THE ANATOMY OF URINES.  
CONTAINING THE CONVICtion and condemnation of them.  
Or, the second Part of our discourse of urines.  
Detecting and unfolding the manifold falsehoods and abuses committed by the vulgar sort of Practitioners, in the judgement of diseases by the urines only: together with a narrow survey of their substance, chief colours, and manifold contents, joining withal the right use of urines.  
Wherein is contained plenty of profitable and delectable Histories concerning this subject.  
Collected, as well out of the ancient Greek, Latin, and Arabian Authors, as out of our late famous Physicians of several Nations: their authorities quoted and translated out of the original tongues, together with some of the Authors own observations.  
By JAMES HART of NORTHAMPTON.  
Never heretofore published.  
LONDON, Printed by Richard Field for Robert Mylbourne, and are to be sold at his shop at the South door of Paul's. 1625.   

of urines, to wit, such as do decline from any one extreme, what concerneth the same, may easily, by that which hath been said of the same extreme, be understood. Now if any shall inquire what is the cause I spend so much time about this subject: I answer, it is by reason of the old inveterate opinion, or rather error, which most people have conceived concerning this strumpet; whom for this cause I have here unmasked, and laid open to the view of every one that will not shut his eyes in the clear Sunshine; and that to the end that none may be circumvented by the fraud and cozenage of such as abuse her for their own benefit. But lest any should imagine these things to be but fancies fetched from mine own brain, therefore not contented to set down mine own positive opinion, I have both backed, fortified and flanked it with the bulwarks of the best writers of ancient and later times, whose own words I have truly translated, directing thee likewise, learned Reader, to the marginal quotations, where for thy recreation and better satisfaction, not the names of the authors only, and the particular places, but the very words of the original are often set down, that so it may more evidently appear, that this latter jury finds her guilty, as the former great inquest after the indictment found Billa vera. The condemnation must then of necessity follow, since the parties offending having had these three last assizes allowed them to plead for themselves, have said nothing. This sentence I refer to this 
* The honourable Court of Parliament.  sage assembly, who, as I hope, will take this public business, as a matter of no small moment, into their serious considerations. But me thinks I hear some say, what is then the use of urines in discerning of diseases? or serveth it for no use at all? I answer, that so far am I from abrogating this so ancient and necessary a sign, received by all our ancient and late writers, which I do highly esteem, and account of the same being rightly used, howbeit as it is commonly used, it is most shamefully abused.  
The right use of urine than is, 
The right use of urines.  together with all the rest of the signs and several circumstances of the disease (in such diseases I mean where it is of any force or validity, in some diseases being of no use at all) to give us notice of the nature, together with the changes and alterations, as likewise what is like to be the issue of the same. The Physician is therefore first to inquire diligently into the nature of the disease, together with all the other signs and circumstances thereof: and then, comparing all together, to give forth his best and most assured iudgeme●t. 
Foolish custom of the country people.  Most foolish therefore and absurd is the sottish custom of the country people now a days, bringing the urine to the Physician, it may be in some old oily or inky bottle, and then to demand of him as of some Delphian oracle, the whole nature of the disease, the patient's age, and divers other things wherewith they ought to acquaint us, as also with all the other signs and circumstances of the disease: even as the client is to lay open his cause to the Lawyer, how learned soever, and skilful in his profession. It is yet not unworthy the observation, that one and the same urine hath often diverse and several significations, and therefore unless by divers other signs and circumstances limited, can never afford us any certainty, as hereafter both in the colours and contents the ensuing discourse shall make manifest. And thus may the right use to the wise and understanding easily appear; especially to such as have been or yet shall hereafter be admitted unto such mysteries. And therefore ignorant Empirics, women, and many other such, have no share or interest in these affairs, as not being able to dive into the depth of the premises. And as for clergy men, they cannot be ignorant, that they ought to be employed about businesses of an higher nature. And if they will have a care of the souls entrusted to them, they need not trouble themselves with their bodies. Now that one sign, in some diseases only to be observed to be of any use, should with a Papal prerogative assume all authority unto itself, is both against common sense, 
The pulse in many diseases to be preferred before the urine.  daily experience, and the authorities of the learned. The pulse will plead for a pre-eminence above the urine: and to judge of this, as of a number of other signs, it will of necessity require the Physician's presence. Now that the urines in many diseases, and those of undoubted danger, do often show thee no more than the ground thou goest on; and that many other signs beside are of necessity to be observed, hath been at great length related in the former tractate, and shall yet more plainly and particularly in this which followeth appear. And for thy more particular information, I have set down the several significations of urines, and that according to the opinions of such Authors as have written of them; together with some particulars which have never yet been published by any English writer that I have as yet seen, as by the contents of the books and chapters may appear. Some things also which have been by others written and avouched for uncontrolled truths, I have confuted as false and erroneous: and that, as I thinkt, by unanswerable arguments, illustrating the same with variety of ancient and recent authorities, together with plenty of pertinent examples, being true historical relations, observed both by myself and other Authors: the which howsoever they do not simply prove; yet do they not a little illustrate the matter in hand, and make it more perspicuous to the meaner sort. Now whereas I sometimes insert something of the ignorance and unsufficiency of some offenders, some may, perhaps, reply, that it may sometimes befall a good Physician to fail as well as any of them. I confess Indeed, Bernardus non videt omnia: He is a good horse that never stumbled. Never to fail is a privilege denied to any of the offspring of sinful Adam: 
Quand●que b●nus dormitat H●merus. Horat.  howbeit the learned Physician building upon reason and experience, keepeth always an orderly and methodical course in all his proceedings: and if he may sometimes err (as being a man and not a God) how much more than an ignorant Empiricke, a shee-Physitian (such a one as now liveth in Northamptonshire, and in whom I wonder that any that hath any brains in his head can see any sufficiency) that I say nothing of a meddling Minister that never was trained up in that profession; shall they I say be obnoxious to error in so intricate an Art, wherein they have no interest, as being mere usurpers upon other men's right? Besides, the vulgar not being able to judge of the sufficiency of the learned Physician, preferreth often the pains of some ignorant Empiricke, (soothed up it may be by the success of some casual cure) before the labours of the most learned & honest artist. But my meaning is here of an ordinary erroneous course of practising, even against the rules of art, & the very grounds & principles of this physical profession. Of such errors I could have set down a multitude, besides those few which I had by relation, either from the patients themselves, or else from some of their most familiar friends and acquaintances, who have protested, that they will be ready to justify the same upon their oaths. 
Casual cures sometimes succeeding, do not prove a sufficiency in the par●ies thus practi●ing.  Neither yet let this suffice, that some of their proctor's plead for them a number of happy and successful events; since that thus we may often magnify the most vile wizard, and most ignorant old wife in the country: this argument taken from issue and event being a mere Paralogism, a fallacy and deceit, taking that often for a true cause which is no cause indeed, as in the conclusion of this discourse shall more plainly appear. And in this I appeal to the learned and honest Artist, not to such a persons parasite, who taketh for good and current coin what soever cometh out of his mint, nor yet their otherwise honest, yet in this point, too partial patients, in this particular blinded with the mist of ignorance, or a prejudicate opinion of such men's supposed sufficiency, they themselves not being able herein to discern betwixt right and wrong.  
Now that this hath been no 
a An usual & ordinary custom to browbeat & overthrow errors and imposture, and to plead for truth.  unusual custom to browbeat and overthrow errors, even in this profession, and for the maintaining of truth to plead against imposture, might easily, as well by ancient as later authorities, be evinced, which would be too tedious here to relate. But amongst many, one late writer I cannot pass by (the learned Libavius I mean) who hath wrestled with many such monsters; as namely Michelius, Hartmannus, Scheunemannus, the impudent Priest Gramau●s, and that famous, I mean infamous impostor Ambaldus, author of that counterfeit 
b This Panacaea was a certain medicine made of saffron, quick silver, vermilion, antimony, and certain sea shells made up in fashion of triangular lozenges, stamped and sealed with certain strange characters, and sold at a very dear rate, the very name importing as much as a medicine against all diseases; and was in as great, or greater esteem among the Germans, as ever Aurum potabile once here amongst ourselves. Liban contra Ambald & defence. syntagm. a●can. chym. contra Henuingum Scheunem.  Panacea, like our Aurum potabile, supposed good against most, if not all infirmities; who notwithstanding, for his ignorance not being able to undergo the trial and examination of the Physicians of the City of Ausburg, was most justly by the Magistrate banished the same, and so his fame after a while turned to fume or smoke. And have we not of late days had here at home 
c D. Gwin. & D. Ra●igh against aurum potabile, D. Cotta against this and diverse ignorant erroneous practisers.  some maintainers of truth and opposers of imposture, some living even at this day? And against this same abuse in particular, besides Forest, Euritius Cordus published in Latin a learned book: so did likewise Guilielmus Adolphus Scribonius, the learned Langius in some of his Epistles, and many others also, as hereafter shall appear. But I am not ignorant, that whosoever will publish any thing in this last and learned age, cannot choose but undergo the censure of many judges, as witnesseth the worthy 
d Hieron epist. ●32. partis tertia referente Langio.  ●erome. Some will perhaps say the style is too mean and plain: and others, if there were any elegancy in it, would cry out, he plays the Orator (perhaps odious in handling urines) not the Physician. And some preoccupied with a partial and prejudicate opinion, like the diseased of some choleric fever, to whom the sweetest things seem bitter: so whatsoever fruit groweth in some men's gardens, be it never so good, will give no content to some men's over curious & nice relishes: so hard a thing is it to practise this one point, Omnibus placeto.  
Howsoever, kind Reader, if thou come with a desire to submit thyself to the rules of reason, to have thy judgement rectified if erroneous, and with an earnest desire to be fully informed of the truth, let not my labour be lost, but peruse, I pray thee, this tractate, wherein thou mayest perhaps find something for thy satisfaction. And howsoever, perhaps, the cookery may not give thee full content, yet remember the matter is but mean, in the which I have had a greater regard to the matter itself, then to the curious manner of delivering the same; and a greater care to satisfy the simplest understandings (for whose cause I have principally published these may pains) then with the ornaments of an Orator to please the ears of the most learned. Optimum condimentum fames: A good appetite needeth no sauce. The Germans in divers places of Saxony, in stead of currants bake their cakes with black Poppy seeds: and in stead of stewed broth boil wild or horse radishes with their beef. The French findeth a good relish in his sour sauces: and a Spaniard maketh often as great account of a Lemon, as an English man of a pecce of powdered beef. Whatsoever it is, and howsoever liked, yet my principal purpose was and is to profit the public. If I should plead a privilege from backbiters, and immunity from malignant tongues, I should su● for that which hath been denied the greatest and worthiest personages of ancient and later times. And some varlets have been found, who would rather fire the famous temple of Diana, than not minister matter to talk of them. And as for myself, I deny not but I shall find some of the offenders here mentioned, who will snarl and grumble at my so plain and unpartial reproving of their faults. Some, who should have showed better example, conscious to themselves of their own guiltiness, have broken the ice already, & as I am informed, have much repined at the Preface of my former tractate. 
* john 18. 23.  If I have spoken evil be are witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? If they can justify their actions, let them publish their apology, and let the Reader judge. But if they can do nothing else but malign other men's labours, and themselves loiter, I wish them to be filent.  
Carpere vel noli nostra vel ede tua. 
Martia●.   
Bring forth thy birth, or bark not thus at mine.  
But all they can say, moveth me no more than the barking of a dog, or the yelping of a fox, as knowing that,  
Obsequium amicos, veritas odium parit. 
Terent.   
Flattery gets friends, but truth oft envy finds.  
It is for thy sake therefore, kind and unpartial reader, who hast learned to value virtue at her highest worth, that I have undertaken this task: which I acknowledge to be so far from perfection, that I confess I have but with a rude pencil portrayed out the lineaments of this picture, giving hereby fit opportunity to some cunning Apelles to perfect the same hereafter. Homo sum, 
Terent.  humani à me nihil alienum puto: A man I am, and as all the sons of Adam, subject to error. But let the righteous reprove me, 
Psal. 141. 5.  it shall be as a precious ointment, and shall not hurt my head. So entreating thy patience to take these my pains in good part, not to be too sharp and censorious, nor yet too open eared to hearken to envious invective speeches of any whose sores are here lanced, and to keep one ear open for thy friends just apology, I rest,  
Thy ever unfeigned, well-wishing friend, a favourer of the public good, and a professed enemy to all fraud and imposture, ●AMES HART.   

THE CONTENTS OF THE Chapters contained in this whole Tractate.  

IN THE FIRST BOOK.  

CHAP. 1.  
THe Introduction, where some thing of the antiquity, excellency, and eminency of Physic, and of the lawless intrusion of some ignorant persons upon the profession of Physic, with the absurdity of the same.  
CHAP. 2. Of the uncertain judgement afforded us by urines in general, together with their limitation to certain diseases, & that out of a many learned and approved Authors.  
CHAP. 3. That even in diseases of the Liver and within the veins, the urine doth often deceive the most skilful Physician.  
CHAP. 4. That by the urine only it cannot absolutely be known whether a woman be with child or no, contrary to the vulgar opinion.  
CHAP. 5. That the sex cannot be discerned by the urine.    

IN THE SECOND BOOK.  

CHAP. 1.  
THat the regions of the urine are not answerable to the regions of the body of man, as also concerning the substance of urines thick and thin; their manifold significations, and uncertainty of judgement by the same.  
CHAP. 2. Of the accidents of urine, the quantity, smell, etc. and that no certain and assured truth can by them be presaged or known.  
CHAP. 3. Of the colours of urines, how deceitful they prove, and first of the colour commonly called palew, & light saffron.  
CHAP. 4. Of red urines; how easily one may thereby be deceived: of pissing of blood.  
CHAP. 5. Of black urines, and that they are not always so dangerous as they are deemed. Of blue, ash-coloured, leaden and green coloured urines, together with their several significations and uncertainties.  
CHAP. 6. The manifold significations of white urines, as also the great uncertainty of judgement by the same.  
CHAP. 7. Of the circle or garland, spume, and froth, bubbles, smoke, or vapour, and fat in the overmost region of the urine, and what certainty from thence can be collected.  
CHAP. 8. Of the cloud, swim, or sublimation, together with divers sorts of residences, and the uncertainty of their significations.  
CHAP. 9 Of the manner of pissing: the retention or stoppage of urine, total or in part: of involuntary pissing, both in sickness and in health.  
CHAP. 10. Of the fond and foolish opinion concerning distillation of urines. Of the water of separation, together with the uncertainty of judgement by such means.  
CHAP. 11. The conclusion of the whole discourse, where something concerning issue and event, and of causual cures.     

THE NAMES OF SUCH FAMOUS Physicians as are alleged in this present Tractate.  

ACtuarius. Aetius. Ancient Greek Physicians.  
Alexander Benedictus. A learned Italian Physician.  
Alexander Trallianus. An ancient Greek Physician.  
Amatus. A learned Portugal Physician.  
Ambrose Paraeus. Surgeon to three French Kings.  
Andrea's Laurentius. Physician to King Henry the fourth.  
Andrea's Libavius. A very learned German Physician.  
Antonius Valetius. A learned French Physician.  
Archigenes. An ancient Physician of Syria.  
Aretaeus Cappadox: or of Cappadocia.  
Benjamin Lobshuts. A learned German Physician.  
Chrystophorus à Vega. A Physician to the high and mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Spain, and D. of the chair in the University of Complutum.  
Claudius' Galenus.  
Diomedes Cornarius. Physician to Maximilian Archduke of Austria, and brother to Rodolphus and Mathias late Emperors.  
Duncanus Liddelius of Aberdene in Scotland, Physician to Henricus julius, the late and last Duke of Brawnswicke, and D. of the chair for Physic and the Mathematics in the University of Helmstadt.  
Felix Platerus. Physician to the illustrious Duke of Wirtemberg, and one of the D. of the chair in the famous University of Basil in Switzerland.  
Franciscus Emericus, D. in Physic, and practical professor in the University of Vienna.  
Franciscus Valleriola. A learned French Physician.  
Gasper Bauhinus. Physician to the late mentioned Duke of Wirtemberg, and D. of the chair in the aforesaid University of Basil.  
Guilielmus Adolphus Scribonius. A famous German Physician.  
Guilielmus Rondeletius. D. of the chair in the famous University of Montpeliers in France.  
Hieronymus Cardanus. A learned Italian Physician.  
Hieronymus Mercurialis. A learned Italian Physician, and D. of the chair in the University of Milan.  
Hieronymus Montuus. Physician to Frances the 1. French King.  
Hieronymus Reusnerus. A learned German Physician.  
Hypocrates.  
jacobus Dovinetus. A German Physician.  
jacobus Holliricus. A famous Physician of Paris in France.  
jacobus Silvius. A French Physician of good account.  
jean Marinello, of Forli in Italy, an Italian Physician.  
I. Flesher. A learned English Physician.  
jodocus Willichius. D. of the chair in the University of Frankford on the Oder in Germany.  
johannes Anglicus, or Gatesden, the Author of Rosa Anglica, a famous English Physician, who lived in anno 1320.  
johannes Belfortis.  
johannes le Bon. A French Physician of good note.  
johannes Caius. A learned English Physician.  
johannes Crato a Kra●●theim. Physician to three Emperors of the house of Aust●ia.  
johannes Damascenus.  
johannes Fernelius. Physician to Henry the 2. French King.  
johannes Heurnius. A learned Low country Physician, and D. of the chair in the University of Leyden in Holland.  
johannes Langius. Physician to five Electors, Princes Palatines of Rhine.  
johannes Michael Savonarola. Physician to Borsius sometimes Duke of Ferrara in Italy.  
johannes Montanus. A learned French Physician.  
johannes Renodaeus. A famous Physician of the same nation.  
johannes Schenckius. A learned German Physician.  
Laurentius joubertus. Physician to Henry the 3. French King, Chancellor in the University of Montpeliers, and D. of the chair there.  
Leo Roganus. A famous Roman Physician.  
Leonardus Turnheisserus. A German Physician.  
Levinus Lemnius. A learned Physician of Zealand.  
Ludovicus Mercatus. Physician to Philip the 2. and 3. kings of Spain, and D. of the chair in the University of Vallad'olid in Spain.  
Marcellus Donatus of Mantua in Italy, a Physician of good account, Knight and D. in Physic.  
Martinus Akakia. A learned French Physician.  
Matthaeus de Gradi.  
Nicolus Florentinus.  
Paulus Aegineta.  
Petrus Forestus. A famous Physician of Holland.  
Petrus Sphaererius. Physician to the Archbishop of Mentz.  
Rembertus Dodonaeus. Physician to the Emperor Rodolphus 2. Rhases. An Arabian Physician.  
Rufus Ephesius.  
Timotheus Bricht of Cambridge. A learned English Physician.  
Thomas Rodericus à Vega. A learned Spanish Physician.   
Besides these, many more might have been to the same purpose, not impertinently produced, which I thought might well be spared, these being to an indifferent and unpartial Reader sufficient.  

SOME OTHER AUTHORS.  
Aelianus.  
Aristoteles.  
Bible.  
Carion.  
Catullus.  
Cicero.  
Henricus Ranzovius.  
Herodotus.  
Homerus.  
Jerome.  
josephus.  
Iwenalis'.  
Lactantius.  
Martialis.  
Nicetas.  
Plinius.  
Polybius.  
Sabellicus.  
Statius.  
Terentius.  
Zonaras.    

THE FIRST BOOK OF THE ANATOMY OF URINES.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
IN these two books is a continuation of the discourse concerning the uncertainty of judgement in diseases by the sole and bare inspection of the urine only, without the concourse of the rest of the other signs; whereunto the sight of the patient is altogether necessary. In the first book and first Chapter, by way of introduction, something is said of the antiquity, excellency, and eminency of physic; as also concerning the lawless intrusion of some ignorant persons upon this profession, with the absurdities of the same. Then in the next place follow certain authorities of some famous Physicians against this abuse in general: and afterwards also in some such diseases where it is thought to be of greatest force and validity. And after shall fully be confuted that foolish, absurd, and inveterate opinion, of discerning whether a woman be with child or no, by the bare inspection of the urine only: and that by unanswerable arguments, together with some instances, both of mine own and other ancient and late Physicians of no small note. And lastly shall be plainly demonstrated, that the sex cannot by the urine only be discerned, contrary to the vulgar opinion.  

CHAP. I.  
The introduction, wheresome thing concerning the antiquity, excellency, and eminency of physic, and of the lawless intrusion of some ignorant persons upon this profession, with the absurdity of the same.  
Our most great and omnipotent God, of his great goodness, having first created and framed these glorious globes and orbs of the universe, together with the earth and all the ornaments and furniture of the same, at last made man, that microcosm, or little world, as it were an epitome or abridgement of this great universal world: and that according to his own likeness, and placed him in earthly paradise. But not long after being by the serpent that old inveterate enemy of mankind, seduced to sin, he became a map of misery, obnoxious to death and eternal damnation; and even in this life subject to innumerable sicknesses. So far notwithstanding, did his maker's bounty abound, that not only sent he him a Saviour to redeem him from damnation, but furnished him with innumerable remedies against his manifold infirmities. 
joseph. antiquit. judaic. l. 1. cap. 4. Zonara's annal. lib. 1.  These Adam taught his son Seth; and he again (lest water or fire should destroy them) wrote the principles of physic in hieroglyphic letters, upon two pillars; one of stone, against the rage of the water, the other on brick against the fury of the fire. Thus came the art to be propagated to posterity: and Abraham's seed sojourning in Egypt that unthankful nation, yet for their hospitality to God's people reaped this benefit, that they were by them instructed in the principles of this profession, and many more be●ides. The Greeks gained this knowledge of the Egyptians, who were not idle, but improving the same, would willingly have assumed all the honour to themselves. 
High account of physic amongst the Grecians.  In great honour and reputation was it amongst this nation for many years, and the professors of the same in great credit and account with the mightiest monarchs: witness the honour exhibited to Hypocrates and his posterity, by the Athenians in particular. And the account the Persians made of it, may from hence evidently appear, 
Amongst the Persians.  that the great Artaxerxes sendeth to Histanes governor of the Hellespont this message. 
Hippocr. in epist.  The fame and renown of the noble Hypocrates, of the race & lineage of Aesculapius, borne in the I'll of Cos, together with his great skill and sufficiency, are come to mine ears: bestow thou therefore upon him as much gold as he shall demand of thee, and whatsoever he shall have need of, bestow it upon him in most plentiful manner, and have a care to send him to me: for he shall be equal in honour and dignity with the greatest Princes of Persia. And moreover, if there be any other wise learned man in Europe, let him be enroled amongst the King's domestic & familiar friends, not sparing for any cost whatsoever: for such men are not every where easily to be found. 
Vide Sabell ennead. 9 lib. 2. Zonar. annal. tomo. 3. aliosque neoter.  After many years, the Turkish tyranny like a violent inundation overflowing the most part of Asia, together with no small part of Europe, this profession being now banished out of Greece it's own natural soil, together with the rest of the Muses, it sought for shelter and succour amongst the rude Arabians, 
Entertainment amongst the Arabians.  where it was welcomed with such entertainment, as such a country could afford it: where howbeit it was enlarged by many such simples as India and Arabia would yield, yet have their books been so branded by barbarous translators, that they are not even until this day freed from the same. 
Amongst the Romans.  Amongst the Romans likewise it was not a little respected, where that worthy Emperor Augustus having among many others, some intelligence of the great abuses committed by ignorant intruders upon this profession, together with the great damage redounding to the subject, by means of this lawless liberty, 
The law of Augustus Caesar against ignorant and unskilful practisers of physic.  made a law as followeth▪ That no person, of what estate or degree soever, within the Roman Empire, should either teach or practise physic, undertaking the cure of any sick persons, unless he were first licenced and authorised by the Emperor himself, or by such as should by him be deputed or appointed for this purpose. This law was long inviolably kept by the succeeding Caesars, until such time as the barbarous 
* Vide supra, & inter neoter. Chronic. Carion. aedit. 1608. in 8.  Saracens & Turks, under the conduct of that monster of mankind Mahomet, did with fire & sword waste and destroy a great part of Asia, especially Syria, together with Greece and the country about Constantinople: the Goths, Huns, & Vandals omitting no kind of cruelty in the other parts of Europe, 
Mars enemy to Minerva.  Italy in particular. These, besides many other miseries, did also subvert and destroy most of the Universities and schools of good learning, burning the books they could come by, and bringing in by this means mere barbarousness and ignorance. This great inundation and deluge gave no small encouragement to all manner of cozeners to practise their imposture, sparing neither the persons nor the purses of the oppressed people. 
Lotharius first Emperor of the house of Saxony restored learning and learned men in the west.  This woeful calamity continued until Lotharius Duke of Saxony was crowned Emperor at Rome. This worthy Emperor both erected a number of new nurseries of good learning, and repaired such as were founded before his time, adding and increasing means for the maintenance of these new erected schools and Universities. Moreover, 
De his vide orationem doctoris Benjamin Lobschuts impressam cum obseruat. medic. Diomedis Cornarij medicina Doctoris.  he caused to be sent for out of every country and kingdom, the most famous and learned men that were to be found, and such as did most excel in every art and science. And for the better furtherance of this his purpose, he granted many privileges and immunities to the aforesaid Universities & schools, the whole Professors and Students in the same. And thus physic with the rest revived again; and being healed of her former wounds, was drawn out of the dark dungeon and prison wherein she had so long lain in thraldom and captivity, and by means of this noble Emperor restored to her former dignity and liberty again. Now to add more grace and dignity to this noble profession, he renewed again that worthy law of Augustus, inhibiting and discharging any person whatsoever, either to practise or profess this or any other art or science, unless he were first licenced from the Emperor's court. But well foreseeing the inconveniences which might from hence arise, if all such businesses should depend upon his court; for this cause he granted this privilege and authority to the aforesaid Universities throughout the whole Empire. This so wholesome constitution of Lotharius all the succeeding Emperors to this day have continued. 
First original of Doctors and other degrees in the Universities.  And thus came first in these titles of Doctor, Master, etc. not by the appointment of any private man, but by the laws of Emperors and Kings of Christendom. Now besides the premises, I would easily evince both the eminency and excellency of this profession from the utility and necessity, 
Utility and necessity of this profession.  as being of necessary use for every age, estate and degree; as also the worthy subject thereof, to wit, the body of man, so far forth as diseases are expelled, and health preserved; it being also the shrine of the soul, & the costly coffer wherein it is contained, do conciliate no small authority unto the same. Neither yet is the skill in this profession so easily attained unto, as many ignorant people do persuade themselues. But that there are many things required in him who is to be called natures darling, and great Secretary of state, at all times to help and assist her, when oftentimes she cannot help herself (unto which this confused multitude never hath attained, and therefore unworthy to be admitted unto such mysteries) hath ever been received for an uncontrolled truth. The causes of the disease must be exactly known before the cure, and many other things beside. And thus it is recorded of Aristotle, that at a certain time falling sick, his Physician there by him prating apace, answered very wittily after this manner. 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Neither cure me like a cowherd, nor yet like a ploughman; but first of all let me know the cause, then shalt thou find me obsequious to thy prescriptions.  
The ever praise worthy Hypocrates, howbeit in few, yet in effectual words, setteth down such things as are requisite in a true Physician. 
Aelian. lib. 9 cap. 23. Polib. lib. hist. 2. & 3. indeque Lang. epist. medicine. lib. 2. epist. 48. Hippoc. lib. 2. de lege.  Whosoever will exactly and diligently purchase to himself a firm knowledge in this profession, must of necessity be furnished with these which follow. Nature (that is, a potential aptness, wit and understanding, with a certain proneness and inclination to this profession) precepts of art, a fit and convenient place for study; instruction in the same from younger years; diligent and painful study, together with a competent and convenient time. This likewise did the ancients paint forth unto us in the arms or ensigns of Aesculapius, 
The arms or ensigns of Aesculapius.  to whom were attributed all the badges and ensigns which do of right belong to a true Physician, and do all argue assiduity and painful industry.  
The first was an Owl, to give him warning of the watchful pains and care the learned Physician ought to take in finding out the several signs and circumstances of the disease, to the end he may be the more able to foretell the several issues and events of the same. 
A crooked staff.  A crooked staff in his hand; which intimateth unto us, that he ought with great care and diligence bestir himself, to attain to the right and perfect knowledge, not only of the structure of man's body, and every part of the same, as well inward as outward: but also the several qualities and virtues of all manner of remedies appropriated for the use of mankind; whether they be above the earth, enclosed in the intrals thereof; or yet contained in the vast dominions of the endless ocean: as also with careful circumspection, to observe and mark the strength of his patients, and their several natures and constitutions; applying to each and every one of them in due and convenient time, such proper and peculiar remedies, as may best befit them, and that always having a watchful eye upon the several indications in such cases required. In his right hand he held a Dragon's head, 
A dragon's head in his right hand and a dog hard by him.  coming from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, signifying a sharp and clear sight: and next unto the same was a watchful dog; both of them declaring unto us, that the Physician ought with a certain promptness of dexterity of understanding foresee the issue and event of diseases, and then with as great ease and facility as is possible, and without sparing any pains, ease the patient's grief; preserving likewise and maintaining, as much as in him lieth, his present healthful state of body, and preventing to the uttermost of his power, 
A pine apple in his left hand.  the imminent danger of doleful diseases. In his left hand a pine apple, thereby letting us to understand, that the outward shell of this profession is very hard, the inward fruit and marrow, notwithstanding, being most pleasant, delectable and profitable. 
The winged picture of health with a pullet in her hand.  At his right side was the winged picture of health, with a pullet in her hand; & that to the end the Physician might know, that he ought to aim at the health and happy estate of his patient principally, and not to become the slave of base and filthy lucre and gain: in like manner manifesting unto us, that by the pains and industrious skill of the learned Physician, health is oftentimes maintained; as by his careless negligence, ignorance, & insufficiency it is easily overthrown. A pullet, to show forth the Physician's care, in prescribing fit and convenient diet, according to his patient's nature and constitution, as also the quality and motion of the disease. 
How careful the Physician ought to be in prescribing diet according to the nature of the disease and diseased.  For in acute diseases, and such as are of a sudden and speedy motion, as the remedies must be speedy, so must the diet be sparing, answering both to the strength of the patient, and nature of the disease; not being in the mean time unmindful of his former custom, country or place wherein he lives, with many more circumstances in such cases required. In diseases again of a long and lingering nature, we must not be so close fisted, but allow them more liberal allowance; yet keeping always in mind the former caveats and cautions. In the end he must be armed against all occasions and sudden occurrents, not forgetting to gratify the sick, so far forth as may stand with conveniency. And lastly this Aesculapian portrait was pictured with a beard: 
Aesculapius' bearded.  signifying hereby, that such as meddled with such abstruse mysteries, having first been trained up in the grounds and principles of this profession, aught to be of a reasonable mature judgement and understanding, to the end they may prove so much the fitter to manage such weighty matters.  
But to what end and purpose (will some perhaps say) tendeth this long discourse? Even to the end it may more evidently appear, into what disgrace and contempt this noble profession is now grown, and that by means of the lawless and uncontrolled intrusion of ignorant and unsufficient persons. Let the Reader judge ingenuously, whether the offenders be furnished with any such sufficiency, and let this touchstone try them all. Professions far inferior to this, have a number of years allowed them to serve and learn, before any be suffered to exercise the same. 
Liberty allowed ignorant Physicians, cause of great mischief.  But here, howsoever the Universities be not deprived of their privileges, in granting the degrees to the well deserving: yet is there no restraint of the most ignorant and unsufficient persons, of whatsoever sex or calling. An ignorant Empiricke that knoweth scarce the property of pepper, whether it be hot or cold, yet may practise publicly. Now that I say nothing of ignorant Apothecaries, Surgeons, etc. the other sex will needs have a share in these businesses also: and yet in holy writ they are tied to their houswiverie. 
Proverb. 31. Terent. in Andr.  And the heathen Poet bringeth in women meddling with their spinning and carding. Their frail sex is both unfit and unfurnished with sufficiency for managing of so great matters. It is no ways suitable to the modesty which ought to be seen in that sex, to meddle with so public a profession. And beside, there being no small commerce betwixt the Physician and his patient, 
Hippocr. lib. de medico.  as witnesseth the worthy Hypocrates, who seeth not the absurdity of this their practice? 
Women altogether unfit to practise physic.  And as for their sufficiency, it may easily, by that which hath been said already, appear. My purpose is not to dwell upon this subject, nor yet to urge many arguments against it, the thing being so absurd in itself. I will relate but one tragical story out of a late writer, of a mother who made away her own child, 
A tragical story.  with an intent, as she thought to cure him. A country woman (saith mine author) having a young son of cacheoticall disposition, and now entering into a dropsy, 
Alexand. Bened. de curand. morb. lib. 15. cap. 25.  by the advice of her women-gossips, thrust him, sore against his will, his head foremost, into an oven, immediately after the drawing of the bread, stopping up again immediately the mouth of her oven. Her gambling gossips were officiously attending a better event than they found, as also helping her to bring to pass this brave exploit. He being once in, was presently suffocated with the smoke for want of fresh air. The mother within a little space calleth to her son oftener than once in an audible voice, enquiring what benefit he found; who answered her no more than Baal did his Priests. 
1. King. 18. 26 27. 28.  These prattling gossips persuaded this simple woman, that his silence was an assured sign of the benefit he thereby received: the which this credulous woman, still hoping where no hope was, easily believed: but at length found that which she least looked for; drawing out of the oven her dead son, cured not only of this, but of all other diseases also; and then (but all too late) blameth as well her own too too credulous simplicity, as the malapert boldness of the she-physitians, inducing her to use a remedy far worse than the disease itself. As for you, Ladies and Gentlewomen (with your good leaves let me be so bold as to tell you my mind in a word or two) howsoever I cannot but much commend your great charity and love, in affording both your pains and your purses for the relieving of sick distressed people: yet let me entreat you, not to be too officiously busy, the life of a man being no matter of small importance, and which being once lost, 
Soles occidere & redire possunt▪ nobis cum semel occidit brevis lux, Nox est perpetua una dormienda▪ Catull.  can never till the resurrection be recovered. And remember, that there may be an oversight as well in neglecting a fit and convenient remedy in due time, as in exhibiting a dangerous and desperate remedy. And whereas often it cometh to pass, that either your necessity or importunity doth extort from the learned Physician good and wholesome remedies either for your own or others infirmities: yet I entreat you, not to be so indiscreet, as to make one salve serve for every sore. 
A good remedy ignorantly or out of season exhibited, may yet prove dangerous to the diseased.  The remedy indeed may be good, but (as often cometh to pass) ill used, or rather abused. And that which you have sometimes tried to be a sovereign medicine for yourselves; yet another time, by reason of a number of new occurrents, the same remedy may produce an effect far differing from the former: how much more than in another? The constitution of the party should be considered, the sex, age, time of year, yea and of the disease itself; as whether it be in the beginning, in the increase, in the height, or declining, with many more circumstances are here to be considered. But put yet the case the remedy be good against such a disease; yet may many other circumstances cross this iudication in any individual person, which were here too tedious to relate. It may then easily appear, that this is a business of an higher strain than many do well consider: but of this matter no more. Now howbeit this fretting canker (I mean of unsufficient, unlearned, and unskilful Physicians) hath crept over the whole Christian world, yet the inconvenience is not in all alike. For howbeit in Germany Empirics do so abound that they have begun of late years (supposing it may be that we are here unfurnished) to come and visit us here in this Island, 
The laudable custom of the German nation in providing fit and learned Physicians, and allowing them good maintenance.  yet can I not but much commend and praise their care and industry in providing for the maintenance of the honest and learned Physician. There each several City, town, or corporation, hath certain Physicians entertained by stipends out of the chamber stocks (which there by reason of their admirable industry, as being much addicted to the public good are very rich) a dwelling house being likewise allowed them for their lives: and each City or town according to the proportionable bigness, hath more or fewer of those stipendiary Physicians: and none among them admitted, but such as for their sufficiency, and long time spent in the study of that profession, have taken their degrees in some famous University. All the Apothecaries and Surgeons within the place where they live are subject to their censures, and by them to be controlled; 
They often visit the Apothecary's shops, and take a survey of his drugs.  and the midwives likewise by them must be admitted. And of all the Apothecary's drugs, as well simples as compounds, they take a narrow survey twice a year; to wit, every Spring and fall: besides the viewing of their drugs immediately after the buying of them (which cometh most commonly to pass twice a year, at Lerpzig or Franckfort fair) not being lawful for them to make use of any of them until such time as they be first visited and allowed by the aforesaid Physicians. At the viewing and visiting of their wares, is appointed one from the chief Magistrate of the City, commonly called the Burger master, to sit in commission with the Physicians. If the Apothecary shall be found faulty, or his drugs any ways unsufficient, the aforesaid persons fine him at their pleasures; as also set a reasonable rate or tax upon all his drugs and compositions, and that according to the rising or falling of the prizes of the drugs. Neither yet may the Apothecary of himself make, mix, or compound any great composition of many several ingredients, unless the Physicians, one or more being present, first see all the several ingredients, and then allow of the same. He can likewise take no apprentice into his service, but such as first shall be sworn faithfully to make and compound according to the Physician's prescriptions, not altering any thing in his bill without his knowledge and allowance: the which oath the Physicians have power to exact of the aforesaid apprentices. 
The great commodity of this so laudable a custom.  Of this so laudable and praiseworthy a constitution this benefit they reap, that first of all, the inhabitants are never unfurnished of fit and sufficient Physicians, to whom in time of need they may have recourse for good, and wholesome counsel: as also that the inhabitants in their extremity are preferred before strangers. The moderation of fees likewise, in regard of their standing stipends, is some ease to the purses of private men, but especially to the poorer sort, to whom by this means they are the better enabled to afford their counsel for little or nothing. The country round about findeth likewise every where learned Physicians to advise with, as also good and sufficient stuff, neither fusty not sophisticate, and that at a reasonable rate. Now how far we come short of this so laudable and worthy policy, those that know any thing are not ignorant. We are apt enough to imitate that which is naught in our neighbour nations, and why make we not use of such things as deserve praise and commendation? From the aforenamed nation we have so well learned quaffing and carrousing, together with their unhappy healths, indeed hinderers of all health, that it seemeth now to be naturalised amongst us: and why are we not as forward for this and such other laudable constitutions as tend to the benefit of the commonwealth? But now to our purpose.  
One thing which doth principally encourage all manner of cozeners, 
The idle inspection of urine, as it is at this day practised, openeth a gap to every cozener & impostor.  and every ignorant and unsufficient person, to adventure upon this profession, is the vain and idle inspection of Urines, as it is at this day every where practised; by means whereof most people are persuaded that the Physician is able to find out, not only the disease in general, but even every sign and circumstance of the same. I myself have often been importuned to tell that by this sign, which the wits of all the wisest Physicians in the world could never assuredly and certainly find out. To instance but in one thing, to wit, the discerning of the conception, whether a woman be with child or no: there is not an Empiricke or quacksalver in the country, that will not make thee believe he can tell thee that assuredly. Our she-physitians (for such monsters now this country yieldeth) will say no less. 
johann. le bon. de therap. puerp.  But hear the judgement of a learned French Physician concerning this point: To abuse the inspection of urine, to know whether a woman be with child, or no, belongeth to a cozening impostor, and not to an honest Physician; howsoever some have not been ashamed to vent such vanities. But of this at more length hereafter: now let us proceed to the main matter, to wit, to handle this subject in order.   

CHAP. II.  
Of the uncertain judgement afforded us by Urines in general, together with their limitation to certain diseases, and that out of many learned writers.  
IT is grown now adays a common custom, by the sole and bare inspection of the urine to undertake to declare and lay open the whole disease, 
It is impossible to judge of the disease, & what concerneth the same, by the inspection of the urine only.  together with the state and constitution of every part of the body, without any regard had to such things as the most wise and circumspect Physicians have left us in this case to be considered: the which notwithstanding, is as impossible to bring to pass, as by the heat or cold of an house to judge of the perfection of the same, together with the soundness of the walls and timber thereof: or yet by the rubbish of any house carried to some other place, to find out the stateliness of the former building. To this end and purpose besides the authorities produced in the former Discourse, I will yet bring in a cloud of witnesses to confirm this mine opinion. And in the first place, I will set down some famous authors condemning this uromantical conjecture, and limiting and confining it within its lawful lists and limits. Afterwards also shall appear how our judgement may err and mistake, even in some such diseases as may sometimes by the same be discerned: proceeding afterwards to instance in some particular diseases: where shall not be omitted the confutation of the erroneous opinion of the urines of women with child, as also of finding out of the sex thereby. Then will we proceed to a particular confutation of all the parts of urine; whereby shall be set down the true use of the same. Now the first author that shall march in the avantgard of this batallion shall be the learned Langius; and that both in regard of his great worth and learning, as also because our former author (Forest I mean) had singled out these two following Epistles, as making for the same purpose to set down at the end of his discourse of urines, which I have thought good with some other authorities to insert into this place.  

Concerning Physicians who by the inspection of the Urine only, do rashly and unadvisedly pronounce their opinion concerning the nature and substance of any disease.  
It seemeth not a little strange to thee (kind gossip) how it should come to pass that the same and reputation of German Physicians should be so little set by either at home or abroad, 
Langius tom●. 1. epist. 11.  since notwithstanding, praised be God, Germany is a very fruitful soil, stored with most excellent wits, where the liberal Arts and sciences do not a little flourish (insomuch as that most noble and illustrius Picus Earl of Mirandole, truly praiseworthy and ever to be admired, as well for his high pedigree and noble descent, as for his excellent and admirable gifts in good learning, did witness that the river of Tiber had now of late run into the Rhine:) and yet for all this, the noble faculty of Physic lieth contemned and despised. 
In symposio. de republica.  The causes of the same I have elsewhere declared to be diverse, whereof this is the chief, to wit, that the chief and principal part of Physic diagnosticke or semioticke, which teacheth us to know the nature, causes, and substance of the disease by the signs and grounds of the same, is either not known at all, or at least altogether, in regard of their idleness, neglected; while as the ordinary sort of Physicians do only labour to know and discern the nature and substance of the disease by the sole and fraudulent indication of the stuckring urine. But it is acknowledged of all true Physicians, that the ground and beginning of finding out aright the true method of curing diseases, is the knowledge of the disease, together with the place seized with the same, which is not known by the bare inspection of the urine only, being but a doubtful sign; but (as Galen saith well) the knowledge of the disease is collected by means of the place affected, together with the disposition of the same besides nature: which being the internal cause of the disease (or the disease itself) annoying the action, it is no marvel if the signs of each be common to both: and thus is the disease and place affected discerned and known, both by the parts of the substance thereof, the contents, adherents, the action interessed, together with the accidents of the disease, from the parts of the substance of the part affected: as if we shall perceive any gristle of the windpipe to be spit up with coughing, it doth argue and indicate to us an exulceration of the lungs, together with a consumption of the same. From the contents; as if thou shalt perceive the chyle (that is, the meat received into the stomach and a little altered) or the ordure issue out of a wound, thou mayest from thence safely collect that either the stomach, or guts are wounded. Such things also as do adhere or grow to the part, do both declare the disease and the part annoyed therewith. For if upon a fracture of the scull there grow out little round lumps like unto little mushrooms, it doth argue the damage and hurt of the membrane or skin covering the brains. No less doth the hurt of the action bewray as well the hurt of the organ and instrument of it, as the disease itself: as the retention of the urine doth argue an obstruction in the pipes conveying the urine from the kidneys to the bladder: or the excessive flux of the same being crude and not concocted, doth argue the indisposition of the kidneys. join yet with the former, as most pregnant proofs and testimonies of the disease, these inseparable accidents of the same, commonly called pathognomonica, the which the disease itself doth procure and beget: as a stinging and pricking pain in the side, joined with a burning fever, doth argue not only a Pleurisy, but also that the skin or membrane which environeth the ribs is inflamed. And unto all the aforesaid signs thou mayest, if thou wilt, add the intricate knowledge of the pulse of the arteries, rather than the uncertain judgement by urine: the which as we do not altogether reject, 
The great care of the ancient Physicians in searching out the signs of diseases.  so do we not attribute so much thereunto as these impostors do. Now what extraordinary pains some of the ancient Physicians took in searching out any thing which might afford them any knowledge or insight in the nature of the disease, thou mayest from hence collect, that to the end they might more easily find out the nature and quality of the humour faulty and abounding in the body, they did taste of the very swear that was rubbed off the body in the hotehouses, as also of that superfluous matter found in the ears: like as the horseleeches were wont to taste of the horses dung, whom for that cause that pleasant Poet Aristophanes calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, what if by the authority of Hypocrates I should prove, that the colour of the tongue, and the rest of the body, giveth us more assured and certain knowledge of the state of the humours contained in the body and inward bowels, than the urine? And yet this the ordinary sort of urine-monging Physicians will never be able to discern, as not being present with the patient. For as in the yellow jaundice, a yellow and saffron like colour of the skin doth better declare any obstruction of the gall-bagge, and an overflowing of choler over the whole body, than the urine: so doth in like sort the leaden colour of the face, and the rest of the body, demonstrate better unto us some indisposition of the Liver and spleen than the urine. No less also doth the colour of the tongue and taste, it findeth & performeth the like. For such as is the humour abounding in the stomach or veins, especially when it groweth fierce and unruly, with such a colour and taste is the tongue most commonly imbrued. Wherefore well and learnedly said the worthy Hypocrates 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, the tongue giveth us notice, as well of the state and nature of the urine, as of all the rest of the humours of the body. But if thou wilt yet further contend and contest with me, behold I will appeal to Galen, who ought to be as our common Master, so judge also in such cases of controversy. 
Lib. 4. salub. The sweat a more general sign than the urine.  The sweat (saith he) giveth us notice of the humours super abounding in the whole body, but the urine only of such as are contained within the veins. And howbeit these be the chief elements and grounds of the most principal part of physic, called diagnosticke, without which the other part called therapeuticke, or handling the cure of diseases, cannot subsist, and that they be convinced by most pregnant proofs and testimonies; yet will they neither give place to the same, nor yet observe and mark them: but trusting to the urine only, 
De Alexandrinorum medicorum desidia. Gal. lib. 2. de natura humana. lib. 6. epid. & passim alibi.  loitering idle at home like the Physicians of Alexandria, and sitting in their chairs like Apollo's Priests, or some old wise fortune-teller by her crystal lookingglass, it is a wonder to hear how doubtfully and perplexedly, without any sight of the sick, but looking on the urine only, they will with brazen faces prate of the patient's sickness: yea further yet, will pronounce of life and death thereby; and that for so small a gain, as scarce would the most common hedge-whore be hired for the same. What great ambiguity and doubtful speeches (good Reader) need they here to use, lest they be taken tripping? Now if it shall happen that any old wife that bringeth the urine shall find them out, thou wouldst wonder to see the 
* Victu Quintiliane colorem.  changes of their countenances. But as if this were yet a small matter, to prate by the sight of the urine only, 
Thus do most of our practising Parsons and Vicars become suddenly Physicians.  they are not ashamed to prescribe physic to the parties (whom they have never seen) and that by reading of books, of the which experiments they have never made any trial at all: to whom thou mayest most justly object the ancient Proverb. 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  A mariner by his book or sea card. But Hypocrates and the ancient Physicians of the race of Asclepiades, not superficially, but solidly learned, did never settle their judgements concerning the substance of the disease upon the urine alone: no nor yet if some contents had proceeded from the substance of the kidneys, bladder, or parts contained in them, and so issued out with the urine: but did rather by the colour, contents, swim or sublimation, observe the strength of the natural parts about the liver and stomach, as likewise the concoction of the humours in the veins; to the end that in fevers they might find out the times of the same; and so might more easily foretell the time of the future crise, whether the same were like to be hopeful and healthful, or dangerous and deadly; and withal to find out the fittest time for purging. The which Galen, Hypocrates his true interpreter, doth intimate unto young Physicians in these words. The urine giveth notice of these parts, to wit, the liver, kidneys, bladder, and the strength of the vessels which contain the blood, and the weakness of the same, as also that faculty which engendereth the humours: but as concerning the infirmities of the brain, the chest, and lungs, there be other signs and symptoms of the same, whereby their diseases are discerned. All these things therefore the wise Physician is to inquire, search, and find out, from the sick himself, and not from the urine. 
Damascenu● in Aphorism.  For this cause well said Damascenus in his Aphorisms: Concerning diseases pronounce not rashly thine opinion, neither yet look thou upon the urine, until such time as thou hast first seen the sick, and of him demanded and found forth every circumstance belonging to the disease. 
Rhaz. in aphor.  With him doth Rhazes an Arabian Physician agree in his Aphorisms, in these words: It becometh the Physician to ask divers questions of his patient, to the end he may attain to the internal cause of the disease, that by such means he may afterwards be able to pronounce sound judgement according to reason: neither yet let him be ashamed to ask of the patient, whether the disease be within or without the vein. But our Physicians, being like unto the lazy sedentary Physicians of Alexandria, lest they should be by the vulgar people (who do commonly believe, that the Physician knoweth all by the urine) taxed of ignorance, are ashamed to ask of the patient the causes and symptoms of his disease. And to the end they may the better accommodate themselves to the foolish humour of the simple and more ignorant sort, they are not a whit afraid to prate of diseases by the inspection of the urine only. But would to God the truth were with them in greater esteem than any popular applause, and that they would be warned by the Poet Persius: 
Si quid turbida Roma elevaret, etc. Pers. sat. 1.  If troubled Rome do too much dispraise any thing, than not to rest and rely upon her judgement: and that they would both ingenuously confess, and tell the people how fraudulent and deceitful, pernicious and lying, is this manner of inspection of the urine, brought in by some Physicians and impostors of later days, to the great mischief of mankind. Then for certain would they be more careful and diligent in searching out the natures of diseases by their causes, the hurt and hindrance of the action, as also by the Pa●hognomonicke signs: and then without all doubt should they cure a great many more, as also by this means should their names become a great deal more famous, both among their own friends and acquaintance, and among strangers. And by this means also should these wand'ring and cozening rogues, impostors, apostatical monks, perfidious jews, enemies to all Christians, the ignorant Parish-Priests, alchemists, and all the rabble of such rakehells, (but I had almost forgotten those old trots, fortune-tellers) be thrust out from professing physic: all the which offenders not having learned so much as the first grounds and principles of natural Philosophy or Physic, do without control or punishment try their desperate remedies, by the death of many a man. Wherefore there could nothing be devised more profitable and beneficial for the good of the commonwealth, then that at length all Christian people were freed from the tyranny and mischief of these cruel impostors, who by means of the secret observation of the urine, unknown to the vulgar sort, do conceal their own ignorance, and have, as drones do into the Bechive, crept into this profession. By the premises, I hope thou hast heard what is the cause that Physic and the Professors of the same are not of so high an esteem in these our countries at this time.   

Of the differences of signs, by the which Physicians do discern and know diseases, and do presage the future issue of the same.  
As I hear, 
Epist. 83.  these barbarous and wicked persons, falsely assuming unto themselves the name of Physicians, do mutter and grumble against me, because of condemning their mad, rash, and foolhardy finding out of diseases, by means of the urine only, for whose slanderous backbiting I care not a rush. For such as cannot help, I see not how they can hurt me. No more can I conceive what the Physician can perform, as concerning the cure of the disease, being ignorant of the nature and estate of the same. For this cause the ancient Physicians did with great labour, travel, and industry, search out the cause, the nature and substance of the disease, from the which the indications of remedies are derived, and not from the urine only, but from the signs called Pathognomonicke, and from the whole concourse of the symptoms or accidents: who did likewise divide Physic principally into two parts, to wit, that which we commonly call Therapeuticke, whose most large and common scope, is to cure diseases by contrary remedies: and into that part which we call Diagnosticke; whose most common scope is to discern the whole and sound from the like, and the sick and infirm from the whole, being unlike the one to the other. And this part of Physic doth far excel the other, to wit, the Therapeuticke, the which without the Diagnosticke is of small use or profit. And because it did lay open the perfect and absolute knowledge of the disease, by means of the signs Pathognomonicke, proper and peculiar to every disease, together with the concurrence of accidents, which the Empirics called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (which were nothing else but the collection by observation of certain accidents and circumstances of diseases) the later Physicians therefore gave it the name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or that part of Physic which handleth the signs of diseases. Wherefore we cannot but much wonder at Galen, a man of so great learning, who besides two hundreth and fifty books written of divers sciences, and of all the other parts of Physic above four hundreth; all being likewise written in so good order and method, that notwithstanding he hath not brought to full perfection this so noble a part of Physic, called Diagnosticke, but only dispersedly here and there, especially in that book called the Constitution or ordering of the Art of Physic, hath as it were sown some seeds of the same. But yet Auicenna, Rhazes, and other Arabian Physicians, and such among the Greeks as have written of late after Galen, as Paulus, Aegineta, Aetius, Actuarius, and Alexander Trallianus, following the footsteps of the ancient Empirics, did collect and gather together in every several Chapter which did discourse of the disease, a great number of the signs and several accidents of the same: but so confusedly and indistinctly, that hardly couldst thou discern one manner of sign from another insomuch as thou mayest, not without cause, call their Diagnosticke Physic, the confused chaos of Democritus. And further they do not instruct us sufficiently what sign of the disease doth argue or show forth the greater or smaller strength. But there is in Germany at this day, 
And in England also.  a sort of idle prating fellows, more foolish than any others, who, as if all the signs of every disease were to be seen in the urine, are not ashamed, by the sole and bare inspection thereof, to prate and pronounce sentence concerning the substance of the disease, and the life and death of the diseased, as hath been said already. To the end therefore that their impudency may be made manifest, and laid open to every one, I purpose to insert something in this Epistle concerning the differences of signs, to the end that I may minister occasion to some others more learned than myself, to handle the same by an absolute & exquisite method: the which task I will also willingly undertake for the good of the sick, if I may obtain so much time and leisure, that at length this so heinous a fault, and worthy of no small punishment, may be banished from among the company of all honest and ingenuous Physicians, and a right and perfect method, as well for discerning as for curing, 
Division of the signs.  may be set down. Now it is granted, as well among Philosophers as Physicians, that the effects and accidents do indicate and declare their causes. It is likewise well known, that the accidents are nothing else but the effects of the disposition of the disease. No man therefore can deny, that the accidents (of which number are also the actions interessed, and some things which essentially do adhere thereunto) do indicate and declare, as well the disease as the place affected, as being the harbour and receptacle of the same, and unto which the remedies ought to be applied. Now as concerning the accidents, some of them are called by the greeks Epiphaenomena, that is, such as do appear indeed, but vanish away again before the disease be at an end: others again called Pathognomonica, which being of the essence of the disease, do both begin and end with the same. And these be inseparable and certain signs of the disease, the concourse of which doth more certainly and truly declare unto us, the nature, manner, and kind of the disease, than any urine can do. As a continual fever, together with a pricking and stinging pain in the side, a great cough and shortness of breath, when as they concur together, and come as it were all at one instant, are evident and certain signs of a pleurisy. But other accidents which do after succeed, are called Epiphaenomena or Synedreovonta, as if thou shouldest say, assessors or assistants to the disease, unto the which also they are not inseparably annexed, nor yet have their original together with the same; but for the most part, either seldom, or after a doubtful manner, do accompany the disease, not making up the substance, but certain differences of diseases. As in a pleurisy a red, bloody, or yet yellowish spittle, a pain extending itself to the breast bone or neither part of the midriff, watching, deliberation, and terrible dreams: these accidents are called assistant or accompanying, and do declare either the difference of the disease; or else the mildness or malignity of the same. Now it behooveth the Physician to ponder and expend with himself in such a concourse of accidents equally, the strength of every accident apart, and to compare together such as be dangerous, with the other which do promise greater security. For if those which are dangerous do vanquish and overcome the strength and vigour of nature, either by their force or number, then mayest thou boldly pronounce, that danger is not far from the door. And again on the contrary, if such as do promise security be of greater power than the former, then shall the sick escape out of the deep danger of Scylla and Charybdis, and by the virtue and power of a happy Crisis, sail forth into the haven of health: and that yet more assuredly, if in the mean time perfect signs of concoction shall appear. Amongst such signs some are called decretory, or judicatory; other signs of crudity and concoction; others again do foretell the security or danger of the disease. 
Signs of concoction.  Now the signs of concoction, after the beginning of the disease is passed over, and the humours by means of the natural heat, well concocted, sequestered, and separated from that which is putrid and corrupt, do appear about the time of the increasing or vigour of the disease, in the urine, spittle, suppuration of Impostumes, (which is not unlike unto concoction performed in the veins) as also in other excretions: for the excretions of every part of the body, as also of the humours, which are nothing else but the superfluities and relics of concoction, do show forth the indisposition of the same. Wherefore in the infirmities of the chest, and instruments of respiration, a spittle white, even of an equal consistence, is always a good and laudable sign of concoction. But if the sick be not at all able to spit out any thing, then doth it show forth absolute crudity; and if he should chance to spit a spittle without any mixture, being thin, waterish, & of a leaden colour, or of the colour of verdigrease, it doth not only argue crudity, but doth also portend the utter overthrow of the patient. But the urine being an excretion of the second concoction, doth certainly show forth the crudity and concoction of the humours contained in the veins, guts, liver, and places adjoining, the said parts being annoyed, either with fever, inflammation, Scirrhus, or yet any other distemper whatsoever. For if the same both in colour and substance be like unto such urines as are usually seen in perfect health, having a residence white, even, and like unto well concocted matter, it doth truly witness unto us, not only the concoction of the disease, especially in fevers, but also that the natural force and power is a great deal stronger than the disease, and therefore that it is like to obtain the victory in the conflict with the crisis. 
Urine no Pathognomonick sign of concoction, and yet to be observed.  But by this means the urine is no Pathognomonicke sign, and yet a necessary sign of concoction and crudity, and worth the observing in fevers, diseases of the neither belly or entrails, and places adjoining to them. Wherefore Galen in the exposition of the predictions of Hypocrates, doth grant, that the urine doth show forth and demonstrate the state and disposition of the parts of the liver, kidneys, and bladder; as likewise of the strength or weakness of the vessels containing the blood, and of the natural power and virtue which is the engenderer of the humours: howbeit the same Galen again affirmeth, that there are other Pathognomonicke signs belonging to the brains, lungs, mother, sinews, etc. And yet notwithstanding, might one, not without cause, avouch, that the urine giveth notice of some infirmities of the place through which it passeth, not primarily and principally, but by accident, to wit, by reason of the contents thereof, which are nothing else but excretions proceeding from those parts which do convey and carry the urine. Wherefore Hypocrates witnesseth, 
Praenot. lib. ex edit. Pres. vel prognost. 2. ex edit. Heur. & lib. de natura hominis circa finem.  that if any do void by urine, either gravel, or little thin scurf, or matter like unto scales, or coursest dress of bran, little gobbets of flesh, congealed blood, matter or small hairs or threads, like unto the small veins knit together under the crevices tail; these things declare that the bladder is annoyed with a scab, and the kidneys with the stone, suppuration, the rupture of some vein, or some other infirmity. But lest any should rashly apply the signs of urine to any other than the aforenamed diseases, this famous father of Physicians doth add immediately: Take heed therefore lest thou be deceived, the party making such an urine when the bladder is amiss; for then such urines belong not to the whole body, but aught to be referred to the bladder only. There is yet another fearful and dangerous disease belonging to the kidneys, 
Diabete.  called Diabete or Poldropsy; being an extraordinary flux of the urine, called of the greeks by reason of this unsatiable desire of drinking Dipsacus. This disease is answerable to the disease called Lienteria: and for this cause they are continually forced to drink, all which being nothing at all changed, in colour, substance, or in smell, they do void forth again as they received it, and that by reason of the imbecility of the returning and altering powers and faculties of the kidneys. Now that such an urine is the proper and pathognomonicke sign of this disease, no man of understanding, I think, will deny. Followeth now the third sort of signs of concoction of superfluities, to wit, the excretions of the belly, belonging to the first concoction; the which being soft, fashioned according to the concavity of the guts, and somewhat fastened or stiff▪ being also voided at the accustomed time, and answering in proportion to the food received: then, as saith Hypocrates, they do show forth and declare the strength of the natural faculties of the stomach, together with the good digestion thereof. These three sorts of superfluities than give particular notice of the proper state and disposition of such parts of the body as they pass thorough, together with the strength of the natural powers: and first the superfluities of the meat do argue and declare the force and strength of the stomach. For this cause the Emperor Antoninus his grooms of his stable did daily both taste and smell to the ordure of his stately horse, known by his green furniture, to know whether he had well digested his food or not. Now the urines are signs of the state of the blood in the veins, and disposition of the Liver, which is appointed to be the hot hearth or kitchen for concoction of the humours. The spittle in diseases of the chest, is unto us a sign and token of concoction or crudity: and those of the first sort, to wit, of crudity, are for the most part evil, and often prove very dangerous: the others again are often messengers of an healthful and long looked for crisis: whence is this saying of Hypocrates: Concoction doth portend and signify both the speediness of the crise and assured health: but on the contrary, crudity doth menace and threaten either the breaking forth of some tumour, or great swelling, or else some great pain or grief, or yet a relapse into the same disease again. There are yet many more decretory signs which concern the future crise, as also divers prognosticke signs foreshowing life or death, the full explication of which would rather require a great volume then an Epistle (the which have been exactly described by Hypocrates,) but especially the intricate signs of prediction by the pulse, as also the signs both of the disease itself, and of the place affected or interessed; the which also I willingly pass over, by reason that their power, force, efficacy, and signification, doth depend upon the signs of concoction; neither are there any amongst all the signs of concoction more necessary for the Physicians use, than these pathognomonicke signs. And tell me, I pray thee, how shall the Physician ever be able to cure uncouth and unknown diseases, unless the pathognomonicke signs first lay them open to his view and consideration; in the finding out of which, the ancients took so great pains, as hath been said already. But since it is not the work of the Physician, but of nature, to concoct and cure diseases, it shall be very needful for the Physician to know assuredly the vigour and strength of the natural power and force, whether it be like to overcome the disease, or to faint under the burden of it▪ by which means we shall attain unto more certain and assured signs of life and death, than ever did those soothsayers and wizards, whom the Romans did maintain for the benefit of their sick people; whose prophecies and predictions no man of sound judgement will ever believe to contain any matter of truth. But such prognosticke signs as are collected from concoction, are so firm and sure, that Galen doth boast and brag, that he was never by them deceived. Now our pisse-prophet Physicians are either utterly ignorant of them, or else notwithstanding set light by them▪ who, notwithstanding, sitting idle at home, are nothing at all ashamed, by the urine alone to deliver their Delphian oracles concerniug all diseases: who nevertheless, have never so much as tasted of this so noble part of Physic called diagnosticke, without the which the other, to wit, therapeuticke, can never subsist: yet are they neither ashamed to assume unto themselves the cure of unknown diseases, nor yet to arrogate and usurp the name of Physicians. Farewell, and write back unto me again, after what method and order this diagnosticke part of Physic ought to be both written and taught. Thus far Langius.  
We will now proceed to some more authorities, proving the imposture committed by some, assuming to themselves the skill of discerning any disease by the inspection of the urine only; and then will we produce some authorities to tell us what diseases may by the urine be seen, and how in the very same we may sometimes be deceived.  
From the premises it may plainly appear, 
johann. Michael▪ Savonar. lib. de urine. cap. 1.  how easily such Physicians are deceived, who trust too much to the judgement of the urine only: for such may well be compared to the vulgar sort of people, who are of opinion that not only the disease itself, but even the primitive or external cause may also be seen in the same: as did appear by that clown who reproached a very learned Physician, because he could not discern his cart and oxen in his urine. Now that this our assertion is true, it may easily appear, in that the urine may alter and change upon divers occasions: as by the quantity and quality of diet: by reason of excessive motion: by plentiful evacuation, etc.   

Of the erroneous and preposterous judgement of diseases by urine.  
Georgius Rithamer a Gentleman of Vienna, 
History.  being incited by the great concourse of people which did daily in so great abundance stock about this base roguing and cozening Empiricke (who came hither of late) to hear his opinion concerning their urines, 
D●omedes Cornariu●, lib. consil. medicinal. de histor. admirand. ra●●●.  woulds needs likewise in some matter hear his opinion. Having discoursed a little with this Scoggia concerning the errand he came for, casting his eyes upon the table, he espied a Greek book lying upon the same, whereupon he began presently to smell out his knavery. 
Of such base stuff we are not unfurnished here at home.  For this cozening varlet was altogether ignorant of all manner of learning and good literature, insomuch that he could scarce speak two Latin words: and as for the Greek, so far was he from understanding the same, that he knew not so much as one letter of that language, as being brought up under an Empiricke as ignorant as himself. He afterwards confessed unto v●, that the sto●e where he lodged had two doors, at one of the which people ordinarily entered to talk with him: the other joined close to the kitchen, at the which a blind woman went out & in, who asked people before they came to speak with the Impostor, what their errand was: and then having learned what she would, returned again by the same way, acquainting the villain with the whole matter and several circumstances: by which means he did exceedingly abuse the simpler sort of people. It came to pass another time, that a certain grave matron did most earnestly require that she might have access to him (for he would not easily admit every one to his presence, to the end his credit might seem the greater) affirming likewise to this blind woman, that her husband was now ready to dye by reason of his excessive bleeding at the nose, unless he had some present remedy provided. She being at length let in, he told her presently without ask her any question, thy husband bleedeth at the nose, and so wrote her down some thing in a paper, with the which she departed, & every where did magnify and extol the great skill of this notorious cozening rascal. O most execrable fraud and imposture! And yet now adays, not a few, not without great ●urt and prejudice to the poor distressed patients, do thus increase their means, and by the like imposture posture purchase to themselves no small gain. Such a one is that notable impostor, the jew I mean, practising his imposture at Vienna, these many years by past. But hear again the cunning imposture of another of these knaves, recorded by the same author. 
Another.   
It is not unknown to many, 
Idem ibidem.  how that a few years ago there lived here a certain cozening knave, who by the bare inspection of the urine only did most boldly and confidently affirm, that every one whose urine was brought to him was either surprised with that fever commonly called Synochus; or else would tell them some strange and more than ridiculous and monstrous tales: as that some drop of blood was fallen down from the heart into the neither belly, & so had produced the disease; or else that the heart was environed about, as it were with some bonds, which did bind it hard, with many other such ridiculous conceits. After the delivery of this his so ridiculous urinary oracles, he prescribed most commonly for every one to sweat; administering to this end and purpose this medicine following, well known to every Apothecary's apprentice: to wit, a little Venice treacle, mingled with a little Camphor: and after their sweeting, he caused them bleed abundantly. In this age wherein we live, there is every where in these our countries so great and so frequent a number of them, which without any control or punishment, even in the best Cities and towns, both where's and jews, as also any desperate villain, and bold ignorant Empirics, do kill and destroy the simple and ignorant people. And all of them by means of this so necessary a sign doth nothing else but practise their imposture. Surely such rogues ought most severely and exemplarily to be publicly punished, and to be banished out of all well governed Cities and commonwealths; like as we see robbers and thieves by the high ways to be driven out of the thickets and forests to be punished. But alas, so far are we from banishing this abuse, that many of good worth amongst ourselves, have required, and do yet require, not of myself alone, but of many others also both judicious and learned Physicians, that by the sole inspection of the urine, without any further inquisition or artificial conjecture going before, we should Prophet-like tell them, whether the urine be a man's or a woman's; of what age the party is, what is the nature of the disease; as also what the antecedent and primitive cause of the disease may be: and whether they have contracted the same by drinking of bad wi●es, by eating too many puddings, or any such like thing. Now if thou shalt herein profess thyself ignorant, and canst not Lyncius-like see all this and more in the urine, thou shalt hear them reply, thou art a dunce, knowing nothing, and that they have been with them who have told them wonders by the water. Thou seest then how absurd an opinion is crept in, not among the vulgar sort only, but even among many others also, who would seem to be of a more refined understanding; as also what great danger doth from hence arise. But yet when as in some cases, with certain cautions, we do attribute some certainty to the urine, in giving us some notice either of the security of the disease, or yet the danger of the same: we are so far from maintaining and upholding such base b●ld varlets, that we desire nothing more, than the driving of such dunces out of all well governed countries and commonwealthes.  
But now let us proceed to declare the uncertainty of this sign, together with the limitation of the same to some certain diseases, wherein it giveth us best satisfaction: and we will begin with the famous Fernel.  
Now the urine if it be neither mingled with too much drink, 
●●rnel. Pathol. 〈◊〉. 3. cap. 8.  or with some other mixture, giveth us clear and evident notice of the quality of the humours contained in the Liver and great veins: but more obscurely of such as are contained in the small veins and every part of the body. And a little after.  
It doth in like manner evidently declare and set forth the infirmities of such parts as it passeth through: as of the kidneys, the urine-pipes, the bladder and the yard. For although it make no long abode nor stay in those passages, yet doth it cleanse away any filth or uncleanness if any there be. For this cause doth it show forth the infirmities of such parts as it doth immediately touch. And again afterwards.  
But now because the custom hath so prevailed, that besides the premises, many there are who like Prophets will seem to divine and conjecture by the sole inspection of the urine, many things which concern the disease: whosoever therefore for gaining of a little vainglory and popular applause, will accommodate himself to imitate them, let him first of all reckon up at once whatsoever he knoweth by the urine. For by the exchange of many words foolish wits are easily entrapped, etc. And then concludeth thus: Whosoever then shall urge the Physician, as if he were some Prophet, by rash adventuring, to deliver his judgement concerning the sick by the sole inspection of the urine, shall carry back but uncertainty; and for the most part nothing but doubting for their pains. But he or she who after a wise and discreet manner doth crave the counsel of an understanding Physician, shall reap for his pains the fruit of good and wholesome advice.  
Now let us hear again what the Italian Savonarola says to this business.  
From the premises than we may conclude, 
Savonarolo loco supracitato.  that the knowledge we have of the urine doth principally concern the Liver; and the gibbous or back part of the same chiefly. Next, and in the second place, concerning the infirmities of the veins: thirdly, and last of all, the infirmities of the other parts of the body. And a little after. From whence we may infer, that the judgement taken from the urine only, but especially of most other parts of the body, excepting the Liver, is not of any power or efficacy. Mercatus a learned Spanish Physician attributeth as much to the sweat as to the urine. But hear himself speak.  
Now coming to the infirmities of the Liver, 
Mercatus tom. 2. lib. 3. pag. 25. edit. Pali●. 1608.  we must declare and lay open such predictions as are taken from the urine and the sweat: for these two do give us certain notice and knowledge, not only of this part and the veins, but sometimes also they prove to be certain signs of the state of the nourishing or vegetable power over the whole body. 
Tom. 2. pag. 492.  The same author in another place giveth the pulse a great pre-eminence above the urine in many diseases, but especially in such as concern the vital faculty; which place, as many others to the same purpose out of many learned and approved authors, for brevity I will here pass by. But Liddel, howbeit a late, yet a learned Physician, and borne in our own Island, because he speaketh so to the purpose in this point of urine now in hand, I could not nor would not pass by.  
Wherefore since the urines do chiefly proceed from the superfluity of the parts of the body, 
Duncan. Liddel. art. med. lib. cap. 8.  they can give us but a general knowledge of the disease, giving unto us most evident notice of the good or bad disposition of the Liver, the veins, the blood, and humours contained in them, as likewise of the concoction or crudity of the humours within the veins. Next, they shewforth the disposition of such parts as they pass by, to wit, of the kidneys, ureters, or urine-pipes, and the bladder: together with such parts whose superfluities they carry with them: but do nothing so well set forth the state and disposition of such parts as they do not touch, and from the which they receive no excretions or superfluities. Again in the end of the Chapter: But we must not rashly pronounce our opinion concerning the disease, or yet of the event thereof, trusting solely to these signs of the urine, except we be first acquainted with the state and constitution of the party, and other accidents and occurrences which do concern him. For sometimes in diseases void of danger, the urines are far unlike to them which do appear in perfect health, and do show themselves in a most hideous and fearful form, especially upon the approaching of the crisis; or when as upon the sudden, by the vigour and strength of nature, the obstructions being opened, a great part of the faulty matter is expelled forth by the urine. On the other side again, in dangerous and deadly diseases, as in Pestilential and Hectic fevers, the urines cannot be discerned from those that are made in perfect health: by reason that the malignity of the disease hath seized upon the solid substance of the heart, and therefore the whole matter of the disease having the course thither, there is no portion nor part of the same to be seen in the urine.  
It were no hard matter for me to make an enumeration of many more authors, tending all to the same purpose, and so to fill up many more pages, the which, I think, would be but to small purpose, since these ●ew may suffice in stead of many more, all being of the same mind. Now howbeit the uncertainty of this sign hath sufficiently been proved by the preceding discourse, and it were easy for me to make up a large volume concerning this particular only, the which howbeit it be not my purpose, yet before I proceed to the uncertainty of the same in diseases of the Liver, and within the veins, I will instance in two or three particular diseases. The first shall be of an imposthume in the head.  
In the year 1617. in the beginning of januarie, 
History.  a young Gentlewoman unmarried, and daughter to a Gentleman of worth dwelling not far from NORTHAMPTON, 
Deceitfulness of the urine in an Impostume and pain of the head.  the season being very cold, and she before of a crazy constitution, was suddenly surprised with swooning fits, which ended with an extreme pain, especially about the crown of her head, being accompanied with a suppression of her monthly disease. The pain was for certain days without intermission, howsoever sometimes some remission might be observed: as likewise both in her pulse and urine signs of a fever did plainly appear. After I had used diverse means of diversion, as well by Phlebotomy and attractive glisters, as by other means, not neglecting hypnoticke, cordial, and deoppilative medicines, according to the several occurrences, the disease gave her some reasonable time of intermission, with some alleviation of the accidents. The urine also after a few days, began to flatter us with a fair and laudable colour, shortly seconded with contents answerable. The pulse played his part also, and dissembled as well as his neighbour. The Gentlewoman to any outward appearance, the very day before her death, was like to have lived many, not only days but years also: moving and stirring with great alacrity and cheerfulness up and down her chamber, busied about her ordinary employments. When behold, he who spareth not the mightiest Monarches, on an evening knocking suddenly, demands his debt long before his day, and would scarce allow her full two hours' respite for the payment of the same. After death issued out of her mouth and nose great abundance of corrupt blood and matter, as was afterwards told me; giving us intelligence of an Impostume in the head, which had occasioned, not the former accidents only, but even death itself also.  
About the same time in this town and country about us, divers were surprised with Impostumes, both in the head and other parts, whereof divers died, among the rest my counsel was craved for a maid about twenty years of age, suddenly suffocated by an Impostume in her stomach, which after her death did appear, by the great abundance of blood and matter cast out of her mouth. At my coming to her, I found her deprived as well of speech, as of sense and reason, and scarce lived above 2. hours after my departure. But I will now relate a true history of the deceitfulness of the urine in a consumption of the Lungs.  
In April 1622. my counsel and personal presence for a Gentlewoman in Bedfordshire being desired, 
Another.  I repaired thither, where I found her infirmity to be a Quotidian fever, 
In an ulcer of the Lungs.  accompanied with some accidents which did somewhat amaze her. During my abode in that place, there was brought to me the urine of a young Gentleman dwelling hard by, to have my opinion of the same. Having well viewed it, I found it both in colour and contents, answerable to the most healthful man's urine. But after certain interrogatories, I found that he had been for a long time troubled with a cough. Being desired to see the party, I found that he had been for a long time vexed with this cough, accompanying an ulcer in the lungs: and seeing in him strength now decayed, with an 
* Of the hippocratical face see our arraignment of urines. lib. 3. cap. 3.  hippocratical face, deaths trusty messenger, I left him to the Prognosticke, which within less than the space of three weeks was verified.  
Now would I willingly demand of the most cunning Pisse-prophet, what could he have found out by either of these urines? or could he ever have attained to the height and depth of these diseases, by the bare inspection of the urine only? And if he had been beholden to the use of the best perspective glass that ever was made, could he ever have seen any such matter in the urine? But concerning this point we will here surcease, and proceed to the diseases within the veins.    

CHAP. III.  
That even in diseases of the Liver, and within the veins, the urine doth often deceive the most skilful Physician.  
NOw it may seem a small matter to instance in divers diseases without the veins, the uncertainty of judgement in diseases by the urine only; but it will, perhaps, seem more pertinent to declare, that the like uncertainty sometimes is found in some such diseases as seem to afford us greater certainty, as in fevers, etc. Now that the urine is not always a certain sign in every fever, may from hence appear, 
Leo Rogan. lib. 3. de provide▪ ex urine. cap. ult.  that often in that fever commonly called Synochus cum vel sine putredine, that is, that kind of continual fever which proceedeth from the abundance of blood, with or without putrefaction, the urine differeth little or nothing from the urines of such as live in perfect health, 
Paulus Aegineta lib. 2. cap. 27.  as witnesseth Paulus Aegineta. The reason why such urines proceeding of so hot a cause, yet do not appear of so high a colour, is because of the same immoderate and excessive heat, which being increased by means of the fever, converteth the blood itself into the nature of choler: and thus are such urines not of so high intense a colour, as those which proceed of choler. Hence also may the error of such Physicians easily appear, 
Dangerous errors.  who never admit of Phlebotomy, but when the urine is of high and intense red colour; thinking that this doth always argue abundance of blood, which nevertheless is most false, as hath been said. And beside, in that the urines afford us but some general notice of the crudity and concoction of the disease, they can never inform our judgement, whether the fever be primary or a principal guest, or symptomatical accompanying the disease as the shadow doth the body, as is to be seen in Pleuresiet and diverse other internal inflammations: which is, notwithstanding of no small moment for the methodical curing of the disease. And y●t moreover, how canst thou ever tell whether it be an intermittent or continual fever by this uncertain sign? Neither Hypocrates nor Galen did ever presume to know so much; howsoever A●●uarius in this, as in many other things concerning this point, hath troubled himself more than he needed. But again, what if the fever be composed of diverse humours, melancholy being one, which will not always colour the urine? 
Galen lib. 2. de cris. cap. 3. & 6.  Galen himself instructing us what urines accompany a Quartane in the beginning of the same, saith, they are thin, white, and waterish: and a little after, he ascribes the like urines to the beginning of a Quotidian. And I know for certain, that sometimes in the beginning of a Quartane, the urine cannot be discerned from a sound and healthful man's. And handling hereafter the colours of urines, I shall make it appear, that these thin, white, waterish urines, do often accompany other diseases. It is also worth the observation, that Galen himself, where as of set purpose he handleth both the differences and signs of seavers, maketh so small account of the urine, that he neither nameth it among the signs of the Quotidian, Tertian, Quartane, nor yet of such as are continual or without intermission. 
Timoth. Brichius Cantabrig. lib. de m●d. the. 1. aph. pag. 94.  And a learned Physician borne in this kingdom, setting down all the signs of a Tertian, not omitting the pulse, yet maketh no mention of the urine. But what if any malignity be joined with a fever, may it not mar thy judgement? It hath ever been so agreed upon by the learned, and daily experience teacheth us this truth, that when greatest danger is nearest, it is then there lest of all to be discerned. But concerning this point, hear yet the authority of a learned man borne within this land, 
I●hannes Caius Britannus de Ephemera Britannica, pag. 136.  speaking of that fearful and terrible fever, called commonly the sweeting sickness.  
The urine in this disease was somewhat coloured, thick in substance, variable and inconstant in the swim and sublimation (for nature kept no certain rule or order by reason of the violence of the venom) and in all other parts kept within compass.  
Now to any vulgar eye, so great danger in the like urine could never have appeared. I myself have viewed many more dangerous to the outward appearance, and yet neither death nor danger was to be feared. 
The urines in malign and pestilent fevers very deceitful.  The urines in malign and pestilent fevers are very variable and hard to lay hold on. In some the urine differeth nothing from a healthful man's: sometimes again but a little, as in this last instance. Again, in others it followeth the nature of the humour, showing only the abundance and putrefaction of the humours; as I myself observed 1610. at London in a lusty young fellow, servant to a Gentleman a friend of mine, and dwelling in the Strand near to Charing-cross.  
This fellow's urine was very high coloured, 
History.  with a copious residence of red and some yellow contents: and the fever kept the period of an intermittent Tertian ague, as was related unto me; and was accompanied with a painful swelling in the throat: his body plethoric and cacochymicke, and of a strong constitution, and in the April of his age. For this cause I prescribed both phlebotomy and other evacuations. But the noise of the neighbours about, affirming it to be the Plague (as it proved indeed, many of them dying shortly of the same disease) was the cause that means were by his friends neglected, and he after a few days died of this disease.  
But before we go out of our own Island, 
johannes Anglicus, vulgo Gatesden, in opere practico communiter Rosa Anglica nuncupato.  let us yet hear the authority of another learned Physician, who lived in this land about 300. years ago. Hear therefore his own words concerning quartans and other diseases.  
Now because the Quartane ague is engendered of diverse humours, therefore the urine is many ways changed. 
What the urines do here declare unto. us.  And thus saith Richardus concerning the predictions by urines: I take God and all the Saints in heaven to witness, that neither by skill and art, nor yet by use and long experience in practice, I could ever attain to any certain knowledge of the urine, either in the conception, a Quartane ague, the Falling sickness, etc.  
Now although I might be a great deal larger in this point, yet will I content myself with that which hath been already said. Let it then not any more be doubted, that the urine is not always a certain and infallible sign of the estate of diseases contained in the urine, as fevers etc. But what then (may one reply) doth it declare? The crudity or concoction of these diseases, together with the length or shortness of the same, according to the appearance, and the early or late appearing of the signs of the one or of the other (I mean crudity or concoction) in the urine. Now omitting also many things which might be said concerning diseases proceeding from the same, I will instance only in one, to wit, that loathsome disease of Leprosy. Now as our senses do teach us, that in all the sorts of the same, the 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, id est, vitiligo, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sive pruritus aut prurigo, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, id est, impetigo, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, nomina sunt affectionum, in quibus omnibus male afficitur cutis, à vinoso aliquo succo, qui nescit assimulari, etc. Holler. schol. ad cap. 64. lib. 1. de morb. intern.  skin is ever infected: so whether thou understandest that which the greeks or yet the Arabians so called, 
b In quovis horum affectuum (lepra scilicet & morbo Gallico) membra nutrimentalia (praecipue iecur, à quo omnes corporis partessuum recipiunt alimentum) sere habitualiter laborant. Mercat. oper. praedict. tom. 2. pag. 126.  it is agreed among all our Physicians, that as well the Liver, which is the fountain and root, as the mass of blood, which is as the branches or streams proceeding from the same, are much interessed and endamaged in this disease: and therefore by right the urine here should carry a great stroke, it being also the opinion of diverse Physicians, that as well the blood as the urine of such as are infected with this loathsome disease do much differ from other men's. And yet hear I pray thee what a learned late writer of no small experience witnesseth concerning this matter.  
But as for myself, 
Felix Plater. oper. pract. tract. 3. cap. 4.  who have these thirty years and upwards, most diligently viewed, and carefully observed and marked the blood of a great number of such as were infected with this loathsome plague of Leprosy, I do most constantly and assuredly avouch, that neither I myself, nor yet such Surgeons as assisted me, could ever in the blood find out any assured mark or infallible token of Leprosy: but in every respect like unto the blond of such as enjoyed their perfect health: or if at any time it happened to swerve from the foresaid perfection, that it than appeared no more corrupted or infected then ordinarily we do behold it in the ●aundise, fever, or any such like disease. The like also I may truly pronounce of the urine, on the which the vulgar sort doth so much dote. In the same rank may I also with good right place the pulse, whose change and alteration to inquire after, were to search for a knot in a rush, etc.  
But now let us proceed to a point surpassing vulgar capacity, and which will seem to many a strange Paradox, or a tale of Robin Hood: my meaning is concerning women with child, whether by the urine only conception may be discerned: the which point, howbeit it hath been touched in our former discourse; yet because this is so inveterate an error that hardly can it be expelled out of the minds of many, I will insist a little the longer upon the same, entreating a little thy patience (gentle Reader) and I hope thou shalt not afterwards repent thee of this pains.   

CHAP. FOUR  
That by the urine only, it cannot absolutely be told, whether a woman be with child or no, contrary to the vulgar opinion.  
AS in many other things, so in this point also concerning the conception, ignorance and error have so far prevailed, that he who cannot upon the bare inspection of the urine only, tell whether a woman be with child or no, and whether of a male or female, is thought by many not to merit the name of a learned and skilful Physician. The which hath made many, lest they should be discredited among the vulgar, cunningly sometimes to learn what they could concerning other signs of conception, and upon the sight of the urine, make them believe they had found out the whole truth by means thereof: and others again, when as they could learn nothing, have upon some presumptions and probabilities put all to the venture, and told them that which they most longed after: and if the prediction happened right, then was this person admired as more than a mortal man: but if otherwise, then might he look for a mock or flout for his pains, besides the imputation of ignorance and insufficiency. Howbeit some are yet more cunning than others, to impute the fault to some other accident, by this means still maintaining the ignorant in their former error. This hath been a great means that hitherto the people hath been gulled, having conceived a sinister and wrong opinion of the honest & learned Physician, who would not soothe them up in the same error. 
Arguments evincing that by the sole inspection of the urine, it cannot be discerned whether a woman be with child or no.  For the better confutation of this point, my purpose is, first to propound some reasons against the same: and in the next place shall march some authorities of the learned: and in the last place something shall be added out of mine own experience. Now in the first place, according to the common rule set down, and confirmed by a number of learned writers, That the urine ordinarily giveth us notice of such diseases as are contained within the veins, as also of such places through which it passeth, it is apparent, that the conception participateth of neither. For in the first place, it is apparent and manifest, that the matrix or womb is none of those parts contained within the veins: neither yet in the next place, doth the urine pass through the same. How then is it possible to perceive any infirmity of this part by the urine? Now beside, the bladder and the womb are two distinct and several parts, appropriated to several ends and uses. And put yet the case that sometimes something might be, by reason of the nearness of the two orifices, conveyed through the common passage, yet this would but seldom come to pass. And moreover in women with child this conveyance could not be granted, in regard of the exact shutting up of the aforesaid passage during the whole time of this burden, insomuch that the least superfluity can then have no passage, 
In aphor. 51. & 54. lib. 6 & 3. de nature. facult. cap. 3. 6. de locis affect. cap. 5. 15. de usu part.  as witnesseth Galen in diverse places. Now if any will deny the truth of this point, in the first place I answer, that as I grant that sometimes there my be, notwithstanding that which hath been said, some evacuation during that time, and that some part of the same matter might be conveyed into the bladder, yet this cometh to pass but very seldom, and in a few. And again, this would make more against them: for all that is by the learned at the most granted in this case is, that the urine may sometimes declare a retention and stopping of the menstruous flux, whereof if any part during their being with child is voided forth (as sometimes some women have some to spare) the urine can no more declare any stoppage of this flux, and by consequent nothing concerning the conception, unless thou wouldst imagine that there be certain ideas or shapes and pictures of young children conveyed at that time into the urines of women with child. And yet if this were true, who told these urine-mongers that the womb danced attendance on the bladder, to void their several excretions at one and the same time? But put yet the case that some part of this menstruous flux, now and then issuing out at the common conduit with the urine, might show us something, yet could it not follow, but that a number of other signs were also necessary, as hereafter shall appear. Their chief ringleader Actuarius himself, confesseth that the urine alone is not able to lead us unto this truth. Moreover Aristotle acknowledgeth, 
Arist. 4. de gener. anim. cap. 6.  that the urines of women with child do differ according to the time that is past since the conception; so that there is not one certain urine whereon to repose our judgement. And according to the opinion of divers others, the urines of women with child alter almost every day. One of these urines therefore shall never give notice of the conception, although it might be sometimes discerned by the urine. And is not this absurdity, to presume to know that by one sign, which many joined together can hardly declare unto us? Divers contents are set down by some authors following Auicenna, which are said to be found in such urines, which nevertheless, have been often observed as well in the urines of citizens as country people of the malekinde, who I am sure, were never so much as suspected to be with child. A certain practical Professor of the university of Pisa in Italy (saith Scribonius) a grave ancient Physician, 
Gu●l. Adolph. Scribon. lib. de urine. inspect.  was wont to say, that such as trusted most to this prediction, were most of all deceived; and yet he never yet in his life time had observed any such urines in women with child, as Auicenna describeth: and that moreover he had often observed such contents in men's urines. Add yet this argument to the former, that the conception, as also the further growth of the child in the womb, is properly a natural action, and no disease at all: for this cause their urines ought to differ little or nothing from other healthful woman's waters, especially in the first months, as I have myself often observed. Again what if a woman with child be surprised with some acute disease, as cometh often to pass, will this than think you, make no alteration in the urine? And if there were any certainty in this sign alone, what needed our Physicians trouble themselves with so many? and oftentimes all will not serve the turn. Let it therefore remain firm and ●●able, that no certainty can be collected by the sole observation of this sign, and that to maintain the same, is nothing else but mere imposture and cozenage. But that this is not mine own private opinion only, I will now make it appear: hear therefore some of our learned Physicians deliver their own minds, that out of the mouth of many witnesses this truth may be confirmed. Let Rondeletius first speak.  
It would seem (saith he) justifiable, 
Rondel. lib. de urine▪ cap. 40. de urina praegnantium.  as well by reason as by experience, that the urine may give ut certain and assured notice of a woman's being with child. And D. Gabride said, he knew it as assuredly as if he had seen a child in the urine. But of another opinion are all the ancient Physicians, who have left us no signs of the same in the urine: as also reason itself teacheth us no less. For since the birth or conception is without the veins, and the urine chiefly giveth us notice of such diseases as are contained within the veins, it can give us no certain assurance of this matter, unless we join therewith all other signs, as the retention of her monthly disease, swelling of her belly, she, notwithstanding enjoying her perfect health. etc.  
Hear now the opinion of some of our Italian Physicians, and first of all let the learned Mercurial utter his mind.  
Be it known, 
Mercur. lib de urine. cap. 7.  notwithstanding, that I am not altogether of the Arabian Physicians mind, who have devised certain contents which are not to be found in urines, to wit, certain grounds like unto carded wool, little motes, etc. No more am I of that opinion, that a Physician may assuredly know by the urine whether a woman be with child or no; by reason that of all the signs which Hypocrates hath in diverse places set down, there is not one that we can certainly trust to.  
The same opinion is by his country man Savonarola yet seconded.  
But here we must be very circumspect, 
Savonarola libr. de urine. cap. 2. rubr. 10. de urine. praegnantium.  in regard that all these signs of conception may sometimes be without the same, as in the stoppage of her monthly course, joined with a false conception; in which case many famous Physicians have been deceived, and their too forwardness hath turned to their great disgrace and infamy: as it befell two learned and skilful Physicians in the University of Pavia, Marsilius de sancta Sophia, and Petrus de Tussignano, both in my time. Let young Physicians therefore be careful, that with the urine they join all the other signs belonging to conception; amongst which one is chief, which belongeth to the midwife to find out, etc.  
And Leo Roganus, a learned Roman Physician, is of no other opinion.  
The urines of women with child (saith he) differ nothing but by accident from other women's, 
Leo Roganu● lib. 2. de cause. urine. cap. 15. de urine. v●ero gerentium.  to wit, that then in such women, as well the action of the stomach, as the appetite and concoction use ordinarily to be troubled. And yet such is the blockishness and stupidity of some Physicians, that they are persuaded women with child make urines differing from other women's. It is true, that in women with child, that blood which was wont to be voided monthly, is now stayed and kept in, wherefore because the same in the first months especially, not being wholly spent on the nourishment of the child, as being then but small, it cometh to pass that the action of the stomach, as likewise the appetite, together with the concoction are not a little troubled. And therefore being often, by reason of their longing desires, carried away with a desire of such things as engender little good nourishment, they engender great store of crudities, which may plainly be seen by their urines, the which are also common to all such as abound in crudities.  
To the former we will add yet a late writer of the same nation, 
jean Marinello de Formie lib. 3. chap. 5. de malady des femmes.  because he speaketh so plainly and to the purpose. The book was first written in the Italian tongue, and since translated into French, out of the which I have translated this parcel.  
Truth it is, that we must not altogether rely upon the urine, to know whether a woman be with child or no. For the urine can give thee no further assurance of the same, then by the retention of her accustomed monthly course, and by the which we do commonly collect some presumption of conception. Now it may easily come to pass, that a woman may be surprised with many infirmities, which may hide and darken the principal sign of conception (if any there were) in the urine: such as be headache, any cold, especially being accompanied with a cough, crudity, or indigestion of the stomach, great pain in the kidneys, etc. And which is yet more, the eating of raw fruit, salads, milk, pork, pease, sparage, cabbage, artichokes, mushrooms, and many other such kind of food, not being ordinary or usual to the party, are sufficient to alter and change, not the colour only, but the contents of the urine also. Moreover the urine doth most properly and assuredly declare unto us, the infirmities of the parts from whence it cometh, and through the which at length it passeth. For the which cause it is more than manifest, that there is no assured knowledge to be had by the urine concerning the conception, no more then by the retention of her monthly course, sin●e that without conception the foresaid retention and stopping is found, as well in maids as in married women. The last and most certain sign of conception is, when as the child beginneth to stir and move.  
Mercatus a learned Spaniard, 
2. Mercat. tomo. 3. lib. 3. pag. 669.  after he hath set down a number of other signs, at length addeth these words.  
As concerning the urine, howbeit in this case it doth afford us but a very uncertain judgement, yet may we sometimes draw some certainty out of the same. But how I pray thee? By observing her several urines at divers times, beginning with the first month of supposed conception, and so observing the several alterations until the time of her delivery approach. Then withal setteth he down all the several trials which the famous Hypocrates hath left unto us, all which were needless and superfluous, if the urine of itself were sufficient for this purpose. Now let us add yet one story of the deceitfulness of this sign in conception, recorded by a learned German Physician.  
Franciscus Emericus Doctor in Physic, 
History.  and of the chair in the University of Vienna, 
Diomedes Cornarius in lib. consil. medicine. inter historias admirandas, historia tertia, & prima de pe●uerso urine. in ●icio.  in his discourse entitled, whether the observation of the pulse or of the urine doth afford unto the Physician more certain and assured foreknowledge of the life or death of the patient, and printed anno 1557. relatet●, that in the year 1555. in the City of Vienna, a certain friend of mine (saith he) called Georgius Rithamerus, a man of singular learning, being very desirous of issue, came to one of the Physicians of the College of best note, bringing with him his wife's urine, to know whether she were with child, as he deemed, or no. The Physician upon the bare sight of the urine only, did peremptorily affirm, that she was for certain with child, and that of a boy. After the which time Rithamerus began quite to distaste me; and that only by reason that upon the sight of her urine, together with diverse other signs and circumstances thereto belonging, I had delivered my opinion, that she was not at all with child. And beside, he provided with all expedition both midwife, nurse, and all other things belonging to that business. It was afterwards constantly and confidently every where noised abroad, that she was with child. The women her attendants by reason of some accidents wherewith she was now and then troubled, appointed her divers baths, by means whereof being surprised with the falling sickness, she was in a very short time freed from all the miseries of this mortal life. Of whose death being advertised, I did very earnestly entreat the aforesaid Rithamerus, that both in regard of that ancient bond of love and amity betwixt him and me, as likewise to find out the whole truth of this matter, he would be pleased to give way to the opening of the dead corpse. The which at length, being overcome, as well by my earnest suing unto him, as for the great and earnest desire he had to be resolved of the truth of the matter, he did willingly yield unto. In making the incision, we began first with the muscles of the neither belly, discovering such parts as before were hid, & afterwards ripping up the peritonaeum, we proceeded to the place where the womb was situate; and although we did perceive it to be but very small, and to contain nothing within it; yet to the end we might the more clearly see the truth with our eyes, we ripped it up also, and found it clean, and empty of any thing within it. Now in her life time she was of a whitish bleak colour, and of a cachectical disposition, and had never in all her life time borne any child: from whence I did by very probable coniccture collect, that she was troubled with some other infirmity. For the which cause we proceed still in our incision towards the stomach; whereas betwixt the peritonaeum, and the guts we found good store of water, which did according to the motion of the body, fall sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left side; and from hence arose this erroneous opinion of the supposed motion of a live child. This being after this manner finished, I spoke after this manner, My good friend George, you see now after what manner your wife proveth with child. And he, seeing the case so plain, did ingenuously acknowledge, that he had wrongfully and undeservedly been offended with me, and withal did freely acknowledge his error. Witnesses with me at this incision, were Doctor lacobus Walch, companion with me in my Italian studies; as also Andreas Perlachius, a great Mathematician, being also the only man who had so steadfastly maintained that she was with child.  
Now with two instances of mine own experience I will finish this point. 
History of a woman with child in the first months.   
A Gentlewoman dwelling near Northampton some years ago, sent me her urine, which in every respect, as well in colour as contents, resembled the urine of an healthful young man. Having found out by some circumstances that it was a woman's, I began to suspect that which afterwards proved true, that she was with child. The messenger demanding whether she was not entered into a Dropsy: I replied, I rather inclined to the opinion that she was with child, the which proved to be true. The servant confessed, another Physician had before put her in needless fear of a Dropsy. The Gentlewoman afterwards conceived a better opinion of my skill in this point, than I confess it deserved.  
The same Harvest, 
Another of one in the latter months.  within seven miles of this town of Northampton, a Lady great with child, being now within two months at most of her delivery, sent me first her urine, and then desired mine own personal presence for some infirmity whereof she then complained. The urine sent resembled, as the former, the urine of a lusty young man in the April of his age: I observed it very narrowly, and yet could I discern none of those Arabian contents, neither cardedwooll, flax, nor huswives cloth. Being afterwards with her, I found no alteration in her urine, save that it was paler coloured which was made in the night, and higher coloured which was made in the day time, contrary to that which we commonly observe; and yet neither of them exceeding the colour of a choleric man's urine. The Gentlewoman had been for a long time, even before her being with child, much troubled with a hot and feaver-like distemper.  
This point then being cleared, we proceed now to the sex, where we shall find no less uncertainty then in the former.   

CHAP. V.  
That the sex cannot be discerned by the Urine.  
NO less absurd an opinion than the former, 
Absurdity of this opinion proved.  is it to hold that the sex may absolutely by the urine be discerned. As for the sex in the womb, the same reasons which were brought against the discerning of the conception by the urine, will here take hold also. As for the discerning of the sex in those of riper years, the reason would seem to be more favourable. The chief and principal reason alleged for this is, because men are commonly of an hotter constitution than women, which is the cause that their urines are died of an higher colour; and moreover, that the contents in women's urines, in regard of their idle and sedentary life, do often exceed mens in quantity. But this must not simply be considered, but as we commonly say, caeteris paribus: that is, a man of a good and laudable constitution of body, using diet answerable both in quantity and quality, and avoiding idleness: a woman likewise of a colder complexion, as often they are, using moderate diet, a sedentary and lazy life, avoiding hot diet. If, I say, one should bring thee two such urines, demanding to know which were the man's and which the woman's, then without great difficulty mightest thou give out a right verdict. But if one should bring unto thee two urines, the one of a man, the other of a woman, the one not differing from the other, and the woman's perhaps higher in colour and thinner in substance, (which may by divers means come to pass) thou shouldest give wrong sentence, then being thus gulled, thou mightest be made a gazing stock to thy neighbours, 
Some women of an hotter constitution than men.  by reason of thy peremptory opinion. Now that some women are of an hotter constitution of body than some men, I think who so denieth, deserveth rather to have his pate purged, then to be dealt with with by any reason. I myself have also known many a man make paler urines, with greater quantity of contents, than women: which may easily come to pass, by reason of great quassing, dainty fare, and abundance of ease and idleness, the engendrers of all manner of crudities. Have we not now adays more than a good many whose God is their guts, Fruges consumere nati, on whose urines thou mightest long look, before thou couldst discern any thing material or to the purpose? As for out women, what if their Liver and Kidneys be hot, as I have not seldom observed, may not this bring forth an high water? and will not obstructions easily deprive it of contents. But especially if these women be well acquainted with a pipe of Tobacco, a cup of good sherry Sack, Malago, or Canary, or yet a cup of good ●appy Ale well brewed with sugar, nutmeg and ginger, may it not now and then not only colour the urines, but make their faces flourish with some oriental carbuncles and rubies? Besides the former reasons, will not fasting, watching, perturbations of the mind, diet in quantity and quality, with divers other things more, alter the urine as well in man as in woman? It were, perhaps, an easier matter to observe this difference in some hotter climate than our own, to wit, in France, Spain, or Italy, where women drink more water than with us; especially in Italy, where the women are caged up like linnets to sing, and are not so busy with the fruit of the grape, nor with the strong barley water as our British women. If I should instance also in our virgins, more manlike than many men, how were any able to contradict it? But if I should send to the cunningest pisse-prophet in this kingdom the urine of some Hermaphrodite or man-woman, what would or could they say? and to which of the sexes would they ascribe the urine? Now that some such are to be found, cannot be denied. It hath been holden for a truth in all ages: and of late years a learned Physician hath written a book concerning that subject, 
Gaspar. Bauhinus de Hermaphroditis.  where he bringeth in a number of histories of ancient and later times. I have been also credibly informed of some such who have lived here in these parts of the country. But if the woman shall be surprised with any hot and acute disease (as the urine is seldom sent to the Physician but in sickness) will not these confound thy judgement? Now if the sex cannot be discerned by the urine in persons of years, what absurdity is it to demand the knowledge hereof in a woman with child, where the conception itself cannot be thereby discerned? as also where there are so many rubs in the way. It is also worth the observation, that whereas that learned Mercatus discourseth of all the signs whereby one may know whether a woman be with child of a male or female, where he omitteth not so much as the blowing of the wind, yet speaketh he not so much as one word concerning the urine: no more do many other authors of best note.  
jean Marinello among many more, setteth down many signs to discern the sex in the womb, yet speaketh he not so much as one word of the urine. Other authors for brevity I will pass by. I cannot but wonder what should move our urine-mongers to be so peremptory in this their opinion of discerning the sex by the urines, as though there were some specifical difference always to be observed in these urines: are not the humours alike, and the parts as well femilare as organical alike in both these sexes? But I will acquaint thee with one history concerning the prediction of a Parson-physitian, who would certify a Gentlewoman with child of what sex it was.  
A Gentlewoman dwelling within a few miles of Northampton, 
History.  left with child of her late deceased husband, 
Of a peremptory Parson determining of the sex in the womb.  was very desirous to be certified of the sex if it were possible. The reason was, because that if a son, than was he to be heir to great lands and possessions, which otherwise were entailed to the next heirs male. This Parson being by many reputed famous in uromancie, this Gentlewoman had recourse to his oracle. The Parson is peremptory that she is with child of a son. The Gentlewoman and her friends rejoice not a little. But the worst is yet behind: the Parson's prediction proves false, and he a lying Prophet: she is brought to bed of a daughter, and her mirth turned into mourning. If he had ever learned his Philosophy, he might have learned that, De futuris contingentibus non est determinata veritas: Of future things not yet come to pass, being contingent, no man can assuredly foretell the issue and event. But thou mayest here see ex unguibus Leonem: what manner of men these be.  
The year 1622. 
History.  a patient of mine of good account dwelling in Northampton, 
Of a woman's urine higher in colour and contents then a man's.  purposing (according to his usual custom) to take some preventing Physic in the Spring of the year, wished his urine to be sent to me. The urine which was sent was of an high and deep died red colour, of a mean substance, a copius red residence. Meeting with him the same day, I asked him whether he complained not of some heat: who replied, he fel● no manner of distemper at all. I wished him yet once again to send me his urine, which if it should so continue, I doubted Phlebolomie would be requisite. The next urine was of a pale straw coloured yellow, with some whitish residents, such as sometimes accompany crudities. Enquiring afterwards into the cause of this diversity of urines in so short a space, his wife told me, that her urine had the first day been sent in stead of her husbands. I required of her, whether she did not complain of any inward distemper of heat; who replied, that she complained of no distemper at all. But within a few days she found that distemper in such a measure, as she was glad to admit both of Phlebotomy and other fit and necessary remedies. The constitution of her body is hot, and her urine answerably high coloured, unless it be accidentally hindered. And this I dare boldly affirm, that during her husband's sickness, being a long and tedious, first Tertian, then double Tertian fever, yet never saw I his urine of so high and intense a colour as that of hers lately mentioned.  
And now I hope it doth plainly appear, that neither the conception, nor sex can be by the urine only discerned. Let us now proceed to the examination and Anatomy of the urine itself, together with the several parts of the same.    

THE SECOND BOOK OF THE ANATOMY OF URINES.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
IN this second book is set down a more particular survey or Anatomy of urines, & their several parts in particular: beginning first with the common division of the urines into three or four regions, with the idleness of that supposed correspondency thought to be betwixt them and the regions of a man's body. Then followeth the uncertainty of judgement by the substance, and afterwards by the accidents of the urine, and first of the quantity: the smell followeth, and if any be in love with the last, he may try it in the next place. Then follow the chief colours, their several significations, and doubtful predictions thereby. The confutation of the crown or garland is handled in the next place, and after it in order, the bubbles, spume, fat and froth, fume and vapour in the urines. The great variety of other contents challenge to themselves the next place, where we will begin with the cloud, swim or sublimation, then proceed to the grounds or residences of urines: where besides variety of contents commonly called difforme, are also contained diverse prodigious histories of several sorts of worms rejected by urine. The obstruction and stopping of the urine, either total or in part, the several causes of the same, and diverse predictions, as also the involuntary excretion of urine, shall not be omitted: and then a word with the Alchemists concerning distillation of urines. And finally shall follow the conclusion, where shall be answered the objection concerning event and casual cures, with some instances of this error. And for the confirmation of my opinion, I proceed on still in my former method of reasons and authorities both of ancient and late writers, adding here and there some of mine own observations.  

CHAP. I.  
That the regions of the urine are not answerable to the regions of the body of man; as also concerning the substance of urines, thick and thin, their manifold significations, and uncertainty of judgement by the same.  
IT hath been an inveterate opinion, 
Actuarius the first inventor of these regions, etc.  and which hath taken deep root in the minds of many, and first brought in by Actuarius, that the several regions of the urine, are answerable to the principal regions or parts of a man's body. Of these regions in the urine some make three, the highest part answering in proportion to the highest part of the body, to wit, the head and such other parts as adjoin to it: the middle region representing the middle parts of man, as the breast, the bowels, and the parts about them: the neither region of the urine, the lowest parts from the bowels downwards. Others again make four, appropriating the circle in the uppermost part of the urine, called otherwise a crown or garland, to the animal parts contained in the head: the overmost part or superficies to the pectoral parts, heart, lungs, etc. the middle region to the parts serving for nutrition or nourishment, to wi●, the stomach or maw, the liver, spleen, guts, etc. the lowest or neathermost part in the bottom of the urinal, to the parts appropriate to generation. 
jodochus Willichius de probat. urine. part. 4. c. 1.  But this opinion (saith one) is more curious and superstitious then true. Meaning of the four regions of the urine, etc. And yet the same Author maintaineth the three regions of the urine to be answerable to the three principal regions of the body, which I will here confute as most false and erroneous. 
Hieron. Reus. schol. ad cap. praedict. prope finem.  Now to this purpose I think it will not be amiss, to set down the words of his interpreter, which may serve sufficiently to overthrow this error: Hence may it evidently appear, in how great an error those Physicians are involved, who hold a proportion betwixt the height of the urine and of a man's body. Hence also cometh it to pass, that they affirm that the contents of the uppermost region do declare and lay open the griefs of the head, etc. Did those men ever see fat fall to the bottom or middle region of the urinal? Doth not oil and any fat thing commonly and of its own accord swim upon the top of the urine? Neither yet doth it therefore necessarily follow, that the head is principally affected; but doth declare and show forth, either the wasting of the whole body, or some diseases of the kidneys. Let them show us the residence called hypostasis, in the garland or uppermost part of the urine. The like may be said concerning the bubbles which do always stay upon the top of the urine, 
Aphor. 34. lib. 4.  and according to the doctrine of Hypocrates, do Prognosticate some long and lingering disease of the kidneys. To what end and purpose then keep they such aprating, that the bubbles which do in order compass the whole crown or garland about, do declare some great pain in the whole head: and if they compass and environ but the half of the circle or garland, then do they argue a pain but in one side of the head? How often are such people pained with the wind Colic or Hypochondriacke melancholy? In which case howsoever some wind may ascend up into the head; yet is not this axiom always of undoubted truth. The like judgement may we pronounce concerning other things of the like nature, which most commonly follow the condition of their own natural inclination and matter, and not the altitude or situation of this or that part of a man's body. Thus far our Author. And the troubled urine so continuing, of the which shall be spoken in the next Chapter, may serve to overthrow the supposed proportion betwixt the regions of the urine and the body of man; this headache being discerned by the whole body of the urine, and neither by the circle or garland, nor yet by any bubbles, spume, or froth in the top of the same. But concerning the uncertainty of these particulars, as also concerning the crown and garland, hereafter when we shall speak of the contents of urines, I purpose to discourse at greater length. It is now time we come to the substance of urines, and then to all the parts of the same.  
I will with the learned Mercurial, 
Division of the urine.  divide the whole urine into three parts, the substance, the accidents, and the contents. In the substance again we are to consider, whether the urine be thick or thin, 
Of the substance of urines.  and whether clear, or troubled and muddy. And this we understand of the whole body of the urine. Thin urines according to Vasseus have manifold significations. 
Divers significations of thin urines.  First a failing of natural heat. Secondly, a stoppage of the Liver, kidneys, 
johannes Vasseus Meldens. lib. de urine. iudicijs. pag. 30. etc.  and the urinary vessels. Thirdly, weakness of nature. Fourthly, that the attractive power of the passage or pipes of the urine is endamaged. Fiftly, extreme coldness joined with drought. In acute diseases it argueth: First the weakness of the concocting faculty. Secondly, the crudity of the disease, and of the humours contained in the veins. Thirdly, if it thus continue for a long time, death, if nature be not able to hold out: & if strength continue, some abscess or Impostume in the neither parts. And in a Crisis threateneth a relapse, as in Hermocrates 3. Epid. 
Hippocr. 3. Epid.  Now how shall any by the bare inspection of these urines, be able to know whether it hath long thus continued or no, which nevertheless maketh much for a true prediction? The party seldom taketh notice of it, until such time it be sent to the Physician. The messenger employed, oftentimes hath not seen the party since the beginning of his sickness, much less his urine. Thin urines which afterwards turn thick in an acute disease, 
Savonar. lib. de urine. cap. 3.  saith Savonarola, without any ease or alleutation ensuing, signifieth a wasting away of the whole body, etc. But concerning thin urines, which afterwards turn thick, something shall be further said, when we shall speak of thick urines. And concerning thin urines in general, because I shall have some further occasion to speak hereafter when I shall handle the colours, I will not dwell so long upon this point. But now come we to the thick urines.  
The same Vasseus gives us five several significations of thick urines in general. 
Of thick urines Idem Vasseus ibidem.  First the combat or fight betwixt nature and the humour. Secondly, abundance of humours. Thirdly, the thickening slime and the other parts next unto it, by reason of cold, if thin urine went before. 
Significations of thick urines.  Fourthly, the beginning of concoction, such in the fit of an Ague so continuing. Fiftly, the weakness of the strength, and no small store of humours. The same Author again divideth these thick urines into two sorts: 
Division of thick urines.  into thick transparent, pellucide, and troubled, called by him turbida. This first sort signifieth (saith he) a dissolving or melting of glassy phlegm, as we see in the urines of Epilepticke persons proceeding of phlegm. If it be of a citrine or yellowish colour, 
Of thick troubled urines.  it signifieth choler, like the yolks of eggs. But because the other sort of thick urines called turbida, or troubled and muddy, is more obvious to the eye, and easilier discerned, I will insist a little the longer upon the same. 
Their several significations.  The same Author assigneth three significations to such urines. First, a great agitation and stirring of crude and unconcoct humours, together with no small store of windiness. Secondly, abundance of humours, which nevertheless are by nature expelled. Thirdly, the great trouble and encumbrance nature hath in the expelling and sequestering such humours. 
Division of thick troubled urines.  But these troubled thick urines are yet divided into three several sorts. First, some being thin at the first making, do afterwards thicken: others are made thick, and after a while settle: and finally, some are made thick, and do so continue, being like unto horse-pisse. Such urines (saith Ranzovius) as are made thin, 
Henricus Ranzonius lib. de conserannda valetud. cap. 19  sometimes suddenly thicken and grow troubled: this in health cometh often to pass after exercise, and to others after sickness. And after I have drunk hard (saith the same Author) I make a clear urine, which in a very short time groweth thick, and so settleth to a great residence. Others hold that it signifieth, that nature now beginneth to set upon the humour, and to concoct it. I have often observed such an urine, both in perfect health and before and after sickness. Cold winter weather also often altereth thin urines into thick. Such as are made thick at first, and after settle to a thick residence, and become clear, signify and declare unto us, that the disease wasteth away; as declaring nature now to make a separation, after which it expelleth at a place convenient. Urines made thick at the first, and so persisting, are generally accounted, 
Aph. 10. lib. 4.  and that not without cause, the worst of the three: which according to Hypocrates, argue great headache, either present or imminent, being especially joined with a fever. But this is not perpetual, 
In lib. 1. Prorrh. comment. 1.  (saith Galen) for a troubled urine generally is an accident of the abundance of raw humours, either concocted or turned into wind, and not of a frenzy; and yet such an urine may both accompany a frenzy, and be without it, as all other such accidents as neither are contrary to frenzy, nor yet proper thereunto. 
Leo Roganus de provide. ex urine. lib. 3. cap. 2.  Of these urines which do not settle (saith a learned Author) but yet much more of such as being at first made thin do afterwards thicken, we can give no certain prediction: for such urines do sometimes only signify crudity, and sometimes again they are very bad. But the diligent and careful Physician may by other signs distinguish the same. 
Hieron. Reusn. in cap. 6. part. 1. jodochi Willich. de probat. urine.  Another Author maketh urines so persisting to be always very dangerous. Such an urine (saith he) doth declare unto us, that natural heat is so weak, that it cannoe separate the good from the bad. But yet must not this be absolutely understood, but with a caution and limitation, common to many such other speeches: to wit, that with strength persisting, they signify that the disease is like to be of long continuance, and without the same to signify death. In such thick urines therefore (saith Roganus) we must not always be afraid, 
Loco nuper citato.  as some ordinary Physicians are, but must likewise observe some other signs. In young children (saith Reusner) if these urines be exceeding thick, 
Loco iam citato.  (which oftentimes cometh to pass, howsoever seldom observed) besides the headache proceeding of windiness, they do also signify the pain of the heart, (as they call it commonly) that is, of the mouth of the stomach. Such an urine may proceed also from the windiness of the passages. Thin urines afterwards becoming thick and troubled, if strength decay, it is an infallible token of death: and that by reason of the agitation and motion of the matter within the body, and the abundance of windy vapours from thence, which nature is not able to overcome. 
Consutation of an erroneous opinion of the vulgar sort concerning the staining of the urinal.  But before I proceed any further, I cannot pass by a common error, which many as well in town as country do hold, to wit, that when they see such a thick urine stain the urinal, they are incontinent conceited all the danger of the disease is past. But this to be most false, I have often myself observed, and no doubt so have a many more besides myself. Reusner maketh this one of his signs to know whether the urine were thin at the first making or no: for if it were so, then when it thickeneth, it commonly staineth the urinal. Now when the strength holdeth out, the patient may recover, and not otherwise. I will instance in one only, in whom I observed the vanity of this opinion, and shall serve in stead of a many to justify my assertion.  
Some nine or ten years ago, 
History.  I was solicited to afford my presence and best counsel to a Parson, dwelling within some four miles of the town of Northampton, surprised with a burning fever. Having diligently enquired what remedies he had hitherto used (for if I remember right, it was the tenth day of his disease) and by whose prescription, I learned that no less than three at least, if not four Parson-Physitians had administered to him, and then the most famous for Vromancie of all the country about: howbeit since that time some others are also crept into that society. I enquired moreover whether Phlebotomy had been as yet used. They replied that Phlebotomy had not been so much as once mentioned by any of them, but that they had purged him, as I think with Diaprunum, and I remember not what else, and appointed him some cooling drinks. His wife added moreover, that one of them thinking to purchase himself some praise beyond his fellows, would have bribed Death with fove pounds worth of Aurum Pot●bile, which she willingly paid for, in hope of her husband's recovery. 
This Parson a chief proctor for au●um po●abile in Northampton shire.  But this importunate suitor would have no nay; but urged still the payment of the debt he came to demand. I told them that Phlebotomy, in due and convenient time administered, had proved a more sovereign medicine for this disease, than all the gold of Ophir and both the Indies. I being by them much importuned to let him blood, absolutely refused, his strength being now well nigh spent, and some ill signs (the undoubted harbingers of death) offering themselves to my eyes, administering only some cordials. The next morning I find all wax worse and worse; howbeit his wife, showing me his urine, which before had been thin, and now settled to a thick residence, a part whereof did stick to the sides of the urinal and stain the same, which she, believing her neighbours, began to conceive some better hope of his recovery, and that only upon this false ground. I assured her of the contrary, which shortly afterwards proved too true, and the same day, being Saturday I departed. The Monday after comes one of his former Physicians (not the Parson who ministered Aurum Potabile; for after the same he had no more arrows left in his quiver) who, if fair buttered speeches and peremptory promises could cure diseases, he might cure more than ever did the Apostles: who than all too late letteth his patient blood, who survived not long after the loss of this liquor of life, but died either that night, or the next morning very early, being about the fourteenth day from the beginning of his disease. One thing I must yet add concerning the signification of thick urines, which deserveth reprehension: 
Absurd opinion of a Physician, affirming one to be bewitched by the urine only.  to wit, That a Physician maintained, that he could know by the urine that any were bewitched: to wit, that such a ones urine was thick and muddy, and could not by any heat be turned, as they term it. To whom it was no less learnedly then truly replied, Did you never read in Hypocrates of urina confusa? I cannot but much marvel, that any man that had ever sucked in the principles and grounds of Physic, should be so far overseen, this being a peculiar property of such urines, that they will not be turned by any heat whatsoever. It is then apparent, how little certainty is to be collected concerning the judgement of diseases, by the sole inspection either of thick or thin urines: to wit, that after many cautions and diverse interrogations, if thou meet with an understanding messenger, and the urine sent at a convenient time, and all other circumstances observed (which nevertheless, seldom or never concur altogether) and thou thyself being wise and understanding, mayest perhaps, learn something concerning the state of the disease, as crudity and concoction; and it may be, some more circumstances, and yet the strength of the patient (which is most material, and the vulgar never able to judge of the same) together with many other circumstances, not to be neglected shall be concealed from thee: many of our country people, being so ignorant that they think their neighbour not a whit amended, unless he be able, as at other times, to fill his belly with bag-pudding & bacon. And moreover the ordinary sort of people are seldom able to lay open either their own or their neighbour's infirmity, they taking chiefly notice either of some accident common to many others, 
Many things alter the judgement of the urine.  or else of some grief most affecting them. But besides the premises, may not the thickness of the urinal, the dimness of thy sight, the excess or defect of light, or yet if it be brought to thee at candle light (so sottish and absurd is the vulgar sometimes) make thee to fail in thy judgement? That I say no thing of the time of the year, according to the which as well the substance as the accidents do often alter in one and the same individual party. Others add also the sex, the age and many more, which I here omitting, will hasten to the accidents of urine.   

CHAP. II.  
Of the accidents of urine, the quantity, smell, etc. and that no certain and assured truth can by them be presaged or known.  
THe accidents of urine are all reduced to two general heads, 
Accidents of urine twofold.  the quantity and the quality. The quantity is either great, small, or mean, which is the best. 
Divers significations of great abundance of urine in health.  Abundance of urine in health signifieth, 1. that the party hath drunk store of Rhenish or other searching wine. 2. abundance of moist meats. 3. little evacuation by stool. 4. too liberal use of diuretickes, or such things as provoke urine. 5. the concoction of crude and undigested food. 6. the retention of sweat, menstruous flux, or other moisture detained within the chest or stomach, vnburthening themselves this way. Concerning the retention of the like humidities, it may not seem so strange that they may be turned towards the passages of the urine, but it may seem stranger that the faecall excrements should produce this effect; 
Aphor. ultimo lib 4.  and yet Hypocrates witnesseth the truth hereof: and beside, 
Lib. 4. degeneratione an●m cap. 4.  Aristotle relateth, that in Pirinthus there was a cow, which never had the passage for her excrements open, but that the same were converted into a statuous or windy substance, and then into urine, 
In sickness.  and so expelled. In sickness this abundance is likewise diverse ways produced. 1. By means of the excessive heat of the kidneys, which draw abundantly such humidities, as in the Diabeticall disease, called by some a Pot-dropsie. 2. Great evacuation of superfluous moisture. 3. The wasting away of the whole body, 
History.  which cometh to pass in burning fevers, and which was observed by that famous Physician Marcus Gatinaria in that maid of Milan about some eighteen years of age, 
Mercur. lib. de vrin● cap 6. ex Marco Gatinaria.  who voided every day for forty days together, fifteen pounds of urine, whereas the quantity of every day's meat and drink jointly did never exceed the weight of four pounds. 4. The ending of the disease. And in acute diseases, the abundance of urine is procured sometimes, 1. by means of the fevers relenting. 2. By the change thereof into an Hectic. 3. By a Convulsion. And besides the premises, it may be yet procured by divers other means: as I remember a young woman then unmarried, who in the disease called the mither, voided abundance of urine, especially during the time of her fits, being in the afternoons, and that for the space of four days together, as hereafter shall appear when we shall speak of the colours of urines. And often in the crises of acute diseases the urine is multiplied. 
Guil. Adolph. Scribon. deurin. inspect. pag. 41. 42.  A man of Sena (saith Scribonius) every day did piss four or five jugs of urine, who scarce drank half an English pint all the said space: what could a Physician have judged by this quantity? 
Another.  Thus then when thou seest so many causes or one and the same effect, to which of them canst thou ascribe it, unless thou be well acquainted with the particular circumstances from the patients own mouth? 
Small quantity of urine by diverse means.  Small quantity of urine is likewise procured, 1. By dry diet. 2. By the use of tough and ●●mie meats. 3. By reason of obstructions. 4. By reason of plentiful evacuation. 5. By means of a violent fever. 6. By some hurt of the urinary vessels, as cometh sometimes to pass by reason of the cold distemper of the bladder, procuring a palsy to that part. 7. By the decay of natural heat, as cometh sometimes to pass in such as are ready to dye. 8. Because the moisture is detained in some other part, as cometh to pass in a Dropsy. 9 By reason of some imposthume in the fundament, the neck of the bladder, or in the womb, which may straiten the said passage, that the urine cannot come away in any great quantity. 10. The abundance of crude and raw humours may be a means of this so small a quantity. But I will yet add some more out of the aforenamed Scribonius, 
Idem ibidem.  because his words are so suitable for our purpose, The like verdict may we also give forth (saith he) concerning the small quantity of urine, taking often its original cause from the defect or scarcity of meat and drink; as also by means of some other evacuations: such as are sweat, excretions by stool, and such like, which carrying the matter of the urine another way, hinder the passage thereof into the bladder, and by consequent the expulsion from thence. For this same cause such as be troubled with any laskes or fluxes do void but a small quantity of urine, 
Aphor. 83. lib. 4.  as Galen himself declareth. Again a little after, he addeth these words: In the obstruction of the Liver and mesaraicke veins, experience itself doth often teach us, that a very small quantity of urine is voided. Now if any one's servant should bring unto thee such an urine, not acquainting thee with any other circumstance, why wouldst thou give sentence for an obstruction rather than a laske? or for a laske rather then an obstruction? Besides the premises, in the Stone, the Dropsy, and such other diseases which hinder the generation of urine, no certain judgement can be collected from the small quantity of the same. 
Another.  And that thou mayest yet be more ravished with admiration, Rufus Ephesus in his book of the infirmity of the reins, maketh mention of one, who (as saith Praxagozas') above the space of twelve years voided all his urine by the belly, and not by the ordinary passage. What then could a man have judged concerning this man's bladder, and the other parts depending thereupon? And this shall suffice for the quantity of urines, with the uncertainty of the same: now come we to the qualities observable in them.  
The next accident of urine is the quality: and the qualities, as witnesseth Mercuriale, 
Mercur. lib. de urine. cap. 6.  according to the doctrine of the Arabian Physicians, 
Of the smell of urines.  are five: the smell, the taste, the sound, the touch, and the colour. As for the smell, urines have little or no smell, or else a sweet and pleasing smell, 
Urines without smell.  or finally a stinking smell. No smell, saith Mercurial, proceedeth from no other cause then from the extinguishing of natural heat: howbeit it may sometimes proceed from drink of a cold quality, like as we see in cold countries, and the like complexions, 
Urines smelling well.  the smell of the urine is not so much to be discerned. Urines smell well, either in regard of diet or drugs: but especially by means of a temperate heat concocting well. 
Stinking urines with their several significations.  Stinking urines come by four several means. 1. By means of crudity and indigestion of the food. 2. By reason of putrefaction. Galen witnesseth, that whatsoever thing is putrified hath an evil favoured smell. 
Galen lib. 5. de simply. med. facult.  Wherefore in Pestilential fevers the urines are most commonly of a stinking smell. As also if the urines pass through any place oppressed with putrid ulcers; or yet if any purulent matter be mingled with them, they become stinking. 3. The too long retention of urine in the bladder may make it to stink. 4. The quality either of diet or drugs, (as hath been said of the good smell of urines) may likewise procure unto it an evil smell. 
Lib. de urine. cap. 3. rub. 1.  Look at large what Savonarola saith of this point, if thou be disposed to see further. But what certainty doth the smell of the urine afford us? whosoever shall think to help his uncertain conjectures by the same, should leap out of the frying pan (as the proverb saith) into the fire. In the first place it is to be observed, that as well in sickness as in health, urines may offer no pleasing smell to the nose, and yet the party may be free from any danger at al. But because healthful folks seldom send their urines to the Physician, we will let them pass, 
Loco prius citato.  and come to the sick. I will let Scribonius speak for me. Concerning the sicks urine (saith he) most do teach us that stinking urines signify putrefaction of humours, in so much that by the difference of the smells, they take upon them to judge of the several humours so putrified. O wise woodcocks! I willingly yield to them, that stink or strong smell doth argue putrefaction in such urines: but of which parts shall this putrefaction be? whether of the bladder only, or of the Liver also, of the chest, or other members? Nay so far off is the stinking smell from giving us any particular notice of the disease, that it cannot so much as afford us any certain general knowledge of the same. For many sweet smelling simples (saith Montanus) may cause a most stinking urine. Choleric and hot complexioned men void often very strong smelling urines, howsoever free from any disease, as I have often observed in myself. And by what means, I pray thee, shouldst thou from the stinking smell of the urine know putrefaction? or how can this putrefaction procure this stinking smell? If this were so, then would it necessarily follow, that whosoever were seized with a fever proceeding from putrefaction of humours, should void stinking urines, the which is most false. The truth of this assumption may from hence appear, that for the most part among an hundred sick of such fevers, scarce shalt thou find one of their urines so to smell, nor yet their blood at the opening of a vein. And for this cause well said Savonarola in his treatise of Urines, that there are other signs also to be observed in the annoying of putrified members, if we purpose well and orderly to examine, try and find out any skill concerning urines. And indeed a thousand causes there are which may alter and change their smell. By the smell then only there can never be any certainty collected to inform our judgements concerning any disease. But I am afraid the Reader will take it ill, that I so long detain him among so unpleasing smells; 
Medici certe de hac iudicandi ratione scribentes digni essent, qui in dies lotium potare cogerentur. Vpuparun potius quam Medicorum haec tractatio erit.  and myself begin to wax weary of so unworthy a thing, and as I never took any pleasure in the same, so here I leave it to them that like it better. But if I should yet enter upon the taste, I fear I should be worse taxed. I can tell no man their taste by mine own experience. Salt they have always been counted; as the tears likewise: If any be incredulous I will not hinder him. If our urinemongers had no better beer allowed them, they would not so much adore the pissepot as some of them do. 
Idem ibidem.  But yet if any purpose to practise this point, I wish him to go to the Arabians, who have written so curiously concerning this point; and it may be, in regard of their aromatical drugs, their urines may be of better taste than those of our Europaeans, who feed on grosser food. As for the other two qualities, the sound and touch, we will send them all in one ship to Arabia with their fellows: and now we come to the colours.   

CAAP. III.  
Of the colours of Urines, how deceitful they prove, and first of the colour commonly called palew or light saffron.  
IF ever urine proved a strumpet, 
Vrina meretrix.  it is of all other parts of the urine most apparently to be seen in the colour. For as sometimes some of the most infamous stews strumpets, infected it may be, with the pox, do most curiously deck and adorn, by curious painting, sumptuous apparel, and such other enticing tricks, their loathsome and filthy carcases, to the end they may more easily deceive such as will be caught in their snares: doth it not often fare even so with the colour of the urine? For oftentimes when they make the fairest show, doth not even death knock at the door? My purpose is not here to make any philosophical discourse concerning the causes of colours in general, and then to apply the same to urines in particular, and so to insist upon each several colour: for this might prove too tedious, and perhaps, not so pertinent to the purpose we have in hand. And yet, notwithstanding, I will say something of each of the chief and principal colours; by the which it may more easily be conceived, that the like deceit may be seen in the others like unto them. 
Palew and light saffron colour.  Now my purpose is to begin with that colour which is the best of all others, being as it were the rule and square whereby we do discern and judge of the failings and defects of all the rest. This colour is called in Latin Subrufus, subaureus, or subcroceus: and in English, palew, or light saffron. This colour our Physicians do generally account the best of all others, and that it best betokeneth exact concoction. Neither yet must this first and best colour arguing good concoction, be simply and in itself so considered, but restrained to flourishing age. For in old men, women and children, (whose urines, especially children's, do commonly decline towards white and pale) it doth betoken that their bodies are too hot, either by reason of diet, exercise or some other means. But if one should bring unto thee such an urine, how couldst thou tell whether it were an old or a young man's, a woman's or a child's, the messenger not acquainting thee with the particular circumstances? It may be thou wilt say, the contents will make the case clear. I answer, that many causes may deprive them of contents in part or altogether, as hereafter shall appear in the contents: and how the substance may alter, hath been said already. The common opinion is, the higher the colour is, the greater heat is argued; which opinion to be most false & erroneous, shall hereafter in other colours appear. Besides, may not a little extraordinary watching, fasting, rheubarb, saffron, madder roots, or such like, colour the urine without any excess of heat? And will the several seasons of the year produce no alteration in the urine? that I say nothing of an infinite number of other causes, which may in like manner alter them. But one signification of such a coloured urine I cannot here pass by, which I remember I once read in an English urine book: 
Called the key of unknown knowledge, or a shop of five windows.  to wit, that a maid which maketh an urine of this colour, desireth the company of a man. Doth not our master urine-monger now dive into the depth of the matter? But good man, I know what, I can assure thee that Tom and Dick in the country can tell as well, that Maud the dairy maid would be married, by the reflected rays and benign aspects of her superior orbs upon their hemisphaers, and the suffering some syllibub; and some other commodities committed to her custody, now and then to come into their possession; by this means hindering her mistress to further herself in her suit: as the most cunning pisse-prophet in all the country shall do by the urine, if he had as many eyes as ever had that watchful Argus, or his nose weighed down with spectacles. The sanguine and best complexioned (which by consequence should produce the best urines) are not always the most amorous. Many as ill coloured drabs as ever any hath seen, have not sometimes been behind the best complexioned Gentlewoman in the land in such a case. And it is held by many that such are for the most part solaces. But now let us proceed to some instances of these outward glorious appearances of urines of the best note, 
Levinus Lemnius de occuitis naturae mirac. lib. 2. cap. 37.  which nevertheless falsified the trust reposed in them. And first I will instance in one taken out of a learned German author, 
History. jacob. Dovinetus apol. lib. 1. cap. 8.  and then I will add one of mine own experience.  
The judgement of diseases by the sole inspection of the urine, is hard to attain unto, and of great difficulty: for sometimes it cometh to pass that the urine, as well in colour as in all other points, doth show itself of a very laudable condition to the view of any indicious eye, when, notwithstanding, death standeth at the door: the reason of this being, that all diseases are not easily discerned, nor yet the dangers of them perceived by the urine alone; but such especially as have their being in the bladder, veins, kidneys and Liver. As it came to pass anno 1581. in a young man about 24. years of age newly married. This young man's urine being, as well in colour as contents, most like unto an healthful urine, he being neither deprived of his accustomed appetite, either to meat or drink, neither troubled with excessive headeach, thirst, watching, anxiety and tossing of his body too and fro; nor yet distempered with any noisome heat which might by feeling be discerned. The pulse notwithstanding, being weak, frequent and swift with great inequality and feebleness, gave us some conjectures of I know not what kind of fever, the which now and then was not without some exacerbations. Hence was I of opinion, that the vital faculty did then by little and little decay; the use and necessity whereof in every action of this life is, not without great cause, thought to be of such weight and moment, that not only doth it suffice as matter for the rest, but doth also stir up and perfect the same, in cherishing them after a most kind and effectual manner, in so much as no part of the body can enjoy the benefit of nourishment without the influence of this vital faculty. This young man therefore, being now wholly deprived of the said spirits, it was no marvel if nature now decaying, and win●, by the counsel of a certain Physician, being denied him now for certain days, he did upon the eight day make an exchange of this cottage of clay for a far better and happier inheritance.  
But to omit many other stories by myself and others observed, 
In the year 1617. many dangerous malign fevers.  which would yet most pregnantly prove and confirm the same, yet especially in the year 1617. did this most manifestly and plainly appear. In the foresaid year, being generally moist for the most part; the Winter not Winter like, furnished with such frosts and tempestuous storms, as are not unseasonable for that time of the year: it came to pass that besides the small pox, measles, and diverse other diseases, there reigned not only in Northamptonshire, but in many other places of the kingdom, a certain kind of malign, if not pestilential fever, the which, by reason it swept away the lustiest people of either sex, we may, and that not without good reason, call it Stoop gallant. In this disease, as cometh often also to pass in others of the like nature, the urines of some, such as lived not long after, did appear to the eye, both for colour and contents, of as laudable a condition as the urine of the soundest and healthfullest man in this kingdom. But among many I will mention but one, whereof I myself was an eyewitness.  
These foresaid fevers in the town of Northampton, 
Another.  and places adjoining, in the Spring of the year were very frequent, fierce and furious: towards Summer they began somewhat to relent, reassuming their former fierceness towards the Harvest quarter. In the above named year and quarter, about the latter end of September, a married woman of good account and reputation, living within this town of Northampton, was surprised with the foresaid fever: of the which, because at the first it assaulted her after the manner of an intermittent Tertian ague, she made but small reckoning but after the space of three or four days, fearing that which afterwards came to pass, being also hereunto persuaded by some of her friends, she used the advice of another Physician and myself. In a few days were by us administered all such meames, as either in reason or our daily experience we thought fittest to expel the cause of her disease, and restore her to her former health again. But contra vim mortis, non est medicamen in hortis. Wherefore at length discharging that debt which all the sons of Adam owe, she was freed from the miseries of this mortal life, and entered into the possession of a better. Two or three days before her death, her urine might both for colour and contents, have given such satisfaction and content to the most eagle-eyed Physician, that none by the sight of the same could ever have suspected any imminent danger. In like manner if any one had felt her pulse, without due consideration of the former dangerous accidents, which could not be concealed from a judicious eye, observing withal sensibly approach the dissolution of this crazy cottage, he would no doubt with old. Agag have concluded: 
1. Sam. 15. 32.  Surely the bitterness of death is past.   

CHAP. FOUR  
Of red urines, and how easily one may thereby be deceived, and of pissing blood.  
PAssing by many other colours of urine which Authors do here mention, attributing to each of them a several signification; of all which, it were too much this short Treatise should take upon it to discourse; considering also that the uncertainty of the same may be partly collected from that which hath been said already, and partly by some things yet to be handled hereafter: now I will clear this point concerning red urines. This colour of urine, howbeit it hath many degrees, some being of an higher, and some again of a lower coloured red: yet (saith Galen) all are coloured with a greater or smaller portion of blood therewith mingled. Nevertheless, that this same colour of urine is procured by the mixture, more or less, not of blood alone, but also of an high coloured choler, jointly or severally according to the greater or smaller quantity thereof, is not by a small number of learned Physicians maintained: as also that this same colour of urine is often and usually seen in hot and acute diseases, is not unknown to the very vulgar and unlearned sort of people. Now a many causes may bring forth this effect: this colour of urine higher or lower appearing in a many hot and acute diseases; which would puzzle a good Physician, by the bare sight of such an urine, 
Dangerous to let blood upon the bare sight of an high red coloured urine.  to know what disease it were. But yet is not this rule so infallibly true, that it admitteth of no exception, as is the opinion of many. And therefore most erroneous and dangerous is the practice of such, as upon the bare sight of an high coloured urine, presently without any further deliberation or enquiry of circumstances, both prescribe Phlebotomy, and administer all manner of cooling medicines, to the great & inevitable danger and prejudice of the patient: from the which error also the learned Arabian Auicenna is not free, as our learned late writers have well observed. And as I deny not but that this may often prove true; so on the other side, it is most certain, that the urine may be of such a colour, and yet either proceed from a cold cause, or else from some imbecility and weakness, as cometh sometimes to pass in Dropsies, etc. But lest this should seem stuff of mine own brain, and hatched at home, hear from the mouth of a worthy Author, 
Rhamb. Dod. obseruat. medic. cap. 32.  something concerning the same purpose. It is not seldom observed, that the urine, by reason of a commixtion of blood with it, doth appear of a red colour: but by reason that it is either thick or clotted, it is no great difficulty to discern the same. But that so thin a blood should bemingled with it, that not the substance of the urine, but the colour only should be altered, is but seldom seen. Such a case befell a young man of 28. years of age or near by.  
This young man voided an urine of an high red colour, 
History.  and thin substance for many days together, being very like to the urines made in hot acute fevers. The aforesaid patient had used the advice of diverse ancient learned Physicians, who had appointed him such means as are used for the cooling of hot Livers. At length he repaired to myself, at that time but a young Physician. Looking on his urine, and withal seeing it of so high a red colour, as also perceiving him, who was there present, free from any fever, I asked him whether heretofore he had complained of any: which he denied, adding moreover, that for some months bypast he had felt a chillness and coldness, together with a great extenuation or leanness, and shortness of breath, joined with a general decay of strength; as also that hitherto he had found no benefit by such means as he had used. All which having attentively heard, I thought good to keep by me the said urine until the next day, and then to view the residence thereof, the which was of a colour like unto blood, as being indeed nothing else but blood, the urine above it, being but very little, died with a pale yellow colour; showing no sign or token at all of any fever. For the which cause I did then collect, that there was no exorbitant heat in his Liver, but a great weakness in the kidneys, by reason whereof the ends of the small veins being opened and loosened, let some part of the blood pass away. And therefore I took a new course for curing of the same, by using such means as were fit for the corroborating and strengthening of the kidneys and veins, not omitting fit and convenient diet, and among other things, goats milk. And so at length the urine came to its own natural colour again, his body also enjoying the benefit of nourishment as it was wont in former times: and thus in a short time recovered his vigour, strength, and former perfect health again.  
Such an excretion of blood, 
Idem D●d. in schol.  which cometh thus to pass by reason of the looseness and wideness of the mouths of the small veins, or yet of the thinness of blood, is commonly called Diapedeses: that is, as much as a streining through. It cometh also to pass, that some blood is voided by urine many other ways: sometimes some great stone fretting the passages betwixt the kidneys and the bladder, called Vreteres, blood doth also accompany the urine, but withal it is black and clotted. The stone continuing for some certain space in the bladder, proveth likewise sometimes the cause of this inconvenience, and that especially after riding, or some other violent motion of the body. In women also some part of their menstruous flux is sometimes intermingled with it. Sometimes again the blood issuing out of the gums, being suddenly stopped, doth search for itself a passage through the bladder. The kidneys being wounded, first doth blood issue out by the urines, and afterwards matter mingled with it: as it befell that woman which was stabbed in the loins with a dagger, first voiding bloody urines; then afterwards mingled with matter, until such time as both the wound and the kidneys were cured. And that this was a wound in the kidneys, did plainly appear, by some portion of the same taken out of the wound. The exulceration of the kidneys is also accompanied with bloody urine, after the which (unless remedy be in due and convenient time procured) matter doth follow. It is likewise sometimes seen, that decrepit old men do void urines mingled with blood, which are of a blackish colour, accompanied with some red, the which doth declare, that the vigour and power of the kidneys is almost quite abolished.  
But I wish thee yet to lend thine ear a little to the same Author, 
Idem obseruat. medicine. cap. 31.  yet again in a story or two more, which will add not a little light to this matter.  
The urine doth appear of a reddish colour, not only when the Liver is surprised with a Gangrene, or the body with any hot or acute disease, such as are Tertian agues, burning fevers, inflammation of the internal parts: but often also in the debility, weakness, and coldness of the Liver or stomach, proceeding from long and lingering diseases. The like tincture it receiveth now and then in the extreme pinching Colic passion, when as some tough and clammy humours possessing the guts, do hinder the passage of the faecall excrements.  
A Gentleman of account (saith he) voided urine of a very high red colour, 
History.  howbeit free from any fever: being at the same time much tormented with the Colic, accompanied with a retention of the faecall excrements. After the iniection of an anodine, or mitigating glister, the pain was much eased, and withal the urine became of a remiss and light colour, such as it was wont to be in his former health. After a short space his urine reassumed again its former high colour, until such time as by frequent reiteration of glisters, the urine at length persisted in that laudable state and condition once before begun, the body also without any artificial means performed its ordinary functions.  
A Citizen of good account, 
Another.  about fifty years of age, being freed from a Quartane ague, 
Idem Ibidem.  which had held him for the space of four or five months, fell into that kind of laske which we commonly call Lienteria. His excretions by stool were very liquid and crude, and no remainder of the heat of the Ague to be discerned. His urines also were of as high a red colour, as is at any time to be seen in the most violent burning fevers, or inflammations of the inward parts. But yet did I not build upon any so rotten a foundation, but having a more watchful eye on other matters, I thought it necessary in the first place to have a care of the stomach, and in the next place of the Liver, both being by means of the former Quartern ague, not a little weakened. For this end and purpose I prescribed his diet in quality hot and dry, allowing him for his drink the best and strongest wines, such as are Sack and Canary. Physical means were Diagalanga, Diatrionpipereon, and such like. By continuance of which means, this much at length was obtained, that the saecall excrements did now show forth good concoction, the urines also as in his former perfect health. After all the premises the aforementioned patient assuring himself of perfect health, did secretly fall again to the too liberal drinking of beer. Immediately after this disorder, the colour of his urine was again altered into an high deep red, undoubtedly declaring unto us, that sometimes the urines receive an high and deep colour, by reason of the crudity and coldness of the stomach. 
Urine sometimes red by reason of the crudity of the stomach.  After that time therefore he refrained again from beer, upon the which his urine returned to its former laudable condition, neither did he after that use any beer, until such time as he had perfectly recovered his former health again.  
These things have I related, because of the ignorance and error of many, who are persuaded, that the urine cannot be died with so high a colour, any other way then by heat, who whensoever they see such an urine brought to them, the patient being tormented with the Colic, they very unadvisedly and rashly have recourse to the cure of a fever, neglecting the cure of the Colic, which by these means they are so far from curing, that they do rather much increase the pain of the same. But if these men had read Galen to Glauco, 
Lib. 1. cap. designis quotidianae intermitt.  they could not be ignorant y ● urines sometimes do appear of a reddish colour in cold diseases, or at least such as are not very much distempered with heat. For writing of the Quotidian ague, which hath for material cause, crude and raw humours, thus he writeth: In Quotidian agues the urines are either white, or thick and muddy, or else of a red colour. 
In comment. in praedict. locum.  Martinus Akakia in his Commentary addeth, that the urines then become of a reddish colour, when as by weakness of the Liver or the veins, the red waterish substance issueth out with the urine. 
Hieron. Reusner. in schol. ad cap. 22. joh. Willich. de prob. urine.  Fernelius also, lib. 6. pathol. cap. 13. writeth that they are not a little deceived, who do ascribe bloody urine, or that which is of a red windy colour, resembling the washings of raw bloody flesh, unto the imbecility and weakness of the Liver: for he cannot conceive how that blood can come from any other part of the body without some indisposition of the kidneys. But yet (by the leave of so learned a man) many things there be which make against this assertion. For oftentimes by experience we see many plethoric young men, feeding on abundance of dainty dishes, & living in ease and idleness, to piss blood by means of a relaxation of some vein, 
Per 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  who by the only means of Phlebotomy, together with the application of some Emplastic remedy to the region of the Liver, (about the which place they say, they find some weight joined with some distension, reaching up to the right shoulder) are perfectly cured. And who can here I pray thee, accuse the kidneys, there being no pain nor trouble at all felt in the making of his urine?  
And thus may the deceit and uncertain judgement had by the variety of these red urines in hot or cold diseases easily be conceived, for the which cause I will here surcease from insisting any more upon them: but now, because mention hath been made of some small quantity of blood issuing forth with the urines, we will say something of the abundant pissing of blood, illustrating it by some authorities, as heretofore we have done.  
Now as these urines of an high and intense red colour, 
Of pissing of blood.  do strike a terror often in the beholders, much more doth this liquor of life (the blood itself I mean) issuing out of the urinary pipes and passages, cause no small amazement to the eyes of the ignorant, and sometimes of the more judicious beholder of it. And yet doth not this always portend so infallible and undoubted danger, as by many is deemed. Sometimes indeed the danger is so great, that not only a mean and ordinary understanding, but a more refined judgement, may justly fear the future danger: as in the rupture of some great vein near the Liver, or the kidneys, after which doth an ulcer often ensue, and after a long torturing and tormenting pain, Death most commonly maketh an end of their so miserable and painful life. Sometimes again this flux proveth very safe and secure, as in critical and periodical excretions. But hear, I pray thee, 
Aretaeus Cappadox. lib. 4. cap. 3. diuturn. morb.  an ancient Author deliver his opinion concerning this point.  
Some men there are, who by certain turns, and at certain times do piss blood abundantly, being a disease not unlike to the haemorrhoides or piles. The state and constitution of their body also is not unlike: for they are very pale, dull, sluggish, and lumpish: they loathe their food, and after this excretion of blood, there followeth a certain resolution and faintness of their joints, their head notwithstanding becometh much lighter and better. But if at this accustomed and wont period of time, there shall happen a suppression or stoppage of the aforesaid flux, they are presently surprised with a great headache, their eyesight waxing dim, seconded with a giddiness and swimming in the head. Upon which occasion it cometh to pass, that many of them fall into the falling sickness: some of them again being puffed up and swollen, with their eyesight somewhat darkened, do resemble Hydropicke persons: others are oppressed with melancholic diseases, and some again with Paralyticke passions. All these inconveniences do follow upon the suppression of any former flux of blood.  
Sometimes pissing of blood (saith Hollerius) is critical, 
Holler. Scholar ad cap. 52. lib. 1. de morb.  and cometh by certain turns and set times: and with such a one was troubled a certain Nun mentioned by Musa, who every month upon the suppression of her monthly disease, 
Vde ibidem plura, ut & apud Schenck. obseruat. medicine. lib. 3. tit. de sang. mictu.  did piss blood in abundance. Archembault the Counsellor, by turns did sometimes cast up by the mouth, and sometimes did void it downwards by stool, and again at other times by the yard. Some at the passing away of the Spring do piss blood; and this I find written by Archigenes, that some do by certain turns void great store of blood by the yard, being first collected in and about the kidneys, and that they find themselves much eased thereby.  
I am very familiarly acquainted with one Donatus Arrigonius, 
History.  a merchant of our town, 
Marcell. Donat. lib. 4. cap. 29. hist. med.  who in his journey to the fair of Bohan, which is held three or four times a year, in his journey observed, that he was surprised with the jaundice. Afterwards as he was upon his journey homewards to Mantua, and fast asleep in his Inn, being accompanied with another friend, who lay in the same bed with him, upon the sudden there issued out at his yard, of its own accord, great store of blackish blood; in so much that his companion being all wet with the blood wakened him, being almost half dead; and with much ado, at length brought him home to Mantua again; but withal quite freed from his jaundice.  
A certain young man, 
Another.  after the eating of great store of garlic, pissed afterwards great abundance of blood; and after a little while signs of an imposthume in the kidneys might be observed: to wit, some matter issuing forth from the same: from whence I did collect, that the sharpness of the humour had caused an excoriation in these parts, by means of the opening of some vein.  
I did see at Mothon a man who with a fall off a ladder filled half a chamber pot with the blood he pissed; 
Another.  who immediately after the taking of a little Lemnian earth did recover: the blood came without any urine; and that, perhaps, because the contusion was not far distant from his yard.  
About some nine or ten years ago, 
Another.  an Innkeeper of Northampton, a fat and corpulent man, having now and then voided some small quantity of blood with his urine, did, notwithstanding but little regard the same; until such time as he fell into a total suppression of urine; the pain whereof made him cast forth such pitiful cries and complaints, that his sorrowful neighbours did much commiserate his distressed estate. His wife no less perplexed than amazed, at this so sudden and unexpected accident, at his desire sent to entreat my aid and counsel in this his so great extremity. Some half an hour or less after the administration of a diuretic drink inwardly, and a Cataplasm outwardly applied to his share, he filled almost a chamber pot with blood, some small quantity of urine being mingled with the same: whereupon followed immediately case and alleviation of all his former annoyance. The same night, about an hour after, he sent me a little wooden dish almost half full of gobbets of congealed and clotted blood, resembling the substance of the Livery self. The next morning again he sent me an urinal almost full of blood voided at the same place, no urine to the judgement of the eye at the first to be discerned mingled with the same I caused him bleed oftener than once, besides other fit and convenient remedies, as well in diet as otherwise; and yet this flux continued less or more for some few days after. In the space of one week he lost in all above a gallon of blood. For prevention I wished him, besides gooddiet (hard to be observed by people of that profession) with corroborative and other medicines fit for that purpose, with special regard to the Liver, not to neglect Phlehotomie, at least every Spring and Fa●l, which he duly put in practice for the first year: and, for anything I could ever hear, was little or nothing troubled after that time with this infirmity. After this he lived at least three years, and then died suddenly; of the cause whereof here to discourse, were beside my present purpose. Divers others have now and then by me been observed, troubled with the like evacuation, without any great hurt or hindrance to their health; whom, to avoid prolixity and tediousness, I here willingly pass by: only one I will touch but in two words.  
A little child above five years of age, 
Another.  used at divers times to piss pure blood, not keeping any certain times or turns. This the Gentlewoman herself the child's grandmother, dwelling not far from the town of Northampton told me; who did likewise affirm, that she had not discerned any hurt he had sustained by the same: yet notwithstanding for fear of some future inconvenience, and after ensuing danger, was desirous to use some means for prevention: which being by some occasions then deferred, the child afterwards departed out of these quarters into another country, where what since befell him I cannot tell.  
But now let us proceed to some other colours of urines; for here I think hath been found as small certainty as in the former.   

CHAP. V.  
Of black urines, and that they are not always so dangerous as they are deemed: as also of blue, ash-coloured, or leaden and green coloured urines, together with their several significations and uncertainties.  
THe highest and intensest of all other colours, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  is the black; the which when it presenteth itself to the view of the eye in any urine, it striketh no small fear and terror in the minds of most men; yea and sometimes of those of no ordinary understanding. That this fear was not altogether without some ground, 
Hippoc. prognost. lib. 2. aph. 29.  may be seen by some passages of our old father Hypocrates, who doth peremptorily affirm, that as well in men as in women, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  black urines are always dangerous. And of the like opinion and judgement was once his trusty interpreter Galen, confidently avouching that he never knew any one recover whose urine was altogether black; 
Idem in coac. sect. 27. aph. 16. 1. de cris. cap. 12 & alibi.  howbeit the danger was the lesser if the residence only were black: less again if the middle part or swim, and least of all if the cloud only were of this colour. 
Comm. 3. in lib. 3. epid.  Howbeit the same Galen in another place affirmeth, That if there be a retention of a woman's monthly flux of melancholic blood, there is no cause of fear, if in such a case the urine appear black to the eye. 
Comm. 3. in lib. 1 epid.  And again, in the story of that woman who being surprised with sickness the second day after she was brought to bed, the third day she voided thin blackish urines. Galen speaketh of no further inconvenience to ensue upon the same, but maketh only mention of a certain commotion and agitation of the humours of the body, joined with a a certain conflict: 
Of black urines.  and yet of all sorts of black urines this thin black is counted the best. Black urines may be voided both in health and also in sickness, 
History.  especially by way of critical excretion. 
johann. Bel. for comm in lib de urine.  And first in health let this ensuing history speak.  
I cannot well approve of the opinion of Christophorus a Vega, who maintaineth that it is altogether impossible that any living in perfect health should void a black urine: 
Gal. attrib. p● 72.  his reason is, because so great a quantity of that humour as may thus colour the urine, can hardly be collected within the veins of an healthful man. But howsoever in a laudable and healthful constitution of body, it doth not so much abound in the veins as do the other humours, yet is it on the other side most certain, that this humour doth abound in that temperature of body which is cold and dry, since that from thence the cold and dry constitution taketh its name. And this did I myself observe in a certain Monk of the order of the Carmes, and Spaniard by nation, of the coldest and driest constitution of body that ever I did yet know, who for the space of six whole years, during his abode here with us, and that in perfect good health, made always a black urine: and being yet further demanded of us concerning the continuance of it, did confidently affirm unto us, that so had he done the whole course of his life. And why not? May not a black and melancholic blood, supplying the place of the haemorrhoides or piles, being expelled by urine, die the same with the aforesaid colour? As also the like excretion of urine so coloured hath been observed in one Tardanellus and Italian, who did all his life time (living notwithstanding in perfect health) continually void such an urine. Neither yet is it without reason, that the noisome humour is so scoured away, to the end that the state and constitution of the body, composed of, and cherished by such an humour, may be preserved sound and in perfect health.  
I did once see a Knight's urine of a very black colour, 
Another.  who notwithstanding, 
Guil. Adolph. ●cribon. lib. de ●rinar. inspect.  was not sick at all, and much less in danger of death. Again a little after. There was also a young scholar, who being free from any disease, voided sometimes urine of so black a celour, that whosoever did see it, did suppose it to be ink.  
The story of Actuarius his servant, 
Actuar. lib. 2. cap. 20. de iudie. ●rin.  doth also confirm, that in perfect health the urine may be died with a black inky colour without any further danger, as it came to pass in this party, whose urine after the drinking of a medicine against melancholy, at first was of a blackish colour like unto ink, coming afterwards to a bluish, and at last to its own natural colour again.  
I was myself very familiarly acquainted with a reverend and grave Divine, 
Another.  who lived sometime in this town of Northampton, who did at diverse times, yet living in perfect health, void great abundance of black urine. And yet a long time before his death, nor yet during the time of his sickness, I never knew him void any of that colour.  
That this black urine may prove a critical excretion, 
Black urines critical in diverse diseases.  not in acute diseases, but even in such as are not partakers of that violence; as in diseases of the spleen and kidneys, cannot be denied, 
Thomas a Vega comm. ad lib. 6. Gal. de loc. affact. pag. 342.  etc. But I produce my authorities. We must not unadvisedly and without any limitation, jump with the judgement of Galen in condemning of black urines. For howsoever he did never perhaps see any saved after the voiding of such an urine, yet have divers other of no small note and fame since his time seen and observed the same: for the which cause it ought not so much to be condemned; nay not if thou wouldst even tie thine assertion to acute diseases: yea though thou shouldest yet further suppose many other bad and dangerous signs to concur with the same. For besides Rhases, Auicenna, and Actuarius, Hypocrates himself, in his epidemical histories, did observe, that some with such urines did recover. The urine therefore may be often of that colour without any imminent danger to the patient, and that upon the taking of any meat, drink, or medicine, of a black colour, & perhaps endued with a diuretical quality; concerning which there is a pretty story in Actuarius. It proveth also often a critical excretion in Quartane agues, in diseases of the spleen, as also in the suppression of women's menstruous fluxes, and of the Hemorthoides or piles in both sexes. And yet moreover according to the mind of Auicenna, it cureth sometimes fevers of long continuance, whether they take their denomination from the day or from the night. 
Nocturnae 〈◊〉 diurnae febre.  And yet further, in some infirmities of the kidneys, or yet a stone congealed in the bladder, the urine sometimes presenteth itself in the foresaid habit and colour. And finally, it doth sometimes presage the happy issue and event of fevers by bleeding at the nose or sweeting. Since therefore sometimes it is a foretunner of extreme danger, to wit, when it doth proceed from extreme hear or cold, and sometimes again secure and without any danger at all, Rhases and Auicenna do thus accord them. If the foresaid urine be voided in a great quantity and thin, succeeding a clear and waterish urine, as also if ease and alleviation do follow upon the voiding thereof, it doth presage nothing but good: and on the contrary, without the foresaid circumstances, a black urine is very dangerous; and in the stoppage of women's monthly disease, it is an usual and accustomed, howbeit not a perpetual and certain sign. But now I will instance in some histories the proof of these critical evacuations.  
I am very familiarly acquainted with a Church man, 
Another.  who ordinarily three or four times a year complaineth of the swelling of his spleen to an excessive bigness, 
Anton. Valet exercit. 40 ad Holler. de morb. intern.  especially towards the Spring and Fall: and upon the approaching of the foresaid disease, then doth he complain of great grief and pain in his sides, his body becoming all over of a leaden colour, and in this case daily waxing worse and worse, until at length by voiding abundance of urine black like unto ink, and that during the space of six or seven days, the foresaid swelling, as also his great pain vanishing quite away, he recovered again his wont and accustomed health. It is now twelve, if not fifteen years since he was first acquainted with this critical excretion by urine, having before that time been troubled with the piles or hemorrhoides, which notwithstanding did yield but little matter.  
I have of mine own experience observed (saith the learned Laurentius) such as have been troubled with the Spleen, 
Another.  by means of a plentiful evacuation by black urine to have been cured. 
Andr. Laurent. anat. lib. 1. quaest. 38.  Now it is also to be observed, that such urines were black, not by generation, by reason that such urines in Hypocrates his Prognost. Praedict. and Aphorism, are always deadly. For such urines do show forth and declare, either an extraordinary great parching heat, or else a total extinction or overthrowing of natural heat. But these urines were black by permixtion of a melancholic humour, the which the Spleen did send forth through the kidneys into the bladder.  
Howbeit black urines be by Hypocrates condemned as deadly (saith Valeriola) or at least very dangerous, 
Francise. Valer. comm. ad libr. Gal. le constit. art. med. pag. 355  especially in acute diseases; yet doth experience teach us, that this manner of urine may prove critical in some diseases; as namely, in inflammations, or inveterate obstructions of the Spleen: as I did myself observe in a young youth called john Ruffus, 
Another.  son to our Apothecary Anthony Ruffus, who being once (as was supposed) ready to yield up the ghost, by reason of an inflammation of the Spleen, did upon the twentieth day, by way of a crisis, void above twelve wine pints of urine as black as ink, the which I have often also observed in Quartane agues.  
But now I will instance in some agues, and some other infirmities.  
Upon a time I went to a Canon who lay sick of a triple Quartane ague, 
Another.  being troubled also with a scirrhus or hardness both of his Liver and Spleen, 
jacob Douin●●. apol. lib. 3. cap. ult.  who nevertheless did recover of the foresaid infirmities, and that by means of thick black urine, together with such fit and proper remedies as are appropriated to the Spleen, exhibited and applied both outwardly and inwardly. Silvius hath seen diverse who have had every year such fluxes of urine, and that without any grief or molestation whatsoever.  
But I will instance in a Tertian ague, such urines being more seldom observed in this disease then in quartans and the like: in the which myself being the patient, I cannot much be mistaken.  
After I had continued about the space of two years in France, 
Another.  and living at that instant in the town of Fontenay le compte, 
Of a bastard Tertian in myself.  in the Province of Poictou, about the latter end of july, I was surprised with a bastard Tertian ague, which thus continuing for the space of three weeks, yet without any violent accidents, I did at the first contemn. After the foresaid pace, the enemy assaulting me more fiercely then at first, and that by redoubling of the former fits, being now of a single Tertian become a double, I armed myself with such weapons as were fit to encounter with so furious an adversary. After the use of diverse fit and proper remedies for the extirpation of the foresaid infirmity, I voided for the space of three or four days together great store of thick blackish urine like unto ink, at the first sight whereof (having read something before in Hypocrates, concerning the danger of such urines) I was something afraid; but after more mature deliberation I rested better satisfied. I remember I had for certain days together drunk of an infusion wherein was some quantity of Seine leaves, which as it seemeth by the attraction of the humour of that colour did dye the urine therewith. Unto this critical excretion was shortly after added another: to wit, a violent laske, not without the mixture of some blood, which lasted at least for the space of a full fortnight, and which did at length waste away the mateer of the disease before the approaching of Winter; howbeit the imbecility of my body was such that I recovered not my full former strength again until the Spring following.  
I gave upon a time to a patient of mine (saith Crato) much troubled with the black laundise, 
Another.  some Bezoar stone, 
johann. Crato consil. medicine. col. 446. aedit. Hanou. in fol. 1612.  and after a little while he voided great store of urine as black as ink; by which means the patient found great ease.  
Rhases reporteth an history of a woman that came to him, who voided black urines, and withal complained much of a pain in her loins, and always upon the voiding of such an urine she found immediately ease. But after a while she fell into a night fever accompanied with some shivering. This woman was of a melancholic complexion, whom I perfectly cured by such means as provoke urine.  
The son of Angelus borne at Ancona (as relateth Amatus) being but five years of age, 
Another.  somewhat fat of body, being, 
Amatus Lusitanus centar. 5. turat. 54.  as his parents supposed, carefully looked unto both for diet and other things called not natural; became notwithstanding full of hard scabs, accompanied with an ulcer-like matter all over his head and neck, and for divers days did run great store of this putrid matter from the foresaid sores. But after a month's space, this child voided abundance of thick black urine for the space of three days together, not without some acrimony and sharpness, accompanied with a pain in his yard, yet without any fever. This child did in a very short time after recover; neither would I suffer any thing to be applied to his head for curing of his scabs, which did very shortly heal of itself. Now this urine proved to be in this child critical for the removal of this infirmity.  
It may then plainly appear, how little trust we are to repose in these urines more than any other, either in sickness or in health; and how easily the Physician may be deceived, who shall give too much credit thereunto. And who can tell by the sight of such a black urine only, whether it be critical as we say, or symptomatical, denouncing danger in an acute disease? This the other circumstances, especially the sight of the patient, (whereby thou mayest more easily consider of his strength then by the sight of a thousand urines) must bring to thy consideration. 
Mercur. lib. de urine. cap. 6.  And besides all the premises. Mercurial mentioneth out of Rhases and Auicenna, that if any anoint his body with the juice of the berries of the herb Halcana, he shall undoubtly void black urines. The same Author affirmeth, that black urine after great travel end exercise, doth prognosticate a convulsion, and that a glister made of the decoction only of high coloured red wine, hath produced a black urine. And again, out of Rufus Ephesius, who lived about the time of the Emperor Traian, that black urine, voided for a long time together in the time of health, prognosticateth the engendering of a stone in the kidneys. But I proceed now to some other colours of urines, which by our Authors are all referred to the former colour, and not much also disagreeing in signification.  
Blue urines, 
Of blue urines.  called commonly veneta & caerulea, being as it were a more remiss black, and not died with so great a quantity of that humour, hath also divers significations. For being thick withal, it signifieth that black choler, proceeding first from yellow choler very adust, doth colour the urine: or else so great cold of the inward parts, that they are almost quite mortified. It signifieth moreover, extraodinarie exercise of the body by running. In such as do recover out of any disease, it is a sign of a laudable crise, especially if it come in any great quantity: for by this means the a dust parts are voided forth. In old men, if such an urine persist long, it argueth that the natural constitution of the bladder is altered and changed by bad and corrupt humours. In such as are subject to the stone, it is a sign of the approaching of the Strangury. The same urine is also sometimes observed to be thin, then signifying the melting of melancholy, which doth but a little colour the urine. And sometimes also it signifieth blows and stripes, howbeit not in any violent or excessive manner, and in such a case it is a laudable and good sign.  
As concerning green urines, 
Of green urines.  of them our Physicians commonly make two sorts: one properly so called, and the other called green oily urines. As for the first, it signifieth according to our writers, abundance of choler adust, and of a malign quality, and almost ready to be turned into black, being daily more and more parched and burnt up. And commonly in the best signification it signifieth adustion of the humours, long continuance and perseverance of the same. And sometimes cold in extremest degree, as was said before of black, and then is mortal: especially if leaden colour and black follow successively at diverse times, pulse feeble, with thirst or short breath. Sometimes again a Quotidian ague and yellow laundise, especially with an ague. And howbeit these urines often prove dangerous, yet is not the case always alike: for sometimes this colour may be also seen in found & healthful bodies. 
3. de rat. vict. acut.  Galen doth willingly confess the same. Choleric people (saith he) which fast long, do oftentimes make green and fiery coloured urines. And that feeding upon certain kinds of food, may produce such an urine, this ensuing history may easily declare.  
There was a certain Physician, 
History.  who having fed on some nourishment of that colour, 
Guil. Adolph. Scribon. de inspect. urine. prope finem.  did afterwards void an urine of the same colour, which he sent to another Physician, to fish out his opinion concerning the same. This other Physician gave out his verdict concerning the great danger this urine did threaten the owner. But the other sending him back word again, that upon the feeding on such and such food it was no uncouth thing for him to void such an urine: and withal advised him not to pronounce his opinion so peremptorily upon the colour of the urine only.  
The other sort of green urines is a light popiniay green, 
Of popiniay green, oily urine.  called also an oily urine: that is, such whose substance is clammy and thick, as oil or fat molten. It commonly signifieth colliquation, and wasting of the fat within man or woman, as proceeding from excessive heat. And yet such urines, if black urines went before, signifieth health at hand. If it come suddenly and in a short time, it argueth the colliquation or wasting of the kidneys only. The higher this colour is, the worse they commonly hold it. But I will dwell no longer upon this colour, since the uncertainty thereof may be collected by that which hath been said already.  
As for ash-coloured or leaden coloured urines, 
Of ash-coloured, or leaden coloured urines.  they have not always one and the same signification more than the former. If an urine of this colour be thick, and green coloured urine went before, it signifieth extreme heat an ●●urning: if pale coloured urine went before, it doth portend extre a me cold and mortification. This kind of urine may also proceed from the afflux of melancholic humours, or else by reason of great blows or stripes: and then it may prove a good sign, the expulsive power expelling such residence towards the bottom. In fevers an urine of this colour without any settling or residence, is a sign of death. But in a burning fever it doth portend a Strangury. The same causes which did produce blue urines, do also bring forth this colour, but that in this all things are more violent. Sometimes such an urine is a sign of the black jaundice proceeding from melancholy. But than it portends health, especially if it be voided in any great quantity and thick in substance, by reason of the evacuation of such thick humours. It is then apparent that these colours signify not always one certain thing, but sometimes quite contrary. For the which cause it is no marvel if a Physician who should settle his judgement solely thereupon, might easily be deceived.   

CHAP. VI  
The manifold significations of white urines, as also the great uncertainty of judgement by the same.  
WHite urines, 
Of thin white urines.  as also all other colours, are either very thin and clear, or else thick in substance, and accompanied often with a copious residence. Thin white clear urines like unto fair spring water, have diverse significations, as witnesseth the learned Rondeletius, 
Rondelet. lib. de urine. cap. 15.  with whom are joined in judgement the rest of our learned Physicians. And first of all this urine is sometimes seen in indifferent good health, 
Their diverse significations.  and doth now and then signify some crudity of the stomach. Sometimes again it signifieth obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys, which must be discerned by other signs also: to wit, such as be proper and peculiar to each part. In old age, as also in long lingering diseases, it argueth weakness of the natural faculties. Some likewise who do void such urines, are from their very cradles of a weak and crazy constitution. A thin and clear urine, made often, and in great abundance, doth accompany the disease called Diabete. In an obscure lurking or lingering fever, it signifieth either the jaundice, or a resolution or dissolution of the strength. A thin white urine accompanied with other good signs, doth declare the decaying and decreasing of a Quotidian ague, and if it do long persist, being deprived of any smell, especially if strength be much decayed, it portendeth either death, or else the long continuance of the disease. And finally with a burning fever and frenzy, 
Forest. obseruat. medic. tomo. 1. lib. 2. schol. ad obseruat. 25. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  it is a most deadly sign, as may be seen elsewhere. As concerning the ages, as they are accounted dangerous in many; so especially in little children, as may be seen in several places of the works of the famous Hypocrates. Wherefore we had need to consider many things before we proceed to deliver our judgement concerning such urines. If therefore such an urine were brought to the Physician, whether would he thereby pronounce a weaenesse of the stomach, 
Hippcrat. prognost. lib. 2. aph. 30  or obstruction of the Liver, Spleen or Kindneys? And why not a frenzy in a fever? And howsoever Hypocrates pronounceth this to be a most dangerous urine; yet have I myself often observed the same without any danger to the party, as I doubt not but so have many more besides myself.  
About some eight or nine years ago, 
History.  there came to me a yeoman of Northamptonshire, bringing with him his urine which well nigh filled the urinal, being as clear as any crystal, without any contents at all, except some few motes, such as they say are found in the urines of women with child. And because I did see so great odds betwixt his complexion and his urine (he bring indifferent well coloured in regard of the urine, howbeit near siftie years of age) not suspecting this urine to be his own, began to inquire some circumstances concerning the same, as namely the time of continuance. At length he freely and of his own accord confessed, that the urine was his own, and that above the space of six years bypast his urine had not altered nor changed from that I did new see it. He added moreover, that he felt neither grief nor trouble in his body, as being able to go about his ordinary employments and works of his calling; that he was now and then troubled with some wind in his stomach, and that he himself wondered not a little at the long continuance of his urine after this manner. I gave him directions against obstructions▪ and crudities, with somethings for the strengthening of his stomach, and never since heard any more news of him.  
The like urine have I often observed in many other cases, and will instance but in one: to wit, an historical passion, commonly called the mother.  
Some ten years ago I had in cure a young maid, 
Another.  much molested with that disease which is commonly called the Mother. For four days together, from twelve of the clock at noon till night, her fits were so violent and tedious, and the intermissions so short, that both her father and other friends took (as they thought●) their just leave of her. In her time of intermission, or rather remission, when she was most sensible of herself, she voided almost a chamber pot full at a time of thin clear urine, like unto spring-water, without any manner of contents discernible to the sharpest eyesight, and this commonly four or five times in an afternoon, and that during the days of the fouresaid fits. But being afterwards freed from this infirmity, she was likewise freed from the aforementioned accident. Neither did I ever since that time know her trouble with this disease, save once since she was married, and yet was nothing in regard of the former extremity.  
If any Argus had been there with his hundreth eyes, or yet the sharp sighted Lynceus himself, where such urines had been brought in two several urinals (I mean the man's last mentioned, and this woman's) they had never been able to discern any difference betwixt these two urines: much less than the ignorant Empiricke, the petticoat or woman-physitian, or the cunningest pisse-prophet among them all: and if thou wilt, put in master Parson-practiser to make better weight. And if any had brought such an urine, so often, in so great quantity, to any Physician, was there any reason why he should not rather have conjectured a Diabete, or pissing evil, than any other infirmity? And this I think may suffice to prove the uncertainty of judgement by thin white urines: now something of thick white urines.  
Hypocrates, 
Of thick white urines.  in the late alleged place, doth include very thick urines, of whatsoever colour they be, within the same degree of danger. And Galen himself seemeth to second this opinion, averring that the thicker an urine is, the more danger hath he most commonly observed in the same. Rondeletius affirmeth, that white urines which are not transparent, but thick almost like unto milk, do signify abundance of phlegm, and secondarily worms, the falling-sickness, headache, palsy, convulsions, great coldness of the natural parts: and finally, all manner of diseases proceeding from phlegm. If such an urine than were offered to thy view and consideration, good master urine-monger, for which of these diseases wouldst thou give out sentence? There being many more phlegmatic diseases besides the last rehearsed; and many of them proceeding from other causes, must by consequent be accompanied with other urines: yea and in the same cause the urine may by diverse means not be the same. And these thick urines sometimes accompanied with a copious residence, and sometimes again without the same. I will now proceed to some instances of both, where it shall appear that sometimes some such urines are not so dangerous as they are deemed.  
I did see in the Castle of I●rum in the County of Sundoz, 
History.  a young man about thirty years of age, 
Nichol. Flerent. serm. 3. tract. 10. cap. 21.  who did every day make an urine in great abundance, wherein did settle a white residence, like unto curdled milk, filling the urinal half full, howbeit above the same did swim a small quantity of whitish urine like unto whey. They young man notwithstanding felt no inconvenience by the same, but still enjoyed his perfect health.  
But a woman voiding the like urine, yet was not blessed with so great a benefit, which notwithstanding for the strangeness I thought good here to mention.  
In the year (as I remember) 1613. a woman of middle age, 
Another.  dwelling in the South suburb of Northampton, commonly called Cottonend, sent me an urine, if so it might be called, which was nothing else, as one would have judged by the eye, but thick curdled milk, which did very near fill the urinal, only on the top of it did swim a little liquor like unto white posset drink, being not half an inch thick above the foresaid contents. And howbeit I did twice or thrice see her urine afterwards, yet could I never again see these curdled contents, it being only like the aforesaid white posset drink, howbeit she had sometimes before voided such an urine, as I was informed. She died about two months after: and as it seemeth, of a consumption and wasting of the kidneys and other urinary passages, as by some signs did appear. And what if the spermaticall parts did participate with the former? The woman had lain long languishing, neither was I ever called to see her, and for any thing I know, had few or no means administered unto her, being but of poor and mean estate.  
A thick and milky urine hath also by others been observed in the exulceration of the kidneys, 
A Petro Sphaerorio medico referente Schenck. lib. 3. obseruat. medicine. lib de urine.  namely in a certain Polonian in the Hospital of the holy Ghost, the which (saith the Author) I often beheld. There are yet other white urines, the which howsoever they are to the eye somewhat transparent, some more and some less, some of them being of a more bright & shining colour, drawing near to the colour of molten glass, and some again more dark, and not so transparent a colour, yet may they all most justly be reckoned among the number of thick white urines, and that in regard of their tough and slimy substance, which may easily be both felt and seen to be such. This sort of urine doth often argue great store of crudities, and tough phlegmatic matter, with such diseases as are engendered of the same: but most commonly diseases of the bladder, as namely the Strangury or the Stone, howsoever it cometh sometimes otherwise to pass.  
I was these years by past (saith Schenckius) familiarly acquainted with a certain Noble man, 
Another.  now dead, whose name was Vdalrichus, 
johann. Schenck. ibidem.  and brother to George master of the other of the Knights of Germany, called joannitae, being descended of the noble family of Hohenheimes, surnamed Bombest, who without any hindrance to his health, did oftentimes, yea during the greatest part of his life time, void a thick muddy urine, and so tough and ropie, that any might have drawn it an ell long, as if it had been some glue or birdlime. He never in his life was troubled with the stone, and himself showed me this urine, offering the same to my trial.  
Another voided by urine a certain matter like unto molten pearls being of a sine bright colour, 
Another.  of whom Hollerins maketh mention, 
Holler. inter raras obseruat. num. 2.  the same party again voiding a matter of thicker substance much like unto the white of an egg boiled.  
The same Author maketh mention in another place of another, 
Another.  who voided by urine, 
Idem schol. ad cap 30 lib. 1. de morb. intern.  not without great pain and torment, little pieces of phlegm, round like little bullets, clear like unto crystal, clear glass or sine jelly.  
An ancient Gentleman and acquaintance of mine dwelling in London, 
Another.  being at least threescore and ten years of age, at that time 1611. had for a long time voided great store of such tough phlegmatic matter, most like unto birdlime or jelly, and on the top of the same some urine was to be seen of a dark colour, not unlike to transparent horn. His pain was exceeding great, provoking him almost every minute of an hour to this untimely excretion of his urine. The counsels of the best Physicians were not wanting, some being of opinion it was a stone in the bladder, others judging otherwise. My opinion being demanded, I told him I was not of their opinion, who held that there was a stone in the bladder, moved hereunto by some probable conjectures. But seeing him much macerated and weakened by much Physic, exhibited both by the learned Physician and by the ignorant Empiricke also, my advice was, that he should abstain from all manner of laxative medicines, except it were now and then some gentle glister or lenitive to procure the benefit of nature. I appointed him also fit and convenient diet: and all his Physic was nothing save some certain Emulsions, as also some juleps composed of some syrupes and distilled waters, most proper and convenient for his disease, and that not for a week or a month, but for three or four months together. After two months were passed he found sensible ease and alleviation, but yet much more the next Spring, this being towards the beginning of Winter: and hath since that time scarce ever complained at all of this so tedious and tormenting infirmity. And this last Spring his strength spent, and the oil in the lamp failing, being full of days, paid that debt which admitteth no bail nor suretyship. This than may appear that the urine here could give us no assured knowledge of the certainty of the disease, whether the Stone or strangury. And thus the uncertainty of this colour, as well as of the rest, cannot be concealed from the judicious and understanding Reader: whose patience I must yet entreat to give ear to some things yet to be said concerning the contents of urine: concerning the which, howbeit here and there, and namely in this last colour, something hath been said, yet was not this my principal purpose and intent; but is as it were thrust in by head and shoulders. Now shall something be said of set purpose, whereas I will forbear to repeat any thing which hath been said already.   

CHAP. VII.  
Of the circle or garland, spume and froth, bubbles, smoke or vapour, and fat in the over most region of the urine, and what certainty from thence can be collected.  
THese contents are most commonly distinguished according to the three regions of the urine. The overmost urine, as it claimeth the first place in the urinal, so shall it have here the pre-eminence above the other two. Now as concerning the circle, 
Of the circle, ring or garland. Not mentioned by the ancients.  ring or garland, it hath been well observed by some of our late writers, that neither Hypocrates not yet Galen ever made any mention of them, as being in their judgements a thing not worth the consideration. 
Lib▪ de urine. cap. 31. de circulo.  Rondeletius maketh Auicenna and Isaac Arabian Physicians, 
The original of it.  the first founders thereof: howbeit (saith he) some do attribute the first invention of it to the University of Salerna, either perhaps, because since Actuarius his time they had tried some conclusions by the same, or else did repose, much trust and confidence in this circle or crown. 
It is twofold.  Two sorts of these circles or garlands find we mentioned by Actuarius, which notwithstanding few authors that I have read do remember. The first is that commonly so called, being nothing else but a certain circle or round line in the overmost part of the urine, environing it round about like a ring; and is so called by reason of the roundness of the urinal, the like whereof may be likewise seen in any other liquor. The other circles or garlands are no such round rings or circles as have been mentioned, 
Leo Reganus de differ. urine. lib. 1. cap. ult.  but only some overmost parts of the urine which swim in the liquor of the same, and for the same reason, of the roundness of the urinal, called crowns or garlands. Of the former of the two do our Physicians most commonly make mention, and many things do many men prognosticate by the same, 
Posteriores eiusdem (coronae) iuditia subiecerunt veteribus non usitata, & in quibus iustae saepe causae desiderantur: verum ut scenae inseruiamus eadem iudicia subdere placet.  which nevertheless some of their chief ringleaders and upholders do in a manner confess to be but a novelty, not practised by the learned ancient Physicians: and yet lest they should seem to control the inveterate and common received custom, they must needs say something as well as their neighbours. Hence have we the proportion betwixt the regions of the body of man, and the regions of the urine violently thrust upon us; and as they will have the other parts of the urine answerable to the rest of the parts of the body; so must the crown or garland answer proportionably to the head, or some part of it at least. 
Villich. de probat urine. part. 4. cap. 39  And not with this content, they ascribe several colours of these circles, not to several humours only, but to several parts of the head also; sometimes to the right, sometimes to the left: and again sometimes to the hinder part, and sometimes to the fore pa●t; diving sometimes into the very ventricles or inward concavities thereof. And yet to discern these circles or garlands aright, a sharp and very quick sight is very requisite. Moreover, may not thine own sight, together with the quality or quantity of the light, the diverse manners of situation of the urinal, one or all of these, easily alter the colour of this thy circle, making it appear sometimes of one, sometimes of another colour? Besides, these circles or garlands are supposed to be seen in such urines only as are not of one colour, and the overmost part thinner than the other. On the several significations of the supposed several colours thereof, with their proportions to the humours of the head, if I should particularly insist, and confute them, as some might perhaps expect, I think it would prove but a needless and superfluous labour, the thing being so idle in itself, and of so small account. 
Loco proxime citato.  The learned Rondeletius, I am sure, made but small account of them, and where he mentions them, whatsoever he saith is but the relation of the opinions of others, most of which he doth afterwards confute. His manner of speech intimateth no less unto us in these words following.  
Wherefore we shall pronounce that a red circle (if it signify any thing at all) doth signify abundance of blood in the whole head, etc. Another learned author lately mentioned, 
Idem Reganus de provide. ex urinis lib. 3. cap. 8.  would also willingly have them banished out of all the hippocratical commonwealth, in these words following: But perhaps in vain do I labour to root out this so inveterate and inbred opinion (meaning concerning froth, spume and bubbles) out of the minds of our ordinary Physicians. The like may I say concerning the crowns or garlands in urines, the opinion whereof hath now almost so deeply possessed every man's mind. It is most certain that Actuarius himself never did prognosticate any such thing by this circle or line compassing round about the overmost part of the urine, having only brought it in, to the end he might prognosticate by the bubbles when as they do appear in it. And who is so blind, that doth not see how ridiculous a thing it is to prognosticate by a certain circle or roundring, which may be as well observed in any other round vessel filled with any liquor, 
Idem lib. 2. de cause. urine. cap. 9  as in an urinal? As concerning that crown or garland which is the superficies or overmost part of the urine, which Actuarius seemeth to have borrowed from Hypocrates, we have by the authorities of Galen, already rejected. Wherefore in my opinion these crowns and garlands shall be banished far from urines. So far our author. It is not also unlikely, that if they had been of such use and necessity, but Hirpocrates or Galen would have mentioned them; together with their several uses in Physic, they both being so curious in searching out the several significations of this sign. If any will yet object, that our modern Physicians have added many things to former inventions; I could reply, it is true indeed, and might well come to pass in such things as never did present themselves to their senses, or else in such things whereof they had no experimental knowledge: but I suppose they were as eagle eyed in Asia and other parts, and could see as far into a millstone as any of our late European Physicians. And this shall now suffice concerning circles or garlands, we now proceed to the rest.  
Bubbles, 
Of bubbles, spume or froth.  spume, or froth, are all accounted to proceed from one and the same cause, differing in some circumstances only. Now if we shall narrowly observe and mark what can be said of them, we shall find no less uncertainty in the predictions by them, 
Idem lib. 2. de cause. urine. cap. 9  then in the former. Actuarius (saith our above named author) maketh mention of many things concerning this matter which neither Galen nor Hypocrates have observed, and that in my opinion (saith he) because they were not worth the observing. And again a little after: Such things as Actuarius hath set down concerning the spumes and bubbles, are nothing to be regarded. For who seeth not, that as well the spume as the bubbles stay longer in the crown or garland of the urine, and in the middle part of the superficies or overmost part they are sooner dissolved. For the case is not here alike as in the garland, where the solid body of the urinal is an occasion that they stick longer and more firmly to the same. And this not in urine only, but in any other liquor in like manner may easily be observed, to wit, that such froth and bubbles do longer persist in the circle joining to the vessel then in the rest of the overmost part of the same, etc. This foundation then being rotten, the rest of the building must needs fall to the ground. They tell us in the first place that bubbles which stand round about over the garland only, and continue without parting, if they be of the same colour the urine is of, they declare that there is great pain in all the parts of the head. But if they occupy only the one half of the garland, then is that pain in one half of the head. But I assure thee, such bubbles may be seen, and thou not able to discern whether the wind be in the head or tail. And beside thou mayest sometimes find a good fellow who could quickly fill a baggepipe with his bum, and yet in his urine see neither bubble nor any other such babble. 
See before in the beginning.  But concerning the uncertainty of these things, something hath been said already in another place, whereas mention was made of the regions of the urine answering to the parts of man's body, which was proved most false. It is granted, that sometimes these bubbles do not appear at the first in the beginning of the disease, howbeit after a while they begin to show themselves: and then is it an argument that nature waxeth strong to concoct and overcome the bad humours. In fevers therefore such do signify the declining or decaying of the same. But if they have been from the beginning still so continuing, then is the danger greater, howbeit better with a thick then with a thin urine. Now put the case that in an urine brought to thee from afar thou mightest discern some such bubble or froth, yet how shalt thou be able to discern whether any were in the urine at the beginning of the disease, or no? The messenger for the most part can tell thee no more than the ground he goeth on: and it may be, that neither the patient nor any about him are able to observe such nice curiosities, as often not observing matters of greater moment. But put yet the case thou couldst discern some headache by the aforesaid contents, how shalt thou ever be able to discern whether 〈◊〉 come, as we say, per sympathiam, by consent from the neither parts (which is most common) or per idiopathiam: that is, be primarily seated in the head? And if thou knowest not this, thy knowledge is to small purpose, the cure differing according to the several causes. Of this the patient will give thee better satisfaction than a thousand urines. If bubbles do appear in the urine (saith Reusner) together with the signs of defluxion or distillation of humours, 
Scholar in cap. 30. part. 4. jodoin Willich. de probat urinar.  especially if a fever be therewith conjoined, they do portenda pleurisy, as also the Gout: and great store of spume or froth appearing in the urine without the shaking of it, besides wind in general, it doth presage that the wind colic threateneth such a party. The same Reusner affirmeth, that Rhases writeth, that round bubbles do prognosticate bleeding at the nose; and that such as be of a colour yellow like saffron with a little whiteness, do portend some infirmity of the Lungs. But I believe he were a cunning Physician, that could tell or name the disease by the urine only. 
Comment. 3▪ libr● prorrh.  Again these frothy urines according to Galen, do signify a certain melting or wasting away of the body, or an unequal perturbation of the same by reason of some windiness: the first of these being dangerous, but not so the other, but rather prognosticating the long continuance of the disease. Such frothy urines with some bubbles are to be seen in fevers proceeding from the abundance of crude or raw humours. And not so only, but in the infirmities of the kidneys also; Hypocrates in his Aphorisms affirming, 
Aph. 34. sect. 7.  that such urines do both signify infirmities of the kidneys, and the long continuance of the disease. 
Savonarola de urine. cap. 3. rubr. 17.  But from the froth we come to the smoke or vapour in the urine, of the which an Italian Physician maketh mention; as is forced to be beholden to the Arabians for the same.  
Smoke or vapour (saith he) is sometimes to be seen in the urine, 
Of smoke or vapour in the urine.  and cannot be by every one conceived. It is engendered, sometimes of a thick adust matter; and then with the continuance of strength signifieth the long continuance of the disease: sometimes of an hot adust matter, and with the decaying of strength prognosticateth death: sometimes also of raw phlegm somewhat adust, and signifieth the prolonging of the disease. And if it continue all the time of the disease, it portendeth death, or raw phlegm; which may be discerned from matter by the stinking smell. But because our sight is not so sharp in this Island, we will leave these smoky urines to the sharp sighted Italians and Arabians. But if any such smoky stuff be found in any English urines, it must needs be best observed in our common Tobacconists, whose urines it is a marvel that they are not wholly converted into smoke. But of this frothy and smoky stuff sufficient, this being likewise so idle an opinion, that of its own accord it vanisheth away into smoke: howbeit I thought good to acquaint the Reader with all the hid mystery of the imposture, and abuses concerning urines. But now something concerning the fat swimming on the top of urines.  
Such urines have this fat swimming on the top, 
Of fat swimming on the top of urines.  sometimes in a greater, and sometimes in a smaller quantity: and sometimes again like oil, and sometimes also covering all the overmost part of the urine, like a spider's web. These fat urines also signify sometimes a wasting of the whole body, if there be a fever joined with the same; or of the kidneys only, if without it. 
Gal. Comm. 3. in lib. 3. epid.  This fever is sometimes very speedy and swift in operation, wasting suddenly not the fat only, but the solid substance of the body also; called therefore by our Physicians, Febris colliquans; and such are often Pestilential fevers. It is again sometimes an Hectic, which endeth in a Marasme, unless it be first prevented. But how shall one be able by the bare sight of the urine only, to discern all these several circumstances and differences? 
De provide. ex urinis lib. 3. cap. 6.  But this is yet worth the observing (saith Roganus) that when as these wasting or consuming fevers have well-nigh wasted away the whole body, then are no more such wasting excretions, which he calleth syntectica excrementa, either fat urines or faecall excrements to be seen. For the fleshy parts being hardened and dried up, that which melteth and wasteth away falleth now no more into the guts or the passages of the urine, 
Lib. 1. meth. med. cap. ult.  but passeth away like a vapour. This Galen setteth down by a very pretty and pertinent comparison, taken from flesh broiled on a gridiron. Now if any one should conceive some better hope by reason that this fat matter did no more appear, should he not miss the mark, the case being now far more dangerous than before? 
Guil. Adolph. Scrib. de inspect. urinar. prope finem.  The words of Scribonius make not a little to clear this point in hand. By these fat urines (saith he) some do teach us that we may easily discern and know all the kinds of a fever Hectic, by reason it signifieth a wasting and melting of the parts of the body. 
3. de praesagit. ex pulls.  But whatsoever reason we render of the same, Galen notwithstanding in express words affirmeth; that the urine of such as are surprised with a fever Hectic hath no certain signification. Experience also doth teach us, that some being of a choleric constitution of body, as also such as have eaten fat meats, or have fat kidneys, use often to make fat urines. What reason is there then to pronounce either a fever Hectic, or yet any wasting or consumption thereby? This is not erroneous only, but full oftemeritie also. The truth of this assertion may also in this more plainly appear, that many have died of such consumption and wasting, who never, notwithstanding had any fat swim on their urines. Sometimes it hath been also observed, that the vessel wherein the urine hath been carried to the Physician, hath before contained either oil or some other fat matter, which hath by this means been communicated to the urine. It is therefore the Physicians part diligently to inquire concerning all the circumstances of the disease, and not by the inspection of the urine only peremptorily to pronounce any thing. Thus far our author. Many of my friends and patients have voided urines with this fat like a spider's web floating on the top for divers years together, and yet were never subject to any consumption or wasting, either in the whole body or their kidneys. And how easily one may be deceived in these fat urines, may by this which followeth appear.  
It is not yet full three years since I had under my cure in Northampton town a country woman diseased of that infirmity which we call Lienteria, 
History.  or the flux of the stomach, whom one day visiting, and viewing her urine, I perceived some fat like unto some drops of oil swim on the top of it, which was again the next day after to be seen after the same manner: 
〈…〉  she then seeing me narrowly view the same, told me that the urine was unadvisedly made both the days in a vessel wherein some oil had before been contained. What then if such an urine had been brought out of the country, either to myself, or yet to any other Physician, without any further information? But we proceed now to the rest.   

CHAP. VIII.  
Of the cloud, swim or sublimation, together with divers sorts of grounds or residences, and the uncertainty of their significations.  
IN the first place we are to observe, 
All urines are not accompanied with contents.  that all urines are not accompanied with contents, but many deprived of them; which may proceed from divers causes. As namely, in case of crudity, and the concoction being good, yet may some obstruction hinder any contents to pass. 
And may proceed from diverse causes.  The like may be by fasting procured, and want of food, which may also make the urine of an higher colour. The inflammation of any part of the body, by drawing of the humours thither, may produce the like effect. In lasks also or fluxes of the belly, as the urine shall be the lesser, so shall the contents be few or none at all. Some certain constitutions also gather no settle in their urines: and such as are in present health, and eat much, have a more copious residence, and in Winter it doth more abound then in Summer. Laborious and very painful people may also have little or no contents at all in their urines. The time of the sickness in which this cometh to pass, is also narrowly to be observed: for in the beginning and increase of acute diseases, than this want of contents argueth great defect of natural strength and vigour. In the declining of the disease it is not a messenger of so bad news, yea although it were in the vigour and strength of it. And moreover that many diseases are brought to a happy and expected issue without any contents at all, is no uncouth thing. What certainty then can be collected, either by the presence or yet by the absence of the contents? Now howbeit heretofore some contents on the top of the urine have been mentioned, yet are these last mentioned, most commonly and constantly to be seen ordinarily in urines; and therefore are more properly called contents, and so to be understood by that name. Now all these three, cloud, swim, and grounds, have one and the same material cause, and their generation is also alike, differing only in place and situation, according to the weight of the matter and the concoction of the disease. When the disease is yet crude and not concocted, yet in some forwardness thereunto, then appeareth that which is commonly called a cloud, 
The cloud.  for the proportion and analogy it seemeth to have with the clouds of the air. When the disease is yet in a better forwardness, then is to be seen in the urine, that which is commonly called the swim or sublimation, 
The swim.  hanging as it were betwixt the overmost and neathermost region of the urine. But when nature hath now gotten the upper hand of the disease, 
The ground.  then doth this which we call ground, settle to the bottom of the urinal. My purpose is not here to enter into a large discourse concerning the engendering of this substance, and far less yet the controversies about the same, which I leave to be discussed in the schools, my intent here being only to discover the uncertainty of judgement which these contents do afford us. Now when thou seest the cloud, swim, or residence, what canst thou pronounce but some general and indefinite verdict concerning the crudity or concoction of the disease? but what this thy disease is, thy urine will never reveal unto thee, nor any of the rest of the signs and circumstances to be observed in diseases. And howsoever the material cause of all these three be one and the same, differing only in circumstances, yet may sometimes the one be without the other. Whersoever there is a swim (saith Scribonius) there is also a ground or residence, 
Lo●o proxime citato.  which may also be understood of a cloud: howbeit the ground may be without the former: to wit, if it do not contain such a flatuous matter as raiseth the same up, according to the testimony of Galen. Moreover, the best and most healthful urine is accounted such as hath no such cloud nor swim in it, as witnesseth the same Galen. 
2. Prorrh. 1. & 2. in 6. epid. 37.  And moreover, if they be present, the judgement by them is yet uncertain. For who can tell whether this cometh to pass by way of crisis or otherwise, unless he weigh in the balance diverse other circumstances, according to the which critical days are accustomed to be tried. 
Several times to be assigned for the settling of urine.  And besides the premises, all urines do not suddenly settle, and they assign us several times for the urine to settle in: some assign us half an hour, some the sixth part of an hour, etc. But better it were when they are settled, then to give out our judgement of them. For I have often let urines stand by me, and could see no settling till the next day. Now what couldst thou have judged of such an urine the first day, especially if the messenger, according to the common custom, had hied him home? What couldst thou have said concerning the same? And yet is this a case which cometh not seldom to pass. Moreover, these contents do sometimes suddenly vanish away, and that after an hour or two after the voiding of the urine. I● may then plainly, 
Et ex his pr●inde universis optime facillimeque intel●igi p●sse opin●r, ●uantu● fucus, ●●anta deceptio, ●uanta denique malignitas, sit omnium illorum qui absque aliis coiudicantibus ullis nude & simpliciter ex allata sibi urina aliquas corporis male affecti causas & originem, subiecta, adiuncta & sic deinceps, vel exploratissime se cognoscere posse autumant. Idem. S●ribon. ibid.  by the premises, appear (saith the same Author) what counterfeiting juggling and deceit they use, and how wicked their practice is, who without any other coiudicant signs, do by the urines only, give out sentence concerning the infirmities of the body of man, their causes and beginning, their subjects adjuncts, etc. Now something concerning the several sorts of grounds or contents in the urine, must likewise be said, that the errors and impostures in this point, as well as in other parts of the urine, may be laid open to the capacity of the most ignorant.  
As in the colours, therefore so in the contents, we will begin with the best of all others. That then is ●●●unted the best sediment, settling, or ground, which is white, duly knit and stable, and that continually all the time of the sickness: and that which declineth from the foresaid laudable conditions, is accounted worse, and that so much the more as it doth decline from them. It is generally agreed upon among Physicians, that great store of yellow grounds argueth great store of yellow choler in the body; and the lighter coloured it be, it argueth the less, the higher coloured the greater excess. Now besides that thou canst not tell what particular disease proceeding from choler (there being diverse) it may signify, 
Of yellow contents or grounds  as whether an Ague, or some other disease: and again, if an Ague, of what sort or kind, continual or intermittent: so much less art thou able to tell the time of it, which notwithstanding maketh not a little to inform thy judgement concerning the urine. For if at the first there be either small quantity of choler, or yet none at all, and then it after increase abundantly, which is known by changing from a white thin to a saffron coloured ground) it is a sign and token that nature doth unburden itself of this heavy ballast of choler, and so consequently that health is like shortly to ensue. But if after a saffron colour it change to a white, it is a bad sign, especially without signs of concoction: for the which cause it will be requisite that thou observe the several alterations of the urine, and then be well acquainted with the state and nature of the disease of the patient. The like may be said of red residence, 
Red residence.  the which in the beginning of diseases doth not portend any good, and that by reason it argueth great store of crudity, which hindereth the concoction of the blood; and such are commonly seen in bastard Tertian & Quotidian Agues. But yet such Fevers as are incident to plethorical and Carechymicall constitutions, oppressed with abundance of blood and bad humours, if they attain to their expected issue, must needs be accompanied with such or the like residence. The bare inspection of the urine only will never acquaint thee with the particular. Sometimes both the aforementioned contents are to be seen in one and the same urine, which is sometimes deadly, and sometimes again proveth a forerunner of safety and ●●●uritie: I will instance in two examples of mine own experience, to make the truth of this appear.  
About some three years ago, 
History.  or a little above, a young Gentleman in the country, to mine own knowledge, voided such an urine for a quarter of a year together, and by appearance had so continued long before my sight of the same: and yet notwithstanding all the evacuations were used, it continued so more or less until his dying day. His disease was a Dropsy, and with the same was joined the yellow jaundice, which did outwardly show itself to the view of the eye. His Liver hot, and the whole constitution of his body participating of the same distemper.  
But in the year 1613. 
Another.  a woman of Northampton of good account, being with child, voided an urine with the like residence, and that for as long a time at least, and yet did their diseases far differ. For besides her being with a live child (for until that time was not my counsel craved) she was for a many weeks together never free from a Tertian, Quotidian, or both agues conjoined: the which were accompanied with a continual cough, proceeding from a thin salt rheum, with spitting of blood, reaching and casting, as also a great laske, all which accidents, or the most of them, did not forsake her till near the time of her delivery. Phlebotomy for divers considerations I durst not then attempt. Other evacuations, both upwards and downwards, came in greater abundance than was wished. It was now deeply imprinted, not in her own only, but in the conceits of her neighbours and others also of good understanding, that (in regard of her spitting of blood) she was now far spent in an irrecoverable consumption. Upon the relation of others I inclined to the same opinion. But at my first sight of her, together with the sight of the blood she spat up I changed my opinion. And so, God adding his blessing to the means she used by my directions, she brought forth at the time appointed, a live manchild, which nevertheless lived not above the space of a month. The mother two or three days after her delivery was surprised with the Measles, and afterwards recovered her health again, the which at this present day she yet enjoyeth.  
Here was no Dropsy at all, nor yet could I ever perceive any sign of a hot Liver, and the matter of the jaundice was voided both by stool and urine. It may then plainly appear, how far the diseases may sometimes differ, the residence being still alike in two several bodies, sexes▪ etc.  
As concerning bloody residence, 
Bloody residence, and the several causes of the same.  as was before said of bloody urine, it may come either of abundance of blood in a plethorical body, or else by weakness of the retentive power, and of the Liver; the which rightly to discern, we must be acquainted with diverse other circumstances, which the urine can never make known. It hath been likewise already related, that sometimes great quantity of blood itself hath been voided without any danger: and sometimes again after the voiding of a very small quantity thereof, death hath not long deferred his approaches.  
In the year 1614 
History.  about the beginning of january, my counsel was demanded for a Gentleman dwelling near Northampton, about fifty years of age or upwards. In his urine at my first coming at him, was to be seen great store of yellowish contents, cleaving to the bottom of the urinal, wherewith were intermingled some red streaks of blood. And howbeit I often earnestly entreated him to admit of Phlebotomy, as the only remedy to prevent a greater inconvenience, yet could I not prevail, until such time as blood now issuing out in great abundance, both upwards and downwards, his strength now decaying, and hairy irrecoverable occasion over past, with a too late repentance, he would willingly have paid a good fine for the renewing of the lease of his life, but all too late.  
As concerning white, 
See somewhat in the colours heretofore.  black, leaden, or ash-coloured; as also green and blue contents, the uncertainty of these may be in some sort collected from that we have already said of such urines, and many other matters I willingly pass by, and hasten to the rest: to wit, diverse other sorts of residences or strange contents, called by some, difforme contents.  
Purulent or mattery residence, 
Purulent or mattery residence.  doth much resemble a white residence or ground, which is so much commended for the best of all others; and therefore requireth some judgement to discern the one from the other: and yet is there a crude and unconcocted residence not unlike this purulent matter to be seen, as well in whole as in sick bodies. This purulent or mattery residence, again proceedeth either from the kidneys or the bladder, as is most commonly received. But hear what the learned Hollerius saith concerning the same. 
Scholar ad cap. 50. lib. 1. de morb. intern.   
Neither yet doth this mattery stuff always proceed from the kidneys or bladder. For it proceedeth almost from every part of the upper region of the body, by the great and admirable industry of nature, and by means of the body every where made passable for such a purpose, doth disburden itself sometimes into the guts, and sometimes again into the bladder. 
History.  A certain woman voided, not without great pain and torment, such purulent and mattery urines, who four months after died, and the dead corpse being opened, two stones were found in her heart, with many little impostumes, the kidneys, together with the other urinary passages, being free from any other hurt.  
Galen (saith Ro●deletius) did see an imposthume of the Lungs purged by urine, 
Lib. de urine. cap. 38.  by means of the emulgent or sucking arteries. The gibbons or back part of the Liver, the kidneys, bladder and yard, make use of the same passage. Now which of these places are affected, the grief and tumour of the part giveth us notice, and not the urine only.  
Now red Vetches or Fitches in the residence, 
Red vetches or fitches'.  called therefore Hypostasis orobea, or eruarea, are recorded by our Authors, to signify either great inflammation of the Liver, or colliquation of the whole body, or of the kidneys only. And so branny contents, 
Brannie and sealie contents.  signify sometimes consumption of the whole body, or of the bladder only with concoction, no Ague; and great heat wasting the substance of the Liver, and burning the blood if it be red. So do fine branny contents signify a collequation or wasting of the solid parts: sharp sickness, and for the most part mortal, and some add yet that it is sometimes seen in the urines of women with child. And if this residence be red, they attribute it to extreme adustion of the blood. 
Scales.  Scales, called Lamine, Squame, differ not much in signification.  
To Hairs or small filaments in the urine, 
Hairs in the urine.  are attributed also diverse significations: as namely, a consumption of the whole body, a Fever then being joined therewith, or else of the kidneys only, 
Comm. 1. ad aph. 76. sect. 4.  and then is no Fever to be seen. They are according to Galen, engendered of a tough Phlegm, proceeding from the use of gross diet. Sometimes also they are said to signify exulceration of the reins or bladder: and sometimes also flux of seed from several causes. And finally, women's white flux, from the matrixe or womb. Galen is of opinion, that such contents come never without a thick urine. But experience hath taught us the contrary, 
Loco proxime supra citato.  saith Hollerius.  
A certain man voided such hairy excrements, with a golden coloured urine, 
History.  above the space of twenty years, it not being thick, but keeping a mean: and howbeit his constitution and state of body inclined to choler, yet was he of a reasonable square and corpulent body. The like cometh also to pass in many others, howbeit to others a thick urine is more frequent.  
If the Reader please, 
Schenck obseruat. medic. lib. 3. tit. de urina.  he may yet read a strange Story in Schenckius of a great quantity of true and natural hair, voided by a woman with her urine for a long time, the which the Author tried, by burning a parcel of it in the fire.  
Sand or gravel in the urine affordeth us yet no greater certainty. 
Sandie or gravely residence. Aph. 79. sect. 4.  It is recorded by that famous Hypocrates, that in whatsoever urine a gravely matter settleth to the bottom, it betokeneth a stone either in the kidneys, or in the bladder. It is likely he had most commonly observed it so in the place where he lived: but we find often the contrary in our climate. I have myself often observed, both in old age and younger years, such gravely urines without any stone. The wideness of the urinary passages, as also diuretical expelling medicines, may be a means of expelling such contents. And this disease may sometimes be accompanied with a thin urine without any gravel at all, as in the obstruction of the aforesaid passages. The Physician being present, is often encumbered, notwithstanding the concurrence of all the signs together, to discern a stone from some other disease, as hath heretofore appeared: what certainty then can be expected from the sole deceitful sign of the urine?  
The Admiral Annebault (saith Hollerius) being much tormented in making his urine for the space of eight months together, 
History. Ibidem.  both Physicians and Surgeons being in doubt whether there were a stone in the bladder or no, at length it was concluded to make incision for the stone. No stone notwithstanding was found, but a lump of flesh grown to the neck of the bladder, hindering the free passage of the urine, which was cured by convenient remedies, and the patient restored to his former health again.  
Some also are of opinion, 
Flesher.  it signifieth adustion of humours, as in diseases coming of choler, such as be burning Agues, Tertian Agues, single and compound, and sometimes in diseases of melancholy, as Quartain agues long continuing. Likewise the Gout, pain of the joints and reins, Leprosy, French pox confirmed, Emeralds, costiveness, and heat of the Liver: if there be no pain nor heaviness about the reins.  
But besides all the former contents, 
Worms rejected by urine.  worms have sometimes been voided by the urine, the which because it may seem some thing strange, therefore I will walk with my guides. Rondeletius maketh it plain. 
Rondel. de urinis, cap. 38.  Gilbert Griphon first of all showed me worms in the urine when I was but yet young, who was also the chief inciter of me to this profession. T●e worms might be seen to move without any motion of the urine. 
Montuus. Idem Rondel. lib. de morb. cognos. cap. 17.  Again. I have seen worms in the urine as large as Gourd seeds, flat and alive. Argenterius hath seen the form of a winged Dragon come forth with the urine. The history also annexed to the foresaid Rondeletius his Tractate of urines, 
Historia Didymi Obrechti ad finem libri Rondel. de urinis adiecta.  of four worms voided by urine at two several times, do plainly witness the same. His countryman Hollerius maketh also mention of one Beaucler a Counsellor, who after great pain in the kidneys, voided a great worm. 
Loco iam supra citato.  And of another, who after the voiding of some stones and gravely matter, voided two evil favoured worms.  
The same Author again. 
Ibidem.  One demanded counsel of a Spaniard by letters, and help for one that was troubled with gravel, who having voided some stones and much sand, did also put forth at his yard two little worms, having pointed becks, two horns upon the head like a snail, the back and belly was as it were covered with scales, black like a Tortoise, but under the belly which was red.  
I have wondered to see (saith another Author) in mine own urine a great number of worms, 
Hieron. Cardan. comm. in aph. 76 lib. 4.  short and little, like unto small lice. Monsieur Duret a Phyisitian hath assured me (saith Ambrose Pair) that he did void at his yard, after a long and grievous sickness, 
Ambros. Par. Chirurg. lib. 19 cap. 3.  a little beast alive, very strange and wonderful to behold, which was of a reddish colour. Charles Earl of Mansfield being very sick of a continual Fever, cast forth at his yard a worm of the very form of a black Pye.  
Levinus Lemnius reporteth that he hath seen in the urines of divers that have been sick of the French pox, 
De occult. nat. mirac. lib. 2. cap. 40.  worms like unto Ants.  
One being troubled with difficulty of making water (saith Schencleius) voided by his yard a little live Scorpion. 
Obseruat. medicine. l. 3. sect. 312.   
And as another author affirmeth, 
Alexand. Bened. anat. lib. 2. c. 22.  in the bladder of some persons worms do breed, and little beasts like to Cockles of the sea.  
But now would I willingly demand of the cunningest pisse-prophet in the country, what would or could he presage by such a wormie urine? Putrefaction thou wilt say, it may be. But of what part, I pray thee? whether in the blood or the bladder, the stomach or maw, or in the guts? I have often administered means both to young and old against this disease, even against all the sorts of worms commonly recorded by our Physicians, yet could I never perceive any in such persons urines. And in how many young children's urines have they found any such creatures? But what if such creatures were conveyed from the stomach through the mesaraicke veins into the great porter vein, and from thence into the great hollow vein, and so from thence distributed into the rest of the blood, or else by the kidneys into the bladder? 
johann▪ Renodaeus de mat. med. lib. 3 cap. 33 & antidote. lib. 1. sect. 1. cap. 20. circa finem.  If thou wilt deny this long and tedious journey, I will again demand of thee, how come worms into the blood, as may appear by this which followeth.  
In a certain citizen at Paris, the basilica or Liver vein being opened, in mine own sight and presence came forth a worm about a span long. 
Motes in the urine, together with their several significations.  Thus than thou seest what certainty may be collected by the sight of worms in the urine. There are yet sometimes motes to be seen in the urine, which according to our writers signify divers things: as namely, putrefaction, as in the Plague and French pox, being accompanied with stinch. Again great agitation and commotion of the humours, as in the small pox and measles. They are said likewise to signify rheum, the gout, diseases of the mother, and finally conception. Let the unpartial Reader judge what assurance one can learn from such an urine, concerning the particular circumstances of the disease.  
But we must not yet omit the very dust, 
Of dust in the urine.  which they will have to signify divers and sundry matters; and that according to the several colours of the same, upon the which I will not long dwell, but yet say something of the black, which may seem to threaten greatest danger. Such dust falling to the bottom, either black or of a leaden colour, proceeding of melancholy, is thought to signify flux of the Emeralds, present, or shortly to follow: and sometimes vomiting of blood. As also sometimes pain in the reins, loins, etc. and stopping of the Flowers, and at other time's pain and diseases of the Spleen, etc.  
In the beginning of the year 1623. my counsel and personal presence was craved for a Lady in Northamptonshire of good account. 
History.  In the bottom of the urinal wherein her urine was put, for certain days together, some such black dust might be seen; which a grave Divine there present thought to be so dangerous, that he told me he had seldom seen them live many days after the sight of such contents in their urines. And howbeit some strange and troublesome accidents did terrify the spectators who beheld her with vulgar eyes, yet did her pulse put me in better hope, which was shortly seconded by a happy and prosperous issue, the Lady recovering her former health again. Neither heard I any complaint of such things as these contents are said to signify.  
But having now finished both colours and contents, with other things belonging to this subject, it is perhaps now expected I should say something of the manner of pissing, as concerning not a little the matter in hand.   

CHAP. IX.  
Of the manner of pissing: the retention or stoppage of urine, total or in part, as also of involuntary pissing, both in sickness and in health.  
THe manner of pissing, is either hard and uneasy, or else involuntary. As for the first, the action is interessed three manner of ways, as witnesseth Hollerius and others. First, there is a great desire to piss, but cannot be effected without force and hard straining, & sometimes not without pain. Secondly, there is the like desire, but the urine passeth away but by drops. Thirdly, there is a stoppage or obstruction of the urine, that it is not voided at all, or else so little that it is to small purpose. Painful and uneasy pissing, 
Of painful and uneasy pissing.  may come to pass, either by the acrimony and sharpness of the humour, or by the imbecility or weakness of the retentive faculty, proceeding for the most part from cold: the which painfulness may in like manner be procured by reason of some inflammation, clotted or congealed blood, 
Suppression of urine.  an ulcer, a stone, etc. Suppression of urine proceedeth from divers causes: sometimes by means of the obstruction or stoppage of the guts, and sometimes again by means of the emulgent or sucking veins: and that again two manner of ways: to wit, either by reason of the weakness of the drawing or sucking quality, 
The several causes of the same.  or else by obstruction. This suppression is likewise procured by the obstruction or stoppage of the Kidneys and Vrine-pipes, and by means of the weakness thereof. By reason of the obstruction of the aforesaid passages, it cometh also divers ways to pass: as either by means of an inflammation, knob or bunch of either of these parts, or others adjoining: or else by reason of a stone, clotted or congealed blood, or some tough phlegm impacted and cleaving fast to the place: as also sometimes, howbeit seldom, by reason of some holes in the kidneys, 
De internor. morb. curate tomo. 3. lib. 4. cap. 12.  and that after the voiding of some stones, as Mercatus hath observed. Suppression of urine is likewise sometimes caused by means of the bladder or parts thereto adjoining, 
Suppression of urine by means of the bladder diverie ways procured.  it being also thereby interessed. And in the first place, by reason of the want of the sense of feeling, the sinew descending from the loins and the hucklebone being loosened. Secondly, by reason of the failing of the expelling power of the bladder, etc. Thirdly, the exceeding great quantity of urine distending and stretching out of the bladder, detained longer than is convenient, may bring this sometimes to pass. Fourthly, the resolution or looseness of the muscles of the neither belly, which have likewise some interest in the furtherance of this excretion. Fiftly, by the total overthrow of the expelling faculty: as we see sometimes come to pass in burning Fevers, as witnesseth Hypocrates. Sixtly, by the defect and fault of the urine-pipes, and that divers manner of ways: for sometimes the muscle which shutteth up the bladder is clinged together by a convulsion: the passage is likewise stopped, either by the means of some tough clammy humours, some clotted blood, matter, knob or bunch, or any tumour, the outgrowing of some piece of flesh, some wart or scar, and finally, by reason of a stone stopping up the passage by the neck of the bladder. Seventhly, by the consent of the places adjoining, the bladder and the urine-pipes are sometimes so shut up, that they cannot freely deliver the urine, which cometh often to pass in women, by reason of the nearness of the womb. Eightly, by means of a Palsy or resolution of the bladder. The uncertainty therefore of the urine in diseases of this nature and kind, may as evidently appear as in any of the premises. And there being so many causes producing pain and difficulty in making of urine, to which of them wilt thou ascribe it? Again, if there be a retention of the urine, what wilt thou send to the Physician? And if such an accident come to the cure of some Empiricke or unskilful Physician, his conceit will straightway lead him to some stone, and so, according to their ignorance in this art, exhibit strong diuretickes, or medicines provoking urine, as I have sometimes observed: 
* Calculus renum rare aut nun quam diuretica huius aut illius sortis citra damnum admittit, etc.  which are so far from procuring the intended good, that they produce rather a contrary effect. Of a suppression of urine by means of clotted blood I have instanced already.  
This last Spring a young Gentleman of Leicestershire, 
Mercat. Tom. 1. lib. 3. par. 3. class. 3. quaest. 217.  of good worth, travailing towards London thorough this Town of Northampton, 
History.  was suddenly surprised with a suppression of urine. Being afraid of a stone in his bladder (howbeit he had never heretofore complained of this infirmity) yet tried he what the art of Surgery could do, by means of a Catheter thrust up thorough his yard towards the neck of his bladder, together with some other means, which notwithstanding took no effect. The next morning, about eight of the clock, I was sent for to the patient, whose belly began to swell, and some fumes to ascend into his head. By means of a gentle opening inlep, together with a Cataplasm applied to his share, it pleased God to accomplish his desires: howbeit a messenger had been already sent away to bring with him an expert Surgeon to make incision. He voided that day abundance of urine of a laudable colour, and answerable contents; so that none could find any fault in the same, and the next day he went forward in his intended journey towards London.  
The passage of the urine in this patient was somewhat narrow, as seemeth, and that by reason of some former infirmity; and perhaps some wind gathered in the great gut might make some compression of the neck of the bladder. Now that suppression of urine in acute diseases is dangerous, 
Aphor. 62. lib. 4.  Hypocrates doth not deny; other Physicians also have observed it, and myself not long since, in one who died not long ago. And because this History for diverse reasons is worth the relating, I will entreat the courteous Reader that he would be pleased a while to lend his eyes and ears.  
This last year 1623. 
Another.  August the 28. an Alderman of Northampton, a man of good account in this Corporation, near fifty years of age, subject of late years to a great pain in his head, and sometimes my patient: riding abroad in his cornfield, about some three miles off this Town, was suddenly surprised with a chillness in his legs, and shortly after complained of the like in his back, bones, and upper parts of his body: upon which occasion he hied him home, and imagining it to be some cold, continued ill that night, and the next day and night following. The Saturday after, and the third day of his disease, by persuasion of some of his friends, his urine with a letter was carried to a Parson practiser, dwelling about a dozen of miles hence, one of our chief Calculators of Nativities in all the country. The Parson sent backeword, it was a blind Ague, and withal sends him a vomit, and prescribes Phlebotomy. The Surgeon being sent for, perceives a jaundice, and the patient complaines of some faintness; upon which occasion he refuses to let him blood, wishing his friends to acquaint the Parson with these occurrents. The Parson repeals his former sentence, and commends the Surgeon for being so sparing. And indeed he dealt honestlier than the Parson: for he trusted none but his own eyes, and so told his mind freely to his friend: but the Parson both saw with other men's eyes, and heard with other men's ears; and building upon this s●ndy foundation, sent his Oracle to the absent, which he as easily recalled again upon the first information, and sends him another Oracle written now in a piece of paper, and withal sends him an Electuary and julep for his laundise, and some directions for a drink. But let us hear the laudable effects of this vomit. It wrought upwards effectually, and something downwards: and while the patient was able to take any sustenance, it returned back by the same way it went in. And beside, after the operation of this vomit, the jaundice appeared, a suppression of urine and ordure, together with a troublesome and tedious Hicket, which neither day nor night forsook our patient. To the former accidents was shortly added a difficulty in swallowing, with an extreme soreness in his mouth, which like a Canker spread itself over all the parts of the same, with an ulcer (as appeared) in the Almonds or parts adjoining, which yielded such abundance of white corrupted matter at first, and afterwards coloured, as I never did observe the like in every respect. The Parson being earnestly entreated to afford his patient his presence in this his so great extremity, no prayers would prevail; but sent him back word, that the jaundice now appearing, he hoped the worst was passed. The patient seeing himself forsaken now in his greatest need, having learned by a too late repentance, that his Parson proved not so trusty a friend as he supposed; Cum nemini obtrudi potest iturad me. On the Thursday after, about two a clock in the morning, and the beginning of the eight day since the beginning of his disease, he sent for me, most earnestly entreating me that I would be pleased to afford him my presence with what speed I could▪ I preferring Christian charity and love of my old friend before any late ingratitude, repair presently to his house, where I find him in that case I have already related. Having acquainted his wife and friends with the extreme danger I then found him in, yet being both by himself, his wife and all his friends earnestly entreated to do my uttermost endeavour to help him in this extremity, and at least to ease him of these troublesome accidents; so much by glisters and other mild means in two days space I prevailed, that most of the abovenamed accidents vanished quite away: his urine also came in great abundance, of a laudable colour, without any bad contents, and the other egestion observed now a good and orderly course: the hicket came but seldom, and with small annoyance. But the pulse played not his part so well as I wished, and the soreness of his mouth increased so fast, that it began to get ground upon his lips. The which I then perceiving, as likewise that he was not as yet free from his Fever, willing to try if Phlebocomie would any thing avail, I gave way to the using of this remedy. About six ounces of very corrupt blood were taken from him on Saturday morning, (his nose having made some offer twice or thrice before, and once after his Phlebotomy) not without alleviation, whereupon ensued reasonable good rest the night following. On Sunday morning was little alteration to be discerned, but that he complained much of faintness, and yet was bitter able to swallow then before: the soreness of his mouth began likewise to amend, being duly dressed divers times of the day: his hicket also was no more to be heard. Not full two hours after our departure, Death sends him new summons by some change and alteration to the worse, which could not be concealed from the most vulgar eye. In the afternoon visiting him, I found no further hope or encouragement to proceed, and yet far less on Monday morning, save that I wished them still to continue the giving of him a Cordial Inlep there in a readiness, and so left visiting him any more, and he ere nine of the clock at night, obeying Death's last summons, discharged that debt which we have yet to pay.  
But now Master Parson, our patient resting in peace, I would willingly expostulate a little concerning your careless (and as I think) irregular and ignorant proceeding in this business, which concerned no less than a man's life: the life, I say, not of an ordinary man, but of a magistrate, whom this corporation could not so well at this time have spared; besides the interest his wife and children and other friends had in him. In the first place your Oracle being asked, it answered, His disease was a blind Ague. 
Raro aut nunquam eisdem accidentibus & conditionibus insignata apparet huiusmodi febris, sed pro varietate corporei apparatus & aliarum rerum, quae corpus humanam mutare habent, variari subinde ipsam contingit. Mercat. tom. 2. lib. 7. cap. 2.  Of malign Fevers I have both read, and known them possess now and then some of my patients; but as for blind Agues, we leave them to Parsons that cannot see. And what be the Pathognomonicke signs of a blind Ague, and what Authors write of it? The urine told you no such matter, and I dare say, the messenger was much amazed at so blind an Oracle. But this is no new practice of yourself and others of your cloth, lest you should seem to be ignorant of any thing, to coin new names for diseases, whereof you are altogether ignorant. And thus another of your double profession, some few years ago, his judgement by a Gentleman concerning his disease being demanded, answered, It was a disease in his spirits. The Gentleman died within a few days after of a Fever, which took possession of the whole body; and a Physician that came afterwards to him, thought it to be a Squinancy, and that the Parson had wronged him in deferring Phlebotomy too long, by the which he gave the patient some ease for the present. If this Parson had ever learned the grounds of Physic, he could have told that that Fever which we call Ephemera, 
Gal. 1. de differ. febr. cap. 1.  not exceeding four and twenty hours, is properly said to be in the spirits, being commonly free from danger: but if it exceed this term, then turneth it to some other Fever, and so loseth the former name. But what remedies were by you appointed for this patients blind Ague, as it pleaseth you to call it? If a blind Ague, it had as blind a remedy, a vomit was exhibited, Phlebotomy prescribed. As for your vomit, although I never did see it, yet I am not ignorant of the matter and nature of it. But be what it would, that it was then unseasonable, I think any of common sense cannot deny. For in the first place he had not long been sick, neither yet came his sickness by any surfeit, to induce you at first dash to prescribe him such a vomit before any other remedy. Again, you ought not to be ignorant, that in most diseases (acute especially) the appetite faileth at first, and yet use we not always to begin with strong stibiate vomits. But what were the effects of your vomit we have heard, and the patient fared the worse for it. He was subject to an old pain in his head, and with this unseasonable vomit the torrent of those sharp and malign choleric humours wherewith his body abounded, were drawn up towards the throat, and other parts adjoining: hence had he that exulceration in his throat and mouth, the hicket, etc. I know your gravity would disdain the name of an Empiricke, but pardon me good master Parson, this course was too Empirical. I wish both yourself and some of your brethren to be more circumspect in exhibiting your vomits. 
Strong stibiate vomits ordinarily used by our Parson-practisers in most diseases, and for the most part without the sight of their patient.  It is too well known in the country, that strong stibiate vomits are used by many of you, almost in every disease, as some famous Panacaea or Aurum Potabile, falsely supposed good against all diseases. The other Parson lately mentioned, within these few years gave two vomits in one day, the one to a woman dwelling seven miles off this town, who died presently: the other to a woman of this town of good account, and since my patient, at that time being big with child, and the vomit wrought with great violence from seven a clock in the morning till four a clock in the afternoon, and hardly escaped she the like danger, or abortion at least.  
Some few years ago my presence was required for a Gentlewoman at a Knight's house within seven miles of Northampton. 
History.  Her disease was a Squinancy, and had been before my coming, by the advice of a neighbour Parson (for such are in most corners of the country to be found) at least twice Phlebotomised, howbeit without any success, and then had this cunning Aesculapius left her a stibiat vomit, as his last anchor of hope. At my coming I found her not able to swallow any thing at all, the drink which she assayed to swallow coming out at her nostrils again. The Lady ask me whether she might take the Parson's vomit or no, I replied, it was absurd both in 
* Si igitur valenter etiamnum fluxio irruat, ad contraria revellere studebimus: utique si in superioribus ulcus co●sistat, per inferna purgantes: sin autem in inferioribus sit, superiorera ventrem purgantes. Gal. Meth. med. lib. 4.  reason and common sense, and that both in regard it could not descend into the stomach, as also for fear of attraction of the humour towards the place affected. In three days space, by means of attractive glisters, which the Parson had omitted, and some other means I used, the patient, by Gods help recovered again her former health. But to our purpose again. The next remedy by you prescribed was Phlebotomy. I deny not the necessity thereof, howsoever your prescription was but by aim, as being ignorant of his strength, wherein the messenger might easily be mistaken, as it often cometh to pass. Within these two years past, I took above fifty ounces of blood from a man of middle age in this same town, being seized with a burning Fever, accompanied with a strong deliration, whom his friends supposed to be so weak, that after I had seen him, & acquainted them with the truth, scarce could I persuade them to yield to this remedy. And this was performed in a week's space, the patient taking nothing in the mean while but a little drink, or milk and water, being both then and a long time after deprived of his natural rest, by his own unruliness, and his friend's carelessness, and yet recovered he his health. But why was not this remedy administered to our patient? Because the Parson was informed of the appearing of the jaundice. But did the jaundice cross the former indication of bleeding The 
a 〈…〉 vel paruitate eius, aut ab imbecillitate facultatis att●actri●● eiusdem, aut a m●atuum ●●sìructions sive ●orum sit per quos bilis allicitur, sive corum per quos pellitur ad inces●na, quo regurgi tat ad vena● bil●s, & praedictum gignit affectum. Hepa●cus efficitur ●cterus ab n●●atu obstruct●ne, sctrrno, iustant●●●tiore, aut calida distemperie: ad qu●d etiam membrum reducitur venarum caliditas exurens, & tetius etiam corperis sive etiam corrumptatur in venis & 〈◊〉 a corpore sangu●●b earum intemperamentum citrahepatis affictum, aut à veneno assumpto, aut eiaculato à fera, vel assumtis catharcticis non purga●t●bus, 〈◊〉 duplex existit: salutarn unus, qui rursus sit dum 〈…〉 natura, aut in mecrborum iudicationibus, quae septimo die art post septem, ●icbus ●iticus incidit, a●t●gressis coctionis siguis, etc. Alter verò est 〈◊〉 à moto maligns morbi quem etiam symptomaticum dicere possumus, qui semper antè septimum incidit etc. 〈◊〉 ●e intern. morb. curate. tom● 3. lib. 4. cap. 5.  jaundice proceedeth of divers causes, and therefore the cure is accordingly to be accommodated. It cometh sometimes solely and of itself, without any other disease, and sometimes proveth nothing else save a symptom or accident of some other disease, as of a Scirrhus, or inflammation of the Liver, etc. It is also sometimes occasioned by poison, and sometimes by means of some 
b Aliam adhuc adlit causam Hollerius, calculum unum, vel plures in vesica sell a saepce ceneretes De morb. intern. lib. 1. cap. 37.  stone or stones grown within this ga●-bagge. And again, the learned are not ignorant that it is sometimes a critical excretion: safest after the seventh day in acute diseases, more dangerous, or at least doubtful before the same. Our patient's jaundice appeared in an acute disease, before the seaventh day. That Phlebotomy in this 
c Multis rationibus sanguis in hac affectione ultiliter mitti potest, primo quidem malo incipiente retractionis gratia: ob id l'aulus statu●t consilium esse venam in dextro cubito secare, ubi meatus vesicae bilis utrique sunt obstipati, vel alter duntaxat. Item si simul sanguis abundet, aut sit praecipua obstructionis occasio: quopropter dixit Aetius duo maxima esse in hoc affectu remedia, nimirum, venae sectionem, & purgationem, etc. & paulo post. Si ex morbe acuto ante septimum prodeat sanguinem mittes, etc. Idem Mercatus ibidem.  case is required, our Authors do witness, and in many other sorts of the same: yea even when the jaundice is but a beginning, saith a learned Spaniard, and that according to the opinion of Paulus Aegin●ta and ●ctuis, two famous ancient Greek Physicians: especially in the abundance of blood, with a concourse of choler, which was manifest to the eyesight in this our patient. And this same Author approves of it in this disease, even after it hath continued a long time, and that by means of inveterate obstructions, as also in the suppression of any wont evacuation. This than was no contrary indication to dehort or hinder you from so methodical a course. And as for some faintness, it is not unusual in this disease, where there is neither Fever nor danger of death. The vomit was a great deal worse than the opening of a vein. Five days after, when by reason of hot and sharp humours towards his throat, procured by your unseasonable vomit, this remedy brought alleviation, with some rest after ensuing. What then might it in probability have procured, if at the first, and in due time administered? And why was there no mention of a purge or glister for this jaundice? It had been but according to the 
d Verum si suspitio aliqua est excrementi in ventre & primis venis Cassiae aut Catholics ℥ i. ex sero lactis imperabis. Et quia in hoc morbo aluus fere astricta est, utilissimus est clyster, cuius materia sit ex iis quae stercus durius emolliunt, etc. Sic enim placuisse veteribus Aphrodisaeus scriptum reliquit. Holler, loco nuper citato.  rules of reason and precepts of art. And those who attended him can testify that one glister by me prescribed, gave him more ease than all your Physic. But let us come to your Prognosticke: you hoped the worst was passed. Upon what ground? Because now the jaundice came forth. Cuius contrarium verum est. The case is quite contrary: you ought therefore to have deemed some danger. Fie master Parson, such a Rabbi as you think yourself, whom the vulgar adore like the 
e Acts 19 35.  Image of Diana, which the foolish Ephesians thought came down from jupiter. Old 
f Aphor. 62. lib. 4.  Hypocrates could have told you, that such a jaundice seldom portended security. And howsoever he and some others make mention of some who in such a case have recovered: yet do all our Authors hold the case to be very dangerous. 
g Medicum arbitror operae praetium esse providentiam consectari praesentiens enim atque praedicens apud aegros res praesentes, pr●teritas atque futuras, & eitam quas ipsi agri praetermittunt explicans, existimabitur facile perceprsse notitiam singularem rerum ad aegros pertinentium: eoque fiet ut confidentius credant homines seipsos Medico. Medicinam autem optime faciet Medicus, si ante praesenserit quid eventurum sti cuique affectui. Hippocr. Prognost. lib. 1. aph. 1.  At my first coming to our patient I found apparent danger, not only by reason of this accident, but of divers other dangerous and deadly signs, wherewith I at that instant acquinted his friends. And if you please to reply, that your absence could not see so much as my presence might discover, I do not deny it: yet was not this jaundice concealed from you, nor that it succeeded or came after a blind Ague, as you call it, and that before the seaventh day, as hath been proved. And the messenger was an understanding young man, able to relate some other dangerous accidents, and beside he had no small interest in our patient. But what was wanting by information, might have been supplied by your own presence: the which howbeit earnestly desired, yet could not be obtained, saying, that your directions were sufficient. And yet it was told me, that coming to his house to speak with some at the Assizes, you promised him great kindness. Now is the time of trial: your friend in danger of his life, requesteth and earnestly intreateth your aid and best assistance, with your personal presence: he entrusts you with his life, and yet will you not afford him your presence? Your golden promises produce scarce leaden effects. 
h 2. Sam. 16. 17.  Is this the kindness to your friend? Why undertook ye the cure of him, whom you had no purpose to see if entreated? Besides, the patient was of sufficient ability to give you satisfaction. If there be hope of a good booty, your presence will not be wanting: witness your voyage into Leicestershire in Summer 1623. to a patient of yours, who howbeit he died before your coming, yet were your fees more than doubled: and yet master Parson must not be called covetous. Now besides the jaundice, the 
* Singultus in sebre periculosus nisi sit criticus & signa coctionis manifestae appareant. Aumitu quoque malum: cum enim vomitus qui remed i● esse debet singultum gignit, ab inflammatione cerebri vel stomachi metuendum. Holler. lib. 1. de moreb. intern. cap. 33.  Hicket in acute diseases, even in the judgement of the vulgar and most ignorant, but especially after so unseasonable a vomit, must needs presage some great evil to ensue. And suppression of urine concurring with 
i Signa saepius memoranda & obseruanda in aegrotantibus. Nam ex continua inspectione, exquisitam ●orum potestatis habemus notiatiam. Semper ment revoluere opertet, ac considerare quaenam signa sunt optima quae pessima, & quae in medio confinio horum veluti gradus quosdam habentia, nonnulla quidem optimis, nonnulla vero deterrimis proximiora, & quae quidem minus, quae vero sunt magis proximiora vel remotiora, & quaenam exquisite media ponenda sint inter bona & mala signa. Deinde considerandum quaenam semper mala sunt, & quae continuo bona, etc. Gal. 1. de cris. cap 13.  other dangerous signs, maketh the danger yet apparent. And yet the Parson hopeth the worst is past. But how came it to pass, that all your twelve houses in the heavens forgot you at this time, and made you become a lying Prophet? Where were all your malign aspects? 
k Terent. in Andr.  Luno Lucinafer opem. Will neither Mercury nor the Moon, who are nearest, come to your aid? And where was old frosty father graybeard (Saturn I mean) and angry Mars? I adhere to none of your juggling Genethliacks, and yet besides the former signs, I could read death in our patient's eyes, yea and in some motions of his hands, etc. better than the urine and all the celestial Orbs could tell you. 
l Sexcenta licet ei●smodi proffer.  But many other such pranks are played by yourself, and others that are partakers with you in the same offence, wherewith I would be loath to enlarge this Treatise. But master Parson, make more account of men's lives, and discharge more conscionably that calling from which you take the denomination, and yet busy yourself too little about it. I have never heard much commendation of your diligent preaching; not so much as in season, far less yet out of season: And as for your care in this other profession, this our Patient's friends, and this whole Corporation have no great cause to magnify it. But it is not much to be marvelled at, that he who setteth so light by the soul, makes as small account of the body, but for his own benefit. And how many of yours and others such beneficed men's 
m Q●ot Themison aegros a●tumno occiderat uno. Iu●eu.  errors are buried in the bosom of the earth; howsoever your adherents may cry out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Let the judicious Reader judge then, whether all Physics sufficiency be covered under a Clergy man's Cassock. But we hope the Reverend Fathers of the Church will confine you within your own Orbs; or at the least enforce you to resign the one wholly, and betake yourselves to the other. A Prelate of prime note of late years (as I am informed) and yet living (and long may he live) gave one of these Pragmatical Ministers his choice, to which of the two he would betake himself: and he having found in his own experience this to be true, Dat Galenus opes, being forced, forsook his Pastoral charge, which afforded him not above fifty pounds; yearly coming in. But now to the main matter in hand again.  
The second branch of the manner of pissing, 
Of involuntary pissing.  is involuntary pissing, which cometh to pass either in sickness or in health. And in sickness it cometh to pass, by reason of the hurt, weakness, or decay of the retentive faculty of the passages of the urine; as kidneys, bladder, etc. as cometh to pass in the Palsy, 
It is produced by divers causes.  Apoplexy, and Falling sickness. And in the pissing evil, called Diabete, this cometh likewise to pass. And again, when the Muscle Sphincter shutting the neck of the bladder or sinews helping thereto, are hurt, either by a fall, a wound, or some such other occasion: and sometimes again in reasonable good health, they are weakened by means of some cold distemper, or too much moisture; as cometh to pass in children, and moist constitutions. Dryness sometimes is likewise said to produce the like effect in old age. And some perturbations of the mind, as great and sudden fear and astonishment make men often void, not the urine only, but other excrements also against their will. And yet were our Pisse-Prophets never able by any such urine only to find out the true cause of any such infirmity. 
Dangerous in acute diseases.  That this proveth also often a dangerous, if not deadly sign in acute diseases, I could by many instances both of my own and other men's observations make it appear, but that now I fear I have too much abused thy patience courteous Reader; and therefore I hasten to the conclusion, if thou wilt give me leave to talk a word or two by the way with Master Alchemist.   

CHAP. X.  
Of the fond and foolish opinion, concerning the distillation of Urines: of the water of separation, together with the uncertainty of judgement by such means.  
THE Aschymists well perceiving this vecertaintie afforded us by this sign, have set their wits a work another way. One of their great Masters, 
a Lib. de distillat. urinar.  Thuenheuserus by name, to the end that Paracelsus and his Disciples might be thought to surpass all other Physicians, devised a new way to judge of diseases by Urines: to wit, by dividing it into three several principles, Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt: and so by distillation to find out that which we demanded. 
b Est aqua quaedam que dicitur ALKALI secretat cuius usus ad sehres, ad foetum mortuum & alia. Inter haec est etiam separatio succorum. Nam si tantum una gutta proij●iatur in urinam aegroti, statim fieri dicitur elementerum separatio, adeo ut praedominans elementum aperte inconspectum prodeat, & causam mortificum manifestet. laban. in Alch. pharm●● cap. 8. ex Penoto.  Libanius mentioneth a certain water of separation, which besides diverse other effects hath this also, that one only drop of it being mingled with the Patient's urine, it maketh a present separation of the aforesaid Elements, insomuch that the predominant Element shall apparently lay itself open to the sight of the eye, and shall withal declare and lay open the cause of the disease. Parturient montes nascetur ridiculus mus. Great cry and little wool. Our Paraceleists would fain feed us with many such smoky promises. Then come they to weigh the urine, which they will ordinarily in a healthful and sound man, not to exceed eight ounces and a half: If it exceed this weight, they think it argueth great abundance of a tartareous or terrestrious substance: esspecially if this be to be seen after the separation; from whence they do infer a great number of such tartareous diseases, as they call them: and yet the wisest of them cannot tell which. But let us hear 
c Cap. de Spa, iricorum 〈◊〉 prorsus urinae prolat.  Reusner speak. After the separation of the aforesaid Elements (saith he) the vapours ascending stick to some part of the Still, answering in situation to that part of the body of man in the which lieth hid the very fountain and spring of the disease, and doth withal so plainly and clearly represent unto us, both the kind and the nature of the disease, that it may easily appear to what element and principal part it is to be referred. So far Reusner. But let us now see whether there be any hold to be taken of these more than hyperbolical promises. If we shall narrowly pry into this point, I doubt we shall find the old Proverb true, Out of the frying pan into the fire. But hear the confutation out of the mouth of a learned Physician, often quoted in this Discourse. This doctrine of Thurnheusers (saith 
* Guil. Adolph. Scribon. de in. spect. urine. sub finem.  he) cannot by any sound argument be demonstrated. For admit that the urine be separated into several elements, according to the several parts thereof, yet can nothing but the elementary qualities (as they call them) heat, cold, etc. be discerned by the same. And by this means shall we only be able to judge of the diseases of the solid parts; as of obstructions, exulcerations, and the like. And is not the urine an excrement of the blood contained in the veins, that is of one body? What utility or profit therefore can come by this separation into several parts? Thou shalt thus only observe the number of the parts which are in the substance of the blood, and of what nature and kind it is. Thou mayest perhaps perceive it either to be caused of Mercury, Sulphur, or Salt. But wilt thou straightways maintain, that all Mercurial diseases are seated in the head only? etc. If this be true, then will it follow, contrary to that which thou and Paracelsus maintain, that these three grounds or elements are not common to all diseases. For I am of opinion, that if we will needs use the names of these three; as well such diseases as have their original from this Sulphureous and salted matter, as any that proceed from a Mercurial cause, have their root and original from the head, 
Absurdity of this opinion.  etc. Thus far our Author. And may not this opinion seem so absurd in itself, that it needeth no further confutation? For if when thou hadst used all thy art and cunning, a countryman should ask thine opinion concerning his urine, and thou shouldst tell him he were troubled with some sulphureous, Mercurial, or saltish and tartareous disease, would he not laugh thee to scorn, and think, it may be, thou hadst been that day too well acquainted with some pots and pipes of Tobacco? And if he should desire to know what were his particular disease, and where or what particular part of the body it had taken up for its abode; would it seem strange if he looked for some extraordinary skill after so great an outward ostentation? And if he should go home and tell his wife of a Tartareous, Sulphureous, or Mercurial disease, who knows but she might call him Goodman Woodcock for telling her such a tale of Robin-hood? But put the case thou mightest yet see some Sulphureous disease (as they term it) by means of this separation and distillation; yet amongst many such Sulphureous diseases, upon which of them wouldst thou fasten thy conjecture? As if a Fever might be found out, how may the kind be known, whether a continual or inmittent; and whether symptomatical or dependant upon some other disease; or else be itself a principal guest, with many more circumstances? The like may be said of the other two principles. So that it may evidently appear, there is greater uncertainty in this then the other way. But if they will be so skilfoole, I wish they would distil the other excrement also; for I am sure they may learn of both alike. But yet wish I them to take this Proviso with them, that the joinings of their stills and Alembics be well luted with lutum moschatum, or ambarinum, that none of this fragrant smell be carried away with the wind, and so some part of this precious liquor lost. But it may be, when the patient had cast up his account, he would find this manner of casting of waters, as they term it, more costly than the ordinary. But for my part, I wish our urine-mongers would use it: for by this means this great abuse might the better be suppressed. But this opinion being so absurd in itself, needeth no further confutation. But fearing some infection, or at least annoyance to my nose by such Mercurial and Sulphureous smells, I think it is more than time to withdraw myself out of so stinking a place. The like liberty is allowed thee kind Reader, to whom I am afraid I have now been too tedious; but yet I must once again entreat thy patience to hear the conclusion, and then mayest thou quietly depart in peace.   

CHAP. XI.  
The Conclusion of this whole Discourse, where something concerning issue and event, and casual cures.  
BY the premises then, I hope, doth plainly appear the absurdity of this erroneous and inveterate opinion of magnifying the urine, and the judgement concerning diseases which may from hence be collected. And therefore I hope the judicious and unpartial Reader will with me subscribe to the general conclusion; to wit, that there is no certainty or assurance to be collected for the information of the judgement, either concerning the disease itself, together with the particular symptoms and several circumstances; and yet far less for the cure of the same, by the bare inspection of the urine only. And therefore I cannot see any just cause why it should not be pronounced guilty of manslaughter at the least, if not of murder; and therefore is not a thing so slightly to be passed over, as many may idly imagine. 
Objection.  But me thinks I hear some of the vulgar sort, who think it a pretty thing to hear one prate over an urine, object, That our censure seemeth too sharp, since that daily experience doth not deny, that some have from the inspection of the urine, often attained to the knowledge of that they desired. 
Answer.  Now as I deny not, but that sometimes one may through hap (as we say) hit the nail on the head: so on the other part, that this manner of casual conjecture hath ever been allowed of by the learned and more judicious, I do utterly deny. If Christians would hold their peace, yet will the heathen plead on my side. 
Careat successibus opto quisquis ab eventu facta notanda putat. Quid. in epist.  The Poet wished them a bad success, whosoever judged of an action according to the issue or event. Besides, that it is often a fallacy, a non causa pro causa, making the ignorant believe, they see that in or by an urine, which never had allowance of any learned authority. And may not any ignorant Empiricke, a cozening Quacksalver, or any old woman, now and then guess aright at an urine, and by cunning interrogatories and some other shifts, learn of the unwary messenger, as well the substance as the circumstances of the disease, at least as far as they are able to relate? And this to be true, hath been sufficiently proved already. Besides, that oftentimes the messenger himself cannot sufficiently inform the Physician concerning the particular circumstances of the disease: and again, his own ocular inspection often bringeth that to the eyes of his understanding, which neither the messenger nor yet the patient himself were ever able to relate, and far less the urine make known. What hast thou then gained, when one of these unsufficient persons hath told thee some truth by the urine? To wit, that then thy conceit carrieth thee (howbeit most erroneously and falsely) to apprehend some extraordinary sufficiency in that person, as being best able to free thee from thine infirmity. Thus than we see, Vno dato absurdo mul●a sequuntur: One error draweth on another. The prosperous event sometimes seconding their bold attempts, involueth the vulgar daily in this dangerous error. 
Arguments taken from issue or event, not to be trusted to.  But arguments taken from event have never had allowance, where the rules of reason might take place. And if this argument from event may take place, then will this absurdity thereon ensue, that we shall be forced to allow of many unlawful things. Many Witches and Wizards have sometimes performed such cures as have often astonished some of great understanding: that I say nothing of our Spelmongers', curing by characters, figure-casting, with a world of other forbidden trash. Are we therefore warranted by these actions to turn our back upon God, and make a covenant with his enemy? The devil himself no doubt, as well in the ancient Oracles as of later days, hath sometimes told truth. I should be too tedious to instance in examples. But did not that counterfeit Samuel, 
1. Sam. 28. 18.  to wit, the devil himself, tell Saul the whole truth, both concerning the event of the battle and his own woeful and wretched end? But who will notwithstanding maintain the lawfulness of ask counsel at the devil's Oracles, but he who meaneth to have his habitation with him in hell? 
L. H. Howard of blind Prophets.  far sounder was the opinion of a Noble man of this kingdom, in these words. Examples which fall out by chance were never currant where the cause is to be justified by reason. And therefore till a man can as readily produce a certain ground to make his guesses good, as score up a register of blind events, we may rather commend his luck then his learning. 
Argumentis & rationibus oportet quare quicquam ita sit docere non ruantis. Cicer. de diuin. lib. 2.  Reasons and arguments (saith a Heathen) must be produced for the confirmation of men's courses, and not examples of events both casual and uncertain. So far were the ancient Egyptians from maintaining this opinion, and so careful of men's lives, rejecting this conjectural, casual, and Empirical manner of curing diseases, and judging of the sufficiency of the Physician by the event or issue of the disease; 
Medici ex publico victum sumant, agro● secundum legem curant, ab antiquis medicis comprobatisque scriptoribus traditam. Si quis normam libri secutus infirmum sanare nequiverit omni caret crimine. Si praeter ea quae libris continentur, curaverit illum, morte punitur.  That at their own cost and charges they maintained many sufficient and skilful Physicians: and moreover, set down an inviolable law and or dinance, That if any Physician following the precepts and rules of art, recorded in the books of the learned in that profession, yet could not attain to the height of his hopes; the Patient through the violence of the disease yielding to fatal necessity, he was then freed from all danger of law. On the other part, if he recovered his Patient, yet neglecting the aforesaid rules and means, his punishment was no less than the loss of his life. What if (saith mine Author) this wholesome law were brought in amongst us (as it were good reason it should) where could we find so many executioners condignly to punish such Impostors, Empirics, Women-Physitians, busybodies, etc. Thus far our Author. Now as concerning such remedies thus casually and unskilfully administered, howsoever at sometimes they may either do, 
Lang. epist. medicine. lib. 1. epist 80 ex Diodero Siculo.  or at least seem to do some good, which I will not deny: yet I am sure they do often more hurt then good; & more hurt then on the sudden is perceived, many often praising them for the Authors of their health, who have been the instruments of their utter overthrow & ruin: for howbeit the Patient reap some present ease, yet is his body by means of such medicines unskilfully exhibited, left more infirm, and becometh afterwards more crazy: their cure being imperfect, accidental, uncertain, and void of rule and reason. And howbeit I could make this small Tractate swell up into a big and voluminous book, if I should instance in a many of these casual cures, performed by Empirics, and such others, which for fear of tediousness and prolixity I am loath to go about: yet before I make an end, I will offer to the Readers view, two or three Stories. During my abode at Paris, one Master Robin, overseer of the Garden of Simples, related unto me this which followeth. 
History.  A few years ago (saith he) the plague of Pestilence prevailing daily more and more in this famous City of Paris, whereof no small numbers, especially of the meaner sort, died daily: the learned Physicians did their best endeavours when their counsel was craved, and the ignorant Empirics also were not idle. Amongst the rest was a certain country Clown carried on the wings of Fame, for his extraordinary supposed skill in curing this disease, who was said to have cured more than some of the most expert Physicians. The Duchess of Longueville being acquainted with these occurrents, sendeth for her Physician, desirous to know the cause of so happy successes by so mean a person performed: which howbeit always aimed at, yet are not always attained unto by men of greater merit. The Physician well knowing the insufficiency of this fellow, yet not fully acquainted with the particulars, and withal knowing how much is commonly attributed to these casual events, answered only in general at that instant, that many things seem often otherwise then they are indeed: and false fame maketh some men famous, whose names deserve rather to be buried in oblivion: and after some further discourse concerning that subject (all which notwithstanding, would not satisfy her more than nice curiosity) he taketh his leave for the present. A few days after, causing carefully to watch and observe the actions of this Aesculapius, he was observed to go to a certain place within two little leagues of Paris, called Bois de Vincennes, that is, Vincence wood, and there to dig up certain roots. The Physician therewith acquainted, resorteth thither with speed, and finds that it was nothing else but a certain kind of Spurge (whereof there grew in that place and about no small store) whereof this Clown had at several times digged up great store, easily discerned by the holes there round about that place, some being but new digged. After a narrow search, he found that most of those whom this new Aesculapius was said to have cured, either died after a certain time of a bloody Flux, this violent medicine having procured an excoriation in their guts▪ being especially exhibited, without any preparation of the ill quality, or observation of the due dose or quantity: or else that they lived a languishing life, worse than a speedy dispatch by a sudden death, from whose merciless claws notwithstanding this former Purgatory was not able to free some of them. The Physician repairing again to the Duchess, acquainteth her Grace with these several circumstances: as also that it seemed most of those people were able, strong, and cacochymical bodies, who would prefer the counsel of this Clown, before that of the learned and judicious Physician. The issue notwithstanding did make it appear, that if any did recover, it came not to pass through his skill or sufficiency, which as seemeth, was none at all, but by the strength of nature, able to expel both the Plague and the poison of the medicine. The learned and judicious Physicians again met for the most part with thin and tender bodies, brought up in ease and idleness, and for this cause aptest to receive the poisoned impressions of the pestilential air, and therefore the disease proving greater than the means were able to overcome, the patients were often forced to faint under the burden. Neither were such dangerous, or r●ther desperate means, as this Empiricke used, in their opinions to be administered to any, much less to persons of quality and weak constitution. The Noble woman having heard the Physician's apology, was afterwards better pleased with her Physician, and after that time conceived a better opinion, both of the Art and the professors of the same. I was likewise informed during my abode at Leva in Germany, 
Dangerous medicines exhibited by Paracelsists.  of many rare cures seemed to be performed by that medicine which they call the Philosopher's stone, Aurum potabile, and many other such hyperbolical medicines, exhibited by the Paracelsists of those parts. And yet most of them to whom they were exhibited, before the full period of a twelve month, went to visit their friends in another world: and little better success for the most part had their master Paracelsus himself.  
Some few years before my coming to this town of Northampton, 
Another.  a certain Empiricke, and Irish by nation, was accounted one of the most famous urine-mongers in all the country about, but especially in telling whether women were with child or no. And yet his skill in Physic was confined to one form of purge, composed of a certain portion of the Electuary Diaphoenicon, mingled with so much powder of Diagridium as he could take up between his finger & his thomb, which were his ordinary weights and scales, as I 〈◊〉 since by our Apothecary informed: by which his butcher like boldness he cast many into most dangerous laskes, accompanied sometimes with divers other evil accidents, as I have heard since from some of themselves: and this chiefly was then to be seen, when this medicine was exhibited to thin and weak bodies.  
Now howbeit I could instance in a number of other examples, all tending to the same purpose, yet fearing too much to offend the Readers patience, referring them to some opportunity, I think it is now high time to turn my sails towards the shore, and to cast anchor for the present. And the assembling of so many sage Senators, according to the ancient and laudable custom of this kingdom, to apply fit salves to the festered sores of the same, putteth me in good hope of some redress, as well of the abuses here complained of, as of diverse other disorders. I am not indeed ignorant, that affairs of high consequence, are to be handled in this honourable assembly. And yet I hope the life of man is not a matter of smallest moment. 
job 2. 16.  Agitur de corto humano. Skin for skin, and all that a man hath will he give for his life. Let this Gangrene therefore in time be looked to, lest it grow to a greater evil. Since therefore errors of this kind are so full of danger, as hath been both in the precedent, & now in this present discourse plainly proved, both by a great and smaller inquest, of such persons with whose worth the delinquents I am sure dare not compare, I wish it may not be forgotten. Sed verbum sat sapienti. A word, yea a nod, is enough to a wise man. And therefore I leave it to your Honourable considerations. CONSIDER THE MATTER, CONSULT, AND GIVE SENTENCE.  
FINIS.    

Faults escaped.  
Pag. 5. line 2. for would read could. p. 13. l. 29. r. stinking urine. p. 16. marg. note l. 8. r. victu. p. 21. l. 12. r. deliration. p. 23. l. 17. r. pot-dropsie. l. 29. r. retaining, and marg. note l. 2. r. for'rs. p. 33. l. 13. r. of a high. p. 33. marg note. l. 20. r. à vitiosa. p. 39 r. an absurdity. p. 55. l. 29. r. four pounds. p. 70. l. 36. r. winie colour. p. 77. l. 5. diseases alone.