in a putrid Fever, may be very aptly compared.  
The Days Fever, and Synochus simple, rarely begin without an evident cause: Besides what hath been but now said, immoderate Labour, Watch, a sudden passion of the mind, a constriction of the pores, a Surfeit, also a Bubo or inflamed Sore, a Wound, the coming down of the Milk in Childbearing Women, are want to induce them; The procatartic Causes, which dispose to this, are an hot temper of Body, an active habit, a sedentary life, and disuse of exercise.  
The chief beginnings of this Disease, depend upon the presence of the evident cause: for either, little Bodies of extraneous heat, being confused with the Blood, like water boiling over the fire, make it to boil up; or this Fever is induced, by motion, or by reason of transpiration being stopped; even as Wines made hot by motion, or when too closely stopped in the Tun, are put into a Fervour: but what way soever an inflammation is first excited, presently the Spirits become enraged, and being moved hither and thither, compel the Blood to boil up, and to be enlarged into a greater space, with a spumous rarefaction: wherefore, the Vessels are distended, and the membranous parts hauled, hence follow pain, chief in the Head and Loins, a spontaneous weariness, and as it were an inflation of the whole Body. If that, with the Spirit of the Blood, a certain Sulphureous part, be also in some measure enkindled, a sharp heat is diffused through the whole, the Pulse is vehement and quick, the Urine read, also thirst, watch, and many other symptoms infested, the reasons of which are added hereafter.  
Concerning the Solution, or Crisis of the Ephemeran Fever, and of the not putrid Synochus, three things are chief requisite: viz. a removing of the evident cause, secondly a separation, and a scattering of the depraved, or excrementitious matter, from the mass of Blood: Thirdly, a quieting of the parts of the Blood, and a restitution of them, to their natural and equal motion and site. According as these succeed, now more suddenly, now more slowly, and difficully, this Disease is finished in a shorter, or longer time.  
1. The evident cause, which for the most part is extrinsic, is easily removed, and the sick are want, presently to avoid the presence, or assiduity of that thing, and do perceive a sense of any thing that is hurtful; none taking a Fever from Wine, will still indulge the drinking of it, as soon as any one grows more than usually hot, in a Bath, or the heat of the Sun, 'tis a trouble to them to stay longer.  
2. As to the Excrementitious matter, which aught to be scattered, and separated from the Blood: this is either brought from without, as when the Blood is infected by surfeit, drinking of Wine, sitting in the Sun, or from a too hot Bath, with Effluvia, or little dry, and Fermentative Bodies; or this matter is begotten within, as when its Liquor is stuffed with recrements, or adust Particles, from the deflagraton of the Blood. Either of these matters, aught to be searated from the Blood, to be dispersed, and either by sweat, or insensible breathing forth, to be thrust out of doors, before the Fever be appeased; wherefore, when as the pores are bound up, and transpiration hindered, the Ephemeran Fever is longer protracted, and sometimes passes, from a simple Synochus, into a putrid.  
3. The evident cause being removed, and this degenerate matter dispersed, there is required for the remission, a quieting, and reducing into order, the parts of the Blood; for divers Particles of the Blood, being after this manner confused; and by reason of the Feverish heat, carried up and down, they do not presently get again the former order of situation and position; but it is needful, that they be by degrees extricated, and by little and little restored, to a just mixture.  
Although this Disease, after the removing of the evident cause, for the most part ceases of its own accord, within a while, yet some Medicinal Remedies may be administered, with good success, especially, when there is danger, jest the Ephemeran Fever, should pass into a putrid, The chief intentions should be, to suppress the fervour of the Blood, and to procure a more free transpiration; to the which conduce, first a breathing of a Vein, a slender diet, or rather abstinency, cooling drinks, and a bringing away the filth of the Belly, by Clysters: Sleep, and Rest, greatly help, above all the rest; which, if wanting should be procured in time, by Opiates, and Anodynes.  
Verily, although the Histories, and Observations of those, distempered with an Ephemeran Fever, contain in themselves nothing very rare; yet I shall subjoin an example or two, in this place, whereby the delineation or type of this Disease, may be illustrated.  
A certain young Gentleman, about twenty years of Age, endued with a strong habit of Body, by the immoderate drinking of strong Wine, fell into a Feverish distemper, with thirst, heat, and with a great burning of his Precordia; being let Blood, he drank a great quantity of fair water, and upon it presently a plentiful sweat following, he grew shortly well: In this case, the more thin portion of the Blood, being heated by the Spirits of the Wine, fell into a rage, caused the whole mass of Blood to be shaken, and its frame to be loosened, more than 'twas want; and for that reason, that happened to be more dissolved, by the Ferment of the Heart, and to be as it were enkindled by the active Particles, loosened from the mixture; until the Vessels being emptied by Phlebotomy, the raging Blood was cooled, and by the drinking of the water, its fervour was attempered; than the hot Effluvia, being involved, together with the adust matter, with a copious Serum, and sent away by Sweat, the Blood at length recovered its due temper. Moreover, an ingenious young man, of a sedentary life, and also very much addicted to the Study of Learning, when he had for sometime exercised himself, beyond his strength, in the hot Sunshine, he began to complain of the pain of his head, a want of Appetite, a heat of his Precordia, and of a Feverish distemper all over; to whom, (for that he was wholly averse to Physic) I ordered an abstinence from all things whatsoever, unless from Small-Beer, and Grewel; on the second day, and so more on the third, the symptoms remitted, by little and little, on the fourth, he went home freed from the Fever, without any Medicine.   

CHAP. IX. Of a Putrid Fever.  
SO much for a Continual Fever, which is rasied from the most simple heating of the Blood, or its lowest degree of inordinate heat; that which depends on a greater degree of heat follows, viz. when the Oily or Sulphureous part of the Blood, being too much heated, swells up above measure, and as it were forced into a flame; and therefore from the similitude, by which humid things putrifying, conceive an heat, this kind of Ebullition of the Blood, because it induces an immoderate heat, is called a putrid Fever: which name aught to be retained without injury, because that in this Fever, the Synthesis of the Blood, (as is want to hap in putrifying Liquors) is very much unlocked. When the Spirits only grow enraged, (as in an Ephemera) the frame of the Blood is somewhat set open, and loosened, that it is more dissolved, by the Ferment of the Heart, than is want, and more Particles than naturally use to do, leap forth, and diffuse a more intense heat; but yet the mixture of the Liquor, as to its chief parts, is conserved. But when the Sulphureous matter taking fire, grows hot above measure, the bond of the mixture, for the greatest part, is loosed, that its Principles are almost wholly drawn away, by the Ferment of the Heart, and the active Particles, being loosened from the mixture, break forth as it were into a flame. Wherhfore, the Liquor of the Blood being after this manner rarified, in the Heart, and as it were enkindled, is from thence carried, through the Vessels, with a most rapid motion, and disperses very many Effluvia of heat, from its deflagration. Hence, the whole mass of Blood, (like water put over the fire) continually boiling, distends the Vessels, pulls the Brain and Nervous parts, raises up Convulsions, and pains in them, very much destroys the Vital Spirits with its heat, wastes the Ferments of the Bowels, hinders the Offices of concoction, and dispensation, often depraves the nourishing Juice, destinated for the Nervous stock, that from thence exceeding great disorders of the Animal Spirits follow; yea almost perverts the whole oeconomy of Nature.  
The course of this Disease shows itself after this manner; It rarely gins without a procatartic cause, or previous disposition: to wit, the Sulphureous or oily part of the Blood, is first too much carried forth, and exalted beyond its due tenor, which afterwards, either of its own accord, (like Hay not eventilated) gins to grow hot, or by the coming of an evident cause, it is forced into a preternatural heat. But when it grows turgid in the first place, by reason of the admixtion of a crude Juice with the Blood, now a shivering, now heat infests, which show themselves unequally, like fire, which is covered with green wood, sends forth now smoke, now flame: But at length, the fire glowing more largely, as here the victor fire spreads itself abroad, so there (sooner than said) the whole mass of Blood is inflamed, and is urged at once with heat, and a most swift motion: Nor is this immoderate heat of the Blood appeased, before its active particles being loosened from the mixture, and than successively enkindled in the Heart, are wholly burned out, which doth not hap, but in the space of many days. And than at length this Fever ceases, when the remaining Liquor of the Blood, the Spirit and Sulphur being very much consumed, being made lifeless and poor, is fit only for a weak and small fermentation. From this kind of deflagration of the Blood, and also of the alible Juice, (by the same fire burnt out) the recrements, or little Bodies of torrified matter, are heaped up in the Blood; which yet do more promote its fervour, and ebullition, and for a time, increase the Feverish distemper. After the Blood hath very much burned forth, and these kind of little Bodies, are gathered together to a fullness of swelling up, the vital Spirit endeavours a soparation, and tries to concoct, and to overcome, (what it may) these adust recrements, and than, having put a great many of them into a swelling up, a Flux being risen, strives to shut them wholly out. And indeed, in the subaction, and seclusion of this matter, chief consists the event of this Disease; for if the vital Spirit being strong, the Bloody humour (when it hath sufficiently burned forth, and shall be freed from these adust particles) should recover its pristine tenor, whereby it is made fit for motion, and a due fermentation in the Heart, the sick tends towards health; but if, by a long deflagration, and an inextricable confusion of the morbific matter, the liquor of the Blood, being wanting of Spirits, and more pure Sulphur, or those same (by the impure mixture growing ill) being as it were put under the yoke; is rendered so lifeless, that it is not any longer rarified, by the ferment of the Heart, or enkindled; by degrees, its heat, and motion, together with Life itself decays.  
The procatartick causes, which dispose to this Disease, are, an hot and humid Temper, an active habit of Body, a youthful Age, the Spring time, or Summer season, a high and rich Diet, besides the often drinking of rich Wines, a sedentary and idle life, a Body full of gross humours, and suffed with vicious Juices; but above all the rest, it appears by observation, that the frequent letting of Blood, renders men more apt to Fevers; wherefore it is commonly said, from whom Blood is once drawn, that unless they do the same every year, they are prove to a Fever. The reason of this is, (unless I am deceived) by the frequent letting of Blood, the Sulphur is more copiously gathered together, in the mass of Blood; in the mean time, the Salt (which should bridle it, and hinder it from raging) by this means is drawn away; for the Blood, the older it grows, becomes so much the more Salt, the Salt of all the Elements not evaporating. But by how much the more the Blood abounds in Salt, by so much the lesle it aboungs in Sulphur; for Salt eats and consumes the Sulphur, and makes it evaporate: wherefre, they who are lean, and abound with a Salt Blood, are lesle prove to Fevers. But when, by the letting of Blood, the ancient Blood is drawn forth, in its stead another more rich, and more impregnated with Sulphur, is substituted; so that it becomes lesle Salt, and more Sulphurous. Hence it is, that those who often let Blood, are not only prove to Fevers, but also want to grow fat, because of the Bloods being more impregnated with Sulphureous Juice.  
The evident causes, which deduce the latent disposition of this Fever into act, are of the same sort, which procure an Ephemeran Fever, and simple Synochus; in this rank chief come, Transpiration being hindered, and Surfeiting. By reason of the effluvia being restrained, the mass of the Blood being increased in bulk grows turgid, and conceives Fervour, as it were from a certain ferment, inspired anew, and curelly boils up; from thence, presently the pores are more obstructed, by the infartion of the effluvia, and the frame of the Liquor being loosened, the particles of the Sulphur, exuberating in the Blood, leap forth from the mixture, and are inflamed by the ferment of the heart, as it were by fire put to them, and so they enkindle a very intense Fever. But from a Surfeit, both an immoderate fermentation is induced in the Blood, and also a nitrous Sulphureous matter, apt for adustion, and an enkindling is conveyed, as it were food, to the burning Blood.  
In this Fever, four times or seasons are to be observed, in which, as it were so many posts, or spaces, its course is performed: These are than, The Beginning, the Augmentation, the Height, and Declination. These are want to be finished in some sooner, in others more slowly, or in a longer time. The beginning aught to be computed, from the time the Blood gins to be made hot, and its Sulphur to conceive a burning, until the ardours, and burn are diffused, thorough the whole mass of Blood. The Increase or Augmentation, is from the time, that the Blood being made hot, and enkindled thorough the whole, burns forth for some time, and its mass is aggravated with the Recrements; or burnt Particles, which increase the fermentation. The state, or standing of the Disease, is when (after the Blood has sufficiently burned forth, and its burning now remits) the long vexed Blood, like a noble wrestler, when his adversary is a little yielding, recollecting all his strength, endeavours a bringing under, and a separation of that adust matter, with which it is filled to a plenitude, and also, a Crisis or separation being once or oftener attempted, an expulsion of it forth of doors. The Declination succeeds after the Crisis or secretion, in which the Blood grows lesle hot, with a languishing fire, and either, (the vital Spirit being as yet strong) overcomes what is left of that adust and extraneous matter, and by degrees puts it forth, until it is restored to its former vigour; or, whilst the same Spirit is too much depressed, the liquor of the Blood, is still stuffed with adust recrements, and therefore becomes troubled and depauperated, that it neither assimilates the nourishing Juice, nor is made fit for an accension in the heart, for the sustaining the lamp of Life.  
1. When therefore any one is taken with a putrid Fever, the first assault is for the most part accompanied with a shivering or horror: for when the Blood gins to grow hot, there is a flux made, and a swelling up of the crude Juice, freshly gathered together in the Vessels, even as in the fit of an intermitting Fever, heat, and sometimes sweated follow, upon the shivering, by which, the matter of that crude Juice is enkindled, and dispersed: afterwards, a certain remission of the heat follows, but yet from the fire still glowing in the Blood, a lassitude, and perturbation with thirst, and waking, continually infested: A pain arises in the Head, or Loins, partly from the ebullition of the Blood, and partly from the motion of the nervous Juice being hindered; also a nauseousness, or a vorniting offends the Stomach, because the Bile, flowing out of the Choleduct Vessels, is poured into it, and a Convulsion from Vapours, and from the sharp Juice brought thorough the Arteries, is excited in the Stomach. In the mean time, although the heat be more increased, and inequal, it is not yet strong, because the Blood as yet abounding with crude Juices, is only enkindled by parts: and therefore burns out a little, and than ceases, and at last returns; like a flame that is made by wet, and moist straw. In this condition for some days, the Disease remains, the Urine is more read than usual, by reason of the Salt, and Sulphur being more dissolved, and infected with the serum; It still retains its Hypostasis or substance, because the Coction and assimilation are not altogether depraved; it appears greater than ordinary, in its sediment, which is yet easily separated, and falls to the bottom of its own accord. At this time, they may let Blood, and administer Physic by Vomit, or Purge, so it be done without any great perturbation of the Blood: it often happens, from these kinds of evacuations, timely performed, that a greater increase of the Disease is prevented, and the Fever as it were killed in the shell. The limits of this stadium or space, are variously determined, according to the temper of the sick, and other accidents of the Disease; sometimes, the first rudiments of this Fever, are laid in a day or two; sometimes the beginning of the Disease is extended to more; if in a corpulent Body full of Spirit, Juice, and hot Blood, or it hap in a youthful Age, and very hot season, if the disposition to a Fever be potent, and the evident cause coming thereupon be strong, the Feverish heat, being once begun, quickly invades all the Blood, and on the second or third day, having rooted itself, the Disease arises to its increase; but if the Feverish indisposition, be begun in a lesle hot Body, a Phlegmatic temper, or a melancholy, and in old age, or a cold season, the entrance is longer, and scarce exceeds the limits of this first stadium or space, before the sixth, or seventh day.  
2. The increase of this Disease, is computed from what time, the burning of the Fever hath possessed the whole mass of Blood: that is, the Sulphur, or the oily part of the Blood, having been long heated, and growing fervent in parts, at length, like Hay laid up wet, breaks forth, after a long heating, all at once into a flame; the Blood at this time cruelly boils up, and very much enkindled in the Heart, by its deflagration, diffuses as it were a fiery heat thorough the whole Body, and especially in the precordia; hence the sick complain of intolerable thirst, besides a pain of the head, pertinacious wake, and oftentimes a delirium, Frenzy, and Convulsive motions infested: all food whatsoever is loathsome, either it is cast up again by Vomit, or if retained, being baked by too much heat, it goes into a Feverish matter; besides, there happens a bitterness of the mouth, an ingrateful savour, a scurfiness of the Tongue, a vehement and quick Pulse, an Urine highly read, and for the most part troubled, full of Contents, without Hypostasis or laudable sediment; when the Blood is at this time almost wholly enkindled by its deflagration, it begets great plenty of adust matter, (as it were ashes remaining after a Fire) with which the serum being very much stuffed, renders the Urine thick, and big with Contents: Also the Blood, being filled with a load of this, to a rising up, is irritated into Critical motions, by which this Feverish matter, (if it may be done) being brought under, and separated, is shut out of doors; and indeed, this state of the Fever induces that, in which a Judgement is discerned, between Nature and the Disease, the strife being as it were brought to an aequilibrium; and therefore the evacuation, which follows from thence, is called the Crisis.  
The state therefore, or height of a putrid Fever, is that time of the Disease, in which Nature endeavours a Crisis, or an expulsion of the adust matter, remaining after the deflagration of the Blood. To this is required, in the first place, that the Blood hath now for the most part burned forth; because in the midst of its burning, Nature is not at leisure for a Crisis, nor is it ever prosperously endeavoured, nor in truth procured by Art with good Success. Secondly, that the spirit of the Blood, doth first, by some means subdue this adust matter, or Caput mortuum, separate it from the profitable, and tender a period to the expulsion, for otherways, though a copious evacuation happens, Nature will never be free from her burden. Thirdly, that this matter, be gathered together in such a quantity, that by its turgency, it may irritate Nature to a Critical expulsion. If these rightly concur, a perfect Crisis of the Disease, for the most part succeeds, in which, even as in the Fits of intermitting Fevers, a Flux being arisen, whatsoever extraneous and heterogeneous thing, is contained in the bosom of the Blood, is exagitated, than being separated, and involved with serum, it is thrust forth of doors; when any thing of these is wanting, the Crisis, for the most part, is in vain, and not to be trusted, and rarely cures the Disease. For if in the midst of the burning, before the Blood hath sufficiently burned forth, an evacuation happens, by Sweat, a Lask, Bleeding, or any other way, the adust matter is not all separated, or else, if for the present, it be drawn away for the greatest part, the Blood more largely flaming out, presently substitutes new, and will renew the Fever again, that seemed to be vanquished: If that this matter, not being yet overcome, nor brought to a fullness of rising up, be irritated to an expulsion by Nature, an imperfect, and partial Crisis only follows; and when the first endeavour of excretion shall be in vain, rarely a perfect, and curatory succeeds after that one time.  
The Crisis in a continual Fever, is almost the same thing, as the Fit of the intermitting Fevers. For as in this, when the mass of Blood, is filled to a fullness of swelling up, with the particles of depraved alible Juice, and fitted for maturation, there are made a Flux, secretion, and expulsion out of doors of that matter: so in a continual Fever, from the deflagration of the Blood, and alible Juice, very many little Bodies of adust matter are gathered together, with which, when the Blood is aggravated, and is at leisure, a little from the burning, it overcomes them, by little and little separates them, and than a Flux being raised up, endeavours to cast them out of doors: wherefore, as the Fits of intermitting Fevers come not but at a set time, and after so many hours, so also the Critical motions, hap from the fourth day to the fourth, or perhaps from the seventh day to the seventh, for in this kind of space, the Blood being enkindled burns forth, and with its burning makes an heap of adust matter, as it were ashes, which being troublesome to Nature by their irritation, induces Critical motions.  
Therefore, what some affirm is not true, That the Crises depend altogether on the influences of the Moon, and Stars, and follow their Aspects, Quadrations, Oppositions, or Conjunctions: because the Critical evacuations are only determined, by the gathering together, and the swelling up, of the adust matter. For, as soon as the Blood is at leisure, from the deflagration, and being filled with the particle of that adust matter, is able in some measure to overcome, and separate them, presently a Flux, or swelling up being risen, it endeavours to thrust them forth by any way; which, for that they are easily to be separated from the Blood, and the breathing places of the skin are sufficiently open, being involved with serum, are sent away with sweat. And this is the best way of the Crisis, which if it rightly succeeds, very often, wholly, and at one time, perfectly cures the Disease without danger of relapse: To this next, follows the Crisis, which which is endeavoured by the Hemorrhage or bleeding at nose; for this matter, as it were the flowering, being moved with the Blood, (if it be not cast forth by sweat, by reason of a lesle free transpiration) is transferred from the heart, into some remote part, and frequently is cast into the head, by the impetuous rapture of the Blood; where, if a passage be open, from the private holes opening into the nostrils, the morbific matter, leaps forth of doors, with a portion of the Blood. But otherways being oftentimes fixed in the Brain, brings a frenzy, delirium, or other grievous, and tedious Diseases of the head; yea, 'tis to be observed, that almost in all continual Fevers whatsoever, when they are hardly or imperfectly cured, so that the Blood is infected, for a long time with the Feverish matter or adust recrements, that from thence, the nervous Juice (as it seems) contracting an infection, pertinacious distempers, to wit, watch, also Deliriums, Tremble, Convulsive motions, and long adhering weakness of the nervous parts follow. Also, there are other ways of Crisis, by which Nature endeavours, not at once and wholly, but by little and little, and by parts, to expel the Feverish matter; now by Urine, now by Vomit, or Stool, now by break forth, and buboes, or biles; by what way soever, that it may be done with a good event, it is required, that the deflagration of the Blood be past, and that the adust matter be concocted, and rendered fit to be separated.  
The state or standing of the Disease, is therefore not one, and simple, nor always happens after the same manner, but with a various difference of symptoms, and tending to far different events. But by a prudent Physician, a Prognostication is expedient to be given, in what space of time, the Disease will come to its height or standing, and what end it will have.  
If the Fever be vehement from the beginning, and suddenly invades the whole mass of Blood with a burning; if it urges constantly, and equally without any remission, with a ferocity of symptoms; for the most part, the Blood will so much burn forth, in the space of four days, that the adust matter, will arise to a fullness of swelling up, for the making a Crisis. But if its beginnings are more slow, and the accension of the Blood often interrupted, the Fever will come to its acme or height, about the seventh day. If it should begin yet more remiss, the standing of the Disease is want to be drawn out, to the Eleventh or Fourteenth day. In the mean time it is to be noted, that as the Fits of intermitting Fevers return at set times, so the Critical motions in continual Fevers, (but for the most part they observe the fourth day:) for although the Crisis may be perfectly prorogued to the fourteenth, seventeenth, or perhaps the twentieth day, because all things, requisite to the full curing of the Disease, do not sooner concur; yet in the time betwixt, more light motions hap, by which the Feverish matter arising leisurely, to an increase, is a little emptied, and as it were cut of by parts, until Nature may be able to enter upon its more full discussion; but when the great provision of the adust matter, in the burning Blood, is heaped up in the Vessels, Nature, unless otherways disturbed, on every fourth day, being tired with the plenty of matter, tries to shake of part of its burden by a certain swelling up: wherefore, for the most part, the Critical motions hap on the fourth, seventh, eleventh, and fourteenth days, not by the direction of the Planets, but by reason of the necessity of Nature.  
As to the event, whether the Crisis shall be good or not, certain foreknowledges are taken, from the strength of the sick, the Pulse, Urine, and other signs, and concourse of symptoms: If the sick appear with some strength, the fire of the Fever urging, hath a strong and equal Pulse, if the Urine be of a moderate consistency with some sediment, with a separation of the Contents, and easily falling to the bottom, if the Disease shall make its progress, without great Vomiting, Watch, Frenzy, Convulsive motions, and suspicion of malignity, the standing will be laudable, and to be expected with a good Crisis: if the contrary to these hap, viz. that presently strength is cast down, and that the sick is obnoxious to frequent Swoonings, Convulsions, a delirium, with a weak intermitting or unequal Pulse, if pertinacious watch, intolerable thirst, and Vomiting continually infested; if the Urine be thick and troubled, without sediment, or sinking down of the parts, if, the burning yet troubling, Nature is provoked to critical evacuations, a very dangerous state of the Disease is imminent, nor may there be hoped for any thing of good from the Crisis.  
Concerning the Crisis of a Putrid Fever, we will here subjoin a particular Prognostication, in which, though the things, which from the beginning did appear, might promise' a most desired event, a very deadly one is imminent; I have often observed, in a Putrid Fever, which gins slowly, and with a small burning, if the Urine be read, and when rendered presently troubled, and thick, which is not precipitated, neither by the cold, nor of its own accord, puts down a sediment, and if at the same time, the sick lie for many days without sleep, though quiet, and that they toss not themselves up and down, their condition is in danger: and the suspicion will be more, if in the mean time, they are neither troubled with a strong Fever, nor infested with thirst, or with a very troublesome heat; because those distempered after this manner, are incident for the most part, about the state of the Disease, to a delirium, Convulsive motions, and oftentimes fall into madness, from which they are quickly cast into death; an when these symptoms arise, the Urine is altered, from a thick and read, into a thin and more pale Urine. It seems in this case, the mass of Blood, beink taken with the Fever, not to grow turgid, so with Sulphur exalted to the height, as Wines or Beer are want in their Effervescencies; but (the Salt, and the terrestrial Lee or Dregss, being stirred together with the Sulphur) to be affected after the same way, as Wines and Beer, being suddenly disturbed with Thunder, and growing sour; wherefore, although the Blood does not presently conceive an immoderate heat from the Fever, yet its disposition being changed, it wholly depraves the Juice destinated to the Brain, and Nervous parts, and therefore, about the beginning of the Fever, pertinacious watch hap, than the state growing urgent, the oeconomy of the whole Nervous stock is perverted. Melancholic persons are most obnoxious to these sort of Fevers, in whom the unruliness of the Sulphur, are a little restrained, by the Salt, and Earthy dregss being stirred up with it, notwithstanding which, all being leisurely carried forth, break forth afterwards, with a greater slaughter.  
When the Disease shall come to the standing, either the business is done at one conflict, and from thence with a manifest declination, there is made a translation to life, or death, or there are made frequent skirmishes, between Nature and the Disease, and critical motions are often attempted, before the victory is yielded to either party.  
1. As to the first, If after the Blood hath sufficiently burned forth, with a good precursion of signs and symptoms, and its burning hath remitted, the adust matter being equally brought under, and subtilated, arises from a full increase, to the motion of boiling up; and Nature being free from any impediment or depression, is strong with able strength enough, for the decertation or strife, the Feverish matter, for the most part, is exterminated at one motion of its flowering or putting forth, and the Blood being freed from its fellowship and infection, soon recovers its former vigour.  
2. But if Nature is stirred up, to a critical motion, before the Blood hath perfectly burnt forth, or that adust matter is prepared for excretion, although, as to the rest, things are in a moderate condition; yet from hence, but an imperfect Crisis follows, by which indeed, something of the lead or burden, with which the Blood is oppressed, is drawn away; notwithstanding presently another springs up afresh, in its place, and than at set times, (perhaps in four, or seven days space) like the fits of intermitting Fevers, the critical motions are repeated, the second, and perhaps the third time, before the strife being ended, the matter openly inclines to this, or that party.  
3. But when, with the preceding evil appearance, of signs and symptoms, the burning of the Blood yet urging, the critical motion is provoked, without any coction of the Feverish matter, sometimes Nature is overthrown at the first conflict, nor doth she recollect herself, but yielding her powers overcome by the Disease, is precipitated into death. Nor is the business much better, when the Crisis is at first imperfect, and in vain, celebrated, without any ease to the sick, and from thence, the next to this succeeds worse, and than in another, and perhaps another conflict, the Disease prevails, until the strength being wholly broken, and cast down, there is a plain end of life.  
Thus much concerning the state and Crisis of the Disease, on whose good or improsperous success, the event of the Disease depends; the declination of the Fever, takes its period of this, of which we must speak next.  
4 Although the Declining of the Fever, for the most part, is taken in the better part, that it denotes the condition of the sick growing well of the Disease, in which the Blood being almost freed from its Effervency, recovers leisurly, strength and spirits, that were lost, and expels what extraneous thing is left remaining in its bosom; yet, in a genuine enough signification, it may be used for that state, when from an ill Crisis, or in vain, the Blood being depauperated, and infected with an extraneous and Feverish mixture, still declines for the worse, until at length (like Wine changed into a lifelessness) being made wholly unable for circulation, and accension in the Heart, it calls on death. Therefore, in this place, the name of declination signifies the condition of the sick, and of the Disease, which follows the standing, whether it tends to life, or to death; whether the Fever, or life itself of the sick, at this time, declines.  
As to the times of declination, it will be worth our labour to inquire, what the temper of the Blood may be, and what turns of alterations it has undergone, as often as from a good, or bad Crisis, there has been made a progress of the Disease, towards Health, or Death. To wit, first, what the disposition, or condition of the Blood and Spirits may be, from a good Crisis, and with what alterations, its spoilt Liquor recovers its former vigour. Secondly, what their temper is, from an evil Crisis, and by what degrees it still tends to worse; and lastly, how they are, when from a doubtful state, and long weakness, the sick hardly get up at length, and recover their health.  
The vice, or depauperation, which the Blood hath contracted from the Feverish heat, consists in this: The Spirit very much evaporates, and is lost: the Sulphureous part is too much scorched, and is much wasted by the deflagration, and from its burning, the adust matter (as it were the Caput Mortuum) is left, with the Particles of which, the mass of Blood is aggravated, and debilitated; in the mean time, the Saline and earthy parts, are too much exalted, even as is want to come to pass in Wine, or Beer, by the use of too much Ferment. The Blood, by these ways being spoiled, evilly assimilates the provision of the Nutritious Juice, yea also, by reason of the roasting of the Sulphur in the Heart, or defect of it, not rightly Fermenting, or inflamed, it untowardly dispenses the Vital Spirit, in the mean time, from the adust matter, and Salt too much exalted, it grows more fervent than it should, and more wastes itself.  
1. From a good Crisis, the Spirit, though made weaker, yet gets the upper hand, wherefore, what is left of the Feverish matter, it by degrees overcomes, and expels; and concocts, and affimilates (so what is brought be thin or slender) the Nutritious Juice: from thence, the mass of Blood is amended anew, with Spirit and Sulphur; and the Blood which now being Salt and sharp, did continually grow hot, acquires at length a Sweet and Balsamic Nature, and being quickened with a lively motion and heat, rightly performs the offices of life and sense.  
2. From a bad Crisis, the business is otherways, the Liquor of the Blood (like Wine too much Fermented) degenerates, almost into a vappidness or lifelessness; its Spirit is greatly diminished; the Relics which remain, are intricated, and as it were overwhelmed, with the Particles of adust matter, from whence there is yet a continual growing hot remaining in the Blood, yet without concoction, or assimilation, of the Abible Juice, or separation of the profitable, from the unprofitable: The benign Sulphur, and the Food of the Vital flame, is much consumed, so that the Blood is lesle enkindled in the Heart, than it aught to be; in the mean time; from the adust recrements, and also the Salt, and Earth being too much carried forth, it perpetually burns in the Vessels, with thirst and heat. And because it is daily depauperated, the Spirit and benign Sulphur being wasted, and more infected, with the Salt, and Earthy dregss being too much exalted, its Liquor in a short time becomes tasteless, and is made unfit for circulation, and for the enkindling in the Heart, for the sustaining the Vital fire: wherefore there is a necessity that life be lost, even as the flame of a Lamp is extinguished, when instead of the wasted Oil, a Salt and Muddy Liquor only supplies it.  
3. From an imperfect and doubtful Crisis, when the sick being weakened by a long imbecility, become not well, but of a long time, the business is after this manner. The Spirituous and Sulphureous parts of the Blood, are very much consumed, by the slow deflagration; the remaining Liquor, being not Purged from the adust recrements and feculencies, is rendered very impure; but when there is yet remaining, something of Oil for the Vital Lamp, nor Spirits are altogether wanting, for the subduing the Feverish matter, the Blood is still circulated, and (though but smally) is enkindled in the Heart: yea, and by little and little the Spirits recollect themselves, set upon the matter remaining of the Fever, and what they are able, begin to overcome it: than by a pertinacious assiduity, or coction, like a flame, wavering and half extinct, among green wood, at length rise up victorious, and restore anew, both with heat and motion, leisurely renewed, a quick and lively Fermentation, in the Heart.  
So much in general of the Fever called Putrid: it remains, before we descend to the kinds, and particular Cases of it, that I recount the symptoms, and signs chief notable, in the course of this Fever, and subjoin the reasons, and causes of them, and their manner of being done.   

CHAP. X. Of the Symptoms, and Signs chief to be noted, in a Putrid Fever.  
THE Symptoms, coming upon a Putrid Fever, although they argue, the oeconomy of the whole Body, to be for the most part depraved, and the disposition, and functions of some part, or Member hurt; yet, the accidents, which a Physician aught chief to consider, about the Diagnosis of this Disease, and its Prognosis to be rightly instituted, may be referred to three casses or common places; to wit, they have respect to the Viscera of Concoction, viz. the Ventricle, and Intestines, with their Appendices: Or secondly, to the humours, flowing in the Vessels, viz. the Blood in the Arteries and Veins, and the thin Liquor in the Nervous parts, together with the chief springs of either, viz. the Heart, and Brain; or lastly, these symptoms respect the habit of the Body, with the various constitution of the pores, and the extension or emarceration of the solid parts. They, who would exactly observe, the course of this Disease, and would fitly draw out Curatory intentions, may take notice of these three heads of symptoms, and carefully consider, what alterations may hap in these, as it were distinct Regions, according to the different times of the Fever.  
1. Troubles, and disorders, such as nauseousness, vomiting, want of Appetite, indigestion, a looseness, a scurfiness of the Mouth and Tongue, a bitter savour, are want to infested about the Ventricle, and first passages, in the whole course of this Fever. These, for the most part, are attributed to the humours, first heaped together in the Stomach, and there putrifying: But besides, that the recrements of the Chyle, being throughly roasted, by too much heat, degenerate into an hurtful matter, very often, these kind of accidents hap, for that the Purge, and the filth of the Blood, and Nervous Juice, whilst they grow hot, are carried inward, and being deposited in the membranes of the Viscera, provoke Convulsions, and also make a filthy heap of vicious, and very infestous humour. I have often observed, that about the beginning of the Fever, the Blood growing hot, laid aside its recrements even inwardly, with a benefit to the sick, where, although great molestations did arise about the first passages, yet the burning was therefore more mild, the Pulse moderate, and the Urine laudable, and these being after this manner in a Fever, quickly grew well, with a slender diet, and the use of gentle evacuations. But if in this case I should administer a vehement Cathartic, for the extirpating the humours, that Natural Purging of the Blood being hindered, presently the Fever became strong, with a read Urine, and troubled, a deep Pulse, Watch, and other horrid symptoms: also, oftentimes after the state of the Disease, by this kind of interior Lustration or Purging, the adust matter, and excrementitious, is separated from the Blood. Hence, sometimes a Lask, sometimes a scurfie covering of the Mouth and Throat, follow: Wherhfore, there is need of caution, about the accidents which hap in the first passages, jest that whilst we oppose them, we should pervert the motion of Nature; and jest whilst we fortify these parts, against the course of the Morbific matter, we untowardly keep the same shut up, in the mass of Blood.  
The Symptom chief to be considered, about the Bloody mass, are, an heat diffused through the whole, a burning of the Praecordia, thirst, a disorder of the Pulse, a read ruin, a spontaneous wearisomeness, a loss of all strength, out of which rightly considered, these things following may be known, viz. what the manner of the heat is, or with what tenor the burning Blood flames forth; what times of remission, or of increase, its Effervescency observes, in the deflagration; whether it retains its Crasis, or mixture whole; for the burning of it, and circulation of it enkindled, what strength of the Heart will suffice, and what space the Vessels may require; so long as the Blood burns, what plenty of adust recrements it may heap up, by what means it may overcome, separate, or at  endeavour to separate the same, and lastly, what way of a Crisis it endeavours, and with what success.  
The accidents, which have a respect to the thin Liquor, with the Brain, and Nervous Appendix, are, disorders concerning sleep and waking, a debility of the whole Body, a trembling, shivering, pains, Convulsive motions, Cramps of the Viscera, Stupifaction, Frenzy; and the observation of which suggests, what the temper, and constitution of that thin Liquor may be; by what means it waters, and influtes the Nervous parts, and performs its circutes through them; how the Animal Spirits execute the functions of the Viscera; what the state of the Brain may be, whether it remain free from the incursion of the Feverish matter, or whether it be not in danger of being overwhelmed, by reason of its critical metastasis or translation.  
Concerning the habit of the body may be observed, what may be the reason of sweeting, and the manner of it; whether only by vaporous Effluvia? or by sweats? or also by little wealks! whether the flesh falls away on the sudden from its wont bulk? Or whether it retains itself a long while? What the colour of the Face is! And the vigour or habit of the Eyes? from these well laid together, the course of the Fever may be best of all measured; at what time it will come to its height or standing? Whether Nature will prevail over the Disease or not; with what manner of separation, and with what success she will endeavour the expulsion of the Feverish matter; also by these signs may be learned, by what degrees the Blood growing hot, and often congealed, doth tend towards Putrefaction, or Corruption; whether it does any thing concoct the alible Juice poured to it; or whether or not it presently casts forth of doors, all its provision by sweat, as often happens in the declination of this Disease.  
By these symptoms and signs, a yet more plentiful Indication may be had, if first it be known, upon what causes the several species of them depend; and by what provision, they are want to be raised up in our Body: wherefore I have thought it worth our labour to recount particularly the chief of these; and to explicate the reasons of them, and their ways of working. But the symptoms, chief to be observed in a putrid Synochus, or continual servor without intermissions, are, an heat in the whole Body, a spontaneous weariness, a burning of the Precordia, intolerable thirst, an ardour, and scurfiness of the Tongue, or Jaws, a pain of the head and loins, pertinacious watch, Frenzy, Convulsive motions, a Syncope, Heartburning, Vomiting, Nauseousness, want of Appetite, a Looseness, a Flux, with which, not all at once, now with these, now with those, this Disease is want to be beset.  
1. Heat, which is felt sharp and biteing, in the whole Body, depends upon the too great effervency of the Blood, and the accension of it in the Heart: For the Sulphureous or oily part of the Blood, being exalted, and taking an heat, is enkindled in the heart, in a double proportion, more than it was want; wherefore, it copiously diffuses, by its deflagration, effluvia of heat thorough the whole Body. When the Sulphur is lesle dissolved, and enkindled in the heart, as in the green sickness, or the white dropsical Disease, etc. Heat is wanting in the whole: but in a Fever, when te Sulphur too much burns forth, Heat superabounds. For heat, depends not only upon the actual inflammation of the Sulphur, or the firing of it, but a intense heat is excited without fire, in many mixtures, where the particles of Sulphur are dissolved by corrosion, or are more thickly heaped together for want of ventilation; wherefore, when Iron is corroded by any acid mineral Spirit, or when Spirit of Nitre is poured on the butter of Antimony, a mighty heat with a fume is produced; in like manner when Dung, or Hay laid up wet, are kept from ventilation, grow highly hot: it is the same reason, why the Blood burns above measure in Fevers, to wit, the particles of the Sulphur, being too much exalted and made hot, are more thickly heaped together in the Vessels, and are more dissolved, and as it were enkindled by the ferment of the Heart; wherefore, they every way diffuse heat, being loosened in the bond of the mixture, and every where stretched forth or expansed.  
2. A spontaneous weariness or lassitude, is felt in the whole Body: to wit, by reason of the Vessels being distented with the boiling Blood, also the musculous flesh is very much stuffed with Blood, and a copious breath, that it is made lesle fit for motion, as they who are sick of an Anasarca, have their limbs very unwealdy by reason of the abundance of serous humour: besides, in Fevers, by reason of the inflammation of the Blood, the Juice, which is sent for a supply to the nervous stock, departs from its due temper, that it becomes little fit, for the actuating the Body.  
3. The burning of the Praecordia is made, by reason of the Blood being more copiously enkindled in the Chimney of the Heart, which from thence boiles forth into the Lungs, with great ardency; wherefore, by how much the nearer this Region is to that fire place of heat, it is pierced therefore with the greater burning.  
4. An almost unquenchable Thirst is caused, both from the glowing heat in the Praecordia, also by reason of the sharp and hot particles of the Feverish matter, affixed to the ventricle, in the circulating of the Blood; which indeed, desire to be washed, even as salted and spiced meats, being plentifully eaten, or also strong, or sour things, rolled in the mouth, or throat; for this kind of distemper, calls for a more free swallowing down of Drink, as a member too much heated the pouring on of cold water.  
5. The ardour, and scurfiness of the Tongue, and Jaws, as also oftentimes an accretion of a certain white, or yellow, or black filth, hap without doubt, because of the heat, and soot, exhaled frmm the Ventricle, and Lungs, burning with heat: but the Tongue grows white, as often as that humidity, (with which it is naturally much imbued) is dried up, and parched, and so the exterior skin of the Tongue, is as it were roasted, by the burning heat, from hence also it becomes scurfie; which is also seen in healthful people, when it happens, that the Tongue is scorched by broth, or any other very hot suppings; in like manner, as when the Tongues of Animals are boiled, for the use of the Table, their skin becomes white and sharp or rugged. For whether the spittle is drawn from the maxillary glandulas, (as the doctrine of the most ingenious Wharton hath first made known) or any other humour from the glandulas of the Jaws, or elsewhere; yet because, by the reason of the heat, and dryness, it grows too thick, and becomes clammy, also than the outward skin of the Tongue grows nevertheless white; but also it is covered with a certain filthy glue, to wit, because that humour, by reason of its thickness, may smear the Tongue, but cannot wet, or moisten it: but if it happens, that the Tongue is inwardly suffused, with a bilous humour, or outwardly tinged (as comes to pass by the use of Choler-abounding Vomits) than its hairy nap, being spongy, imbibing the yellow poison, exhibits also the like colour. If that lastly, the heat be so strong, that it burns the Blood, and inkindles a fire, more ardent than usual, it follows, that from the fire place of the Heart, the breathing places through the Lungs, scarcely sufficing for the ventilating so great fire, soot or smoke is raised up, which being smitten to the furnace of the , strikes against the Tongue, as it were in a reverberatory, and infects it with blackness. But this same kind of blackness, (ans as other filthinesses of the Tongue) is most conspicuous in its middle parts, because the more exterior compass, is cleansed by its frequent rubbing against the gums and palate.  
6. Sometimes it happens in Fevers, and especially about their declinations, that the Tongue, , gums, yea the cavity of the whole mouth, and throat, are covered over with a certain viscous matter, as it were a whitish crust; which being often wiped of, presently new springs again, and unless by rubbing diligently, and washing the mouth, this crusty matter be frequently wiped away, the sick are in hazard of being choked. This kind of distemper, is most often excited in Children newly born; for they are want, for the most part, within fourteen days with an external growing hot, to be sprinkled thorough the whole skin, with broad and read spots; if that this suffusion of redness, do not freely break forth, or vanishes away sooner than it aught, for the most part, this whitish cursed follows, in the parts of the mouth. This symptom, when it troubles Infants, after this manner, is want to be ascribed to the fault of the Milk, to wit, that being to sharp, it induces the ulcerous distemper of the mouth. In those sick with Fevers, it is commonly attributed to thick vapours, and soottie, elevated from the ventricle: But to me it seems most likely, that in either, this distemper arises, from the impurities of the whole Blood, (and perhaps in some measure of the nervous Juice) deposited about these parts: for, as often as in the mass of either humour, any extraneous thing intimately mixed, is contained, that it is not to be dispersed by sweat, nor easily sent away by Urine, that, most often, is fixed, with the serous filth about the mouth; from whence Catarrhs, tumours, and troublesome spittings are caused: For when for the chewing of the meats, the salival humour in this place aught to be plentifully suffused; nature very often endeavours to sand forth of doors, what is superfluous, or otherways troublesome, by these usual ways of excretion. Hence from Mercury being taken, when both the Blood, and nervous Juice, are abundantly stuffed, with its most smally divided particles, and endeavour to thrust them forth, being involved with serum, because they are not able to exterminate those mercurial little Bodies, being intimately confused, neither by sweat, urine, or by any other ways, what is remaining, they endeavour to expel thorough the Arteries, and other passages, which supply the mouth with spittle, the same being involved with the serous Latex. Also in like manner, in Fevers, when from a long deflagration of the Blood, the adust matter is very much heaped together, of which no small part remaining, after the Crisis, is yet confounded with the Blood, and nervous Juice, being fixed either to the brain, or to some other place, from them it is at length supped up again, 'tis most probable, that this matter, is throughly roasted, by a long concoction, and so becomes almost like Glue, thick, wherefore, being not able to be dispersed, neither by spittle, or insensible transpiration, nor to be separated by the urinary passages, but at length leisurely runs out, by the little Arteries, and other passages of the spittle, lying open into the , as the most usual way of excretion, and forthwith by reason of its thickness grows into that glewiness. The same reason holds in Infants, whose Blood being made impure, by filths contracted in the Womb, presently it endeavours to purify itself, by that exterior putting forth, which if it do not rightly succeed, by reason of the thickness of the matter, immediately the viscous impurities, are exterminated by this way, as the more open. I have known some, in the declination of a Fever, to whom, not only this kind of Crust of gummy matter, has happened in the parts of the mouth, but a copious salivation, as if they had taken mercury, with a stinking of the breath, also a swelling of the Tongue, and Gums, hath been raised up for many days.  
7. The pain of the Head, in Fevers is excited, because of the meanings of the Brain, being pulled or hauled with vapours, and with a sharp Blood, and hot; for the Blood being impetuously moved, by reason of the direction of the great Artery, is carried in a greater plenty to the Head, than to the lower parts; because the passage, from the bosom of the Heart to the head, is straight, from the same, to the inferior members, obliqne, and as it were reflected; wherefore, as the membranes are very sensible, and that there the Blood is stopped, and reverberated, in its rapid course, it is no wonder, if cruel headaches are excited in Fevers. Besides, this impetuous flowing of the Blood, wherewith (as it were by a certain Ramming) the membranes of the Head being distended, ache grievously; also sometime, Headaches arise, by reason of the nervous Juice, (which is supplied from the burning Blood) being too sharp, and pricking: wherefore, when the membranes, and nervous parts, are watered, with the same, they being pulled by its acrimony, are moved into Pains and Convulsions.  
8. In like manner also, the other distempers of the Head, as watch, delirium, Frenzy, Convulsion, etc. arise, sometimes from the Blood being in a rage, and so stirring up inordinate motions in the Brain, and sometimes also, from the nervous Juice being depraved, and therefore made inproportionate, to the regiment of the Animal Spirits: But most often, these kind of symptoms are frequent in Fevers, by reason of the translation of the Feverish matter, from the bosom of the Blood, into these parts. For the Blood, being full of the adust recrements, remaining after the deflagration, endeavours (like the flowering of new Wine) to subdue, and exclude them from its Company, by every manner of way; which, a Flux being arisen, when it cannot expel by Sweat, Urine, or bleeding, it oftentimes tranfers, to the substance of the Brain, and there fixes them: and from hence chief, the v distempers, when they are fixed, and firmly rooted, draw their original, when as the lighter, and that are easily moved, often proceed from the afore-recited causes.  
9 Convulsive motions, hap in Fevers, for divers causes: sometimes, because of the matter being heaped together in the first passages, which there haules the membranous parts, with its notable pravity, and than, by the consent of the nervous stock, the Convulsion is presently Communicated to the beginning of the Nerves, in the Brain, and by that means draws aside now these, and now those parts: by which means, Worms abounding in the Viscera, sharp humours being stirred, and strong Medicines, induce Convulsions: or secondly, when the Fever, is a partaker of some malignity, so in the small Pox, Measles, or the Plague frequently Convulsions hap; to wit, because the Blood is altered, from its benign and natural temper, into a destroying and venomous, by which the Nerves, and their beginnings, are pierced, and forced into Convulsions. Also, oftentimes without the suspicion of malignity, in a putrid Fever, Convulsive motions are induced, by reason of the translation of the Feverish matter, to the Brain, as was but now intimated: so I have often observed, when the Disease is not presently cured with the Crisis, the sick  by it, with a tedious sickness, and are made obnoxious to tremble, and Convulsive motions. Thirdly, and lastly, for the most part in every Fever, which terminates in Death, Convulsive motions are the sad forerunners of it; which I think to hap, not only from the malignity of the matter, with which the nervous stock is pulled and pierced, but because the Spirits, very much exhausted and debilitated, do not sufficiently blow up, and distend the Bodies of the Nerves, wherefore, being released from their wont extension, and tonic motion, they are however by a more weak endeavour of the Spirits, agitated into a disordered motion.  
10. A syncope or swooning, is want to be raised up several ways in Fevers, but chief for these three causes, to wit, either from the mouth of the Ventricle being distempered, which part, as it is interwoven with a manifold texture of Nerves, is very sensible, and because from the same branch of the sixth , little shoots of Nerves, are equally derived to the heart, and to the Ventricle, of the Orifice of the Ventricle, so implanted with Nerves, be distempered, with any great trouble, it is also Communicated to the heart, and either the motion is stopped in it, or at lest an inordinate one is excited, whereby the equal Flux of the Spirits, and the Blood, is interrupted for a time. I knew one in an acute Fever, taken with a frequent swooning, which distemper wholly ceased, after he had cast forth by Vomit, a long and smooth Worm. Secondly, a syncope also, is sometimes induced, because the envenomed matter is circulated with the Blood, which suddenly fixes, and extinguishes the vital Spirits, and congeals the Blood itself, that it is apt to stagnate in the heart, as usually happens in the Pest, small Pox, etc. of which we shall speak particularly hereafter. Thirdly, a syncope is want to hap, by reason of the more rare texture of the Spirits, which as they are very tender and subtle, are easily unbent, by any immoderate motion or pain: so I have known some, who being quiet in bed, have found themselves well enough, but being removed from one place to another, presently have swooned away.  
11. The pain of the Heart happens in Fevers, when the Ventricle, and especially its Orifices, by reason of the manifold insertions of Nerves, being very sensible, are beset with a sharp and bitterish humour, or else with an acid, and corrosive; for hence a pain and trouble arises from the acrimony of the humour, after the same manner, as when the sphincter of the fundament is afflicted, in Cholloric dejections, with pain and molestation.  
12. By reason of the same cause, Vomiting, and nauseousness are want to be excited, to wit, by the Ventricles being beset, and irritated to a Convulsion, from an extraneous matter, and not akin to itself: Such an excrementitious matter, may be gathered together in the Ventricle, by three ways; for either the aliments, partly by reason of a want of an acid ferment, by which they should be rightly Cooked, and partly by reason of the burning heat of the Ventricle, are roasted into such a Corruption; or Secondly, this kind of matter, is laid up in the Ventricle, from the Arteries, terminating in its Cavity, as uses to hap in the small Pox, the Plague, and malignant Fevers; or Thirdly, mere Choler, being pressed forth from the Choleduct Vessels, into the empty intestine, by reason of an inverse motion, and as it were Convulsive, of that intestine, it is poured into the Ventricle, want of Appetite, also happens, by reason of the Ventricles abounding with vicious Juices, and because the acid ferment, is wholly perverted, by the scorching heat. These kind of distempers of the Ventricle, and Viscera, sometimes arise from an excrementitious matter, (to wit, alimentous, degenerated in the concoction) heaped together, a long while before the Fever, in the first passages, which not seldom becomes, the occasional cause, of the Fever itself: but sometimes, nauseousness, want of Appetite, Vomiting, pain of the Heart etc. are the immediate products of the Fever; for when the day before the sickness, those distempered, have been well enough in their Stomach, as soon as the immoderate heat of the Blood was induced, whilst it boiled up above measure, both the Effluvia, and the recrements, being wont to be evaporated outwardly, also the bilous humour, flowing out of the Choleduct Vessels, are poured into the Ventricle; by which, its Crasis is overthrown; also the Relics of the Chyle, and other contents in the Viscera, are egregiously depraved; from whence, the aforesaid Distempers draw their Original.  
14. Not lesle frequent a symptom in Fevers, is a Diarrhea, or Flux of the Belly, which sometime happens about the beginning of the Disease, and arises (for the most part) either from the Bile, flowing forth of the Coleduct Vessels, into the Duodenum; or from the recrements of the Blood, and Nervous Juice, poured forth from the Arteries, and the passage of the Pancreas, into the intestines. All the aforesaid humours, (but especially the Choleric) when they are supplied in abundance, often Ferment with the mass remaining of the Chime, that the same swelling up with a spumous rarefaction, irritates the intestines, and provokes to the motion of excretion: sometimes also, about the standing of the Disease, and in the declination of it, a Lask is excited; and so, either Nature being Conqueress, the more thick purge of the Blood, are this way critically sifted forth; or being overcome, the Flux of the Belly, is the effect, and sign, of the Viscera wholly losing their strength, and firm tenor. It sometimes happens in a Fever, that the Belly is always bound, that it is not at all loosened, but by Physic, and though the sick take nothing but liquid things, for many days, the stools are still of a solid consistence, and hard, this seems for the most part to be done, when the Blood growing sharply and exceeding hot, like fire, consumes the humidities, wherever they flow, and draws to itself, out of the Bowels, the watery matter, by a Copious emission of vapours, and presently makes it to be evaporated outwardly: wherefore, the thicker part, being left in the intestines, is made firm, from the scorching heat as it were a Caput Mortuum, remaining after distillation.  
A Dyssentery is a distemper, so frequent in continual Fevers, that some years it becomes Epidemical, and not more mild than the Plague kills many: The cause of it is want to be, not any humour produced within in the Viscera, that corrodes the intestines with its Acrimony, (as some affirm) but a certain infection impressed on the Blood, and so intimately confused with it, that, under the form of a vapour, or a sincere humour, it cannot be pulled away from the Blood: wherefore, the thrusting forwards, towards the intestines, unlocks the little mouths of the Arteries, and makes there little Ulcers, and exudations or flow forth of the Blood, like as when from the Feverish Blood, Pustles and inflammations break forth outwardly, with a flowering towards the skin: But it is most likely, these dysenteric distempers, which accompany Malignant, or Epidemical Fevers, arise from a certain coagulation of the Blood, as shall be more fully declared hereafter.  
And here also, among the symptoms of Fevers, might be recited, what are want to appear outwardly, in the superficies of the Body, as are Spots, Whelks, Buboes, Carbuncles, etc. but because these belong after an especial manner to a Malignant Fever, therefore we will forbear in this place, from the consideration of them, until we shall speak of the Plague, Smallpox, the Pestilential, and Malignant Fever.  
The Pulse and Urine shall conclude here the troop of symptoms and signs in a Putrid Fever, which are much heeded, for the finding out, both the state and the strength of the sick: For, as there are two things, by which our life is propped, viz. Heat enkindled in the Heart, and concoction to be made in the Viscera, and Vessels, because the Pulse and Urine, best show the alterations in either, induced in a Fever, therefore from hence, a most certain judgement is taken of this Disease, about to end, in Death or Health. I think it is not needful, to speak of these at large, or to recount the several causes and differences of either: It will suffice for me to note here, the chiefest things of them, and what are worthy of consideration in the course of Fevers. And first of all the Pulse is consulted, as it were a Thermometer or Weatherglass, constitued by Nature, that from thence, the heat enkindled, in a Fever might be meted; which if it should be more strong, stirs up a great ebullition or boiling up of the Blood, the Artery beats more strongly and quicker, so long as the Spirits are in strength; than they being a little exhausted, the more strong Pulse is remitted; which however is compensated with swiftness, and is made quick, and small. If the Fever be gentler, and is troubled with a lesser burning, the Pulse also declines lesle, from its Natural condition, and the moderation of this, in the whole course of the Disease, denotes the truces of Nature. Neither doth the Pulse only, betray the forces of the Fever, as of an Enemy, but shows also plainly the strength of Nature, and her ability of resisting. So long as the Pulse is laudable, the matter goes well, and it shows good hopes; but from the evil state of this, a bad omen is shown, and a despair of Health. So without a frequent, and diligent examination of the Pulse a Physician cannot make a right judgement or Prognostication, or safely prescribe Physic.  
1. As to the first thing, it aught to be known (as much as may be) what every one's Pulse is, according to its Natural Constitution; for it is in these stronger, in those weaker: than it is to be considered, in every moment of the Fevers, by what degrees it is distant from its Natural state: for now it is sometimes more vehement, and argues the Fever to grow stronger; now it is depressed, below its want, and denotes the Spirits and Strength dejected.  
Those whose Pulse in Health beats weakly and languishing, when taken with a Fever, if they have a small and weak Pulse, it is not so evil a sign, that we should presently despair of their Health: In whom the Pulse is by Nature strong and vehement, if after the Crisis of the Disease, it hath scarce a moderate vigour, though it be not wholly weak, it argues the condition of the sick to be suspected, and not safe.  
If from the beginning of the Fever, before the Blood has flamed out, or if a Crisis being made, when part of the burden is drawn away, or at another time, without an evident cause, the Pulse becomes weak, it portends evilly: but if after long watch, or great evacuations, the Pulse is made a little weaker, Health is not therefore to bedespaired of, because the strength cast down by these means, or overwhelmed, may be restored, and the Spirits renewed.  
When the Pulse is suddenly altered for the worse though the sick seem to be better, as to the rest of the symptoms, you may forespeak the said prognostication of Death; and so contrariwise, although most horrid symptoms urge, and yet the Pulse is laudable, Health may be yet hoped for. If in a strong man, that hath a Fever, the Pulse is very small, and creepingly, or becomes like the motion of Aunts, death is at hand.  
2. In the exhibiting of Medicines, cautions and rules of no small moment are taken; Purging and Vomiting are forbidden, by the pulse being too quick and violent; also by being low and depressed; because, whilst the Blood is too fervent, evacuation helps little, because both what is hurtful is not separated, also for that by the perturbation, the strength or spirits, are more debilitated. But when the spirits are broken, and strength cast down, Medicines cast them more down, and sometimes wholly overthrows them. Wherhfore, when a Physician thinks of evacuation, upwards or downwards, he first examines the pulse, and goes about this work only, when Nature is strong and quiet; that she may at once be at leisure, for the operation of the Medicine, and may have sufficient strength.  
Nor is there lesle need of circumspection, in sweeting Medicines and Cordials: which, if administered in the Feverish fit, do too much strengthen, the former violent motion of the Heart, and oftentimes break its strength; also, when the Pulse is very languid, if hot and strong Cordials are administered, (as when a small flame is troubled with a more strong blast of wind) life is easily extinguished; wherefore, 'tis a vulgar observation, that Cordials often accelerate death, for that by too much troubling the Blood, they sooner beaten down strength.  
There is yet the most need of the caution, and direction of the Pulse, in exhibitiug narcoticks; for these, (because they perform their work by extinguishing, and fixing the too fierce vitalspirits) if used in a weak or inconstant Pulse, either by diminishing the vital spirits, tender them wholly insufficient for the Disease, or by suffocating them too much, cause a perpetual sleep: wherefore, in a languid, unequal, or formicating or creeping Pulse, opiates are to be shunned, more than a mad Dog or a Snake.  
An unequal, and intermitting Pulse, has a most evilreport, from the writings of Physicians; yet, although of an ill note, does not so certainly portend death, as a weak Pulse: for I have known many, to have recovered, though by those kind of signs condemned to the Grave; because the inordination of the Spirits, and the Blood, may be more certainly and easily composed, or allayed, than their dejection restored.  
2. The inspection of Urines in Fevers, before all other Diseases whatsoever, hath more of certainty, and is of greatest use: for from hence, the conditions of the sick, and of the Disease are best known, and the medical intentions, concerning what is to be done, are better directed; what observations, and rules, concerning this thing, are vulgarly set forth, are so many, that it would be almost an infinite labour and tediousness to recount them all: it will be sufficient here, to note the chief of them.  
Concerning the Urines of persons in Fevers, there are chief to be considered, the colour, consistency, contents, and subsidency or settling. The colour of the Urine, shows the measure, or excess of heat in the Blood; which, as it is increased, and becomes more remiss; the Urine also is more, or lesle read; the cause of which is, the ebullition of the Blood or the effervescency induced from the Fever, to the Blood; by reason of which, the particles of Salt, and Sulphur, implanted in the Blood, humours, and solid parts, are more dissolved, and incocted with the serum, and impart to it a redness; even as, when Salt of Tartar, and common Sulphur being mixed one with another, and boiled in water, impart a deep read colour to the Liquor.  
The Urines of some, are highly read, when they are but a little, or lightly Feverish: and on the contrary, the Urines of others, labouring with a Feverish burning, are lesle coloured. Who abound with lively heat, and a very hot Blood, or are obnoxious to the Scurvy, phthisis, or hypochondriac distemper, when by taking cold, condensation, surfeit, or drinking of Wine, they are troubled by any little Fever, they tender a Urine strongly read: for that the particles of Salt and Sulphur, remain exalted in their Blood, and before half loosened; wherefore, there is a necessity, that the Fever urging, they are more boiled in the serum; on the contrary, they who are endued with a cold temper, with a faint and weak Pulse, being taken with a Fever, with a greater effervescency of the Blood, tender their Urine lesle coloured.  
The consistency, contents, and subsidency of Urines, being put as it were upon the same third, depend all of them, on the adust and recrementitious matter, which is remaining in the Blood, after the Feverish deflagration: if there shall be plenty of this, the consistency of the Urine becomes somewhat thicker, and after it has stood, it is troubled by the cold: but if there be a lesser quantity of this, or otherways derived than to the Reinss, (to wit, by sweat, or is called away by a critical translation, to this or that part) the consistency is made thinner, and the Liquor remains clear. Also the particles of this matter, do enlarge the contents of the Urine, which show themselves diversely, according as the nutricious Juice, is now somewhat cooked, and assimilated by the Blood, now altogether perverted, and carried into a putrefaction, some signs of concoction, and assimulation, show themselves, in the Urines of Feverish persons, now a laudable Hypostasis, now some marks and rudiments of the same: A want of Hypostasis, and the confusion, and perturbation of the Urine, denote the concoction vitiated, But as this matter is more or lesle roasted, in the Blood, the contents are now of a pale, now of a read colour, like ochre. By reason, that the recrements, confounded with the Blood, either the Spirit being strong, begin to be overcome, and separated, or the same being depressed too much, they are lesle able to be separated, also the contents of the Urine, are want to be more or lesle, sooner or slower separated, from the rest of the Liquor, and to sink down towards the bottom.  
As to the Prognostics, to be taken from the Urine, we may take notice, that the colour of the Urine being somewhat more remiss, the consistency mean, the contents few, and the subsiding free or easily collected into a Cloud, portend good: on the contrary, a deep read, a thick and troubled confistency, thick and cloudy contents, which slowly or scarce at all sink to the bottom, denote a very great heat, plenty of adust matter, and its being brought under, and secretion, difficult or frustrated.  
As to the Medicinal directions, the business depends on this, that we attend, by the frequent inspection of the Urine, the motion of Nature, and be helpful to the same; neither is it to be moved, by purge or sweat, but when a certain hypostasis of the Urine shows signs of concoction and separation. I thought it needless to say any more here concerning this matter, because those things are more largely handled elsewhere, in a proper place, which belong to Urines.   

CHAP. XI. Of the Kind's, and Cure of a Putrid Synochus, or contitinual Fever.  
ANd thus much for a Putrid Synochus in general, in which is described its formal reason, according to the accidents and symptoms which are commonly observed in its Figure; there are besides, (I shall not say species but) some varieties, or irregularities of this Disease, in which, this Fever sometimes declines from this common Rule, and by reason of some accidental Distempers, gets new names and distinctions.  
In the first place therefore, a Putrid Synochus is want to be divided into Symptomatick, and essential; It is called Symptomatick, which draws its beginning from some other Distemper, or Disease before excited in the Body, so that the Fever, is only a symptom, coming upon that other Disease: of which sort is accounted, what depends upon the squinancy, pleurisy, the inflammation or imposthume of the Lungs, or any imposthume from a wound, or ulcer in a principle part, or its neighbourhood, of which we think a little otherways, viz. That truly no Putrid Fever is merely Symptomatical; perhaps it may arise occasionally, from some other Distemper; but it is founded immediately, in the Sulphureous part of the Blood being made too hot, and as it were enkindled: for without a Procatarsis, or preceding indisposition of the Blood, the aforesaid Distempers, rarely, or not at all, 'cause a Putrid Fever.  
As to what respects the squinancy, pleurisy, the inflammation or imposthume of the Lungs, and the like; I say, that these are the products of the Fever, or Distempers following it; but by no means the cause of it; for most often the evident cause, went before, which produced the Feverish effervescency of the Blood, as a taking of cold evacuation being hindered, etc. than, although the sick do not openly grow presently into a Fever, yet a greater ebullition of the Blood, than was want, is stirred up, as may be easily conjectured from the Urine, Pulse, and inquietude of the whole Body. After some days, (nhw sooner, now later) an Inflammation is brought forth, in one part or other; the reason of which, may probable enough be said to be of this sort: The Blood, by reason of the effluvia being retained, (which are like ferment) is increased in its bulk, and grows more turgid than its want, in the Vessels; and when for want of Ventilation, it is straightened in the space of its circulation, it easily springs forth, where it can found a passage, through the Arteries, and being extravasated, from the broken thread of Circulation, it gathers together into a Tumour: and because from this kind of tumour, an heat, and pain, are increased in the part, the Blood is more disturbed in its motion, and so the Fever, at first enkindled, is more aggravated.  
Further, in these kind of Distempers, we may take notice, of a certain aptitude of the Blood to be coagulated, whereby it is made lesle fluid, so that it is apt to be congealed in the lesser Vessels: even as it is to be perceived in Milk, when it gins to sour, for than it will not be boiled, nor heated over the fire, without coagulation: and in like manner, there is to be suspected in the Blood, a certain disposition to growing sour, by reason of which, it is made more obnoxious to coagulation; for it easily appears, that in a pleurisy, a peripneumonia, the squinancy, and the like Diseases, the inflammation, or extravasation of the Blood, does not always depend on the exuberancy of the Blood, and plenitude of the Vessels: for oftentimes, the Blood is stopped in its motion, with a weak pulse, and a sinking down of the Vessels, and beign extravasated in the side, or elsewhere, causes a most acute pain, yea being driven from one part, by and by its fixed in another: and sometimes it gins to stagnate in the heart itself, and there oftentimes induces a deadly oppression: wherefore, some pluritical people, are want, when the pains are gone, to complain of a great burden, and as it were weight, fixed about the region of the Heart: And when we have opened the dead Bodies, of such as have died of these kind of Diseases, we have seen the Blood to be gathered together, in little bits, or oblong goblets, in the secret parts of the Heart, and round about the cavities of the Vessels. But for that these Diseases, are want to be handled apart from the Fever, therefore we shall say no more of them here.  
It only remains, that we inquire, whether the Fever which acompanies these Distempers, is to be esteemed in the rank of those, that are called Putrid, or not? To which we reply, that most often, they are simple Fevers, in which only a subtle, and spirituous part of the Blood is inflamed; and therefore, if the extravasated Blood may be restored to circulation, by a plentiful detraction of the Blood, or an emptying the Vessels by sweat, presently the growing hot of the Blood is appeased, and the Fever shortly allayed. But sometimes, when a predisposition, as in a Plethora, or fullness of good humour, or in a great cacochymy or fullness of evil Juices, brings it on, together with the same kind of distempers, a Putrid Fever is enkindled, wholly from the same cause.  
Among the symptomatick Fevers, is reckoned that which is commonly called the slow Fever: they who are sick of this, are more than usually hot, especially after eating, any motion, or exercise; the Urine for the most part is read, the Spirits are feeble; and strength cast down, as to their appetite, and rest, they are indifferently well, they have neither Cough, nor much spitting, but they daily (like those in Consumptions) grow lean, without any evident cause. The fault for the most part is ascribed, to obstructions in some inward, (as the liver, spleen, or mesentery) by whose default, the aliment is not well Cooked, nor rightly dispensed. But it seems to me, that this sort of distemper, is immediately founded in the evil disposition of the Blood, by which it is inclined, into a too salt and sour temper, and therefore is rendered lesle apt for nutrition, and an equal circulation. For the Blood in the Heart, just like oil in a Lamp, if it redounds too much with saline Particles, is enkindled not pleasantly, and equally, but with a noise, and great evaporation of the parts; whereby indeed, it is sooner wasted, and exhibits but a languishing, and weak flame. I opened one, sometime since dead of this Disease, in whom the Viscera destinated to concoction, were well enough, but the Lungs were without moisture, and dry, and beset throughout with a sandy matter like Chaulk. Also oftentimes, in this Disease, the Mesentery is beset, the glandules being filled with such a Chalky matter: But whether the Blood being made more saltish, doth first bring in these kind of distempers of the Viscera, or whether the dyscrasy, or evil disposition of the Viscera, first brings it upon the Blood is uncertain: it seems probable, that either distemper depends upon the other, and that the causes of either evil are reciprocal.  
But the Fever, which chief deserves to be called Symtomatic, is that which is excited in Phthisical persons, from an Ulcer, or Consumption of the Lungs. For the whole Blood, whilst it passes thorough the Lungs, in its circulation, often impresses on this Inward, the ideas of very many Diseases; and on the other side, receives the same from it, being evilly affected, whatsoever impure thing is contained in the mass of the Blood, as the flowering of New Wine, is cast forth by extremities of the Arteries; wherefore, when Nature being made more weak, it cannot transfer its recrements into the superficies of the Body, it deposes them, by a more near Purgation into the Lungs. From hence a Cacochymia, or fullness of ill juices, and many Chronical Diseases, end in a Consumption: in like manner, when the flesh of the Lungs wastes, or abounding with an Ulcerous matter, becomes half putrid, the Blood passing through it, is infected with the purulent matter, or tabid infection, and for that cause, is stirred up into a continual Effervescency, by reason of the confusion of something not miscible, and wherefore, it induces an assiduous Fever, and wholly perverts the Alible Juice. The same reason is, of Fevers, form an Ulcer, or Imposthume, oftentimes raised up in other parts: for these, even as the tabid constitution of the Lungs, cause oftentimes a Consumption, and Hectic Fever. The full consideration of these, are not for this place, wherefore, we will return, whence we have digressed, to a Putrid Fever properly called, or essential.  
The Essential Putrid Synochus, is want to be divided, into a Putrid (such as is already described) into a Causon, or hot burning Fever; and besides into a Quotidian, Tertian, and Quartan: The Putrid Synochus, but now delineated, aught to be the rule or square of the rest, to whose type, most Fevers, which are of this kind, are to be composed. As to the rest, but now mentioned, according as they vary their kind, I shall briefly subjoin.  
The Causon, or Burning Fever, is that which performs its course, with a greater heat, almost intolerable thirst, and other symptoms, arguing a greater inflammation of the Blood: The formal reason of it, by which it is differenced from the rest, consists in this; that the temper of the Blood is hotter, that is, abounds more with fireable Sulphur; therefore, when it grows fervent, it is enkindled in a greater plenty, and with its deflagration, diffuses the Effluvia of a most intense heat, through the whole Body: its motion is acute, and quickly comes to its standing, it is compassed about with more horrid symptoms, hath a difficult Crisis, and an even full of danger.  
But as to what respects those periods, or fits, in which a Putrid Fever sometimes is want to be more cruel, at a set time; and (as if intermitting) now every day, now every third, or fourth day, repeats as it were the Feverish fit; the reason of this seems not easily to be explicated: especially, if we reject from this cense, the fewer humours, to the spontaneous motion of which, this distemper is commonly ascribed, concerning this matter, what seems most likely to me, I shall doubtingly propose. In a continual Fever, there are two chief things, (as we have already noted) which for the most part, induce the Effervency of the Blood; to wit, the exaltation and enkindling of the Sulphureous part of the Blood, than consequently, an heaping together of the adust matter, and remaining after the burning of the Blood, to a swelling up: upon the former the continuance of the fever, upon the other, its standing, and critical perturbations, depend: to these some times, a certain third thing happens, to wit, a fullness, and swelling up of the crude Juice, from the Aliments newly taken; which in a continual Fever, (as in the fits of Intermitting Fevers) induces a greater Effeervency, at set intervals of times. But why this does not always hap, nor wholly after the same manner, the reason is this: when the Putrid Synochus is very acute, and the whole Blood almost is quickly inflamed, and highly rages, whatsoever of Nutritious Juice, is poured to the Blood, is presently burnt, and consumed by the fire; wherefore, little or nothing of it, is contained in the mass of Blood, of rthe matter of a fit. But if this Fever be lesle acute, and the Blood only flames forth moderately, and in parts, the supplement of the crude Juice, is not wholly consumed, by the burning; but is perverted, by a more gentle fire, into a Fermentative matter, which, when it arises in the Vessels to a fullness of swelling up, conceives a Flux, and by its Effervency, makes stronger the Feverish heat, before glowing in the Blood, as it were by the coming of new fuel. The flowering of this matter doth not seldom begin with a light shivering, or cold, and sometimes end with sweat: but for the most part, it is exhaled by insensible transpiration. In every fit, besides the provision of the degenerate Nutritious Juice, something from the adust, and burnt matter of the Blood, evaporates; wherefore, the Crisis of the Disease, is drawn forth longer, that 'tis hardly cured, under eleven or fourteen days; yea (for the most part) in this sort of Fever, with fits and remissions coming between, the perfect Cure of the Disease happens, scarcely within twenty days: and sometimes leisurely, without any through Crisis, it remits, and than, by a long declination, it is ended in Death, or Health.  
But that this kind of remission, and acerbation or growing more violent, are varied, according to the type of an Intermitting Fever, that they repeat their turns now every day, now every other day, and sometimes not but within four days, the reason of this is to be sought, from the Doctrine before delivered, of Intermitting Fevers: to wit, that according as the dyscrasy of the Blood, diversely appears, the supplement of the degenerate Nutritious Juice, arises to the fullness of swelling up, either sooner or later; and for that reason, its Effervency, causes now more frequent, now more rare fits in this Fever.  
Concerning the Cure of Putrid Fevers, of every kind, there are four general intentions, on which, the whole stress of the matter depends. First, that the Blood, (if it may be done) may be defended from burning, and the flame, or fire enkindled in its Sulphureous part, the wholly suppressed; which about the first beginning of this Disease, happens to be often brought about. Secondly, that when the Blood having taken fire, cannot be presently extinguished, that at lest it may perform its burning more mildly, and with lesser hurt. Thirdly, the deflagration being ended, that the Liquor of the Blood, be freed from the recrements of the adust and  matter, and afterwards restored, to its Natural temper and vigour. Fourthly, that the symptoms chief troubling may be timely helped, the which, unless taken away, will frustrate the work both of Nature and Medicine.  
As to particular Remedies, with which these intentions may be served, there are various prescriptions, and forms of Medicines, not only among Physicians, but also among old women and Emperics, ordinarily in use: from which however, like a Sword in a blind man's hand, used without difference, and exact method of healing, more hurt than good, most often accrues to the sick. There will be no need here to repeat the forms of Purges, Cordials, and of other Medicines, eligantly enough delivered among many Authors: I will add in few words, some chief indications, and Medical Cautions, which aught to be observed in the course of this Fever, according to its various times, and divers symptoms.  
1. At the first beginning of this Disease, the business will be, that the Fever may be presently suppressed; and the inflammation of the heated Sulphur, may be inhibited: to which, the opening of a Vein doth chief conduce; for by this means, the Blood is eventilated, and the heated Particles, too much heaped together, and almost ready to be fired, are dissipated one from another: as when hay, apt to burn, if exposed to the open Air, its firing is prevented. Besides, let a slender diet be instituted, in which nothing Spirituous or Sulphureous aught to be administered; The Viscera, and first passages should be freed from the load of excrementitious matter; wherefore, Clysters are of necessary use; sometimes also Vomits, and gentle Purges; by which, sometimes timely and with judgement administered, the Fever presently after the beginning, is extinguished, the Food of the fire being drawn away. If that notwithstanding this method the burning spreads more abroad, and more and more, daily snatches hold of the Sulphureous Particles of the Blood; it must be endeavoured, (as much as may be) that the deflagration proceed gently, without great tumult.  
2, When the Fever is augmented, if the Blood be too hot, and distends the Vessels very much, with a vehement and strong Pulse; if watch, a Frenzy, or a pain of the Head cruelly urge, the letting of Blood may be again repeated; Transpiration (as much as may be) should be freely procured, wherefore, let the sick keep in bed, for the most part; let the diet be sparing, of the most slender Aliments, also drink small, and plentiful, that the burning Blood, may be diluted with a more plentiful Serum: Clysters are administered safe enough, and in truth commodiously; but Medicines, whether Cathartics, or Diaphoretics, and which too much exagitate the Blood, are to be shunned, with the same industry, as blasts of wind to burning houses: but rather Opiates, and anodynes which fix and bind up the Blood, and Spirits, are to be made use of; also Juleps, and Decoctions, which refrigerate the burning Viscera, attemper the Blood, and cherish the Spirits, are often to be exhibited: acetous Liquors of Vegetables, or Minerals, also putrified Nitre, because they restrain the rage of the Blood, and extinguish Thirst, are truly convenient. Hot waters, and Spirits, Cordial, and Bezoartic powders, (so long as the Disease is not malignant) are not to be meddled with. If that the Blood be unequally circulated, and is carried more towards the Head, than the Feet, Epithemas are profitable, of the warm flesh, or Inwards of Animals, applied to the soles of the Feet.  
3. When the Fever is at its standing, the motion of Nature is diligently to be attended, whether it will make a Crisis, or not; Wherhfore, nothing rashly is to be attempted by the Physician; the opening a Vein, or strong Purgation, is wholly to be forbidden; but after that the Feverish burning is somewhat remitted, from the deflagration of the Blood, and signs of concoction appear in the Urine, if that the motion of Nature be slow, a Sweat, or gentle Purge may be admitted; which however are better, and safer done, by the Physician, when Nature first, by a critical motion, hath entered upon the seclusion of the Morbific matter. If that all things are crude, and troubled, the Urine yet turbid, without sediment, or separation of parts, if the strength be languishing, the Pulse weak, if there be no Crisis going before, or only in vain, any evacuation, either by Sweat or Purge, is not to be attempted, without manifest danger of life: but it must be longer stayed for, that the Spirits of the Blood may recover themselves, may by some means overcome the excrementitious and adust matter, and than by degrees may separate it, and put it forth; in the mean time, the Spirits are to be cherished, with temperate Cordials, the immoderate Effervency of the Blood (if it still be) is to be stopped, and its due Fermentation sustained, which in truth is best performed, by Corals, Pearls, and such kind of powders; which indeed are dissolved by the Ferments of the Viscera, and than Ferment with the Blood, and greatly restore its weak and wavering motion. In the mean time, (whilst Nature is labouring) all obstacles, and impediments are to be removed, and especially the provision of excrements, heaped up in the first passages, is to be brought away, by the frequent use of Clysters.  
4 By what way or method, the symptoms chief urging, aught to be handled, will not be easily prescribed by certain Rules; because, they themselves require sometimes to be presently appeased, and quieted, and sometimes to be quickened forward: and what is something more, perhaps at another time, they are to be left wholly to Nature. Some of these are too opposed, with gentle and lenitive Remedies, but others with more sharp and irritative Physic: yet in the mean time, it is a precept to be held in all, that you diligently wait upon the footsteps of Nature: which if it works wrongfully, its disorder is to be reduced; if rightly, yet too vehemently, to be bridled: If she works rightly yet too slowly, or more weakly than she should, the business will be, that her endeavour may be incited, and helped, by the help of Medicine.  
5. In the declination of the Fever, when after a perfect Crisis, Nature is stronger than the Disease, the business goes well, nor is there much business left for a Physician: It only remains, to propose an exact manner of diet, that the sick may soon recover strength, without fear of relapsing: also it is requisite, to exterminate the Relics of the Feverish matter, with a light Purgation. About Diet, they often fall on the Rock of relapsing, viz. by the too hasty eating of flesh meats, or more strong Food, the sick relapse into the Fever: for when the Viscera are weak, and the Aliments (unless very slender) not easily digested, and when also the disposition of the Blood, is weaker, that it does not assimilate the more strong nourishing Juice; if any thing improportionate is brought to either, the regiment of Nature is again perverted, and all goes ill. Wherhfore, those growing well, should for a long time refrain from flesh, and when at length they use it, it should not be unless the Urine shall be like that of healthful people, and no more troubled by the cold: and than indeed it will be safest, to begin with broths made of flesh, and than by degrees, to proceed to more strong Aliments.  
6. When from an imperfect Crisis, things are grown doubtful, and remain yet undetermined; than is the Physicians most difficult task: The motions and strength of Nature are carefully to be waited on, whether it gins to prevail on the Disease, or to yield to it: If signs of concoction appear, and that there is strength, a gentle evacuation, and only by leisure, is to be celebrated. In the mean time, the symptoms most urging, are to be succoured, with convenient Remedies, all impediments to be taken away, and strength is to be sustained (as much as may be) with Cordials, and a right manner of living or diet.  
7. When from an evil, or no Crisis, all things turn to the worse, and when the Physician almost despairs of Curing the Disease, he may predict its event suspected, and much to be feared, But yet, he aught not to trust to a naked Prognostication, to hinder all things else, but that as yet, what is in the Medical Art, should be consulted for Health, though desperate: Remedies may be administered, to the symptoms most infesting; the Spirits of the Blood almost extinct, may be restored by Cordials. When we despond of Health, life should be prolonged as long as it may, and at lest a fair exit procured.  
According to the various types but now described, of a Putrid Fever, I might readily add very many Histories of sick people, and particular observations, made about their Cure; for these kind of examples are usually met with in our daily practice, so that they are sufficient to fill a great Volumn; out of these however, with the good leave of the honest Reader, I will briefly propose some few, respecting the several kinds of the aforesaid Fever, by which their Doctrine, and Method of healing them, above delivered, may be illustrated.  
A Noble Matron, about fifty years of Age, of a slender habit of Body, little stature, endued with a ruddy Complexion, when on the fifteenth day of June, by reason of the Summer's heat, she had put on more thin Garments, than she was want, felt herself ill in the Evening; from thence she was distempered with a nauseousness, and oppression of her Stomach, she felt wand'ring pains, troulbing her now in her shoulders, now in her back, very thirsty, yet without any immoderate heat: on the second, and third day, almost after the same manner, on the fourth day after a Vomit, Viz. of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum one Ounce given, she cast forth yellow bile four times, and had three Stools, and seemed to be eased: the night following, she slept something better: but on the next day, the Fever being throughly enkindled, she complained of thirst, a burning of the Praecordia, and of a pain, now in her side, now in her back; presently blood was taken to eight Ounces, her Urine was of a very deep read, thick, and troubled without any Hypostasis, or settling of the Contents, her Pulse unequal, and often intermitting, the following night without sleep: on the sixth day of the Disease, early in the Morning, a small Sweat broke forth, from whence the heat something abated, which in the Evening again grew stronger: on the seventh day, a very acute heat, with thirst, burning, an inordinate and intermitting Pulse, as also with a mighty restlessness, and tossing of the whole Body troubled her, on the eighth the symptoms were somewhat more remiss, also in the Urine, some marks of an Hypostasis; she took that day posset-drink, with Meadow-sweet boiled in it, and sweated plentifully; and was cured of her Fever. All the time of her sickness, for Food they gave only small Beer, Posset drink, Barley broth, or Grewel, also frequently Clysters; Drink, and a cooling Julep, they gave her at her pleasure.  
This Noble Lady, through transpiration being hindered, fell into a Putrid Synochus: the Effluvia, want to be evaporated through the skin, being retained within, (together with the Choler flowing out of the Choleric Vessels) and fixed to the Viscera, did overthrew the dispositions of their parts, and especially gave trouble to the Stomach, and raised up pains and Convulsions, in the parts filled with Muscles and Membranes: the Pulse was unequal, and intermitting, not because of the malignity of the Disease, as in the Plague, but by reason a certain proper disposition of the Heart, by which indeed, its ferment being not well constituted, the Blood growing fervent is not presently equally enkindled, and wholly leaps forth, but a part of the Blood, in flowing in a small, than a greater, and after some turns the graatest proportion, stopping for a moment of time, in the Bosoms of the Heart, produces the unequal and intermitting Pulse. I have known in many others, clearly, the like distemper of the Pulse: to wit, so long as they were free from intemperance, the Pulse was altogether equal, and orderly, but if they were more strongly heated than usually, by any sudden passion of the mind, or too great agitation of the Body, presently they were affected with an unequal Pulse, and between the vibrations or strikings, intermitting perhaps 4, 7, 10, or 20. and as often as they fell into a Fever, the Pulse shown itself after this irregular manner. When this habitual irregularity, concerning the Pulse, was not yet made known to me, by frequent experience, I was want to suspect still a malignity in the Disease, and to foretell a fatal event, which happened otherwise.  
On the fifth day, in this sick person, the Fever, although slowly enkindled, came to an augmentation, and from thence past through the rest of the stations with a swift motion: on the sixth a light emptying of the adust matter, arising to a fullness, a sweat being risen, and so a certain remission of the Feverish heat followed: on the seventh day, this adust matter arising to its height of increase, made the standing of the Disease, to which, at length on the eighth day, a plentiful sweat, with all things requisite to a good Crisis, followed, and perfectly Cured the Fever: because (as it aught to be: those three things went before this criticial evacuation, viz. first a full and sufficient deflagration of the Blood, as appeared by the very strong heat, and plainly fiery, continued for three days before: also secondly, a congestion of the adult matter to a plenitude, as was collected by the high disquiet, and tossing about the preceding and than a certain Pepasmus or Concoction of the same matter, and a begun secretion in the Blood. which a ceasing of the symptoms and signs of Concoction in the Urine, shown: wherefore, the Copious sweat, coming upon so laudable a sign, so long as there was no suspicion of malignity, portended nothing but good.  
About the beginning of the year 1656, a Gentleman endued with all active habit of Body, without any manifest cause, (unless that being much addicted to study, he used no exercise after it) became ill; at first he complained, of a nauseousness and want of Appetite, with a great Headache: on the second day, he was affected, now with a shivering, now with heat, several times reciprocating, besides, with thirst, and burning of the Praecordia, with a scurfieness of the Tongue, and an ingrateful savour. On that day, he took ten drams of an Emetic Liquor, by which he Vomited seven times, and cast up a great quantity of yellow bile, and had four Stools; the night following he was unquiet, and almost wholly without sleep, and in which the sick person grew more Feverish, with an increased heat: on the third day, when the aforesaid symptoms were grown worse, he was let Blood to ten Ounces: his Urine was read, thick, and with a copious sediment; his Pulse quick, and vehement; at night he sweated a little, with a sort sleep, but disturbed: on the following morning, he seemed to be a little eased: yet in the evening all things grew worse, with most strong wake, heat, and thirst: on the fifth day, by a lightsweat, the heat somewhat remitted, which yet a little before the evening, returned with its wont fierceness, The night again was wholly without sleep, with a continual tossing up and down of his Body: In the morning, by a little gentle sweeting, he felt a little ease; in the evening an increase again of all things more cruelly; the night also was very unquiet: about the beginning of the next day, a sweat, as before succeeded, and a little more plentifully: on this day was a manifest change towards health; the heat and thirst was a little lesle vehement; his Urine was lesle read, with some Hypostasis; thence, for three days, the Fever leisurly declined; yet every night he had a certain fit, but more remiss than before on the eleventh day, he sweated more plentifully, and was perfectly Cured: all the time of his sickness, he used a most spare diet, taking truly nothing of Aliment, besides small Beer, and Posset drink made of it; he sometimes took drink, and cooling Juleps, of boiled Barley, and distilled waters; daily, if his Belly was not lose of itself, an emollient Clyster was administered: he used no other Physic besides, to wit, neither Purge nor Cordial. But the Fever being allayed, he was twice Purged, and from thence quickly grew well.  
This Fever was a Putrid Synochus, as may be conjectured by the shivering about the beginning, and than with continual heat, thirst, watch, and other symptoms grieviously infesting, for many days: but forasmuch, as its intemperature was exasperated every night, it might be called a continued Quotidian: This Disease, made its first assault without any evident cause, because the Blood being little ventilated, like Wine growing hot of itself, had conceived an ardour, from the exalted Sulphur; the Choler flowing forth from the Choleduct Vessels, and likewise the Purge of the raging Blood, being poured about inwardly, (as it is want to do for the most part in Fevers) presently stirred up troubles, and disorders in the first passages: therefore by reason of the excrementitious matter there heaped up, there was procured a depletion, and soon after the beginning, a Vomiting: notwithstanding which evacuation, and likewise a more strong Purging of the Belly by Stool, if administered, the Fever being wholly enkindled, because they too much agitate the Blood, and disturb greatly the Concoction of the adust Feverish matter, for that reason bring more damage for the most part than benefit to the sick: The first station of this Disease, viz, until the whole Blood was fired, was extended to the third day; and than from thence, when the Blood flaming forth was burdened with adust recrements, its greater ebullition, with a frequent endeavour of expulsion by sweat followed: on the seventh day, when the Blood for the greatest part had flamed forth, and the adust recrements, heaped up in its bosom to a fullness of swelling up, began to be troublesome, the critical motion was stirred up: by which nevertheless, that matter not being as yet wholly subdued, nor ready for separation, the Disease was not perfectly Cured; but after another period, the same increasing, at last being stirred up, on the eleventh day, brought on that other, and perfectly Curing swelling up: in the days between, because, besides the recrements remaining after the deflagration of the Blood, and reserved for a Crisis, also from the Nutritious Juice not presently taking fire, but after a peculiar manner depraved, other matter in the bosom of the Blood, apt to a swelling up, was gathered together; therefore, from the continual increase, and Flux of this, there happened to this Fever continual fits, (such as are want in Intermitting Fevers) on set days, and hours.  
A studious young man, about twenty five years of Age, of a dark Countenance, and Melancholic temper, without any manifest occasion, began to be sick, in the Year 1656. At first he complained of a Feverish distemper with thirst, a spontaneous weariness, and want of Appetite: moreover, on the second day, of a pain in his right side, and a distension of either Hypochondrium, also, with almost continual Vomiting, waking, and very great pain of the Head; a Physician being sent for, he was presently let Blood to twelve Ounces. In the evening he grew more hot, and was light headed, afterwards, a sweat, though small succeeding, he was better the next morning: on the fourth day again, he cast up whatever he took presently, also he was troubled with an almost continual endeavour of Vomiting. The exhibition of a Vomitory Medicine, proposed by the Physician, both the sick person, and also his Friends, taught by the danger of it before, rejected. From a Clyster given him he had six Stools, and seemed to be a little alleviated; also the night following he slept somewhat: on the fifth day he again fell into frequent Vomiting, with intolerable thirst: he burned inwardly, but outwardly could not be felt any immoderate heat; because the recrements of the effervent Blood, which aught to exhale through the skin, seemed to stagnate within, and to flow forth into the Viscera. Therefore in the evening, this Bolus was given him, to provoke sweat. Of Conserves of Roses Vitriolate one Dram, of Gascons powder one Scruple, of Laudanum soluted in Balm water one Grain: that night he slept moderately, and by a copious sweat following, the symptoms seemed to be mitigated: Nevertheless on the sixth day, all things again were embittered, and a through heat, thirst, and burning of the Praecordia, cruelly tormented him: on the seventh and eighth day the Pulse was unequal, and disordered, for the most part he talked idly, and if moved in his bed, fell often into a swound. On the ninth day, the same symptoms stopped, also he was troubled with a contraction of the tendons in his wrists, and Convulsive motions of other parts, that we almost despaired of life. Because that morning Nature seemed to be given over as conquered, she was now to be succoured, with what ever remained of Art. Wherhfore, intending a more copious sweat, as the last refuge, I gave him a Dram of Spirit of Hartshorn, at one time, in a small draught of Cordial Julep; upon which, being for four hours very unquiet and furious, he could scarce be held in his Bed; but afterwards sleep creeping upon him, he sweated very much, and the business suddenly came to be out of all danger. On the following night, for the continuing of the sweat, I ordered to be given him, every six hours, a dose of the powder of Contrayerva; the Fever, and the Distempers of the Nerves, shortly ceased, and the sick person became well.  
This Fever, as to the manner of its figure, may be called a Putrid Synochus; which, in this sick person, from the Blood being made hot of its own accord, like Hay heating, and so conceiving an immoderate fermentation, took its original: by reason of the Melancholic temper of the Blood, the heat was lesle strong, although the symptoms were otherwise worse, and happened to be chief inimical to the Nervous stock: for the Blood burning forth, as fire in a Furnace, covered with chips, glowed with a most intestine burning: therefore, the sick complained of the heat of the Praecordia, with an intolerable thirst, when in the mean time, the exterior parts were but little heated: for this reason, and because the Body was lesle perspirable, the adust recrements of the Blood being about to make a Crisis, and which were want to be dispersed outwardly, at set times, being suffused inwardly, (Nature being very much oppressed, and perpetually provoked) brought on cruel, and almost continual Vomitings; wherefore, when the Feverish matter was derived to the first passages, by so frequent an endeavour of its expulsion, before the fullness, or concoction, no Crisis followed thereupon. Nor was the sick man the better for that irregular evacuation, yea, the Blood being still made worse in its mixture, began to be corrupted in itself, and wholly to pervert the Nervous Liquor; from whence, besides the assiduous Vomitings, frequent Swoonings, inequal Pulse, also Deliriums, and Convulsive motions did arise; but forasmuch, as the mixtion of either humour, and disposition, being not yet wholly loosened, or overturned, the Diaphoretic was administered, which by reason of its great agility, quickly passed through both the Blood, and the Nervous Liquor, and a lively, and hasty Fermentation being raised up anew, carried forth of doors their impurities, and extraneous mixtures; the state of the Disease tending towards Death, was reduced to Health, and by this means, instead of a Natural Crisis, by the help of a supplying Medicine, the sick man, as it were recalled from the dead, quickly recovered Health.  
A woman, being about thirty years old, of a strong Body, and Melancholic temper, (as might be gathered by her very austere manners) in the third month after her lying in, got cold in giving her child suck, and uncovering herself, and upon it fell presenly into a shivering: To this, a heat more increased than usual, followed, which afterwards, (a light sweat arising) quickly remitted. On the second and third day, she was very thirsty, and without Appetite to Food, yet without immoderate heat, that she could scarce believe herself in a Fever: she lay quiet every night, but wholly without sleep; her Urine was highly read, and with the multitude of Contents, thick, and cloudy, which however not troubled by the cold, remained still after the same manner, without Hypostasis, or sinking down of the parts. On the fourth day, the heat was enkindled throughout the whole, wherefore, a Physician being than first sent for, about twelve Ounces of Blood was taken from her Arm; after the letting of Blood, and her Belly the same day copiously emptied, by a Clyster, in the evening she fell into a sweat, by which nevertheless she was nothing eased, and (though an Anodine Medicine was given her) she wore out the whole night, (as before) without sleep. On the fifth day, from a Clyster being given, she had three Stools, and felt some ease: her Urine still remained read and troulbed: when Blood was prescribed to be taken from her Ham, the sick obstinately refused, esteeming herself to grow well; on the following night, when she had lain long without sleep, and unquiet, she at length was troubled with a fit, such as is commonly called Hysterical, after a grievous manner; and at first, with a certain numbness, or sense of pricking, possessing the extreme parts of her Body (especially her Feet, Thighs, and Legs) she was affected; and together with a wind, cruelly distending the Intestines, Ventricle, and Hypochondria: she felt in the bottom of her Belly, as it were a certain bulk to creep upwards; which when it had ascended to the Heart, and thence to the Brain, the sick woman presently was weakened in her Intellectuals, and all the night lay talking extravagantly and idly. On the sixth day, after her Belly was taken down by a Clyster, she returned to herself, and remained in her right mind, and seemed to be indifferently well. But in the Evening when she was moved in her bed, she began to feel the same kind of fit as before, to wit, she had a sense of pricking, as if stung with nettles, in all her body, together as it were a round thing rolling about in her belly, which creeping upwards, distended the Intestines and Ventricle, that she emitted by means of it blasts, and belchings: for ease sake, she required a draught of cold water. Moreover, the Remedies usual in hysterical distempers, as Castor, the smell of Asafaetida, the fume of  feathers, ligatures, and frictions of the Legs, and the like were administered, by the use of which, she seemed for the present, free from the aforesaid distemper, and was wholly without it for four hours: but when she lay upon her back in her bed, as she had settled herself to sleep, on a sudden she complained that the same Symptoms, did at once run through her whole Body, and by and by, she fell upon it into a delirium; howling and crying out, she talked idly the whole night; the day following, her eyes being open, she lay without speech or motion: again in the Evening, when her Fever being increased, she grew furious, that she could scarce be held in her bed: and so she remained for three days, now delirious crying out, and wailing, now as it were stupid without motion, or voice; yet still she was tormented with Convulsive motions, about the tendons of the muscles: on the tenth day, she drew her breath deep, and difficultly, with a weak, and as it were a creeping pulse, and about the middle of the night died.  
This Fever was of the rank of the Putrid Fevers, which nevertheless, by reason of the melancholic disposition of the Blood, (as we before intimated) was not very grievous, with heat or burning; but yet being very much infestous to the Brain, and nervous stock, was more difficult to be cured: The Blood being predisposed to a growing bot, easily contracted the distemper by taking cold, but yet, from the salt, and earthy seculencies, together with the Sulphur being moved, it was not openly inflamed; nevertheless, burning with an intestine, and as it were shut up fire, it was more notably depraved: Hence, presently from the beginning, the Urine was highly read, and troubled, also she continued wholly without sleep: on the fifth day, the Blood burning forth, and being filled with the recrements, or adust matter, was irritated by its plenitude to an endeavour of excretion; wherefore, this night, a swelling up being arisen, it transferred its load, not dispersable by sweat, into the head, and there affixed it to the Brain, and nervous stock: From thence, presently, the wont irradiation of the animal Spirits, being disturbed in the fountain itself, their inordinations first happened to be felt, in the extreme parts; wherefore, there was a pricking in the whole Body, the Belly inflated, the hypochondria distended, and as it were a certain substance or live thing, ascending upwards, and successively running through the Belly, precordia, and at length the head: For these kind of Symtpoms, arise not (as it is commonly believed) always from vapours, lifted up from the Womb, and striving or thrusting upwards; but, not seldom, from the Brain, and the beginning of the nerves being distempered: for, when the evil is there inflicted, that the animal Spirits nigh their origine, are disturbed in their motion, neither (as before) blow up, and distend the nervous Bodies, presently the other Spirits, implanted in the extremities of the nerves, being deprived of their wont influence, begin to tumultuate, and being moved inordinately, and towards their beginnings, cause Convulsions in those parts in which they devil. This irregular, and Convulsive motion, begun in the extremities, by the continued passage of the Spirits, and of the nervous parts, creeps by and by into other parts, and than to others, still to those nearer to the Brain, till at length, (the whole series of Spirits, like Soldiers being carried successively backwards) the Convulsions are continued, into the fountain itself of motion; So as in truth, by this means, the Convulsive motions, are sometimes begun, a most long way, from the cause, or place of the distemper, as by this only argument plainly appears: to wit, as often as the influx of the animal Spirits, is inhibited in the leg, or arms, by a strict ligature, or by leaning hard on them, a fence of pricking, or a cramp, with a numbness, is felt, first in the foot or hand, which afterwards successively ascends towards the affected part: wherefore, in this sick woman, by reason of the Feverish matter, (to wit, the adust recrements) fixed on the Brain, by a critical translation from the bosom of the Blood; and there besetting the beginnings of the nerves, those Symptoms, imitating the histerical distemper were stirred up: by reason of the nerves, (which are dispersed through the whole Body, by means of the spinal marrow) being distempered near their original, the fence of pricking begun in the extreme parts, by and by is perceived in the whole. By reason of a like hurt, of the sixth  in the fountain, Convulsions and distentions arise, first in its little branches, most thickly set about the Abdomen: That ascent, as it were of a certain substance, was only a tumefaction of the Viscera, and muscles, successively inflated or blown up, by the Convulsion; from thence, the same distemper (by the mediation or coming between of the branch of the same sixth ) creeping along more upward, and still more near the Brain, the precordia, and than the head itself, (as by a certain vapour raised up from beneath) seemed to be taken; on the next day, when this Feverish matter, at first lightly fixed in the Brain, was at length again amended by the Blood, the aforesaid Symptoms ceased for a time: Than soon after (the Blood again flowing, and deposing its recrements again in the Brain) the same kind of distemper as before, this sick woman felt to come upon her; which however, with rubbings, the smell of stinking things, and other Remedies used in the histerical passion, was retarded for four hours, from its assault; to wit, forasmuch as the animal Spirits, being tired out by the external object, and irritated into a violent motion, were hindered, that they could not so suddenly conceive Convulsive motions: but afterwards, when that incitation of the Spirits, outwardly exhibited, did cease, the morbific cause still troubling, those Spirits being grievously beset, not successively (as before) beginning at the extremities, but on a sudden, all, both in the Brain, and the nervous appendix, were at once acted into Confusion. The Crisis being after this manner attempted, viz. By the translation of the Feverish matter to the Brain, the event of the Disease, both in this sick woman, and also in others, whose sicknesses I have diligently observed, for the most part hath a mortal success. For the Blood, unless extremely depraved, and hindered, scarce ever endeavours to purify itself, by such a Crisis: and as often as it endeavours an excretion by this means, it inflicts on the Brain, and nervous stock, an evil, not quickly, nor easily to be blotted out: also, the mass itself of the Blood, very rarely, by the motion of such a flowering, is rendered free, from the impure mixture of the Feverish matter.  
A learned young man, of a lean habit, and pale countenance, in the coming in of the Spring, being conscious of no error as to his diet, began to complain of a weariness, and impotency in walking, also of a drowsiness, and sleepiness of his head: on the second day also, he was tormented with thirst, want of appetite, and an heat of his precordia: on the third day, the Physician being sent for, he took a Vomit, by which, when he had Vomited three times, and cast downwards five times, choleric and hot matter, he became somewhat chearfuller, and the night following slept indifferently well: on the fourth day, he bled a small quantity; than his thirst, and heat very much increased: his Urine was read, with a copious sediment, and a little hypostasis. But because, after the signs of concoction in the Urine, the endeavour of Nature, as it were oppressed, appeared for separation, without sufficient evacuation, therefore he was let Blood to seven ounces, and he seemed thereby to be very much eased, yet in the evening, all things grew worse, and than for three days, the Fever seemed still to be increased: on the seventh day, he complained of a great heaviness in his head, and of a darkness, turning about in his eyes: after noon, an hemorrhage or bleeding copiously followed, that for the great loss of Blood; the sick person had almost lost all his strength, and there was a very great necessity of medicinal help to stop the Blood: For this end, when a vein in his Arm was opened, Ligatures, and proper medicines were applied, both to his head and belly, and very many other Remedies (the occasion of hasty curing urging) prescribed by every body, were tried in vain; at length, by the persuasion of a woman, coming there by chance, a read hot Iron was held to his bleeding nose, and on a sudden, from the vapour of the  Blood, received into the nostrils, its Flux was stayed; this Remedy, I afterwards knew used to many, with very good success. This great hemorrhage cured the continual Fever, to which nevertheless, an intermitting quotidian followed, which afterwards was quickly cured, by the method of curing already delivered.  
This Fever, beginning without any manifest occasion, and continued for many days with thirst, and heat, may be called a Putrid Synochus; which yet without any horrid Symptom, about the beginning or standing, was cured by an easy course, though at length by a dangerous, and difficult Crisis: The turgescency of the Blood in the Spring time, and together the defect of ventilation in the same, gave the beginning to this: The Blood burning out, with a Feverish fire, about the fourth day, had heaped up something of adust matter; that flowering it attempted a critical motion, though with a small hemorrhage: The defect of a more full evacuation, the opening of the vein supplied for a time, afterwards, the adust recrements being heaped together, in great plenty, the same being not apt to be dissipated by sweat, in a body not rightly perspirable, at the time nature was about to endeavour a Crisis, a mighty bleeding followed. For when the Blood, by reason of the seclusion of the Feverish matter, is agitated with a critical motion, very many of its particles are loosened from the mixture, so that a greater swelling up being provoked, they carry forth every extraneous thing confused with them: if at this time the breathing places of the skin, be but little open, the mass of the Blood (as new Wine stopped up in a bottle of a small mouth) even more notably grows turgid, and because it cannot shake of the Feverish matter, by sweat, it carries itself forth of doors, together with it, any way it can found; wherefore, when there lies a most easy passage, for the boiling Blood, through the vessels opening into apertures of the nostrils, from that Port (like the same new Wine when the vessel is opened) being enlarged by a spumous refraction, it abundantly leaps forth. The continual Fever being cured, by this means, an intermitting Quoridian followed, because after a long deflagration of the Blood, and great loss of it, what Blood was remaining, being very much deprived of Spirit, and the Salt, with the left Sulphur being thoroughly roasted, easily contracted that kind of disposition, whereby it was apt, not rightly to concoct the alible juice, but to pervert it into a matter very fermentative.  
A Matron, about sixty years of age, when she had sat up a certain night, going to bed in sheets not throughly dry, began to be ill, at first she was troubled with a suffocating Catarrh, that by reason of the serous deluge, falling on the sarynx, she could hardly breathe; neither could she sleep; the next day with a nauseousness, and want of Appetite, with some little excess of thirst and heat: on the third day, an acute pain invaded her in her side, with a Cough, and the Fever increased: her Urine was read, and clear, with a laudable Hypostasis, an unequal, and an intermitting pulse. A Physician being sent for, she was let Blood to ten ounces, also that day, her belly was copiously loosened by a Clyster: About night the pain vanished, and she slept indifferently: her Urine was than read, troubled, and full of contents: on the fourth day, the Fever was somewhat increased: In the evening troubled with a Cough very much, and by and by following thereupon the acute pain (as before) in the same side; her Urine being again clear, with an hypostasis: Her pain, from her being let Blood again ceased; on the fifth day, the Fever was more remiss, but at night she was unquiet with heat, and a tossing up and down of her body, but without pain. The next morning she sweated plentifully, and was eased; than using still a slender diet for some days, and being once purged, she grew well without relapsing. It is worth observation, that whilst the pain troubled her, the Urine was clear, and with an hypostasis, nor troubled by the cold; which however, the same being allayed, became presently thick, more read, and filled with contents.  
This Disease, because of the acute pain in the side, as it were a Pathognomic sign, might be called a Pleurisy: but we have here a Fever, preceding the pain, and not the product of it; The evident cause of the sickness was Transpiration being hindered by the constriction of the pores; The Blood growing hot, by reason of the Effluvia being retained, and also too much abounding with a serous latex, as it were vomiting very much of it, from the Arteries terminating in the Larynx, caused the sense of the suffocating Catarrh: For this kind of distemper (as also the Cough with great spitting) arises not, for that the watery humour (as is commonly said) falls from the head, into the throat, and lungs; but because the serous Latex is poured forth, now from the pneumonic vessels, immediately into the lungs, now dropping forth from the Arteries opening into the larynx, falls down on the breast; on the third day, from the same serous humour, with a portion of the Blood, being fixed in the side, the acute pain arose; for the Blood beginning to grow fervent, when as yet it did contain in itself a crude matter, and (as it should seem) something sour, from the degenerate alible juice, deposed the same, (because it could not cast it forth of doors by sweat) by a proper lustration or purging through the intercostal Arteries, into the membrane surrounding the Ribs; and there (as it is always want in a Pleurisy) either by coagulation, (which may be lawfully suspected) or by the shutting up of the vessels, the Blood being entangled with the same matter, is stopped in its motion; than being increased in its bulk, by a new coming still of the Blood, it causes a break of the union, and so an acute pain. That in this sick woman, the same kind of matter, disturbing the mass of Blood, with a portion of it extravasated, was fixed about the Pleura, it from thence happened, because the pain urging, the urine was clear, and not full of contents: than, when the vessels, by reason of Phlebotomy, being emptied, they supped up again that matter, into its mass, before exterminated from the Blood, the urine presently became troubled, and again big with contents: The pulse was unequal, and intermitting, because of the idiocrasie or proper disposition, which she was want to have in every intemperature: for when I. cured this woman of a Fever, many years before, her pulse being unequal, and intermitting, had struck a fear in me, and others, of a sad presage, concerning the event of the disease, which however at that time, (as also in this sickness) ceased, prosperously, without any horrid Symptom.  
A strong young man, and corpulent, after immoderate exercise, about the Summer solstice, and than a sudden cold coming upon the heat, found himself ill: At first, a want of Appetite, nauseousness, and cruel pain of the head, as also thirst, and a more intense heat than usual troubled him; on the second day, an acute pain invaded him in his right side with a Cough, and difficult breathing; Blood being presently taken plentifully from the Arm of the same side, that pain remitted somewhat, which yet in the evening returned, being made more cruel by a Cough, and bloody spittle. The night followed, without sleep, and very unquiet: on the third day, he was again let blood, besides Liniments, and fomentations were applied to his side; Moreover powders, Juleps, and antipleuretick decoctions, being taken inwardly, about night the pain almost wholly ceased. Than by and by, he was afflicted with a cruel headache, and a vertigo: on the fourth day, a stream of Blood fell from his right nostril, about two ounces, by which the pain of his head clearly ceased, and the vertigo; but in the Evening, the pain in the side before distempered, returned with greater fierceness: In the mean time his Pulse was small, and weak, that when it was consulted upon, for the letting him blood again, 'twas thought dangerous, jest his dejected strength would not admit of such a remedy: wherefore, Phlebotomy was performed only, in a very small quantity, and a fomentation, and a Cataplasm was prescribed to be diligently applied to his side; besides twenty drops of the spirit of Hartshorn, to be taken in a spoonful of Cordial Julep, and the same to be repeated continually, within the space of six hours: He sweated that night very much, and the pain much remitted, his spitting was but little, interspersed with Blood, which, within a day wholly ceased, and the pain also leisurely vanished. The sick man took twice a day, a scruple of the same spirit of Hartshorn, and within a few days, he grew perfectly well, without relapsing.  
This Fever was a simple Synochus, stirred up from the evident cause, viz. a Constriction of the pores: as soon as the Blood began to be somewhat filled with adust recrements, and so to swell up more, the matter, which should have been separated, by reason of its peculiar evil, was transferred into the Pleura, and being there fixed, compelled the Blood coming to it, to be coagulated, and therefore to be stopped in its circulation, and (when it could not be received by the veins) presently to be extravasated: from hence happened the acute pain in the side, and bloody spittle, by and by, after the beginning of this Disease; than afterwards, the same matter being thrust out of that nest, which it had got, and being supped up again into the mass of Blood, was fixed in the head; and there inducing the like stagnation of the Blood, and (as it is probable) coagulation, caused the vertigo, and cruel pain; which nevertheless was quickly cured, by the hemorrhage being arisen, by reason of the extravasated Blood. A part of the morbific matter, being after this manner drawn away, the other part resumed by the Blood, was again conveyed to its usual nest, to wit, the side before distempered; where depositing its latex, (to wit, a portion of the Blood) it did coagulte it again, and compelled it to be extravasated or to flow out of the vessels: For that pain being renewed on the fourth day, with the bloody spittle, from the ebullition of the Blood, too extremely, and therefore flowing out of the vessels, would not be brought away; because at that time, the Pulse was small and weak, with a falling down of the vessels, that indeed the Blood was thought to have been run all out of the vessels, for that being coagulated by the morbific matter, (and therefore though expulsed the Arteries, yet not being able to be carried back by the veins) it was stopped in its circulation. Upon this, an acute pain followed, because the Blood being heaped together by its frequent approach, and elevated into a Tumour, made a dissolution of the union; also, by and by from the beginning, a bloody spittle came upon it, because the Blood being restrained within, in the Body, somewhere in its motion, by reason of the most tender, and easily opening little mouths of the vessels, ran forth into the Cavities; when to the same outwardly extravasated, by reason of a more thick skin, and the mouths of the little vessels being locked up, no way lay open, unless by its being made and ripened into an Imposthume. The opening of a vein profited in the beginning of the Pleurisy, because it restrained the Blood, somewhere hindered in its circuit, from too great effervency; but especially, for that, when the vessels were by that means greatly emptied, they did again receive, and tender fluent, whatsoever humours were before exterminated, and also the Blood beginning to stagnate in the distempered part. Also, the remedies helping most, about the beginning of this Disease, were of that sort, which hinder the coagulation of the Blood, or dissolve it in the coagulating; such they are, which abound very much with a volatile, or an alchalisate Salt: to wit, spirit of Soot, of Blood, Hartshorn, also spirit and salt of Urine, the powder of the claws and eyes of Crabs, of a Boars tooth, or the Jaw of a Pike, are of known use. Among the common people, it is a custom to drink an infusion of Horse dung; which medicine indeed, I have known often to have brought help, in deplorable cases. In the mean time, all acid things whatsoever, because they more coagulate the Blood, and hinder expectoration, are highly hurtful in this Disease.   

CHAP. XII. Of a malignant or pestilential Fever in general.  
BEsides the continual Fever, which is already described, and which arises from some principle of the Blood being too much carried forth, there is another species of this, which is stirred up, by reason of the Blood being touched with some envenomed Infection, and therefore liable to enter into various coagulations, and corruptions: In which, not only the Spirit and the Sulphur, as in a Putrid Fever, rage, and compel the Blood to grow immoderately hot, but besides, the mixture of the Blood is presently dissolved, and its liquor goes into parts; and so most horrid Symptoms, with manifest danger of life, are induced in this sort of distemper. Under this rank, we comprehend malignant, and pestilential Fevers, the Plague, small Pox, and Measles: of which we shall speak presently.  
Pestilential Diseases, wander so in the dark, and have an unknown original, that their causes, and beings are seldom explicated, without having a recourse to occult qualities. By the unanimous consent of all, the strength, and power of these are placed in an envenomed matter; because we perceive, from a pestilent distemper, strength suddenly to be overthrown, and life quickly destroyed, not otherwise than from the drinking of Poison. And therefore, for the explicating the nature of the pestilence, it will not be besides the matter, first, to inquire concerning Poison in general, and by what means it distempers our Bodies, than to show what sort of Poison is sprinkled in the Plague, and contagious Diseases: which being performed, we will treat particularly of the Diseases but now recited.  
Every thing deserves the name of Poison, which striking into our Body, after an occult manner vehemently hurts the temper, and actions of any part, or of the whole, profligates the Spirits, or perverts their motions, solves the mixtures of the Liquors, and induces Coagulations and Corruptions, destroys the functions and ferments of the Viscera, and so suddenly and hiddenly brings life into danger. of these, which after this manner lie in wait for us, there is a mighty plenty, and very rich provision in the nature of things: oftentimes they are inly begotten within our body; outwardly they are abundantly supplied from every Coast, and out of every tract of Earth, water and air, these daily arise out of the distinct families of minerals, vegetables, and Animals, and so mingle themselves with our food, yea with our medicine, that we may complain with Pliny, quod non sit fateri, an rerum natura largius mala, an remedia genuerit. That it was not known, whether Nature had begot greater Evils, or Remedies.  
As there is great varieties of Poisons, so, as to their Subjects, and ways of hurting, there is no lesle diversity of them: for the most Poisons, in their whole substance are said to be contrary to us, that whatsoever they come to, with a burning force, and like fierce fire, they reduce into ashes, yet out of these, some being noted for a peculiar raising of hurt, do more endamage one part or substance than another. The subjects, on which the taint of Poison, is next and more immediately inflicted, are twofold; to wit, the animal Spirits, or the spirituous subtle Liquor flowing in the Brain, and nervous stock; and the Blood flowing in the Vessels, and heart, when the object is carried only to one, or being improportionate, at one to either, that from thence, the disposition of the Liquors, or of the containing parts, is overthrown, whereby the necessary functions, for the performing of life and sense, are restrained, and this done latently, and as it were unforeseen, these kind of distempers, we ascribe to Poison.  
The nervous bodies, with the animal Spirit, are not invaded wholly after the same manner, by every sort of Poisons; for they are tormented, now with a Stupor, now with Convulsions, and those of divers kinds, and manners: The bile of a Tarantula causes dancing: A power sent from the Torpedo, by the Angle, or lines of the Net, stupifies the hand of the Fisher. The roots of the wild Parsnip, or the seeds of Lolium or Darnel, being eaten, make men mad: Opium, Mandrakes, Henbane, and the like, cause deep, and sometimes deadly sleep. These and many others, chief impress their Poison, on the spirituous or animal faculty, without any great perturbation of the Blood, or hurt brought to the heart.  
There are also some Poisons, which most of all insinuate their malignity, to the mass of Blood; wherefore, from some Medicines, there have been produced, a yellow or black Jaundice, sometimes a Leprosy, or leprous distempers, and swell of the whole body, vapours breaking forth from secret hollows of the Earth, also from Coals newly enkindled, often suffocating the vital Spirits, at once congeal the Blood, and stop it in its motion, whereby the flame of life in the heart, could not be continued. How much corruption of the mass of Blood is imparted from the pestilent Infection, is perspicuous to every one, from the spots and Whelks, which are as it were the marks of the blasted Blood.  
If the hurt, being first inflicted to either, viz. The regiment of the Heart, or Brain, be more lightly made, it is for the most part cured, without any great offence to either; wherefore, Convulsive motions, Stupifaction, Lethargy, Melancholy, Paralytic distempers, do not seldom begin with a laudable Pulse, and without an immoderate effervescency of the Blood; and than, if the distemper does not get strength, leisurely end, and cease. There are other Poisons, which often deprave the Blood, and by dissolving its mixture, corrupt it, in the mean time the animal functions remain whole enough. But if the ferment of the Poison be stronger, and hath more deeply fixed its roots, presently the Poison is dispersed, from one Province to the other: for when the nervous parts swell up, with a virulent juice, a portion of the Poison, is carried with the nervous Latex returning through the Lymphatic Vessels, into the veins, easily into the bosom of the Blood, and infects its mass, with the evil with which it was big: also, from the Blood being grievously empoisoned, the juice, by which the nerves are watered, quickly contract the infection; hence mad men are in a Fever, and those taken with a pestilent Fever, are most often tormented with a Delirium, or Frenzy. Concerning these things, we must consider, what the alteration is, or the impression of hurt, which is inflicted from the Poison, to the animal Spirit, with the brain and nervous appendex; and what also, to the Blood, with the Heart and the annexed Vessels: though here, it is not in the power of human skill or wit, plainly to show, or as it were point out with the finger the manner of its being done; yet we may be able to attain to some little knowledge of this thing, by reasoning, and by comparing it, with other distempers.  
Concerning the former, we shall observe, that the subtle Liquor, or animal Spirits, wherewith the Nervous Bodies are blown up, and by whose expansion, sense and motion perform their reciprocal actions, are easily perverted from their tensity, and equal expansion: for as the Nerves are of a soft texture, and the Spirits which abound in them of a very subtle substance, they cannot endure any strong or vehement objects; wherefore when any violent or improportionate thing falls on them, they are often compelled from their expansion, and excursion into flight, and a running backward, and not seldom into irregularities of motions: wherefore sudden passions of the mind distracted them, and drive them into Spasms, and Convulsions; when the Alible Juice, by which they are repaired, is supplied too sharp, sour or austere, they suffer now Palsies, and now contractures: If that some object more incongruous, (such as we have affirmed Poison to be) should be offered, whose Particles are endued with such fierceness, or are of such a kind of configuration, that when they grow impetuously hot with the Nervous Liquor, they shake or loose here and there its more subtle or spirituous part, or wholly drive it away, and fix the remaining Liquor either with a styptic force, or by ebullition, force it into inordinate motions; hence of necessity, evil distempers of the Brain, and Nervous parts arise, viz. sometimes a Convulsion, Trembling, Shivering, sometimes loosnings, or a stupefaction, and other symptoms of more grievous note. What things after this manner infect the Nervous Juice with Poison, are now more thick, and only when they are applied in a very Corporeal substance, do inflict their hurt; now they are thin, and being resolved, even into a vapour or breath, pour forth from a certain little prick, the ferment of Poison, through the whole Nervous stock. Sometimes the Poison of some hurtful thing, being eaten, first gins its Tragedy in the Ventricle; more often by a naked touch, leaves on the superficies of the Body, a virulent taint, which easily and quickly with its ferment, contaminates the Spirits, dispersed through the whole. The Infection, wherever inflicted, either within or without, is more largely dispersed from the extremities of the Nerves, by their easy passage, being from thence brought into consent of the evil, by the very many little shoots of the same branch. Often a more light touch of an envenomed thing, by the finger, or extremity of any other member, presently communicates to the Brain, the received infection, and from thence it is retorted into the whole Body, and the farthest members; the reason of this is, that both the Particles of the Nervous Juice, and of the same envenomed infection, are so light, and ready for motion, that they pass through most swiftly, as the Rays of light through a Diaphanous medium, the whole mass of one another.  
2. As often as the Blood contracts hurt from some Poisonous thing, the Poison is fixed within; either slow, and of lesser activity, which does not presently betray itself, nor break forth into cruel symptoms, till of a long time after, it is ripened by a silent fermentation, and hath first infected the whole mass of Blood, as may be observed in some Poisons, which are said to kill at a distance, and not till after some months, or years. Or the Poisons inspired into the Blood, are imbued with a much more acute sting, that from their Contagion, the Infection contracted, presently breaks forth into cruel symptoms, and thereupon follows now a Feverish effervency with Vomiting, Thirst, and burning of the Precordia, now a swelling up of the whole Body, a discolouration of the skin, oftentimes a breaking forth of whelks, and buboes, and frequently also a sudden loss of all strength, so that sudden death, without tumult, and almost insensibly steals upon one: where by the way it is to be noted, If the Spirits of the Blood, provoked by the enemy, are able to encounter him, and to strive for the victory, this Feverish ebullition of the Blood is stirred up from the conflict; but if the Particles of the Poison, being far stronger, suddenly profligate the Spirits of the Blood, and extinguish life, presently the Bloody mass is corrupted, neither can it be circulated in the Vessels, nor rightly enkindled in the heart.  
If it be yet demanded, what mutations, the Blood infected with Poison, undergoes, either in its substance, or consistency, that, for that reason it is rendered unfit for the sustaining of Life? I answer after this manner; some Poisons fuse the Blood, and too much precipitate its serosity, such are Medicines, which by a strong killing Purging, or by a Profluvium of Urine, or a discolouration, or swelling up of the whole Body, or with an eruption of Pustules, cause a very great secretion of the serous Latex; in the mean time a great ebullition of the mass of Blood is induced, whereby the Vital Spirits are greatly destroyed, the Particles of Salt and Sulphur too much exalted, by the Concoction, and are often so roasted, that a Yellow or Black Jaundice is caused.  
There are Poisons of another kind, far more dangerous, which congeal the Blood, and by destroying its mixture, corrupt it, viz. the first induce a congelation to the Bloody mass, and than a Putrefaction: for when the Spirits of the Blood, being overthrown, by the contagion of the Poison, are dissipated, the equal mixture of the Liquor is loosened; wherefore the more thick Particles mutually enfold one another, and (like Milk when Rennet is put to it, or growing sour of itself) are coagulated apart: hence the Blood curdles in the Vessels, that it is lesle readily circulated in them: coagulated portions of this, being inwardly diluted, into the bosom of the Heart, are apt to stagnate there, and so to bring forth frequent syncopes, and swoon: being carried outwardly, and in the circulating, fixed in the skin, sometimes being more plentifully heaped together, they induce a suffusion of blackness through the whole, sometimes being more sparingly dispersed, they 'cause only spots, or Purple marks, like black and blue strokes, and other appearances of malignity. But the coagulation of the Blood, quickly disposes it to putresaction or corruption; as is seen in extravasated Blood, which is want to grow soon black and putrid. For the Spirit being exhaled, the Particles of Sulphur and Salt remaining in the Blood, begin to go apart one from another, and to break the bond of the mixture, from whence follows Putrefaction.  
These things being thus premised of Poison in general, the reason of the method requires that we enter upon the handling of Fevers, which draw their Original, altogether from a malignant, and envenomed infection: and as under this title, the Pest or Plague easily obtains the chief place, I will begin with its consideration, and afterwards, I will speak of malignant Fevers, Smallpox, and Measles, in order. But yet, before I shall propose its definition, I will briefly inquire, of the pestiferous Poison, what its disposition and Nature may be; also, from whence it may be born, and lastly, by what means it is propagated into others, by contagion.  
For the expressing the Nature of the Plague, Authors are want to choose some envenomed Bodies, and from their names to frame an Elegy of this most wicked Disease; wherefore in the definition of the pest, are commonly recounted the Nepelline, Aconital, and Arsenical Poison: the Lethiferous force of which however, as it consists in a very thick matter, and does not exert or put forth itself but by a Corporal contact, doth not truly imitate the essence of the Pestilential Disease: for this is founded in a Spiritual and Vaporous infection, by which its Effluvia being every way diffused, so potently unfold themselves, that out of the best seminary or seed plot, they quickly propagate a fruitful Crop of death and destruction, By reason of its notable activity, this infection may deserve to be called, as it were a certain quintessence of Poison; the very agile and subtle Particles of this, do penetrate all Bodies, and inspire them with its ferment: for either being dispersed through the Air, or hid in a certain tender or cherishing nest, though they strike against the human Body but lightly, and as it were through a Casement, they easily subdue it; for both the Animal Spirits, and those of the blood, they quickly infect, and by that means, shortly pour forth the Venomous taint, into all the members.  
When a Pestilential Breath or Vapour, hath invaded any one, and that Poison hath first laid hold on the Animal Spirits, or those of the Blood, or both of them at once, (as hath been already said of Poisons) the taint is quickly derived from the subtle and more thin substance of these, into a more thick matter: because it quickly ferments the whole mass of Blood, or of the Nervous Juice, and the excrementitious humours, every where abounding, and from thence is deduced into the solid parts, and fixes the evil in them. If this Disease, first possesses the Animal Spirits, presently the hurt is communicated to the Brain, and the Nervous stock, and especially to the Ventricle, forthwith it empoisons the humour growing in these; loosens its mixture, perverts the regular motion, and renderr it wholly incongruous, and infestous to the more tender substance of the containing parts: by and by from thence, Cramps and Convulsive motions, cruel Vomitings, pains of the Heart, also Frenzies, deliriums, or pertinacious watch, are stirred up, about the first assault of the Disease: when in the mean time, the infection not being yet dispersed through the Blood, the sick are not Feverish, nor are troubled with inordinate Pulse, or Syncope, or appearances of marks; which symptoms however arise afterwards, as soon as the Blood is infected. If when the Spirits of the Blood are first possessed, with the empoisoned infection, either drawn in with the Air, or attracted through the pores, its ferment is presently dissipated through the whole mass of the Blood, the infested portions immediately begin to be loosened from their equal mixture, to go into parts, and to be coagulated, and the same, being delated, into the bosom of the Heart, are want there to stagnate, and so to induce a Syncopy, Swoonings, and often sudden Death; also being carried outwardly, fixed about the skin, to 'cause Buboes, inflamed rise, and other marks of Poison; in the mean time, the sick appear well in mind, nor are they troubled with Delirium nor Convulsive motions. If that from a more strong cause, the hurt is inflicted to both parts at once, the course of the Disease is performed with a more horrid provision of Symptoms, and especially with a Syncopy, and Frenzy at once infesting.  
As to what appertains to its rise; when the Plague first arises in any Region or Country, there is attributed a twofold cause of it, viz. Primary or Metaphysical, also Secondary or Natural, subordinate to that: The very Heathens did acknowledge this Disease, wherever it raged, sent first of all from God, for the castigation of the wickednesses of men, and therefore for its extirpation, they equally made use of Prayers and Sacrifices as of Medicines. As to what belongs to the Natural cause, there are divers opinions. Some will, that the Pestilence newly arisen, be derived from the Heavens, and influences of the Stars only: on the contrary, others have affirmed it only to arise from the internal putrefaction of the humours of our Body: but these endeavour to deduce the cause of this sickness too far of, and these more near than it aught. We will walk in the middle way, and what Reason persuades, and what very many Authors assert, we will place the chief and first seminary or seed plot of this Poison, in the Air; because, it seems consonant to Reason, that from the same Fountain, from which the common food of life is had, the beginnings of death, not lesle diffusive, are to be sought. There is the same necessity for our breathing in the Air, as of Fishes living in the Water; wherefore, as to waters infected by Poison, the murrain of Fishes dying in heaps is ascribed; so men dying of an Epidemical slaughter, without any manifest cause, nothing could kill, besides the infection of the commonly inspired Air.  
For the Air, which we necessarily draw in for the continuance of Life, consists of an heap of vapours and fumes, which are perpetually breathed forth from the Earth; in which the exhalations of Salt and Sulphur, being mingled with the atomical vaporous little Bodies, constitute here as it were a thick cloud: the motions of these are swift and unquiet, they are of a manifold figure, and very much divers, wherefore some continually meet against others, and according to their various configurations, they cohere with these, and are mutually combined one with another, and from those they are driven, and fly away: from hence the reasons of the Sympathy and Antipathy of every thing, depend. From the divers agitations of these kind of Atoms, near the superficies of the Earth, this or that tract of the Air, enters into divers alterations, by which, Bodies, chief the living are variously affected: because the intestine motion, of the Particles of every Animal, depends very much upon the motion and temper of the Particles of the Air: forasmuch as these perpetually exagitate those, raise up those lying asleep, repair the loss of those flying away, shake the vital flame with their Nitrosity, and supply it with a Nitrous-Sulphureous Food, eventilates it being enkindled by continual turns of access and recess, and carry away the Soot and Fumes. So long as an apt contemperation happens in either, for motion and configuration, living Creatures enjoy perfect health and life; but if the little Bodies swimming in the Air, be of that sort of figure and power, that are plainly adverse to the Spirits implanted in living Creatures, they lose the mixtures of these, from the rest, from whose Elements they are collected, and pervert their motions; hence the dispositions of things are destroyed, life profligated, and, the same being scarce extinct, the Bodies undergo putrefaction; hence the tops of Trees, or of Corn, being struck with a blast, suddenly grow dry or whither; hence among , the murrain often rages, which kills at once whole Flocks; by reason of this kind of cause, the Seeds of the Pestilence first put themselves forth, and attempt the slaughter of human kind: for as envenomed Bodies in the bowels of the Earth or concreted on its superficies, produce the Arsenical or Aconital mixtures, so these being even resolved into vapour, and heaped together in the Air, created most pernicious Airs, from which Malignant and Pestilential Diseases arise; the infection, which after this manner Contaminates the Air, the most ingenious Diemerbrochius, a searcher of this Disease, contends, that is only sent (as the wrath of angry Apollo) immediately from the angry right hand of God: but this were to multiply without any pretext of necessity (I will not say beings but) miracles, and in every Plague to assert a Creation of new substance; when in the mean time, the virulent product of Minerals and Vegetable, which daily appear, and of as quite adverse Nature to us, as the Plague, clearly testify, that there lives hid in the Bowels of the Earth, plenty of envenomed matter, sufficiently fitted for this business. For the little bodies, which being roled about with earthy matter, do constitute the Poisonous mixtures in the bosom of the Earth, the same being resolved into vapours, will be not lesle hurtful afterwards, and impress a pestiferous blast to the Air, which they wander through: wherefore, by the leave of so Learned a man, I should say, that it seems not improbable, that the things which first of all affix the seed plot of the Pestilence, to any tract of Air, be the Poisonous Effluvia of fierce Salts and Sulphurs', and (by the Divine Will instigating) breathing forth from the bowels of the Earth; which sometimes, being a long time before shut up, are leisurely exhaled out of Dens and Caverns; sometimes by reason of the motion of the Earth, or Earthquake, or a gaping of the Earth, they break forth in heaps; also, of the same kind, are those which ordinarily are breathed forth from the filth of Soldiers in their nasty Camps; or from unburied Carcases; or from places, beset with standing and stinking Mud: but the little Bodies after this manner exhaled, obtain their wondered height, properties, and abilities, by a long putrefaction, that therefore they are incongruous, and heterogeneous to all others whatsoever, and so being received into the Air, ferment it (as it were a mass of Liquor) and pervert it from a wholesome and benign, into a most pernicious and wicked Nature.  
Some Bodies more easily, others not so readily receive the malignant tincture of the Pestilent Air. Those who by reason of ill feeding are full of evil humours, and who by reason of fullness, have their Blood stuffed with firable Sulphur, receive the Pestilential Poison, by the  blast of the envenomed Air, especially if fear or sadness hap, which convey inwardly, and lead to the Heart, as it were by a certain attraction the most light darts of the contagion. On the contrary, those who have their Viscera clean, and the mass of Blood well tempered, and are endued with a strong, and fearless mind, do not so easily receive this infection, and sometimes exterminate it soon, being received.  
Thus much for the beginning and divulgation of the Pestilence, according to its first Fountains, and from thence the stream of the infected Air being deduced: it remains for us to speak concerning its propagation by contagion, forasmuch as it is derived, as it were extraduce from some and so to others.  
We understand by Contagion, that force or action, by which any distemper residing in one Body, excites its like in another. But as this may hap, either immediately by contact, as when any one lying in the same bed with another, taken with the Plague, or mediately, and at a distance, as when it happens that the infection is transferred from one house to others remote, or also if the Plague come upon any one, after many days or months, perhaps years handling a Garment, or household stuff, brought from an infected house: therefore that the Nature of the Contagion, and its divers modes may be plainly made known, we will first weigh what that is, which streams from an infected Body. Secondly, how it bears itself through the Medium of its passage. Thirdly, by what means it begets a distemper like itself, in another Body.  
1. That from every Body, although of a more fixed Nature, Effluvia of Atoms constantly fly away, and run forth, which round about constitute as it were a Cloud or Halos, and as it were  it, like the down of a Peach, is so much received among the more sound Philosophers, that nothing can be more. But by how much the more any thing consists of active Particles, by so much the more, it sends from itself, little Bodies of more remarkable virtue and energy. Hence the Effluvia which fall from Ambers, are able to move other Bodies from their place: emanations proceed from Sulphureous things, which fill the whole neighbourhood with odours. And so when the Pestilential venom, as hath been already said, is from hence any where fixed, and though in the smallest bulk, is of great efficacy and operation, there is a necessity, that some emanations, proceed from the Bodies imbued with it, which refer the nature or disposition of the same Poison and malignity, and diffuse them on every side according to its sphere of activity. But when these little Bodies, which retain the contagion of the Pestilence, as they stream from one Body, are not presently received by another, we shall inquire, how they carry themselves, in respect of their passage, through the medium.  
Where we shall presently meet with a difference in those, from many others, for that the Effluvia, which ordinarily evaporate, do not long retain the Nature or Disposition of the Body, from which they flow, but either vanish into Air, or being impacted to other Bodies, are assimilated to them: but those Particles, which fall from a Pestilential Infection, are not easily supped up by the Air, or any other Body, so as they may be wholly destroyed; but among the various confusions of Atoms, and the dashings of other Bodies, they keep themselves untouched, For this untamed Poison remains still the same almost, and not to be overcome by others, and though it consists of never so little heap of Atoms, will not presently vanish; but with its ferment, imbues the next little Bodies, and so acquires new forces, and gains strength by going; from whence it lurks a long while in some nest, and after a long time, when it assaults a convenient subject, puts forth itself, and imparting the taint of its Poison to another, raiseth up again the Disease of the Pestilence anew, which seemed before to be exploded, and though from the smallest seminary, sprinkles far and near its deadly Poison.  
For the Pest, brings forth such most sure signs of its contagion, that some Authors contend, that for this reason it only continues among Mortals, and doth never spring up anew, but is only conserved from its nest, and carried from thence, from one Region to another. Histories relate, that the seeds of this have lain asleep for several years, in some Garment or Bedcloaths, and that afterwards, they being stirred, it hath appeared, and hath stirred up anew the Disease of the Pestilence, increasing with a mighty slaughter of men. When by reason of the tinder, or cherishing nest, the Plague is propagated after this manner, at a distance, the envenomed little Bodies, which remain in the infection, being moved, presently leap out, and unfold its Poison every way, as it were by a certain irradiation: if that they strike against an human body, presently they lay hold on the Spirits, and are by their Vehicle conveyed inwardly, and than by an easy labour, they infect the Blood and Humours, wheresoever flowing in the Vessels, with their ferment, and quickly bring to them coagulations and putrefaction. And after this manner, through the most subtle Effiuvia, is made as it were a certain transmigration of the Pestilential Disease, even as when a shoot being cut of from some Tree, and laid up for a time, and afterwards engrafted to another Trunk, though from the smallest bud, it is able to produce a Tree of the same Kind and Nature.   

CHAP. XIII. Of the Plague.  
THus far we have discoursed of Poison in general, also of the Pestilence, its beginning and propagation by contagion: it now remains, that we explicate the description of the Plague, its Nature, according to its accidents, and symptoms, most worthy of note; than some things shall be added, which belong to its Cure.  
The Plague may be described after this manner, that it is an Epidemical Disease, Contagious, highly infestous to human kind; taking its beginning from an envenomed Infection, received first by the Air, and than propagated by Contagion; which having hiddenly and largely set upon men, causes extinctious of the Spirits, coagulations of the Blood, blast, mortifications or deadnesses of the solid parts, and with the appearances of whelks, buboes, or carbuncles, as also with the horrid provision of other symptoms, brings the sick in danger of life.  
Although the Plague be one kind of Disease, and its specifical differences, or essential are not found, yet by reason of the divers kinds of accidents, which come upon it, some diversities and irregularities of it are observed, which something vary the type of the Disease, though they change not the species. For first this distemper sometimes is more universal that it rages every where through many Villages and Cities at once; but sometimes it is circumscribed in narrower bounds, and only threatens one Region or Tract of Land. Secondly, sometimes the Plague comes simple, and unmixed with other Diseases, wherefore privily, and as it were by surprise, almost without a Fever, or vehemency of symptoms, brings a secret kill of the sick. Sometimes it is complicated, with a number of other Diseases, that the business is carried with tumult and frequent skirmishing between Nature and Death. Thirdly, the degree of malignity constitutes a great difference; for the Plague in some places, and times is much more mild, that many of the sick escape; sometimes it is highly mortal, that most taken are killed, and that scarce one of an hundred recovers.  
But because this Disease hides its weapons, and coming on men unawares, kills them suddenly, therefore it shall be our work, that by some signs, as it were watchmen planted, we may know the Clandestine coming of this enemy, although we are not able to foresee it from afar. Very many signs hap, which foretell shortly a Plague about to come: to wit, if the year keeps not its Temper, but has immoderate, and very unseasonable excesses, either of heat or cold, or of dryness or wet; if the smallpox or Measles, do every where rage; if Boils or Buboes, accompavy reigning Fevers. Besides Astrologers are want, from the Aspects of the Stars, or appearances of Comets, to predict the approaching Plague, but this aught rather to be called a vain conjecture, than a certain foreknowledge. From a preceding Famine, a most certain presage may be taken, of a Plague to follow, as in the Adage- 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The Plague comes with the Famine. For the like Constitution of the year, which for the most part, by reason of the Corn being blasted, brings scarcity, is apt also to produce the Plague: also, an evil way of feeding which people in dearths use, eating all unwholesome things, without choice, disposes their Bodies, to the more easy receiving the Infection. Yea, also earthquakes fresh openings of Caverns, and secret Vaults, by the gaping of the Ground, by reason of the eruptions of malignant and empoisoned Airs, often give beginning to the Pestilence. For indeed, as there is need of great diligence, to foresee, as it were from a watch-Tower, the approaching Plague, so there is no lesle need of care and diligence, to consider, or take notice of the same, being fresh risen, and the shooting of its first darts: For oftentimes, being too solicitous, we dread vulgar Fevers, if perchance they end in death, for this Disease; and sometimes being too secure, contemning the Pestilence, by reason of its Symptoms, like to a common Fever, we apprehended not our danger, till too late; wherefore, for the more full knowledge of this Disease, we will subjoin its Signs and Symptoms both common, and Pathognomic or peculiar, and briefly describe their causes, means, and manner of being done.  
Besides the signs already delivered, which by a certain demonstration à priori or beforehand, bring a suspicion of the Plague about to come, there are others, the concourse of which, plainly show its presence, in the sick body: of these, some are common to the Plague, with a Putrid Fever, some are more proper to this distemper. For the impression of the Pestilence, most often stirs up an effervency of the Blood, and so has frequently a Fever joined with it, that among some, in the definition of the Plague, it hath the place of a kind of Fever; wherefore, by reason of the ebullition of the Blood, and the hurt brought to the Viscera, presently there follows, a growing hot, a spontaneous weariness, thirst, a burning of the precordia, often great Vomitings, pains of the Heart, torments of the Intestines, a scurfiness of the Tongue, or a blackness, a pain of the head, watch, Frenzy, palpitation of the Heart, swooning, and sudden loss of strength: though Fevers are most often beset, with these kind of Symptoms, yet if at the same time, the Plague hath spread in the neighbourhood, and a fear of it hath possessed the minds of men, hence a greater suspicion of this evil is caused, especially, because, whilst the Pestilence reigns, other Diseases in any one, leave their proper Nature, and change into it: wherefore, if there happens to the distempers but now recited, a Communication of the same sickness to many, and a frequency of Burials, that it becomes every where very deadly, and spreads largely even by contagion; and if besides, Buboes, Carbuncles, Spots, or other marks of the pestiferous infection appear, the business is put without doubt, and we may with no lesle faith denounce it the Pestilence, than when we see an house flaming, with fire breaking through the Raftures, we cry out Fire. But because here is mention made of Buboes, Carbuncles, and of other Symptoms, (of which we have already spoken, where we treated of Putrid Fevers) it remains, that we briefly touch the causes of them, and the manner of their being made: They are these: A Carbuncle, a Bubo, Whelks, Inflammations, and malignant Pustles.  
Concerning these in common, we say, that they are all produced of the Blood, and nervous juice, touched with the pestiferous Poison, and coagulated in parts, in their circuit, and distempered variously with putrefaction; forasmuch as the Spirits, residing in either Liquor, especially in the Blood, are not sooner profligated, by the blast of this malignant Disease, but a coagulation is induced to the remaining Liquor, even as milk growing sour, or when some acid juice is poured to it; wherefore, portions of it being more grievously touched with the Poison, they soon curdle or grow into gobbets, and suffer corruption with blackness, like Blood out of the Vessels; from whence, presently they hinder the motion of the rest of the Blood in the Vessels, and in the Heart, and by means of its ferment, more coagulate it; but whatsoever by congelation grows into curdled gobbets, unless it be presently cast out of doors, causes death quickly, by restraining the circulation of the Blood; and being thrust forth outwardly, towards the superficies of the body, it is stopped in its motion, between the narrow wind of the Vessels; and being wholly destitute either of Spirit, or being struck by a blasting, produces its deadness, black and blue spots, and black or purple marks; or, by reason of the Salt and Sulphur, being exalted, by the pestilential ferment, and affecting new things, grow together into tumours of a various kind.  
A Carbuncle, or Fiery Inflammation, is a fiery Tumour, with most sharp and burning Pustules round about it, and infesting the sick, with an acute pain; which arising in various places severally, will not be ripened, but creeping more abroad on the superficies, burns the skin, and at length shakes of the lobes, or gobbets of its Corruption, and leaves an hollow ulcer, as if burnt by an Escharotick or burning Plaster.  
The generation of Plague-sores, seem to be made after this manner, when Poisonous infections do strike into the Blood, in its own nature torrid, portions of it congealed, are fixed in the superficies of the Body; and in that place, because the motion of the Blood is a little hindered, a tumour at first small, is induced; which afterwards, by a malignant ferment, unfolding itself more largely, being leisurely increased, creeps into the neighbouring part: A suppuration follows not, because the matter being extravasated, and stagnating, is not concocted and digested by a gentle heat, but by reason of the particles of the outrageous Sulphur, together with the carried forth Salt, being heaped up in these Tumours, and because of the stagnation, they being presently loosened from the mixture, a burning is excited, as if a Cautery were affixed to the part: pieces and lobes of skins, eaten as it were from a covered Eschar, fall of, because the Corrosive venom, impacted in the Muscles, gnaws not only to the superficies, but those that lie transvers through the whole substance; wherefore, before all the flesh is consumed, with the membranes, in which the eaten pieces were invalved, some piece, as it were cut of from the rest falls away. A Carbuncle, oftentimes but one, oftentimes more arise: sometimes they are alone, sometimes they are accompanied with a Bubo.  
A pestilent Bubo springs forth, only in glandulous places, into whose substance goes, not only the Blood congealed by the Poison, and carried through the Arteries, but the nervous juice heaped up there, and carried back into the Veins. Because this Tumour happens from lesle torrid juices, and in part more frigid, therefore it partakes of suppuration. For the matter being leisurely heaped together, when (by reason of the stagnation, the vital Spirit being departed) it had lost the form of Blood, it was by a long concoction converted into matter, from the particles of Salt and Sulphur exalted, and restrained in the Tumour. But that these Tumours only hap in the Glandulas, the reason is, not that by the destination of Nature, the nest or tinder of the Disease, is carried to these parts, but as the particles of the virulent infection, abound every where in the Blood, and nervous juice, they are more readily gathered together, as in a common Family, and where the Blood being dilated to the extreme parts of the Arteries, and is so not readily received, and carried back by the veins, and also the alible juice, to be carried back from the nerves, into the veins, is deposed: either of these, as it appears clearly, by late observations of Anatomists, and by experience, are made or done about the Glandulas; wherefore, when in these parts, either humours, being stuffed with the pestilent feeds of the contagion, come together at once, as it were the nest of the malignity, because of the virulency here deposed from either, is blown up.  
Whelks, fiery inflammations, and purple spots, in respect of the venom, are of the same stuff, as the Tumours but now described: but in these, the product of the virulency, consists in a lesser substance, yet with greater danger, by reason of the seeds of the Poison, being more dispersed: more small portions of the coagulated Blood being fixed in the skin, constitute these lesser appearances, wherefore, out of these, some being increased, are ripened into little itching blisters: others, by reason of a certain blasting, or deadness of the corrupted Blood, grow into black and blue, and purple Spots.  
Although the Plague, by reason of its sudden, secret, and very swift assault upon sick people, hardly gives time or place, for a prognostic, and when this Disease, by reason of the occult manner of hurting, contains in itself nothing that is not suspected, yet there are some signs, that appear in its course, by which we are want to foretell, either Life or Death. The business is than desperate, if the Disease pass presently into an Epidemical distemper, and makes violent assaults; if that bleeding, or only a small sweat follows, in the beginning of the Disease; if the Urine be thick and troubled, the Pulse unequal, and weak; if a Convulsion, or a Frenzy presently follow; if the Vomits, or Stools are bluish, black, or highly stinking; if the Whelks at first contract a redness, afterwards a blewness; if the Carbuncles are many; if the Buboes at first swelling up, disappear; if strength be suddenly lost, the face horrid, or grows black and blue; if with a shivering of the outward parts, there be an heat of the bowels, especially if these, or many of them hap in a body full of ill humours, or in an unwholesome season. On the contrary, the sick may be bid to be of good cheer, if the condition of the Pestilence be lighter, and lesle deadly; if the Disease happens in a robust and healthful body, with a strong mind; if remedies may be timely had, before the Disease hath possessed the whole mass of Blood. Also, if with a continuance of strength, high and equal Pulse, a suppuration of the Buboes, and a large profusion of matter, with the absence of more horrid Symptoms, the course of the Disease is performed: In the mean time, although here we may hope all good, yet we are not to be secure, because, sometimes the snares of life, are laid privily, with the laudable appearance of signs, and we suffer most grievously as from a reconciled Enemy, whose fierce threaten we seemed to have shunned.  
Concerning the curing of very many sicknesses, the business is chief committed to Nature, to whose necessity, Physic is the Midwife: and the office, and science of a Physician, chief is busied in these, that occasions of giving convenient aids, to this labouring, be attended, but the Plague hath this peculiar, that its cure is not at all to be left to Nature, but that it is to be endeavoured any way, by remedies gathered from Art. Nor are we to be solicitous of a more opportune, or as it were a gentler time, but Medicines are most quickly to be prepared, and we must not stay for them some hours, not nor minutes. But because, whilst the Pestilence reigns, there is no lesle need of care, that the Contagion may be driven far away, than that the Disease being impressed may be cured, therefore, a double task is incumbent on the Physician, to wit, that he looks to the prevention of this malignant Disease, as well as to the cure. To prescribe a method for both these, had been a work of too much tediousness, and to have given you a dish a thousand times dressed by Authors, wherefore, we will only touch lightly here, some chief Indications, and hast to other things.  
Preventive cautions, either respect the Republic, and belong to the Magistrate, or private persons, to whom it should be taught, what is to be done by all men, when the Plague is feared.  
The public care in the time of the Plague, consists chief in these, that Divine worship be truly observed, that all nests of Putrefaction be cut of, that filths, Dunghills, and all stinking things may be removed out of the Streets, and all occasion of the Contagion diligently avoided, and that an wholesome means of living be constantly observed by the Citizens. For which end, the use of fruits, and of other unwholesome things should be interdicted: that poor people, who have not plenty or choice of food; should be provided for, at the public charge: If still the Pestilence gins to spread, the empoisoned force of the Air should be corrected, as much as may be, which may be best done, by the frequent burning of Sulphureous things; the infected should be separated from the sound, and the dead Carcases, and householdstuff should be avoided; and lastly, that able and fit Physicians, and Ministers be provided for the use of the sound, and the necessities of the sick.  
The preventive means of a private person, is want to be concluded in these three things, viz. Diet, Physic, and Chirurgery. Diet respects the six nonnatural things, among which, of the greatest moment are, the Air and passions of the mind: as to the rest, Hypocrates his precept may suffice, viz. Labour, Meat, Drink, Sleep, Venus, should be taken moderately. The Pestilent Air should be avoided, by going into some other place; or corrected by the well burning of Sulphureous things, or whilst we breathe it should be cured by fumigations and sweet smells, often carried near the nostrils. As to the passions of the minds, fear, and sadness, whilst the Pestilence rages, are as it were another Plague; for in these, the seeds of the envenomed Contagion, which are placed in the superficies of the Body, as it were on the edge of a whirlpool, are snatched inwardly, by a certain force, and carried to the Heart; wherefore, 'tis a most excellent Antidote, to be of a cheerful and confident mind. I have known many, who (as Helmont was want to say) by fortifying the Archaeus, with Wine and confidence, never used any other Poyson-resisting Medicines, and remained without any hurt of the Contagion among the infected: and on the contrary, some struck with fear, when they have dwelled far from all Contagion, have drank in the seeds of the Pestilence, as if they were derived from the Stars.  
Among the Chirurgical things, to be administered for preservation sake, are want to be commended, the opening of a Vein, Cauteries, and Annulets. Where there is a fullness, with a great swelling up of the Blood; or in those who constantly, by long custom are want to be let Blood, it is convenient to open a Vein: For the lesle the Blood grows hot, and is circulated without Tumult, in the Vessels, it will be so much the longer, ere it be contaminated, by the pestiferous Disease. Issues made by Cauteries, are so much used, almost by the suffrage of all, for preservation sake against the Plague, that 'tis become the most common receipt: For these by a constant transmission pour forth the assiduous coming of the superfluous and excrementitious matter; and if that the infections of the Pestilence be admitted inwardly, they are cast forth of doors, at these open ports.  
Annulets, hung about the neck, or born on the wrists, are believed to have a wondered force against the Pestilence; of these, among some, of the greatest esteem, are such as are made out of Arsenic, quicksilver, the powder of Toads, and other Poisons. That the same in this case may be profitable, besides the observations of Physicians this reason may seem to persuade something. The Effluvia, or atomical little bodies, emerging now from these bodies, now residing upon these, are before affirmed to fly about through the whole Region of the Air; these, as they are diversely figured, some of them easily cohere with others, but if they strike against some of another form, they oppose and overturn them: hence, the particles of the pestilent Infection, which are adverse to our Spirits, excellently agreed with those little bodies of Poison placed near, and are readily fixed to them: wherefore, the Annulets made of Poison do this, viz. They receive the seeds of the Pestilence meeting us, into themselves, by reason of the likeness of parts; also, by alluring the same from our bodies, into their embraces, they in some measure, free the infected from the infection.  
The Medicinal prevention hath a twofold scope: First, that the assiduous coming of the excrementitious matter or humours be taken away by a gentle purging, as often as there is need: Secondly, that by the daily taking Poyson-resisting Medicines, our Spirits, and Body may be fortified against the assault of the Poison: By the former, the Food and cherishers, of which increase putrefaction brought in by the Poison are drawn away; by the latter, the first enkindling of the pestiferous Infection, as it were a deadly fire, is inhibited. Alexipharmies or Medicines contrary to Poisons seem to be helpful against the contagion of the Plague for this twofold Reason; Both because the mass of Blood and Viscera being filled with the particles of these, and also the Spirits before possessed with the same, they do not easily admit of the company of the empoisoned Infection; also, because the Blood being incited by the gentle fury of these is kept from coagulation.  
Thus much for preservation, it follows now, that we speak of the cure of the Plague. The doctrine of which, is either general, and comprehends remedies, which for this end, are taken from Diet, Chirurgery, and Medicine; or special, which delivers the use, and Cautions to be exhibited, about those Remedies; and by what men's we are to oppose the Symptoms variously arising.  
Diet comprehends the use of the six non-naturals, but the chief care, and medical cautions, are to be given about eating, the primary Indications of this, consist not at one and the same time together, but aught to be supplied by turns, according to the nature of the thing, and the exigency of nature. In respect of the malignity, and of the loss of strength, Aliments are to be desired, which greatly cherish the Spirits, and bring a more plentiful nourishment: in respect of the Feverish distemper, a more slender refrigerating Diet, and temperating the Blood, seems to be required: The Physician must regard either, but he may rather intent his Remedies against the malignity, than the Fever.  
The helps that belong to Chirurgery, are the opening a Vein, which seldom and very cautiously aught to be used in this Disease, because the Blood being too much exhausted, and the Vessels falling down, sweat is not so easily procured; instead of this, it is better to use Cupping, with scarification. For this, and Blistering, are rightly applied for the drawing forth of the Venom; moreover, against Buboes, Inflammations, or malignant Ulcers produced by them, Cataplasms, Fomentations, Plasters, Ointments, and many other things, to be outwardly applied, are to be sought for from Chirurgery, in which some Poisons, as the Electric of Poison, are prescribed by some to be admixed; wherefore, preparations of Arsenic, to wit, the oil and balsom of it, are commended by many, in this case too of most excellent use and efficacy.  
Medicines for the cure of the Plague, are either Evacuators, or Poyson-resisters: The intention of the former is, that the serous Latex in the Blood, and the excrementitious humours, which abound in the Viscera, be thrust forth of doors; and together with them, very many particles of the envenomed Infection, every where dispersed in the Body: But these are both Vomitories and Purgers, the use of which is more rare, and only in the beginning of the Disease, also Diaphoreticks or sweeting Medicines, which at some times may be suffered according as there is strength, are to be prescribed in the Plague: For these more fully, and from the whole body at once evacuate, yea, and by agitating the Blood, defend it from Congelation, and as they move from the Centre, still to the Circumference, they drive the empoisoned ferment, also the Corruptions of the Blood and humours, far from the heart, and so chase the Enemy without the Camp. But Vomits, and Purges evacuate lesle universally, and by Concentrating the malignant matter, oftentimes carry it inwardly, and fix it to the Bowels. But these Medicines, whether they operate by purging, or sweeting, aught to be of that kind, which have particles, rather agreeable to the empoisoned infection, than to our Blood or Spirits; for such a Medicine, will pass through the various wind of our body, with its whole forces and unmixed, and by reason of the similitude of either, more certainly takes hold of the virulent matter of the Disease, and carries it forth of doors with itself, by the mutual adhesion of the parts, which way provoked nature leads. Wherhfore, Medicines, whether Catharticks or Sudorificks, are commended before others, which are prepared out of Mercury, Antimony, Gold, Sulphur, Vitriol, Arsenic, and the like; which, when they cannot be subjugated by our heat, or mastered, become the best Remedies against the Poison of a pestilent Disease: for these do not only potently evacuate superfluous things, but when as they put forth very strong and untameable particles, and explicate them every where in the body, dissipate the ferments of the Poison growing here and there, and hinder them from maturation; and as these Remedies, being of themselves not to be overcome by Nature, are necessitated to be carried outwardly through the open passages of the body, they carry forth of doors with them, whatsoever extraneous or hostile thing is met with.  
As to Poyson-resisting Medicines, or Alexiterians, which are said to resist the Poison of this Disease, without any sensible evacuation, they are (for the most part) such, whose particles are not very much of kin to Nature, so as to go into Aliment; nor so divers, as to provoke to an excretion. The same being inwardly taken, and broken into the smallest pieces, inspire the Blood, and juices flowing together in the Vessels, and Viscera, with their little bodies, as with a new ferment, and by moving the same gently, and by keeping them in an equal mixture, defend them from Coagulation, and Putrefaction; dissipate the particles begun to be heaped up, one from another, by the same gentle agitation, and hinder them from maturity; and lastly by pre-possessing the Blood and Spirits, defend them from the impressions of the pestilent mark. Among these, some more simple Remedies are commended as Rue, Scordium, etc. but most of all by far are esteemed, those that are compounded, wherefore, Treacle, Mithridate, and Diascordium, some of which are composed of no lesle than fifty simples; that, 'tis esteemed a crime in Medicines so complete in all numbers, to omit one Plant, or one Dram of them in their Compositions; the reason perchance is, because very many things being put together, may make a mass, whose divers kinds of particles being exalted, by long digestion, may stir up the greater fermentation in our Blood and humours.  
Having after this manner ranked the Remedies, in which we aught to be instructed, for the curing of the Plague; now next we should speak of the method of cure, viz. What first, and than what next, should be done in order: but that this Disease hath so precipitous a Course, that there is neither place for deliberation, nor is there frequently any Physician to be gotten, for fear of the Contagion; wherefore, there is no need here of of many prescripts, or a long feries of Indications; this business is to be quickly performed, and may be comprehended in a few things. Therefore, when the pestilence reigning, any one is distempered with the Contagion of this Disease, the help of the omnipotent God being requested by Prayers, presently Remedies are to be flown to: If the Plague happens in a body not throughly purged, and prove to Vomiting, presently let a Vomit be taken, whose operation being finished, immediately let a sweat be provoked, by taking Diaphoreticks, and the same continued as strength can bear it, and afterwards be often repeated. Besides, let Alexipharmicks or Poyson-resisters, be used almost every moment, until by the eruption of Whelks, Inflammations, or Buboes, all the Venom be wholly driven forth of doors: but in the mean time, proper and respective Remedies, are to be opposed to the most urging Symptoms: but especially, fit helps are to be fought from Chirurgery, for the cure of the Buboes, and Plague-sores: the whole weight of this business, leans on these two Intentions, that the pestiferous Poison may be every way expelled from within, and than, that the recourse of what is driven forth, be with equal diligence prevented.  
Concerning the Plague, we cannot so readily writ examples, and histories of sick persons, with exact diaries of the Symptoms: because these kind of sicknesses came not every year, neither when they spread, is it lawful for every Physician that takes care of his own health, frequently to visit the sick, or to stay long with them, whereby he may denote all accidents, and diligently consider the reasons of them; which task however, the renowned Diemerbrochius, did so firmly persist in, that after him, others may lawfully be superseded from this work: when sometimes past, in this City, viz. 1645. the Plague (though not great) had spread, Doctor Henry Sayer, a very learned Physician, and happy in his practice, many others refusing this province, boldly visited all the sick, poor, as well as rich, daily administered to them Physic, and handled with his own hands, their Buboes, and virulent Ulcers, and so cured very many sick, by his sedulous, though dangerous Labour. That he might fortify himself against the Contagion, before he went into the infected houses, he was want only to drink a large draught of Sack, and than his perambulation about the borders of Death, and the very jaws of the Grave being finished, to repeat the same Antidote; After he had in this City, as if inviolable as to the Plague, a long while taken care of the affairs of the Sick without any hurt, he was sent for to Walling ford-Castle, where this Disease cruelly Raged, as another Aesculapius, by the Governor of the place: But there being so bold, as to lie in the same Bed; with a certain Captain (his intimate Companion) who was taken with the Plague, he quickly received the Contagion of the same Disease: nor were the Arts than profitable to the Master, which had been helpful to so many others, but there, with great sorrow of the Inhabitants, nor without great loss to the Medical Science, he died of that Disease. As to others, distempered by the Pestilence, he was want to order this kind of method of healing, if he was sent for before the Buboes or Whelks appeared outwardly, for the most part he gave a Vomit, the prescriptions of which were of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum, sometimes with white, and sometimes with Roman Vitriol: The Vomiting being ended he commanded them to be presently put into a sweat by the taking of Diaphoreticks; and thence, some intervals being granted, for the recovery of strength, the sweeting to be continued to the declination of the Disease: but if he were sent for to the sick, after the appearances of the marks, the Vomiting being let alone, he insisted only upon Sudorificks.   

CHAP. XIV. Of Pestilential and Malignant Fevers in specie, and of others Epidemical.  
AFter having unfolded the Nature of the Plague, by the order of our Tract, we aught to proceed to the Diseases, which seem to be nearest like its Nature; which chief are Fevers, called Pestilent and Malignant; for 'tis commonly noted, that Fevers sometimes reign popularly, which for the vehemency of symptoms, the great slaughter of the sick, and the great force of contagion, scarce give place to the Pestilence; which however, because they imitate the type of Putrid Fevers, and do not so certainly kill the sick as the Plague, or so certainly infect others, they deserve the name not of the Plague, but by a more minute appellation of a Pestilential Fever: Besides these, there are Fevers of another kind, the perniciousness and Contagion of which appear more remiss, yet, because they are infestous, beyond the force of Putrid Fevers, and seem to contain in themselves in a manner, the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or hand of God of Hypocrates, are yet by a more soft appellation, called Malignat Fevers.  
Those Fevers differ both from the Pest, and from one another according to the degree, and vehemency of contagion and deadlyness: as the Plague is a Disease highly contagious, and deadly to human kind; 'tis the Pestilent Fever, which commonly spreads with a lesser diffusion of its infection, and frequency of burials. When the infection is only suspected, and the Crisis happens beyond the event of vulgar Fevers, only not to be trusted or lesle safe, 'tis esteemed for a Malignant Fever. They are yet more fully described thus.  
When the Fever commonly spreads abroad, which for the variety of symptoms, puts on the likeness of the Putrid Fever so called, to wit, when there are present, Thirst, Burning, Weariness, Anxiety, roughness of the Tongue, Watch, Frenzy, Vomiting, want of Appetite, Syncopy, Swooning, Heart-pains, and a concourse of other most terrible accidents; if there hap besides, spots either like to the little Fleabites, or broad ones like black and blue strokes, and livid, we esteem this disease of an evil Nature. If besides these, it is not cured after the wont manner of Fevers, but that the strength of the sick is cast down, without any manifest cause, and that death comes often unlooked for and unsuspected, against the Prognostic of the Physician, there is yet a greater cause of suspicion of malignity: But if it kills very many of the sick, and that those who converse with the sick, contract the evil of the same Disease, that the same Disease spreads through all the Villages or Cities, it may be said to be more than malignant, a pestilential Fever: which is yet fully proved, if it rages in very many ordinarily with a certain common symptom, as when a Squinancy, Dysentery or deadly Sweat, such as in times past spread in England, accompany these sort of Fevers.  
If that a Fever arises, which Distempers many living in the same Region together, almost after the same manner, which notwithstanding observes the laws of a common Putrid Fever in its course, and is cured almost after the same manner, this is not said to be Pestilent, but only a Malignant Fever; unless that in some labouring with a remarkable Cacochymy, or fullness of ill humours, the appearances of Buboes, or of spots, sometimes with a deadly Crisis, and a contagion creeping upon others, betray some signs of Malignity.  
If it be demanded, to which Class of the aforesaid Fevers, these sort of Pestilential and Malignant Fevers aught to be placed, we ascribe them only to the rank of continual Fevers; we discharge or acquit intermitting Fevers, because by intervals they grant such firm Truces to Nature, and than they regularly and exactly observe their periods, which does not confist with an envenomed disposition. Also we except Hectic Fevers from malignity, because otherwise their mortality would not be so long delayed, but that partaking of Poison, they would kill sooner: among continual Fevers, although we affirm, that the simple synochal Fevers, are not free, yet they are rarely touched with this evil: but most of all, the Fever which shows the notes of pestility or malignity, is of that sort, which resembles the figure of the Putrid Fever so called: for when in these Fevers, besides the appearances of virulency, we perceive a continual growing hot of the Blood, which passes through the courses or stadia of beginning, increase, standing and declination, as in Putrid Fevers, we deservedly affirm here, the Sulphureous part of the Blood to be heated and enkindled, and by its burning to have brought in the Fever: wherefore in these kind of Fevers, two things are especially to be noted, the growing hot of the Blood and the malignity joined with it, of which now this, now that is the greater: also, in both there is a great Latitude, and very many degrees of its intention or heat, according to which the Fever becomes more or lesle acute or malignant.  
The growing hot of the Blood is performed after the same manner, as is already said concerning Putrid Fevers: to wit, the Sulphureous part of the Blood growing hot above measure, as it were takes fire by its fervour; in the time of its burning it accumulates a great quantity of adust martyr, upon whose subaction and seclusion, depend the state and Crisis after the wont manner of Fevers: but besides these, the Blood being infected with a certain venornous taint, in the burning it gins by reason of the malignant ferment, to be coagulated into parts, and to putrify: wherefore besides the usual symptoms of the common Fever, by reason of some congealed portions of the Blood, follow either deadly Distempers, Swooning, a dejection of the Spirits, also appearances of spots and marks: besides venomous Effluvia, which departed from the sick, that are able to raise up the like Distemper in others, by the force of their contagion; wherefore by reason of its perniciousness and contagion, and their various degrees, it is called, either a Pestilent or Malignant Fever.  
Also whilst the Blood growing hot, is infected with a venomous and malignant ferment, not only proper coagulations of its mass, with a disposition to putrefaction, are induced; but also the Nervous Liquor, easily contracts the taint of this, from whence it being made improportionate to the Brain and Regiment of the Animal Spirits, stirs up great irregularities in them: therefore upon these sort of Fevers, come not only spots and whelks, but most often a Delirium, Frenzy, Sleepiness, Tremble of the Limbs, Cramps, and Convulsive motions; I have often observed, that in some certain years, Malignant Fevers have increased, which have shown their virulency, without the appearances of marks, chief about the Nervous stock; because in some, presently after the beginning, has followed a sleepiness, with a mighty heaviness of the Head, in others, strong Watch, a perturbation of mind, with Trembling and Convulsive motions, but in most, either none, or only an uncertain Crisis, and instead of it, a translation of the Feverish matter to the Brain; besides it is observed, that these Fevers creep upon others by contagion, and that very many are killed by them, that therefore they do deserve to be called Malignant.  
But these kind of Fevers are sometimes first begun from a venomous infection, and the Blood being touched with the Particles of the venom, conceives of itself an Effervescency, and is enkindled; as when from a contagion or malignant Air being inspired, any one hath fallen into a Malignant Fever, without any evident cause or predisposition: But sometimes the Feverish Distemper is induced from a proper cause, and than the seeds of the Malignity, either lying hid within in the Body, exert themselves in the Effervent Blood, or they come from another place by the contaminated Air, as it were the Food of the flame before enkindled; for it appears by frequent observation in the time in which an Epidemical Fever spreads, that others being any way arisen, turn into it.  
Malignant Fevers, as also Pestilential, for the most part are popular, and invade many at once: but sometimes they are private, and not ordinary, so that perhaps only one or two are taken in the whole Region; in such a case, it is to be suspected that they come not from a malignant Air, or Epidemical cause, but from a morbous provision of the Body; for I have often observed that when in the Spring or Autumn, a Fever sufficiently common, hath spread in some City or Town, of which very many have died, perhaps some one on whom an evil predisposition, and a more strong evident cause, hath brought the Fever, hath lain by it, with more horrid symptoms, and great notes of malignity: in which case that malignity is not to be called common to the Fever, but not ordinary, and accidental only.  
Although the greatest reason of the difference, by which these kind of Fevers are distinguished from one another, and from other Fevers, consists in their deadliness and contagion; yet sometimes, they are noted with a certain peculiar symptom, from which they take for that time, both the note of malignity, and the appellation of the name: hence in some years an Epidemical Fever reigns, which induces to most of the sick a Squinancy, another time an inflammation of the Lungs, a Pleurisy, Dysentery, or some other distemper, and that oftentimes most dangerous, and contagious: so the seeds of Diseases, not only derived from the Parents by traduction, excite their fruits as it were by a certain designation, in the same part or member; but also, those received from an Infection commonly spreading, produce in all, a distemper of the same mode and figure: which yet I think to hap, not because the seeds of the venomous Infection, respect either this or that Region of the Body, with a certain peculiar Virtue; but these so affect the mass of Blood, by a like manner in all, that there is a necessity, for the sake of washing away this stain, that a Crisis be attempted after the same manner in all. For when, without malignity, the Blood, by reason of Coagulation, or perhaps other causes, is apt to be extravasated, the usual places, in which portions of the same being extravasated, are want to be fixed, are the Throat, Pleura, Lungs, and Intestines: wherefore, 'tis no wonder, when from a malignant cause, the congelation of the Blood, and for that reason an extravasation is induced, if the Disease is nested in the accustomed cherishing place of Nature.  
Concerning the causes of these kind of Fevers, there is not much business: they are for the most part deduced, in respect of the malignity, from the vicious Constitution of the Air; in respect of the Feverish heat, from the morbous provision of the Body: either of these, are easily made clear, by what hath been already said, concerning a Putrid Fever, and the causes of the Pestilence: If the malignity be stronger than the Fever, and hath induced it, the impression of it is to be imputed to the inspired Air, or to a Contagion received from others; if the Fever be first, its enkindling is ascribed to transpiration being hindered, to a Surfeit, or to some other of the evident causes above enumerated.  
As to the signs, besides contagion and destruction, these show the malignity of the Fever, a sudden loss of strength, a weak and unequal pulse, and evil affection of the Brain and nervous parts, being suddenly induced, cruel Vomitings, blackness of the Tongue, a suffusion of darkness through the whole Body, but chief the appearances of Spots, Buboes, and of other marks.  
For the cure of Fevers, both Pestilential and Malignant, there is greater need of Judgement, and Circumspection, than in any others whatsoever: For when there are two primary Indications, to wit, the Malignity, and the Feverish intemperance, and when one can scarcely provide for the one, without detriment to the other, it is not easily to be discerned, which should first be helped, or soon regarded. In respect of the Fever, purging, opening a Vein, and cooling things, do chief help; but whilst these are performed, the Malignity, for the most part is increased, and being neglected, spreads abroad more largely its Poison: against the Malignity, Poyson-resisting Cordials, and Diaphoreticks are required, but these extremely heighten the Fever, they more shake the Blood and Spirits before enkindled, as it were with the blast of Bellowss, and force all as it were into a flame; wherefore, here is great need of skill, that these things be rightly ordered in themselves, and where there is most of danger appearing, thence the Curative Intentions are to be more immediately designed; but so, as whilst one is consulted about, the other be not neglected. But in these cases, besides the private Judgement of every Physician, experience may supply the chief means of healing: for when as these Fevers first spread, every one almost tries several Remedies, and by the success of them collated together, it may be easily reckoned, what kind of method is to be relied on, till at last, by a frequent trial, or the footsteps of those passing before, there is made as it were a high and broad Road, for the curing of these sorts of distempers, bounded both with various observations and warnings.  
Besides these sort of Fevers, which spread on many at once, and by reason of the Contagion, deadliness, and conspicuous notes of virulency, deserve to be called Pestilent or Malignant; there are some others, epidemical or popular, which almost every year, either in the Spring or Autumn, rage in some Countries; of which the Inhabitants for the most part of them are want to be sick, and not few, especially of the Elder, to dye: In which notwithstanding, no signs of Pestilence or Malignity appear, neither does the Disease seem to spread, from one and so to another, so much by Contagion, as to lay hold on many, by reason of a predisposition, impressed almost on all. But these kind of distempers, depend chief upon the foregoing Constitution of the year: for if the season going before was very intemperate, by reason of excess of cold or heat, of dryness or humidity, and so had continued for a long time, it changes our Blood very much, from its due temperature, whereby it is apt afterwards to conceive Feverish effervescencies; and from hence a Fever, now of this Type or Figure, now of that is produced; which presently becomes Epidemical, because it draws its beginning from a common cause, wherewith the bodies of all, are in a manner affected: But such Fevers, forasmuch as they depend upon the Blood having gotten a disposition, now sharp, now austere, or of some other kind, by reason of the temper of the year, for the most part are of the rank of intermitting Fevers: yet, by a proper provision of Symptoms, they are want to be noted, according to the peculiar Constitution of every year. These are not able to be comprehended, under a certain common rule, or formal reason, which may quadrat to the nature of each of these; because they vary every year, according to their several accidents. However, we will give you the descriptions of these kind of Fevers, spreading of late years in this Region, had at that time, for some specimen of the rest, and add it for a conclusion at the end of this Tract.  
There yet remains to be ascribed to the rank of malignant Fevers, some other private Fevers, and participating of no Contagion: of which sort chief are those, which are want to hap to Childbearing women, by reason of difficult and hard labour, or by reason of the stoppage of their Courses. Indeed it sufficiently appears, by common observation, that these are very dangerous, and often mortal: for if, by the parts of the Womb being hurt, or by cold being admitted, or perhaps by any other cause, the Courses are stopped, and the humour which aught to be thrust forth, shall be confused with the mass of the Blood, it most wickedly infects it, as it were with a certain venomous mixture; that by that means, presently a Fever is excited, which with an evil provision of Symptoms, is very much beset, viz. with heat, and cruel thirst, Vomiting, pain of the Heart, and watch, and for the most part obtains, either no Crisis, or a very difficult one: because, unless the wont way of the flux of the Courses, may be at length restored, it is want, after the heat of the Blood hath been continued for some days, to Communicate the evil to the Brain, and nervous stock; from whence, by and by, a Delirium, Frenzy, Convulsions, and other most wicked distempers, are most often induced, which do not seldom end in Death: but these sort of Fevers deserve a peculiar consideration which we have more fully determined to show hereafter in a particular discourse concerning this business; in the mean time, we will undertake to propose some instances or examples of the Fevers, but now delivered, viz. of the Pestilent, and Malignant.  
The pestilent Fever, of late years, hath more rarely spread in these Regions, than the Plague itself: of the only one of this kind, which fell under our observation, I will give you a brief description. In the year 1643, when in the coming on of the Spring, the Earl of Essex besieged Reading, being held for the King, in both Armies there began a Disease to arise very Epidemical; however, they persisting in that work, till the besieged were forced to a surrender, this Disease grew so grievous, that in a short time after, either side left of, and from that time, for many months, fought not with the Enemy, but with the Disease: as if there had not been leisure to turn aside to another kind of Death, this deadly Disease increasing, they being already overthrown by Fate, and as it were falling down before this one Death. Essexe's Camp moving to the Thomes, pitched in the places adjacent, where he shortly lost a great part of his men: But the King returned to Oxford, where at first, the Soldiers being disposed in the open Fields, than afterwards among the Towns and Villages, suffered not much lesle: For his Foot, (which it chief invaded) being pact together in close houses, when they had filled all things with filthiness, and unwholesome nastiness, and stinking odours (that the very Air seemed to be infected) they fell sick by Troops, and as it were by Squadrons. At length the Fever now more than a Camp Fever invaded the unarmed and peaceable Troops, to wit, the entertainers of the Soldiers, and generally all others, yet at first (the Disease being yet but lightly inflicted) though beset with an heavy and long languishment, however many escaped. About the Summer Solstice this Fever began also to increase with worse provision of Symptoms, and to lay hold on the Husbandmen, and others inhabiting the Country. Than afterwards, spread through our City, and all the Country round, for at lest Ten miles about. In the mean time, they who dwelled far from us, in other Counties remained free from hurt, being as it were without the sphere of the Contagion. But here this Disease became so Epidemical that a great part of the people was killed by it; and assoon as it had entered an house, it run through the same, that there was scarce one left well to administer to the sick; strangers, or such as were sent for to help the sick, were presently taken with the Disease; that at length, for fear of the Contagion, those who were sick of this Fever, were avoided by those who were well, almost as much, as if they had been sick of the Plague.  
Nor indeed, did there a lesle mortality, or slaughter of men, accompany this Disease: because Cachectic, and Pthisical old men, or otherways unhealthful, were killed by it; also not a few of Children, young men, and those of a more mature and robust age. I remember in some Villages, that almost all the old men died this year, that there were scarce any left, who were able to defend the manners and privileges of the Parish, by the more anciently received Traditions.  
When this Fever first began, it was something like the figure of a putrid Synochus; but it was harder to be cured, and when it seemed to be helped by a sweat or looseness, presently it was want to be renewed again: but for the most part, after the deflagration of the Blood, continued for six or seven days, this remitting, and instead of a Crisis the adust matter being translated to the Brain, the sick for a long time keeping their Beds with raging sometimes, but more often with a stupefaction, with great weakness, and sometimes with Convulsive motions, scarcely escaped at last. About the middle of the Summer, besides the Contagion and frequent burials, this Disease betrayed its malignity, and pestilential force in open signs, viz. By the eruption of Whelks and Spots: because about this time in many there appeared without any great burning of the Fever, an unequal, weak, and very much disordered pulse; also without a manifest expense of Spirits, their strength presently became languishing, and very much dejected: In others, sick after the same manner, appeared little Blisters or Measles, now small and read, now broad and livid: in many, Buboes, (as in the Plague) about the glandulas: of these some died silently and unforeseen, without any great struggling of the Spirits, or Feverish burning excited in the Blood: in the mean time others, by and by becoming furibundous, whilst they lived suffered most horrid distractions, of the animal Spirits. Those about to escape from this Disease, without any laudable Crisis, (unless they were the sooner freed by a sweat provoked by Art) the Brain, and nervous stock becoming distempered, at length, with a benummedness of the senses, tremble, vertigo, debility of the members, and Convulsive motions, did not grow well but of a long time after. During the Dog-days, this Disease being still infestous, began to be handled not as a Fever, but as a lesser Plague, and to be overcome only by Poyson-resisting Remedies; letting of Blood, was believed to be fatal to this: Vomits, and Purges, sometimes though not often, were made use of, but the chiefest means of Cure, were accounted to be procured by Alexiteriums, and timely sweat. For this end, besides the prescripts, of Physicians, to be had at the Apothecaries, some Emperical Remedies deserved no small praise; than first of all, the powder of the Countess of Kent, began to be of great esteem in this Country; also of no lesle note was another powder, of the colour of Ashes, which a certain Courtier staying by chance in this City, gave to many with good success; and to others approving of the use of it, he sold it at a great price; the sick were want having taken half a dram of this, in any Liquor, to fall into a most plentiful sweat, and so to be freed from the virulency of the Disease; That Diaphoretic (whose preparation I afterwards learned, from the Cousin German of the Author) was only the powder of Toads, purged throughly with Salt, and than wshed in the best Wine, and lightly calcined in an earthen Pot. The Autumn coming on, this Disease by degrees remitted its wont fierceness that fever grew sick of it and of them many grew well; till the approach of the Winter, when this Fever almost wholly vanished, and health was rendered to this City, and the Country round about fully and wholly.  
Thus you have seen the beginning, progress, and end of this Fever, at first only a Camp Fever, but at length became Pestilential, and Epidemical. That at first the Disease began in the Soldier's Camp, may seem to be imputed, not only to their nastiness, and stinking smells, but in some sort to a common vice of the Air, for as these Fevers come not every year, their original may be ascribed, partly to the peculiar Constitution of the year. Because, by that means, a more light intemperance of the Air being contracted, though it did not affect the more healthful Inhabitants; yet in the Army, where evident causes, viz. errors in the six non-naturals, very much hap to the general procatartic cause, there is a necessity for these kind of sicknesses easily to be excited. For the constitution of this year, was in the Spring very moist, and slabbery, almost with continual shours, to which a mnore hot Summer Succeeding, and the infection of the Feverish Contagion here first increasing, still grew worse, and disposed all Bodies the more for the receiving it; wherefore, that this Disease was almost proper to this Region, and at this time Epidemical, the seed of it aught to be ascribed to its first rising from the Army, being quartered round about. But forasmuch, as it afterwards being made Pestilential, and very Epidemical, it infected most of the people living here, and killed not a few, the reason was, the evil affection of the Air; which because of the intemperance of the year being unwholesome, besides by the continual breathing forth of stinking vapours from the Soldier's Camps, and the quarters of the sick, it became at last so votious, that the infection of the Fever, being dispersed in it, was greatly exalted, and arose almost to the virulency of the Plague. Diemerbrochius relates from the like Camp Fever, arising in the Summer at Spires, afterwards another Malignant and Pestilential, and than the Plague itself to have accrued. Also, it was a sign that this Fever of ours, became at last equal to the Plague itself, besides the great force of the Contagion, and the frequency of Burials, most wicked distempers of the Blood, and nervous Liquor, being brought presently upon all, by it: because, strength being suddenly overthrown, the weak intermitting pulse, the creeping forth of measly Blisters, the eruption of Buboes, argued the Coagulation, and corruptive disposition of the Blood: besides the Delirium, Madness, Frenzy, Stupefaction, Sleepiness, Vertigo, Tremble, Convulsive motions, and divers other distempers of the Head, shown the great hurt of the Brain, and nervous stock.  
That the figure, or Idea of this malignant Fever, may be painted to the life, very many observations or histories of sick people, are easily to be had; of the many examples of this Disease, I shall only mention a few, which happened some years since in the house of a venerable man, and as with a mournful slaughter, so not without some admiration.  
About the Winter Solstice, in the year 1653. a youth of about Seven years old, without any manifest cause, found himself ill, being troubled with a pain of his Head, Sleepiness, and mighty Stupefaction; with it he had a Fever, though not strong, with an ordinary burning, which grew more grievous, only by wand'ring fits, sometimes once, sometimes twice in Twenty four hours space: presently from the beginning, he slept almost continually, also he was want in his sleep to cry out, to talk idly, and to leap often out of his Bed; being awakened, and sometimes of his own accord awaking, he presently came to himself, and constantly called for drink; his Urine was read, and full of Contents, his pulse equal, and strong enough; in his wrists appeared light contractures of the tendons, and in his neck, and other parts of his Body, some read spots like Fleabites. At the first, was ordered a light Purgation, and a frequent taking down of the Belly, by the use of Clysters; he daily took Cordial Julaps, with Poyson-resisters; Vesicatories or blistering Plasters, were applied to his neck, and other Plasters to the soles of his feet: on the sixth day, a little Blood streamed from his nostrils; on the seventh, without any manifest through Crisis, the Fever very much abated, the heat so gentle as to be perceived only by the Touch; also, the Urine pale, thin, and without any sediment, yet he was much more grieviously troubled with sleepiness, and a stupefaction of the Head, so that his Urine, and the excrements of his Belly came away involuntarily; however, being called upon, he knew the standers by, and answered to their questions; These distempers, notwithstanding the Remedies every day grew worse: About the Fourteenth day, the sick youth became so stupid, as neither to be able to understand, nor to speak, yet he swallowed still what was put into his mouth, though unknowingly, and his pulse was laudable enough: about this time, he fell into a Flux, excited of itself by Nature for four days, which at last ceasing, a whiteish crust or scurf, and as it were Chalky, began to spread over the whole cavity of his Mouth and Throat, which being often in a day wiped away, new presently broke forth: when he had thus for four days more been sick, he became better in his intellect, and sense, so that he was able to know his Parents and Friends, to take notice of their words, and to do something as he was bid: but as his sensitiv faculty began to be restored, so he began to grow worse as to his speech and the Organs of swallowing; without doubt the matter being fallen from the Brain, into the beginnings of the Nerves, a Palsy in the Tongue and Throat had succeeded to the heaviness and stupefaction: which distemper in a short time so increased, that afterwards the sick person could not swallow at all, but that what he took in at the Mouth presently flowed back again, neither could any thing go down into the Stomach; when besides the cruelty of the Disease, there was danger lest he should be killed by Famine, an Instrument was prepared of a pin of Chalk, put into a little plaint wand, and on the top of it, a little tuft of silk made fit; and this being thrust down his Throat, opened the closing for a time, whereby the Food taken in, was suffered to pass, after the use of this for a day or two, he was able to swallow again, and afterwardsto take his Food well enough: and within a few days, he began to speak, to discern any thing, and becoming wondered hungry, to ask for, all day long, all sorts of Food, and greedily to devour what ever was brought to him. In the mean time, by reason of his long sickness, and the Nervous parts being grievously hurt; he was grown so Lean, that the Bones scarce sticking to the Skin, he represented exactly a living Skeleton. But afterwards, by the sedulous, indefatigable, and prudent care of the Mother about his diet, he recovered perfect Health, and is yet living, and well.  
When this child had hardly arrived ot the height of his sickness, his Brother, elder about two years, on the Ideses of January, was taken almost after the same manner. At first he was troubled with a Torpor and heaviness sof the Head, than growing Feverish, with a sleepiness and stupidity: he began to talk idly in his sleep, than being awake hardly to come to himself: after four or five days, these symptoms grew more grievous: he was able to understand little, nor scarce to speak articulately, and not without stammering. His Urine was thick, cloudy, without Hypostasis, or settling of the Contents: there appeared, as in his Brother, read spots, small, like Fea-bites; his Excrements both of his Belly and Bladder, came away involuntarily. But his Pulse was yet strong and equal; his Hypochondria were stretched out, and inflated with a tumour of the Abdomen; about the eighth day, he had a small stream of Blood: on the eleventh day of his sickness, he fell into a Diarrhaea, by which, in the space of five hours, he cast forth seven times, bilous, thin, and highly stinking stuff, from whence there was some hope of his amendment; but the next day after, the flux of his Belly ceasing, pains, and torments cruelly infested his Belly, that crying out and moaning night and day, he sent forth most heavy complaints; his Hypochondria and Abdomen were tumid like a Tympany, and mightily distended; when he could not receive any thing of ease, from no remedies, the most exquisite skill of many Physicians being tried, on the fourteenth day he died Convulsive, in these torments.  
A little after his death, viz. on the thirteenth of February, his Brother, elder than him, about eleven years old, a youth of great hopes, began to be Feverish; and as the others, with a Torpor and heaviness of his Head, though lesle strongly affected; but the heat in the Blood was greater, which was of a more hot temperament, and greater perturbation appeared, that for the first six days, besides heat and thirst, he was troubled with a continual endeavour of excretion, now by sweat, now by stool. His Urine was read and troubled; some read spots, as in the rest broke forth; on the seventh day he had a bleeding about five Ounces, which ceasing, a great benumedness succeeded, that for all that day and the night following, he could scarce lift up his Eyes: on the eighth day, a most plentiful bleeding followed again at the Nose, that there was danger, jest he should have lost his life, together with his Blood: the Blood sprang so copiously from his left nostril, that being received in a Basin, it made little Bladders or bubbles by its fall: when he had lost above two pound of Blood, and being taken with a cold sweat, began to loose his strength, remedies were at length administered, and the Flux was yet hardly stopped. The Haemorrhage being stayed, the Youth slept sound, and all that day became sleepy: yet often awakening, he remained well in his senses and was quick in sense, and understanding; and being asked of his health, he said he was pretty well; his Urine, which was before read and troubled, than appeared pale, thin, and with a laudable Hypostasis, that the sick seemed, (especial because he wanted thirst, or immoderate heat) to be perfectly cured and freed from the Fever: on the following morning, being the ninth day of the Fever, he remained yet torpid, but being raised up, he living cheerfully and without intemperance, seemed to be in a condition of growing well, but that he began a little to falter in his peech: in the evening, when it was jest suspected, the Fever being again enkindled, on a sudden he fell into a Lethargy, that he was scarce able to be awakened from sleep, and being pulled, scarce to know any body, or to speak plainly: although so great a loss of Blood had gone before, the Pulse was yet quick, high, and vehement, also his Urine read: after deriving, and withdrawing remedies, had been used all that Night, this Youth seemed to be in a little better condition, so that in the morning, he continued a long time from sleep, but began to role about his Eyes hither and thither, and to set himself up a little; yet without speaking, or knowledge of those that were about him: before noon, his Eyes being shut again, he wholly lost the use of every Animal faculty: he lay for three days, as it were Apoplectic, with an high and vehement Pulse, with a palpitation of the Heart, and a difficult and painful breathing; his Pulse at length growing lesser by degrees, he died the thirteenth day of the Fever.  
On the fifteenth of February, his Sister, somewhat lesser than he was, began to complain of a pain and torments in her Belly, a trembling in her hands, and a painful tension or stretching out of the Muscles of her Neck, with a Feverish intemperance, and thirst: on the last day of February, she growing plainly into a Fever, could not keep out of her Bed: moreover she was troubled with a wand'ring heat, now in her Face, now about her lower parts; also she became heavy and somnolent, and awaking from sleep, could not presently come to herself. On the first of March she was lightly Purged and with ease, with an expression of Rhubarb: her Urine was thick and read; elso petechial read spots, (as in the rest) were conspicuous: we gave her after that, for four days, at several times, to wit, after the interval of every six hours' space, ten drops of the spirit of Hartshorn, in a Spoonful of Cordial Julep; the aforesaid symptoms afterwards leisurly remitted, and this sick child, though slowly, recovered health without a manifest through Crisis.  
About the same time her little Brother, younger than any of these, fell sick almost after the like manner; who, yet, a looseness arising Naturally of itself, for many days, voiding Choleric and greenish stuff, was easily cured. Also in the same Family, many other Domestics, and some strangers coming to help them, the evil being propagated by Contagion, fell sick of the same Disease: who notwithstanding, at length became well, though with difficulty, and slowly, without any regular Crisis being made.  
That this Fever was malignant, plainly appears by the Contagion, Mortality, and appearances of spots, and many other signs; though that infecting contagion, whereby it spread from one to another, shown itself slow, and of lesser Efficacy; because, between the sicknesses of each of them, many days, and oftentimes week's happened to be, that the infection of this though acute Disease, and the dissemination on others, was scarcely finished in four months' space, in the same House. The Fever about the first beginning seemed gentle and mild, not very terrible as to burning; but the matter being heaped together, from the deflagration of the Blood, became presently untameable, hard to be exterminated, also enemical to the Brain and Nervous stock; wherefore in each of them, the beginning of the Disease, was to be known rather by the torpor and somnolency, than the fervour and heat; also, the Crisis, though by several ways attempted, viz. by Sweat, Flux, Bleeding, did not happily succeed, but for most part, the Blood growing turgid with the critical motion, endeavoured to transfer the Feverish matter, upon the dwellings of the Animal Spirits; yet itself notwithstanding, became not putrified by this means, but that about the standing of the Disease, both humours (to with the Blood and Nervous Juice) being vitiated, by an impure mixture together, and grievously touched, caused the event of the Disease, to be either deadly, or extreme dangerous.   

CHAP. XV. Of the Measles and Smallpox.  
IN the next place, we refer the Smallpox and Measles to the rank of pestilential and malignant Fevers, which indeed are mixed Distempers, consisting at once according, and contrary to our Nature. As to their Original, they have their seminary born with us: but as to the effect, they produce preternatural symptoms, and (as the Plague itself) poisonous; so that they constitute are it were a certain peculiar kind of Fevers, proper indeed to men, but after another manner, than Porphyrius has assigned; for it happens for every man only, and once to be distempered with the Smallpox or Measles: if perchance any one lives free their whole life, or another more often fall into these Distempers, they are rare and unusual events of Nature, which lessen not common observation; yea 'tis fully confirmed, to wit, that all, and only men are obnoxious to the Smallpox and Measlles, and are want to be rid of them at one sickness. Concerning the Smallpox, we will treat of them apart from the Measles, what the cause of them is, than what signs and symptoms they have, and lastly what things belong to the Crisis and Cure.  
Concerning the Causes, we aught to consider in the first place, what is the secret leading Cause, to wit, which renders only and all mankind, and that once, obnoxious to this Disease. Secondly, we will inquire concerning the evident Causes, viz. by what and how many ways, this latent and occult disposition, is want to be, now sooner now later, deduced into Act. Thirdly, it shall be declared, what is the conjunct cause, to wit, by what motion and alteration of the Blood, the figure of this Disease is produced.  
1. As to the first, this disposition or Natural predisposition, which inclines human kind to this Disease, seems to be a certain evil or impurity of the Blood, conceived in the Womb, among the first Rudiments of Generation; almost all Authors, would have this ascribed to the Menstruous Blood: which Opinion seems not altogether improbable: because in a woman's Womb, (otherways than in most other living Creatures) there is generated a certain Ferment, which being communicated to the mass of Blood, affords to it vigour and spirit, and than at set periods, procures a swelling up, and an excretion of the superfluous Blood; but at the time of Conception, when the Menstrua wholly cease, very much of this ferment is bestowed on the Faetus or Child; and its Particles, being Haeterogeneous to all the rest, as a certain extraneous things, are ocnfused with the mass of Blood and humours; with which being involved and separated one from another, lurk or lie hid a long while; yet afterwards, at some time, being moved or stirred up, by some evident cause, they ferment with the Blood, and induce to it an ebullition, and than a Coagulation; from whence very many symptoms of this Disease arise.  
These fermentative seeds sometimes are few and gentle, and so involved with other little Bodies, as they do not easily appear, and are brought into act; sometimes they are more and stranger; so that on the lest occasion they are ripened into this Disease; hence indeed some are taken sooner, with the Smallpox in their tender years: others more slowly, and not till full or more ripe age: also some easily receive the contagion, but others converse often with the sick without danger. The sooner that any one hath this Disease, the more secure they are; wherefore children most often escape, oid men, or such as are of years, are more in danger, viz. in children or young people, transpiration is more easy, also the habit of the Body more firm and healthful. But although the venomous seeds of this Disease, for the most part are want to be dispersed or blown away at once, and with one sickness; yet it sometimes happens, that a part of the ininfection being still left, the sick have fallen into this Disease twice or thrice.  
2. The evident cause which stirs up these fermentative seeds, and most often brings them into act, may be said to be threefold, viz. The contagion received from some place: the disposition of the Air, and the immoderate perturbation of the Blood and Humours. It is most manifest by daily experience, that this Disease doth come upon others, and spread abroad by contagion; viz. from the infected Body, continually flow Effluvia, which being received by other Bodies, presently like poison they ferment with the Blood, and suscitate or awaken the lurking or sleeping seeds of the same Disease, Homogeneous with themselves, and dispose them into the figure or Idea of this Disease: neither is the infection only communicated by contact, but at a distance. They who live within the same house, or neighbouring to the sick, easily receive the infection; also it is cherished in , and dissipated afar of, and transferred to more remote places. They who are of kin one to another, soon infect each other: also they who are fearful, and extremely dread this Disease, more readily fall into it: For by fear, the Particles of the infection are conveyed inwardly from the superficies of the Body. At what time the contagion spreads, and that the Smallpox are Epidemical, all other Diseases almost degenerate into this. Secondly, a certain peculiar disposition of the Air, notably induces the Smallpox; hence most often it becomes Popular, and rages ordinarily through whole Regions, Cities and Villages; hence also it more often exists in the Spring and Autumn: because at that time especially divers manners of little Bodies, and by that means tumultuating flow about in the Air, which we draw in with the vital Air, and so various effervescencies of the Blood and Humours, and Ideas of Diseases are raised up, Neither doth this Disease become only more frequent and Epidemical, for these Causes, but also it gets a manifold Nature, that sometimes the Smallpox are deadly, and as it were pestiferous, and sometimes they are more mild and benign; to wit, as they have contracted more or lesle of malignity from the Air; hence also sometimes black and livid Whelks or Pustils appear, and have much of the Nature of the Plague. Thirdly, sometimes, though the tinder of contagion be absent, and that no malignant constitution of the Air had gone before, yet by reason of the Blood and Humours being immoderately disturbed, the Smallpox do arise: so I have known some to have fallen into this Disease, from a surfeit, or immoderate exercise, when none besides in the whole Country about, hath been sick of it, to wit, the seeds of this evil, lying hid, without any previous infection, being stirred up by a too great fervour of the Blood, and being associated, gathering together, easily defile, and infect the whole mass of the Blood, with their ferment.  
3 So much for the secret leading, and evident causes, but as to the conjunct cause, viz. which is the formal reason of this Disease, or the manner of its being made, the business seems a little more intricate. It is commonly want to be compared to Must growing hot, or Beer when it Purges in the Vat: For if you put to these Liquors, any thing of ferment: as their Particles are Heterogeneous, and of wondered activity, presently they diffuse themselves through the whole substance of the Liquor, they exagitate the more thick and impure Bodies, against which they are dashed, beaten them asunder, and role about them, until a flowering being made, they drive the same from the intimate embrace or company of the Liquor, to the outmost superficies. After the like manner the Heterogeneous seeds of this Disease, are thought to ferment the Blood, and than by a certain eruption of Whelks or Pustles, like the flowering, purifies it. But indeed, if we should more strictly consider the business, there will appear here a great difference: because the infection of the Smallpox, is as it were a ferment, but corruptive, and compels the Blood to grow hot, not towards perfection, but depravation; for when the Particles of this venomous infection strike against the receiving subject, they presently raise up little Bodies like to themselves, and born with us, with which being associated, they pass through the whole mass of the Blood, and make it to grow highly turgid, and to boil up, and after some time growing fervent, to go into parts, and to be coagulated, viz. the dispersed seeds of the Poison, dissolve the mixture of the Blood, presently profligate the more pure Spirits, than they join its more thick Particles to themselves, and by their adhesion, tender them as it were congealed: The portions being so coagulated, together with the enfolded seeds of the poison, being left by the rest of the Blood, in its circuit, between the extremities of the Vessels, are affixed to the skin: by which means, if Nature being strong enough, doth cast forth the whole poison, with the congealed Blood, the remaining mass of the Blood, although made poorer, remains however in a condition to continued life and health: but if the Blood, being too excessively congealed, cannot be purified after this manner; or if portions of the Blood growing together with the poison, do not fully break forth, or at last do stagnate within, they wholly corrupt the Liquor of the Blood, or else being affixed to the Viscera, and especially to the Heart, they destroy their constitution and strength.  
Portions of the congealed Blood, with the poison, begin to break forth about the fourth day, (now sooner now later:) because coagulation is not presently induced, but after some time, in which the venom unfolds itself, and ferments the Blood with its effervency: First, light portions of the infected Blood, and those but few in number, like to Fleabites, are fixed in the skin: quickly after more appear, and those first broke forth, by the accession of new matter, and by the continual appulsion of the congealed Blood, increase and are elevated into a tumour: than these whelks at first read being by degrees increased, at length grow white, viz. the Blood being thrust forth of the Vessels with the poison, by reason of the heat and stagnation, is changed into matter: about the seventh day after the eruption, the white tumours grow crusty, into a dry scab; for the more thin part of the matter being evaporated, the rest grows hard, which than having eaten, and broke of the Cuticula, or outward thin skin, falls away from the flesh or next skin.  
When the infection of the Smallpox, is at once impressed on the Blood and Spirits, it very rarely can be blotted out, or dissipated by Medicines, or blood letting; but that its hidden disposition, will break forth into act; wherefore at first it diffuses itself by little and little, and inspires the mass of Blood, as it were with a ferment, hence an ebullition and growing hot are produced in the whole Body, the Vessels are distended, the Viscera provoked, the membranes pulled, until the seeds of he contagion, by fusing and coagulating the Blood, being at length involved with its congealed portions, are thrust forth of doors. The essence of this Disease will be better laid open, if that I shall recount the signs and symptoms, which are to be observed in its whole course, and shall add in order the reasons and causes of them, on which they depend: but they are those which either indicate the Disease being present, or  foretell its state and event.  
As to the Diagnosis of this Disease, by which it may be known, whether any one at first falling sick, will have the Smallpox or not; at that time are to be considered, the force of the contagion, and the concourse of the symptoms first appearing; for if by reason of the evil constitution of the Air, this Disease doth spread abroad every where, none than is taken with a Fever, without the suspicion of the Smallpox, especially if they never had them before in their lives; but if this Disease be more rare, and without fear of contagion, yet its unlooked for assault quickly betrays itself, by these sort of signs and symptoms.  
1. There is a wand ring and uncertain Fever, sometimes strong, sometimes more remiss, observing no reason of increase, or growing continually hot, so that the sick are now highly hot, by and by without any evident cause, they are without a Fever; the cause of which is, for that the fermentative seeds are not agitated by an equal motion, but like fire half choked, now increases more, and now are almost quelled, and ready to expire, until the burning spreading more largely, the flame every where breaks forth.  
2. A pain in the Head, and Loins, is so peculiar a sign in this Disease, that it almost alone, in a continual Fever, signifies the approach of the smallpox: the reason of which is commonly imputed, to the greater Vessels being very much distended, by the effervency of the Blood: but indeed it appears not, wherefore the same trouble is not caused equally in other parts, by reason of the like distension of the Vessels, and wherefore in the smallpox, more than in a burning Fever, or in other Fevers, where the Blood grows more hot, these kind of pains should increase; yea, it may be observed, that great pains, now in the Head, now in the Loins, do urge, when the Blood but little swelling up, the Vessels are not amplified, viz, in the beginning of the Disease, when the Feverish disteper is not yet conspicuous, whilst the sick as yet go abroad, and are well in their stomach, upon the first coming on of the smallpox, they betray themselves by these kind of pains. Wherhfore, the cause of these kind of dolorific pains, seems rather to subsist in the nervous stock, viz. in the Brain, and spinal marrow, and that by reason of the membranes, and nervous parts being pulled or hauled, by the particles of the Poison, these pains do arise. For it is most likely, that the innate seeds of the smallpox, are chief hidden in the Spermatick parts, and that first of all, the Contagion lays hold on, for the most part, the animal Spirits; hence, the first effervency is stirred up in the juice, wherewith the Brain, and nervous parts, but especially the Spinal marrow are watered, and from thence the evil is Communicated to the mass of Blood; wherefore, this Disease beginning, the Head and Loins are tormented with cruel pain; afterwards, the venom being translated into the Blood, the Feverish effervescency is stirred up in the whole.  
3. Great anxiety, and unquietness, and sometimes a swooning, infested the sick, viz. by reason of the perturbed motion of the Blood, as also its equal mixture, beginning to be solved, by the Poisonous ferment, the Blood from thence being apt to stagnate in the Heart, and to be hindered in its Circuit, causes these affections to be thus excited.  
4. Cruel Vomiting, also when the Ventricle is free from an impure ballast of humours, very often accompanies this Disease; the reason of which is, because the fermentative seeds, being stirred up into motion, by the little Arteries gaping into the Coats of the Ventricle, are deposed by every appulse of the Blood, and raise up Vomiting, as if the particles of stibium had been swallowed; but afterwards, afloon as sweeting being procured, the Poison is driven forth outwardly, this Symptom ceases, and the sick are well in their stomach, without any purging forth of the noxious matter.  
5. With these may be ranked, the Symptoms which show themselves, according to the various habitudes of the Body, after a divers manner, as heavy sleepiness, terrors in sleep, deliriums, tremble, and convulsions, sneezing, heat, redness, a sense of pricking over the whole Body, involuntary tears, a sparkling and itching of the eyes, a tumour or swelling up of the face, a vehemency of Symptoms from the beginning, that the Disease seems presently to have attained its strength: the reason of all which, may easily be elucidated, if what hath been already said, concerning the Symptoms of Fevers, be observed; with respect to the divers tempers of the sick, their habit, and age, as also the condition of the year.  
2. As to the Prognosis of this Disease, by the Symtomatick signs, it is indicated to be either salutary, or mortal, or of a doubtful Event.  
1. The business promises well, when this Disease has benign circumstances; to wit, when it happens in a good constitution of the Air and Year, at what time the smallpox are lesle malignant and pestilential; as in the year 1654., at Oxford, about Autumn, the smallpox spread abundantly, yet very many escaped with them: but before, in the year 1649. this Disease was more rare, yet most died of it. Also, thee is lesle danger, if it should hap in the age of Children, or Infancy, or in a sanguine temper, and good habit of Body, or in a Family, to whose Ancestors, the smallpox have not proved mortal: Besides, if in the whole course of the Disease, the Symptoms prove laudable, if in the first assault, there be a gentle Fever, without cruel Vomiting, Swooning, Delirium, or other horrid Distempers; if the Fever about the fourth day be allayed, with the Symptoms chief urging, and than some little read spots begin to appear: if on the second day, of the coming forth of those little read spots, they become more conspicuous, which afterwards grow together by degrees into little Pimples, and are ripened into matter; if about the tenth day, or thereabouts, after the eruption, the white tumours begin to scab, and by little and little from thence to fall of: if after their first coming forth, the smallpox are soft, distinct, few, round, sharp pointed, lying only towards the skin, and not in the inward parts, you may be confident the sick will do very well, and is in a good condition.  
2. The appearances, which in the smallpox, signify the business to be suspected, and full of danger are of this sort: if there be a maligant constitution of the Air that this Disease becomes Pestilential, and that many die of it: if men of more ripe years, or middle age, be taken with it; if it happens in a cold and melancholic temper, or in an impure or evil humoured Body, where the Blood is not rightly circulated, nor transpiration truly performed; or if the Hypochondria, or Precordia are obstructed, some of the Viscera infirm, or troubled with an Ulcer, or if the habit of the Body be too fat, the smallpox hap not without great danger of life; nor is it lesle to be feared, when presently after the beginning, a great Fever, cruel Vomiting, Swooning, a dejection of strength, Frenzy or Delirium, come upon them, and that these desist not, upon the full coming forth of the smallpox, for these signify a too great perturbation in the Blood and humours; also, a confusion and contumacy of the morbific matter, which can neither be subdued, nor easily separated from the mass of Blood, or equally extruded from it: if there be an anxiety, and great unquietness, with an inordinate boiling up, and growing hot of the Blood; also a great thirst, a difficulty of breathing, also a flux of the Belly, or Dysentery, they show that sweeting is hindered, and that the malignant humours, restagnate towards the inward parts: The smallpox breaking forth slowly, argue the crudity, and untameableness of the matter, and the impotency of Nature, and 'tis much more a sign, if they come forth double, and continued, in too excessive a quantity, and confusion, and also if there be a disordered expulsion, and irregular, of that matter, when not in certain issues, but every where undistinguishable. The pox being hard, signify the incoction of the same matter, being depressed, a weak expulsion; and they are the worse, if in the midst of them appear black spots; or if purple spots familiar to the Fever, or the Plague, are sprinkled among the pox, they indicate a great malignity, and putrefaction of the Blood, such as is want to be found in the Pestilence. Lastly, the pox being black, livid, or green, are of an evil omen, because, besides the coagulations of the Blood, they argue its deadlinesses, and corruptions, as in a Gangreen, or pestilent Plague sore; if when the smallpox being come forth, they presently grow dry, and the swelling of the parts remit, it shows a going back of the malignant matter, or of the congealed Blood, with the Poison, and a restagnation of it to the inward parts; from whence, unless a more free Diaphoresis or sweeting be excited, that it may be thrust forth of doors again, death for the most part quickly follows: For from hence, the Blood being more coagulated, enters into putrefaction, also it is apt to be hindered in its motion, and to stagnate in the heart, and Vessels. If after the coming forth of the smallpox, a flux of the Belly, or a Bleeding at nose, comes upon them, it is an evil sign, because, by this means, the Venom driven outwardly, is again called back inwardly; but sometimes I have observed these Symptoms to have happened, with great ease to the sick, viz. Nature being before oppressed, and burdened; after this manner, part of the burden being as it were detracted, she was eased; wherefore, she buckled herself to the work of sweeting, and more readily expedited the expulsion of the noxious matter.  
As to the Curative part, since the stadium or course of this Disease, hath three seasons, as it were so many measures, distinct one from another, the Curative intentions aught to be accommodated to each of these; wherefore the Curative method concerning the smallpox, teacheth first, what is to be done so long as the Blood boyles up, and grows hot inwardly, with the motion of the fermentative matter, and before the smallpox appear, which period for the most part is finished, in four or five days.  
Secondly, what means or manner of Diet and Physic is to be instituted, after the coming forth of the smallpox, until the state or standing of the Disease, viz. whilst the whelks or pox come to the height, and being fully suppurated or ripened, begin to dry. Thirdly and lastly, what we must observe in the declining of the Disease, even whilst the smallpox growing dry, fall of.  
1. As to the first, let the intention be, that we may carry away every impediment of Nature, whereby the Blood being infected by the ferment of the Smallpox, and apt to be coagulated, may yet retain an equal motion in the Heart, and without stagnation in the Vessels, and growing hot, may expel forth of doors the congealed portions with the Poison; in the mean time, there must be a caution, lest the work of fermentation or growing hot be any ways hindered, or too much provoked; for by this, the mass of the Blood is agitated into congealed portions, more than it aught to be; by that other, it is restrained too much, in it motion, nor are the envenomed Particles sent forth of doors, with the congealed Blood; Nature in the work of secretion and expulsion, is want to be hindered, by too great an heap of excrements in the Viscera, or by the abundance of Blood in the Vessels; wherefore, upon the first assault of the Disease, care must be taken, that if need be, an evacuation by Vomit or Stool, be timely procured; but only more mild Purges, and gentle, are to be used, which do not too much provoke, or disturb the Humours: wherefore, at this time, Purges, Emetics, or Clysters, now these, now those, take place; also the letting of Blood, if there be a fullness, is performed with good success.  
During this growing hot of the Blood, diet aught to be instituted slender and moderately cooling, viz. Barleybroth, or Grewel of Oatmeal, Posset-drink, Small Beer or the like: Flesh, and Flesh Broths are to be avoided, whereby the Blood, by reason of the too great plenty of Sulphureous Food, may be enkindled more than it aught; also all cold, and sharp or acid things are hurtful: for these congeal and Blood more, and contract the little mouths of the Vessels, by their astriction or binding Nature, that the Smallpox come forth lesle freely; also hot things, and Cordials are cautiously to be administered, for by these the Blood and Humours are too much agitated, and driven into confusion.  
2. When the Smallpox begin to appear, there are three things, which by a constant Rule we prescribe to be performed, to every sick person; to wit, that a soft and gentle Sweat be still continued in the Blood; also, that the Throat and Eyes may be preserved, from a too great eruption of the Smallpox. That the Blood lightly growing hot may emit the Smallpox, decoctions of Figs, Marigold flowers, and shave of Hartshorn in Posset-drink, are commonly prescribed, and the use of them is general for a long time, almost with all people; for the same intention, we are want sometimes in a day, to give them moderate Cordials; but the more hot and strong are carefully to be shunned. Purging and Blood letting here are most wickedly enterprised, and these, though necessity compelled, Physicians dare not meddle with for fear of blame: For to defend the Throat and Gutteral parts, we put on the outer skin, a defence of Saffron dipped in Breast Milk, and sowed in a Rag; for these, by opening the pores, draw away the venom outwardly, from the most inward part of the Throat; also for this end, we administer Gargarisms, and things to wash the mouth, which by their restriction, restrain the coming forth of the Smallpox within: we defend the Eyess, with peculiar Medicines, of Rose-water, and Breast Milk, with Saffron, and such like, frequently iterated, from the incursion of the Smallpox: Besides these, sometimes certain most horrid symptoms do trouble, which must be timely helped with convenient Remedies; sometimes there are present, Watch, Frenzy, Bleeding at Nose, Vomiting, Looseness, and a falling back of the Smallpox: for these and divers others, as occasion arises, a prudent Physician knows how to provide; in which however there is need of great caution, lest whilst we take care foe the smaller matters, the great work of Nature should be disturbed by a too great molestation of Medicines. For in all this time there is one, and a continued Crisis: wherefore nothing is to be meddled with rashly. There is required the most care and circumspection of the Physician and Nurses, or those that administer to the sick, when this Disease is at its height or standing, viz. lest that when the Smallpox. be fully come forth, and brought to their greatest height, transpiration should be hindered; for than the sick are in danger of renewing the Fever, and of the restagnation of the Malignant matter within, whilst we study to prevent the one, we for the most part bring on the other.  
3. When the Disease shall be in its declination, and the Smallpox begin to whither and Scab, the business for the most part is out of danger, nor is there much need of a Physician: let the sick, though he grow very hungry, content himself still with a slender diet, and without flesh: if the Scabs fall of slowly, we are want to ripen them with Lineaments, and peculiar Medicines, to make them fall, and care should be taken that they leave not behind them too great pits: after the sick having the Sacbs every where fallen of, and are able to rise and walk about the Chamber, the filthy Excrementitious matter in the Bowels, is to be carried away, by two or three times Purging, and than they may be permitted to use a more plentiful and stronger diet.  
The Measles are so much akin to the Smallpox, that with most Authors, they have not deserved to be handled apart from them, but that either distemper have been treated of together, after the like manner and method. The essence and cure differ at lest accidentally, or as they are greater or lesser; because in the Measles the whealks rise not up to so great a bulk, neither are they suppuritated; wherefore the sickness is sooner ended and with lesle danger. This distemper is want mostly to spread upon children, more rarely among those of years, or old men, also those who first have had the Smallpox, are not afterwards so obnoxious to the Measles, but in most things, either distemper are of kin, viz. the evil being contracted in the Womb, disposes men only, and all men once, to the Measles; the malignant constitution of the Air, and sometimes a surfeit, and most often the contagion, are want to bring the hidden disposition into act: there are present marks of malignity, and the sickness oftentimes becomes Epidemical, and with mortality and contagion.  
That I may briefly contract the sum of the matter: it seems that the Measles are a certain lighter flowering, of on extraneous ferment, contracted from the Womb; by which, some Particles being stirred up into motion, make the Blood lightly to grow hot, and to be a little coagulated: wherefore the marks from thence spread abroad, are dissipated without any breaking of the Cuticula, or outward skin, by evaporation only: but the Smallpox are a more full and strong agitation, according to all the Particles of the same ferment, which causing a greater ebullition and coagulation of the Blood, produces far more full whelks, and greater in bulk, and not to be dissolved, but by suppuration, or growing into matter: when the Smallpox preceded, they are not only exempt from the same disease any more, but also from the Measles, because they consume only some of the Particles of the ferment, leave still a disposition to the Smallpox; wherefore old men, or those of years, are not so readily infected with the Measles, because they are either freed from the contagion, by having before had the Smallpox, or else the infection of this more light Disease, is easily resisted by their more strong Spirits.  
It were easy to illustrate the afore-recited Doctrine, concerning the Small Pox, with Histories and Observations foe the sick, because there is no Disease besides can supply with a greater plenty of Examples, or variety of Accidents: but of the great number of this kind, I shall only propose in this place a few Cases, and those remarkable for some irregularities.  
It is a usual thing to handle all that are sick of the Small Pox, with a like, or wholly the same method of Curing, and manner of Diet; wherefore, a Physician is rarely sent for to the common sort, but the business is wholly committed to some women, professing themselves skilful in this Disease: and these are want to boil in their broths, and all the suppings of the sick, Marigold Flowers, shaving of Hartshorn, and sometimes Figs; also every night to administer a Bolus of Diascordium: and they who grow not well by this kind of Government, though not neglected, yet are affirmed to be incurable, by reason of the cruelty of the Disease. But truly this kind of practice is not convenient for all alike, nor to be administered to every one indifferently, as these two following Histories will make manifest.  
A Young Man, about 20 years of Age, of a slender body, and more hot temperature, began to be feverish in the beginning of the Spring, at first cruel Vomitings, an oppression of the heart, and frequent changes of heat and shivering, a pain in his Loins, a disturbance of his sancy and wake infested him: on the third day, the Small Pox appearing, those symptoms remitted, but still the Fever, with heat and thirst continued. Not only the accustomed Decoctions in this Disease, but also a most elegant Julep, of a most grateful taste, were so nauseous and troublesome to him, that he would not so much as taste the same, but with a great deal of trouble: as often as he took going to sleep, Diascordium, or any other more temperate Cordial, for the continuing his sweat, though in a very little quantity, the night following he was without sleep, and in great disquiet; and than in the beginning of the morning a bleeding followed, by which means, indeed, the Small Pox being full come forth, the Life of the sick was in great danger, by reason of this occasion happening once or twice; wherefore, when I had found by observation, his blood apt to grow immoderately hot, by so light a provocation, I instituted this method as occasion served. All Medicines being let alone, he took for the quenching his thirst small beer, and simple Almond Drink, at his pleasure: for his food, because he vomited back all Oatmeal Grewel, or Barley Broth, he eat only apples roasted tender, and dressed with suggar and rose water, often in a day. Nature being contented with this slender ordering, and being seen to be disturbed with any other thing, performed happily its work, that the sick person grew well, without any grievous symptom afterwards, the Small Pox from thence ripening, and than of their own accord falling of.  
In the middle of the Autumn, of the former Years, a Gentle Young Man, being endued with a sharp Blood, and obnoxious to a frequent bleeding at Nose, fell sick of the Small Pox; his Blood of its own accord grew immoderately hot, that the whealks very quickly broke forth over all his Body: Posset Drink, with Marigold Flowers, and other usual things boiled in it, also Juleps, or any Cordials, though temperate, and gently provoking sweat, most certainly stirred up a Flux of Blood in this Person; wherefore I ordered the like manner of Diet, as in the sick Person before cited, by which he found himself better, however, in the very state or standing of the Disease, (when the Small Pox being fully come forth, by reason of a more difficult transpiration, the Fever is want to be somewhat renewed in all) this sick Man fell into a most plentiful bleeding; that after a large profusion of Blood, the Small Pox began to flag or fall: After that Remedies, very many, were tried in vain, for the staying of the Blood, at length a little Bag being hung about his Neck (in which was a Toad dried in the Sun, and bruised) he first, and immediately perceived ease; though the bleeding was by this means stayed, and not any more returning, (whilst he constantly wore this peculiar Medicine in his Bosom) our sick Man still using a most thin and cooling Diet, grew quite well; that indeed from hence it may appear, that although the Blood in this Dissemper, is apt to be greatly coagulated, yet so long as the Vital Spirits, being strong and robust, are able sufficiently to execute their government, they endeavouring by their proper strength or forces, do best of all separate and thrust forth the congealed portions of the Blood, as it were by a certain skilful separation; and this work is most of all hindered, when the same spirits are too much irritated by Cordials, or more hot food, and agitated into confusion: But in the Plague it happens otherwise, because in this, if any delay be granted, the Spirits themselves are presently profligated by the venom; wherefore, here they must fight close and quick, when in the Small Pox, the Physician does his business better by delay.  
Concerning letting of Blood, at the instant breaking out of the Small Pox, it is very dubious: formerly, among our Countrymen, this was esteemed a wicked business, neither were they want to admit of Phlebotomy under any pretext of necessity: but of late, experience having taught us, in some cases, it is found, that to let Blood hath been wholly profitable and necessary; which evacuation however, if it should be administered indifferently in every constitution, or when this need should be, it should be performed in too large a quantity, by that means oftentimes very great damage arises.  
Some years before, I visited a young Gentlewoman, of a florid countenance, and more hot temperature, growing into a Fever, after the fourth month of her being with Child: she was troubled with a cruel vomiting, a most cruel pain of the Loins, besides with most strong heat and thirst: her pulse was swift, with a strong and vehement vibration or beating; although the Small Pox had never been in that place, yet these symptoms gave no light suspicion of this Disease; however, its great effervescency indicated that Blood should be taken away; wherefore I took away about six ounces presently, upon which the heat remitted somewhat, yet the vomiting, with a cruel pain in the Loins, remained still: At the hour of sleep I gave her a Cordial Bolus, with half a grain of our Laudanum, by which means quiet sleep followed, with a pleasant sweat, and an allaying of all the symptoms: the next morning the Small Pox came forth, with which, although the sick Gentlewoman was greatly distempered, yet she grew well without any dangerous sickness, or fear of miscarrying, and went out her full time.  
The last Autumn, a strong Man, of an active and robust constitution of body, yet of a pale countenance, and more cold temper, fell into a Fever: on the second day he was tormented with heat and thirst, and a most cruel pain in his Loins: when I had prescribed Blood to be taken in a small quantity, the unskilful Chirurgeon, who was sent for, took from him almost half a pound; a little after, the sick man began to be all over in a cold sweat, on a sudden to lose all strength, to be troubled with a shivering, a weak Pulse and unequal, and frequent swooning: At this time being sent for, I gave him a temperate Cordial, to be taken frequently. His Spirits and Pulse being thereby restored, the Fever was renewed, which afterwards, for some days, yea, weeks, exercised the sick man, after a very irregular manner; for he was want for three or four days, to grow very hot, also to be infested with thirst, watch, headache, and other symptoms, than to be troubled all over with a copious and critical sweat, by which indeed for half a days space he found himself better: But from thence; the Fever still growing worse, heaped together again new matter, till it was dispersed by another Crisis, and than another. After that he had been thus feverish, for at lest twenty days irregularly, at length the Small Pox began to come forth, in several parts of his Body, here and there, and than the Fever wholly remitted; yet within few days, by reason of some errors committed in his Diet, very many of the whealks began to fall down again, few of them only being brought to maturity: However, instead of the subsiding Small Pocks, a mighty Bubo grew up behind his right Ear; from which, being soon ripened, and broke, a great plenty of matter flowed forth for many days, and so at length the corruptions of the Blood, unable otherways to be dissipated, were carried forth by degrees, and the sick Person recovered perfect Health.   

CHAP. XVI. Of Fevers of Childbearing Women.  
VUlgar Experience abundantly testifies, that the Fevers of Women lying in are very dangerous, beyond the disposition of other common Fevers: also that the same differ very much, as to their essence, from both a simple and putrid Synochus, plainly appears from their signs and symptoms rightly weighed: wherefore, I believe it not to be from the matter, to handle after malignant Fevers, the acute Diseases of Women lying in being exceeding near of kin to those, for their mortality or perniciousness. Yet, before I shall enter upon the unsolding these Diseases, it behoves us to consider their subjects, viz. the Bodies of Women in Childbed, after what manner they are predisposed, and by what provision they are made obnoxious to these kind of sicknesses.  
Concerning this, the first thing that offers itself, is, that the Flux of the menstruous Blood, is wholly convenient to be suffered by human kind, and at this time for women, concerning whose nature and original we shall not inquire in this place; but it shall suffice to note, that in them, the particles of the Blood, to be periodically thrust forth, are very Fermentative; which, if retained in the Body, beyond the wont manner of Nature, are very often the cause of many Diseases: unless only when a Woman conceives with Child. For all the time of her being big Bellied, the monthly Flowers are stopped without any incommodiousness; and in the mean time, milk, or the alible juice, is disposed in great plenty, about the parts of the Womb, for the nourishment of the Child: but after the Birth, this daily suppression of the monthly Flowers, is recompensed by a copious flowing forth of the Lochia, or what comes away after the Birth; and the milk within three days having wholly left the Womb, springs forth plentifully into the Breasts: at which time, Women lying in, are want to be troubled with a small Fever. If that the milk be driven away from the Breasts, it restagnates again towards the Womb, and is thrust forth, together with the Lochia, under the form of a whitish humour. In the mean time, the Womb, after the Birth, becomes subject to various distempers; for oftentimes, its tone is hurt, the unity is dissolved, and many other accidents are induced, which tender Women lying in subject to danger: wherefore, that their acute Diseases may be rightly unfolded, it is convenient, for to consider chief these three things, viz. first, the nourishment of the Child, or the Generation of Milk, both in the Womb, and in the Dugs, and the metastasis or translation of it from one to another. Secondly, the purging of the Mother's Blood, or the profluvium of the Lochia, after a long suppression of the Menstrua. Thirdly, the condition of the Womb after the Birth, and its influence on other parts of the Body. And these being premised, we will speak of the Fevers of Women lying in, viz. both the milky, and the putrid, called, and that deservedly, malignant, by reason of its deadliness.  
First the Milk, and nourishing humour, being heaped up in the parts of the Womb, for the nourishment of the Child, are of a like nature, though somewhat different in consistency. Milk is indeed more thick, because it aught to be received in at the mouth, and to be kept in the Ventricle, and afterwards it more thin portion to be conveyed to the mass of Blood. The other alible Juice is more thin, and like the water of distilled Milk, because 'tis immediately poured into the Blood of the Embryo, thorough the umbilick Vessels, without any previous digestion. Either Juice is supposed to come from the Chyle fresh made in the mother's stomach; what is reposed, or laid up in the Breast, is more thick and white, by reason of the more thin or open strainer, and coction in the greater Glanduals; on the contrary, it happens in the Womb otherwise, where the Glandulas are smaller, and the Straining more close. But there in a great disagreement among Authors, concerning the passages, by which this humour is carried, both in the Breasts, and into the Cake of the Womb. Some contend, that Milk only is begotten of the Blood, more plentifully cocted in the Glandulas, which yet, by reason of the immense dispense of Milk, which consists not with the Blood, this seems not probable. Others affirm, that the Chyle, or Milky humour, is immediately conveyed from the Viscera of Concoction, thorough occult passages, without any alteration, into either receptacles. But in the mean time, while these passages lie open, it seems indeed to me more likely, that from the meat taken into the Mother's Stomach, a portion of the Chyle thence made, is presently supped up into the Veins, which having obtained the vehicle of the Blood before it be assimilated by it, is laid up in the Glandulas, destinated here and there for the receiving of it, being carried by the Arteries, and lastly separated from the mass of Blood; for as it appears, that drink being plentifully taken, presently passes thorough the whole mass of Blood, and is rendered by Urine like water: and as old Ulcers, by means of the Blood coming between, prey upon the nutritious humour, from the whole Body, and pour it forth under the shape of a putrified matter, Why may not the alible Juice in like manner, being strained by the Collander of the Glandulas, before it has endued the colour of Blood, go into a Milky humour? This indeed seems more probable, because, whilst the Milk is carried from the Womb into the Breasts, and on the contrary, passing thorough the mass of Blood, it is want to stir up a perturbation thorough the whole, with a feverish intemperance; besides, in the first days, after the Birth, when the Glandulas do lesle rightly perform the office of secretion: Beasts, who have not the Lochia, give a bloody Milk, which is drawn forth of their Udders, that is, mixed with Blood, by reason of the plenty of it flowing forth together.  
Secondly, As to what belongs to the Menstrua being suppressed, in the time of being with Child, and the Lochia plentifully ' coming away, after being Delivered, we say that after the Conception of the Child, the Menstrua aught to be suppressed by Divine Designation, for that the flowing of them often causes abortion; than, because the Vessels are filled by a continual stilling forth of the alible juice into the parts of the Womb, the mass of the Blood doth not arise into swell up, to be allayed by the menstruous Flux. For the same reason, Women for the most part, have not their courses so long as they give suck. Perhaps in some, endued with a more hot Blood, the monthly courses flow, both whilst they are , and in the time of their giving suck, but that more rarely, and is want not to hap without trouble; yet in the mean time, the Menstrua being suppressed, during the time of being with Child, because much lesle of the nutritious humour is expended at tha ttime for Milk, they much more deprave the Blood, than the same being restrained at the time of suckling the Child, are want to do: yea, from them being long suppressed, in the former condition, an, as it were, envenomed taint is impressed on the mass of Blood, which, unless it be purged forth by the daily Flux of the Lochia, presently after being brought to Bed, produceth grievous, and almost malignant Distempers. Wherhfore, that I may give my opinion of the flowing of the Lochia, I say, that this bleeding proceeds immediately from the Vessels being broken, by which the afterbirth did stick to the Womb, and that by this way, the excrementitious Blood and humours, being partly heaped up about the Womb during the time of being with Child, and partly flowing from the whole mass of the Blood, are evacuated, viz. whilst the Womb at first intumified in its bulk, falls down presently after the Birth, and is contracted into a lesser space, the Blood is plentifully pressed forth, from the Vesseis opening into it. But besides, forasmuch as during the suppression of the courses, the bloody mass is imbued with very fermentative Particles, as soon as after the Birth, the mouths of the Vessels are opened, forthwith, as it were at the instant of a more large Flux of monthly courses, the whole Blood grows hot (even as Must of new Wine upon the opening the Bottle) and endeavours to purge forth the highly fermentative particles, out of its bosom, by the going away of the Lochia, as it were the flowering: And therefore, besides the Blood, which in the first days, oftentimes flows pure, by reason of the fresh opening of the Vessels, afterwards is sisted forth matter very much discloured, viz. livid and green, and this very stinking, This kind of Flux is want to continued, at lest for 14 days, yea, in some for a month; and if that by reason of any error, it be stopped before the mass of Blood be throughly purified, by such flowering, presently a Fever, very dangerous, with horrid provisions of symptoms, is want to be induced: of which we shall speak anon in its proper place.  
The third consideration, previous to the Doctrine of Fevers, belonging to Women in childbed, is chief about the Womb itself; to wit, how it is affected after Childbearing, and what influence it has on other parts of the Body. As to the first, there are chief two accidents, upon which the acute Diseases of Women in Childbed very much depend, viz. First, The falling down of the Womb, or the reduction of it, from the bulk of ingravidation, to its natural site and magnitude: Secondly, the solution of the unity, within its cavity, by reason of the breaking of the connexion, or tying to the cake of it, or afterbirth. When the Child; with what wraps it about, is put forth, presently the sides of the Womb itself, before very much amplified or enlarged, do mutually close, and by the help of the Fibres, leisurely contract themselves into a narrower space; by reason of this kind of contraction, the Blood and Corruptions, or matter, are plentitully pressed forth, from the Vessels and Pores of the Womb, and are thrust forth with the Lochia. But sometimes it happens, by reason of some preternatural things contained in the Womb, as part of the secondine or after Birth, a Mole or piece of Flesh, clodders of Blood, etc. also, if there hap after a painful Birth, a Contusion or great Dilaceration, that the Womb cannot rightly draw itself together, but by an inverse motion of the Fibres, ascends upwards, and is lifted up into a bulk; also the membranes being affected with a Convulsion, itself is still tormented with torments, as if it were yet in Travel; which kind of Distempers, if they long continued, by reason of the Orifice of the Womb being tied together, with the Convulsive motion, the Lochia are oftentimes stopped also: from hence grievous symptoms follow, and very often the Fever is either first excited, or it happens, being for some other cause induced, to be rendered far more dangerous. Secondly, as to the solution of the unity, from the cake of the Womb being broken, it comes to pass, that the Birth, either at its just time, or precipitous, being too much hastened; than the secundine is cast forth, either whole, or being torn, or pulled away, part of it being left behind, it is cut of as it were in half. If the Child be born at its just time, and the Birth, with what enwraps it, comes away from the cavity of the Womb, as ripe fruit from a Tree, whole, and without violence, the mouths of Vessels are somewhat unlocked, and the Lochia moderately flow; but from hence no grievous symptom is to be feared: but if the Child, not being yet ripe for the Birth, is pulled away, or breaks forth as it were by force, although the Cake, with the membrane is pulled away whole, yet the Vessels being torn, a greater hemorrhage or bleeding, and at length an Ulcerous disposition follows, the little mouths of the Vessels spewing forth a stinking matter. If that part, or the whole secundine sticks to the sides of the Womb, after the Birth, it there putrifies, and sends forth very stinking matter or corruption, and stirs up wicked distempers: oftentimes the Orifice of the Womb is shut up, and retains within gobbets of cloddered Blood, little pieces of Membranes, or Flesh, which putrifying, by reason of the heat, impoyson the Blood and humours, flowing together to that place, by Circulation, from the whole body; also, by a trouble some itching or provocation, they stir up the parts ofo the Womb, being so very sensible, into Convulsions.  
When therefore hurt is brought to the Womb, from Childbearing, after the aforesaid ways, the same is quickly communicated to other parts, not without trouble to the whole body; which thing indeed is want to be done by a double means. For first, this happens, because the Lochia being hindered from being thrust forth, presently restagnate or flow back upon the mass of Blood, and infect it as it were with a virulent taint: moreover, from the contents putrifying in the Womb, either the substance itself of the matter, or the Particules coming away from the cadaverous substance, are mingled with the Blood, and nervous juice, passing thorough that place, and quickly infect their whole liquors. Secondly, hysterical Distempers, are more largely extended, by reason of the notable consent, which happens between the Womb and the Brain, with the Fibres and Membranes of the whole body, by the means of the nervous passage: for when the extremities of the Nerves, planted about the parts of the Womb, are driven into Cramps and Convulsive motions, by reason ofo the presence of some hurtful humour, the Convulsions there received, presently creep more largely upwards, by the endeavours and circumduction of the Nerves, towards the Brain; and so it happens to the Viscera to be successively inflated, and cruelly haled together, and the Brain itself at length to be pierced, and its functions to be as it were overwhelmed: hence, from the convulsive motions, arising about the Womb, an inflation of the Belly, and hypochondria, a rumbling, vomiting, sobbing, and straightness of the Praecordia, difficult breathing, a sense of choking, and oftentimes a stupor, and want of speech, or at lest some of these are excited: nor does the Tragedy so easily leave, but that also the Brain being hurt, by the continuance of the distemper, by that means, the evil is retorted upon other parts, that oftentimes the whole nervous stock is compelled into irregularities of motions; For what commonly is said to be done by vapours, and the distemper, called the ascent of vapours, creeping from the neither parts, to the upper, is nothing else than the parts of the Membranes, and nervous passages, being successively driven into Convulsions. Further, in these sort of distempers, the hurt action doth not always begin, or is at first perceived, in that region or place where the hurt is inflicted, neither do the passions which are called hysterical, proceed only from the Womb; for sometimes, the trouble is immediately brought from the Brain, or the Convulsions and Contractions begin in the extreme parts, and sometimes the extremities of the Nerves, somewhere in the Viscera, as the Stomach, Spleen, Reinss, not lesle than the Womb, are haled; in which, irregularities being arisen, they are continued into the neighbouring part, and from thence to the Brain: From whence again, the Convulsions are reflected to other parts, and not seldom thorough the whole Body. Just so the business in Childbearing Women, and with others in Fevers, as I have often observed; to wit, some by reason of their Womb being evilly affected, but others by reason of a Feverish matter fixed in the Brain, by a critical metastasis or translation, fall into passions like to the hysterical. And these things being rightly prepensed, concerning the praevious provision, in the Fevers of Women in Childbed, there is not any thing that we should stick at in the entrance more, so that we take notice that the bodies of Women lying in, (especially those who are feeble, and of a more tender constitution) are debilitated, chief after a difficult and hard Labour; so that, by reason of this occasion only, they easily conceive feverish intemperatures, and being brought in by this or any other means, they are hardly able to bear them. We will next speak of the Fevers themselves, with which Women Lying in are want to be sick, of which Distempers there are commonly recounted as it were three kinds, viz. the Milky Fever, the Putrid, the Symptomatic, or of that manner by a certain borrowed symptom, but is chief marked with the Pleurisy, Squinancy or the Smallpox: of which we will discourse in order.  

The Milky Fever.  
WE have already said, that as yet it was uncertain of what matter Milk was immediately made, and by what passages it is carried into the Breasts, moreover when this part appears not at all to anatomical inspection, I am of the opinion, that the Milky Chime, being made out of aliments in the Bowels, and from thence confused to the Blood for nourishing juice, is presently again, for the most part of it, separated from its mass by the help of the Glandulas in the Womb, or in the Breasts, that it might supply the Child with nutriment, either in the Mother's Belly, or in her bosom by the Breasts. In the time of going with Child, although the greatest part of this is derived to the Womb, yet in the last months, a little quantity of it is laid up in the Breasts; but about the third or fourth day, after being brought to bed, the Milk is more plentifully carried into the Breasts, and as it were with a certain force, that it quickly fills them to a stretching them forth, and gins to be troublesome. At this time, Women lying in (though not all, yet most) are want to be troubled with a feverish intemperature, with thirst, heat, and an inquietude of the whole Body, they complain of a pain very troublesome in the Back and Shoulders, of a fullness and burning of the Breasts; and unless the Milk be diligently drawn forth, it being too much congested or heaped up, oftentimes brings forth an inflammation, with an Imposthume following of it in the Breasts. This Fever, whilst the Lochia are in good order, hardly lasts three days, but that about that space it is want to be allayed, a plentiful sweeting arising of its own accord: yet this intemperature being excited by the coming of the Milk, is somewhat increased and continued longer, if that the Milk entering the Breasts in abundance, be not milked forth, but is again repelled from thence; for by its departure, as well as by its coming, a perturbation is want to hap in the whole Body, with thirst and heat, which also more certainly comes to pass if it happens to be driven away violently, by repelling Topics. But being driven by their help from the Breasts, or departing of its own accord, it is thrust forth, with the Lochia, in the form of a whitish humour, and a sweat, or more plentiful transpiration, exterminates the Relics of the Disease. If that with this kind of intemperance, brought in by reason of the commotion of the Milk, the Lochia be stopped, or errors in eating and drinking be committed, or any other evident cause should hap, that may increase the fervour of the Blood, very often the Milky Fever, presently acquiring worse symptoms, changes into a putrid, or rather malignant Fever.  
The cause, or formal reason of the aforesaid Fever (whilst the way of the Milk lies hid) may be only proposed, from an hypothesis, and as it were a certain Augury; for being supposed, that this milky humour is carried to the Breasts immediately, by a peculiar passage, from the Viscera of concoction, without any commerce with the Blood, this feverish Distemper arises, for that the Breasts being filled with Milk, and greatly distended, the sanguineous Vessels are so compressed, that they do not easily transmit the Blood flowing thither; from whence, the Blood being hindered in its circuit, gins to tumultuate thorough its whole mass, and the Spirits being inordinately moved, and wholly confused, it conceives a fervour, such as being induced by a stopping, Surfeit, Inflammation, or Wound, constitutes ordinarily the simple Synochus; but if the matter of the Milk (as it is not improbable) passes thorough the Blood, this Fever of Women in Childbed, seems to spring from hence, that when this Latex is transferred to the Breasts, having left the Womb, a great portion of it subsists in the mass of the Blood, which indeed, for that it exceeds the due provision of the nourishing juice, and so cannot be wholly assimilated, and besides abounds in heterogeneous parts, and as it were something extraneous, and not mingleable with the Blood, creates a trouble, therefore for the carrying it forth of doors, and putting it forth, this three days feverish Distemper is employed: For when the milky Chile, being used to be separated about the Womb, by and by, after being Delivered of a Child, that wax of excretion is hindered, restagnating into the mass of Blood, it is there first of all heaped up more plentifully, than that the whole may go into nourishment, or be received into the Breasts: wherefore, the Milk, not only in its passage to the Breasts, but also in its return towards the Womb, brings forth the Fever, to wit, by reason of either passage thorough the Blood.  
But however the cause of this Disease is ordained, it matters little or nothing towards the Cure; for this is wholly committed to Nature, and so long as the Lochia are in good order, it proceeds for the most part happily, without any Physical help: because, after the growing hot of the Blood, for three or four days, either a plentiful sweat, or a more free transpiration, cures this Distemper, to wit, either the Particles of the Milky humour, degenerate in the assimulating, or the adust recrements, remaining after the deflagration of the Blood, or both of them at once supplying the food or tinder of the Fever, are by little and little subdued, and evaporated out of doors, which being excluded, the Blood becoming free from the extraneous mixture, quickly recovers its pristine condition; yet in the mean time, certain vulgar Rules are want to be observed, about the admission of the Milk into, or the driving away of the same, out of the Breasts. If the Milk too plentifully springs into the Breasts, that their inflammation, as also the immoderate growing hot of the Blood, may be prevented, at that time, a more thin and sparing diet, to wit, no flesh broths, and also in a lesle quantity, is to be ordered: also the Breasts are to be frequently drawn. If it be not commodious for the Mother to suckle her Child, it is usual after the first or third day of her being Delivered to cover all the Breasts over with Cerecloths moderately binding (as the Plaster of Red-lead, etc.) for so the spongious substance of the Glandulas, is somewhat constrained, or closed together, whereby they lesle readily receive the milky humour flowing thither, yet this kind of Remedy aught to be cautiously administered, jest if the Milk be wholly excluded, or driven out of the Breast too abruptly, restagnating suddenly in the Blood, it induces its disorder, the prodromus or forerunner of the Putrid or Malignant Fever: of which it remains that we speak next.   

The Putrid Fever of Women in Childbed.  
WOmen Lying in, from the fault of an evil affected Body, as by the Cotagion of a received Pestilential Air, are found to be too obnoxious to the Putrid, or rather Malignant Fever; but all do not alike receive the Infection of this sort of Disease; for poor people, Labouring Women, Country Women, and others accustomed to hard Labour, as also Viragoes, and Whores, which are brought to Bed clandestinely, bring forth without any great difficulty, and than, after a little time, leaving their Beds, return to their wont Labours: But more rich Women, tender and fair, and most living a sedentary life, as if participating after a more grievous manner of the Divine Malediction, bring forth in pain, and than presently after the Birth they are subject to difficult and dangerous chances; the reason of which seems to lie in this, that those who are used to much exercise, continually agitate and eventilate the Blood, and therefore lesser infectious taints from the monthly Flowers being suppressed, do gather together for the matter of a Disease; moreover, laborious and nimble Women, as they have their nervous parts more firm, therefore they are lesle subjected to convulsive motions, and to the passions commonly called hysterical: on the contrary, in delicate, and idle Women, the mass of Blood, in the time of their going with Child, becomes very impure and sermentisible; besides, because they have the system of the Nerves, and the Brain soft and weak, upon every light occasion, they suffer distractions of the animal Spirits, and inordinate motions of the nervous parts. And here, by the way, it is to be noted, that Women more than men, and that some of the same Sex before others, are sensible of the affections called hysterical, not so much by the default of their Womb, as for that they are of more weak constitution of Brain, and nervous stock; for in those so affected, the passions of anger, sadness, fear, as also all troublesome and more strong objects, easily pervert the dispositions and functions of those parts, which, when they are once hurt, for the most part afterwards, are accustomed to those irregularities. But we will return from whence we have digressed. The Fever but now proposed, is want to infested Women Lying in, indeed at various times, and by reason of divers occasions, now presently after the Birth, especially if it be difficult and laborious, now it arises in the first, now the second, third, or fourth week; yet the sooner it gins, the more safely it is want to be cured. The Type or Figure of this Disease, is performed almost after this manner. After a previous indisposition, an open feaverishness, for the most part with a shivering, or horror, constitutes the first assault, which is followed with heat, and afterwards succeeds a seat: perhaps, for a day or two, they have various reciprocal fits of heat and cold; than the Blood being wholly enkindled, the Lochia, if not before suppressed, either flow smally, or are wholly stopped: If the Disease be acute, and of a swift motion, it comes to its height on the third or fourth day, than an intense heat, with a very troublesome thirst, a vehement pulse, and quick pertinacious wake, a great inquietude of the whole Body, that they are continaully tossing themselves in their Beds hither and thither, a thick Urine, and high coloured, and other most grievous symptoms, are want to trouble them: whilst the Fever is after this manner at its height no Crisis is to be expected; for I never saw this Disease cured by a critical sweat, but that the business was still very precipitously acted, as after the Blood was grown hot for a little time, presently the adust matter being translated to the Brain, most dangerous and heavy inordinations of it, and the whole nervous stock forthwith come upon them; for most often are stirred up, convulsive motions of the Tendons, wondered distentions, and inflations about the Viscera, like to the hysterical passions; than sometimes, also follow a frenzy, or dilerium, not seldom a stupefaction, and speechlessness; the strength is suddenly cast down almost in all, without any manifest cause, the Pulse becomes weak, and unequal; and the sick are suddenly precipitated to death: If that any perhaps escape, either by the return of the Flux of the Lochia, or a Lask, coming upon it, they hardly recover but of a long time: I have known in some, purple spots to have appeared, and certainly in many, symptoms that respect either the Blood or nervous juice, which argue no light Malignity.  
We will distinguish the causes of this Fever, after the ordinary manner, into Procatartic, Evident and Cojunct. Those of the first sort, upon which the malignity, and the greatest perniciousness of the Disease depend, are two, viz. first, a depraved disposition of the Blood, from the long suppression of the monthly Flux. Secondly, after the Birth, the evil affections of the Womb, from the dangerous Labours of Women, (who undergo the Divine Malediction appointed them) from the Menstrua being long suppressed, the Blood not only swells up, and its Sulphureous parts being too much carried forth, are rendered more apt for burning, but besides, the mass of the Blood is imbued with very fermentative Particles, so that (as hath been already hinted) as if it were touched with a venomous infection, presently growing fervent, it is disposed towards putrefaction, and corruptive disorders; and besides, forthwith empoisons the nervous Liquor, and renders it infestuous to the Brain and the whole nervous stock. These kind of evils, being impressed on the Blood, aught to be purged forth, by the Flux of the Lochia; but if after the Birth, the Womb be out of order, the Lochia are not only stopped, and so a purifying of all the Blood is hindered, but besides, stinking corruptions or defilements, are thence bestowed on the Blood, and grievously infect it: Also, by reason of convuslive motions, begun about the Womb, and from thence continued to other parts, inordinations are stirred up in the Blood and juices, which oftentimes conspire, either the production, or the acerbation or growing worse, of the Fever.  
The evident causes, which induce an actual effervescency, either to the Blood, having gotten an ill disposition, or invert the vices of the whole Body to the Womb, are after a divers sort. A painful Labour, a solution of the unity about the Womb, a bruise, a retention of preternatural things, an ulcerous disposition, and very many other accidents, which are induced by a certain necessity, may do this. But the occasions, that are at the dispose of the Patients, and easily to be avoided, which are want to excite this kind of Fever, are chief two, viz. an ill manner of Diet, and the taking of cold. It is an usual thing, to give to weak Women, after being Delivered, on the first or second day, the flesh of living Creatures, or Broths made of flesh meats, and other Foods, very improportionate to their dispositions, from whence presently arise an indigestion, and great trouble in the Bowels, and a feverish distemper in the Blood, by reason of a more rich mutritious juice than aught to be. Besides, the errors in Diet, oftentimes hurt is caused, for that their Bodies, being so very tender, also by reason of the labours of the Birth, and bringing forth the Child, the passages are on every side opened, they are exposed too heedlessly to the cold: for most of them, being impatient of their Bed, within a day or two, or sooner than they should do, rise out of it, and put on their , from whence, presently the Pores of the skin being suddenly contracted, and the Air being admitted into the parts of the Womb, transpiration is hindered, and often the Lochia, on the sudden are stopped, either of which suffices to excite the feverish distemper.  
The cojunct cause, or formal reason of this kind of sickness, chief comprehends these three things, to wit, there are present, first, a very notable dyscrasy of the Blood, that growing hot, from the Fever being occasionally induced, it doth not equally burn forth, nor leisurely overcome the adust recrements, and afterwards critically thrust them forth; but the Blood growing hot, is presently loosened in its mixture, and its frame being unlocked, turns and declines towards corruption; hence, when it grows but a little cool, the spirits being shaken out of their dominion, are moved into confusion. In the mean time, the Sulphureous Particles become untamed, and fierce, wherefore, the strength falls down without any manifest cause, the Pulse is made weak and disordered; after the deflagration of the Blood, although the adust recrements are very much heaped up, yet nothing is rightly concocted or separated, but the sick being greatly oppressed in Nature, though they continually sweated, receive nevertheless oftentimes no ease from thence; but the feverish matter, which aught to be thrust forth, being transmitted into the head, and neervous stock, induces there most grievous perturbations of the animal regiment. Secondly, the Tragedy of this Disease owes no small part of it, to the nervous juice being presently made sharp, and so improportionate to the Brain, and its Appendix; for this being infected; from the traint contracted from the Blood, doth not gently water, or pleasantly blow up its subjects, but notably hale or pull those tender parts, (as when an infusion of vitriol is poured upon a Worm) and irritates or provokes them into convulsions, and into motions, as if of dancing or suddenly leaping forth, and sometimes wholly overturns their functions; hence comes contractures, grievous convulsions, dilerium, wake, and sometimes stupification, and the sleepy Disease, upon Women Lying in. Thirdly, whilst these things are done, oftentimes a third band of symptoms infested the sick, to wit, for that the Womb, being hurt by some evil, moves itself disorderly, and is struck with a Convulsion, according to these or those parts, from thence by and by, convulsive motions invade, by the membranes, and nervous passages, the whole Region of the Abdomen; wherefore, the Viscera and Hypocondria are blown up, belchings, and grievous vomitings are stirred up, than the Distemper creeping upwards, and possessing the nervous parts of the Thorax, a difficult breathing, and unequal, a palpitation of the heart, a sense of choking in the throat, by reason of the Muscles being there drawn backward, and other symptoms, through the whole Body are excited, the same evil being at last carried to the Brain.  
The Fevers of Women in Childbed almost never want danger; but sometimes it happens, about the beginning, that they are cured by a slender Diet, and by the Flux of the Lochia being restored; but if the feverish distemper does root itself more deeply, that the whole Blood is enkindled, and immoderately grows hot, the Prognostic aught not to be esteemed of a light Omen; and there will be a greater reason of danger, if besides the heat being suffused all over, the sick are troubled with a frequent shivering, if they are affected or molested with a great disquietness, and wake, with sudden concussions of the Body, or a contracture of the Tendons: or if, thirdly, they complain on the fourth day, of a tingling of their ears, with a great repletion or fullness of the head, you may from thence collect the evil to grow worse, viz. a translation of the feverish and hurtful matter to the Brain; nor is it lesle to be feared, if they have on them an oppression, and weight of the Praecordia, that the sick cannot breathe freely, nor draw their breath deep, and from the bottom of their breast, but only from the top, and that frequently, and sighingly, and that they move themselves restlessly hither and thither: For this argues the Blood to stagnate in its circulation, about the Heart and Lungs, and also to be apt to grow into clodders, and to be coagulated: that if yet worse distempers of the Brain and nervous stock follow, and the Pulse should become weak and unequal, you may pronounce the business almost deplorable; but if (as sometimes though it more rarely happens) after the Fever being enkindled, and grievously threatening, either the Flux of the Lochia returns, or a Diarrhea with ease succeeds, some hope of health may be admitted, though the same beaten the last cast.  
Concerning the Cure of these kind of Fevers, there lies a very great task upon the Physician, because any Physic is esteemed with the vulgar, not only unprofitable, but also hurtful for Women in Childbed; wherefore, Physicians are rarely sent for, unless when there is no place left for remedies, and the opportunity of all profitable means be wholly past: If that perchance they should be present, about the beginning of the Disease, it will not be easy to procure health to the sick by vulgar Remedies; but whatever they should attempt, unless it should bring help, it would be said by the Women, and others about the person, to be deadly, and the only cause of her death; that in truth there is want to hap to us, lesle of profit, or more of ignominy, about the Cure of no other Disease, as in this.  
But the method of curng (even as in Contagious Diseases) aught to be instituted twofold; to wit, Prophylactic or Preventive, and Therapentie or Curative: The former of these, delivers precepts and cautions, whereby Women Lying in, may be preserved from the assault of Fevers: the other suggests Curative intentions, whereby the sick (if it may be done) may at length recover health.  
1. Although this Fever be somewhat Malignant, it is not caught by Contagion, and there is no fear of the sicks receiving outwardly any envenomed taint; notwithstanding, all Women in Childbed, have an innate mine of virulency, and from the evil of this, as it were the tinder of most high Malignity, they aught to beware; wherefore, they need an exact ordering, to wit, whereby after the Birth, the impurities of the Blood and humours, may be rightly purged forth, without danger of a Fever; also, that the evil affections of the Womb, may be healed, and that the strength being broken and debilitated, by the Labour, may be restored after its due manner. For these ends, these three things are chief to be inculcated, for prescripts by Physicians. First, I judge it necessary, that a most exact manner of Diet be commanded to Women in Childbed; to wit, that they be wholly fed with Oatmeal Caudle, made sometimes of Beer, and sometimes of Water and White-wine mixed together, also with Panada, and other light nourishers, for a week at lest; because they are much emptied, therefore it may be lawful for them to sup often, but nothing of solid or more strong food is to be given. For I have diligently observed that these Fevers have been oftenest induced, by the eating too soon flesh, or strong Broths or Food. Forasmuch as Women Lying in, aught to be handled, not only as those that are grievously wounded, but as those that have got a feverish indisposition, from a disturbed disposition and temper of the Blood: For with them, the Blood being already too much carried forth, and as it were touched with an impure infection, most quickly catches Flame, by the access or means of any Sulphureous thing. Secondly, after Diet, the care will be, jest the Pores by shut up; by the incautiously taking cold from without, or that the Lochia should be stopped: for upon the lest occasion, the manner of transpiration being changed, the Blood first growing hot, conceives disorders: orders: also the Womb being touched by the blast of Air, contracts itself, and shuts up the mouths of the Vessels, whereby the Lochia flow forth lesle: wherefore, for five days at lest, after being Delivered, I would have Women wholly to keep their Beds. I know that 'tis a common custom, to raise them from Bed on the third day, but by that means I have known many that have fallen into Fevers; and in truth, if we desire to keep Women in Childbed from all danger, the safest means will be, that they may be kept long in their Beds. Thirdly, concerning preservation, the intent remains, that by causing a gentle provocation of the Blood, in Women Lying in, the Flux of the Lochia may be continued: for this end, Midwives are want (if after a difficult Labour they fear that evil) to give them Sperma Ceti, or powder of irish Slate, or Saffron steeped in White-wine: Moreover, to make them Oatmeal Caudle, that may more fuse the Blood, of Water, and White and Rhenish Wine mixed together, in which they boil, or in posset drink also, Marigold Flowers, leaves of Penyroyal, or Mugwort, there are many other kinds of administrations extant, about the ordering Women in Childbed, which being commonly known, I willingly pass over-here.  
The Cure of the subsequent Fever of Women in Childbed, is far from the usual method in Putrid Fevers: for in this, it is not to be expected, that the Blood being touched with a feverish burning, should by degrees burn forth, and the same should be separated by a Crisis, but rather (as it is done in a Malignant Fever) as soon as the Blood grows immoderately hot, it is convenient for it to be moved by gentle Diaphoretick Remedies, and its hererogeneous and impure mixtures to be carried forth of doors; wherefore, among the common people it is a custom (and that not bad) to give to feverish Women Lying in, sudorificks presently: by this means, the Blood being eventilated, its effervency is allayed; also, by reason of its agitation, the Lochia apt to be restrained, are provoked into a Flux. There is great difference among Authors, from whence the beginnings of these kind of Fevers aught to be computed, viz. whether from the Birth itself, or from the first sense of growing feverish? however it matters little whether it be after this or that manner: For since this Fever runs not the usual stadia or courses of the Putrid, neither hath a Crisis, nor wholly admits the use of Cathartic or Purging Remedies, we need not be solicitous so much for the days, concerning its period and mensuration. But yet, as to the Curative indications, it will be of use only to distinguish what is to be done in the beginning, increase, and end of this Disease: also, what we aught to endeavour whilst there is some strength remaining, as also what, when 'tis oppressed, and very much dejected.  
When therefore any Woman in Childbed is first taken with this Fever (whose assault is known from the milky Fever, because for the most part it gins with a shivering) you must presently let it be your work, that tthe more plentiful sustenance may be drawn away from the burning Blood, and as I have already admonished, that the flesh of living Creatures, and Broths made of them, be utterly forbidden; yet in the mean time, all cold things, and that are endued with a styptic or binding virtue, are equally to be avoided; for these fix the Blood, and bind it too much, and hinder its very requisite Purgation, both by the Lochia, and by transpiration thorough the skin. But rather, though the Fever be urgent, give them decoctions, powders, and confections of things moderately hot: of which sort are, (as is already said) decoctions, or Distilled Waters of the Flowers of Marigoids, the Leaves of Pennyroyal, Mugwort, the roots of Scorzonera, also Bezoartic Powders, Spirits of Hartshorn, fixed salts of Herbs, etc. If the Lochia should be stopped, that their Flux may be again provoked, must be endeavoured every way: To the moving of this, conduce frictions and ligatures about the Thighs and Legs; sometimes Cupping-Glasses, or Blisters about the Thighs or Hips, also in the soles of the Feet: also, sometimes the opening a Vein in the Ankle is convenient, in the mean time a fomentation of the hysterical decoction, is to be applied about the Pubis, or the Caul of a Wether or Sheep, taken out warm, may be laid to the bottom of the Belly; and experience manifests, that sometimes injections into the Womb are profitable: If the Belly yields not, it may be gently brought down, with a violet suppository so called, or an emollient Clyster; of more strong provocations you must take heed, because in Women Lying in, even as in a Malignant Fever, from a copious dejection, with loss of Spirits, Life is quickly lost. If with the suppression of the Lochia, there be a notable perturbation of the Blood, with vomiting, thirst, and wake, I have often known, Laudanum mixed with Saffron, given with happy success. Instead of a cooling Julep, this kind of mixture is convenient, viz. take of water of Pennyroyal, and Balm, each three ounces, of hysterical water two ounces, of the Syrup of Mugwort three ounces and an half, of the tincture of Saffron two drams, of Castor ryed in a rog, and hung in the glass, one scruple, mingle these, and let them drink of this three or four spoonfuls oftentimes in a day.  
2. If notwithstanding the use of these Remedies the Fever grows still worse, and by degrees is increased with worse symptoms, that besides the disorders of the Blood, the Brain and nervous parts begin to be touched, Medicines, though many of every kind may be rayed, do little; yea, in this case the indications are almost the same, with those made use of in the Plague itself: forasmuch as the Lochia being for a good while suppressed, they cannot easily be reduced, or scarcely at all, in the great confusion of the Blood and humours, therefore it is convenient quickly to move a sweeting, to wit, that the corruptions, impressed on the Blood and nervous juice, and restagnating from the Womb, may be carried forth some how, by sweat, and insensible transpiration. Therefore here, Powders, and Confections of Bezoar, Spirit of Hartshorn, or of Soot, tinctures of Corals or Pearls help. I have sometimes seen, by the help of these kind of Medicines, in a desperate case, when the Pulse, and other symptoms have appeared a little better, some small hopes to show themselves; yet Cure rarely to follow: but when the use of these Cordials were left of, the sick with a weak Pulse, and a Looseness presently arising, have been precipitated to Death.  
3. When yet the business of the sick proves still worse, when the Fever being increased, the Pulse is weak and unequal, and frequent horrors, and convulsive motions in the whole body, with a delitium, and stupefaction infested them; than the Physician having first made a Prognostication of Death, may insist upon a few Remedies, and those only Cordials, and must wholly abstain from blood-letting, scarification, blistering, or the use of Cupping-glasses: for such administrations beget only an odium and blame, that by so doing, we are esteemed by some Women, as wicked and cruel.   

The Symptomatic Fevers of Women in Childbed.  
THE Acute Diseases of Women in Childbed, show themselves not only according to the Figure of the aforesaid Fever, but sometimes they are beset with some signal symptoms, to wit, the Squinancy, Pleurifie, inflammation of the Lungs, Dysentery, Smallpox, or of some other kind; and at that time, they get the appellations of those Distempers. It will not be here seasonable, to repeat at large, what belongs to the essences and natures of each: but I shall Briefly show, what these sicknesses, being complicated with the distempers of Women Lying in, contain peculiarly, as to the Causes or Cures.  
All these symptoms, we suppose to proceed, from a certain Coagulation of the Blood, and from thence its extravasation: But whilst the Blood is extravasated, or put forth of the Vessels in one part, its efflux, however natural, and critical, is hindered in another: wherefore it is dangerous, jest whilst the Blood gins to be coagulated, either in a particular or accustomed nest of Coagulation, or universally in its whole mass, the flowing of the Lochia be stopped, which in truth for the most part happens, and therefore these Distempers, for the most part, are deadly to Women in Childbed: yet the cause of their Death, for the most part, happens with some difference, viz. in the Small Pox, the flowing of the Lochia, draws inwardly the malignity, begun to be carried forth outwardly, and forthwith compels the mass of Blood, and the heart itself, to be empoisoned, with its evil; and therefore in the Small Pox, these purge of the Womb, are convenient to be stopped: But in the Pleurisy, Squinancy, and the rest, when the provocative of the Disease, being fixed here or there, in a particular place, draws to itself the impurities of the Blood, which aught to be separated or sifted forth by the Lochia, and derives it straight from the Womb, for that reason it increases the impurity of the Blood. The Lochia being stopped in the Small Pox, by the more universal manner or way of excretion, may be shut forth of doors, with the venomous Particles of the Disease, which thing indeed does not succeed in the rest, by reason of the minute, and more sparing manner of excretion.  
Of these, the Squinancy, Pleurisy, and Inflammation of the Lungs, by reason, both of the great similitude of the Cause, and analogy of the Cure, may be considered together: when any Woman Lying in is distempered with any of these, it is to be supposed, that besides the Infection, gathered together in the time of being , there happens a certain sourish disposition of the Blood, by the means of which, whilst that itself grows feaverishly hot, certain Particles of it, being fused with the sourness enter into congelation, in this or that part, like Milk growing sour, and than to be coagulated: The Blood being there frozen or congealed, and hindered in its circuit, stops the passage of the rest; but the Blood being obstructed in its motion, butts against the impediment, and so being heaped up about it, and driven forth of the Vessels, grows into a tumour: from thence presently, whatsoever is contained in its mass, that is heterogeneous, and to be sifted forth, is laid aside into the distempered part, as it were a sink: wherefore, the corruptions of the Blood, that aught to be purged forth by the Womb, are derived from thence towards the nest of this Disease, which, when they cannot be sufficiently purged forth by this way, both more remarkably corrupt the Liquor of the Blood, and tender the particular distemper, viz. the Squinancy, Pleurifie, or any other more hard to be cured.  
For the Cure of these kind of complicated distempers, presently from the very beginning, it should be endeavoured, that the Blood being fixed somewhere, and begun to be extravasated, may be restored to Circulation, that it may not impostumate; because, very rarely, Women Lying in, are cured of these Symptomatic Fevers, by an Imposthume, or spitting forth of the corrupt matter: Wherhfore, internal Remedies, which fuse the Blood, and free it from Coagulation, are to be made use of; of which sort are chief Diaphoretics full of a volatile Salt, as Spirit of Hartshorn, Soot, Urine, also the Salts themselves; in like manner Shelly and Bezoartic Powders, Lapis Prunellae, Decoctions and Juleps of Vegetables provoking Urine, or the terms, with all which aught to be mixed, what by experience are found proper for the distempers of the Womb: Besides, discussing Remedies, which may drive away the impacted matter, and disperse it (of which sort are Liniments, Fomentations, and Cataplasms) are diligently to be applied. In the mean time, the more impetuous motion, and immoderate effervency of the Blood, are to be removed, and its purge, by all the ways possible transferred to the inferior parts. For this end Frictions, Ligatures, Epispastics, and (if need be) Scarifying about the Feet and Legs, are to be administered; if the distemper very much growing worse, a taking away of Blood be indicated, unless there be a great fullness in the whole Body, and a very acute inflammation in the distempered part; it will be best to open a Vein in the Foot, or to take away Blood from the hemorrhoid Veins by Leeches: But if necessity urges, it may be done in the Arm itself; if after that Letting Blood (if another be admitted) let it be done in the Leg; but you are to be warned, that in these cases, the opening a Vein is to be ordered very cautiously, for unless it brings present help, (which I have rarely known it to do) immediately the Pulse being made more weak, the business of the sick becomes much worse.  
The Dysentery takes its rise almost for the like cause, with the aforesaid distempers; but in this, because the extravasated Blood is presently poured forth, nor being retained in the Body, becomes there troublesome, or is any more corrupted, and as this Flux makes an excretion near the Womb, and does not afterwards dreive it to any other place, there is lesle of danger to be feared, from this Disease, than from those aforesaid: yet oftentimes this Disease is fatal to Women in Childbed, for that indeed, the rather, because things attempering the Blood, and moderately binding, are ordered for the Dysentery: for these are found too apt to inhibit the Flux of the Luchia; wherefore in this case, until the Women Lying in are sufficiently purged by a long Flux, the Cure of the other Disease is to be omitted, and the fierceness of the symptoms is to be allayed, only with gentle asswaging things.  
The indications of the Small Pox, do not only differ from those above described, but indeed they are beset with contraries to themselves; for they require (as hath been said) that the Flux of the Lochia should be moderately stayed: yet in the mean time, that the flowering forth of the Blood, and a gentle sweat aught to be continued; for when in this Disease, the envenomed ferment is twofold, and the corrupt Particles of the Blood, are carried outwardly in a twofold way, you must beware, jest that the lesser, and straighter part, should draw to its door, the whole matter, or more than it were able to sand forth: therefore, jest the Lochia flowing more plentifully, should recall inwardly the venom, apt to flower outwardly, the manner or way of Diet is somewhat to be changed, and specially those things which have a poison resisting force, and are also astringent (as the roots of Tormentil and Bistort) are to be boiled in the Broths of the sick; also Powders, Juleps, and Opiates, endued with such like virtue, are convenient to be administered at due intervals: yea, in this case, by no means, Women should be indulged, that they might eat flesh, or Broth made of it, or to rise out of their Bed: but the quiet, both of mind and Body, is to be procured, as much as may be, and a Diet to be ordered of those things, that move not the Blood, and the business almost wholly to be committed to God and Nature.  
What hath already been said, concerning the acute Diseases of Women in Childbed, may easily be illustrated with Histories and Observations: But examples which may be brought in this thing, for the greatest part, are mournful and of an ill chance: because those Fevers for the most part end in Death. But to describe these kind of sicknesses, does neither confirm the work of the Physician, nor tender approved the method of Medicine, altogether taken in them; however, because the knowledge of these may make for the better discovery of this Disease, I shall here propose some singular cases of Women Lying in, and variety of symptoms; in which, although the forms and means of Cure more sparingly occur, yet we may have some rules of precaution, of no contemplable use.  
A Gentlewoman in her six and twentieth year of her Age, brought forth her sixth Child, with very difficult Labour, and not without danger of her Life; yet presently after, she began to be better; on the second day she eat a whole Chicken, on the third risen out of her Bed, and sat in a Chair for four hours; the night following she found herself ill, at which time her Milk came into her Breasts; which, by the application of Diaculum Plasters, soon vanished; the next morning she complained of a weariness, and as it were an ulcerous pain of her whole Body, also of a vomiting, nauseousness, and fullness about the Ventricle, and Hypochondria: the following night was full of trouble; on the fifth day she was plainly in a Fever, she felt now a shivering, now a heat, every where increasing, she nauseated every thing, and was troubled at her Stomach, moreover being unquiet, and without sleep, the Lochia flowed little, but a whitish humour (commonly called the Flux of the Milk) came away: In the evening she had a weight, and as it were a sleepiness about her forehead and temples, and began to sleep a little; but awaking in half an hour, being disturbed with Phantasms, she complained of her head, as if increased in bulk, also of her jaws being set, that she could not open her teeth, and her fists being strongly clutched, she seemed as if she felt a pricking and slupor, or numbness in her whole Body; her Ventricle and Hypochondria stood still inflated, and stretched forth; they administered to her Frictions, Ligatures, Cupping-glasses, and other Remedies, both inward and outward, that might recall the Lochia, and drive the recrements of the Blood from the head: Her Pulse being weak, and disordered, would not admit of Letting Blood; Powders, and Juleps, which might gently move sweeting, and fuse the Blood and nervous juice, and hinder them from restagnating, were diligently given her; yea, somentations, now of   dipped in empollient Decoctions, and now of warm inwards of living Creatures, were applied to her Belly; in the mean time, stinking things (such as they use to the Mother Fits) were put to her nose, which might drive away the impetuousness of the Spirits and Blood, carried into the head, but these, and other things, being for several hours carefully performed, she seemed to feel some ease; but still she feared to shut her eyes, or to settle herself to sleep, for her eye lids being closed, a thousand Phantasms ran in her mind, with noise and tingling in her whole head: she continued that night almost without sleep; assoon as she had begun to sleep, presently being affrighted, and feeling a weight in her Precordia, she was awaked: on the sixth day about noon, she was troubled with a great shivering, or rather an horror, with a strong concussion of the whole Body; to which, as in the fit of an Ague, by and by heat, and than sweated copiously followed: but from thence, nothing of ease accrued to the sick, for presently after the sweat, the feverish heat was renewed, and convulsive distempers infested her more: the night following, with the rest of the symptoms growing worse, first a Palsy was excited in her tongue, and by and by in her throat, that she could not speak, and scarce swallow at all: on the seventh day, about the same hour, a shivering invaded her again, with heat and sweated; than her Pulse being much weaker, and unequal; also a difficult breathing, and fetching the breath short and quick, with her Breast lifted up, she knew not them about her: on the eighth day she died.  
There was a manifold occasion of the death of this Gentlewoman, predisposed to a Fever, by reason of her Big-belly, and which had increased the malignity of the Discase over and above; for the hurt received by her hard Labour, the sudden exclusion of the Milk from her Breasts, the ear-ring of flesh, and the rising too soon out of her bed, happening together, made as it were a conspiration for the greater evil: The Blood being touched with a feverish burning, presently conceived inordinations, and snatched into itself the Lochia, and perhaps other defilements of the Womb, and so by that means acquired a greater infection, and plainly venomous disposition; the membranes of the Viscera, being imbrued with the degenerate nervous juice, were struck either with Convulsive motions, or with Convulsions continued to them from the Womb; for these kind of inflations, about the Abdomen, and those distentions are the effects of Convulsions: For although the direct Fibres drawing the member do oftentimes press it, yet since the Fibres are direct and transverse, and others placed in a various site, the membranes are pulled together into an hollowness, by their coming together, the part swells up like a blown bladder, into whose vacuity the Air being rarefied secondarily carries itself forward: But it is not the Air (as is commonly said) or a blast there at first heaped up, that is the cause of the distension. The Blood growing hot in our sick person, and being quickly filled with an adust and malignant matter, did endeavour to subdue it, and being unable to put it forth by sweat, forthwith fixed it in the Brain; the first suffusion of the same matter into the head, by reason of the animal Spirits being half overthrown, brought in that sense of her head being much increased in bulk; which thing happened by the like means, as when the foot being taken with a sleepiness, seems as if it felt much bigger than it is: But that after some ease, the distemper grew worse, by sleep and closing of her eyes, the reason is, because waking, and the exercise of the senses, shake of and remove from them, somewhat, the matter besieging the Brain and Nerves; which notwithstanding being near and in its precincts, sleep creeping on, is as it were supped up by them, and enters their Bodies more deeply with the alible juice. But the Blood, although it had plentifully poured forth its recrements in the Brain, yet did not itself become free; but being still full, with an impure ballast, it conceived as it were a critical flowering, and attempted to shake of its burden once or twice (as it is want in a great excretion) with a shivering, and with heat and sweated following it, by which endeavour however nothing was further effected, than that the matter sticking to the Brain, pierced more deeply into it, and becoming fixed in some little shoots of the Nerves, took away her speech and swallowing, and afterwards her senses; and mass of Blood, being by degrees more and more depraved, at length became unable to sustain Life.  
A noble Gentlewoman, being married a little before she was twenty years of Age, and being with Child, used, during the time, an ill diet, and little or no exercise; yet falling into Labour, and suffering the torments with intermission, and frequent case for twelve hours, at length was brought to Bed of a Son: The Child, with the afterbirth came away, and all things were right about the Womb: the first and second day she found herself indifferently well, but on the third, after a light shivering, she began to complain of thirst and heat; to which a looseness followed, that she had that day four stools: the following night she was almost without fleep, the feverish distemper remained, after that, in the same manner for two days; daily she purged three or four time; the Lochia as yet flowed moderately: when on the sixth day, by the persuasion of the Women, she had took some astringent thing, to moderate the Flux of her Belly, the hpurging of the Womb were almost wholly stayed: at which time the Fever became more strong, and symptoms as it were hysterical appeared; for in her Precordia, she had great and frequent oppressions, and was troubled with a sense of choking in her throat; on the seventh day, the heat was yet stronger, and her breathing difficult and laborious; but than, by the prescription of a Physician, at that time first sent for, Blood was taken from her foot to three ounces, by which she was better for four hours; for a quiet sleep, with a plentiful sweat followed upon it, and the Lochia appeared again though in small quantity: In the Evening again, all things grew worse, her strength being very much lost, her Pulse weaker and unequal; she complained also of a noise and tingling of her ears, with a fullness of her head, moreover a leaping up of the tendons in her wrists; also she had sudden concussions of her wholly Body, yet still her looseness held; to her were administered, by the prescripts of several Physicians, Cordials, and other Remedies, and kinds of Administrations carefully, but nothing profited: her Pulse being more weak, and her strength leisurely wasting, she died on the ninth day, after she was delivered.  
This Fever very much depended upon the vicious provision of the Body, as the procatartic cause; for I have often observed, that it sates ill with Women Lying in, who when Big bellied devoured fruit, and any unwholesome trash, and living without motion or exercise, indulged themselves with ease and rest: the Blood, by reason of the previous cachexy, conceived a burning without any evident cause, as it were of its own accord: But growing hor, laying inwardly still its recrements, and impurities, caused the Diarrhea: neither yet was its mass made more pure, by its almost continual excretion, yea, rather being still more depraved in its mixtion or crasis, the Blood at length wholly departed from its proper disposition, and became unable to be fermented in the heart, whereby heat and breath might be every where dispersed: The looseness, excited by the motion of Nature, was untowardly stopped, especially by the use of astringent things; for this I have often observed, never to be done without paying for it; because the Flux of the Belly has cured some that have been ill, but in this Lady, and in many others (as has abundantly appeared to our experience) although it did not take away the Fever, yet it freed her from the more grievous distempers of the Brain and nervous stock: from whence this sick person was wholly free from a Delirium, nor was struck with Convulsive motions, till reduced almost to extremity.  
The Mother of a Family, and a Gentlewoman, about 36 years of Age or upwards, being with Child of her serventeenth Child, was troubled, and very anxious, jest she should die of that Childbearing: But (God favouring) she was delivered well enough of a Son, and for three days after she was very cheerful: on the fourth day, when she had eaten more than she should do of a Chicken, a little before night she fell into a feverish Distemper, with vomiting, and a stopping of the Lochia: all night she lay restless and without sleep, the next morning she had four stools, and seemed somewhat eased: about Noon (about which time I came to her) she complained again of heat and thirst, as also a palpitation of the heart, and of the ascent of some substance in her throat; her Pulse was quick and small, her Urine read, the Lochia scarce appeared: I ordered her Juleps, Cordials, and things to purge the Womb, besides a somentation for the bottom of her Belly, also her Legs and Feet to be rubbed often, with warm  ; at going to sleep I gave her of Laudanum one grain, with Saffron Powder half a scruple, in a spoonful of Treacle-water: She slept well, and the Lochia came down plentifully, and by that means, with a slender diet, and continuing to provoke moderately the Flux of the Womb, for a few days, she became very well.  
The immoderate eating of flesh, as an evident and almost only sufficient cause, without any great provision, or vicious predisposition, induced the Fever. The Lochia restagnating into the Blood, increased its intemperance, and presently brought troubles upon the nervous kind; but in the mean time, the Blood although growing hot, did not undergo any great corruption, but when the recrements, heaped up by the Surfeit, were sent forth by the looseness, and the Blood, the Lochia being restored, began to be purged forth again after its wont manner, this Fever wanting a further malignant ferment, quickly vanished.  
A noble Lady, young, and fair, was brought to Bed of a second Child, and for six days, as to the Lochia and other accidents, she was well, and wholly free from the suspicion of any intemperature: she eaten flesh daily, and rising from her Bed, was brisk and cheerful in her Chamber; on the seventh day, without any manifest cause, a shivering came upon her, with a Fever, and a lessening of the Lochia, but not supprossed: to the tenth day after her Delivery, she was only moderately feverish; whilst the purge of the Womb yet flowed, she remained free from any grievous symptom: but than, although she was greatly seaverish, she was more cheerful than ordinary, and seemed more confident of her health: at Night she slept little or nothing; the morning following (at which time I first visited her) she clearly raved, the Lochia were stopped, also her whole Body was shaken with horror, the tendons in her wrists were pulled together, so that I could hardly distinguish her Pulse, which in the mean time was weak, unequal, and very quick. I said she would die quickly, unless God should miraculously restore her by his Divine Power, however, six grains of Oriental Bezoar being given her, in a spoonful of Cordial Julep, brought upon her a plentiful sweat, with a better Pulse; than other Cordials being given, with due intervals, gave some little hopes, though I doubted they would not continued: after four hours from the time that I came, the sick Lady had of her own accord a great Stool, and presently her strength wholly failed her, and within half an hour she died.  
When there happened nothing of ill to this Lady, as to her Delivery, or Womb, so permicious a Fever, and so suddenly Mortal, could not hap without a great and malignant procatarsis of the Blood and humours: whether a more full Diet, or taking Cold, or any other evident cause, gave a beginning to this is uncertain; because, the Women and Nurses helping her, knew of no manifest occasion of her sickness: The Fever being enkindled, the infection of the Blood could not be wholly carried away, by the purging of the Womb, though long continued; though for that reason, the more cruel symptoms came not presently upon her, yet the evil still lurked within, and the Disease being very acute, showing itself with a swift motion, on the fourth day, when Nature should have endeavoured a Crisis, the matter of the Fever being moved, but not overcome, as it were in a moment overturned at once, the Brain and nervous parts, whence Death was to be expected, and suddenly followed.  
A Woman well known, who had scarce passed the twentieth Year of her Age, of a florid countenance, and slender Body, after her being brought to Bed, when the Lochia flowed immoderately, made use of some astringent Remedies, by the counsel of those about her, by which means they were wholly stopped; but a Flux of her belly succeeded, which when it had increased for three days, the Women gave her other things for the stopping her Looseness: nor were they frustrated in the success; in the mean time, in the place of the former evil, they had brought a most dangerous Fever, and distempers as it were hysterical: for the unhappy Gentlewoman Lying in, was troubled with thirst, heat, wake, and at several turns, with swoonings, and cold sweats; at this time being sent for, I prescribed her Cardaic Remedies, and such as moved the purge of the Womb, and also a Clyster to be given her: at length, the Flux of her Belly being provoked, the Lochia also came down, and the sick Woman being freed from the aforesaid symptoms, and the more grievous Disease, to wit, the Remedies of the Nurses, quickly grew well of her Fever.  
The more plentiful Flux of the Womb, happening to this Woman, removed the Procatartic cause of a more grievous Disease: wherefore, when they had committed so many errors about the ordering her, (viz. first in stopping the Lochia, than what might compensate their defect, in hindering the Flux of her Belly) yet the Fever was only light, and without any venomous taint impressed on the Blood; the like to this I have known to hap frequently, to wit, when at first the purge of the Womb have flown very plentifully, afterwards when they have flown very sparingly, and sometimes stopped, the women in Childbed have escaped. And by the way, it is here to be noted, that it is wholly dangerous, to inhibit, or at lest divert, and cross and motion of Nature, incited, though irregular.  
A Noble Gentlewoman, about 20 years of Age, endued with a smooth and full habit of Body, miscarried twice in the space of a Year; when she had again Conceived, by the prescription of her Physician, she provoked a Vomit once a month, by drinking plentifully Posset Drink, by which she was want to cast forth much thick tough Phlegm; also in the time of her being with Child, he Let her Blood 5 times; the time of her going being over, she was brought to Bed of a Son, with very hard Labour; the Secundine came whole away, and she purged notably: on the second day, whilst she was lifted upon her feet in Bed, that the Sheets and the Blankets might be laid in better order, she took Cold, and by that means the bloody Lochia wholly stopped, and only a little serous Water came away: on the third day she began to complain of an acute pain in her right side, to which the Women laid Bags of Camomile made hot with Bricks, but the distemper grew worse with a bloody spittle; on the fourth day of her being brought to Bed, a most sharp pain, with a difficult breathing, and very Laborious, invaded her: by the prescription of her Physician, than coming to her from the neigbourhood, six ounces of Blood was taken away, out of the Basilic vein, and she felt sudden ease, for 10 hours she was better, in the middle of the night the pricking pain returned with its wont fierceness: at length, other Physicians being called to Counsel, they agreed that it was necessary to open a Vein again, in the arm of the distempered side: four ounces of Blood being taken away, the pain remitted, and the sick breathed better; than by Diasphoretic Remedies, she fell into a great sweat, with a quiet sleep: But the Pulse was made quicker and weaker, also contractures of the tendons in her wrists appeared: presently afterwards she talked idly, and within 24 hours, after she was last Let Blood, she departed.  
That this Lady fell into a Pleurisy, with a Fever, upon the Lochia being suppressed, the cause in some measure seemed to be, the Letting of Blood so often in the time of her being with Child: for by this means, the Blood being accustomed to be eventilated at the arm, afterwards growing hot, leaving the Womb, was carried violently towards the place of its letting forth, where, when it found not a passage, it fixed in the neighbouring side, as thenexe nest to the place of extravasation; yea, besides the usual manner of a Pleurisy, there was no small malignity happened to this Disease; for the Blood being hindered from being let forth of the Vessels, began presently to be corrupted in its disposition, and in the third day of the Fever, was so much depraved, that it could not be any longer fermented in the heart so as to Prorogue Life.  
It was not so with the Wife of a certain Smith, who was brought to Bed, at what time her Children had the Small Pox in the same House, and she herself, as it seemed, had taken the Contagion of the same Disease, for on the second day after her Delivery, they began to break forth with a feverish heat, and pain in her Loins, which indeed for three days, whilst the Lochia moderately flowed, arose rightly into little swell; although the purging of the Womb was very copious at that time, she had the Small Pox very thick all over her Body, not only in the superficies of her skin, but also they filled the cavity of her mouth and throat, so that she could scarce speak or swallow: The sixth day of her Lying in, the Lochia flowed immoderately, from whence presently fell upon the sick, a frequent swooning, with a flagging of the Small Pox, Convulsions, and other symptoms of an ill nature, which threatened Death soon; being sent for, I prescribed half a dram of this Powder, to be taken constantly every three hours, in a spoonful of the following Julep, viz. take of the Roots of Tormentil in Powder, drams two, of the best Bowl Armonie, dram one, of the species of Hyacinth half a dram, make a Powder. Take of the Compound Water of Scordium, of Dragons, of Meadowsweet, each three ounces, of There call Vinegar one ounce, of the Syrup of Corals two ounces, of Hartshorn burned half a dram, make a Julep. Besides, I ordered to be boiled in her Broths, and in every thing she drank, the Roots of Totmentil: by these Remedies, the purging of her Womb was soon wholly stopped, and the Small Pox by degrees being ripened, came of without any grievous symptom.  
Indeed this case was difficult, and was cured with great danger, viz. for either the Lochia, or the Small Pox to have been restrained inwardly, was very dangerous, and yet the more full eruption of the one, hindered the motion of the other; so long as either moderately proceeded, things being permitted to the conduct of Nature was moderately well: but when one of them became ill, the work of Art was required, and it was requisite to bridle the Lochia, but to provoke the Small Pox.    

CHAP. XVII. Of Epidemical Fevers.  
HAving meditated rather a Commentary, than an entire Tract, I had thought here to have concluded our Discourse of Fevers: But forasmuch as certain Epidemical Fevers do often spread, which observe no Laws, nor can be brought to any certain rule of Doctrine, but being irregular vary every year, and for that reason, as often as any of them increase or spread abroad, presently it is called the new Disease; therefore, I thought it worth out while, because general precepts concerning these Fevers are not to be delivered, to subjoin some particular Histories, of some of this kind; for out of the various provision of symptoms, whereby they are want to be noted, the nature and the whole formal reason of these kind of distempers, may somewhat appear. Since therefore of late years, within a short tract of time, three popular Diseases have spread in these Countries, I will add, as a Crown to this work, the several Descriptions of them, made at those times, when these Fevers raged.  

A Description of an Epidemical Fever, spreading about Autumn, in the Year 1657. taken in the middle of September.  
WHilst we meditate the Description of a Fever, at this time cruelly raging, it is fit, that following the example of Hypocrates, we first consider the foregoing constitution of the Year, its intemperance and excess of qualities. For Epidemical Diseases, and commonly excited among the people, are from a common cause; such as the habit of the year, and by that means contracted, a disposition of the Blood, by which many are alike affected. But that we may draw the matter from the beginning, the last Spring, and the time succeeding it, even to the end of the Summer, was all that half years space extremely dry and hot, but especially after the Summer solstice, the heats were so intense for many weeks following, that day and night there was none that did not complain of the heat of the Air, and were almost in a continual sweat, and were not able to breathe freely: About the Calendss of July, this Fever, at first sporadical or particulat, began to break forth in some places, that perhaps one or two were taken in the same City or Village: In many it imitated the likeness of an intermitting Tertian, viz. the Fits returned every other day; which yet infested the sick with a most intense heat, without any cold or shivering going before; Vomiting and Choleric Stools plentifully happened to most, sweated succeeding but difficultly, and often-interrupted, whereby the feverish fit rarely ended in a remission, but that all the time between, the sick continued languishing and weak, with thirst and restlessness; in some, when the business began to grow better, affer three or four fits, cold and shivering began the fits, and the Fever became an exact intermitting Tertain: But in most, the Fever still grew worse, and presently became of an evil nature, and difficult Cure, with a depraved provision of symptoms; for when the sick were highly heated in their fits, and hardly sweated, they were want to commit errors, which daily increased the strength of the Disease, because by reason of the inpatience of the sick, and the unskilfulness of Servants, the sweat being interrupted, which should have ended the fit of the Fever, after one fit was scarce finished, another presently succeeded, and so the Disease was want to have wand'ring and uncertain periods, without any intermission between, and afterwards to pass into a kind of continual Fever. The condition of which, sometimes being very dangerous, with an evil affection of the Brain and nervous stock, so that oftentimes a Lethargy, or Delirium, or not seldom cramps, and and Convulsive motions, were excited: About the month of August, this Fever began to spread far and near, among the people, that in every Region and Village many were sick of it; but it was much more frequent in the Country, and smaller Villager, than in cities or Towns. It was still like an intermitting Fever, unless that it seemed more infestous than that is want, and with more cruel fits, and shorter intermissions, and therefore was called the new Disease: besides, it underwent the note of a certain malignity, and gave knowledge of its Contagion and Deadliness; insomuch, that it crept from house to house, infected with the same evil, most of the same Family, and especially those familiarly conversing with the sick; yea, old Men, and Men of ripe Age, it ordinarily took away.  
If you respect the nature and essence of the Disease, this Fever properly should be referred to the rank of intermitting Fevers, for the fits returned at set times, also for the most part they began with cold and shivering, and oftenest with vomiting, and by and by a most intense heat proceeding, they were finished at last with a sweat. The Urine in most appeared of a flame colour, thin in the fits, with some hypostasis, without it more thick, and with a reddish sediment; although with a most copious sweat, and often iterated, the Disease was not cured, which might be expected in a continual Fever; yea, the diftemper continued exceeding long, for many days, sometimes months, though much evacuation almost daily happened by vomit and sweated: which we observe frequently in an intermitting Fever, rarely to hap in a continual; out of the fit, at any time of the Disease a purge was profitably instituted, which in a Synochus before the sign of concoction, were a wicked thing to attempt; besides, that this Fever was of the intermitting kind, it seems to appear from hence, because very many recovered of it, that scarce one of a thousand died, which I scarce every knew in an Epidemical Synochus. About the first beginnings of this Disease, it appeared very like to an intermitting Tertian, although afterwards in some, by reason of the vicious provision of their body, and errors committed in Diet, and sweeting, it seemed to change into a continual; for in whom the fits were not rightly concluded, nor ended in a remission, by reason of the morbific matter not being throughly dispersed, their Blood was continually hot: from whence it came to pass, that the fits sooner returned, and continued longer; till at length, by reason of the plenty of matter, and the languishment of Nature, the Blood being made weaker, endeavoured not longer to swell up, and to separate the feverish matter at set hours, but to subdue it by little and little, with a continual effervency.  
We are to inquire concerning the causes of this Disease, what may be the leading, evident, and conjunct cause, viz. by the means of which it spread so generally, and became Epidemical through all England; by what means, and for what occasion, it was want to be excited in all men: and lastly, what kind of alteration of the Blood and humours, being induced, brought forth this kind of Fever, with such a provision of symptoms, and conserved it in the Act.  
I know it is easy to place wholly the cause of this so popular Disease in the malignant consitution of the Air, to wit, that the Particles of the Air, in which we breathe, were infected by a certain extraneous Infection, and not agreeable to our Nature, the little bodies of which Infections being admitted within, did ferment with the Blood and humours, and so in most, brought in this Fever, almost with the same appearance of symptoms. For who dares deduce the original of a Disease so genearlly raging, from a lesle public fountain? or refer to any other place, the received causes of Diseases, than to that nest of Vital Air, on which every one seeds? But whilst I more attentively consider the thing, it seems to me, that its stem, and as it were its first beginnings, are to be sought a little deeper. To wit, that this Leaver is born not from the Contagion communicated by the Air, and immediately fixing its evil on men, but rather from a certain feverish predisposition or nature, impressed somewhile before on our Bodies, because of the intemperance of the Year, which at length having gotten maturity, on the lest occasion is brought into Act, and so breks not forth into this Fever, so much as it sifts it forth.  
For when about the Calendss of July, the Air was immoderately hot, with a most intense heat for many days, it easily altered our Blood towards an hot and bilous intemperance, by which (as in wine growing more hot than it should do) the sweet part, and the spirituous was much consumed, in the mean time, the Saline and Sulphureous was too much carried forth, that by that means, the Liquor easily contracted a rancour or sourness: We have in another place shown, that this kind of disposition of the Blood, whereby indeed it turns from a sweet and spirituous temper, into a bilous or choleric, is most apt for intermitting Fevers: Hence the alible juice, which is continually carried into the mass of Blood, is not rightly concocted, nor assimilated into Blood, but perverted as it were into an extraneous and fermentative matter: which arising to a fullness in the bosom of the Blood itself, and growing turgid according to its increase at set periods, as we have already shown, induces the fits of the intermitting Fever: when therefore, fore the great burning heat of this Summer, the Blood almost of all men, becoming more hot than usual, was very much scorched, it is no wonder, if from thence it should contract a great aptitude for intermitting Fevers. But why not whilst the servor of the Heaven was yet urgent, but a little aster, this Disease spread itself, the reason is, because this indisposition is not impressed on our Blood at once, or at one time, but by little and little, and not but of a long time; and therefore, Diseases like Fruits, are chief ripened in Autumn, after the foregoing heat of the Summer.  
This aptitude or feverish disposition, all do not contract alike; those whose Blood is of a more hot Nature, and abounds more in Sulphur, and for that cause is sooner scorched, also such who labour, or stay long in the heat of the sun, and open Air, by reason of their Blood being more remarkably torrified, more easily fell into this Disease; wherefore, at first, it chief raged among Husbandmen in the Country: of these, who had acquired an aptitude to this Fever, from the Blood being before scorched, some perhaps fallen into this of their own accord, the feverish disposition being leisurely carried forth to a maturity; others, by reason of a light occasion or evident cause, which was want otherways to stir up the feverish burning, as from taking Cold, Surfeit, drinking of Wine, and the like; and others fell sick from the Contagion received of others, for as the effluvia constantly came away from the sick, when they pierced Bodies predisposed to the like distemper, they easily excited the hhid powers into Act.  
As to the third Proposition, to wit, that the conjunct cause of this Disease, and its formal Reason, may be known, we must put you in mind of those things, which we have elsewhere delivered concerning the nature of intermitting Fevers; for we suppose the retorrid and bilous constitution of the Blood, as the basis of the Disease, by reason of which, the alible juice, being supplied daily, as it were in a certain measure, is not rightly concocted, but by the assation or scorching, becomes or goes into a fermentative matter, not miscible with the Blood. When the Blood is filled to a fullness with this matter (which happens at set intervals of times, because the alible juice is supplied as it were by a set measure) it of its own accord conceives a swelling up, and the growing hot or effervescency being excited, for the carrying away of this matter, causes the feverish fit. which so long endures, till this feverish matter being enkindled, and as it were burnt in the heart, is wholly dissipated with sweat.  
From these things premised, it is made plain, that in the distemper, we now discourse of, there are some things hap by a peculiar way, from the common kind of intermitting Fevers, and therefore it was noted, and that not undeservedly, with the appellation of a New Fever; which are, First, That about the beginning of the Disease, fits did a long while afflict the sick, without cold or shaking, but with a most intense heat, thirst, and cruel vomiting; by which, the sweat hardly, and for the most part partial, and often interrupted, succeeded, whereby the fit was not finished but of a long time. The reason of which, may be only laid upon the very choleric disposition of the Blood, and being above measure scorched: For this proceeding from the domineering Sulphur, wholly inhibits the wont sourness of the Blood, which follows its turgency or sweeling up, and is want to stir up the cold or shivering; and by reason of this kind of temper of the Blood, too much roasting and as it were burning the alible juice, the Blood growing turgid, together with that juice, and being stirred up into motion, is enkindled more than it is want in the heart, and by its deflagration, induces a most intense and troublesome heat, with thirst, to the sick. Choleric vomitings, hap not only at the beginning, but in the middle of the fit, by reason of the abundance of choler, with which, the Choleduct Vessels being too much filled, infuse the intestines; which than a Convulsion being stirred up, is easily emptied into the Ventricle: sweated hardly succeeds, because the bile abounds more than the serum, wherefore the feverish matter being burnt, it is not easily sisted forth by sweat, but being either mingled with the Blood, cause the long effervency, or being carried towards the intestines; produces Vomiting, or a Flux. Secondly, This Fever differs from the vulgar intermitting Fever, because after the fit was ended, there was no full intermission, even to a remission, but the sick still remained languishing and thirsty; and as to appetite, sleep, and other accidents, very ill: which indeed happened, because, by the intense heat of the fit, more of the Blood and feverish matter is enkindled, than that its recrements remaining after its deflagration, are able presently to be dissipated, especially, because the sweat, by reason of the dryness of the matter, very hardly succeeds, nor is the feverish matter enough diluted with the serous Latex, to be sifted forth; wherefore, the Blood by its Contagion, in the time of the fit, not being perfectly freed, grows hot still, neither the fit being ended, doth it get any full truce from the Disease: In the mean time, whilst the Blood is urged after this manner, with almost a continual effervency, it differs from a Synochus; because in this, the Sulphureous part of the Blood, being too much carried forth, and as it were inflamed, causes the Fever by its deflagration; but the continual ebullition, which after this manner comes upon this intermitting Fever, wholly depends upon the confusion of the not miscible matter, and its hard secretion from the Blood. The Synochus happens like Wine growing hot of its own accord, by reason of its richness, the other conceives its fury, like the same Wine, by reason of some heterogeneous thing poured to it: wherefore we remark, that whilst our Fever is seen still to be continual, it is not cured by sweat or the Flux of the Belly; although they frequently and copiously hap: because it depending upon the Blood being depauperated, rather than being inflamed, it continues long, and disposes the sick towards a cachexy,  
3. There is a third reason of difference, by which this Fever may be distinguished from the common rank of intermitting Fevers, and it is this, that it is easily propagated to others by Contagion; the reason of which is, because here very many bodies are predisposed after the same manner, towards the same distemper, hich happens not at another time; wherefore, the mere effluvias from a diseased Body, are able to excite the like effect, in a very fit subject; even as some Beams of Flame enkindle Flame, in a very combustible matter: In the mean time all do not alike contract the Infection of this Fever, but that some being lesle prepared or fitted for it, converse with the sick without harm.  
4. There is another symptom occurs, not constant to this Fever, but only happening in some places, that discriminates it not only from the common, but varies its own proper type; to wit, sometimes it happens, this Disease to be accompanied with a Dysenterick distemper; in some choleric Vomits, and bilous Stools very much infested, and in others Bloody Stools follow, with cruel pains and torments of the Belly. The former I often observed in our Neigbourhood, and the reason of it may be deduced from the highly bilous temper of the Blood: For by reason of this, the adust matter, not to be dissipated by sweat, is copiously sifted into the Liver; than by reason of the choler-carrying Vessels, being filled to a flowing over, it is sent away to the Ventricle, and Intestines. The other Dysenterical distemper, was found only in some places, and there peculiar rather than common, it laid hold only of some sick. The origine of it may be referred to the peculiar dispositions of some Bodies, or vicious provision, also to the site of the place, or condition of the Air; than the Disease is to be suspected, to be thence translated to others, not without the communication of a certain Infection.  
There is to be had a double Prognostication concerning this Disease: First, of the Fever in General, what end it shall have, and when; what it may threaten to the Land: whether it precede not (which is commonly feared) the Plague, or Pestilential Sicknesses. Secondly, The signs aught to be laid down, whereby we are want to presage health, or danger, in the various cases of the sick.  
As to the First, Because we have shown that the Origine of this distemper is not to be fetched from the Contagion of the Air, or its being infected with any venomous Infection, nor fromany malignant seeds of Vapours diffused through the Air, but only from the signal bilous temper or disposition of our Bodies, with the Blood being made adust and roasted extremely, by reason of the Summer heats, I think there is no reason of fear, that this Fever should be carried forth into any thing worse, by the vice of the Air, or might at length grow to be Malignant or Pestilential. But rather (that the season of the Year being changed, and the alteration of our Blood assuredly to be expected) we might fear jest this Fever, which now imitates the way of an intermitting Fever, should afterwards pass into a Quartane, the Blood growing into a melancholy temper. Which thing indeed I observed to hap to some already, and I believe, that before the Autumn be fully passed over, will hap to many more.  
As to the particular Prognostication, the chief notable signs, which occur in the course of this Fever, and in a manner foretell its condition and event, and of this sort; if the Disease happens in a firm Body, well tempered, and easily perspirable; if vomiting with ease succeeds, and that the Belly be lose: if the fit gins with a light shivering, and afterwards a moderate heat, with sweat concludes it, and that the intermission be with some tolerable remission; if the Pulse be strong, the Urine of a flame colour, clear, and with a laudable hypostasis, we may Predict that the Disease will quickly end without any danger. But if this Fever be excited in a fat Body, and of a vicious habit, if with troublesome vomiting, an intolerable thirst, and fierce heat, long exercise the sick; if to the heat a difficult sweat, and partial, and often interrupted, and between frequent vomitings succeed, and that it ends not in a remission, we may declare, that this Disease may be long, and of a dangerous issue. But if the sick remain in strength, and the Urine show signs of concoction, we need not despair of health; especially, if after four or five periods, the Disease, as it is want to do, remits of its wont fierceness. Thirdly we observe, if this Disease is excited in an old Body, or others broken with sicknesses, or debilitated; if besides horrid vomitings, there hap swoonings, faintings, Deliriums or Lethargic distempers; if after many fits, the sick having lost their strength, the Disease remits nothing, but exerciseth the Blood, with a continual effervency, and that the Vital Spirits are much destroyed; if the appetite be lost, wake pertinacious, and that they have Convulsive motions, with a weak Pulse, and Urine troubled, or thick, we judge the matter to be full of danger: yet is not the sick to be left as desperate, because the Disease is not hasty, and kills not suddenly, and out of hand; but is drawn out at length, and grants time and occasions to nature, of recollecting herself, and to the Physician, of giving Remedies.  
The Therapeutic Indications, which have place in the Cure of this Fever, are chief four. First, That the Blood being now scorched, and made too choloric, may be reduced to its due temper. Secondly, That the depravation of the nourishable juice, and its alteration into a fermentative matter, may be inhibited, or at lest lessened. Thirdly, That about the declining of the Disease, the Blood depauperated by a frequent deflagration, and made more impure by the fusion or pouring into it the morbific or adust matter, may be restored, and rendered as it should be volatile. Fourthly, That the symptoms, which chief infested in the course of the Disease, may be timely helped, by fit Remedies; that these intentions may be satisfied, I counsel that this following method be used.  
About the beginning of the Disease, if the bilous or choloric humour, flowing forth of the choler bearing Vessels, and being suffused into the Venticle, cause the sick to be prove to vomiting, let a more plentiful evacuation be procured, by a gentle Emetic in the time of the fit: The opening of a Vein, and Purging, aught not to be administered, unless between the fits: for whilst the Blood grows mainly hot, or is resolved into sweat, Nature aught not to be called back from the Work begun, nor her endeavours to be disturbed, by the preseriptions of Physicians; wherefore, after the fit being past, and the sweat throughly finished, a Purging may be instituted, by a gentle Cathartic, and the same afterwards sometimes repeated, on the like occasion: for by this method, not only the provision of the excrementitious matter, is brought away; from the first passages, but chief the choler-bearing Vessels being emptied, the choler is copiously drawn forth from the mass of Blood, and by that means the Blood is restored to its natural Crasis or disposition. The Letting of Blood, if is be indicated, should be performed presently after the beginning; for so its Liquor being too turgent of swelling up, is eventilated, whereby both the nutritious juice is lesle perverted, and the fiturging, it burns forth with a lesle heat, together with the morbific matter: but otherwise, if a Vein be opened after a long sickness, when the Blood being made poorer, and more watery, more of the morbific matter is heaped together, and does not rightly concoct, and silt it forth, it detracts much from the strength of Nature, and nothing from the power of the Disease. In the interval of the fits, when there is no place for opening a Vein, nor Purging, let the Belly be kept lose, by the constant use of Clysters; also digestive Remedies, of acetous or saline Liquors and Powders, are to be exhibited; of which sort are, Cream of Tartar, fixed Salts of Herbs, Tartar Vitriolate, Hartshorn burnt, Spirit of Vitriol, and Salt, etc. for these restore the lost, or sleepy ferments of the Viscera, purify the Blood by fusing it, also separate the morbific matter, and as it were precipitate it: also, at this time, between, if pertinations waking infested the sick, and overthrew their strength, it may be lawful to administer anodyne, and gentle narcotic Remedies; but never in the fit: for than they greatly hinder the subduing, and sifting forth of the feverish matter, and draw out in length the fit that would end sooner.  
These things are to be done about the interstitia, or intervals of the fits; but whilst the fit is urgent, although the sick than chief sand for, and call upon Physiicans, yet at this time their prescripts are limited to a narrower space: If Vomiting (notwithstanding an Emetic being given) still infested, it may be more freely provoked, either by simple Posset Drink, or with bitter Herbs boiled in it: But let the chiefest means of help be, in temperating the heat and thirst, which most grievously torments the sick in this Fever: For whilst the Blood growing hot, with the morbific matter, and being enkindled in the Heart, leaps forth into the Lungs, flirs up there a cruel Inflammation, which requires a profusion of a cold humour as it were for the extinguishing the Flame; wherefore they greedily desire without any measure drink, for want of which the sick are almost killed with too great heat, and their Blood being almost wholly rarified into flame and fume, the third of Circulation is hardly continued; wherefore, drink aught to be wholly granted, to those in Fevers: which however, if it be taken in too large a quantity, it at first more disturbs the estuating Blood, and at length brings confusion to the feverish matter, begun to be separated; that from thence, the Work of subaction and secretion is longer protacted, and the fit is made longer: also, besides, large drinking causes troubles in the Ventricle, and by disturbing it, and often provoking Vomiting, hinders the breathing forth, and calls inward the sweat breaking forth, or perhaps already broke forth: wherefore, at first, the heat of the Fever being enkindled, although the sick be very thirsty, let them only sip a little, and abstain from drink as much as they can; afterwards, when the matter being burnt, and subdued, gins to be dissipated by sweat, they may be more freely indulged as to this, for so the swealing is greatly helped, and the fit is sooner finished: as to the nature of the Drink, let them take sometimes Posset Drink, sometimes Small Beer, or Barley Water, and sometimes simple Water, or sharpened with the juice of Lemons: In this case, the use of Sal Prunellae is deservedly praised, to be given in every Liquor; for this, with its nitrosity, wonderfully allays the raging Blood, and potently moves sweats, I have often observed, in the midst of a fit, the sick want to fall into a swoon, or syncopy, to whom presently they give Cordials or hot Waters that much increase the violence of the Fever, and bring forth more troubles than usual, that the fit is more difficultly finished: But these faintings, for the most part, happen, either from a bilous humour suffused in the Ventricle, or by reason of the sweat suddenly breaking forth; and against these I always found the most present Remedy, that either a feather being put down the throat, Vomiting may be provoked, or that Liquor being plentifully drunk, a sweat may be again raised up: also, in the whole course of this Fever, I am want never to give any Cordials, or alexiteriums.  
The Diet in this Fever aught to be only slender, and not nourishing, all sorts of Flesh, or any thing prepared of them, are wholly to be avoided; for as these abound with Sulphur, they give a more plentiful food (as Oil poured on Flame) to the hot or enkindled Blood: besides, nothing spiritous, as strong Waters, strong Beer, or Wine, is to be yielded to; but Decoctions, or Broths of Oatmeal, or Barley, altered with cooling Herbs, are chief to be used; also Posset Drink, and small Beer, or Whey, is to be given them at their pleasure: for by this means, when a very slender and watery nourishing juice, is conveyed to the mass of Blood, the soluted Particles of Sulphur, burn forth sooner, and with the lesle tumult; also the recrements of the adust matter, are more easily carried from the bosom of the Blood: but if on the contrary, a more rich or plentiful nourishment be administered, the effervency of the Blood is thereby very much augmented, and the Blood is more infected, by the confusion or pouring in of the adust matter.  
After that the Blood being much burnt forth by frequent fits, and the Fever being in its declination, remits of its fervour and fierceness, you must take heed, jest the sick at length growing well, fall not into a cachexy, or Scorbutic Distemper: for the disposition of the Viscera being hurt, and the Blood very much depauperated, the alible juice, though not scorched so as at first, is not however rightly concocted, and ripened into perfect Blood: but by reason of the want of transpiration, the serous excrements, being imbued with a fixed salt, are greatly heaped together, and now fixed in the Bowels, now in the extreme parts, bring forth various Distempers. Wherhfore in a long languishing of the sick, or otherwise for the sake of being sooner well, Remedies should be given them, which volatilise the Blood, or hinder the stuff of the Viscera, or if stuffed, may open them, and their ferments as if extinct, restore: for this use, those Remedies and Preparations chief help, which are commonly called Digestives and Antiscorbutics; with which being timely administered, I have known very many weak, pale, and as it were without Blood, suddenly to recover a liveliness and vigour.   

The Description of a Catarrhal Fever Epidemical in the middle of the Spring, in the Year 1658. taken the fourth of June.  
AN equally intense Frost followed the next Winter, the immoderate heat of the foregoing Summer, so that no one living could remember such a Year, for either excess both of heat and cold. From the Ideses of December, almost to the vernal Equinox, the Earth was covered with snow, and the North wind constantly blowing, all things without doors were frozen: also, afterwards, from the beginning of the Spring, almost to the beginning of June, the same Wind still blowing, the season was more like Winter than Spring; unless now and than a hot day came between. During the Winter (unless that a Quartan Fever contracted in Autumn infested some) among our Countrymen, there was a moderate state of health, and freedom from all popular Diseases. The Spring coming on, an intermitting Tertian (as used to do every year before) fell upon some. About the end of April, suddenly a Distemper arose, as if sent by some blast of the Stars, which laid hold on very many together: that in some Towns, in the space of a Week, above a thousand people fell sick together. The particular symptom of this Disease, and which first invaded the sick, was a troublesome Cough, with great spitting, also a Catarrh falling down on the , throat, and nostrils; also it was accompanied with a feverish Distemper, joined with heat and thirst, want of appetite, a spontaneous weariness, and a grievous pain in the Back and Limbs: which Fever however was more remiss in some, that they could go abroad, and follow their affairs in the time of their sickness, but complaining in the mean time, of want of strength, and of languishing, a loathing of food, a Cough, and a Catarrh: But in some a very hot Distemper plainly appeared, that being thrown into Bed, they were troubled with burning, thirst, waking, hoarseness, and coughing, almost continual; sometimes there came upon this a bleeding at Nose, and in some a bloody spittle, and frequently a Bloody Flux, such as were endued with an infirm Body, or men of a more declining Age, that were taken with this Disease, not a few died of it; but the more strong, and almost all of an healthful constitution recovered: those who falling sick of this Disease, and died, for the most part died by reason of the strength being leisurely wasted, and a serous heap more and more gathered together in the Breast, with the Fever being increased, and a difficulty of breath, like those sick of an Hectic Fever. Concerning this Disease, we are to inquire, what procatartic cause it had; that it should arise in the middle of the Spring suddenly, and that the third part of Mankind almost, should be distempered with the same, in the space of a Month: than the signs and symptoms being carefully collated, the formal reason of this Disease, also its Crisis and way of Cure aught to be assigned.  
That the Northern Wind is most apt to produce Catarrhs, besides the testimony of Hypocrates, common experience doth make known: but why Catarrhs did not spread, at lest in some peculiar places, all the Winter and Spring, but only in one months' space, and than joined with a Fever, this Distemper should become Epidemical, doth not so plainly appear. I know many deduce the cause from the unequal temper of the Air, at that time; which although for the most part very cold, yet the North Wind fometimes lessening, there would be a day or two very hot between: wherefore, from this occasion, as from cold taken after the heat, men should commonly fall sick: But indeed, for the exciting the Distemper, so suddenly rising, and commonly spreading, there is required, besides such an occasion, a great foregoing cause or predisposition, though the other might suffice perhaps, for an evident cause, for to distemper them with this sickness; for we aught to suppose, that almost all men were prove to the receiving this Disease, otherwise no evident cause could have exercised its power so potently on so many, wherefore, it seems very likely, that this Disease had its Origine from the intemperance and great inordination of the year: and as the Autumnal intermitting Fever before described, was the product of the preceding immoderate heat, so this Catarrhal Fever, depended altogether upon the following part of the year, being so extremely cold: For the Blood being now throughly roasted by the very hot Summer, and prove to the Fever before described, than being made more sourish by the Autumn urging it, and apt for a Quartan Fesver, afterwards being a little eventilated by reason of the strong cold of the Winter, and hindered from its due perspiration, retained yet its dyscrasy, or evil disposition, and readily broke forth on the first occasion given: wherefore, when the Blood, in the middle of the Spring, (as the juice of Vegetables) being made more lively, and also begun to flower and grow rank, by reason of the stoppage being still continued, was straitened in its Circulation, and easily made prove to a feverish effervescency: and as the serous Water redounding in the Blood, could not evaporate outwardly, because of the Pores being still straitened by the cold, restagnating within, and chief falling upon the Lungs, (where it might be moved about, instead of an outward breathing forth) excited the so frequent and troublesome Cough.  
The Original therefore, and formal Reason of this Disease, are founded chief on two things, to wit, that there together happened a greater effervescency of the Blood than usual, from the coming on of the Spring season, and also a stoppage, or great constriction of the Pores, excited by the too great cold of the foregoing season; that therefore there was not a free space granted to the Blood, flowering or luxuriating in the Vessels: The business being after the same manner, as if Wine begun to grow hot, should be put up into close shut Vessels, for by this means, either the Vessels, or the Liquor, were in danger to be lost.  
Wherhfore, that we may contract the thing in short, the cause that this Disease begun in the middle of the Spring, having presently spread largely, seized very many, was not the blast of a malignant Air, whereby the sick were distempered, as if struck with a blasting, but that at this time, the Blood being inspired by the constitution of the Spring, and so luxuriating, and apt to grow hot, was contracted or straitened in its motion, and, the effluvias being constrained inwardly, could not be sufficiently eventilated or cooled. In every year, though temperate, it is usual in the Spring and Autumn for some Epidemical Diseases to reign, because at this time, the Blood being as it were restored, flowers anew; and therefore, intermitting Fevers, and sometimes the Small Pox ordinarily spread in this season; wherefore, 'tis no wonder, after a great unequal constitution of the year, and not natural, when in this Spring, the Blood boiling up more lively within the Vessels, by reason of transpiration being hindered, could not be freely circulated, and sufficiently eventilated, if for that cause, great disorders follow, and from this most common cause, a distemper greatly Epidemical should be excited.  
As to the symptoms joined with this Disease, a feverish intemperature, and whatsoever belongs to this, the heat of the Praecordia, thirst, a spontaneous weariness, pain in the Head, Loins, and Limbs, were induced from the Blood growing hot, and not sufficiently eventilated: hence in many, a part of the thinner Blood being heated, and the rest of the Liquor being only driven into confusion, a simple Synochus, or of more days was induced, and this for the most part ceased within a few days: But in some endued with a vicious disposition of Blood, or evil habit of Body, this kind of Fever, arising by reason of the same cause, quickly passed into a very dangerous Putrid Fever, and often Mortal.  
The Cough accompanying this Fever with a Catarrh, draws its Origine from a serous humour heaped up together in the Blood, by reason of transpiration being hindered for a long time, and than an effervescency being risen, dropping forth more from the little Arteries, gaping within: for when the Pores are constrained, the superfluous serosities in the Blood, being want to evaporate outwardly, are poured forth on the Lungs, by a proper castration or cleansing of the Blood, wherefore, by taking cold, (as they commonly term it) that is, from transpiration outwardly being hindered, the Cough for the most part is stirred up: And for a foregoing cause to this Distemper, the flowing forth of the serum into the mass of Blood, hath for the most part the chief place; for, from the long cold hindering the scorching of the Blood, or the provision of the bile, and prohibiting the breathing forth of the watery humour, there was a necessity, that very much of the serous humour should be heaped up in the Blood: wherefore, when the Blood flowering in the Spring, conceived an heat, the flowing forth of the serum, and a pouring of it on the interior parts, was want to 'cause first the Cough, as the proper symptom of this Disease: and those, whose Blood was more diluted by the mixtion of the serum, and who were greatly obnoxious to the Cough and a Rheumatic Distemper, were cured with lesle trouble of the feverish Distemper. the Prognostic of this Disease, concerning private persons, is for the most part easy, that one may deliver the event, from the first assault; for if this sickness be excited in a strong Body, and healthful before, and that the feverish Distemper be moderate, and without any grievous and horrid symptom, the business is free from danger, and the Distemper is to be accounted but of light moment, as that commonly is of catching cold, neither needs a Physician be consulted, nor Remedies, unless trivial and ordinary, be administered: But if this Distemper happens in a weak and sickly Body, with an evil provision, or that the Fever being carried into a Putrid Fever, or the Cough growing grievous, induces difficult breathing, and as it were a tabid or Consumptive disposition, the event of the Disease is much to be suspected, and often terminates in Death. The common Prognostic, that was taken from hence, concerning the future state of the year, contains nothing to be feared, or ominates any great ill; by reason of the unequal intemperance of the year, the great heats, and than excessive cold, we might fear Diseases to arise from the dyscrasy of the Blood, yet from the present condition, we need neither suspect any noted depravation of the Air, or Infection with poisonous breaths; that from thence may be had any judgement of the Plague, or Malignant Disease to be at hand.  
As to what belongs to the Cure, when this Disease is more lightly inflicted, its Cure for the most part is left to Nature: for this Fever, when it is only a simple Synochus, is want to be cured within a few days by sweat: wherefore, by a copious sweeting, for the most part about the third or fourth day, the heat, and thirst, the weariness, and heavy pains are allayed; than the Cough being somewhat longer protracted, by little and little afterwards remits, and at length the sick leisurely grow well; if this Disease hath rooted itself more deeply, there is need of fit Remedies, and an exact method of curing, the Fever growing worse is to be healed, according to the Rules to be observed in a Putrid Fever: but nevertheless with this difference, that, because transpiration being hindered, and the suffusion of the serous humour on the Lungs, are chief in fault, therefore Diaphoretic Remedies, and those called pectoral are of more frequent use, for these restrain the flowing forth of the serum, from the Vessels within, or by opening the Pores convey it forth of doors; or precipitating it from the bosom of the Blood, sand it forth by the urinary passages; therefore the method of Medicine for this Disease, being brought into the worse state, respects both the feverish intemperance, for the sake of curing which you are to be directed, according to the intentions shown in the Putrid Fever, and also the Rheumatic Distemper, which however let it be secondary, and not every expectorating Remedy, or those used against a Cough are to be admitted, but of that kind only which do not increase the Fever: the forms of these, and the means of curing, are to be sought from the precepts, delivered generally for the Cure of the Putrid Fever, and of the Cough; the helps, which now, by frequent experience, are commonly said to bring Care chief in this Disease, are sweeting, or the provoking of sweat, and letting of Blood: for the Vessels being emptied by this or that means, both the immoderate heat of the Blood, and the abundance of the serum, are restrained.   

A Description of an Epidemical Fever arising about the beginning of Autumn 1658. taken the 13th of September.  
THE vernal Fever but now described, did not last longer than six weeks, that it plainly was seen, that it was only a more light flowering of the Blood, which swelling up in the Spring, and at the same time straightened in space, for want of ventilation, most impetuously boiled up, like new Wine close shut up in Bottles, and than ceased of itself. Yet from thence, as neither the year, so neither our Blood did recover its due temperature, and so another tinder or nest for a new Fever, was quickly gathered together. Because after the Summer solstice, the North wind still blowing, a cold season remained for a long while; so that the Fruit and Corn this year, was feared by the Husbandmen, would scarce be throughly ripened; but after this, a little before the beginning of July, a most fierce heat followed, for several days: and when the Dog days were begun, the Air grew most cruelly hot, that one could scarce endure the open Air. By reason of this heat and cold in excess, the temperature of this year was very unequal: wherefore, there was a necessity, for our Blood to be now fixed, and as it were congealed, now too much roasted, and so perverted from its natural disposition, to a scorched, and melancholy temper; also it came to pass that the Pores of the skin were much altered from their right constitution, that by that means, an insensible transpiration could not be performed, after the wont manner.  
From the time that the former Fever ceased, almost to the end of the Dog days, there was a state of health, and free from all popular Diseases; but than a few here and there among the Villages, and in lesser places, first fell sick; but afterwards, about the end of August, a new Fever suddenly arising, began to spread through whole Regions,  round about us; also, this as the other which spread the last Autumn, raged chief in Country Houses and Villages; but in the mean time, few of the Inhabitants of the greater Towns and Cities fell sick. At the same time, in other Regions, situate at a distance from us, yea, almost throughout England, the Epidemical Fever was said to rage; and in some other places, to be far more deadly, than it was about our Country. Perhaps the Idea of this Fever now reigning, had not the provision of its symptoms alike in all places, or was noted wholly with the same appearances and accidents: yet whatever it shown in our parts, as to its nature, I shall briefly and succinctly add, from our own proper observation, or what I had learned, being communicated from others.  
About the beginning of this Disease, its figure was wand'ring, and very uncertain; because in some there was a continual fervour, in others it was intermitting, being renewed by set fits; but at this time it happened to very many, as a pathognomic symptom, that they were ill in their brain, and nervous stock, that presently from the very beginning of this Fever, almost all complained of their head being grievously distempered: For a cruel headache infested some, and hardness of hearing, with a noise in the ears troubled others, but to most was want to hap, either a stupidness, and heavy sleepiness, with a vertiginous Distemper, or pertinacious wake, with a delirium, and distractions of the animal spirits. I have observed in some, that on the first or second day of their sickness, that little broad and read spots, like to the measles, have leisurely broke forth in the whole body, which being shortly vanished, the Fever presently became stronger, and especially the Distempers of the head, far more grievous. From thence a benumedness of the senses, and a sleepiness fell upon some for many days, that they lay a long while as if dying, without speaking, or knowledge of their friends. I knew others to have fallen from hence into a Lethargy, and others cast into an Apoplexy, and some into a Frenzy, and Delirium. Of these, the younger, and strong men (yet not without a long languishment, and doubtful recovery) most of them escaped; in the mean time, old men, or other ways weak and sickly, generally died. Those who fell sick with the Fever, as it were continual, with those notes of malignity, were more rare, and the distempered were only sporadically, in some houses only. But the sickness which most commonly spread about us, fell upon most, and though it cruelly raged, it seemed to imitate an intermitting Fever, to wit, either a Tertian, or a Quotidian: for that the sick had fits, either every day, or (which I more often observed) every other day, which infested them grievously, and a long while, with cold, heat, and sweat, succeeding in order: but these kind of fits, as also the course of the whole Disease, were want to be noted with diversity, according to the age and temper of the sick; and with various concourse of symptoms, and accidents. Yet this was common to most of (I had like to have said all) the sick that together with the Fever, they were troubled with Cephalic Distempers.  
When therefore any one was troubled with this Disease, (whether the sickness was excited from an evident cause, or Contagion, or without any manifest occasion) its coming betrayed itself, by a pain in the head, and often in the loins, with thirst, want of appetite, spontaneous weariness, and heat though not strong: if it happened in a young Body of a florid Blood, and more hot temper, the fits wanted the cold and shivering, about its beginning, but they were very troublesome, and sharp, with long heat: The sick were often troubled with vomiting, and their head ached cruelly for the most part; sweated difficulty succeeded, which being often partial and quickly broke of, rarely cured the fit, but when the sweat failed, they grew hot again, that scarce in 18 or 24 hours the fit was finished in some. In the mean time, from the Blood being very fervent, the fantasy was disturbed, that oftentimes a Delirium, absurd or idle talking, wake, and high inquietudes were stirred up during the fit; but the same being finished, in the time between, still a troublesome thirst, a slow heat, languor of spirits, and great debility of strength, with an headache, and a vertiginous Distemper, for the most part molested them. It was rarely found, for any to found themselves indifferently well, as in a common Tertian, between the fits. About the beginning of the Disease, the feverish fiercenesses were somewhat more mild, which afterwards at every turn, leisurely grew worse, and than began with cold and shaking; to which nevertheless, after a long and very troublesome heat, sweated very hardly succeeded in most, so that the fit rarely ended in its due temper. Within six or seven periods, the strength of the sick was much cast down, that being made languid, and weak, they had an hard task to struggle with the Disease: because unless Nature were succoured by Art, the Fever still prevailed, and rarely or never in a short time, was it cured by a Crisis, or leisurely remitted; but it brought the sick into great streights, by its long siege, and still persisting, till the Blood being by its frequent deflagration made very liveless and watery, was unable to grow too hot in the Vessels of its own accord, or to be enkindled more plentifully in the heart, and than oftentimes, became so dead, and wanting of spirits, that, being insufficient for the continuing of the Vital Lamp, it brought in Death. But sometimes the mass of Blood being depraved, and made poor, by this Disease, was able (though hardly) to continued the half extinct Vital Fire, and to renew it by little and little, with spirit and vigour, in a long time: yet in the mean time, after the height of this Disease, when the Blood being made more weak and impure, could not expel forth of doors this feverish matter, or adust recrements, by a critical motion, it often transferred it to the Brain; and therefore about the height of this Fever, a torpor, and stupidity of spirits, sleepiness, vertigo, tingling of the ears, tremble, and convulsive motions, with a great oppression of the whole animal faculty, were most often induced.  
Men of a more cold temperament, or in years, who were taken with this Disease, although they were but little feverish, were want however to be in greater danger of Life; because, in these, besides the disposition of the Blood, not easily reducible, also what was gathered together in the fits, that was extraneous and not to be mixed, was hardly subdued, and difficultly sifted forth of the mass of Blood; wherefore, both the Blood was still more notably depraved in its Crasis, and in every fit more infected by the impure mixture: Moreover the nervous Liquor was greatly perverted from its due temper, and defiled most badly, by the adust recrements continually poured on the Brain. Therefore, when old men, melancholic, or otherways sickly persons, fell into this Fever, they became, presently after its first assault, stupefied, and for the most part vertiginous: Thomas in the fits, the heat was not very sharp and piercing, they were however very unquiet, and still tossing about, oftentimes they talked idly, and at random; after a long burning, either no sweat, or only partial, and often broke of, followed; whereby the fit was not fully helped, but that in the whole intervals, the sick were thsrstly, and remained very ill, with a dryness of the mouth, a scurfiness of the Tongue, and a suffusion of a viscous filth. After some fits, their strength being exceedingly cast down, they were wholly fixed to their Beds, or rise only for a little while, could scarce stand or set a foot before another, to move from place to place, or able to walk: in the mean time, they laboured with a languishment, a difficult breathing, a nummedness of senses, and a great debility of the whole nervous stock: The Urine in most was highly read, of a more deep colour, and of a thicker consistency, than in a common Tertian: The Pulse, whilst the strength was not wholly cast down, for the most part was strong and equal; afterwards, when the sick became very languishing, it was weak and unequal, and oftentimes intermitting; to which also, constructures of the tendons, and convulsive motions in the wrists, being joined, were for the most part prognostics of Death. Those who leisurely being debilitated, declined towards Death, some little time before they died, lay for the most part without speaking, or knowing those about them, as it were stupid: and it rarely happened in this Fever, that any one about to die, was so perfect in their memory and intellect, as to dispose of their Family affairs, or to take leave of their friends. But it happened to those who escaped, from a deep languishment and almost desperate condition, not quickly, or suddenly to recover, from their manifest evil disposition, but lying a long while wavering, stupefied, and without strength, that Nature at length, not but after a doubtful and difficult strife, got indeed scarcely the better of the Disease, and than recovered strength by degrees, and health lingeringly and slowly.  
If the nature, and formal reason of this epidemical Fever but now described, be demanded, we say, that this (as that of the former year) properly is an intermitting Fever: for what commonly spread boar that figure; although some here and there, more rarely, had it continual, which we shall by the way mention by and by. The seed plot or seminary of this, need not be derived from the air, being infected with any Infection, but rather its leading cause is to be sought, from the undue constitution of the year, and from thence an indisposition of our Blood being acquired. Because, in the Spring and Autumn, intermitting Fevers have yearly sprung up and increased; to wit, for that our Blood, like to the juice of Vegetables, is want to be more lively moved than usual, and to flower at those times. Wherhfore if the mass of Blood, by reason of the foregoing season, of the Summer, or Winter, should be altered from its due temperature, and should contract either a sharp or atrabilous disposition, or of any other kind, its evil dispositions begun before, are chief ripened about the Equinoxes; to wit, when the Blood more freely fermenting (if that it hath departed from its natural disposition) doth not so easily sanguify, but that it will be apt to pervert the alible juice, poured to it, into an extraneous and feverish matter. When therefore this year, had not very much declined from a right constitution, (as not only the Dog-days going before but) that the two solstices, and the equinoxes, were wholly intemperate, it was no wonder if intermitting Fevers, more frequent than usual, and those noted with some unusual symptoms, did increase about the Autumn. That therefore an intermitting Epidemical Fever raged at this time, I judge it not to be attributed to the fault of the present Air, but to the irregularities of the foregoing season: yet from what causes and occasions, some symptoms proper to this Fever, and distinct from the common rule of intermitting Fevers, did arise, will be worth our Inquiry. I have already said, that the provision, that made this Fever so deadly, consisted in two things, chief, viz. the temper of the year, now extremely cold, than upon it very hot, than that it had variously perverted the disposition of our Blood, and had distempered the pores of the skin, with an undue constitution. According to the reasons taken from either, I shall endeavour to explicate the accidents of this Disease, and to assign the causes of its appearance.  
1. First, We shall observe, that the type of this Fever was various, to wit, in some with a continual heat, in others with an eruption of spots, but in most intermitting, and like a Tertian, and sometimes (though rarely) a Quotidian, repeating the fits every day, or every other day: the cause of this diversity, we impute to the more strong and potent morbific procatarxy of this year, which produced in the Autumn, a more common intermitting Fever than it was want, wherefore, in some (perhaps endued with a more praved habit of Body) it stirred up Fevers something malignant; and in whom it caused intermitting Fevers, according to the wont manner of the season, it made them to be noted with a peculiar appearance of symptoms.  
2. Those taken at this time, with the Epidemical Fever (whether it was continual or intermitting) suffered presently evil Distempers of the head, viz. now they were want to be infested with cruel headache, now with a stupor, or too great distraction of the Animal Spirits. The reason of this is, that the nervous juice, as well as the Blood, by reason of the intemperance of the year, was much altered from its due Crasis or Disposition, viz. by nature sweet and spirituous, and was become now heavy, and almost lifeless, now sharp, and too much pungitive. Besides, also, the mass itself of the Blood, very much contributed to this evil; for whilst it grew hot, the vaporous effluvia, which aught to have been dispersed outwardly, by reason of the Pores being shut up, were poured upon the Brain, and membranes of the head: and by reason of this kind of stopping, impressed almost on all, sweated hardly, and not but partial, and often interrupted, succeeded in the fits; hence also in the height of the Disease, a perfect Crisis, or spontaneous, rarely or never happened to Cure it; but instead of this, if the business was committed to Nature, the adust matter, or recrements gathered together in the Blood, were transferred to the head, and there raised up now the sleepy evil, now Frenzies, and those long and stubborn.  
3. That the fits sometimes begun without cold or shivering, but with a troublesome heat, and were prolonged with a difficult sweat, partial, and often interrupted; than forasmuch as the same being finished, the sick began again to wax hot, that the fits were not finished without a long evaporation of a dry breath; the cause was, the too sharp and bilous disposition of the Blood, whereby when it grew turgid, it was stuffed rather with adust Salt and Sulphur, than a serous juice, and presently conceived an enkindling, without any previous Flux of nitrous matter; and therefore for want of serum, and by reason of the Pores being shut up, its deslagration was continued for a long time, almost only with a dry exhalation, and scarce at last ended in a remission. And therefore the interstitia of the fits were most troublesome with heat, and thirst, Headache, Vertigo, and other Distempers: because the feverish matter, being heaped up in the Blood, was not all dispersed by the several fits, but part of it being left after the fit, as it were extraneous and not miscible, induced almost a continual burning.  
4. It was observed, that those distempered with this Fever, presently lost their strength and flesh, that after a fit or two, they panted for breath, and being very weak, were not able to stand or go, without being led; when it is an usual thing, in an intermitting Fever that is common, for the Patient to be very lively and cheerful, between the fits: the reason of the difference is, because in this Fever, the mass of the Blood is both more depraved by the impure mixture of the degenerate juice, and especially, that the same is more perverted from its natural disposition, and therefore, when it boils up lesle out of the fits, it yet ferments not rightly, and equally in the bosom of the heart: wherefore, when by any more quick motion, or agitation of the Body, the Blood is carried more impetuously into the bosom of the heart, because it is not there presently enkindled, it both leaps forth of doors, and by its stagnation, causes the oppression of the heart, and great weakening of the Vital Spirits. By reason of this kind of dyscrasy of the Blood, to wit, whereby it is made more unfit for due Fermentation and enkindling in the heart, also some Beasts, and especially Horses, in the Spring time, are made hard breathed, and very unapt to any rapid motion.  
5. Lastly, We are to inquire, concerning this Fever, wherefore it spread chief in Villages, in lesser Towns, and the Country, when Cities and greater Towns were lesle troubled with it. It might seem that this Distemper, should be excited from marshy Fogs, and other hurtful Vapours, plentifully heaped together in this or that Tract of the Air: but there iws a better reason, for that the inhabitants of these kind of places, being more exposed to the Spring cold, and than to the Summer heats, might have contracted a greater dyscrasy of the Blood, and so a more apt disposition to this Fever. For in truth, the Inhabitants of the Country, could scarce go out of their houses, but they were exposed to the Sun's Beams, or the fervour of the heated Air. Besides, Countrymen, Husbandmen, and such as were accustomed to Labours (among whom this Fever chief raged) from their immoderate toil in the Sun, or open Air, also using a bad and sharp Diet, sooner acquired an adust and torrid disposition of the Blood, and so more apt for this Disease, than Citizens and Townsmen, who lived an idle life, and enjoyed wholesome food, and mostly continued within doors, and in refrigerating shades. We may believe this assertion, for that not only the Epidemical Fever now raging, but also another of the Autumn before, excited by reason of the evil disposition of the Blood, increased chief among the Countrymen, and inhabitants of the Country: but the popular Fever, which arose in the middle of the Spring, depending chief upon transpiration being hindered, mostly infested Citizens and the Inhabitants of Towns; whilst rustical men, that were want, by Labour and Exercise, to procure a more free breathing forth, remained free.  
The general Prognostication of this Disease, seems only to ominate or foretell, the like evil almost to follow this, as followed the Epidemical Fever of the former Autumn, to wit, (the Augury being taken rather from the intemperance of our Blood, than from the evil of the Air) not the Pest, but a Quartane Fever might be feared to come upon it. As to the particular Indication, as Signs that promise' Health or Death, I shall briefly mention them; and they chief respect the temper and government, either of the Blood, with the Vital Spirit, or else of the nervous juice, with the animal Spirit. If it be plainly indicated from the Pulse, Urine, from Actions lesle hurt, and the appearance of other symptoms, that the Blood, as to its feverish disposition, is not very much perverted, from its natural temper; that in the fits it moderately burns forth; and in every Combat easily subdues the load of the feverish matter, and wholly shakes it of from its company; that after some fits, the mass of Blood is somewhat restored towards its due temper; that it perverts little the alible juice, and fifts forth, with a more gentle rising up, what is extraneous, and not mingleable, and that if in the mean time, the other spirituous Liquor, rightly inspires and waters the Brain, and nervous Bodies, that sleep, waking, sensation, and motion, are performed well, or at lest indifferently, all good is to be hoped concerning the sick. But if it appears from the same Fountains of Indications, that the Blood hath acquired in this Fever, a disposition far removed from the natural, if it perverts much of the alible juice, and than from its extraneous and incongruous mixture, the Liquor of the Blood is greatly disturbed, and the Spirits driven into confusion; if in the fits, the Blood too strongly, and in a long time burns forth, yet doth not truly subdue the feverish matter, or exclude the whole, but that by its impure mixture, it is still more and (in every feverish fit) more infected, and the Spirits being continually consumed, it becomes poorer, we may pronounce the life of the patiented to be in much danger. Besides these, if the vices of the nervous juice hap, that being altered from its due temper, or being too dull, and as it were liveless, little actuates the Brain and nervous stock; or being above measure sharp, continually provokes the same into Convulsions and Distractions; and if besides the vaporous effluvias continually falling away from the Blood, or the adust recrements being want to be sifted forth by a critical sweat, should be transferred into the head, and there induce Lethargic or Phrensical Distempers, the hopes of health will be little, and we may fear a very deadly event.  
Concerning the Cure of this Disease, the intentions will come under three considerations chief. First, a quick reduction (as much as may be) of the Blood, and nervous Liquor, to their natural tempers, or at lest a prevention of their too great depravation. Secondly, Concerning the right handling the fits of the sick it aught to be procured, First, that lesle of the degenerate juice, may be gathered together, for matter of the fit; Secondly, that what is gathered together may be wholly dispersed by every fit, that thereby the sick may be better in the intervals; Thirdly, that the Body being altered for the better the fits may be inhibited by antifeaverish Remedies. The third intention respects the symptoms chief urging, which should be timely opposed, whereby Nature, being not hindered, may reduce whatsoever intemperance may be contained in the Viscera or Vessels, may subdue and sift forth the extraneous matter, and at length may recover a lively force and pristine vigour.  
First, therefore, for the reduction and emendation of the Blood and nervous juice, divers manners of evacuations are want to be exhibited in this Disease, about the beginning of the Sickness, with good success. It appears plainly from Modern practice, that vomitories are of more noted use in this Distemper, than in a common Tertian: wherefore in a robust Body, and prove to Vomit, about the beginning of the second or third fit, it is convenient to give an Emetic Medicine. The operation of this seems to be very helpful in this Fever, forasmuch as it more plentifully evacuates the filth from the ventricle, and the yellow bile from the choler-bearing Vessels; and because it copiously presses forth the serous juice from the emunctories of the nervous stock, planted about the Pancreas and Intestines, and by provoking them draws it out. Wherhfore we observe, that from a Vomit being taken, the sick do found themselves better about the Distempers of the Head. A Purge (to whom a Vomit is not convenient) may be ordered instead of it, the day following the fit, also though an Emetic have been taken, it may be well permitted after a fit or two: But yet only with gentle and benign Physic, let it be performed, which will not disturb or too much move the Blood. We were want in these Fevers, letting alone Diagridium or any Aloetic Medicine, only to give an infusion or Powder of Senna, Rhabarb, and yellow , with Tartar and Salt of Wormwood; and to celebrated this kind of Purgation not very long after the beginning of the Disease: But at other times to keep the Belly soluble, with the frequent use of Clysters. Frequent experience has sufficiently taught, that Letting of Blood is highly profitable in this Disease: for when by reason of the Pores in every one, being more strictly closed than usual, that Blood growing hot, by the Fever, wanted Ventilation, the Letting of Blood supplies the place of a more free breathing forth, and prevents the restrained effluvia, from so readily suffusing themselves on the Brain and nervous stock. But this Remedy is chief indicated from the very fervent Blood and more hot temperament, nor aught to be indifferently used to old men, Phlegmatic, and other very weak persons, unless perhaps in a small quantity, that the mass of Blood may be somewhat eventilated, and that the removal of the feverish matter into the Brain, may be hindered. If it be convenient to open a Vein, let it be done about the beginning of the Fever, or at lest before the fourth or fifth fit, viz. before the Blood is made very lifeless by the frequent deflagration, and rendered too impure by the confusion of the adust matter: because, if Phlebotomy be made use of, whilst the Blood is highly corrupted, the Vital Spirits, and by that means the strength of the sick are more debilitated, nor yet is there any thing taken away, from the power of the Disease, or from its cause. There remains another famous way of evacuation, in this Fever, to wit, Vesicatory Plasters applied to various parts of the Body; these are commonly observed to be so helpful, that those that abhor and dislike very much such a Remedy, by the example of others being the better for them, have admitted them. By what means they separate the Cuticula from the skin, and lift it up like a Bladder filled with Water; or whether they press forth this watery and limpid humour, out of the Arteries, or out of the nerves, is not in this place to be inquired into; yet that they are profitably administered in this Disease, besides experience, Reason seems something to persuade; because it in some manner compensates the want of transpiration, by the large profusion of this kind of serous Latex: Moreover, this kind of Remedy, as it were opens the ways and doors, by which both the Blood, and nervous juice, may forthwith sand forth by a proper purging, the extraneous matter, confused with them; wherefore, in the Plague, and Malignant Distempers, Vesicatories are esteemed very profitable. Also it appears by common observation, that in this, and other Fevers, frequent at the same time, they did prevent the more grievous Distempers of the Head, and were want to help them, if they were brought in before: wherefore, epispatic Plasters, may be applied about the beginning of the Disease, for preservation sake, to Phlegmatic persons, elderly people, and men of a more cold temper; and they are want profitably to be administered to several others, labouring with a Vertigo, Stupefaction, or cruel Headache, for the Cure of the same Distempers. But in constitutions very hot, where with the defect of the serum, the Blood is too much burnt, and if those sick of the Fever are obnoxious to wake, or a Frenzy, with intolerable heat, blisterings seem than to be of little use.  
For the mending of the temper of the Blood, and also the tenor of the Viscera, at vacant times, when there is leisure from purging, attemperating Remedies have place, and digestives, which fuse the Liquor of the Blood, and separate its faeculencies, and as it were by precipitating them, thrust them towards the emunctuaries: For these sort of intentions, are want to be given Juleps, and refrigerating Decoctions, sharpened with spirit of Vitriol, of Salt, Tamarinds, or with the juice of Oranges or Lemons; forms of which choice enough are commonly to be had. Also for this end acetous, saline, and shelly Powders are used, to wit, prepared out of Tartar, Salnitre, the fixed Salt of Herbs, of  Hartshorn, also the claws and eyes of Crabs. As for example, take of Cream of Tartar drams three, of Salt of Wormwood dram one and an half; the Dose half a dram, in an opening Decoction, twice in a day out of the fit. Or take of Cream of Tartar dram one, of the Powder of Crabs eyes dram one, of purified Nitre half a dram, mingle them, let them be taken after the same manner. Or take of Hartshorn burnt drams two, of the Spirit of Vitriol, what the Powder will drink up, the Dose is one scruple, it is of excellent use when those in Fevers are infested with Worms. These kind of Remedies, promote the secretion of the feverish matter, and also restore the almost destroyed ferments of the Blood, and Viscera.  
The second intention, viz. concerning the right handling the fits, comprehends more. First, there aught to be instituted a right order of Diet, whereby the more full heaping up of the degenerate juice, for the matter of the fit, may be inhibited; wherefore, they are only to be fed with thin aliments, and they must wholly abstain from flesh, (or broth made of it) Eggs, strong Drink, and all rich meats and food whatsoever; and be contented only with Barley Broth, or Grewel, Panada, Whey, and small Beer: for that a more plentiful aliment is not digested, or assimilated, but loads the Ventricle, and being poured into the Blood, disturbs its Liquor, and compels it to grow impetuously hot. In the beginning of the fit, and the time of its duration, no food should be taken, unless for the allaying of thirst: But for the tempering of heat and thirst, Juleps, and cooling Decoctions, and especially small Beer, and posset Drink should be granted. Secondly, a little before the coming of the fit is expected, a gentle Medicine may be administered, which may drive away the fit by preventing it, or make it more easy by procuring a sweat: for this use, the febrifuge potion of the most learned Riverius serves well, of the Water of Carduus, with oil of Sulphur, and salt of Wormwood: Or take of Cream of Tartar, of salt of Wormwood, and the feeds of Nettles, each one scruple, let it be given in the Decoction of the Roots of Sorrel; when the Fever gins to decline, and that the fits are a little more remiss, proper febrifuges, applied outwardly, often inhibit the come of the fits. Yet in the mean time, so long as the fits of the Fever return, the sick are to be handled so, that in every fit, the feverish matter heaped in the Blood, may be throughly dispersed; wherefore, when sweat hardly succeeds, it should be a little excited by temperate Medicines. Also the sick should be kept in bed, with a gentle breathing many hours, nor quickly permitted to rise; for I have often observed, that sick persons have been still worse, because impatient of their bed, they have put on their  before the vaporous effluvia were sufficiently exhaled.  
Thirdly, as to the symptoms, and particular accidents, wherewith the sick are want to be infested in this Fever, it is sufficiently provided for most of them, with Remedies, in the method of Cure hitherto described: again thirst, the heat of the mouth, the scurfiness of the tongue, vomiting, the looseness, fainting, swooning, may be referred hither, very well the prescriptions commonly used in other Fevers: but what may seem to require in this Disease a peculiar method of healing, are chief the Distempers of the head and brain, with the nervous stock, which not being timely helped, may soon put the sick into great danger of life: As to the indications of these kind of evils of the head, they are of a twofold kind; if it appears from a stupefaction or torpor, a Sleepiness, Vertigo, or Headache, that the nervous juice is become too dull, and as it were vapid or lifeless, and therefore doth not sufficiently actuate the brain, and nervous bodies; besides the Remedies already delivered, and especially vesicatories, Medicines full of a volatile salt do chief help: wherefore, spirits of Hartshorn, and of Blood, also the salts of them, are of excellent use: but if the nervous Liquor be too sharp, or the effluvia suffused from the estuating Blond, drive the Animal Spirits into confusions or distractions, Remedies of the same sort of volatile salt are administered with success in a little smaller quantity. Besides, a frequent letting of Blood, and asswaging Medicines, against its Fervour, help much; as Emulsions, Whey, and simple Water, plentifully drunk; Opiates are cautiously to be given in this Fever, for the Frenzy being often allayed by them, is changed into a Lethargy, or a deep stupefaction.    
FINIS.