THE ARRAIGNMENT OF urines: WHEREIN ARE SET down the manifold errors and abuses of ignorant Vrine-monging empirics, cozening Quacksaluers, women-physitians, and the like stuff: Confining the urines within their own lists and limits; and adding such caveats and Cautions to the inspection and iudgement of Diseases by the same, as haue not hitherto by any been observed. And for the Readers recreation, illustrated with many pleasant and delectable Histories. Collected and gathered as well out of the most ancient, as the modern and late Physitians of our time: and written first in the latin Tongue, and divided into three books by Peter forest D. in physic, and native of the town of Alcmare in Holland. And for the benefit of our British Nations newly epitomized, and translated inte our English Tongue by james HART Dr. in the foresaid Faculty, and residing in the town of Northampton.  

Fingunt se medicos omnes, Idiota, Sacerdos,  
judaeus, Monachus, Histrio, razor, Anus.   

Each dunce would dive in physics depth, both parish Priest and jew:  
The Barber bold, monk, Stage-player, and eke the women crew.   
OR,  

Physitians all men fain themselves; Priests, monks, Iewes, Barbers, fools,  
Stage-players, Women, multitudes, that never learned in schools.   
LONDON, Printed by G. Eld for Robert Mylbourne, and are to be sold at his shop at the great South door of Pauls. 1623.   

TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE CHARLES PRINCE OF WALES.  
IT was the saying of the wisest among men, ( high& mighty Prince) In the multitude of people is the Kings honor, but in the want of people is the destruction of a Prince. And for this cause as well the Law of God, as the constitutions of men haue hembd in the furious affections of unruly and disorderly persons, lest to the detriment and danger of their neighbour, they should run at random beyond the rules of reason, in murdering and massacring him whom the Almighty had made according to his own image and holinesse. Now as there is no crime so enormous, but it may be masked with the mantle of some virtue: so is there a sort of people who purchasing to themselves credit, with the too-too credulous multitude, do under a plausible pretence of health, not onely suck the substance from the deluded multitude, but often precipitate their bodies into Charons boat. Of whom a learned late Writer said well, that these people were more pernicious to a Common-wealth, then the common cut-throats by the high-way sides. All which offenders are not a little encouraged, by the ordinary inspection of urines, as it is at this day not without great prejudice to the public, every where practised.  
Amongst many who haue stood in the gap against this abuse, none hath handled this subject more plainly and to better purpose, then this present Author, whom for this cause I haue of a stranger undertaken to make a Free-denizon, and to speak the language of this Land. As for myself, silence had been more secure, and more safe for me to haue kept within the harbour, then to lance out into the deep and tempestuous Sea of mens censorious humours. But all the barkings and snarlings of the most envious Momes& Zoiles being weighed in the scales against the public good, will bee found too light, being especially shrouded under the wings of so mighty a Maecoenas as yourself.  
neither is it any new thing that great Princes haue been affectioned favourers of physic, and Physitians. Hence haue we the name of Mithridates daign'd unto a noble physical compounded Antidote: of Gentius the Illyrian king to the herb Gentian: of Lysimachus to the herb Lysimachia, &c But that I may come yet a little nearer, it is recorded that one of your Highnesse Ancestors, and sometimes King in the northern part of this island, composed certain physical Canons. And another King of the same descent is recorded to haue attained to that skill in curing of wounds ( a branch of Surgery, being itself one of the parts of physic) that many noble Families of that kingdom having from him acquired this skill, haue with their inheritances transmitted the same to their Successors. But hath not our bright morning star, the purchaser of our peace, of whom your Highnes hath his being, and on whom the eyes of the European Princes are now set, as in other Arts and liberal Sciences, so likewise in this Profession, manifested so profound knowledge, as one would think the oracle of Aesculapius had been committed to his custody? And as the great Commander of this universe hath singled you out for a Successor to so great Countries and kingdoms; so do I not doubt but he will make you such a pattern of piety, and due you with so noble and heroical virtues, fit for so high and mighty a calling, as the after-ages shall haue cause to bless the memory of your name.  
And if names ( howsoever of no validity in themselves) do yet often call to mind the noble virtues and heroical exploits of our Predecessors, and incite us to a laudable imitation of the same: of what name shall we find more magnanimous and courageous Champions, and better acquainted with the affairs of Mars and Minerua? Amongst many I will single out but three, which shall serve in stead of many more.  
The noble and heroical exploits of that euer-renowned worthy Champion Charles martel deserving eternal memory, the famous Tours can yet testify; whereas above three hundred and seventy thousand of the miscreant Saracenicall nation, did affright not onely France, but even Italy itself, and the Pope notwithstanding his triple crown, with all his Clergy, was not a little amazed; and yet were by this valiant Champion utterly overthrown, leaving their dead carkeises for a testimony of his triumphant victory. It would be too tedious to relate the rest of his heroical acts and exploits, as well against the fore-named Nation, as many others also.  
But if I should enter vpon the acts of him who descended lineally out of his loins in the second generation, that noble Charles, called, and that not without cause, Great, as he was not in word but in very dead also, I scarce should know where to begin. And howbeit his famous acts against the Saxons and Saracens, and sundry other nations, together with the managing of the western Empire, were great and glorious: yet were they far inferior to his other acts in planting and propagating true piety; witness the foundation of so many Churches and religious places, with rents and revenues allotted for the maintaining of the service of the Almighty. So far did this magnanimous Monarch differ from the iudgement of the ascrilegious Church-robbing Great-men of our dayes. What shall I say of his singular love to letters and learned men? witness the founding of the two famous universities of Paris and Pauie. As for his religious life in private, his constant and careful performance of the duties of piety, they are but seldom to be seen in Princes of that eminency and might. So that of him I may justly say that he deserveth to be paralleled with the greatest Princes, and to be enrolled among the Worthies of the world.  
Another great and mighty Charles the Christian world hath of later dayes produced: I mean that famous Emperour, the fift of that name, the glory of the Austrian House. Whose valiant exploits against both Christians and Infidels, together with the captivating of the French King had made his name and famed immortal: if he had not too basely abandoned himself to the performance of the will and pleasure of the Pope and his shavelings, especially those lawless Locusts, I mean the Loiolites, the pharisees of our age, and in blind zeal bathed his Blade in the blood of his most faithful and trusty Subiects: whom therefore God suffered to be pursued by his own subject Maurice Duke of Saxony, by whom also he was forced to yield to such conditions as did much offuscate the splendour of his former victories. And would to God that great Henry of France of famous memory, having taken warning by the attempt which lighted on his teeth, and not being circumvented by the soft and woolly words of that cunning cotton, had not suffered those infernal Furies ever to take footing any more in that famous kingdom of France, then perhaps, had wee not had these fires of dissension kindled, nor heard that one subject should vnsheath his sword to bath it in his Christian brothers blood. And I hope that the Princes and Potentates of the Christian world will now learn to be wise, and to bee warned by other mens harms. But to our Charles again, I think it may well bee said of him as of Dauids Worthies, that he was honourable among many, yet attained not to the former two. But one thing yet worthy remembrance in this worthy Prince I cannot pass by; that when as that scarlet Whore, by her fawning and flattering demeanour, had drawn the affections of this Prince towards her,& according to her accustomend changeableness and mutability( especially when greater gain is offered) showing him a trick of her old trade, in entertaining another lover: this generous Prince not able to digest so heinous injuries, did captivate the triple crown, sacking the seat and City of this abominable Beast, and discharging the papal authority through all the Spanish Dominions, left worthy president to all posterity, that the kingdom of spain, as well as her neighbour Nations, could make a pretty shift without the papal power.  
In these three Worthies all manner of moral virtues, as also whatsoever concerneth either military or Martiall discipline, together with the practices of piety and peace are lively portrayed and painted forth unto vs. And our undoubted hopes& presages of your Highnesse are such, that one day the very extract and quintessence of such heroical virtues shall plainly bee seen to haue taken up their seat and habitation in yourself; the ripe fruit whereof shall be reaped not by this island only, but by the whole Christian world, when God in his own appointed time shall call you to sway the sceptre of these hereditary kingdoms. Now your Highnesse accustomend clemency and courteous entertainment of learning with the labours of the learned, haue emboldened me, howbeit the meanest among many more able and sufficient then myself, to present unto your Highnesse these my rude labours; the which not myself alone, but many more of refined iudgement, haue thought fit to publish for the good of the public.  
Let it therefore please your Princely patience to accept of this first part of the first fruits of my labours, until the second part may see the light of the sun, which likewise longeth for, and relieth vpon the patronage of so great a Prince; beseeching your Highnesse to accept of it, not according to the worth, but the will and good affection of him who doth present it. Thus did our gracious God in the building of the Tabernacle, accept as well of Goats hair and Badgers skins, as of silver, and gold, and precious stones, scarlet, purple, blew, and fine linen. And the poor widows mite was accepted of according to the bountifulness of her mind. The mighty Monarch Artaxerxes also accepted kindly at the hand of Sinetas the Persian his entertainment with a cup of could water taken out of the river Cyrus.  
Now being conscious to myself, that my good and forward affection is nothing inferior, having no better gift for the present, I hope this my pains shall find no worse entertainment at your Highnesse hands. And thus shall I pray for your Highnesse happy and prosperous estate; with the abundance of all good things in this life, and endless happiness in the life to come: and shall ever remain  
Your Highnesses most humble, affectionate and dutiful seruant, for ever to be commanded, I. HART.   

To the courteous READER,  
GEntle Reader, if ever errors in any Art proved pernicious, I think none of mean capacity will deny that in the faculty of physic they are not of the least annoyance. Amongst many others, the abuses committed in the iudgement of diseases by the inspection of the urine onely, haue been so great and so many, that for the subduing of the same is required the help of some mighty Hercules. Amongst diuers others who haue opposed themselves against the said errors and abuses, none haue more fully, and more pertinently handled this subject then this our Author. And because the vulgar sort of people is most subject to be ensnared, and most obvious to every error, my chief aim and end therefore hath been, as much as in me lieth, to free them from imposture and cozenage, by communicating to them this Treatise in our own vulgar tongue. It cannot indeed be denied that urines haue for many yeares been most basely abused. If I should say that in this kingdom this abuse hath not a little been improved, I think I should say nothing besides the truth. witness so many ignorant empirics, women-physitians, with a many of our saucy Surgeons, and many more, who by their pretended and supposed skill in the inspection of urines, do assume unto themselves a lawless liberty of encroaching vpon that profession wherein they were never instructed nor trained up. But at this I do not so much marvell, but rather to see some of the Tribe of levi, who should sound out with their voices like Trumpets against all sins, to be themselves involved in this sin of covetousness. For whatsoever other pretence they make, it may plainly appear, that it is nothing else but a ●arment of fig leaves which will never cover their nakedness. Is it not apparent that many of our Parsons and Vicars in this kingdom, as though they were of the secret counsel of Aesculapius, or had digged out of the grave the ghost of that famous Hippocrates, or else with some Pythagoricall translation of the souls of all the most famous Physitians, the skill were conveyed unto them; they haue like usurpers, intruded vpon other mens right? Now that preaching of the word, with the dependences of the same, and practising of physic, are in the word of God two several distinct callings, I think cannot be denied. And in the second place, that the practise of the one hindereth the performance of the other as it ought: those that well weigh the weight of both callings, their several subiects, large extents, pains, and labour to be employed about either of them, must needs confess, that whosoever will constionably perform the work of the ministry as he ought, shall therein find work enough without meddling with the health of the body. And besides, the prejudice to the common good, may hence evidently appear, that often at one and the same instant, each of these callings demandeth his personal presence.  
All the charge our Lord and saviour gave to Peter, was to feed his flock, and that reiterated three several times. And this was the charge committed to all the Apostles and other Ministers of the word. As for the curing of Diseases, it was both miraculous and lasted but for a time, they being as free from covetousness and pecuniary traffic, as ours at this time are addicted unto the same. The holy Apostle Paul willeth every man to abide in the same calling( not callings) wherein he was called: and in another place; Ministers must wait on the ministry: and, Let every man meddle with his business with quietness. Now how small account soever these men make of the ministerial function, the charge is so great, and the account so strict, that Saint Chrysostome saith, He wondereth that any Bishop or Minister can be saved. Ammonius also being urged with a bishopric, cut off his right ear, that such deformity might be a canonical impediment. May it not then plainly appear that Ye take too much vpon you, ye sons of levi.  
Their colourable excuse of doing good to their neighbour, is to small purpose: for then were it lawful for every man to meddle with another mans profession, then might the Lawyer become a physician, the physician a divine, and the divine all three. Indeed the Lawyer hath likewise some cause to complain: for some of our Parsons, I hear, are busied with making Wils and Testaments, Deeds, and conveyances, and what not? But the Lawyer is old enough to pled his own cause. But God is the God of order, not of confusion; and never did allow of this confused Chaos of callings.  
Now a● these men are justly to be blamed, so in like manner such as are occasions of their distractions must needs also deserve some reprehensions. It is not the part of an honest man either to encourage or countenance so pernicious distractions and confusions in a Christian Common-wealth. The Princely Prophet david would not drink of the water that was purchased with the peril of mens lives. And is it not apparent that these mens negligence endangereth the souls of their flocks, while they care most for their fleeces.  
But it is easier for me to reprehend this disorder, then to amend it. Would to God those that haue the salve would apply it to this sore; to the end that this foul ulcer spread itself no further to the annoyance both of Church and Common-wealth. As for myself, the love and respect I bear unto the public good, together with the vindicating of our Aesculapian Art from abuse as much as in me lieth, haue been the chief means which moved me to impart these my pains to the public, being not a little animated hereunto by the Author himself, who towards the latter end of this Discourse hopeth for the publication thereof in vulgar tongues. Howbeit I do not deny but I haue ever been as averse as any from the publication of any such physic books in our vulgar tongue, as might give the least encouragement to ignorant drones and Dunces, wherewith this kingdom doth so abound. And I haue ever wished that some of our profession would employ their pains to some better purpose. For as the inspection of urines, as it is now practised is one; so is the writing or translating of physic practical books in the English tongue another band which much emboldeneth this kind of people to proceed in their erroneous course. As for that idle and more then threadbare objection of the pleaders for this abuse, it is of no force nor validity; to wit, that the abuse ought not to take away the right use of the same: For while as the book prescribeth a remedy for the disease in general, yet can the ignorant Reader never thereby collect the several circumstances in such a case to be observed; as the constitution of the patient, the manifold causes which may either inhibit the exhibiting, or yet indicate the altering thereof in quantity, quality, or both, with many more circumstances, which are so many and so diuers, that they require no vulgar understanding to find them out; howsoever, such remedies, how absurd soever, may at sometimes be seconded by a prosperous and wished for success: which being but casual, the clear sighted understanding will never trust to And therefore it may plainly appear that there can be no right use of such books. Besides, that they prove often occasions of procrastinating and putting off the time and opportunity of asking sound and learned advice, until such time as irrecoverable occasion be past, and He that would not when he might, now may not when he would. And whereas the pleaders for this practise would seem to haue gotten ground on us by sheltering themselves under the shield of the ancient greek Physitians, to wit, that they follow the footsteps of the famous ancient Fathers, Hippocrates, Galen, and his Apish imitator Paulus Aegineta, with many more: It is true that these worthy ancient Writers to propagate to posterity the precepts and rules of Art, together with manifold remedies, did couch them in the greek tongue, the which howbeit it was their vulgar and common speech, yet neither was it their intent that they should be divulged abroad amongst the vulgar people, neither yet could it then be so prejudicial as now adays. Good reason had they to writ them in the greek tongue, as being very famous, and by reason of the Macedonian Monarchy under Alexander and his successors, besides Europe, it was far spread in Asia, and the copiousness and elegancy gave it no small grace and estimation among many Nations. Now that it was never the intent of these learned men that those books which contained the whole mysteries of this Art should be divulged abroad, may plainly appear to all such as will not be obstinately ignorant, by the careful keeping of them in their Temples and Oratories, their Priests and soothsayers taking charge of them: as likewise that all who did profess and practise this profession near the space of a thousand yeares, were descended of the lineage of old Aesculapius; and therefore their intent and purpose was onely to haue them inviolably kept for their successors to be trained up in the same profession. And again, that there was no such danger of divulging them abroad in those dayes is manifest, in that the use of printing was not many hundreds of yeares after this known, by which means( saith a learned man) more may be in one day dispatched, then by more mens writings in a whole year.  
Now among many other physic practical books some of our urine books written in the English tongue, haue not a little emboldened a many ignorant busy-bodies to thrust their sickle into another mans harvest. Hence comes it to pass, that any idle old trot, cobbler, or Costardmonger, vpon the reading of such a book will seem to pronounce some Delphian oracle by the urine. The greatness of which abuse so much increased in this kingdom, hath occasioned me to take this cause in hand. And because it doth chiefly aim at the informing and rectifying of the iudgement of the deluded multitude, I am so far from affecting a high and strained style, that I haue even accommodated my words as much as I could to the capacity of the meanest. And if this find kind entertainment at thy hand( kind Reader) then shall I be encouraged to publish unto thy view another part concerning the same subject, which I haue myself collected out of a great number of ancient and late Writers, the chief contents whereof shall be these:  
The Tractate being divided into two books, in the first shall be contained the authorities of some learned Physitians against this abuse in general, and then shall the uncertainty of this sign be seen in some infirmities where it is thought to be of greatest force. Then shall follow a confutation of the vulgar opinion of discerning of women with child, as also of the sex by the urine: all illustrated by the authorities of the learned at large, with pregnant proofs, and unanswerable arguments, whereunto are added some things desumed from mine own experimental knowledge. In the second I proceed to a more particular survey first of the regions of the urine, then to the substance, quantity and quality: and in the qualities, first to the smell, then the chief colours of urines, together with their manifold several strange contents: not omitting the circled or garland, spume or froth, and bubbles, with other contents swimming on the top. And before the Conclusion shall follow the fond and foolish conceit& opinion of some doting alchemists of our times concerning the distillation of urines. All which shall be prosecuted after the foresaid plain and perspicuous Method.  
I entreat thee therefore( courteous Reader) that thou wouldest be pleased to accept this my pains in as good part, as I haue been willing to impart the same unto thee for thy use and profit. And if thou wilt set partiality and by-respects aside, I make no doubt but thou shalt see, and plainly perceive, that the great inquest here mentioned shall find it billa vera. And because I would take away all excuses from the delinquents, and lest with the Iewes they shall say Doth our Law condemn a man before he be heard, I will therefore defer the further prosecuting of this business until another Assize, to see if the offenders can say any thing for themselves. So ceasing to abuse thy patience any longer, and entreating thy charitable censure of this my rude labour, I will here take my leave of thee until the next occasion.  
Thy well-wishing Friend, james HART.   

THE CONTENTS.  

THE FIRST book.  
CHAP. 1. WHat Urine is.  
CHAP. 2. Of the engendering of Urine, as also of the preparing of the blood, and the residue of the humours.  
CHAP. 3. Of the superfluities sequestered and set apart in each concoction, as also of that urine, which is in every respect of a mean temperature, and therefore the best, and the cause of the same.  
CHAP. 4. That the iudgement of diseases had by the sole inspection of the urine is uncertain, yea oftentimes dangerous, and that we ought not to repose any trust in the same.  
CHAP. 5. That the Urine and the iudgement of diseases by the same, is not in itself sufficient to give us full notice and satisfaction of the whole state and nature of diseases.   

THE SECOND book.  
CHAP. 1. OF the diuers and sundry causes which do hinder the iudgement by urine.  
CHAP. 2. After what manner it cometh to pass that sometimes famous Physitians, not a little skilled in their profession, may in the iudgement of urines be deceived.  
CHAP. 3. That Empiricke-Vrine-mongers, mountebanks, Quacksaluers, Women-physitians, and the rest of that rabble, by the inspections of urines, do rather tell lies then truth, the which notwithstanding they persuade the too-too credulous, and simplo, unlearned, and ignorant people, to be as true as sacred Oracles.  
CHAP. 4. Of the imposture, fraud, deceit, and cunning tricks which wandring Water-mongers, roguing empirics, and such like cogging cozeners, do use in delivering their opinion concerning Urines.  
CHAP. 5. Of the perverse, preposterous, and too-too credulous simplicity of country people, ignorant idiots, and diuers others of that stamp, together with their too great trust and foolish confidence which they repose in this divining and conjecturing by Urines.   

THE THIRD book.  
CHAP. 1. HOw and by what means this error of inspection of urines in the Physitians house hath had the first beginning, being notwithstanding nothing else but an uncertain conjecture, and by the which doth redound more damage and danger then profit to the patient, and hath made this so noble an Art, base and contemptible in the eyes of most men.  
CHAP. 2. How necessary and needful a thing it were, that the Urine of such as be sick be no more carried to the Physitians house, but that rather they are to view them and give out their iudgement vpon them in the patients own house, and that onely.  
CHAP. 3. That vpon the sole inspection of the urine, remedies ought not to be prescribed to the sick, except the physician being present by thē, first observe all the rest of the signs, which do in like manner belong to the perfect knowledge of the disease.  
CHAP. 4. That there is a certain method& order of signs and causes, as also of diseases, together with the accidents of the same, that there is also Scopes and ends, from the which again the indications of curing are derived, by means whereof, and not the bare inspection of the Urine onely, the cure itself is performed: by all which, as well the utility as the necessity of the presence of the physician with his patient, is proved.  
CHAP. 5. That remedies ought to be sought from certain scopes and indications, for the which cause such Physitians are to be blamed, who do unadvisedly vpon the sole sight of the urine prescribe their remedies.  
CHAP. 6. Against such as do prescribe and appoint remedies in their own vulgar tongue, making the same common to every one.    

COurteous Reader, the principal faults escaped, either by the negligence of the Copier out of this Discourse, or otherwise; the Author himself likewise being absent and busied about other employments, I do here present to thy view: and what thou shalt yet further, either in points or otherwise observe omitted, they shall be so small, that I hope they shall not deserve too sharp a censure.  
PAg. 2. line 11. read Gordonius. p. 4. l. 4. r. into its own, &c. l. 14. and elsewhere, for miseraicall r. always mesaraicall. p. 5. l. 33. r. into the guts: p. 8. l. 5. r. conjoin, for contain. p 11. l. 4 r. subject of, &c. p. 13. l. 21. r. on the top. p. 15. l. 4. r. Leennius. p. 20 l 6. r. Taregua, as also in the marginal note, l. 25. r. principally. p. 24. l. 29. r. melancholic. p. 26. l. 32. and elsewhere, for premises, r. always premises. p. 33. l. 28. r. incident thereunto. p. 34 marg. note, r. urines by the powring, &c. p. 49. l. 22 and elsewhere, for Cologue r. always Cologne. p. 55. l. 12. r. Pauye. l. ult. r. counsel or in. p. 69. l. 12. r. the manner. p. 74. l. 28. r. renew. p. 80. l. 18. r. hand into. p. 82 l. 35. r. any ulcer. p. 83. l. 19. r. it is. p. 85. l. 6. r. ingenuously. p. 86. l. 3,& 4. r. ignorant of the state and nature of the disease. p. 93. marg. note 2. r. killed by unskilfulness. p. 96. marg. note 2. r. Ingenuous.   

THE FIRST book.  

THE argument.  
IN these three books the Author taketh great pains to demonstrate by solid and unanswerable arguments, of whom, and what manner of physician it is best and safest to ask counsel, if at any time we shall be seized with sickness: to wit, not of base ignorant empirics, urine-mongers, water-prophets, women-physitians, and such like: but rather of the learned, skilful and judicious physician, trained up and well experienced in his Profession. In the first book therefore is declared that the iudgement of diseases by the sole inspection of the urine, is very uncertain and deceitful, as also sometimes not without great danger. And to the end that this may more plainly appear to the eyes of every one, it is declared in the first place, what urine is, and of what manner of substance it is engendered: as also, after what manner the humours are sequestered in the preparation of the blood. Afterwards also are described, the superfluities that are engendered of the same. The causes of urines in every respect of the best and most laudable note, are afterwards set down. In the last place is proved and concluded, that the iudgement had by the inspection of urine onely, is not sufficient to give us full notice of the whole nature and circumstances of the disease, as ignorant people are for the most part( though falsely) persuaded.   

THE ARRAIGNMENT of urines. CHAP. I. What urine is.  
whatsoever matter is propounded( saith Cicero in his Offices) which a man doth take in hand to handle, together with the reason of the same, ought to begin with the description or definition of the same thing, to the end we may the better understand the nature of the subject about the which the dispute is conversant. And for this cause before wee determine this question, Whether the iudgement of diseases by urine be certain or uncertain; it is requisite that first of al we know what urine is, of what manner of substance it is engendered, of what use, or profit it is in mans body, as also by which ways and passages it issueth out of the same. It is not therefore sufficient for a judicious and learned physician with the Empyricke-vrine-mongers, to know, that urine is that which is pissed, which doth not at all declare the nature and essence of the urine.  
Urine, therefore properly, 
Definition of urine.  is the superfluity of blood contained in the great vein, conveyed by the kidneys and other urinary vessels into the bladder. But Theophilus, who after Hippocretes, Galen, and Magnus, hath written in greek a very compendious and succinct book of urines, defineth urine after this manner: urine is the straining through of the blood and the rest of the humours. Some for this cause call it a superfluity like unto whey: some call it a waterish superfluity: and others, the putr●faction or rottenness of blood: But we will not wrangle about words, as better befiting some Sophister, then a good and learned physician. And therefore following the footsteps of these our famous Physitians; Urine is nothing else but a straining of the blood and the rest of the humours, which proceed from the work of nature. Of this opinion are Isaacus, Gorclonius, with whom also doth agree Actuarius( not inferior to any that hath written of this subject) calling it the straining or draining of the blood. And therefore well said Galen in these words: 
Gal lib. 5. de vsu p●rt.  To the end that the rest of the thin and waterish superfluity( which we call urine) may be separated, nature having made the kidneys, hath placed them hard by the liver, and to the end it might be well expelled, it hath created first a receiver, to wit, the Bladder, as it were a bottle, and at the end of the Bladder a muscle or little piece of flesh to keep the same from unseasonable passing away.  
Now as concerning the manner how the same is engendered in our bodies, it is not to be imagined with the vulgar and ignorant sort, that all that which wee drink is converted into urine, no more then all that which we eat turneth into nourishment, howbeit moist things taken in great quantity are an occasion of much urine, and yet of humide and moist diet doth often also proceed good nourishment. This I haue heard to be verified in a Country fellow called Scermer, who used no other meat or drink all his dayes, save milk onely, 
A country fellow living all his life time on milk onely.  and was a lusty man notwithstanding, having his vacuations by stool as orderly as other healthful men, voiding no greater store of urine, then any other ordinary man, all this milke-moisture notwithstanding. Now to the end wee may the better be enabled to judge of the uncertainty of these conjectures by urine, it is requisite in the next place to know the manner of the engendering of the same, of the which we do now intend to speak.   

CHAP. II. Of the engendering of urine, as also of the preparing of the blood, and the residue of the humours.  
TO the end that these things may be the better by us understood, wee are to consider in the first place, that every part of the body of man hath an attractive or drawing power, 
The attractive faculty.  by virtue of which it doth naturally draw unto itself such nourishment as is proper and peculiar for the same. This office is performed sometimes by means of some small strait fleshy hairs, or threads as in the stomach: sometimes again this office is performed by the sole temperature of the part onely, as cometh to pass in the rest of the parts of the body: and sometimes again for the delight and pleasure of the part; and thus the mouth of the womb draweth the seed of the man unto itself. moreover, in the next place, the part is also endowed with a retentive or retaining faculty, 
The retentive faculty.  to the end it might retain the same until such time as the concoction be finished, if it be nourishment, or if excrements, until such time as streching and reaching out the said part by the great quantity, or else by the sharp and biting quality, or both jointly, it doth grieve and annoy the part, as manifestly is to be seen in those parts which contain a great hollowness; such as bee the stomach, ●he guts, the mother, and the bladder: and after the same manner is the infant contained in the womb, as is the meat in the stomach, until such time as either by the bigness, the weight, the sharpness of the sweat, or urine of the infant, the cotyledons, or mouths of the small veins being burst, or yet any other causes urging or provoking the same, it bee forced to let go the poor prisoner.  
The third is the concocting faculty, 
The concocting faculty.  which changeth the nourishment into the own proper substance, but yet after diuers and sundry ways; for blood is speedily converted into flesh, but the bone as being could and dry hath need of many more alterations and changes. Hence also it cometh to pass that there are two sorts of helps and aids assisting nourishment; 
Two sorts of helps and aids to nourishment.  the one which draweth the nourishment, conveyeth, containeth, and concocteth it, and then as too heavy a burden expelleth the same. The helps serving to convey or carry the nourishment to the the first concoction, are the mouth, the w●zand, the stomach, the guts; to the second, the miseraicall veins, the liver, the hollow vein; to the third, every similar part, as also some of the organical and small threedy veins, the which as also the greater veins, do prepare the food and nourishment, fitting the same for the nourishing of every part. The other sort of aid and help, is that which in drawing the excrement unto itself, doth separate, convey, retain, and in due and convenient time expel the same; such are the spleen, the kidneys, both the Bladders, together with their orifices and concauities, the Guts, especially the greater, the two muscles called Sphyncters, the eight epigastricall muscles, those muscles also which keep in the breath, being of no small use and profit, yea and sometimes necessary also, both in regard of the excretion of the ordure and urine, as of the birth also. That which by this nourishing alteration doth glide unto such parts as are already framed and made, is assimilated or made like unto the same; and for this cause properly called assimilation. 
Assimilation.  But by an engendering alteration, such parts are made and framed as were not before.  
The fourth and the last, is that which wee commonly call the expelling faculty. 
The expelling faculty.  Now when as it doth naturally expel such things as cannot be overcome, concocted, perfectly changed and converted into the substance of that part, especially such as are too-too burdensome, and do distend and stretch out the part by too great a quantity, or yet by their sharp quality, or both together, are noisome and offensive, it is then said well and handsomely to expel the same. This expulsion is likewise furthered by means of the overthwart fibres or fleshy hairs in such parts as they are found, as namely in the stomach, the guts, both the bladders, as well that of the gull, as of the urine, the veins and arteries. Expulsion being contrary to Attraction, is oftentimes notwithstanding performed by the same passages, as casting and swallowing by the throat; the seed of generation and the birth by the neck of the mother; the distribution of the food and nourishment, the attraction of purging physic, and the natural voluntary expulsion of that superfluous humour into the guts, by the miseraicall veins. Now these four faculties, together with their several functions, being understood aright, the manner of the generation of the blood will bee more plain and conspicuous. The food being first well bruised by the teeth thereto appointed, is drawn down into the stomach or maw, by the throat; and being there for a certain space retained, it is afterwards concocted into the substance of a cream-like humour called chylus, and from thence doth it expel the same into the guts, which in some part do retain it, altering, changing, and converting some part of the same into a substance fit for their own nourishment, and afterwards do expel the superfluities, when as they are overcharged with the abundance, or yet amnoyed with the acrimony and sharpness of the same. In the mean while the miseraicall veins having their original from the liver itself, by means of the branchy or porter vein, and are implanted in the guts themselves, do suck, and as it were, milk or strain from them this concocted nourishment,( which Physitians do call chymus) drawing and conveying the same unto the hollow parts of the liver, presenting the same to the sanguifying or blood-making quality, and if there come no rub or let in the way, the same is converted and changed into blood, and that afterwards more exquisitely elaborate and refined by the blood-making power of the liver, as is at length to be seen in Galen and diuers others after him. Being thus then conveyed to the liver, then ariseth as it were, a boiling, digestion, and generation of the several humours. This Galen illustrates by a familiar example, 
Gal. lib. 4. de vsu part.& lib. de natur. facul.  even as in the new wine is the spume or froth swimming above, the dregs, the waterish humour, and that which is properly called blood: so likewise in the humours there is a spume or froth called by the name of choler, another crud, yet half concocted humour( to speak Physically) yet in election to bee blood, commonly called phlegm. There is yet moreover another thick and dreggy, commonly called melancholy. Now that which wee properly call blood, answering to the proper substance of wine, doth differ from the foresaid humours. That waterish humour which we call urine, being produced by the sole and long separation of the humours,( witness Galen) some do call a thin and waterish humour, 
Gal. lib. 1. de crisib.  being like to that substance which wee see swim above the blood after the opening of a vein. The manner of the separation of the same is thus brought to pass: The blood being now prepared, and the motion and agitation or perturbation of it being finished, the little bag appointed to receive choler, 
The used utility of the gal-bag.  and adhering close to the inner lap or lobe of the liver, draweth unto itself that which is lightest and thinnest, to wit, choler, so called, and that for diuers needful and necessary uses; as first, to ease and free the body from that superfluous humour; next, to wash and cleanse the guts, the better and easilier to expel the fecall excrements.  

The manner of the engendering of the jaundice.  This choler or gall-bag, hath a passage descending from the liver, implanted into the orifice of the guts, by the which conveying the choler into the same, the greatness of the action is furthered, as also the phlegm adhering to the same, is expelled: and for this we see that the excrements of a sound and healthful man are for the most part of a reasonable yellowish colour, 
Gal lib. 5. de vsu partium.  as Galen at length declareth.  
When therefore there is any obstruction in that place, in such sort is this choler cannot haue a free passage into the guts, it returneth back speedily into the gall-bag, from thence to the liver, after that to the veins proceeding from the liver, and then consequently passing through the same, and like sweat, piercing through the pores, or little holes of the skin, dyes the same all over with a yellow colour; and then are the excrements, for the most part, whitish, costiuenesse being likewise joined with the same, for the reason before alleged.  
That which in the ebullition or concoction of blood is terrestrious, and as it were the very dregs and lees of the same, the spleen draws wholly to itself, 
The use and utility of the spleen.  by a certain natural attraction,( every member by a natural instinct drawing that which is proper and peculiar unto itself) partly to the end the body may be cleansed from that superfluity of melancholy, and partly also that the spleen may be nourished with the same.  
And finally, from the spleen is stretched forth a little veiny vessel( called by the Anatomists vas breue) unto the mouth of the stomach, which conveys thither some part of this melancholic humour, to the end that the appetite may thereby be quickened, and the stomach bound up and strengthened.  
As for th●t whey-like liquour, which remained behind, 
The separation of the urine from the blood, and the man-of the same.  it is drawn by the kidneys, by means of the emulgent or sucking veins, and so passing through the kidneys as it were through a colender, is straightways received into the bladder as it were a receiver or bottle, having passed first those passages fitted and appropriated for this purpose, called from this effect {αβγδ}. And( which seemeth yet more strange) those pipes or passages are inserted and implanted into the bladder by a crooked and winding way, lest any part of the urine should from thence return back again into the kidneys: and in the bladder it is reserved until such time, as either by the abundance, or acrimony and sharpness of the same, it be forced to expel it. And most fit and convenient it was that for the foresaid reasons the kidneys should be placed near unto the liver, and from the kidneys these crooked urinary passages should be produced, to unite and contain by this means the kidneys with the bladder, the which in like manner was most fitly and conveniently placed in the lowest place, near unto the which also the superfluity and excrementitious part of the food is voided forth.  

The use of the muscle sphyncter.  Now lest this waterish excrement should be unseasonably voided, which might prove very prejudicial to the party, therefore was there placed a musculous flesh called sphyncter, as a porter to let this guest forth whensoever necessity should so require, and at other times to keep him close prisoner. Neither yet is this whole watery humour sequestered and drawn by the kidneys, but some part of the same reserved to further the distribution of the blood, otherwise so thick of itself, that it could not pass through the thin and hairy veins, for the convenient nourishment of the body. Now the hollow-veine( so called in regard of the greatness) runneth all along the whole body, having the original from the crooked and back part of the liver, as the porter or branchy vein from the hollow part of the same; by means of which two as purveyors, the blood is conveyed through the whole body for the nourishment thereof. N●w this blood which is so carried to the inward parts of the body, is by that we call the fourth concoction, changed into the substance of flesh, and then doth it lose some part of the perfect redness which before it did enjoy, but declining into a diminished kind of whiteness, or colour participating both of white and read, as best agreeing both with the colour of the flesh and of the blood; the residue is performed afterwards by the similar parts, each part drawing unto itself, and changing into its own substance that which doth best befit the nature of the same,  
When therefore any part of this waterish humour being left in the veins with the blood, when a vein is opened, and the blood afterwards could, on the top of the same swimmeth that watery humour, the which being powred into an urinal will be like unto urine, as being both of one and the same substance.  
All these works of nature must one well understand, to the end he may the better give assured iudgement concerning the urine; all which is at great length laid before us in the works of the learned Galen. 
Gal. lib. de natural fac.& de vsu partium.  And of all that which hath been said are our ordinary empirics, water-mongers, and peticoat-physitians altogether ignorant, yea most of them being so voided of understanding, that they are of opinion, that whatsoever quantity of drink descendeth into the stomach is in the same quantity voided forth by urine, the which is most false, the drink being appropriated by reason of the liquidity of the substance, to convey and distribute the food through the whole body, as hath been said: the meat as also the drink descending both by one and the same passage, are welcomed and entertained both in one and the self same lodging, to wit, the stomach or maw, and not, as many idiots imagine, the meat descendeth by one, and the drink by another passage. For daily experience doth teach us, that when the least portion either of meat or drink descendeth into the wind-pipe, which the vulgar call the wrong throat, it bringeth present danger of suffocation. Hence cometh this custom, that when in this case they cough, lest they should bee strangled, very fitly they strike them on the back, to the end that that which is that way descended may the more easily be expelled. I deny not but that sometimes some pot-companions may void as much drink as they power down their euer-thirsting throats: the like whereof also cometh to pass in the disease called Diabetes, 
Diabetes.  the which haue their own particular reasons, the which I doubt would prove too tedious here to relate, my purpose being not too much to abuse the Readers patience: but that it is not so, ordinarily and usually with those who live a temperate and sober life, and enjoy their perfect health, of which sort of people this present Discourse is to be understood, I think it were but superfluous and needless labour to declare.   

CHAP. III. Of the superfluities sequestered and set apart in each concoction: as also of that Urine, which is in every respect of a mean temperature, and therefore the best: and of the cause of the same.  
NOw because that oftentimes in diseases the physician is forced to haue recourse to the superfluities or excrementitious parts of the ordinary concoctions, and that partly by necessity and partly by importunity of the vulgar, and sometimes of the better and more understanding sort of people also in a manner forced thereto; therefore will it not be amiss to discourse somewhat of the same.  
There are then four several concoctions, performed in the four several parts of the body. 
four concoctions in mans body.  The first in the stomach or maw: the second in the branchy vein, in the miseraicall veins, and in the hollow part of the liver: the third, in the gibbous or crooked part of the same, and the veins which come from thence: the last is in the utmost parts of the body. The superfluities of this first concoction 
Superfluities of the first concoction.  are as well those which are voided by the mouth, as the faecall excrements descending into the guts. Of the second 
Of the second.  concoction which is conversant about the blood, 
Hippoc. lib. de elem. Gal lib. 2. de facul. natur. Auic. lib. 1. fen. doct 4 cap. 1 de humour. divis. &c.  comprehending under this name the rest of the humours also; the superfluities are phlegm, choler, black and yellow. Now as concerning the qualities of all the foresaid humours, their manifold divisions, as also their dominion and reign, according to the several seasons in the body of man, is not my purpose here to discourse, as being at great length handled in many great volumes of the ancient and modern Physitians. The superfluity of the third concoction 
Of the third concoction.  is the urine,( the proper substance of this discourse, and cause of the undertaking of this task) as also such things as are contained in the substance of the same: of the which hereafter, so far forth as they shall make for our purpose, we will speak. 
Of the fourth concoction.  Now in the fourth and last, do superabound as well such vapours as do by insensible transpiration issue out of the body, as the other seen sensibly, sometimes more, and sometimes less, to burst forth of the body, called commonly by the name of sweat. Of all the premises, as also of many other things belonging thereto, are altogether ignorant our ordinary urine-mongers, empirics, and women-Physitians, and many ordinary Practitioners of physic, who haue perhaps attained to some small smattering of learning, and yet haue never been instructed in this profound faculty.  
But to come now to the marrow of the matter: if all these former concoctions be performed as they ought, then hath the urine the right and proper colour and substance, the contents in like manner do keep their own proper place, the residence being white, smooth, 
Hippocr. 2. praedictionar. praedic. 26.  and of an equal substance. And this manner of urine is best to be discerned, when it cometh from a man in every respect temperate, and of a pale-golden, or Orange colour, and answering in proportion of quantity, to that he drinketh. If it shall so come to pass that any of the foresaid concoctions do err, then is the urine also altered, teaching and instructing us to find out by what causes the same is changed. For the superfluity of the humour that passeth through the whole body, being sequestered in the urine, may be often seen in the urinal. The errors committed in this kind may easily be conceived of by the like in ulcers: 
An example from ulcers.  for if the matter which cometh from the same be white and smooth having little or no ill smell at all, 
Gal. lib. 1. de differ. sch. cap. 6.  as also if it contain no substance of another kind, it doth demonstrate a good concoction or ripening of the same. If any of the foresaid conditions be wanting, it argueth that the concoction hath missed of its perfection: in so much that hence we may guess if any malignity be crept into the ulcer, if the concoction be hindered, if it grow black, or suffer any thing more or less, answering alike to the fault of the concoction. The like also we may see in the urines( witness Galen, with whom doth Actuarius also agree) that according to the concoction of the humours, the substance, colour, and contents, do change.  
But let us yet more exactly set down the nature and properties of an urine in every respect laudable and of a mean temper, that so we may the more easily discern of such as in any respect decline from the same: even as a Rule& Square when it is applied to any piece of wood, maketh it perfectly appear to the eyes of every one how crooked and bowed it is. 
Properties of the best and most laudable urines.  Suppose therefore a man in the he●ght of his health, in the flourishing spring of his age, of a mean and most temperate constitution of body, living on food of a good and moderate substance, exceeding neither in quantity no● quality, exercising himself neither too much nor too little, living in a healthful Climate or Country, and season of the year temperate; and( as summarily I may say) in every thing observing a mediocrity without the least either excess or defect. Such a mans urine I say useth most commonly to be of a light or pale-golden, or orange-colour, of a mean or middle substance, answering in proportion to the quantity of that which he hath drunk, in the which swimmeth no bubble, nor spume, in the which no lumps fall to the bottom, nor any thing sticketh to the side of the urinal, the residence being white, smooth, equal, and every where like unto itself: providing also that no substance like unto hairs, thanksgivings, or such like, be mingled therewith. This urine then of all others being the best, and in every respect keeping the mean, betokeneth perfect health. But when in any sort it declineth and swerueth from the same, we may easily understand that in so far the body is fallen from the best and perfectest health. Neither are wee ignorant of the great latitude and extent of health, as also that some of the foresaid conditions rejected from the Square and Rule of the best urine, may sometimes appear in the urine, of such a man as may be said in some sort to be in health.  
But our meaning is in this place not of any such health as admits the least latitude or extent, but of that which is absolutely perfect, and in every respect complete. This being by us well understood, wee may certainly know how far any one is fallen from the highest degree of health, 
Gal. lib. de crisp. cap. 12.  and so likewise of the urine of such a man as Galen witnesseth. By that which hath been spoken may easily be discovered and detected, the ignorance and error of the empirics and urine-mongers of our time, who being altogether ignorant of that whereof wee haue lately spoken, do most commonly shake the urine to and fro, making as it were a confused Chaos of all the parts of the same: whereas the learned and judicious physician, as well by the colour, contents, sediment, as that which swimmeth in the top( all which this base brood doth by this means confounded) giveth forth settled and deliberate sentence. But having thus far discoursed of the premises, without any further repetition, it is now more then time that we come to the discussing of this question, Whether the iudgement of Urines be certain, and to be trusted to or not: the which this next Chapter shall at greater length declare and set forth.   

CHAP. IIII. That the iudgement of Diseases had by the sole inspection of the urine, is uncertain, yea oftentimes dangerous, and that wee ought not to repose any trust in the same.  
SInce there is nothing so hard and difficult, which wee ought not to undertake for the love we bear to the truth, and the attaining to the knowledge of the most worthy things: 
It seemeth a strange Paradox to the most, but especially most ignorant, to broach any thing against urines.  and howsoever this bee a burden too heavy for my weak shoulders to bear; yet haue I notwithstanding undertaken this task, being e●pecially ravished with the extraordinary affection I bear unto so noble and excellent an Art, howsoever perhaps I shall broach some such points as shall little please some relishes, especially of such as are chief offenders in this ki●de, as also of all such as are so blinded, and their eye● so d●zeled with their old inveterate errors, that they cannot see the truth, how bright soever the same do shine in the noontide of the day. It is likewise to be supposed that it will be hard to free myself from the hatred and indignation of a many euill-willers, while as I endeavour to free this so noble an Art from this most uncertain, most vain and unprofitable conjecturing by Urines, the which not without great prejudice to the Patients health is daily practised in the Physitians houses. But without any longer circumstance, let us come now to the matter in hand. If wee carry in our minds such things as haue been lately declared, it shall be easy for us to conceive of such things as shall now be spoken. By the urine then are chiefly known the disposition of the liver, of the Veines, and by consequent of the whole body also. We must understand also that since the Blood taketh the substantial form from the forming power and virtue of the liver, it cometh to pass that it answereth in equal proportion to the quality of the blood, of the which the Urine is a superfluity strained from the same by means of the kidneys, according to Theophilus, which Aegidius also confirmeth.  
And hence it is also manifest( as the learned Leeninus witnesseth) that not onely the state of the kidneys, 
Diseases of which parts may chiefly be discerned by the urine.  but that also of the liver principally, together with the infirmities thereof, as also of the veins, may be discerned by the Urine. Howbeit this is not always undoubtedly true, since that by accident it cometh to pass( as hereafter shall appear) that vpon many occasions the same is altered and changed, and by consequent the physician deceived. And if this may befall a learned and judicious physician, how much more one without Art or skill, and never trained up in this Profession. Neither yet, notwithstanding the abuses committed about the same, is it wholly to be rejected, but with great discretion the right and moderate use of the same to be embraced. And howbe●t some Authors seem sometimes to give a great pre-eminence to this sign, as Actuarius; 
Actuarius lib. 1. de dis. Vrin. cap. 1. Cap. 7.  yet if thou lookest narrowly into their works, thou shalt find that liberty else-where much limited and restrained and the Pulse the fecall instruments, with diuers other excretions taken into that society and fellowship. Now that urines are deceitful in many diseases, were no hard matter for me to prove, as well by reason and experience, as by authority. But if wee shall begin and instance in some particular diseases, I think it will make the case more plain. The Urine then is very deceitful in the Plague and pestilential fevers, 
urines deceitful in the plague.  deceiving often the most learned and skilful practitioners. And this I found to be too true in that memorable Plague, whereof some few yeares ago a great number dyed in the town of Delfe: for when as the urines seemed to promise the Patients all safety and security, then were they suddenly conveyed into Charons boat. The cause that the urine in so dangerous a case, 
The reasons of the same.  seemeth of so laudable a condition and quality, may bee this, that the matter of this disease being venomous and malign, nature dare not freely assault the same, and therefore the Urine( as I haue myself found by experience) will appear to the eye of as laudable a condition, as that which wee haue heretofore set down for the rule and square( as being the best) of all other●.  
Others, not admitting of this reason allege another, to wit, that putrefaction having now seized on the heart, and nature being now much weakened, is not able to expel the excrements by Urine, for the which cause it remaineth thin and of a good colour, nature itself being also weak, by reason of the putrefaction now confirmed in the substance of the heart: and for this cause, these fevers could never bee discerned or known by the sight of the urines, but rather by their euill-fauoured smell, and stinking of their breath. 
predictions more certain by the Pulse then by the urine in such like Diseases.   
Wherefore, I aduise the wise and judicious physician to bee circumspectly, lest he be deceived herein; and if it be possible, rather to haue recourse unto the Pulse, which doth evidently declare the vigour and the weakness of the vital power which upholdeth the life. And for this cause wee may more assuredly pronounce of the issue and event both of life and death, by the same, then by the urine.  

urines deceitful in quartans and other intermitting Agues.  Not onely is the urine deceitful in the aforesaid diseases, but even in the quartan or any other intermitting Ague, especially if the diseased use a good diet; so that from the very beginning of the disease, signs of concoction do appear: for here the physician desirous to distinguish the several times of the disease, might easily go beside the mark. And not in these onely doth the same leave us without a certain guide: but the uncertainty hereof is in like manner discerned in all other diseases which haue their original without the veins, 
In diseases without the veins.  and that in the iudgement of all the learned Physitians which haue written of urines. Oftentimes( as is to be seen in our daily practise) the same will appear in outward appearance endued with all the properties of a sound and healthful mans, both in substance, colour, and contents: when as notwithstanding vnavoidable Death strikes his boisterous blows against the weak and feeble patient. This may be observed also for the most part, whensoever in acute, or very acute diseases,( such as are a pleurisy, Inflammation of the lungs, the Squinsie, and others of the like nature, all which haue, as an inseparable accident, a burning fever conjoined with the disease) the urine seemeth to be of a laudable condition and quality, the distressed party notwithstanding being liker to die then to live; and so it comes to pass, that simply in itself being a good and laudable sign, that yet oftentimes it proveth to be mortal: and so it is apparent to any that hath eyes, how deceitful a sign it is.  
In like manner daily experience doth teach, that one and the selfsame urine, in substance, colour and contents, doth declare diverse, yea and sometimes also quiter contrary diseases, 
One and the selfsame urine doth often declare diuers and contrary diseases.  being quiter opposite one to another. As in an indifferent healthful man, the urine may be thin, crude, and vndigest or raw, and in such a one it doth argue evil digestion of the stomach: the like urine again in acute and burning fevers, shall signify a Deliration and frenzy, and is then an infallible sign of Death, as wee haue elsewhere sheweth forth by examples. This is also the iudgement of learned Hippocrates, in these words; 
observat. medic. lib. 2. obs. 15. &c hip. Aphor. 72 lib. 4.& Gal. Comment.  When the urine is white and clear, especially if the same appear in Delirations. Galen also following the same foot-steps; I never did see a phrenticke person with such an urine to haue recovered. Now if such an urine should be carried to a physician who had not before seen the party, he would never so much as dream of such an aecute burning fever.  
The like also cometh to pass in a dropsy, 
urine deceitful in a dropsy.  the urine like a strumpet attiring herself in her bravest array, when as the patient is suddenly suffocate by means of the sudden inundation of water overcoming the noble parts.  
No less doth this impudent harlot deceive us in most diseases of the Chest, 
In diseases of the Chest.  in which we give more credit to the spittle then to the urine: so likewise in those who do cast up choler, 
In casting of blood, choler, &c.  phlegm, blood, &c. the vrin● will give us no notice of the decaying and perishing of the strength.  
No less deceitful it is also in the ulcers of the throat, 
In ulcers of the throat.  in the Inflammation of the palate of the mouth, the Tonsils, and Squinsie which do sometimes strangle the sick and distressed Patient.  
neither yet can it give us any notice of the Piles or hemorrhoids, 
In Piles& hemorrhoids.  the swellings or risings of the fundament, as also any outward Ulcers, 
In outward diseases.  or Impostumes, Itch, Scabs, French-pox, all sorts of Lasks, 
In Lasks.  as likewise the bloody Flux, passing the finding out by the same.  

Contractions, palsies, gout, ruptures, diseases of the muscles and external griefs.  Besides all these, the urine can give us no notice of the contraction of the sinews, palsies, diseases of the ionts, the Sciatica, or Hip gout, the Gout in hands, or feet, all the sorts of Ruptures, the diseases of the muscles, and the outward annoyances which afflict the skin, as also all outward tumours, risings, or swellings. All which it is not hard to declare out of Galen himself, 
Gal. in comment lib. 4 Hippoc. de vict. acut. ( whereas Hippocrates maketh mention of Conuultions, and other diseases of the sinews,) who teacheth us, that the danger or security of the disease, cannot well be discerned by the concoction of the Urines.  

Vrins sometimes not answerable to the nature of the disease.  This may also be added, that oftentimes in diseases the Urine is of a remiss and low colour, when as it ought to be of an high; and contrariwise of an high, when as it ought to be of a low colour: the which I am able to prove both by reason, and examples.  

deceitfulness in the iudgement by the inspection of urines, illustrated by examples.  Suppose therefore a man of a choleric temperature, being sick likewise of a choleric and hot disease, whose Urine seemeth to be of a low colour; when as nevertheless both in regard of the nature of the disease, and of his temperature, it ought to be of an high and deep dyed colour. For if there be any obstruction in the crooked and gibbous part of the liver, then is the like also in the veins,& other parts, 
In diseases proceeding of choler.  which go directly to the kidneys. Now in like manner, if the other passage by the which Choler is conveyed from the Gall-bag to the Guts, to the end it may stir up nature to the better expulsion of the fecall excrements contained in them,( as wee haue already said) be enlarged, then the choler which before was accustomend to pass into the bladder with the urine, passeth to the Guts, and there oftentimes causeth a flix& excoriation of the guts, for the which cause the urine also seemeth then to be of a remiss colour. Or if perhaps Choler shall take his way towards the stomach,( as sometimes it cometh to pass) it procureth both a distaste and loathing, as also casting and reaching. In like manner if it shall happen to be dispersed and spread over the whole body, it produceth that diseease which we commonly call the jaundice. But if it shall fly up into the brain,( as in hot and acute fevers is usual, as hath been said) it causeth a frenzy. In which and the like cases, it is more then manifest that the physician may be deceived easily in the iudgement of the Urine: and moreover, if he should rashly vpon the view of such an urine, prescribe hot remedies, might be a means of shortening the Patients dayes.  
In a phlegmatic constitution again we see the case quiter contrary, the urine often in a could disease, 
In a phlegmatic constitution,& could diseases.  being of an high and intense, when as it ought rather to be of a low and remiss colour. This cometh often to pass in the weak and feeble disposition of the liver, the separating power thereof being then much weakened, and the humors then being confusedly melted together without any separation, in the which case the urine will be of a reddish colour, l●ke unto the water wherein raw bloody flesh hath been washed.  
The Urine also is not a little dyed and coloured by reason of some great pain, 
In great griefs and pains.  howsoever it come of a could cause, especially if the same do incline towards the passages of the Urine, Nature in all grievances and pains sending blood and spirits to succour the same, by which means it cometh to pass, that the urine receiveth from hence some alteration in colour, as in the Colicke proceeding most commonly of a could cause. It is no hard matter to prove the same by authorities of the most learned, ancient and famous Physitians, as hath been already said. Auicenna himself doth confirm the same in these words; 
Avicen. 2. prim. cap. 2.  We must not give credit( saith he) to the knowledge of the disposition of the disease, which the urine affordeth us, unless some certain conditions,( which he himself afterwards reckoneth up,) first be observed. And Gabriel de Taregna, a follower of Auicenna, after many arguments, at length concludeth thus; The sign taken from the urine is deceitful, 
Gab. de Taregna quaest. 30.  and therefore do not Physitians rashly judge by the same onely, but do likewise diligently inquire after other signs. For about the same manifold errors are committed, by reason the iudgement o● the same is easily altered and changed, by the quantity or quality of diet, or any other thing which may colour the same. With him agree Sauonarola, Petrus Aponus, or Aponensis, called Conciliator,& all other who haue written concerning urines. And that it may appear that this is not the opinion of the Arabian Physitians alone, and their followers, but of the greek Physitians also, hear the learned Galen pronounce his opinion, 
Gal. lib. 1. de cris. cap. 7.  which all others do imitate and follow: We must therefore determine, that the signs of concoction in the instruments of respiration is the spittle; of that in the veins, the urine; of that of the stomach and nether belly, the gross, or fecall excrements. And in all manner of fevers, because they are passions, or grievances of the veins,( for in this kind we do likewise comprehend the Arteries) wee must princially haue a regard to the urines.  
And let it not seem strange that here we comprehend the Arteries. 
Gal. lib. 1. de differ F●br.  For as Galen saith very well, that by the mediation of the veins and arteries, the heart is set on fire, as also, that there can be no fever, unless the heart be thus ouer-heated, no other member having this prerogative, to communicate so great a distemper to the whole body, as wee haue else-where at large declared. 
foreste. observat. medic. lib. de. Feb  And because the matter of the same may be as well in the arteries as in the veins, hence it cometh to pass, that Galen speaking of the iudgement of Urines, doth amongst the veins comp●●● and the arteries. And howbeit it be a more pure and refined blood in the arteries, then in the veins: yet doth the urine notwithstanding declare the disposition of the blood contained in the same, and so consequently of the fever itself.  
moreover, 
The Pulse as well as the urine to be considered in all diseases.  since the Arteries do contain the most pure and refined blood, together with the vital spirits, by the motion therefore of the same, commonly called the Pulse, no less then by the urines, do we know& discern a fever, together with the disposition of the heart and arteries; as also some other grievances, which by the urine,( and that for diuers causes already declared) cannot be judged of, as Galen himself doth most amply and sufficiently declare. 
Gal. lib. de pulls. cognit. differ.& causis.   
And howsoever it be now more then manifest to the judicious Reader, that the iudgement by urines is for the most part deceitful in other diseases then such as belong to the liver, veins, together with such places, 
In diseases of the liver, veins,& urinary passages the urine often deceiveth our iudgments.  as are appointed for the separation and conveyance of the urine: yet is not the same, even in such diseases as it doth most manifestly lay open, always to be trusted to. For oftentimes it cometh to pass, that the diseases of the liver and of the veins, as also fevers, are confusedly intermingled one with another, having a certain connexion, and as it were knitting together with other members: hence it cometh to pass that the urines, for diuers causes( which in the own place we will relate) are easily subject to alteration, and do no less here deceive us, then they do in other diseases, which they impertinently& weakly sometimes lay open. 
Comment. lib. 4. de vict. r●tiene in morb. acut.  And therefore well was it said of Galen, as we haue said already, that the security of the disease cannot well be foretold by the concoction of the urine onely. And for this cause in all his books, as well concerning fevers, as the diseases of the liver, he putteth down a number of other signs besides the urine. Of the same opinion is Hippocrates, as in his books is largely to be seen: 
hip. in prognost. Actuarius. Rhasis.  so also is Actuarius in his books of Urines: Rhasis also, and many more.  
But having now partly by examples, and partly by strong and firm reasons and authorities of the learned, declared that the iudgement of diseases by urines onely, is uncertain, and full of fraud and deceit, and not in itself sufficient to give us notice of the whole nature and estate of the disease, we will now at greater length declare and lay open the same: this being discussed, it will evidently appear that we haue need of other signs for the better attaining to the full knowledge of the same. The which being confirmed, it shall be much more easy afterward to amend such abuses as haue since crept in and encroached vpon this iudgement by urines.   

CHAP. V. That the urine and the iudgement of diseases by the same, is not in itself sufficient to give us full notice, and satisfaction of the whole estate and nature of diseases.  
NOw, to the end we may the better conceive this matter, wee must fetch some things from afar, and repeat the same more particularly concerning the differences of the parts of a mans body: by this means we shall the more easily unfold the question we haue in hand. Let us hear therefore Galen himself speaking, as followeth: 
Galen in arte medic. cap. 9.  Now of the parts of a mans body there are in the whole four differences; some of them being principal, and some again having their original and beginning from them: 
division of the parts of a mans body.  some haue neither the rule and government of others, neither yet are they governed and ruled by others, as having from nature inbred powers, by virtue whereof they are governed: and lastly, some haue both inbred powers, as also some flowing from others. Now the principal parts are the brain, 
The principal and more noble parts.  the heart, the liver, and the stones. Now from these haue others original and beginning, and minister unto them: first from the brain are derived the sinews and marrow of the back, which do also minister unto the same; 
Parts having their beginnings from the same, and ministering unto thē.  likewise the arteries unto the heart; the veins to the liver; the seed vessels to the stones: the first three being so absolutely necessary, as without any of them the life of a man is not able to subsist; howsoever our idle urine-mongers do prate strange things to the ignorant and rude multitude, as namely that these principal members may be diminished, or quiter wasted away, without prejudice to the life: 
A bold and impudent beast.  And thus did a Braggadosho cozening knave make his brags, that he had cured a wound in the head, out of the which he had taken in a spoon a great portion of the patients brains,( and good reason, for I think he needed some himself) who did notwithstanding recover. These lying prophets will also persuade you that they can see by the urine, that the liver is wasted away to the bigness of a bean, or else quiter consumed away, without any portion thereof remaining.  
As for the stones, 
Answer to an objection.  howbeit they bee not absolutely necessary for the subsisting of the life of man( witness these lusty and insatiable in lust, gallants, who haue payed dear for their pleasure, having many of them both them and their yard quiter rotted away with the French pox, and yet lived.) yet because they are a means of preserving mankind, therefore doth Galen reckon them up among the noble parts.  
The brain then is the fountain and well-spring of sense and motion, imparting the same to the whole body, 
The proper& peculiar use of each of the noble parts.  by means of the sinews: the heart the treasure of life, of natural heat, and strength itself, which by means of the arteries it doth communicate to the whole body: the liver the original and well-spring of nutrition or nourishment, and containing in itself some part of the natural heat which floweth from the heart, and hath again a participation with the whole body by means of the hollow vein: the same is the spring and fountain of all the veins, and an instrument framed by the first founder Nature,( as we haue already said) for the better furtherance of the blood-making power. The stones contain in themselves an engendering power; they haue certain vessels annexed unto them, which likewise minister unto the same, called by our Anatomists, Praeparantia testium, the which do cleave fast unto them by crooked turnings and windings. Now the particles which are governed by themselves, 
Parts or particles governed by themselves.  such as are the cartilages or gristles, the bones, ligaments, membranes, kernels, the fat, and the flesh itself, haue from Nature inbred powers, by virtue of the which they govern themselves. Now to govern the self, is( as well hath observed Ammonius Agricola) to retain and keep fast the powers, 
Ammonius Agricola in comment. in art. Gal.  by virtue of which the nourishment is concocted, for to them it doth belong to draw the nourishment, to retain and keep, to alter and change, to join, unite, and assimilate and make the same like to the substance of our bodies, as also to expel the superfluities: the which faculties and powers they receive, not from any other, but are inbred with themselves.  
The parts which both haue inbred powers, and some again which do flow and spring from others, 
Parts which haue both inbred powers,& some again which do flow& spring from others.  are these: the lungs, the stomach, the mother or womb, kidneys, spleen, and such others. And thus the lungs both receive in and expel forth the air; the womb draweth unto itself the seed of generation, as also retaineth the same, and it doth also retain the birth for a time, and in due and convenient time again expelleth the same; the stomach likewise digesteth and concocteth the food, the kidneys draw unto themselves the urine, the spleen, the melancholic humour,& therefore is defined, The organ or instrument appointed for the cleansing& refining of the melancholy blood. Besides these they haue yet some powers flowing from other parts, for they had need of the arteries, that by means of the same the influence of life from the heart by virtue of natural heat and the spirits might bee conveyed unto them: they had likewise need of the veins to convey nourishment unto them from the liver: and of the sinews, that by the same, sense and motion might bee derived unto them. The Heart, which by the common consent as well of Physitians as Philosophers, is holden to be the beginning and original of the Arteries, had need of no Artery for itself, but for the benefit of others; for from the left ventricle or hollow part thereof, there spring two Arteries called Arteria venosa, or Vein-like Artery, and Aorta. 
Arteria venosa.  The former is conveyed into the Lungs, furnishing them with some of the purest refined blood, and expelling fuliginious excrements from thence: it hath obtained the substance of a vein, to the end it might more easily suffer dilatation with the Lungs, as likewise because in the birth yet being in the womb, it supplieth the place of a vein for the nourishment of the Lungs. The Artery called Aorta, 
Aorta.  doth plentifully furnish and supply with vital spirits the whole body: as soon as it hath passed out of the Heart, it produceth in the uppermost circled of the same the Artery called Coronaria, which sometimes is double: immediately after, the trunk of this Aorta is divided into two branches of unequal bigness, the uppermost being the lesser and the nethermost the bigger, &c. On which divisions with many more subdiuisions we will not here insist, nor yet on the several divisions of veins, proceeding from the liver, and sinews proceeding from the brain, referring the Reader desirous of the knowledge of the same, to the great and many volumes of our ancient and later Anatomists.  
Now all these members do communicate one with another, and by a certain Sympathy or fellow-feeling, as by a certain harmony and accord amongst themselves are mutually affencted one by another. As concerning the hair and nailes, they are not properly parts of the Body, 
The hair and nails properly no parts of the body.  as being deprived of life;( for the soul doth not govern these parts, but engendereth onely the matter of the same, expelling it out of the body, as being superfluous) yet doth the hair adorn and cover some parts of the same: the nailes likewise do take hold of the smallest things, they scratch and take away the filth from the body. And besides, both Hippocrates and Galen do in many places witness of diuers Predictions taken from the nailes and hair in some dangerous and desperate diseases, 
forest. observat. medic. lib. de febre Hectica.  as in a Consumption of the Lungs by ulcer, or other putrefaction, &c. as wee haue at length set forth else-where by lively examples.  
Since therefore there is not one and the same difference of all the members or parts of a mans body, and there being likewise diuers receptacles of these superfluities, it must of necessity follow that there must needs bee likewise a diuers and several manner of judging of the diseases of the aforesaid parts. As since the Arteries,( a● wee haue already said) haue their original and beginning from the heart; so likewise by their perpetual and restl●sse motion, which wee commonly call the Pulse, the diseases of the Heart from whatsoever cause they arise, are laid open unto vs. The which is at great length and most learnedly set down unto us in those worthy books written by that famous Galen concerning this subject. 
Gal. lib. de pulsib   
The diseases also of the blood, and namely such as come by putrefaction of the same, the urine having taken her original from the mass of blood, and that again from the liver, it may declare the quantity and quality of the humours, as also the chief infirmities both in the liver and blood. So in like manner the utterance and deliue●ance of our speech doth witness the action of the reasonable power, and by the weakness of the senses and motion, the defects of the brain are known; and yet not by these only, but also by the spittle and excrements which proceed both out of nose and ears; these being two notable passages in the palate of the mouth, that by these means the brains might the better be cleansed from those oppressing excrements, &c.  

Diseases of the head, ears, eyes, &c cannot bee discerned by the Water.  Now from the Premises it may easily bee collected and deducted, that neither the diseases of the eyes, ears, giddiness of the brain, memory lost, a lethargy, apoplexy, falling-sickness, madness, and other infirmities of the brain, can properly by the urine be discerned: howsoever ignorant empirics and such like would fain persuade us the contrary. To attain therefore to the right knowledge of the issue of the disease are many more things to bee considered of, yea even in some such diseases oftentimes, in the which the urine may seem most to bee trusted to. And for this cause the famous Hippocrates doth not always build his iudgement vpon the urines onely; but before all( as is to bee seen in his Predictions) taketh information from the face itself, considering whether the nostrils bee sharp, 
Many things carefully to be considered of in diseases besides the urine, which require the personal presence of the physician.  the eyes hollow, the temples fallen flat, the ears could and drawn together, the skin of the brows hard, stretched out, or dry, the colour of his whole face black, pale or lead-coloured, or like unto it. The same Author draweth also and collecteth some signs and tokens from the eyes themselves, the eye-lids, the nose and lips; so doth he in like sort from the manner of lying, from the teeth, the mouth and sleep, from the expiration and inspiration or breathing, from ulcers, and the carriage of the hands, as to snatch and pull the naps of the couerlid, motes and straws, all which are usually seen in acute diseases, being for the most part dangerous, if not deadly signs. He taketh also notice of the sweat, the sides of the belly, tumours, and suppuration. And again in another place he is very circumspectly in observing the state of the belly, loins, and flanks, swellings of the feet, the could and heat of the utmost parts, the weight of the hands, feet, and the whole body, the nails and stones, manner of sleeping, the fecall excrements; and finally, the urines, casting and spitting itself, suppurations and abscesses. And in his third book of Predictions he observeth many things in fevers, the which are to be conceived of by the eye and presence of the physician, and not by the urine sent to his house. And what doth he else in his books called Porrheticks. Many other things yet he giveth in charge in another book De probitate, which for brevities sake we will here omit. Neither yet is any disease of the body known absolutely and solely by ●●y one kind of excrement: but also by the place affencted, the nature and property of the pain, together with such proper and peculiar accidents as are incident thereunto. And we may plainly perceive that in the members of a mans body there is not one onely passage appointed for the vnburdening the self of such superfluities as do annoy it, but more: for some diseases are discerned, as likewise ended and brought to a happy and hopeful issue by hawking and spitting up, some by vomits, stools, urine; and some by bleeding at the nose, by the hemorrhoids or piles, as in men: and some by their monthly flux, as in women: some again by sweat, by breakings forth in the skin, by pimpels, whelkes, blisters, and the like: and some yet after another manner. Hence also well said our foresaid most renowned Hippocrates elsewhere; 
Hippoc. aphor. 12 lib. 1.& Gal. 1. de crisp. cap. 7.  As well the seasons of the year, as the successive increasing of the fits, whether they come daily, every other day, or by longer distance of time, shall declare unto thee the approaching of the fits, together with the nature and state of the disease also, &c. In the which places both of them make mention of diuers other signs besides the urine, which the learned Reader may there see at great length.  
It is then apparent by the premises, that every several part of the body hath the own proper and peculiar conduits, pipes, and passages, not onely for this end and purpose, that by these excrements and superfluities which do superabound in them, wee may give iudgement of the nature of the disease: but also to the end that the same matter( whensoever need requireth) may by those passages more commodiously and conveniently be conveyed and expelled out of the body, as is at length to be seen both in Hippocrates and Galen, 
Hippoc. lib. de vict. acut. Gal. lib. 11. meth.  whose words for brevity I will not rehearse. The conclusion will then be easy to be deduced from the premises, that since there are so many several parts of the body which haue their several passages to unburden their several superfluities and excrements; all diseases canno● s●fficiently be discerned not taken notice of by the inspection of the urine onely: and therefore whosoever do boldly and peremptorily maintain and avouch the same( as commonly do vrine-monger-empiricks, and a number of other such cogging knaves, women-physitians, &c.) are, as most dangerous and pernicious members, to bee suffered in no well ordered Commonwealth.  
Now since it is so hard a thing to give sure and settled iudgement by the urine, let us proceed to declare the sundry causes of the alterations and changes in urines, which are the chief occasions of the uncertainty of this sign.    

ThE SECOND book.  

THE argument.  
IN this second book are laid open and declared unto us the causes hindering and changing the true and right iudgement by urines, the which also do now and then deceive the most learned and best skilled in their profession: who here haue warning given them, not to be deluded by such things as haue some resemblance with the urine, by which also the uncertainty of the same is concluded. In the next place are made manifest and laid open the impostures, fraud, craft, and cunning quillets and tricks, as also the notorious lies of these empirics, wandring water-mongers, &c. by which means they notably cousin the common and ignorant people. And in the last place is set down the simplicity, trust, and confidence, which these poor ignorant idiots do repose in these vain babbling, and more then sottish water-prophets: into the which snare, not only the ruder and ignorant sort of people, but even some such also, as to the eyes of the world carry a show of better breeding, haue to their great prejudice been involved.   

THE ARRAIGNMENT of urines. CHAP. I. Of the diuers and sundry causes which do hinder the iudgement by Urine.  
NOw to the end that this matter may be the more judiciously handled, many things are of us duly and deliberately to be considered, or else we may easily go besides the mark, as do these ignorant asses, who give their peremptory iudgement of any urine that cometh at them. In the first place then we will begin with the urinal itself, 
The substance and colour of the urinal.  in the which we are to behold the urine, whereof we are to give forth our iudgement. As concerning therefore the colour and substance thereof, the Urinall ought to be of a very thin, white, clean and clear glass, to the end that the colours and contents of the urine may the more exactly bee discerned and seen therein. And this is the opinion of Actuarius also, 
Actuar. lib. de judiciis ur. n●rum. cap. 1 de dif. matularum.  and likewise of Auicenna. Such therefore as are of a greenish, yellowish, or yet of any other colour, as also such as haue any rough spots or prints in them, how clear or thin soever the urinal itself be, are altogether to be rejected, for all the aforesaid defects may bee a means to alter and change, as well the colour, as the contents of the urine. Of no less moment, is the shape, fashion or form of the Urinall, 
Of the diuers shapes and fashions of urinals.  the which do much differ and vary, and therefore the iudgement of the urine is also by the same in some sort hindered. For in urinals which are very wide, and the quantity of urine but small, the same by reason of the wideness of the urinal, is so dispersed that we cannot well discern what height the contents do take up, the whole urine itself with all the contents being so little elevated in the same. Urinals also too long, narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, are not to be allowed of. Some again are used in some parts of France plain and flat bottomed, without any spherical roundness, but rise up all alike, not unlike to some wine cups which we use to drink in, and such are altogether unfit for this end and purpose. The best then and most commodious, 
The best fashion of urinals.  and fit for this purpose, are( according to Actuarius) such as haue narrow and not flat bottoms, rising up wider and wider, much like the fashion of a pine apple turned upside down: and of this fashion as being most commodious every way, do the Italian Physitians for the most part use. And of this same opinion is Michael Savonarola, following in this also the authority of Avicenna. As for empirics, women-physitians, and such other, they little regard the form or fashion, colour, or any thing else which concerneth the urinal, their advice being all one whether the urinal bee thick or thin, green, read, or yellow, or yet of any other colour.  
Now from the urinal let us come to the hour, proper and fit time for the inspection of the urine. 
The fit& proper time of inspection of urines.  According to the uncontrolled custom therefore of all Physitians, that urine is to be viewed which was made in the night time, after the first sleep: for then ordinarily and in most people, is the first concoction, which is performed in the stomach and liver, accomplished; the which in the most part of people useth most commonly to be finished in six or seven houres after the hour of supper, howbeit in some sooner, as in children and such as are lusty, and in the prime of their age; but in old men and the weaker sort, later. The urine then made about this time doth commonly retain its own proper vigour and force, for if it be longer kept, it is parched up and dried with heat, from whence it cometh to pass that the lively colour of the same is changed. Besides, in the night time the concoction is much better performed then in the day, the body being then freed from immoderate and violent exercises, as also the mind more free from cares and all manner of perturbations. Hence also it cometh to pass that wee may more easily and evidently know either security or danger by that urine which is made in the morning then by that which was made either after or yet a long time before. We may notwithstanding reserve and keep each urine made in the night by itself in several urinals, and so look vpon each of them severally, to the end we may the more easily discern the changes and alterations of each one from the other. 
The custom of the Italian Physitians.  This the Italian Physitians do for the most part observe in their common practise with their patients: neither yet do they view those onely made in the night and in the morning, but also such as are made in the day time: and that by reason as well fevers as other diseases do trouble and molest us sometimes more in the day, and sometimes more in the night time: and this custom I could wish all other Physitians to imitate and follow, to the intent they might see all the alterations and changes incident therein.  
Notwithstanding, as well in sickness as in health, make choice chiefly of such as are made towards the morning, 
Actuar. lib. de judiciis vrinae. Cap. 3. Auicen. lib. 1. Fen. 2. cap. 1. de urinis. Gordonius cap. 3. tr●ctatu de urinis.  as Avicenna also willeth. Of this matter Actuarius giveth us large and ample instructions, whose words for brevity I will here omit. Now the time of inspection of an urine,( according to Avicenna) ought to be within the space of an hour or little more after it is made. Of this opinion also was G●rdonius, who wished that as soon as the urine was made it should presently be put into a glass urinal, and in the patients own house shewed unto the physician, as also that after a little while he should again view the same, to see whether it had settled any residence or not: and not yet with this content, review the same the third time, or oftener if need be, and that the better to observe and discern the division of the regions and contents thereof. All these things likewise would he haue done within the space of an hour, for after the aforesaid space, even according to Avicenna himself, scarce can one give any certain iudgement thereby, by reason that commonly in a little time the colour is somewhat changed, and the substance thereof more thickened, for the heat of it being changed, the residence is disjoined and dissolved, which maketh the substance thicker.  

This vulgar& base manner of inspection of urines unknown to the ancients.  This vulgar& ordinary manner of inspection of urines is not at all therefore to be regarded, the which none of those ancient Physitians, Hippocrates, Galen,& the rest did use and practise. The best and most judicious and ingenious Physitians of our time also, howsoever custom like a tyrant hath so prevailed, that sometimes even against their wils they are forced thereunto: yet it is much displeasing to them, and do ingenuously aclowledge that they can better discern of the state of their Patient by once viewing of him then by ten or twenty several inspections of his urine. 
The powring forth of one vessel into another are harder to be judged.  The powring forth of the urine from one vessel into another, may alter and mar the iudgement thereof, if the urinal or pot our of the which it is powred, were never so clean, which is yet but seldom.  
The reason of this uncertainty is, because the contents, bubbles, or spume and residence, are so shuffled out of their own proper places, and so confounded, that they cannot well be discerned. If moreover a thick urine shall be offered to thy consideration, which shall need to be dissolved by the heat of the fire or warm water, thou must not pronounce thy iudgement thereon, until such time as it be settled again: and besides, being once changed or altered by the fire, the iudgement by the same becometh then much more suspected. moreover, such powred out urines, although they were not thick, but very thin, yet cannot on a sudden be considered of, until such time as the residence be gathered together again, having also endured some damage by means of the powring forth.  
again, 
The place proper for the inspection of urine.  we must well consider of the nature of the place, wherein we are to pass our iudgement of urines, for neither must the light be too great, as where the Sun shineth with his bright beams, for this might make the colour of the urine seem more remiss then it is indeed; as also too dark a place may produce the contrary effect: wherefore the surest and safest is, to make choice of a place neither too dark nor yet too light.  
Some things there are also from the which the urine must be kept, 
The urine must be kept from shaking and motion, as also from could.  to the end thou mayest give the more assured and settled iudgement concerning the same. In the first place, it must bee carefully kept from great motion, shaking, or agitation, as hath been already touched. In the next place, it must be also well kept from could, especially from frost, which causeth the same sooner to thicken, destroying in such sort the natural heat thereof, that howsoever it bee dissolved by the heat of the fire, yet never cometh again to the own perfect nature and consistence which first it had. Alike careful must we be( witness Avicenna, and diuers other Physitians) in keeping it from the heat, 
It must be kept from heat.  as being a like inconvenience procured by the same, in that it hindereth the gathering together of the residence, making a great disturbance and half ebullition therein, for the which cause it ought to be kept from the fire. Hence also is evinced the error of such as dissolving a thick, muddy, and corrupt urine by the heat of the fire or warm water, do immediatel● give iudgement thereof before it be fully settled. 
every thick urine is not to be dissolved by the heat of the fire or warm water.  And oftentimes it cometh to pass, that such urines rather bubble up then are truly indeed dissolved. But if thou wilt let them without warming settle to the bottom, thou shalt there see a certain thickish matter like unto ashes settle down, which yet notwithstanding is no proper residence, and in the vpper part of the urinal all will be clear.  
Such Urines therefore as at the first making are thick and muddy, it were best to let settle of themselves; for seldom are such urines dissolved with the fire, or at least very hardly, as we haue already said.  
Now such again as when they are first made are thin, and after a little space by means of the could air do again thicken and congeal, such I say it were far better to view before they thicken; yet if this cannot bee so conveniently effected, then may the same again be dissolved, and yet this inspection will never be freed from suspicion, as wee haue lately said. Not onely ought the Urines carefully to be kept from the Premises, but even from the wind 
From the wind.  also, lest they bee troubled, and the residence severed and dispersed &c.  
Besides the former caveats, wee must likewise look that the Urine we are to give iudgement vpon bee whole. 
It must bee whole.  This argueth the error of such, as making a great quantity of Urine do not show it all to the physician, but a part of the same onely, which often cometh to pass in such as are troubled with the disease called Diabete. Neither yet are they without blame, who do offer unto the view of the physician diuers urines in stead of one and the same, made a little space one after another, as especially our country people are accustomend sometimes to do, and such especially as make but a little quantity at several times: for their opinion is, that the greater quantity of urine there is, the more settled and assured iudgement may bee given thereby. The vrinal must in like manner bee cleared 
The urinal must be clean. & well s●●●red from all ordure and filth, and not as the custom of the Country people is, to put their urines in old stinking bottles, lying it may be in the dust or smoke a twelvemonth, and in the which haue been contained oil, ink, vinegar, veruice, never so much as once washed out of them.  
There bee yet many more causes as well inward as outward, which make the iudgement of the urines uncertain, which may be a sufficient proof and witness of the uncertainty thereof, as being subject every hour and moment to so many changes and alterations. 
The quantity of diet alte●e: the iudgemen● of the urine.  The Urine then is very much altered and changed by the excessive quantity of food which wee use: for if any one shall with too great a quantity of meate or drink overcharge his stomach, natural heat being oppressed, and crude and raw humours engendered, such a ones urine shall bee white and pale-coloured. If again one shall content himself with a small portion of meate and drink, natural heat shall bee more lively and quick, by which means also it cometh to pass that some small quantity of that which shall nourish the body, is turned to Choler, and so coloureth the Urine: and for this cause the Urine of such as fast is of a fiery saffron-colour, thin withall, having but a small residence.  
The urine of such as are oppressed with famine, according to Actuarius, is thin, white, and without residence, and may withall be seen a certain bright shining in the same. No less doth the quality of the food alter and change it; for hot things inflame the same, making it appear of a high colour; could things on the contrary do abate and diminish it, which may most manifestly be seen in those who drink water abundantly. The like altera●ion cometh to pass by taking inwardly any substance which dieth or coloureth the urine; and thus do Rhubarb and Saffron die the same of a yellowish colour, Cassia with a blackish, salads with a greenish colour; salt meats make it also of a blackish. Auicenna therefore gives us warning that wee give no iudgement of the urine of one that drinketh water, useth long abstinence, that in his meate or drink useth any colour ng medicine, or yet that had taken any attractive medicine, as purging choler, phlegm or melancholy; for those do in like manner colour the urine: but such physic especially as doth purge and cleanse by the urine. It may then easily appear that hot things, such as are garlic, Onions, Pepper, Ginger, and the like spices, as also Aqua-vitae, and other such strong waters, as Wine also, do somewhat alter and change the colour of of the urine: 
Hot or could things do change and alter the urine.  could things again, as lettuce, Purcelane, Fish, &c. do abate the colour of the same. Dantzicke beer will engender so high and intense a dark yellow colour in the urine, that any one ignorant of their drinking thereof, would easily bee induced to beleeue the party were mightily oppressed with the jaundice. It is therefore very requisite, diligently to inquire out the causes of this change and alteration in the urine, or else wee may easily bee deceived in our iudgement.  
I haue known some who in their perfect health had naturally their urine so read and high coloured, that any man would haue judged them to haue been vexed with a fever. It were best therefore, if it were possible, that the physician should before in the time of thy health be acquainted with thy ordinary urine; so should he bee more able in time of sickness to judge of the failing and declining thereof from that it was wont to bee in health. And for this cause it is not amiss that one should bee well skilled and exercised in the several Constitutions, which do produce diuers and differing urines. 
The several Constitutions produce several sorts of urines.  choleric persons and Sanguine therfore, haue their urines of a high, but the phlegmatic and melancholic of a paler colour. For if in a could complexion the Urine bee high coloured, it may signify a fever, by reason it differeth much from that which is ordinary at other times, when as in a hotter Constitution it might signify no such swerving or failing from the natural course. 
Strong and violent exercises, watching, passions of the mind, repletion and inanition do alter both the colour and substance of the urine.  In like manner also, if with a hot Constitution a fever bee conjoined, and the urine bee pale coloured, it is a sign that the disease is like to be long, as also it scarce proves to be a good sign, in regard the urine doth so far serve and decline from the own proper and natural colour.  
Besides all the premises, strong and violent exercises do inflame the humours and spirits, and by that means colour the Urine, making by consequence the iudgement of it more hard and difficult. Watchings, passions of the mind, repletion and inanition do alter also as well the colour as the substance thereof. The Urine is also altered according to the profession or course of life, 
The Profession or course of life.  unto the which a man betaketh himself. And thus falconers, counsellors, Taylors, Fishermen, and such as led a sitting life, haue for the most part their urine of a lighter and paler colour then others. On the contrary, Smiths, Husbandmen, Day-labourers, Wrestlers,& the like, haue it most commonly of a higher colour.  
The sex likewise doth produce no less alteration and change: 
The sex cannot be by the urine discerned.  for a mans Urine is for the most part of a higher colour, and the womans of a paler, with a more compact and better gathered together residence then a mans. And howsoever some haue laboured to teach how a womans urine may bee discerned from a mans, and on the contrary a mans from a womans; yet in regard of the mutability and manifold hindrances which may occur, it is a very hard and difficult matter,( whatsoever ignorant empirics, Women-Physitians, and the rest of the like rabble would seem to persuade) to bring to pass: but that he shall often bewray his error and ignorance.  
The urine is no less altered in regard of the age, 
The urine differeth according to age.  a young sucking childs urine being of all others most inconstant, by reason that natural heat in that age is almost drowned up with superabundant moisture: but when they grow to riper yeares then doth the urine still alter according to their age, each age often differing somewhat from another both in colour and contents. And in general, the nearer one grows to his consisting age, the higher in colour is the urine, until it attain unto a perfect and bright golden colour, and the fewer contents it hath: again, after that time beginneth it to decline towards the white colour, the contents also increasing as the party goeth backward towards old age.  
And therefore it is requisite to know the proper urine of every age, to the end wee may the better know in sickness how far it doth differ from that it was in health: for if a child having an ague, hath with the same a waterish urine, it is dangerous, especially if the concocting power bee strong. In an old man an high coloured urine is very dangerous, in regard it argueth an excessive heat, 
The seasons of the year.  which so much moisture cannot quench. The seasons of the year also carry with them some stroke in the alteration of the urine; for in Summer the urines are high coloured, and in Winter again lower; in other seasons of the year more temperate. 
Lib de Iud. uri. Cap 8.  Of this doth Actuarius discourse at great length.  
The like may be said of the Country or Climate 
The Country and Climate.  wherein one liveth; for such as dwell in hot Countries, haue commonly high-coloured urines, in could Countries contrariwise. The diet 
The diet.  likewise according to the quality of the same, hot or could, moist or dry, may breed some alteration in the urine. And thus meats of a good and laudable substance and easy of digestion, do engender such urines as a temperate complexion useth to produce: and on the contrary, meats of evil quality and hard of digestion do engender urines of diuers colours, and thin, with strange contents, &c.  
And finally, the structure and composition of the body 
The structure and composition of the body.  breedeth some alteration in this business: for such as are thick, fat, and corpulent, haue most commonly very pale and low-coloured urines, such almost as they who are pampered up and live in pleasure and idleness: But such as are lean and slender haue it high coloured.  
All the Premises then being duly observed, wee may the more easily conclude that the iudgement had by the urine is very inconstant, and oftentimes also very uncertain: but rightly to observe the former conditions doth require a physician of excellent wit and extraordinary iudgement. If the case stand thus, what shall wee say not onely of empirics, Women-Physitians, but also of many others, who were never trained up in this skill, and therefore must of necessity fail far more then the former, as walking without any guide in a great wilderness: and therefore whatsoever such people perform is but onely casual, not proceeding from either skill or knowledge. But leaving a little while, these cogging and cozening Impostors, until such time as we meet with them again, and talk with them at more length; let us proceed to declare how that oftentimes the best skilled Physitians may be by the urine deceived, if they shall chance too much to rely vpon the same.   

CHAP. II. After what manner it cometh to pass that sometimes famous Physitians, not a little skilled in their profession, may in the iudgement of urines be deceived.  
THat the most expert and skilful Physitians may be easily deceived in the iudgement of an urine, may easily appear in the Plague or Pestilence; in the which the urine often offereth itself to the eye, like a faire painted strumpet, where no danger at all is to be discerned, if all the eyes of Argus, or of the sharp-sighted lynceus, 
urine may deceive the best physician in the Plague.  were looking on, when notwithstanding, often in an instant, the poor patient payeth that debt which the greatest Monarchs must in their own persons satisfy, whensoever it shall please the creditor to call for the same. The ignorant empiric and the like, will be strait confounded, as making no question of the parties recovery, whereas the learned physician may haue as yet recourse to the Pulse, as a more certain sign( if he dare adventure his person, especially in diseases of the like nature and kind) whereas the other is not able to give any iudgement thereby.  
The Pulse therefore, as well here, as in many other diseases, hath a greater prerogative then the urine, especially in all such diseases, wherein the vital powers are endamaged, giuing us perfect notice of the strength or weakness of the Patient, the which the urine will never perform. Hence this verse, 

Urinae fraudes, aperit discretio Pulsus.   

The skill which Urine doth conceal,  
The Pulse the same to us doth reveal.    

The Pulse in ●any diseases of ●reater moment then the urine.  The Pulse then doth more certainly inform our iudgement concerning the nature and state of some diseases: the urine again of some others; yet so as both ought to concur together, as also diuers other signs, whereof wee haue said somewhat already.  
Now to our purpose: the uncertainty of the urine did plainly appear to myself, 
History.  the other day in a Patient I went to visit at the Hage. At my coming thither, and entering into the Hall, before I came at himself, I viewed his water, and found it to be very thin, white, and clear like well-water: Insomuch as I would never haue dreamed of any burning fever, of the which nevertheless they  told me he lay sick. coming afterwards within the room wherein he lay, having also touched his Pulse, as likewise well viewed his face and every part of the same, and after narrow inquiry of all that passed about the sick, by means of the other physician then present, and the rest of his friends: I did there declare unto them, that not onely he was sick of a burning fever, but that likewise on the same day, being the seventh and critical, he would fall into a deliration; then considering again his strength, I foretold them, that not onely would he fall into a deliration and raving, but that also on the next day following he would die raving, and that by reason of his thin and crude urine, 
Aphor. 72. lib. 4.  according to the prediction of Hippocrates. All the which accordingly came to pass, which purchased me no small praise and credit in that place and country round about. Now had I trusted to the urine onely, I should haue judged nothing else, same some indigestion or crudity in the stomach, which such an urine may also signify; but my personal presence, by means of the pulse and other signs, discovered that unto me which no urine could ever haue revealed.  
Beasts also make sometimes urines not unlike unto a mans, witness the famous Hippocrates, in these words, 
Aphor. 70. lib.  whosoever maketh a troubled and thick urine, like unto a horse, mere, &c. such either are, or shortly shall be troubled with headache. If any then would be so malicious or perverse( as sometime it hath been observed) as to offer the same to a physician to pass his opinion vpon the same in stead of a mans or womans, this might indeed redound to the confusion of an impostorious empiric, woman-physitian, or such ordinary urine-mongers, as do peremptorily pronounce that they are able to discern any thing by the urine: but I see not how this can impeach the credit and reputation of the learned and judicious physician, who doth not lean vpon this broken Reed, but comparing all the signs together, giveth sure and solid iudgement concerning the state and nature of the disease.  
But if these ignorant Idiots were narrowly pried into, one might take them often tripping after as gross a manner as was a certain woman in Holland. 
Imposture of a woman-physitian.  A certain man dwelling in Saint Eliges village fell sick, vpon which occasion his wife posted away her maid to a woman physician forsooth, dwelling a little way from thence; the maid mistaking, for the urine carrieth with her some fair water to this famous physician. Shee to play her part handsomely, with a sober carriage, and stayed countenance tells wonders by this water: but the good woman the sicke-mans wife, perceiving the maid mist●●en, follows after her apace; but all too late, this wise-woman having already given out her verdict, and passed her opinion vpon this supposed urine: and now seeing the true urine arrive, all confounded and ashamed( for she might well enough) she most earnestly entreated this woman that shee would not discover this her so notorious imposture and cozenage.  
But as concerning beasts urines, we haue no intent here to discourse of them: but who so would see more of that matter, 
Gordon. de urinis, cap. 2.& cap 5. Avicen lib. 1. fen. 2. cap. 11. 12. Bertrut. in compend. Medic. cap. 2. de Inform. medic. &c.  let him look Gordonius, and there he may see something of that subject; as also concerning honey, syrops, and such other liquours mingled with the urine, and that onely with a purpose and intent to deceive: but these people thinking to deceive others, are often deceived themselves, the harm returning homeward vpon their own heads.  
If any one would yet object, that the inspection of urines is then of no use at all: let it be answered such a one, that the abuse doth not take away the total and right use thereof, being especially practised as we haue said. But whosoever would well be skilled in the true contemplation of urines, together with the predictions belonging thereunto, setting aside all fraud and imposture, I think it very requisite for h●m to read over such Authors as haue learnedly written of this subject, the which are not a few. Amongst the rest, 
Actuar. lib. 7. de urinis. Ambrosius, lo, Nolanus latinitate denavit. Iacobus Gopylus recognovit.  in my opinion, Actuarius in regard of greek Writers, hath done so worthily in this point, that few sure haue exceeded him, and many since haue seconded him, who all were here too tedious to relate. Of the which knowledge these people of whom we haue lately spoken, being altogether ignorant, as also of the several signs of diseases, together with their proper significations, having never been trained up in the nurseries of good learning, under learned and judicious Physitians( in this case absolutely necessary) it followeth of necessity, that their pretended inspection of urines, and iudgement: thereby, is nothing else but impostorious conjecture, and their seeming knowledge nothing else but notorious ignorance masked with this vizard.  

A sharp sight requisite to judge well of urines.  Now besides all the premises, he that will excel in this skill and knowledge, must be endowed with a good sharp sight, to the end he may be the better able to discern as well the several colours as contents thereof. The general and main conclusion therefore abideth firm, steadfast, and vnmouable, that the iudgement and skill of the nature of diseases attained unto by the sole inspection of Urines,( especially as it is now generally used or rather abused) is of no force or validity at all, but the occasion rather of innumerable dangers and inconveniences.   

CHAP. III. That Empiricke-Vrine-mongers, mountebanks, Quackesaluers, Women-Physitians, and rest of that rabble, by their inspections of Urines, do rather tell lies then truth, the which notwithstanding they persuade the too-too credulous, and simplo, unlearned and ignorant people, to bee as true as sacred Oracles.  
NOw having hitherto declared the uncertainty of this sign, and that especially such are deceived in the iudgement of Urines, as do not mark and observe, or at least slightly pass over such rules as wee haue declared already, which learned and judicious Physitians haue set down to be observed; It is now requisite that wee insist a little vpon the cozenage, cogging and imposture of our ordinary empirics, and such others as belong to that fellowship and society.  
This scum and off-scouring of people, 
The cunning knaveries of impostorious Empiricall Watermongers.  without conscience and honesty, yet seeking by all craft and cunning as well to attain to some credit and reputation amongst the people, as to convey unto themselves some part of ●heir wealth and riches, and that under some faire counterfeit colour of skill in the Profession of physic, being withall conscious to themselves of their own insufficiency, and ignorant of the signs, causes, and consequently of the right cure of diseases, to the attaining of the which the most learned Physitians bestow no small labour and pains, then haue they recourse to the Sanctuary of unlearned fools, to wit, the iudgement or rather imposture by Urines.  
This cozenage costs them but little labour, and easily become they maisters in this Mystery; for if they can but by their tricks and cunning juggling imposture fish out any thing of these poor Country ignorant Asses, they will like Parrats prate of the same again at great length, persuading by this means the silly and simplo ignorant multitude( apt ever to bee carried away more with shadows and shows then substances) that they far exceed the most learned and experienced Physitians, all their skill notwithstanding being nothing else but mere conjectures& impostorious deluding of the simpler sort. One of this crew the other day persuaded a woman a neighbour of ours vpon the sight of her urine, that her heart was al overgrown with certain small weals like the small pox, the impostor pointing notwithstanding to the place of the stomach or maw,( so ignorant was he of Anatomy) which he pretended to be the sole and onely cause of her pain and misery. And yet it is well known to the learned and judicious physician, that the heart can endure and suffer neither weals, tumours, vlceration, abscesse nor imposthume, but presently procureth the dissolution of the creature; so noble and necessary a member is this Princely part. 
Gal. lib. 5. cap. 1. de locis affectis.  Galen indeed did observe in an Ape which died of a Consumption, that in the pericardium or skin which environeth and compasseth the heart round about, was a certain rising or tumour, containing in the same such a waterish humour, as the weals do commonly contain, the sole and onely cause which procured this languishing disease and death to this unreasonable creature. Neither yet was this in the body and substance of the heart itself, the which also as other such diseases, no urine was ever able to lay open unto thee. The goodman woodcock this womans husband having had the opinion of an honest and learned physician concerning her disease, and the true cause of it, as being a crudity& indigestion of her stomach, yet gave more credit to this notable impostor, who giuing her a violent medicine to scour upwards and downward( as is their usual manner) left her in a worse case then he found her.  
This sort of sottish people are not content to abound in their own ignorance, 
Sottish and ignorant people are not able to judge aright of the truth.  and willingly walk in blindness and error, but are also ready for the most part to blame and disgrace the best and most learned Physitians, who if they had the hundreth eyes of Argus, could see no such matter in the urine, as they sottishly imagine. Such a one was that country job, 
Cap. 1. de urinis.  of whom speaks Michael Sauonarola, who having fallen off his Cart and bruised his body, did much reproach a skilful and very learned physician, 
Blockish stupidity of a Country job.  because he could see neither Cart nor Oxen in his Urine. So blockish and so sottish is this vulgar sort of people, 
Quid distent aera Lupinis. Horat.  that( as Horace saith) they scarce know chalk from cheese, not able to discern truth from falsehood, or to distinguish betwixt that which is upright, and that which is sophisticate and adulterate: they still delight like Swine to lie wallowing in the mire; their common custom being to favour Impostors, empirics, and cozening knaves, praising and extoling them above the skies, how be it often and most commonly deluded& grossly abused by them: on the other side debasing and contemning the skilful and learned physician who sticks to the truth, and that as seemeth, for no other reason but because he will not alone rely vpon the uncertain sign of Urine, being desirous to compare all the signs together, and from thence deliver certain and sure iudgement concerning the future event of the disease.  
And what dare not these fool-hardy juggling knaves babble out in the presence of the ignorant and unlearned people? For if perhaps in giuing of their grave advice forsooth concerning the urine, they shall haue forgotten any thing, or haue not hit the nail on the head, then strait haue they recourse to their cogging and lying, essential properties belonging unto them. Then mayest thou hear them tell wonders by the Water: 
The wonders which empirics see by the urine.  sometimes that the stomach is fallen out of the own place, which they will make no doubt to restore again into the same: sometimes again that there are certain little wheals full of water grown vpon the body or substance of the liver, or else some little stones about the bigness of beans grown within the same, or the substance thereof to bee quiter wasted away with Venery or too much drinking. Sometimes thou mayst hear them prate that the brains are fallen close together; that the pipes of the lungs are stuffed up, and that hence it cometh to pass that they are able to utter no sound; that the heart likewise is full of waterish weals; that the spleen is wasted away to nothing; that the kidneys wast apace and are voided by urine; that the bladder is burst, so that it can no more contain the urine; and finally that the guts are burst, which causeth the voiding of the excrements upwards. And who can reckon up all their Lies?  
All these former defects notwithstanding, will they promise to repair with great facility, new brains, hearts; livers, lungs,( O noble and famous, infamous I had almost said, Physitians) and what not.  


Horat.  Parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.   

The hideous hills in labour and pain shall bee,  
A silly mouse brought forth then shall wee see.   
But of all these faire flourishes and golden promises, what findeth the poor Patient but scarce leaden effects? To make this more plainly appear to the ingenuous and judicious Reader, 
History of the Imposture of an vnskilfull physician, affirming that the liver was wasted to the bigness of a bean.  it shall not be amiss here to insert some certain stories which haue happened here of late among our neighbours.  
Not long since came to me a maid-seruant bringing to me her Mistrisses urine, the which was thick, troubled and muddy, inclining to the colour of wine, of a reddish colour, being also in a small quantity; the which having a little viewed, I demanded of the maid, whether the woman were loose in her body or bound? she answered that for many dayes together she had been very loose. The which having heard, I judged strait that this flux came by reason of the weakness of the liver. And because such an urine( according to the opinion of Actuarius) doth often signify blood mingled with choler, 
Actuar. lib. de praeuid. ex vrin. cap. 7.  I  told that shee was troubled with a bloody flux proceeding from the liver: Not that I would peremptorily maintain that such an Hepaticall flux, or yet of any other sort or kind, can or may bee assuredly known by the urine onely, it being so deceitful and uncertain a sign. But first the small quantity, as also the colour of the same, made me more confident, yet not certain and assured, until such time as I inquired first of the flux, and then of the continuance thereof: The maid then admiring my iudgement, did confess that the case stood just as I had declared unto her: and that moreover another physician( whom she called a Doctor, and that not without cause, for he gave himself forth for no less, both in his beard, apparel, and fashion of carriage, having lived a long time in the university of Cologue, and now being returned home, practised physic apace) had hitherto, but all in vain, laboured to cure her of her disease, but that in her iudgement since she had refrained from his physic, shee found herself much better, howbeit the former flux were not as yet quiter stopped. This physician moreover( saith she) affirmed that her liver was already wasted away to the bigness of a bean, and that now it groweth again. The which when I heard I could not refrain from laughing, answering her after this manner: It is an easy matter for this famous physician to persuade thee, and thy mistress also, but not so me: for if thy mistresses liver were thus wasted, she could never haue lived until this time. 
A priest water-prophet persuaded one that his liver was wasted away.   
The like did a certain Priest, a famous water-prophet,( who is here in so great account for his supposed iudgement of Urines) persuade one of my acquaintance, that his liver was quiter wasted away with excessive drinking: the vulgar sort holding a certain opinion, that great drunkards waste away both their liver and lungs. 
A woman-physitian persuading a Gentleman that his liver was wasted away.  No less ridiculous and absurd then the former, was that which Valerius Cordus relateth concerning a woman-physitian; I know( saith he) a certain infamous juggling witch, which persuaded a certain Gentleman that his liver had been by too much lechery exceedingly decayed, and at last quiter wasted away by little and little, and in conclusion wrested out of this Gentleman 80. Florins, 
near 10. li. sterling.  for the which she promised to make him a new liver again. These and the like are very ordinary and usual amongst them; the which notwithstanding, any that is judicious may know to be far otherwise. For neither can the liver nor the lungs bee wanting in the body of man, the one being the instrument of sanguification, wherein the blood is prepared, and from thence distributed over the whole body; the other also as with a bellows refreshing the fervent heat of the heart; and both being so necessary and needful, as without them we can scarce live a minute of an hour. 
severer punishment due unto such people then to counterfeiters of the Princes coin.  Such as counterfeit or clip the Kings coin, are( and that most worthily) punished after a most severe and exemplary manner: And yet these vile and wicked wretches commit a more heinous crime in defacing, yea and often in quiter marring the image of that great and mighty Monarch, the blessed God himself, marryring and torturing the sick bodies with their violent, dangerous, and imprepared drugs, such as are Colocynthis, Scammonec, Stibium, Hellebore, or sneezing powder,( the which altogether unprepared they do most commonly use) that oftentimes after the bare sight of an urine onely, having administered the same unto them, they shortly after change this crazy life for a better. And yet so far are they from punishment, that the multitude admire them, yea oftentimes such cozeners are in no small account( the greater pitty) amongst some great men, who ought rather to detest and reject out of their company such varlets. And yet give they not over so, but do yet continue and devise grosser lies then the former, affirming that trees grow in peoples bellies, and that by inspection of the urine onely. I will therefore relate something of mine own knowledge concerning this matter.  
When as I practised physic in the town of Alcmar in Holland, I was sent for into Thessaly, an island in Holland, to a Gentleman there diseased: and amongst other urines which were then( according to the old inveterate custom) brought unto me to behold, a certain woman brought me an urine also. This urine was white and thin, 
Notable imposture of a cogging knave, persuading people that trees grew in their bellies.  transparent and clear, crude, and without any residence: all which do evidently demonstrate crudity, and evil digestion and concoction of the stomach, together with great obstructions of the liver: the belly being also withall exceedingly swelled, it was no hard matter to discern that her disease was a dropsy. I demanded therefore whether she had been long thus or no? Who answered me that she had been of a long time troubled therewith, as also that certain yeares ago she sent her urine to a very skilful physician, as they commonly reputed him: this cogging knave( after he had heard of the swelling of her belly)  told her that a great three was grown in her belly, the which now did so swell it up that she was scarce able to stir up and down: yea and moreover, that there was no small danger lest very shortly her belly should burst by the extraordinary increase of the same: this villain withall did brag of a medicine he had, by the which he could quiter rid her of this three, and restore her to her former health again: the which if this potion did not perform, the Rascall did constantly avouch, that the best and skilfullest Physitians in all the Country could never cure her: This precious potion which cost 4. Florins, 
near 10. shillings sterling.  being swallowed down, came far short of this Rascals promise, but yet did answer their usual performance, that is, did no good at all, if not hurt. But after a few moneths her ●●●uell burst of it own accord, and by that means great store of water was voided out of her belly, and shee, as was her conceit, perfectly cured. But after a certain time, the cause not being removed, she fell again in a relapse, and now the disease being inveterate, and shee careless, and perhaps somewhat near and too covetous withall, made at length exchange of this life with another. This woman if she had observed that golden rule, that occasion and opportunity( according to Hippocrates) is swift and speedy: when as Nature itself opened a passage, might perhaps haue found help: as likewise if she had been as bountiful to a learned and skilful physician as to her empiric. The like opinion of a three was likewise had of a Printers wife in the town of Delfe, 
A Printers wife of Delfe thought to haue a three in her belly, cured.  and that not by the more common sort, but even by many of those who were thought to be of better understanding. There being diuers opinions concerning her disease, I was of opinion that shee was not with child( as a certain Midwife and some others were) neither yet that she had either trees or shrubs in her belly, but rather that shee had conceived a confused lump of flesh, conjoined with some wind, the which my opinion was by the issue and success confirmed, she being by my means thoroughly cured. Now before we depart out of this thicket of trees, let us yet add one story more touching this matter.  

A woman of Alemare in Holland supposed to haue a three in her belly.  A certain woman dwelling in the town of Alcmare in Holland, was both with child and troubled with a dropsy. But five dayes after this woman was brought to bed, she died, her belly being not at all fallen. Hence arose this rumour of some ignorant sots, altogether ignorant of our Art, avouching that yet a three remained behind; others that there was yet another child behind; others, a false conception; and finally some others persuaded the friends that some waterish weals like pox were grown vpon the liver, and that from thence this water had distilled into the belly. As for myself I maintained that shee was with child,& withal her belly swelled up with wate● the which the issue afterwards made manifest, when as t●● dead corps being opened, there issued forth of the same diuers gallons of water: But as for either three or weals, as falsely was supposed, was there none to be seen, howbeit both liver& spleen were become schirrous& hard as stones. But these ignorant asses will not here yet give over, 
The ridiculous iudgement of an old nun concerning a woman with child.  but confidently affirm that they are able to tell thee by the urine, whether a woman be with child or no. Thus of late a certain old Gran-dame( whom I know well) persuaded some of her neighbours, that she did evidently see in an urine brought to her, a woman with child: and yet was this good gossip herself so old and blind, that she could scarce know him that brought her the urine, he being notwithstanding one of her old acquaintance. This good old woman was never a whit ashamed, howbeit a nun, and a religious person by profession, to broach so gross and palpable lies. 
Another ridiculous conjecture by urine.  This same renowned and worthy woman bragged often that she could see the coffins wherein the dead are laid, swimming in the urine of such as were likely to die. But these are but trifles in comparison of such peoples rare and admirable skill in discerning by the urine the age of the patient, the time when he fell sick, and how long he hath thus continued, what he hath eaten and drunk, what hath been the occasion of his disease, what is done about him, both at that instant and at other times: and to conclude, every outward thing,( the which according to Galen are infinite) as the barking of dogs, noises, cryings, and great clamours; and to be brief, all external and outward diseases, as the French pox, and many others. Now further, 
Auicen. lib. 2. fen. 2.  howsoever Auicenna and some others seem to be of opinion that a mans urine may be discerned from a womans: yet it is a thing altogether impossible, assuredly without failing to discern the one from the other: 
The sex cannot always& absolutely be discerned by the urine.  for as well may a womans urine sometimes be thin and of a good& laudable colour, proceeding of some other cause, as a mans; and again on the contrary, a man may some●●●es haue a thick, white, and not so faire an urine to look vpon, as a woman; but especially if he bee seized with any disease. And for this cause the Physitians of best note and famed, being wholly addicted unto the truth, are not ashamed to confess as much, to wit, that such conjectures are oftentimes idle and uncertain, and therefore not to be trusted unto. That casually and by chance they may sometimes hit home, as the blind man throws his staff, I do not deny: but that any can assuredly and without all fail declare the one from the other, shall never be proved. But such conjectures prove often such as was that of a certain impostor, who deluded his Host very cunningly, which came thus to pass.  

An Apothecary cunningly deluded by an empiric.  A certainc empiric of Groningen was lately received and entertained in an Apothecaries house, on condition that he would after a while teach him by what Art and skill he could discern the sex, whether a mans or a womans urine. After that this cunning knave had lived a long while at the Apothecaries cost, and fared as well as his Host, the hostess began to grumble seeing so unprofitable a guest haue so long entertainment at her house without any profit to their purses; and was very earnest with her husband, to give him his passport, and sand him packing. The poor Apothecary began at length to harken unto his wives request, and now at his guests departure entreated him that he would perform his promise long since made unto him, expecting at his guests hands a full reward of his so liberal and long hospitality. This cunning Cheater answered him thus: Take good heed whensoever any one bringeth thee an urine, for if entering into thy chamber he or she set the right foot foremost, then is it a mans urine; if the left first, then is it a womans. The poor woodcock all ashamed of himself, was forced to sit down with the loss: yet did his wife so bestir her tongue against her deluded husband( and some cause she had) that he was forced to put up a petition to her for a quiet life.  
As the urine onely cannot give us sure and vndoub●●● knowledge of the sex, no more certainty doth it affo●● us concerning a womans being with child. And howsoever Avicenna in the afore alleged place seems to say otherwise: 
That a woman is with child, cannot be discerned by the urine onely.  yet Savonarola explaining this text in his book of Urines, gives us warning not to rely too much on these uncertain signs onely, the which may as well appear in a womans urine that is not with child, as namely in the retention of their monthly disease, and in a false conception, insomuch that in such cases the most learned, and of the best note and reputation, haue been deceived, and so exposed themselves to ignominy and disgrace.  
Thus it happened to two of the most famous Physitians of that time, both of them belonging to the university of Parye, to wit, Marsilius de sancta Sophia, and Petrus Tusignanus, who both being too-too confident in so uncertain a sign( howsoever otherwise endowed with singular skill and learning, as their learned works do yet bear witness to the world) in this point did err and were deceived. Their error should make us look better about us, and not rest vpon this so uncertain a sign alone, but to consider likewise of all such signs as do commonly accompany women with child, at great length described in the large volumes of ancient and later Physitians. And for this cause the most judicious and learned Physitians are most sparing in this point: but the ignorant empiric, woman-physitians, and such, are most confident and assured in this so uncertain and deceitful a sign, which oftentimes turns to the great prejudice and hurt of many a one: as of late the son of a jew being an empiric, having sent to him the urine of a womans in the town of Delfe, and not so much as once suspecting the woman to be with child, so far was this runagate from the true knowledge of the same, that he administered unto her a most violent purge, which wrought so violently both upward and downward, that in a short time not onely was she delivered of two dead children, but shee also herself immediately after went the way of all flesh. But wee will prosecute this argument at greater length hereafter, and therefore we will here breath a little.   

CHAP. IIII. Of the imposture, fraud, deceit, and cunning tricks which wandring water-mongers, roguing empirics, and such like cogging cozeners do use in delivering their opinions concerning urines.  
HOwbeit heretofore we haue in some sort laid open some of these impostures and deceits of such as do abuse the world in this kind: yet will wee now in this Chapter proceed to lay open some more( for all, it were hard for any one) and that more fully then heretofore. This kind of people seemeth to haue cast off not onely all honesty, and sold themselves to work all manner of wickedness with greediness: but even to haue denied all divinity and divine providence. For they are not content to use some ordinary sleights and tricks to entrap and ensnare the more mean and simplo sort of people, 
Diuers actions of Vrin●mongers whereby they abuse the more simplo sort.  as viewing their urines at a looking-glasse; sometimes running to and fro with the same, sometimes lightning a candle at the noontide of the day, powring out now and then some drops of the same, and again sometimes shaking it in the urinal, smelling now and then to it( and I could wish they would taste it to) setting sometimes their urinals, their cases, or both, before, or at the entry of their doors, to the view of the world, and all to the end they may, like cozening rascals, draw more water to their mills, and custom to their shops: But yet( which is most wicked and abominable both before GOD and man) these imps of Satan do to their former impostures, when they will not serve their turns, add such unlawful and damnable practices, as the Enemy of mankind, that old Serpent hath taught them.  
And thus are they not onely injurious to themselves, and their own souls, but do endanger many a silly soul also, which cometh unto them for this diabolical counsel. This some of them do perform by means of a ring, 
conjecture of urines by means of a ring applied to the care.  holding near to their ear their finger with this ring vpon it, as though the divell did first round them in the ear the opinion and conjecture, which afterwards they deliver to such as come to them to that end and purpose. And to the end more credit may be given to them, they do openly profess, that such rings are in Venice openly to be sold. It was  told me also that an Empiricke-Surgeon had such a Ring, who  told wonders by the water, to the great wonder and amazement of many: to him I once also myself went with a water, who holding his Ring near his ear,  told me strangely in order the circumstance of the disease.  
And yet this manner of conjecturing by urines is flatly forbidden us in the Law of Moses, where it is said, 
All manner of commerce or c●mpact with familiar spirits forbidden in Gods word. Leuit. 20.27. Deut. 18.10.11.12.  A man or woman that hath a familiar Spirit, or is a wizard, shall surely die, &c. So likewise in Deuteronomy: There shall not be found among you one that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or witch, or charmer, or consulter with familiar Spirits, or wizard, or Necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination to the Lord. Therefore dyed Ahaziah King of Israel, 
2 King. 1.  because in his sickness, contemning GOD and good means, to wit, true Physitians, he sent to consult with Beelzebub the god of Accaron. And Saint jerome vpon jeremiah, 
jer. cap. 11. 1 ●am.  witness●th the same. The like carriage furthered King Saul to that most miserable end.  
Hence therefore wee learn this, that howsoever the LORD do not presently harken unto our prayers, and grant our requests, yet ought we not to haue recourse unto the devill, who can never minister true help to those that worship him: but rather still instantly wee ought to implore and beg for the help of our most gracious GOD.  
The devill likewise being a most cunning craftsmaster, 
What people are most usually employed in such impostures.  makes choice of such unclean and wicked persons, receiving them into his service, to the end he may by their means more easily deceive and entrap others: as namely, a perfidious jew, an apostate and runagate monk, an ignorant Parish-priest, Vagabonds, cheating and cogging knaves, busy bodies, charming old wives, with all the rest of such camels: being enticed and induced( rather seduced) hereunto either by a certain self-love, that they may be by this means more esteemed of: or else by their own malice and wickedness, that by such means they may defraud and cousin others: or finally, by covetousness and avarice the mother of all mischief. 
poisoning and witchcraft cannot be discerned by the urine.  And some of these villains are yet fraught so full of this wickedness, and brazen-faced impudence, that they dare go yet further, by the urine to promise to detect such as are guilty of theft or any other grievous crime: yea, and of witchcraft itself.  
I myself also know such urine-mongers( I think he rather deserved to be an Iron-monger) and counterfeit physician, who would tell very confidently by the urine, that the diseased were either poisoned or bewitched: and to the end that by his cogging and juggling he might get a double reward, he would promise without any doubt to cure him. And if by any means, either from the messenger that bringeth the same, or yet otherwise, they can once learn that the diseased hath of a long time been visited by sickness, then strait will they discern in the urine that the party is bewitched, making no question to cure the same. 
Another stratagem.  And often also they will confidently affirm, that there are some strange things, perhaps some living creatures, as frogs, &c. within their bodies, and if it shall happen that these Cheaters be sent for to the Patient, they will presently give him some violent medicine, as Stibium, Colocynthis, &c. the which working excessively upwards and downwards, they secretly shuffle and convey into the urine such things as before they affirmed to haue been within the body: the which this so cunningly cozened Patient beholding, admireth the skill of this new Aesculapius, who deserved rather to haue been whipped for his pains, and his ears nailed to the Pillory. Of many other tricks besides the former, these impudent Rogues are not ignorant.  
And thus it was reported unto me concerning a certain empiric, 
Notable slight of an empiric.  who had an artificial Looking-glasse made, containing within it fair water: in the which were living frogs swimming up and down, as though they had been little devils suggesting to the knave what he should say concerning the urines which were brought unto him, as also concerning things stolen.  
Some likewise there are, 
Iudgement of urines by Geomanticall points.  who onely by Geomanticall pricks, having looked vpon the urine, will give out their verdict of the disease, as also concerning the life or death of the party, the which impious divination wee refer to witchcraft.  
And some there be again, who by erecting the figure 
By erecting o● the Figure.  of the heaven, as they call it, will seem to perform the same, which would seem to be great Physitian-astrologers,  
Some again I know living at this day, 
geometrical measuring of the urine.  who do of set purpose apishly imitate Geometers, first measuring the urine with a compass, and then delivering, I know not what oracles concerning the same. But whosoever doth use any of the aforesaid diabolical, Geomanticall, or geometrical conjectures, besides the heinous fault he committeth, he maketh moreover this Semioticall part of physic, concerning the signs of diseases, to depend altogether vpon conjecture.  
But some yet use a far fairer show and colour to cloak their knavery, 
conjectures of urine by the colour painted on papers.  having certain papers or books before their eyes, in the which are lively represented all the several colours of urines, hold their urinal near unto the same, and then not without great admiration and stern countenance, like some learned clerkes( being notwithstanding but ignorant asses) pronounce their Urinall-oracles.  
Some also haue their Studies in some corners fitted for imposture, performing their conjectures by cunning suggestion, or such like slight. This kind of imposture practised a certain old trot, 
Notable slight and cozenage of an old woman-physitian.  who for her cunning in casting of urines( as they call it) was esteemed not to haue her fellow in all that Country. This goodly gran-dame fa●e in her chamber hard by the street door, when any came to call for her, the daughter questioning in the mean time with the party,( and that with so loud a voice that her mother might easily hear all their talk) and learning of them as well the disease itself, as also all the accident▪ thereof: the daughter runneth afterwards to a door in another corner of the house and calleth out this wise woman, she then like some Sibyllaes Oracle, declares and tells on with great confidence that which before she had heard from her daughter.  
Most of these villains to advance themselves, do most commonly contemn and backbite the most learned and skilful Physitians, extoling and advancing themselves and those of their own society. And to get yet more famed and reputation among the vulgar sort, they delight in the name of traveling Physitians, as also to be called Iewes, Mahometans, and Turke-physitians: bragging also that they had great Doctors for their fathers, and yet perhaps are they cobblers or Tinkers sons, or else it may bee of some bastardly breed, having fled their own Country for some infamous crimes.  

Suborning of old women usual to empirics.  These cozening knaves haue a custom when they come to any town or Village, to suborn and hire some poor old woman, who knowing well where sick folkes lye, resort to their houses, and tell them that there is lately come to town some worthy and famous physician( a Doctor at least) jew or turk out of turkey, bringing with him most rare and exquisite remedies, yea and such as the best furnished Apothecaries shop in the best City of the Land cannot afford the like: and that besides all this there are none like them in the Land for iudgement of an urine. The patient thus abused, sendeth his urine by this trusty old trot to this new come Aesculapius, and returning back again from him, advanceth his skill above the skies, affirming with great asseuerations that he hath hit the nail on the head, and not onely hit right on the disease, but on every circumstance thereof. Then mayest thou see the people flock apace to the Impostor, until such time as his skill wax stale, and his knavery be discovered: then the gallant removes the camp, trussing up bag and baggage, and goeth to some other place, where he practiseth the like imposture. And when it cometh to pass,( as too often it doth) that their patients die under their hands, then are these foresaid women ready to pled their cause, affirming that it was no want of skill in them, but that their time was now come: that in the Hospitals where learned Physitians practise their best skill, there sick and diseased do likewise die. But on the contrary, if any patient shall happen to die under the hand of the most skilful physician, they will not fail to exclaim vpon him, that he hath killed him, to make him more odious among the vulgar sort. Now to the end their knavery may the better be laid open to the view of the world, I will here set down the story of two notable cozening knaves, who lived not long since in Dordrecke a famous town in Holland.  
These two lusty gallants having both of them spent that small stock left them by their parents legacy, 
Notorious impostu●e of two coz●ning kn●ues in Holland.  began to bethink themselves of a new invention to gather together some money. At length one of them, who was the master contriver of the new trick, speaketh to his fellow after this manner: I will play the physician and will hang out an urinal to draw on the people, thou in the mean time get thee into some Al●house where there be good store of company drinking, play the good fellow with them, drinking thy pot to theirs; now when as thou shalt see them merry, and perceive them well wet within, take thou occasion to brag and boast of the coming to town of one of the rarest and most cunning Physitians that ever they knew, who can tell the most secret and hidden things by the urine, yea and that so far doth his skill and cunning extend, that if diuers persons should make water in one pot, he is able to tell t●● same: and further thou maiest also lay a wager, that unless he be able to perform it thou wilt pay for all that hath been spent amongst them that day: but if he shall happen to hit the mark, that thou thyself shalt then go scotfree: but mark narrowly, I pray thee, how many there be that make water into the pewter pot, and make thou so many small scores under the side of the same, that I may perfectly know the number. These his pot companions accept of the wager, being altogether ignorant of the collusion of these two cogging knaves, and so deliver the pot to the hostess, who carrieth the same to this other impostor, being altogether ignorant of the whole business. The cozener knowing perfectly all the premises, having powred it forth into a great urinal, looks vpon it; then with a stern, awful, and disdainful countenance, turns himself to the hostess, saying: What is the cause that thou shouldst after this manner come to undermine me, and thus to try and sift out my skill? thou malapert woman, what a mischief brought thee hither? what base rogue hath suborned thee thus to cousin and deceive me? Looking again on the urine with a certain counterfeit gravity, they were six in number( saith the Impostor) who pissed in the pot,( the which he had secretly learned by the aforesaid scores) and for them all thou must pay me ere thou departest hence. This woman at the hearing hereof, as being ignorant of the whole matter, was not a little amazed, but yet spake to him mildly after this manner: I know not what you mean by these words, but, my friend, if the case stand thus as you say, I pray you pardon me, for they delivered me the pot, as you see, I being altogether ignorant of any such matter. At length after many words, she payed him for all the six urines, and at her return she  told her guests the whole circumstance of the matter. They admiring his so great skill and cunning, praised this his imposture above the skies:& after they had payed the hostess their shot, they repaid her also that which she had laid out for their urines. The famed of this was so noised abroad, that the people came flocking to this Impostor, as it had been to some fair or Mart: but yet within a few dayes, for fear of being discovered, they both removed their camp to another place, where they might more cunningly and safely practise their imposture and cozenage. But we see how far imposture taketh place, and how hard it is to beat reason into the blockish brains of the vulgar sort, which giveth sometimes occasion to some learned Physitians to betake them to their sleights and shifts, seeing this kind of dealing best welcomed of the vulgar.  
Thus at my first return out of Italy, I came into France, and practised for a little space in the town of Pithiers: the Apothecary of the town  told me that there dyed there lately a physician, who was for his supposed skill in the inspection of urines, of no small account and famed; 
A physician telling of nothing but rheums by the urine.  and yet he  told every one most commonly that they were troubled with the rheum, the which he some times affirmed to be fallen down vpon the lungs, sometimes on the stomach, liver, spleen, the mother, kidneys, bladder, or the whole body: But this is but a trifle in comparison of their greater errors.  
It is yet a great deal grosser, that if they can by any means harken out that any one is troubled with madness, deliration, or melancholy, they strait judge by their urines that they are possessed, and so prove often an occasion of having recourse to conjurers, Witches and Wizards, forsaking by this means the true and everliving GOD, and good means.  
All long and lingering diseases likewise, as also all such as are accompanied with any strange or uncouth accidents, and such as are not obvious to the mean and shallow capacity of the more rude and ignorant sort of people, do they by the inspection of the urine, refer to Witchcraft, or the illusion of the divell: such bee besides the former the epilepsy or falling sickness, the apoplexy, Incubus or night-mare, convulsions, especially the turning awry of the mouth or neck, the disease called Catalepsis, the lethargy, or such like sleepy diseases, together also with consumpti●ns, dropsies, la●ks, bloody-fluxes, hystericall passion, commonly called the mother, &c.  
A lamentable thing it is to see the world so oppressed with these Impostors; but the greatest mischief, is that some yet colour their knavery with the cloak of Religion, the which I will instance in a lively example.  

Notable Imposture of a conjuring rrest, affi ming a woman with child to bee bewitched.  My wives Brothers wife dwelling at Amsterdam, and living at this instant, was vpon a certain time much oppressed with a great fit of sickness, and so far as I could collect, Melancholy hypochondriacke. This woman having been not very long married, was in doubt whether shee was with child or no, and by reason of her extremity, inclining rather to beleeue that she was not. For this cause shee sent up and down to diuers places of the country( as is the common custom, especially in long and lingering diseases, howbeit a very bad one) to know of Physitians their opinion concerning her urine, thinking this sufficient to free her from her disease. Now lately was come to the town a notable new cozener being a wandring Priest, giuing himself out for some great Doctor( as these knaves most commonly do) especially amongst the vulgar sort. This womans urine then amongst many others was carried to him: after he had a little looked there on, he asked the maid that brought it certain questions, by the which he had learned that she had been sick a long time, as also that she had had the opinion& advice of diuers Physitians, who all notwithstanding had given her no ease. Hence the cunnicatching knave takes occasion to promise wonders of himself, and that moreover there was never a Doctor of them all able to cure this woman, the Impostor adding yet moreover that she was bewitched. The maid asked moreover whether shee were not with child? He answered her, that she was not at all so much as conceived with child, but that for certain she was bewitched, and that by such a one, as he would haue sworn would never haue committed so wicked a fact: and did moreover protest with great oaths, that none besides himself was able to cure her. In the Cure he was very desirous to haue joined with himself a certain conjuror, who should daily mumble and mutter I know not what over the sick womans head. Then would he himself administer unto her certain physical Potions, after the use whereof shee should so perfectly recover, that there should not the least remainder of her disease afterwards appear: And if thou wilt( saith the villain) I will go with thee to see thy mistress. The maid having her wits about her, said, that this was beyond her commission, but that shee would first know her Mistrisses pleasure. The sick woman being seasoned with true Religion and piety, would in no wise admit of any conjuror, resolving rather to commit herself unto the hands of God& good Physitians, then to haue any dealing with such juggling knaves, and yet some of her friends were very instant with her to use the counsel of this cozener. A few dayes after her Husband my Cousin cometh to me to Alcmare, where I then practised physic, bringing with him his wives urine, and withall acquainted me with the whole manner of her disease, together with all the accidents and circumstances thereof until that present time. After I had well viewed the Water, perceiving it to bee thin and clear, with a leaden coloured circled, and small residence, I was of opinion there was great crudity in the stomach, occasioning bad concoction therein; for such an urine doth most commonly argue some obstruction of the spleen, giuing notice also of melancholy: for this cause I did so much the more suspect that shee was oppressed with melancholy, hearing especially that shee had in her all the signs which Galen writes to accompany this hypochondriacke melancholy. 
Gal. lib. de locis affect. cap. 5.& 6  So both by the urine and Husbands narration, I did collect that shee was troubled with this disease.  
After many words to and fro betwixt us, he asked of me whether I thought it meet they should follow the empirics counsel or no: I answered, that in any case they should beware of the same, and did further by many strong and forcible arguments and reasons, dissuade him from suffering his wife to use any such strong violent purging physic, prescribed either by empiric or yet any other, how skilful and learned soever he were, there being especially some suspicion of being with child. Wherefore my counsel was that shee should for a certain time abstain likewise from any thing which might provoke any loathing or distaste to her stomach, and to bee very circumspectly for fear of procuring aborsion. But in case she was troubled with the violence of any fierce and sharp accidents, I wished him to ask the opinion of some learned and judicious physician, and yet to beware of offering any violence to Nature. I appointed her therefore a good and wholesome form of diet, as also some mild and gentle remedies fitted well for the purpose notwithstanding, and without any fear of offending her child, with the which I sent her husband home.  
Not very long after his return homeward, shee was brought to bed of a faire daughter, and immediately after was wholly freed from her former infirmity. Where was now I pray you this bewitching which this wretched juggling Priest did prognosticate by the urine? What if this woman had used his desperate remedies? had not this Rakehell killed as well the Mother as the child? which now through God his goodness haue escaped this bloody Butchers hands.  
Many more examples could I produce concerning the gross errors in this kind committed by these Sycophant-water-prophets; but this for the present shall suffice, lest the book should grow to an excessive bigness, if stusted too full of such trash. But still this holdeth firm and unanswerable, that the water-guessing which empirics and such others use, is nothing else but mere imposture and cozenage.   

CHAP. V. Of the perverse, preposterous, and too-too credulous simplicity of country people, ignorant idiots, and diuers others of that stamp, together with their too great trust and foolish confidence which they repose in this divining and conjecturing by Urines.  
NOw who I pray you can but laugh to scorn this foolish and simplo sort of people, who being by these cozening knaves quiter besotted, or rather( as I think) bewitched, are certainly persuaded that there is nothing in a mans body so secret and hide which may not by the urine be discovered. Wherefore they think they haue sufficiently played their parts, when as they haue sent their urines to diuers Physi●ians, whether they be learned or unlearned, roguing empirics, or toothless old-wiues, and whosoever amongst these can guess or conjecture best, him or her do they prefer, and rely vpon above all others. And this is the trial whereby they use to find out the sufficiency and learning of a physician, being altogether ignorant what is to be performed by a true and learned physician. But it is hard to tell whether these Impostors themselves be more blame-worthy, or the simplo& too-too credulous people, who do repose such trust& confid●nce in these lying and cogging Coniecturers by the same. If there were no such people to be found, then would these villains also vanish away.  
It is a wonder that the blockish stupidity of people should be such, 
Finding out of the age by the urine after a strange maner History.  as to beleeue that any thing whatsoever may be conjectured by means of a stinking water thrust to our noses. Thus of late a foolish woman came to me, and was very earnest with me to tell by the inspection of the urine the sick parties age: but after I had  told her plainly that no such matter could by the urine be discerned, she replied, that she had been otherwise persuaded by a very learned wandring physician; and that there were to be seen swimming in the urine as many crosses as the party was tens of yeares old. I turning again to this silly woman,  told her, that I could perceive no cross at all in the urine, and therefore by this reason thy husband as yet should not be ten yeares old; but if thy sight be better then mine, put on thy spectacles, and see whether the crosses be swimming above, or fallen down to the bottom of it. Shee gaping and staring a pretty while thereon, was at length forced to confess that she could see none at all.  
These people are so bewitched with these juggling and lying knaves, that oftentimes they will confess to see that which they see not at all, 
Blockish assentation.  as I haue heard them tell of Ulispiegle, who at a certain time persuaded a many people gathered together, that the walls of the house were all painted, when as yet there was no such matter, and yet none of all the company contradicted him save one silly simplo woman reputed for a fool. So blockish shalt thou sometimes find this sort of people, that they will not bee ashamed to inquire of you whether you can see by the urine, that the diseased hath fallen off his horse, or off a cart; and whether hurt of a pistol or other weapon.  
Now to make this more plainly appear, I will here relate a ridiculous, but yet true story which was  told me by an Apothecary in France. 
A pretty merry story of a country clown demanding to know by the urine how many rounds his wife had fallen off a ladder.  A Country clown at a certain time brought to a physician, an urine to look vpon, and it being then winter and hard frost, he first dissolved it at the heat of the fire. The physician observing the fellowes simplicity, demanded of him whether it were not his wives water. The fellow answered that it was so indeed, but yet wished him to take a narrow view, and to tell him what he could further see in the same. The physician looking narrowly, observing it to be of a reasonable good colour, began to suspect some outward pain or ache. The Country job hearing of a pain, applauded the Physitians iudgement for the same. But from whence proceedeth( said he) this great pain of a leaden and blackish colour, which doth so uncessantly torment her sides? The physician hearing mention made of a leaden blackish colour, it was no hard matter for him to conjecture that it came either by some fall or blow: wherefore he asked the fellow whether his wife had not fallen off some height. The woodcock wonders at the Physitians cunning conjecture, and turning to him again, saith; Master, i● you can tell me where she fell, I will ever esteem you for the best physician in all the country. The physician perceiving the exceeding blockishness of this clown, and withall calling to mind the manner of their country cottages, did conjecture that his wife was fallen off some beam or ladder. The ass swears a great oath, and( saith he) if you can tell me how many rounds high she is fallen, I will think you a craftsmaster indeed, and will extol you above all others. At this the physician had much ado to forbear laughter, yet biting all in, he began to consider with himself that the rooms in such houses are not very high, it may be( quoth he) she fell twelve rounds high. The clown bids him look again on the water, for sure there must needs bee some more. The physician looking down towards the ground, bethought himself of some new stratagem; then with a stayed countenance turning to the clown, saith thus; The way is very slippery by reason of the great frost, hast thou not fallen by the way and spilled some part of the urine vpon the ground? I fell indeed( quoth the fellow) and spilled part of it by the way. The physician having fished this out of him, with a grave and awful countenance answereth him thus: My friend, look for the rest of the rounds of the ladder in the place where thou spilled thy urine, for I can find no more then I  told thee. This simplo sot did admire and wonder at this physician, as some great Prophet, and was ravished with an admiration of his extraordinary skill and experience, and giuing him exceeding great thankes for his pains, returning home to his cottage with some few remedies, did at length, and that not without great wonder and admiration, relate and tell the whole circumstance of the matter as it fell out, among his fellowes and companions.  
This sort of people is so full of blockish stupidity, that they will require to know by the urine, not onely such things as we haue lately mentioned, but will moreover be inquisitive to know thereby whether the urine which they carry be a Citizens or Strangers, as also where the party dwelleth: concerning the which I can tell yet as pretty a story as the former.  

History.  There dwelled once at brussels a certain physician of no small account and famed for his supposed vromanticall skill: to the which physician at a certain time a country-woman carrying her husbands urine, goes in by the way to a Gentlewoman, whose tenant the country-fellow her husband was. This Gentlewoman seeing now so fit an opportunity ( which she had hitherto expected) offered her to deceive this physician, desired this country-woman, that she might carry the urine herself to him. The woman yielding, she did as she desired. The physician narrowly marking the pot wherein the urine was brought to him, and withall observing that it was stopped with a certain herb which he knew grew no where but in one place, looking steadfastly on the Gentlewoman, whom he knew to be full of craft, did suspect some cozenage; wherefore studying to prevent the same, when the urine was powred forth into the urinal, with mature deliberation he said thus; This is neither the urine of a Gentleman or townsman, but rather of some country Farmer, and further it was brought in at such a Gate. The Gentlewoman hearing this speech was not a little amazed, and of her own free accord did lay open to him the poor Farmers case, and could not wonder enough at the Physitians skill and iudgement: for this foolish woman did certainly persuade herself that he had found out all this by the urine onely.  
This vain babbling and conjecturing by urines is so pleasing to the people, that they give commonly most credit to him that lieth and prateth most. It was  told me once that Gissibertus Longolius of Colen, 
A worthy speech of G●ssibertus Long●lius of Co●en.  a most learned and famous physician, at a certain time was so vexed with the curious questions of a clown concerning his urine, that he threw urine and urinal both at once out at the window, using these words; I am a physician appointed to cure diseases,& not a water-prophet to tell lies by an urine. That famous physician also, Helideus Paduanus of Forly in Italy, 
And of Helideus Paduanus of Fo●ly in I●aly.  my much respected Master, with whom( when I lived at the university of Bologue) I was wont to visit the sick; was wont to reprove such country people as came to him with their urines at a certain hour to the hospital called of life, over the which he was set as their ordinary physician; he would I say check these Country people when as they stood like blocks without answering his demands, expecting onely his oracle concerning their urines, saying; that he was not within the sick parties body, but that it was fit for them likewise to declare and lay open their own infirmities, and then for him to consider of the urine; and lastly, having thoroughly attained to the full knowledge of the disease, to cure it accordingly. And therefore would he not always give credit to their own report ( being but poor people that came thus with their urines to the hospital, as not being the custom in Italy to carry the urine to the Physitians house, neither yet will they then vouchsafe so much as once to look vpon it;) but sent us his scholars oftentimes unto them, that wee might observe and mark diligently, as well the disease, as the symptoms and circumstances thereof, and relate them to him again: which being done, then did he appoint them such physic as he thought fit.  
But at my coming home into mine own Country again, I found this foolish fashion of inspection of urine in the Physitians own house to bee every where practised, and found moreover the people so perverse and froward, that when as I asked them concerning the manner of their diseases, with the accidents thereof, they would reply, That is the thing we desire to know of thee.  
This foolish and unadvised popular applause which the vulgar sort yield to these vnskilfull and unlearned Physitians( for the more learned and honester sort of Physitians they most commonly contemn) gives occasion to them to kill the simplo people without any punishment. It is a thing worth the wondering at to see what care the poor reasonless creatures haue of preserving their lives, and on the other side the small account man ( appointed Lord and Ruler over all the rest of the creatures) maketh of it, while as he committeth it to every idle empiric, some of which haue been trained up in the mechanical trades of shoemaker, mason, &c. and such like, and in three or four dayes making profession of this new trade of water-monging, are afterwards accounted famous and good Physitians, to whom thou shalt see the people flock as to some fair or Market. Would we not account such a one for a very fool and idiot, who being now ready to die of thirst, would refuse to drink of a clear sweet spring running hard by him, and would rather make choice of a foul stinking slimy puddle, it may be also further infected likewise with some noisome venomous vermin? And are they not to be reputed as foolish, who having skilful Physitians hard at hand, seek to such as haue never learned scarce their A. B. C? Is it not a great madness to seek for help at the hands of women, 
Women altogether unfit to practise physic.  who are for the most part altogether uncapable of any serious business, they boasting onely of some certain remedies which they haue had perhaps from their husbands, or some body else, and tried rather by experience in diuers particulars, then by any art or reason.  
Some may here, it may be, reply and say, that howsoever it may be that they do no good, yet are their remedies sometimes so mildred and gentle, that they may safely be administered. But is not this more then madness thus to trifle away the time, and to neglect that golden opportunity of doing good, which perhaps may never again bee recalled? Is it not better then at the first to haue recourse to the skilful and learned physician? If thy shoes be torn wilt thou sand them to a Carpenter to mend? If thy house bee cracked and like to fall, whether is a shoemaker or a Carpenter the fittest man to underprop the same? And yet the life of a man far exceedeth either of them. If a house be not well vnderpropt and fall, it may be built again; and if a pair of shoes be spoiled, it is but the loss of the leather and the labour: but in the curing of a man, a small error may sand him to his grave. Neither is this noble Science attained unto in a year or two,( many of the mechanical trades of far inferior note and condition, often requiring a longer time) burr requireth a longer time to the attaining unto the perfection thereof.  
But the vulgar sort are so blinded, that they cannot see the truth, the old proverb being true, that the blind cannot judge of col●urs: and yet do these people sometimes falsify the very literal sense thereof. And to this purpose I remember that Euretius Cordus maketh mention of a perfidious and blind jew, 
A blind jew judging of urines.  who not without the great admiration and wondering of many people( fools sure they were, according to the proverb, Stultorum plena sunt omnia,) all over richly ar●yed( like a silken Iack-an-apes) in silks and S●tan, I would say satin, sitting in his chair, delivered his grave oracles concerning the urines: his maid sitting by him, and suggesting diuers things unto him. And howbeit they find themselves d●ily gulled by such cozening knaves, yet do they daily witting and willingly rush into the snares of these Impostors. And in this are they( as wee haue said) far inferior to unreasonable creatures, both in the knowledge and providence of that which is good, and likewise hurtful for themselves, being also well acquainted both by what means their adversary may do them harm, as in like sort not being ignorant of all the occasions and advantages they may find out against them. And thus doth the Lizzard being deadly wounded by the venomous Viper, recover the former strength again, by eating of a certain herb called amongst the Italians Graliga, or Gralega, the which was first found out by mere hazard and chance, as was related to me when I was a student at Bologue, the which because I think it will bring some delight to the Reader, I will here set down.  
A certain old man vpon a time perceiving a Viper fighting with a Lizzard, 
The cruel combat betwixt a Viper& a Lizzard.  laid himself down vpon the ground, to the end he might the better without their perceiving of him, behold this battle. The Lizzard as being far inferior in force to the Viper, receives from the same a most dangerous and deadly wound, insomuch that the poor creature, being scarce able to stand on the feeble legs, was almost ready to fall down dead, but coming a little again to itself, it begins to creep along by the river side through long grass,( the Viper in the mean time not at all perceiving the secret retreat) to a certain herb growing not far from thence, of the which having eaten a little, returning again to this cruel adversary, maketh again a new onset vpon him as before. But this poor creature fared no better then before, receiving as dangerous a wound for welcome as at the first, but yet hath again the second time recourse to the former, and so well approved remedy, and with like success as before. This old Father did much admire as well this cruel combat, as this rare and strange herb, with the virtue thereof, and yet to the end he might more assuredly know whether this herb had in it such secret and hidden virtues, as he began now to conceive, in the mean time that this poor Lizzard went to reuew the combat again with the old adversary, he pulled this herb up by the very roots. The which when this desolate creature( having now the third time received the foil from this venomous vermin) missed, 
Galega vulgo, seu ruta Capraria, de qua vide Matthioli comment. in Dioscor. cum addit. Casp. bawl. cap. 46. lib. 3& cap. 136. lib. 4.& alios.  as her onely Antidote, being all bathed in blood, by her death makes an end of their quarrel. The old man having had this trial of this herb, relateth the same to the Physitians, with all that he had seen. This herb is now well known, not in Bologue alone, but in most shops in Italy, being ordinarily used against all manner of poisons, the Plague, and worms.  
By many other stories could I prove the like care and industry of beasts, which might also convince and reprove the carelessness of men for their safety and security: but that fearing to tyre out the Reader, I labour to bee brief. It resteth now to declare, that it is neither fit nor expedient to carry the urine to the Physitians house, and far less for him then by the bare inspection thereof, rashly to prescribe remedies without the sight of the party: but because this will require a more large and ample Discourse, we will refer the same to the next book, together with all the dependences vpon the same. Let it suffice us therefore, that hitherto it remaineth firm and sure, That the sole inspection of the urine is very deceitful, and for this cause not at all to be trusted to.    

THE THIRD book.  

THE argument.  
IN this third book is declared by what means the error of inspection of urines in the Physitians houses had the first original, the which uncertain conjecturing hath been a cause of no small damage to the diseased: having been also a means, to make this part of physic conjectural, and so the more to be despised and contemned. For this cause it is declared, that neither are urines to be viewed in the Physitians hous●, nor yet to be sent thither to that end and purpose, but rather where the Patient dwelleth, the physician being there present himself. Afterwards is declared that physic ought not by this sole, improfitable, and inconstant divination, to be prescribed, unless the physician haue before seen the Patient: the right Method of curing diseases being drawn from certain scopes and indications, and not from the sole fallacious inspection of urines. And finally is added, that Remedies are not to be prescribed in the vulgar tongue, and that by reason of the manifold errors and abuses which do hence arise: and so at length is concluded, that the inspection of urines( especially as it is now adays for the most part practised) is very deceitful and uncertain, never able to reveal and lay open unto us, the whole nature and circumstances of the disease.   

THE ARRAIGNMENT of urines. CHAP. I. How, and by what means this error of inspection of urines in the Physitians house hath had the first beginning, being notwithstanding nothing else but an uncertain conjecture, and by the which doth redound more damage and danger then profit to the Patient, and hath made this so noble an Art, base and contemptible in the eyes of most men.  
SO far ought an honest, learned, and judicious physician 
The duty of a learned and honest physician.  be from patronizing of any error, how old and inveterate soever it be, that it is his part rather to reprove by all means possible, according to his power, and labour to suppress the same, at which when they wink, they not onely involve the more simplo sort( always apt to be deluded) into manifold dangers and misery: but do in like sort encourage these cozening knaves to continue in their wickedness. Therefore I hold it is the duty of all honest, and conscionable Physitians, not to wink any longer at thi● most erroneous and dangerous vromanticall divination, so grossly abused until this present, to the great prejudice of a many. Of the which having discoursed at large already, it is now time to begin to lay open to the world by what means this Monster at first crept into this noble Profession.  
The vulgar sort doth ordinarily aim at an Apish imitation of their betters, 
By what means this abuse crept first into the Profession of physic.  and being destitute of true understanding, do too much for the most part rely vpon the outward senses: and hence came it to pass, that seeing Physitians view the urine in the Patients own house, who having likewise by diuers interrogatories, together with the sight of their Patients, collected the nature and essence of the disease, from whence the cure as it were of itself, did voluntarily follow: the vulgar I say did presently beleeue that the event of such a cure was to bee ascribed unto the inspection of the urine: thus being too-too much carried away by the outward sense, they began to adhere to this manner of inspection of urines. unto this also were joined as great helps and furtherers, the prescription of remedies, and the description of urines in the vulgar tongue. boldness did encourage them in their attempts, it being seconded by impunity; for all men by too great liberty( as saith the comical Poet) do wax worse and worse. 
Omnes licentia deteriores sumus. Terent.  Afterwards they were so confirmed therein, that they thought they had performed their parts, if at any time being amiss they sent their urines to the physician, as being of opinion that he could by the same know both the disease and the place affencted, the strength of the Patient; and finally, all that which belongeth to the Art of physic: and that moreover he was able to prescribe by the sight thereof, such fit and wholesome remedies as the state and nature of the disease did require.  
They were further conceited, that whosoever had red any book of Urines in the vulgar tongue, or yet scraped together any remedies ever used by any, were he or shee the most wicked villain, a runagate rogue, a drunken Midwife, a stews Strumpet, or of the like stamp, might safely and to good purpose practise this Profession, beginning ever with the inspection of the urine, a thing so deceitful, onely to be trusted to, that oftentimes in stead of health it hath been the occasion of the death of many. Thus hath this perverse and wicked custom( a most cruel Tyrant) so encroached vpon this noble Profession, that now wee fear it is become like the Law of the Medes and Persians, which could not be revoked.  
This custom so prevailing that cogging knaves& every Rascal that could prate of an urine, began to be praised and extolled above the most skilful physician; not by the vulgar sort onely, but even amongst some of the better sort; gave first occasion to some of the better sort of Physitians to embrace this gross abuse; some of them being hereto induced lest they should bee in less account then these Impostors.  
Others no doubt were hereto induced by covetousness the mother of all mischief, 
covetousness a great& chief occasion of this Abuse.  both to practise this manner of inspection of urines at home, and to prescribe remedies also for the sick. But this was not all, for some were not content with this, but to give further content to the vulgar sort, some of them, and that not of the meanest rank, wrote books concerning the wil●ss and caveats which are to be observed in delivering their iudgement by urines, called of them by a faire and plausible word, cauteles, or caveats: so that by these means not onely ministered they matter of cozening and deceiving to all such as would employ their wits that way, but did moreover confirm the more simplo sort in this so foul and detestable error: some likewise yet blowing these bellows by translating such books in the vulgar tongues to the great mischief of Mankind. And that this error is very ancient, doth plainly appear, in that wee haue yet extant something written concerning this subject by Gordonius, who lived about 300. yeares ago. But more praise-worthy had it been for these famous Physitians to haue stood in the gap, and in the beginning, like that renowned Hercules, to haue cut off this Hydra's heads. But avarice, enemy to all goodness, what will it not do? or rather make men do? 
Great gain which a certain physician got by inspection of urines.  This made a famous physician of my acquaintance, dead a few yeares ago, howbeit trained up in the Uniuersity, and skilful in his Pofession, so much to addict himself to the practising of this Imposture, that he got most mornings ( as was reported to me by one of good worth) for the inspection of urines brought to his Chamber six Florins. 
About 15. shillings sterling, much in that country, and in that time.   
This so sordid and base lucre and gain, made urines to yield a most sweet and fragrant smell to that mighty Emperour Vespasian. But such Physitians are much more to bee blamed then empirics, or any others who haue neither conscience nor honesty. This was not practised in the dayes of Hippocrates and Galen, neither is yet until this day in use amongst the Physitians of best note in Italy; howbeit as Poggius maketh mention, it hath been used amongst empirics and such Impostors: 
Notable imposture of an Italian empiric.  Such a one I know myself there, who sate up oftentimes very late, writing out bills or receipts for diuers and sundry diseases, the which afterwards he put all in a bag together, and in the morning when as people brought him their urines, and withall demanded his counsel, he would thrust his had into the bag to take out such a bill as by chance did first offer itself, saying in the mean time in the Italian tongue, Prega Dio telamandi bona, Pray to God thou mayst draw good lucke. Miserable and unhappy was then their estate and condition, to whom in their need, not right, reason, and judicious understanding, but blind chance and fortune did minister aid and succour. The like haue I heard of a certain water-guessing empiric, who had always written in a readiness three several forms of receipts, and gave unto such as came to him for counsel, sometimes one of them, sometimes two, and sometimes all three,( and that after he had  told them wonders by the Water,) which were afterwards carried to the Apothecary, and there prepared for the Patient. But to return to our purpose again, 
The Physitians of best note& famed in Italy, contemn this manner of conjecturing by urines.  the Physitians of any note in Italy do contemn still this manner of inspection of urines in their own houses, as I haue myself seen in the two famous universities of Padua and Bologne, whereas neither would the Doctors of the chair themselves, nor yet any other physician of note or credit, vouchsafe once to look vpon any urine brought to their own lodgings, in this maintaining still their ancient authority, and prerogative; the which also the learned Langius 
Langius.  doth witness. And would to God our Physitians had also retained the like authority; then had not these cozening knaves, ignorant empirics, women-Physitians, and the like, crept in so audaciously without any sufficiency into this Profession. said venture non habet aures. The belly is a cunning craftsman. And as covetousness was the cause that Physitians at first gave way to this preposterous and perverse custom; so the same covetousness hath been and is still the cause of continuance thereof until this day. Hence also cometh it to pass that such people do so every where abound, and are also so much accounted of in every place, who being altogether ignorant of the Arts and all manner of literature, uphold their credit onely by this so uncertain and deceitful a sign. And so ignorant are they of the signs and causes of diseases, that if they hear of any pain in the side, it must needs in their opinion be a pleurisy, whether the grievance be in the external parts or in the Muscles, whether also fixed about the liver, spleen or kidneys: and thus is it an easy matter for any ignorant Idiot or old wife to become a physician.  
Now howsoever this old, inveterate and tyrannicall custom hath hitherto so prevailed, that even the most famous and learned Physitians by reason of the Peoples importunity are often forced to give way to this inspection of urines in their own houses; yet doth it very much differ from others manner of dealing, both in that they refrain from these fooleries, lies, prattling and babbling, which these Impostors do practise, as also they will sometimes confess that it were a great deal better to see the Patient, then thus by the sole and uncertain inspection of the urine to give forth a doubtful Oracle. And yet further, the most careful and diligent Physitians are not ashamed to inquire into the state and nature of the disease before they will give out their iudgement concerning the same. And if at any time they shall happen to meet with some folkes more nice then wise, who will not accordingly answer their demands, they will bee the more sparing in prescribing them any remedies, until such time as they be better acquainted with the state and nature of the disease. The most of them also and the honestest would willingly that this so wicked and perverse custom were quiter abolished, to the end they might more readily and assuredly proceed in their cures. The Impostors on the other part trusting to their urinary conjecture only, and catching at that they can lay hold on from the mouth of another, thus dallying with the precious life of man, do administer to the silly people their most dangerous and deadly poisons, making trial of their most dangerous remedies vpon so noble and worthy a subject. And to such doth properly belong that Picture of a water-prophet, or water-guesser, which thou mayst see set down by the aforesaid Langius, whose Goddesse may well bee Moria, 
●angius Epistol. lib. 2. Epist. 41.  or foolishness, as is there to be seen. These rude and ignorant sots therefore are in no case to bee compared with our learned Physitians, as being altogether ignorant as well of the causes and signs, as of the several symptoms, and so consequently of the right cure of the disease: whatsoever disease is in the belly, is unto them the Chollicke; whatsoever disease in children, to them must needs bee the worms; and whatsoever disease troubleth a woman, it must needs bee the Mother. If the sick bee troubled with a Cough, then must it needs bee of some great could congealed inwardly; howbeit it may often prove a pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, or a Consumption. If any complain of a pain in the joints, by the urine they will guess that the party is plagued with the French-Poxe, as most Women who take now vpon them both physic itself, and that part thereof which is called Surgery, call an ulcer a Canker: as of late a certain Impostor being asked of what disease his Patient lay sick; answered, he was not able to express it in the vulgar tongue; and yet the villain had not so much as one mouthful of latin. It is therefore the part and duty of all honest, ingenuous, and conscionable Physitians, to advance and set forward the truth, and to labour and endeavour ourselves, that not onely this part of physic, but also all the rest may be freed from all manner of fraud and imposture.  
Now until such time as this foolish and water-monging Trade( which maketh the Art of physic conjectural, contemned and exposed to the mockage of the most) be amended, physic I doubt will never bee restored to her ancient grace and dignity.  
I confess indeed, that Old Dogs are hardly brought to the tie; yet must wee not cease to do our best to purge our Profession from all errors crept thereinto, and namely this: and if wee cannot prevail, yet I am persuaded that all honest people will take this our pains in good part. But concerning this matter we will discourse more largely in the Chapter following.   

CHAP. II. How necessary and needful a thing it were, that the Urines of such as be sick, be no more carried to the Physitians house, but that rather they are to view them, and give out their iudgement vpon them in the Patients own house, and that onely.  
NOw, by that which hath been spoken already, it is more then manifest, that it is not possible to declare or find out every several disease in a man or woman by the sole inspection of the urine: for what else is this vain conjecturing by urine, then to commit the whole Art of physic to bare hazard and fortune? the which being carried as with the wind, doth incline sometimes to one side and sometimes to the other, floating up and down vpon the deep Sea, in danger every way of drowning.  

Causes moving this abuse still to bee maintained and continued.  One chief and principal motive of this is covetousness and avarice, together with a sottish ignorance. For when as these people did once perceive that for a small trifle they might haue their urines viewed, and some remedies appointed them, they were certainly persuaded there was no more to be done, being especially unwilling to be at any further charges: by which means it often cometh to pass, that neglecting the fit and convenient time and opportunity of doing themselves good, they wish ( but alas too late) they had been wiser. And others again are so obstinate in their idle opinion, and high conceit they haue conceived of the urine, that thou canst never drive this fond and foolish conceit out of their muddy brains, not if thou wouldest bray them with Salomons fool, in a mortar.  
As for our own Physitians( howsoever I am persuaded it be sore against many of their wills) yet can I not altogether excuse them for conniuing and winking at so gross an error, 
Good and learned Physitians ought not to wink at common errors.  it being a means of maintaining the multitude in their erroneous opinion. Neither yet is this sufficient that in their assemblies and meetings they rail against empirics, and these Water-mongers, since this their speech keeps within doors, and breaks no further forth.  
And howbeit it bee not in our power to punish the delinquents in this kind, yet is it our part and duty to lay open to the view of the world the errors and gross abuses committed by these deceivers. I do not indeed deny but vpon sight of the urine carried to some discreet and learned physician, the Patient hath now and then attained to his former health again; yet hath this been when the physician hath by his several interrogatories learned the whole nature and circumstances of the disease: 
casual events not to be trusted to.  for otherwise they were but casual, and not to be attributed to the means so unadvisedly prescribed: but nature itself being in good plight, was able of itself to encounter with the disease, as also to overcome the same; the victory whereof, this unadvised and rash remedy at that same time and instant exhibited to the Patient, doth appropriate unto itself. And yet the same Physitians if thou shouldst ask them, would ingeniously confess that it were far better for them once to see the Patient himself, 
The bare inspection of the urine only is to small purpose.  then his urine twenty times brought to him, and would willingly wish that this manner of viewing Waters were quiter banished out of the common-wealth, which I make no question hath cost many a man and woman their lives.  
But it may bee some will reply that wee pled for our own profit, 
objection.  and that by this means our Fees grow the greater.  
To these people I answer, 
answer.  that if they make so small account of their health, which is to bee prized far above pearls or Precious-stones, they deserve to smart for their sordid and base niggardly covetousness: howbeit the honest and conscionable physician doth always aim chiefly and principally at the health of his Patient, preferring it before any sordid lucre or gain.  
But put yet the case that the intention were such as they most falsely lay to their charge; yet would this never overthrow the necessity of the presence of the physician with his Patient, or yet give any more strength or authority to this Water-prophesying Profession. 
The vulgar sort ordinarily more liberal to Impostors and cozeners, then to honest and learned Physitians.  Most of those people notwithstanding thou shalt see so liberal& open-handed to any runagate Raggamuffin, that will prate of his own sufficiency in this Profession; who would grudge to bestow a Fee on an honest physician, who besides that he would give them good and fit remedies according to the state and nature of the disease, not omitting or letting pass over the fit and proper opportunity of doing good; they might often also save some charges in their purses, which they first bestow vpon such cozeners, and are forced afterwards to bee at a new charge again with a learned and honest physician, when perhaps it is too late, and yet might easily haue been effected at the first.  

Story of a rich Miser sending his urine to the physician, and smarting for his covetousness.  The same may also come to pass in sending the urine to a learned and skilful physician, yet ignorant of the state and disease, as it happened of late to a rich man here in the town of Delfe, who being assaulted with an intermittent tertian ague, sent his urine to a physician, otherwise of sufficient skill and learning, who immediately appointed to him a purge, which he took in his fit, and vpon the taking thereof fell into great extremity, whereupon he sent presently for another skilful physician from the Hage. Being come, the sick begins to rail on the other physician, and physic he had given him. Anthony Harwer( for so was he called who came from the Hage,) desired to see the bill wherein the others remedy was set down, the which having seen, he commended it, and withall asked whether the physician had been with him or no. he answered, that he had not been with him. The other smiling, replied; Blame not your physician( learned enough as appeareth) neither yet his physic, which was by him to good purpose appointed; but thou thyself art to be blamed, who didst not take it in due and convenient time. It is well, thou hast counsel according to thy pay, for if thou hadst called thy physician to thee, he would easily haue overcome a fever so easy to bee cured, and would on thy good day being free from thy fit, haue given thee thy physic, and so shouldst thou not haue needed for so small an accident to haue been at this cost to haue sent for me, the which is occasioned by thine own fault and oversight.  

Another objection.  But I hear some say, Admit that it is fit that the richer sort, and such as are of means and ability, sand for the physician, to haue his counsel and presence; what if the physician, by reason of distance of place, or otherwise of his manifold employments, and loss which it might be to him, cannot conveniently afford the sick his personal presence?  

Answer.  In this case it is the part of the country and neighbours about them, to convey such poor people, before the disease grow strong vpon them, to some town or City whereas good Physitians make their abode, to the end they may be daily visited and cured as well as the richer sort: and in this case I think no honest and religious physician will deny them his advice. If this cannot bee effected, they ought to be sent to the Hospitals, whereas are appointed Physitians of purpose freely to cure such silly poor sick people. Or yet if such Hospitals bee not always to be found, or if they haue no friends in a town, nor any acquaintance, at least it is to bee hoped they will find some compassionate people, who will extend the bowels of compassion, in providing lodging, with other things necessary for them. And no doubt but they shall likewise find some honest Physitians, who in such cases will afford them their counsel, as Hippocrates commands in his precepts. 
Laudable custom of such places as maintain public Hospitals, where also Physitians are entertained to look to the poor when they are sick  For this cause and purpose such Cities and commonwealths are much to bee commended, which haue in them such public hospitals, unto the which in time of need, as unto some place of succour and refuge, the sick and distressed people may haue their refuge and recourse. No less praise-worthy is such a City or Common-wealth, which doth maintain at their own cost and charges some Physitians, to the end they may in time of need more easily be helpful to the poor, sick, and diseased people.  
But it may bee yet further demanded, what if none of the former can bee performed, the disease perhaps being so hot and acute, that neither will it admit transportation to the place of the Physitians abode, neither yet is it safe to delay the matter any longer? 
When and with what caveat the urine may be sent to the physician.  In such a case I confess, if no better may be, the urine may be sent to the physician, providing it be sent by a discreet messenger▪ declaring by him the whole circumstances of the disease, both the beginning and increasing, together with the time of the continuance, and all the accidents thereof, and then it might bee perhaps to some purpose. And thus might the physician rather use some remedy then none at all: Howbeit yet, as we haue said, it were much better we did see the patient himself, and then to consider both of his urine and all other circumstances of the disease.  
The uncertainty of this conjecturing by urine hath been often observed, not by myself alone, but by many other honest Physitians also, so that when as I had well viewed the urine, as also afterwards appointed such remedies as in my iudgement were then fitting for the disease: that being immediately after called to some of the same patients, I haue found the same remedies to be quiter contrary to the disease, and haue been hereupon forced to alter and change again the said forms of remedies; and this I dare swear, that a number of other Physitians are of the same opinion with me, if they bear any love to the truth.  

The foolish custom of some people to try the Physitians skill by the urine.  Some are also of this foolish and idle humour, that they will come with their water to the physician, and that onely to hear what he will say concerning the same, not demanding any remedy for their disease: now this is the highest degree of folly; for what is this else, but as if one should say, I would willingly know my disease, and yet it is not my purpose to part from it; even as if a man which hath received some dangerous wound, would show the same to the Surgeon, and yet would not haue it cured. But let such people beware, lest thus dallying with their diseases, the time and opportunity of doing themselves good pass not away.  
It may be yet perhaps demanded, but what if one be amiss, yet not so extremely sick, but that yet he is able to travell abroad; In such a case, I say, may not such a one carry his urine to the Physitians? I do not deny it, if he observe such cautions as are in this case to bee observed, and that withall he acquaint the physician with the whole circumstances of his disease. And how I pray thee can the physician give thee sound and good counsel for thy disease, unless he understand thoroughly the original and ground of it, together with all that concerneth it; for better it is to deny thy help to the sick, then by thy temerity and rashness to precipitate him into extreme danger, or yet( as empirics, women-physitians, and such like) to cure him casually and by mere chance and hazard. This is then the sum of that which hath been said, that if any shall bee so sick that they are not able to come in their own person to the physician, 
The physician ought to see his Patient.  they shall not sand their urines to the Physitians houses, much less to these cogging and cheating empirics, &c. but shall with all speed and diligence sand for a physician both learned and well skilled in his profession, who shall not then onely view their urines, but shall in like manner well weigh and consider of all the rest of the signs, being present himself with the patient, and so shall be more able to cure the disease. This seemeth the Wiseman to command in these words: give place to the physician, 
Eccles. 38.12.  for the Lord hath created him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him. He saith not, sand thy water to the physician. Let us not then like the Physitians of Alexandria, followers of Erasistatus( who attained to all their skill in curing diseases by the onely reading of books, 
Against booke-physitians.  and were so idle loitering lubbards, that they were persuaded they might attain to the perfect knowledge of herbs by the pictures of them onely) by the sole conjecture of urine brought to our studies, adventure on the practise of this so noble a profession,& our Galen very fitly calleth such {αβγδ}, 
A pretty comparison.  that is, sailors by their book only; who learning all their Art of navigation by some geographical Cards, do suddenly with their ship rush vpon some rock, unto themselves altogether before unknown: even just so fareth it not onely with our cozening empirics, but with all such Physitians also as do too much rely vpon this so uncertain conjecture by urines.  
And for this cause also did Heraclides Tarentinus not unfitly compare such counterfeit Physitians to Praetors public criers, 
Another.  who in the Market-place among the great p●ease of people did lively set forth any fugitive slave, both in his apparel, stature, feature, colour of hair, &c. whom notwithstanding if he had been sitting hard by their elbow, they could hardly discern. After the same manner do our water-mongers also, who not having seen the party, yet will they by the urine lively set him forth in his colours: yea so Lynceus-like cleere-sighted are these Impostors, that not onely do they presume to take vpon them to discern by it the temperature and state of his body, but the disease itself also, or whatsoever is amiss within him, although they never haue seen the party: yea and if they should meet him in their way yet would they never know him, much less his disease, and that for very good reason, in regard they would find the case far otherwise, then they had by the deceitful urine heretofore judged. But howsoever it will prove a hard matter, and full of difficulty totally to abrogate this so inveterate error, yet shall the danger of this manner of conjecturing by urines plainly appear to the eyes of the most judicious. And if this abuse were reformed, then would no more trust be given to these malapert, juggling, and cheating knaves. But we will now proceed to lay open and declare how dangerous a thing it is by the sole inspection of the urine, without the sight of the patient, rashly to prescribe any remedies, especially such as be most generous, to wit, purging and bleeding, the which wee will prove as well by reasons as examples.   

CHAP. III. That vpon the sole inspection of the urine, Remedies ought not to be prescribed to the sick, except the physician being present by them, do first observe all the rest of the signs, which do in like manner belong to the perfect knowledge of the disease.  
OF the uncertainty of this sign of urine, in diseases, together with the manifold errors committed by empirics and others, as also the beginning and occasion of the same, we haue said sufficiently already: Now let us yet proceed& declare how unfit a thing it is, vpon the sole sight thereof, without weiging the rest of the signs by the sight of the Patient himself, to proceed to the cure of the disease: let it not therfore seem strange, if we instruct the ignorant, and discover the fraud and imposture of covetous and cozening knaves, usurping to themselves( but falsely) the name of Physitians. neither yet do we find fault with their impostures and cozenages, for any hatred or ill will we bear them, as being of the same profession with us, according to the common proverb, Figulus figulum odit: One beggar is woe, when another doth by the door go: the which I think no honest upright hearted man will judge. For, this we do onely out of that fervent affection wee bear to our neighbour whom wee see so to be gulled.  
Is it not fit to cleanse the wheat from the Tares? 
Errors ought to be reproved& banished out of the Commonwealth.  Is it unseemly to defend and maintain honest and simplo people from the impostures of cozeners and deceivers? When the judge punisheth offenders, is it not to maintain honest men in their right, and that not for any grudge or malice he beareth to the party, but to defend the innocent, the widow and orphans from oppression. The Father in like sort chastiseth his son, to reclaim him from his disorderly courses, and that when he cometh to yeares of discretion he may live an honest man: wherefore while as wee see that errors and abuses haue crept in into this noble Profession, shall wee not be thought to haue betrayed our profession, and with it mens lives, if wee give no warning of the same? Is it not our parts, when we see a stumbling block, or a ston, laid in our blind neighbours way, to remove, or at least to do our best to remove them out of his way.  
As for ourselves, if all things were well weighed, it may be, 
Great gain cometh often to good Physitians by the errors of empirics& others.  our gain would not prove so great as thou imaginest, in regard there cometh often to us no small profit by the errors of empirics, and such like scum and offscowrings. As for myself, I may boldly avouch, that I haue reaped as much or more gain and commodity by them which haue at the first been preposterously cured by those abusers, then by them to whom I was myself at first called. This will many more besides myself, I think, confess. Now if we had been called to them at first, then might they haue been more speedily, with less danger, and pain to their purses, cured at first.  
And whereas it may be objected, that some of our learned, judicious, and as they call them, dogmaticall Physitians, do still use this conjecturing by urine after the manner wee haue declared, prescribing likewise some Remedies, which if they help not the Patient; yet do they do him no hurt, and that onely lest they should seem to do nothing: such I say do in this as absurdly as the master, who in the greatest storm and tempest committeth his ship to the discretion of the boisterous winds and raging waves of the Sea. neither ought the physician to entertain this base and beggarly custom, fearing lest if they go from him, they should carry the same to some empiric: but this should rather be a motive to make them warn the Patients to beware of being bewitched with this so dangerous and tyrannicall a custom.  
It is the part of the Patient to sand for the physician, who shall then best be able to observe his disease, with all the signs and circumstances thereof: Now if any will come to us, and not lay open their disease, it were better to sand such Asses home without any counsel; for sending physic to parties whose diseases thou knowest not, thou mayst be a means of furthering them to their end, being unprepared, and so likewise endanger their souls.  
But admit the physician be present, yet is it not sufficient that he play his part, but likewise the sick, and such as assist, and minister unto him, as also other outward things, which might much hinder the cure, as our renowned Hippocrates doth teach us, 
hip. aph. 1. lib. 1  the which things the urine will never be able to show vs. The danger which may ensue vpon the unadvised prescribing of remedies vpon the sole sight of the urine, we haue already declared by the example of a white urine in a frenzy. 
Instances in some cases, wherein the urine may deceive vs.  If also the choler be carried upwards, and by casting and reaching voided away, it will come to pass that the urine will be crude, and of a whitish coloor: and yet if in this case thou shouldst appoint hot remedies in this hot disease, it is apparent into what danger thou castest thy Patient. In like sort if the sick shall lie long languishing of a dropsy, proceeding of a could and weak liver, the urine being for this reason of a reddish colour, and shall sand his urine to the physician, and he thereupon shall presently prescribe Phlebotomy, shal he not by the same means hasten this crazy carkeis to the grave? No man of understanding, I think, will deny it. Now of the disposition of such a liver( howsoever the body was not swollen) I will here relate a true story.  
At my first coming out of Italy, 
Of a Priest sick of a fever hectic, with a long continued looseness, killed by misskilfulnes and too much trusting to th● urine.  I came to the town of Pithiers in France, whereas I practised physic for a while, and among diuers other Patients whose cure I had undertaken, there was brought to me the urine of a certain Priest, who had now a long time lain very weak, all natural strength and vigour almost failing him: now the urine was very read coloured and thick withall, insomuch as I had no small suspicion that the sick was diseased of some hot acute disease proceeding from an extreme heat and ebullition of the blood. I inquired therefore of him that brought the urine, whether his Master had been long sick or no? He answered that he had kept his bed these three moneths at least. The which having heard, I could not but wonder at the urine, and the strangeness of the same. Wherefore I inquired of him again, whether he felt not some pain, and as it were some weight under his right side? The Seruant avouching that it was so, I inquired whether he was not troubled with some looseness, as likewise if his feet were swollen? The Seruant answered, That he voided by stool great abundance of bloody excrements, that his belly was very lancke and flat, his body dry and withered, and that his feet were not at all swollen. having understood all the premises, I said I thought it fittest to see the sick before I should administer any physic to him, lest trusting too much to the false flattering urine, I should let him blood, which might perhaps be an occasion of great mischief to the sick. The Seruant acquainted his Master with my message, and vpon that occasion the next day being sent for, when as I came to him, I found death written in his face already, 
Facies Hippocratica. Hippocr. prognost. lib. 1.  having such a face as is commonly called Hippocraticall, described by the famous Hippocrates in his predictions, to wit, a sharp nose, his temples fallen, hollow eyes, &c. and withall, his excrements were bloody, like the washing of raw bloody flesh, the which do most usually come to pass by means of the imbecility and weakness of the liver. The Pulse was small, weak, and somewhat quick, such as doth most commonly accompany a fever hectic, or Consumption. I inquired of him what had been the original cause thereof, and how long he had been troubled with it. He  told me among many other things, That at first he had used the counsel of a certain empiric, who had most grievously tortured and tormented his poor carkeis with most strong and violent remedies, 
The Impostor goeth about to cure him as sick of the French-pox.  confidently maintaining that his disease was the French pox. He said moreover, that he had laboured to cure him ( rather kill him) with such remedies as do violently loosen the belly, from whence hath proceeded this extraordinary flux, continuing with me now these two moneths at least: neither yet haue I sent this fellow away, howbeit, as I am now much afraid, the Author of my mischief: and for any thing I can as yet perceive, I wax daily worse and worse, my whole strength being now almost quiter decayed, wherefore I am now purposed to sand him away packing. moreover, as concerning the signs of the pox, I found none at all, and so far as I could collect by his own relation, there were never any at all.  
In the mean time while we were thus talking our empiric came in. This worthy Knight( call him knave if you please) was a Baker by profession. This saucy jack, like some proud Thraso, did marvelously expostulate with the Patient for sending for me: a great cause indeed to chide poor Pamphilus. Some certain big words did this Braggadochio breath out, as is the manner of these men, howbeit to small purpose: adding moreover, that none could cure him besides himself. Sometimes he said he was sick of the pox, prating of many other idle things not worth the rehearsal: and presently again would he affirm, that he had a ston in his bladder as big as an egg, and that he would be content to be hanged if it were not according to his words. Wherefore perceiving it would be to small purpose to use reasons against one, who could be little bettered by the same, or by any sharp reproof, I only answered him thus briefly, My Friend, I came not hither of mine own accord, but being sent for: and now so far as I can perceive, the patient hath need of present help; wherefore I think it fittest to administer unto him such things as may by little and little stop the flux, or else in a very short time his vigour and strength will quickly perish and decay. As for any signs either of the ston, or of the French pox, I find none at all.  
Whiles I was thus talking, he betaketh him to his heels in a great chafe and rage. After I had appointed his diet, and such gentle remedies as I thought fittest, I departed homeward. The third day after, the seruant came to me again, acquainting me that his Master was now much better then heretofore, I still wishing him to continue in that course I had appointed him. 
Phlebotomy prescribed without the sight of the party, by the urine only, hasteneth the sick to his end.  But yet not resting content with my counsel, sends yet his urine to another physician, who vpon the sole sight thereof, without any further, appointeth Phlebotomy. These blockish people,( notwithstanding I had strictly charged the contrary,& dissuaded from bleeding, whatsoever encouragement they might seem to haue from the urine) did with speed put the same in execution. Whereupon he was like to haue yielded up the ghost. Of which being advertised by the seruant sent again unto me, I  told him that the urine had deceived the physician,& withall undone the patient, wishing they had better followed my directions,& that now his only course was to provide himself for another world. The seruant was scarce come within the doors, when his master verified my prediction. The friends desirous to know whether the varlets words concerning a ston in the bladder, would prove true, caused him after his death to bee opened, but no such matter was found, howbeit this Rogue had pledged his neck on the same.  

Not safe always to let blood when the urine is read.  Wherefore here we may learn, that it is not safe vpon the sole inspection of a read urine, presently to appoint bleeding, since the same may proceed sometimes of a crudity and weakness of the liver: and in this Priest was such an imbecility conjoined with a fever hectic, and therefore his bleeding proved to bee his bane. And that wee ought not rashly vpon the sight of a read and thick urine, prescribe Phlebotomy( whatsoever Auicen and the Arabian Physitians do hold) it is a thing not to be doubted of. It is then apparent how dangerous it is to prescribe remedies vpon the sight of the urine onely, as also how deceitful a sign this is.  
And to this purpose is not impertinent a pretty Story which Langius relateth in his Epistles, where he maketh mention of a certain Apothecary being a jew, having at the very entry of his shop set a carved Image of a fool, appareled with a particoloured coat, 
A pretty description of a water-prophet.  and a read hat on his head, who holding out an Urinall in his hand, fleering as fools use to do, seemed to show the same to the beholders. A physician being there by with Langius, unraveling what this might mean, entering within the shop asked the jew concerning the meaning of this matter. 
Ingenious confession of a jew  The jew answered, that he had heard both from his Father and Grand-father having both been Physitians, that such Physitians as by the fallacious iudgement of Urine do attempt to know and discern the disease together with the causes of it, and the place affencted, are fools like unto him, who did mock and laugh to scorn their rash iudgement of the same, whom for this cause he had set for a sign before his shop door. So free and ingenuous a confession of the truth in this matter, may one seldom hear among our Christian Water-prophets, before whose doors such signs were very fit to be set up.  
It is not then sufficient to content ourselves with the bare inspection of the urine sent to us; but it is our part to visit the Patient, yea often if it bee possible, 
Lib. de precept.  and Hippocrates himself giveth us warning of the same, as also to inquire of the most ignorant Idiot such things as may help forward the Cure. The same Author in another place saith thus: Come often at the sick, visit diligently, 
Lib. de centi. ●ornatu.  withstanding such things as might be done ignorantly, and changing them if they be already done. And thus thou shalt more easily attain to the knowledge of the same, and shalt bee the readier for every occurrent, &c. Now yet further if the inspection of the urine only were sufficient to give us full notice as well of the disease as of the signs and symptoms thereof, what needed Physitians to haue written so many volumes with so great labour and toil concerning other signs and tokens whereby they are discerned. And we red that Galen himself findeth out diseases, and distinguisheth them by the pulse, which requireth of necessity the presence of the physician, as well to judge of it by the touching, as of diuers other excretions by the sight.  
Hence also cometh it to pass, 
Galen hath written of set purpose diuers books concerning the pulse, not so concerning urines.  that neither Hippocrates nor Galen haue of set purpose so curiously set down this Doctrine of urines; howbeit they haue here and there as occasion served made mention of the same, as willing us not too much to rely vpon it, but to conjoin all the rest of the signs, which he shall never be able to do without the sight of his Patient. 
johannes Damascenus& Rhases in Aphorismis.  This is also the opinion of johannes Damascenus, in his aphorisms, and Rhases doth likewise confirm the same. And it cannot bee denied but many by reason of the inconstancy of this sign( which often deceiveth the physician) haue had their dayes much shortened, whom it had been perhaps an easy matter to haue saved, if they had had a skilful physician by them. And of this I will set down as lamentable an example as was the former. Vpon a time an honest man being troubled with a carnosity, 
Story of an vnskilfull Surgeon, who pierced a carnosity in the passage of the Yard, procu king by this means the death of the Patient.  grown in the passage of the urine, at the bottom of his Yard, a certain fool-hardy barber giuing himself forth for some skilful Surgeon, thrusting up a Catheter into his Yard, burst through the passage, thinking there had been some ston in the bladder; whence it came to pass that a flux of blood ensuing, together with an inflammation and burning fever, the diseased through the unskilfulness of this wicked wretch was cast away. When death was now knocking at the door, and ready to break it open in her Soueraignes name, they sand his urine to me, this being the custom of the common people, and of some others also. The urine was thin and clear, with a small residence,( for the flux of blood had ceased but a little before) of a golden colour, inclining somewhat to Saffron, insomuch that neither could any haue discerned any inflammation, nor acute fever by the same; howbeit it was somewhat coloured: but understanding by the seruant that his stones were exceeding swollen( the which no man by the urine could ever haue discerned) I went to him myself, and found that his privy members and stones were so exceedingly swollen, that scarce had I at any time known the like; and at length the urine was quiter stopped, that not so much as one drop could come forth. There was this brave barber stiffly maintaining that this was nothing else but the ston in the bladder, and was resolved to haue cut him, the breath being now ready to depart out of his body if I had not dissuaded him. He had also administered unto him very hot and sharp medicines for breaking of the ston, which had increased as well the fever as the inflammation, and consequently killed him before wee could bethink us of any fit remedies. His dead body being opened to see if they could find any ston, they could find none, neither in the kidneys, pipes of the urine, nor yet in the bladder; so that then they gave credit to my speeches.  
I could relate a many like Stories of such as haue been diseased of Pleurisies, inflammation of the lungs, and the like, deluded to their great damage by this so deceitful a sign: but these shall now suffice to prove that which we haue undertaken. Now since it hath been lately declared that the physician can by the inspection of the urine onely, neither find out the infirmity nor yet the place affencted, much less the causes and symptoms of them: now it resteth to declare that the urine cannot indicate or demonstrate the cure itself; but that besides the urine there are certain scopes and ends, from which the indications of curing are derived, which do no less require the Presence of the physician then the former, the which also in the next place wee will set down; 
In libris observat. Medicinal. de febribus.  howbeit I haue elsewhere handled the same as occasion was offered.   

CHAP. IIII. That there is a certain Method and order of signs and causes, as also of diseases, together with the accidents of the same: that there are also certain scopes and ends from the which again the indications of curing are derived, by means whereof, and not of the bare inspection of the urine onely, the cure itself is performed: by all which as well the utility as the necessity of the presence of the physician with his Patient is proved.  
NOw as concerning the signs of diseases, and the finding out of the same, our learned Physitians haue laboured nor a little. And as concerning the fountain and spring from whence they do proceed, our Physitians haue set down diuers; the which first of all that euer-praise-worthy Hippocrates found out, who laid also the first foundation of this rational physical Profession, as it is now practised, 
Rationalis sectae Author Hippocrates.  worthy the admiring in this one point, that he proceeded so far in this Profession, that he hath been ever highly esteemed, not onely by those who lived in his time: but even in the succeeding ages also. This rational sect, as wee may call it, doth proceed from the nature of the thing itself, to find out the signs, the causes, and remedies. Hence also cometh it to pass that a physician professing the same, must understand the temperature and constitution of mens bodies, as also to be well exercised in finding out the several infirmities of the parts of the body. 
After Hippocrates Galen, and after him many learned men haue handled this Method.  After many other famous and learned men succeeded Galen, who hath herein gotten himself so much glory, that he hath left but little for his Successors to glean after him. Of late diuers learned men haue well manured this Method, as namely Montanus. Fernelius also refined this faculty, publishing it to the view of the world. The same hath lately been illustrated with a new and easy Method by Heurnius, and Argenterius hath also attempted the same; and many others haue taken no small pains in this matter. Now howsoever they may seem somewhat to vary and differ in the enumeration of the particulars; yet they are all derived from a true and sound Method. And thus Donatus with Galen, 
Donatus ab alto mari.  search out first of all the place affencted and grieved: to wit, whether it be so of itself, or by consent of some other part: the which notwithstanding without the knowledge of Anatomy, no man can ever find out. The place affencted or grieved therefore he searcheth and inquireth into, from five several springs and fountains: from the hurt the action hath received, from the manner of the excretions, the position or situation of the part, the nature or manner of the pain, together with the propriety of the accidents. So in like manner doth he find out the disease itself, from the excretions, the propriety of the pain, the propriety of the accidents, the nature of the part itself, and from such things as haue preceded and gone before; such as are the manner of diet, custom, age, the constitution of the air, or the Heauens, together with the disposition of the whole body. 
Leonhardus. Iacchinus cap. 1. in 9. Rhas. ad Almans. Montanus Met. vniuersa. cap. 56.& 57  And besides this, such a disease as properly pertaineth to the part, doth continue without intermission, but that which cometh by consent hath some intermission. After this manner also proceedeth Leonhardus Iacchinus. Montanus collecteth all his from two fountains or springs, to wit, from the actions& passions of the whole body. he doth therefore observe whether the action vital, natural, or animal bee quiter decayed and perished, or any ways depraved or marred. The natural actions are considered from the change of excretions of the said parts: the animal actions from the excretions or superfluities of the brain, the vital from the pulse. After the same manner do we consider of the passions as we haue done of the actions. Thus do wee first of all consider the passions of the brain, such as are watching, sleep and deliration. The vital are distrust, fear and shamefastness; the last whereof being once lost, that party seldom recovereth the health. The natural passions are pleasure& delight, hunger, thirst, and the like, being referred to the stomach. There mayst thou see a many mo things concerning this subject, which of purpose I pass by,& that for fear of being too tedious. 
Argenterius lib duobus de offici Medici, praesertim. cap. 18. lib. 2  Argenterius also hath a large field tending to this same purpose, which I will also here omit. All which do intimate so much unto us, that the urine only cannot bring all this to pass. Now next let us proceed to the causes of diseases.  
Briefly therefore of the causes, some are internal, called {αβγδ}, being bread within the body of man, such as are blood, phlegm, yellow and black choler, exceeding their own bounds and limits. Other causes are external, called primitive, and by the Greeks {αβγδ}, being without the body of man, as heat, could, poison, with innumerable others, &c. Now of these, some again be necessary, as the ambient air, our meate, drink, rest, sleep, watching, perturbations of the mind; as fear, sadness, anger, &c. Others again are not so necessary but that wee may well avoid the same: such are hot stews, baths, unctions, apparel, smells, carnal copulation, external motions, whether by horse, wagon, as also falls, with a number of other things, which do suddenly assault us: all or any of which, who so would seek for in the urine, deserved to be begged for a fool, or to be allowed urine for his ordinary drink. The internal causes haue their original and being from the primitive, evident, or external, concerning which thou mayst see many famous ancient and later writers. 
Gal. de cause. morb.&. sympt. Fernel de causis morber. &c.  As for the final cause it is not to be observed in the Art of physic. The efficient cause is that which altereth and changeth the state of the body from an equality and good temper, to an inequality and distemper: the same is again either internal, external, or primitive, within the body do alter it, the meate, drink, and medicines: without the body, the affections of the mind, anger, motions, carnal copulation, sleep, and watching. The material cause may also become the efficient cause of the disease, being also two-fold; the one, the matter of which, as are the humours; the other, the matter in the which, as are the members of the body, receiving the diseases and infirmities of the same. The formal cause, as in a fever, an external and outward heat. Now how be it much more might be said concerning the causes, yet will wee not insist any longer vpon them, but refer the curious Reader to the aforesaid authors with many others.  
Now as neither the signs nor causes of diseases can be discerned by the urine, it followeth now in order that the indications of curing, or that part of physic called Therapeutica, can no more be found out by the urine, but it is to be found out by certain scopes or ends, from whence are afterwards derived certain indications of curing. But to the end wee may more easily attain to our purpose, wee will first of all declare what is meant by these four, Indicatio, coindicatio, contra indicatio, correpugnatio, beginning first to tell what is meant by this word Scope. 
A Scope what it is.  A Scope then is the term, or end whereunto the action is directed. Indication 
Indication.  is the reason or motive of doing such a thing, which looking vpon the Scope, doth point out to us: or thus, Indication is the knowledge of that which may either help or hurt: Coindication 
Coindication.  is that which sheweth us the same that the Indication, but not primarily of itself, but by accident, and as it were in another place. Thus the strength of the patient is said to indicate Phlebotomy, or a proper diet, but the temperature of the body, the age, the sex, the custom do coindicate the same, because they declare in what state the strength of the body standeth, and consequently do declare and point out the diet, not of themselves, but by others mediation and coming betwixt them. Contraindication 
Contraindication.  is that which primarily and principally doth hinder that which was suggested by the indicant: as the abundance of humours do indicate a plentiful evacuation; the Contraindicant is the want of vigour and strength, hindering this work, and opposing the self against it, as being more by the same overthrown then any thing else within the body of man according to the course of nature. Correpugnation 
Correpugnation. ( if so I may say) or Correpugnantia, are such things as do secondarily oppose themselves to the Indication, and as one might say opposing themselves together, or joining with the other in opposition, such as are in evacuation, the age, the sex, the temperature of the body, and the rest of this nature and kind: all which when they show the imbecility and weakness of natural strength, do either not admit any evacuation at all, or else do insinuate the apt and due moderation of the same. Now such things as do neither indicate nor contra indicate, neither persuading, nor dissuading; such I say as if they were not at all, are not of us considered, or taken notice of, but of these things see at great length Donatus, Argenterius, and Montanus, with many others, the which the learned, if they be desirous, may there see set down at great length, and so it doth plainly appear that the indications of curing are not taken from the inspection of the urine, as many most falsely haue hitherto conceived, but yet we will set down in the next Chapter the chief Scopes from whence Indications are taken, and so shall the uncertainty and deceitfulness of this sign of urine be made more manifest.   

CHAP. V. That remedies ought to be sought from certain scopes and indications, for the which cause such Physitians are to be blamed, who do unadvisedly vpon the sole sight of the urine prescribe their remedies.  
NOw then to acquit myself of my former promise, and to the end this matter may more manifestly appear, I will out of the former famous Physitians briefly set down the chief scopes from whence the indications of curing are taken. 
1 Scope. Whether wee are to undertake the Cure or no.  The first scope of all therefore shall be, whether that wee would take in hand ought to be undertaken; for if it be possible, then may wee boldly go about it; if impossible, then not to attempt it. Now to the end the physician may undertake or not undertake a cure, two things are to be considered, the efficient, and the matter or instrument on the which the physician is to work. Then come wee next to the manner of curing. Now then if wee mean to proceed in it, two things must concur, the power, and the matter; if either bee wanting wee can do nothing to any purpose; as if any member of the body be deficient, eye, nose, &c.  
The physician himself may in like manner be deficient, in regard of his ignorance and insufficiency, such as be empirics, women-physitians, &c. who are fitter for base employments then for so weighty a calling. The skilful and learned physician may yet be deficient also in regard of some operations set down by some famous ancient Physitians, as being in those dayes usual, now disused and discontinued; as for example, the incision of the diseased of a Dropsy, the which perhaps may be either in regard of the difficulty thereof, or in regard of the decaying of the strength, it not being then safe to administer the same. Sometimes also it cometh to pass that although as well the matter as the instrument be fitted for the operation, that yet notwithstanding it is not safe to go about the cure, in consideration of some other circumstances which do internally or externally happen and befall the subject wee are to deal withall. The internal may bee the temperature of the body, perturbations of the mind, age, and sometimes the self-wilfulnesse of the sick. For if we should appoint a strict and thin sparing diet, the temperature of the body not being able to bear the same( as commonly wee see in choleric bodies) then may it rather do harm &c. So must wee be sparing with Phlebotomy either in young children, or yet in women with child, especially towards the beginning and later end of their time, the like circumspection is to be used in purging remedies. Neither yet are wee to neglect the perturbations of the mind, as in faint hearted people wee are to use these remedies sparing, as also in lasks, and in the menstruous flux of women, and in the Piles or Hemorrhoids. Such things as do externally befall us, are first the air, and therefore in soft and foggy bodies, in any great excess of Summers heat or Winters could the same ought to bee restrained if not wholly inhibited: the like being understood of an exceeding hot or could region. custom also must not be contemned, for some accustoming themselves to feed 3. or 4. times a day, falling sick must be more liberally dieted; and such as are accustomend to purging and bleeding, sustain less hurt by the same. In like sort we are to consider whether we are to attempt any thing at all, or to commit the whole work to natures wise disposing, according to the opinion of Argenterius: or yet if we see the disease so far gone that there is no good to be done, not to attempt to do any thing, but to foretell the dangerous issue of the same. 
Second scope choice of that which is fittest to be done.  The second scope followeth vpon the first, for having in the first place considered whether we are to go in hand with the cure or no, in the next place we are to consider what is to be done, for being many things to bee done, it is not a thing of small moment to understand what he is to do, whether to use evacuation or repletion, digestion, nutrition, alteration, refrigeration, with infinite other things more; or whether some thing besides all these yet is to be done, of the which whosoever is ignorant going about one thing in stead of another, must needs bee the author of great mischief. The cause then doth indicate and declare unto us what wee are to do,( as Montanus well observeth) but the efficient cause doth especially indicate preservation from future infirmities: the material cause being corporeal or incorporeal, belongeth properly to the curing or curer of the said infirmities. Now these two sorts of material causes do differ, the material corporeal cause ascribing unto itself evacuation; the other being incorporeal only alteration. Or yet this indication( according to the opinion of Argenterius) is taken from the number and difference of the infirmities, &c. Galen defumeth the same from the dignity of the part or member, the nature of the action, from the substance and situation thereof, whom other Writers do also imitate. So doth Iacchinus defume and take the indication of this scope from the temperature of the part, the excellency of it, the seat or situation,& the connexion or knitting therof with some other. Donatus in like manner draweth the first indication from the temperature of the part itself, affirming that the substance together with the infirmity itself do both demonstrate this,( as 5. Meth 
●. Meth. ) and the manner how to use the same is taken from the form and situation. And thus doth Galen appoint to preserve and keep the natural temperature, with things alike in quality to the same, as to appoint dry remedies to dry parts, and moist to the moister, &c. Secondly, Donatus taketh his indication after Galens mind, from the action, and therefore willeth us to purgc the liver, and stomach with great caution and circumspection, by reason of the nobleness of their actions, and the necessary use of them to the whole body: thirdly, from the shape and figure of the part affencted. By this means are we warned by which way and passage we are to evacuate, to wit, the stomach by vomit and stool, the guts by stool only, as also the hollow parts of the liver, the kidneys, the backe-part of the liver, and the bladder by the passages of the urine, &c. The fourth indication he takes from the situation of the part. Thus are wee to apply to outward distempers remedies just of the same degree of contrary qualities, and such as the distemper requireth. But again the inward and far remote parts of the body being distempered require remedies a great deal stronger then the distemper in its own nature, and that in regard of the remoteness of the part, the physic losing some of the force in the passage, &c. The fift indication he taketh from the sensibleness of the part, such as be of an obtuse and dull feeling contemning for the most part the most effectual means, although they were of a corroding and eating quality. Such parts again as be very sensible their strength is quickly overthrown. It is very meet and expedient therefore to remedy the same not all at once in one instant with strong and forcible means, but for the more safety by degrees: but where the feeling is duller thou mayst safely use such remedies as thou shalt find fitting all at one time. And thus it now appeareth plainly that this second scope is not to bee taken from the viewing of the water, as these ignorant Urine-mongers do most falsely suppose, who vpon the bare inspection of it appoint their most dangerous and strong medicines, yea rather most deadly poisons, as do in like manner our alchemists with their most dangerous metall-medicines, they being both alike ignorant in the Principles and rules of Art. The third scope is by what means 
Third scope by what means.  wee ought to bring that to pass which we intend. This scope then requireth the furniture of such stuff as physic is able to afford us, the which either the disease or the cause of the same doth indicate. If the disease, then it cannot be sufficiently known without the Physitians presence, much less cured unless he be either always present, or at least do often visit his Patient. This scope then is indicated from the disease, the cause, together with the accidents of the same. And therefore old inveterate obstructions do indicate strong and forcible medicines for the opening of them: the abundance of humors, such physic as may be fit for the evacuation of the same. The disease which yet is crude admitteth no evacuation before the concoction thereof. They are not therefore without blame who presently vpon the sight of the urine onely, appoint the Patient strong and violent Purgations, whether there bee concoctions or none at all, and that quiter contrary to the mind of Hippocrates and other learned Physitians.  
And thus doth every one of these indicate the own proper remedy, whether the cause, disease, or accidents of them. Distemper doth indicate alteration; the multitude of humours evacuation; crudity, concoction; pain, mitigation of the same; any violent flux, astringent and binding remedies, &c. The fourth scope considereth the quality of the matter, that is, a choice of the fittest means, especially when they are many, together with the quantity of the same. 
The fourth scope the selection and choice of the fittest means, and the quality of the same.  And therefore it is not sufficient for us to know what doth evacuate choler or any other humour, but what effecteth it to best purpose, The quality of the remedy is taken according to Galen, from the action which it bringeth forth, taking the name from the part to the which it is appropriate, and the infirmity which it helpeth. The first qualities such as are heat, could, drought and moisture, are the Authors of the action, and such as are derived from them, as those which do soften, harden, loosen, extend or stretch; and such likewise as do follow the solidity of the substance, to wit, those that do attenuate, that do cut, and such as do thicken and stuff up the passages, and are called properly enplasticae, as in like sort such as are engendered of the two former sorts of qualities, as are astringent, repelling, digesting, opening, thickening, cleansing, together with others of the same nature and kind. Secondly, the quality of remedies is taken according to Galen, from the similitude or likeness of the whole substance, from whence doth proceed the purging quality, which doth draw the humours of the body, some purging one humour some another. Thirdly, it is taken from the infirmity and the part affencted; as for example, Bechica bee such remedies as are appropriate for the cough; Stomachica, hepatica, such as befit the stomach and liver. Now the infirmity itself doth indicate the applications of the first qualities, thus; the heat that which is could, and the could again that which is hot, &c. The temperature again doth indicate the application of the like, as a could temperature requireth a could quality, &c. The same may bee said of all the aforesaid qualities.  
Now which of the qualities, that take their names from the place and the infirmity of the same, ought to be applied unto it, is indicated or declared as well by the nature of the part itself, as of the disease also. And for this cause the stomach& liver do require such medicines as may strengthen them, as wormwood, &c. Each part also doth crave her proper and peculiar remedy: and so also are some diseases thought to be helped by some peculiar remedies; as the falling sickness by Peonie, &c. The fift general scope is the quantity of the remedy: 
The fift scope the quantity of the remedy.  and in nothing whatsoever do empirics and ignorant Physitians err more then in this point, it being notwithstanding so dangerous. It is not then sufficient to know that the disease is to bee cured by contraries; but the exact quantity of the remedy is also to be found out: for if we shall happen to ouer-coole a hot disease, we may cast the sick into a could disease, the which to prevent we ought to be acquainted both with the state of the body of the sick, the disease itself, together with the nature and faculties of the remedies. Now that I insist not vpon the opinions of Montanus Argenterius, and others, I will show onely from whence Galen taketh his indications of the quantity of the remedies, whom Akakia also( my sometimes kind and loving friend, when as I practised physic in France) doth imitate. he taketh his indication of the quantity; first from the greatness of the infirmity, under which name I comprehend both the disease, the cause, and accidents of the same. A great infirmity therfore doth not only require a great quantity of the remedy, but also a competent power and force in the same: the smaller infirmity, smaller in quantity, and remisser in force: and finally the excess of nature is to bee driven away by the like excess of the remedy. In the next place Galen taketh his indications from the obstinacy and stubbornness of the disease; for when the same may easily bee removed, then are we to exhibit our remedies seldomer and more sparing: but if they be hard and uneasy to be removed, then may we more freely, more copiously, and oftener exhibit our remedies. Thirdly, from the strength, for if it decay and wast, then must we exhibit our remedies sparing and seldom: but if the case bee otherwise, then may wee oftener and frequently use the same. Fourthly, from the proper and peculiar nature of the Patient: for according as they differ, so must the remedies in like manner vary. Some constitutions there are to whom any physic will presently turn into nourishment, and such may take the same more liberally. Others there are again who are amnoyed with any physic whatsoever, so that oftentimes the very smell of it will incite them to casting; and to such thou oughtest to give the same more sparing. Fiftly, from the nature and condition of the part:& this doth comprehend also under it the exquisite sense and feeling, together with the dulness thereof, the solidity, the office, &c. And therefore an acute sense and feeling doth reject a strong and copious medicine, which a more obtuse and dull sense admitteth willingly. Likewise a thin and spongeous part requireth much milder then that which is thick, hard and compact. So in like manner the noble parts, and such as perform a common duty to the whole body,( such as are the stomach, liver, heart, and brain) require the same more mildred, and withall sparing. On the contrary such as be obscure, ignoble, and perform no such public and common office, may easily endure it somewhat quicker and in greater quantity. sixthly, Galen taketh the indication of the quantity of the remedy from the shape or fashion of the part. And therefore such parts as haue within and without large and wide passages, through the which the medicine may be easily conveyed to the place affencted, and the matter of the disease digested, require the same more gentle and more sparing: but such again as are destitute of the same, or haue their passages narrower, require it both more copious and more quick. eleventhly, from the situation and connexion of the part with others; for such as bee outward having any society with the stomach and guts, require the same both gentle and little in quantity: but such as bee more remote from the former, demand it in greater abundance and stronger withall.  
The sixth general scope is the limitation of the quantity, 
The sixth scope. The manner or limitation of the quantity.  or the manner of administering it according to the several occurrents and occasions. And therefore it is not without cause that Montanus saith, wee are well to consider how and after what manner we go about that we take in hand: for we proceed after one manner when it is a malign disease, and otherwise when it is secure and voided of danger: as also many dangerous accidents require a course far differing from that disease where there is no such thing to be seen. Now the material cause also, or the subject in the which the disease is inherent doth indicate the same, as that the cure must proceed after one manner in the brain,& after another in the liver. 
Vale Gal. ad Glam. Montanum.  And to the former may be also added the sick parties custom, state of life or calling, the time of the year, age, temperature, or constitution of body; the motion of the disease, or the resting or staying of the same, and the nature of the place affencted.  
A number of other indications for brevities sake I of purpose pass by, howbeit these may sufficiently declare unto us that which the stinking urine will never do. Now notwithstanding all the premises, we shall yet remain in great doubt and suspense, unless things bee done conveniently and in due time. And therefore the seventh scope considereth the due& convenient time 
The seventh scope. The fit& convenient time.  for that we take in hand. Thus the motion of the disease doth indicate when to do or not to do, and the time likewise of the disease. And therfore if the motion of the disease be quick& speedy, we must with all speed help and succour the same: wherefore we must help very acute and sharp diseases on the very self same day they begin vpon, enjoining a most exquisite and sparing diet withall, delay being here most dangerous. If the disease go on slowly, the matter of the same not swelling, nor yet in very great abundance, but still and quiet, then are wee to expect the concoction of the same. The time of the disease doth indicate that we ought not to attempt any evacuation at the beginning, but in the increase, when as the signs of concoction do manifestly appear. In the beginning of inflammations we are to abstain from such medicines as do digest and discuss. In the increase, and when it is now come to a stand and stay, we are to use the same. So according to the mind of Galen the fit and convenient time is taken from the times of the disease, the violence of the accidents, and from the concoctions. So likewise the sick parties proper and peculiar disposition, as also the remedies which haue gone before or ought to follow, as also the preceding or following infirmities, do often further or hinder the exhibiting of any more physic. And for this cause if the nature of the infirmity require Phlebotomy, and yet the self same day the sick haue taken a purging potion, we must of necessity defer the remedy howbeit in itself very necessary. Now such things as do commonly indicate, are the infirmities themselves, together with the state and condition of the body. Such things again as do hinder, are sometimes the disorder and unruliness of the sick, the frowardness of the physician, the perturbations of the mind, as also the manners and disposition of the sick. The particular occasion hath in like manner the own proper and peculiar indications: but such as in regard they are conversant about particulars, are rather to be learned by experience then by reason.  
Now these seven foresaid scopes being common to other actions, we will yet add two more, to wit, the eighth and ninth, concerning the place and order, the which are more peculiarly appropriated to this Profession. The eighth scope teacheth us to apply our remedies to the proper place. 
The eight scope The proper place.  And therefore the great guts demand glisters, as fit remedies; the small guts, some purge taken at the mouth; the stomach or maw, a vomit, and sometimes a purge; the backe-parts of the liver, by such means as provoke urine, as hath been said already, and so in many others, &c.  
But as in other the former scopes, so in this also, some things do sometimes occur, which do often hinder that wee cannot handsomely bring to pass that which is by the indications suggested unto vs. As for example, the mouth of the stomach being much perplexed by reason of hot distemper, and demanding some actually cooling remedy to bee applied thereunto, the situation of the midriff doth prohibit us from applying any such outward remedy. The ninth scope is the order. 
The ninth scope. The order.  For when as in a disease there be diuers things to be done, it concerneth us not a little to know what is to be done in the first place, what in the second, and so consequently in order. Thus are we forced sometimes in burning fevers, first of all to cool the whole body, then next we remove the obstructions. As also when the strength of the body is almost quiter wasted away, and the spirits near spent, before we either set vpon the disease or the cause thereof, wee are constrained to administer some such comfortable nourishment and other means as may best nourish and comfort feeble& distressed nature. In like manner we do first cleanse a distempered ulcer from the matter and corruption of it, before wee attempt to cure the distemper of the same. And therefore I think this axiom worthy the remembering, which may also direct us what to do, to wit, 
Vide Argent. lib. 2. de office. Medici. cap. 18. Donat. 1. part. de febr. Heurn. Meth. ad praxin. lib. 3. &c.  that wee are to begin with that which most presseth and urgeth us, to wit, that first of all we remove the same, and in the next place that which supplieth the place of the efficient cause: Lastly, wee are to come to such things, without the which the rest cannot be accomplished. But of these things thou mayst at great length see the learned volumes of diuers famous Physitians.  
And now I hope it is apparent to the eyes of every one, that such Physitians prove fools who do from the inspection of the urine, affirm that they are able to find out any one, much less all these foresaid scopes, which is as impossible, as if they would contain all the water of the Sea in a few spoons. Whence it cometh to pass that these water-prophets plunge themselves in a world of errors, if omitting and passing by these scopes and indications vpon the bare sight of the urine they shall happen to prescribe physic for their Patients: when as these former indications do more then sufficiently declare, that the presence of the physician is also required to assist his Patient. And some are not content rashly and boldly vpon the bare sight of the urine,( as is said) to prescribe their remedies, but do withall, publishing the same in their vulgar tongue to the great damage of many, prostitute the same to every ones idle brain and fancy, to abuse them at his pleasure. But of this wee will now speak at greater length in this next Chapter.   

CHAP. VI. Against such as do prescribe and appoint remedies in their own vulgar tongue, making the same common to every one.  
NOw as we haue hitherto sufficiently convinced the errors of such as vpon the bare sight of the Urines, without any other indications, do prescribe their remedies to the sick without any sight of them: so must wee yet say something of another error depending vpon the former. And this is the prescription of remedies in the vulgar tongue. And therefore the renowned Hippocrates leaveth us this instruction, that high and great mysteries are not to be communicated to the ignorant multitude, but onely to such as are initiate& trained up in the grounds& principles of the same. And it doth manifestly appear, that if the mysteries and secrets of nature be laid open to wicked people, to Impostors and deceivers, or yet to the unlearned, they do exceedingly abuse the same. And therefore the foresaid Hippocrates, vpon the admission of such as he found worthy to enter into this profession; tied them to the oath of observing such precepts& ordinances as are set down in that science, most providently foreseing what great calamity and unexpected mischief might befall men, if the secrets and mysteries of this Art were made common to knaves and ignorant people. But this cursed custom is grown so common, that the vulgar sort of people seem to haue this noble Art of physic to sell and dispose of at their pleasures. 
This disorder occasioned by the sordid covetousness of the patient.  Now this cometh to pass in part by means of the sordid and base niggardliness of many, who either do obtain through importunity or otherwise, the prescription of their remedies in the vulgar tongue, to the end they may again if need so require, use the same in the like case, or yet communicate the same to their friends or acquaintance; and sometimes also after the serving of their bill, get the same again from the Apothecary to serve for the same purpose, not considering with themselves the manifold alterations and changes which may fall out in a short time, insomuch that that which before proved to be a most sovereign remedy for thy health, may now by reason of some circumstances, be the cause of thy utter overthrow and ruin. And thus haue I sometimes seen the bills of a physician dead twelve yeares before, carried to the Apothecaries shop to be made again. And moreover now of late I met with a bill wherein was set down the description of a purging Potion, being communicated from house to house, and so sent to the Apothecaries shop to be prepared, and was indifferently exhibited to every one which demanded it, and that without any regard either of age, sex, temperature of body, or season of the year, &c. again in the next place, 
As also by means of the Apothecary.  this cometh also to pass, by reason of the covetousness and avarice of the Apothecary, who is ready( aiming onely at his own gain and profit) at all times, and to all sorts of persons, to prepare and make ready such bills as are prescribed either in the latin, or yet in the vulgar tongue: the which nevertheless ought not to be done, unless the physician out of his discretion, shall think it fit for that individual party. This the Poet Sophocles wittily reprehended in these words  

Dulce lucrum etiam ex mendacio. Sophocles. Lucri bonus odour ex re qualibet. Iuuenalis.  Profit and gain thou ioyest my heart,  
Though thou from lies proceeded art.  
And this was the song of that sordid Emperour Vespasian, The smell of gain is always good from whence soever it doth come, &c. Now howbeit at my first coming out of Italy, finding this perverse custom to haue crept in amongst my countrymen, and therefore at first I also, howbeit against my will, gave way for a season to this inveterate custom; yet after a while well weighing with myself the manifold abuses and inconveniences of this so perverse a custom, I began to shake this burden off my shoulders, refusing to writ any bills at all either in the latin or vulgar tongue. 
A laudable custom of the Italian Physitians, in writing all their bills in paper-books, kept by the Apothecary.  And therefore I gave the Apothecary a paper-booke to keep by him, in the which I wrote down all my notes and receipts, as is the laudable custom of the Italian Physitians: this book I charged him to keep, and to suffer none to writ out any receipt or note out of it; nor yet to prepare any of them without my knowledge and privity.  
But if any will yet object that this is for our own private commodity, let him know that the honest, careful, and conscionable physician doth not so gape after gain as do the multitude of these mercenary counterfeit Physitians, being such in name onely; but above all things aimeth chiefly at the health of his Patient, preferring it even before his own private gain and commodity, ready to redeem their health, if it were with damage and detriment to himself. The which what other profession I pray thee will thus put in practise. And yet ought not the Patient to be so miserable and base-minded as to bee unthankful to his physician: howbeit when he hath been most bountiful in this kind, 
The physician can never bee sufficiently recompensed for his pains.  yet is he never able to requited him for so worthy a thing as is the health of the body: for whatsoever is given in this kind is nothing else but a sign and token of a thankful mind for so great and inestimable a benefit received. And this may plainly appear if wee shall but consider the equal intercourse and commerce amongst men, on the which the whole stream of Iustice and equity is founded; for then it will plainly appear, that howsoever money and wealth may counterpoise and match things of their own rank and nature; yet will it never bee able( as being of a far inferior and base rank and degree) condignly to recompense or reward the same. And in this may the difference bee seen betwixt this noble Profession and other inferior mechanical Arts, in the which it is apparent that the labourer may sufficiently be recompensed for his bodily labour and pains, as equity, long custom, or yet mutual covenant shall agree vpon. And put yet the c●se that health do not ensue( as it often pleaseth the Almighty otherwise to dispose) who can give the physician a sufficient competent recompense for all his toil, labour and pains; 
whatsoever is bestowed vpon the physician for his pains, is but a token of the Patients thankfulness, called properly honorarium not salarium, as in the mechanical Arts.  but especially for his anxiety of mind, his great solicitude and care which he day and night vndergoeth, for the misery, calamity, and perplexed estate of his distressed Patients? Can any man of understanding think that a small sum of money can sufficiently requited the same? No; if thou wert as rich as Craesus all thy wealth were not sufficient to recompense them condignly.  
But to return to our purpose again, I hope that honest and ingenuous Physitians will not follow this vulgar and corrupt custom: but will not onely themselves abstain from divulgating abroad their bills or books in the vulgar tongue, as also from this preposterous and perverse manner of inspection of urines in their own Chambers; but will also as much as in them lieth, labour to reclaim others from this error. And if yet they shall perhaps not attain to their intended end and purpose; yet shall they in this point perform the part of honest and careful Physitians. If any will yet further object, that if the urine do neither demonstrate and show forth the infirmities nor yet the indications of the same, to what end and purpose haue you heretofore referred the inspection thereof to so necessary and profitable a part of physic, as that which the Physitians call commonly semeioticall, or handling the signs of diseases? To this I answer, that none of our best Physitians do deny the necessary and lawful use thereof; but yet after a far other manner then most men haue hitherto conceived. My mind and purpose therefore is not, nor ever was, to take away the right use, but to reform the abuse of the same, and taking away that which hath been by it usurped, and now for a long time unjustly detained, to make known to the world what of right and due belongeth to the same, as hath been at great length declared already. And thus I think it fitting that the physician bee present with his Patient there, not onely to view his urine, but also narrowly to consider of all other such signs as do offer themselves to his view. For if wee think the presence of the Surgeon necessary for the curing of any outward wound received in the body, if he will cure the same according to Art as he ought: much more is it requisite that the physician be present with his Patient, being sick of any internal disease, to the end that both he may consider of all such things as we haue heretofore spoken of, as also that he may observe and mark all such things as may further or yet hinder the cure of the same, as hath been already at great length declared and set down. Now it may perhaps be replied, this is not a thing like to be reformed, since it is not unlikely that the greatest part will still retain their old inveterate custom, and will not free themselves from imposture and cozenage. To them I answer, that I beleeue this to be true, all men are not of one mind, neither yet can wee alone amend all errors which are crept into this noble profession; diuers others having before our times( although not with the expected issue) attempted the like. In the mean time this shall give the world a sufficient testimony of our diligence and care, in that wee haue here opposed ourselves against some such errors, as haue somewhat darkened the bright splendour of this Profession, and for the benefit of the sick, laboured and endeavoured to remove out of the society of the best approved Physitians, this vain babbling and conjecturing by the Urine: and some I hope there will be not onely ready to approve and think well of these our endeavours, but will also translate the same in their vulgar tongues, to the end that the most simplo and ignorant may by this means, if they will, free themselves from the imposture and cozenage of these deceiving Water-mongers. For this cause also are we to pray to the great and mighty God of heaven, that he would touch the ignorant consciences of these Sycophants, juggling and cozening empirics, woman-Physitians, and all the rest of that rabble, that yet at length they may repent them of their cozenages and impostures. I do in like manner most earnestly entreat and request all learned Physitians that they would join with me and others of my mind in these our so honest endeavours; and wee again will not be wanting on our parts: and further if at any time by means of the importunity of some wee shall bee forced to give way to this inspection of urine in our own Chambers, we shall nevertheless give warning to every one who shall thus come to ask counsel at our hands, that it were a great deal better that we were conducted to the place where the sick party lieth, that so both more easily and more safely we might do our best for the restoring of him again to his former health. But if on the other side they will not harken to this our wholesome admonition, the fault shall lie vpon themselves.  
Now at length to draw this our Discourse to an end, I hope it doth plainly appear, that the general conclusion whereabout we haue so much bestirred ourselves in this whole Discourse, as being the main subject thereof, to wit, that the iudgement of the nature and essence of diseases by the sole inspection of the urine, is very full of danger and deceit, is plainly and conspicuously laid open to the view of every one that will not shut up his eyes that he may not behold manifest truth. And certainly the very love we ought to bear unto our neighbours might bee a sufficient motive to induce us to lay open to the view of the world all such errors whereby our neighbour might be any ways endangered or endamaged, to the end he may avoid and shun the same.  
Now GOD of his great goodness grant that this labour and pains which I haue so willingly undertaken for this end and purpose bee not frustrate of the due effect.   
FINIS.   

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 falshoods and abuses committed by the vulgar sort of Practitioners, in the iudgement of diseases by the urines onely: together with a narrow survey of their substance, chief colours, and manifold contents, joining withall 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 Physitians 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 Pauls. 1625.   

TO THE HIGH AND mighty PRINCE, CHARLES PRINCE OF WALES.  
SO manifold are the miseries( high and mighty Prince) incident to mortal man, that it may seem not ill said of 
Cicero in Calce lib. 1. Tusc. quaest.  Silenus, who being taken prisoner by king Midas, for his ransom taught the king, that it was best for a man not to be born; and being once born, to die speedily. And in like sort, that the 
long. epist. medicine. lib. 2. epist. 2. ex Herodoto& Lactantio.  Thracians had some reason to mourn and lament at the birth; but on the contrary, to feast and rejoice at the funerals of their friends. The manifold infirmities following him from his birth to his burial, seem to plead for this opinion. And therefore no less wittily and wisely then truly was it pronounced by the heathen Poet: 
vivere quid est nisi val●re v●ta. marshal.  To live, I call to lead a life free from infirmities. And this was the cause why the 
De his vide Pol●d. Virg. de invent. rerum lib. 1. cap 20 ex Pl●n.& ●lijs.  ancients ascribed the invention of physic to no meaner author then their gods, as they called thē. The 
Hippocr. in epist.  Grecians gave the famous Hippocrates such honours as were due unto their supposed deities, erecting him a stately statue next unto Hercules. The 
Plin. lib. 29. cap. 1.  romans for recovering their Emperour Augustus out of a dangerous disease, celebrated the memorial of his physician Antonius Musa, in erecting for his perpetual praise a statue of brass next unto Aesculapius, besides the liberty this Emperour allowed him in his life time to wear a ring of gold; whereby he promoted him to the order of nobility. Critobolus was likewise highly honoured for curing king Philips eye without any deformity. King Ptolomee for curing of his son Antiochus, bestowed on his physician Erasistratus a thousand talents of silver. 
De magnifico Pand●lfo Malatesta Brixiae, Bergami atque Fani domino, hec johannes Michael Sauonarola in pr●oemio ad lib. de balneis.  And a learned late writer maketh mention of an Italian Noble man, who having at a certain time invited some Marquises and great Lords to dinner, and having disposed of every one of his guests according to his greatness, and a sumptuous chair yet standing empty at the vpper end of the table, his guests guessing it was reserved for himself; he suddenly taking his physician Iacobus Rheginus by the hand( to the great amazement of these Nobles) placed him in this sumptuous seat; adding likewise these words: Sit thou here, the means and instrument of my health, whom thus all Princes ought to respect and honour. These few instances among many( mighty Prince) I haue of set purpose set down, to the end it may the more plainly appear, how highly both this Art& the professors of the same haue been in former times honoured; and how much it is, by means of ignorant and unsufficient practisers now adays debased. The which as it is by diuers means occasioned, so is this impostorious conjecturing by urines( I mean as most do use it) none of the least. In the former discourse I advanced the auantguard of my forces against this usurper on another mans right: and in this I now set forward the whole forces of the main battle, not onely to batter, but to beate down, if it be possible, this so enormous abuse. And as the former, so was this last birth, in the very first conception, consecrated to your Highnesse. As therefore it pleased your Highnesse with your Princely protection to grace my former labours, and kindly to accept of the same; so do I now most humbly entreat you, with a gracious aspect to countenance these my latter pains. The gift, I grant, is far inferior to your greatness; but the saying of Plinie doth somewhat comfort me, affirming that 
lact dijs multae gentes supplicant& mola falsa litant. Plin. proem lib. 1. natur. histor.  some nations unfurnished of frankincense, offer up milk and cakes made of meal and salt to their gods. And the same deities( saith the Poet) are pacified with the poor farmers turf and corn. 
Saepe deis hos inter honores, cespes& exigui placuerunt sacra coloni. Stat. syluar. lib. 1.  And it hath been a grace for greatness, to accept of small gifts at mean mens hands, and thought no unbeseeming thing for great Princes to favour learning and the louers of the same. But fearing to offend your Princely ears with prolixity, the weight of matters now in hand requiring greater brevity, I will here surcease, beseeching the mighty God of jacob, who hath delivered you from the dangers of the deep, and manifold perils by land, and brought you safe home to English soil, to the great comfort and content of all true hearted British( not babylonish) subiects, heap and multiply vpon your Highnesse his mercies and blcssings, both external, internal, and eternal. Amen.  
Your Highnesse in most humble observance, james HART.   

To the kind and courteous Reader.  
IT is not unknown to thee, kind Reader, that the last year I published in our English t ngue a 
Called the arraignment of urines.  discourse concerning this same subject of urines; wherein were contained the manifold abuses committed by diverse sorts of persons, builded only vpon this rotten foundation of inspection of urines, as is ordinarily used, there at great length prosecuted, with the original of this error, and many instances of such errors there at length related, the vnsufficiencie of this sign alone set forth, and proving the necessity of the Physitians presence with his patient, if it be possible. Afterwards also were set down diverse scopes and indications requisite for the cure of the disease, prescription of remedies vpon the bare inspection of the urine onely, reproved, together with diuers other things there at great length to be seen. In the Prefaee thereof I engaged myself for t●e publication of a second part concerning this same subject, after a more particular manner. And of this I purposed to haue made thee partaker about a twelve month ago, according as the catalogue then made mention, but that some rubs haue until now robbed me of the effecting my purpose.  

sum and substance of this whole discourse  In this therefore I enter into a narrow survey of all the several parts of urine, which for this cause I call the anatomy of urines. Now whereas for brevity I haue passed by the several significations, and uncertainty of some colours 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 haue conceived concerning this strumpet; whom for this cause I haue 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 haue both backed, fortified and flanked it with the bulwarks of the best writers of ancient and later times, whose own words I haue truly translated, directing thee likewise, learned Reader, to the marginal quotations, where for thy recreation and better satisfaction, not the names of the authors onely, 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 inditement 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, haue 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 
The right use of urines.  then is, 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 iudgement. Most foolish therefore and absurd is the sottish custom of the country people 
Foolish custom of the country people.  now a dayes, 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 patients age, and diverse 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 diuers and several significations, and therefore unless by diverse 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 haue been or yet shall hereafter be admitted unto such mysteries. And therefore ignorant empirics, women, and many other such, haue 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 haue a care of the souls entrusted to them, they need not trouble themselves with their bodies. Now that one sign, in some diseases onely to be observed to be of any use, should with a papal prerogative assume all authority unto itself, is both against common sense, daily experience, 
The pulse in many diseases to be preferred before the urine.  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 Physitians presence. Now that the urines in many diseases, and those of undoubted danger, do often show thee no more then the ground thou goest on; and that many other signs besides 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 haue set down the several significations of urines, and that according to the opinions of such Authors as haue written of them; together with some particulars which haue never yet been published by any English writer that I haue as yet seen, as by the contents of the books and chapters may appear. Some things also which haue been by others written and avouched for uncontrolled truths, I haue 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 vnsufficiencie 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: 
Quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus. Horat.  howbeit the learned physician building vpon 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 then an ignorant empiric, 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 haue no interest, as being mere usurpers vpon other mens right? Besides, the vulgar not being able to judge of the sufficiency of the learned physician, prefereth often the pains of some ignorant empiric,( 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 haue 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 haue protested, that they will be ready to justify the same upon their oaths. 
casual cures sometimes succeeding, do not prove a sufficiency in the parties thus practising.  Neither yet let this suffice, that some of their proctors 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 mens supposed sufficiency, they themselves not being able herein to discern betwixt right and wrong.  
Now that this hath been no 
An usual& ordinary custom to browbeat& overthrow errors and imposture, and to plead for truth.  unusual custom to browbeat and ouerthow 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 Libauius I mean) who hath wrestled with many such monsters; as namely Michelius, Hartmannus, Scheunemannus, the impudent Priest Gramauus, and that famous, I mean infamous impostor Ambaldus, author of that counterfeit 
This Panacaea was a certain medicine made of saffron, quick silver, vermilion, antimonie, and certain seashels 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. contrae Ambald& defence. syntagm. a●can. chym. contra H●nuingum 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 Physitians of the city of Ausburg, was most justly by the Magistate banished the same, and so his famed after a while turned to fume or smoke. And haue we not of late dayes had here at home 
D. Gwin.& D. Raleigh against aurum potabile, D. Cotta against this and diuers 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 foreste, 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 iudges, as witnesseth the worthy 
Hieron epist. 132. parts tertia referent Langio.  jerome. 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 mens gardens, be it never so good, will give no content to some mens 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 haue thy iudgement 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 cookerie may not give thee full content, yet remember the matter is but mean, in the which I haue 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 haue principally published these my 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 diverse 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 piece 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 sue for that which hath been denied the greatest and worthiest personages of ancient and later times. And some varlets haue been found, who would rather fire the famous temple of Diana, then 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 haue shewed better example, conscious to themselves of their own guiltiness, haue broken the ice already,& as I am informed, haue much repined at the Preface of my former tractate. 
John 18.23. * If I haue spoken evil bear 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 mens labours, and themselves loiter, I wish them to be filent.  

Carpere vel noli nostra vel ede tua. 
marshal.    

Bring forth thy birth, or bark not thus at mine.   
But all they can say, moveth me no more then 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 haue undertaken this task: which I aclowledge to be so far from perfection, that I confess I haue but with a rude pencil portrayed out the lineaments of this picture, giuing hereby fit opportunity to some cunning Apelles to perfect the same hereafter. Homo sum, humani à me nihil alienum puto: 
Terent.  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 harken 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, james 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 vpon the profession of physic, with the absurdity of the same.  
CHAP. 2. Of the uncertain iudgement 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 onely 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 iudgement by the same.  
CHAP. 2. Of the accidents of urine, the quantity, smell, &c. 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 read 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 blew, 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 iudgement by the same.  
CHAP. 7. Of the circled 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 diverse 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 inuoluntarie 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 iudgement by such means.  
CHAP. 11. The conclusion of the whole discourse, where something concerning issue and event, and of causuall cures.    

THE NAMES OF such FAMOVS Physitians as are alleged in this present Tractate.  

Actuarìus. Aëtius. Ancient greek Physitians.  
Alexander Benedictus. A learned Italian physician.  
Alexander Trallianus. An ancient greek physician.  
Amatus. A learned Portugall physician.  
Ambrosius Paraeus. Surgeon to three French Kings.  
Andreas Laurentius. physician to King Henry the fourth.  
Andreas Libauius. 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 Emperours.  
Duncanus Liddelius of Aberdeen in Scotland, physician to Henricus Iulius, 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 Padua.  
Hieronymus Montuus. physician to Frances the 1. French King.  
Hieronymus Reusnerus. A learned german physician.  
Hippocrates.  
Iacobus Douinetus. A german physician.  
Iacobus Holliricus. A famous physician of Paris in France.  
Iacobus silvius. A French physician of good account.  
jean Marinello, of Forli in italy, an Italian physician.  
I. Flesher. A learned English physician.  
Iodocus Willichius. D. of the chair in the university of frankford on the other 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 Krafftheim. physician to three Emperours of the house of Austria.  
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 of five Electors, Princes Palatines of rhine.  
johannes Michael Sauonarola. 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 Ioubertus. physician to Henry the 3. French King, chancellor in the university of Mont-peliers, and D. of the chair there.  
lo Roganus. A famous roman physician.  
Leonardus Turnheisserus. A german physician.  
Leuinus Lemnius. A learned physician of zealand.  
Ludouicus 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 Emperour 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 haue 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.  
carrion.  
Catullus.  
Cicero.  
Henricus Ranzouius.  
Herodotus.  
Homerus.  
jerome.  
Iosephus.  
Iuuenalis.  
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 iudgement in diseases by the sole and bare inspection of the urine onely, 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 vpon this profession, with the absurdities of the same. Then in the next place follow certain authorities of some famous Physitians 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 onely: and that by unanswerable arguments, together with some instances, both of mine own and other ancient and late Physitians of no small note. And lastly shall be plainly demonstrated, that the sex cannot by the urine onely be discerned, contrary to the vulgar opinion.   

CHAP. I. The introduction, where some thing concerning the antiquity, excellency, and eminency of physic, and of the lawless intrusion of some ignorant persons vpon 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 makers bounty abound, that not onely sent be 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. Zonaras 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 hieroglyphicke letters, vpon two pillars; one of ston, 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 Abrahams seed sojourning in egypt that unthankful nation, yet for their hospitality to Gods people reaped this benefit, that they were by them instructed in the principles of this profession, and many more besides. The Greeks gained this knowledge of the egyptians, who were not idle, but improving the same, would willingly haue 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 yeares, and the professors of the same in great credit and account with the mightiest monarchs: witness the honour exhibited to Hippocrates and his posterity, by the Athenians in particular. And the account the Persians made of it, may from hence evidently appear, 
Amongst the Persians. Hippocr. in epist.  that the great Artaxerxes sendeth to Histanes governor of the Hellespont this message. The famed and renown of the noble Hippocrates, of the race& lineage of Aesculapius, born in the Ile of Cos, together with his great skill and sufficiency, are come to mine ears: bestow thou therefore vpon him as much gold as he shall demand of thee, and whatsoever he shall haue need of, bestow it vpon him in most plentiful manner, and haue a care to sand 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 enrolled amongst the Kings domestic& familiar friends, not sparing for any cost whatsoever: for such men are not every where easily to be found. After many yeares, 
Vide sabel ennead. 9. lib. 2. Zonar. annal. tomo. 3. aliosque neoter.  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 its 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 haue 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 Emperour Augustus having among many others, some intelligence of the great abuses committed by ignorant intruders vpon this profession, together with the great damage redounding to the subject, by means of this l●wlesse liberty, made a law as followeth. That no person, 
The law of Augustus Caesar against ignorant and vnskilfull practisers of physic.  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 authorized 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. carrion. 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 Minerua.  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. This woeful calamity continued until Lotharius Duke of saxony was crwoned Emperour at Rome. 
Lotharius first Emperour of the house of Saxony restored learning and learned men in the west. De his vide orationem doctoris benjamin Lobschuts impressam cum observat. medic. Diomedis Cornarij medicinae Doctoris.  This worthy Emperour 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, 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 Emperour 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 Emperours court. But well foreseing the inconveniences which might from hence arise, if all such businesses should depend vpon 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 Emperours to this day haue continued. 
First original of Doctors and other degrees in the universities.  And thus came first in these titles of Doctor, Master, &c. not by the appointment of any private man, but by the laws of Emperours 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 themselves. 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 besides. 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. 
{αβγδ}. Aelian. lib. 9. cap. 23. Polib. lib. hist. 2.& 3. indeque long. epist. medicine. lib. 2. epist. 48. Hippoc. lib. 2. de lege.  Neither cure me like a cowheard, 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 Hippocrates, howbeit in few, yet in effectual words, setteth down such things as are requisite in a true physician. 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 yeares; 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 onely of the structure of mans 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 dials 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 vpon the several indications in such cases required. In his right hand he held a Dragons head, 
A dragons head in his right hand and a dog hard by him.  coming from the greek word {αβγδ}, 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 patients 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, the imminent danger of doleful diseases. In his left hand a pine apple, 
A pine apple in his left hand.  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. At his right side was the winged picture of health, with a pullet in her hand: 
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 Physitians care, in prescribing fit and convenient diet, according to his patients 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, ought to be of a reasonable mature iudgement 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 touch-stone try them all. Professions far inferior to this, haue a number of yeares allowed them to serve and learn, before any be suffered to exercise the same. But here, 
Liberty allowed ignorant Physitians, cause of great mischief.  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 empiric that knoweth scarce the property of pepper, whether it be hote or could, yet may practise publicly. Now that I say nothing of ignorant Apothecaries, Surgeons, &c. the other sex will needs haue a share in these businesses also: and yet in holy writ they are tied to their houswiuerie. 
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 besides, there being no small commerce betwixt the physician and his patient, 
Hippocr. lib. de medico. Women altogether unfit to practise physic.  as witnesseth the worthy Hippocrates, who seeth not the absurdity of this their practise? And as for their sufficiency, it may easily, by that which hath been said already, appear. My purpose is not to dwell vpon 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, with an intent, as she thought to cure him. 
A tragical story. Alexand. Bened. de curand. morb. lib. 15. cap. 25.  A country woman( saith mine author) having a young son of cacheoticall disposition, and now entering into a dropsy, 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, stoping up again immediately the mouth of her oven. Her gabling gossips were officiously attending a better event then 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 then once in an audible voice, inquiring what benefit he found; who answered her no more then Baal did his Priests. 
1. King. 18.26 27.28.  These prattling gossips persuaded this simplo 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 onely 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 then 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 vna 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. The remedy indeed may be good, but( as often cometh to pass) ill used, or rather abused. 
A good remedy ignorantly or out of season exhibited, may yet prove dangerous to the diseased.  And that which you haue 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 then 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 then many do well consider: but of this matter no more. Now howbeit this freting canker( I mean of unsufficient, unlearned, and vnskilfull Phisitians) 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 haue begun of late yeares( 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 Physitians, 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 Physitians 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 stipendiarie Physitians: and none among them admitted, but such as for their sufficiency, and long time spent in the study of that profession, haue 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; and the midwiues likewise by them must be admitted. 
They often visit the Apothecaries shops, and take a survey of his drugs.  And of all the Apothecaries 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 faire) 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 Physitians. At the viewing and visiting of their wears, is appointed one from the chief Magistrate of the city, commonly called the Burger master, to sit in commission with the Physitians. 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 vpon 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 Physitians, 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 Physitians prescriptions, not altering any thing in his bill without his knowledge and allowance: the which oath the Physitians haue power to exact of the aforesaid apprentices. 
The great commodity of this so laudable a custom.  Of this so laudable and praise-worthy a constitution this benefit they reap, that first of all, the inhabitants are never unfurnished of fit and sufficient Physitians, to whom in time of need they may haue 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 betrer enabled to afford their counsel for little or nothing. The country round about findeth likewise every where learned Physitians to aduise with, as also good and sufficient stuff, neither fustie nor 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 nought in our neighbour nations, and why make we not use of such things as deserve praise and commendation? From the aforenamed nation we haue 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 an● 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, and every ignorant and unsufficient person, 
The idle inspection of urine, as it is at this day practised, openeth a gap to every cozener& impostor.  to adventure vpon 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 onely the disease in general, but even every sign and circumstance of the same. I myself haue often been importuned to tell that by this sign, which the wits of all the wisest Physitians 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 empiric or quack-saluer in the country, that will not make thee beleeue he can tell thee that assuredly. Our she-physitians( for such monsters now this country yeeldeth) will say no less. 
johann. le bon. de therap. puerp.  But hear the iudgement 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 haue 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 iudgement 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 onely.  together with the state and constitution of every part of the body, without any regard had to such things as the most wise and circumspectly Physitians haue left us in this case to be considered: the which notwithstanding, is as impossible to bring to pass, as by the heat or could 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 vromantical conjecture, and limiting and confining it within its lawful lists and limits. Afterwards also shall appear how our iudgement 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 auantgard 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( foreste 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 haue thought good with some other authorities to insert into this place.  

Concerning Physitians who by the inspection of the Urine onely, 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 famed and reputation of german Physitians should be so little set by either at home or abroad, 
Langius tomo. 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 haue elsewhere declared to be diuers, 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 Physitians do onely 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 Physitians, 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 onely, being but a doubtful sign; but( as Galen saith well) the knowledge of the disease is collected by means of the place affencted, 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 marvell if the signs of each be common to both: and thus is the disease and place affencted discerned and known, both by the parts of the substance therof, the contents, adherents, the action interested, together with the accidents of the disease, from the parts of the substance of the part affencted: 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 meate 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 amnoyed therewith. For if vpon a fracture of the skull there grow out little round lumps like unto little cleans, 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 onely 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 then the uncertain iudgement by urine: the which as we do not altogether reject, 
The great care of the ancient Physitians 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 Physitians 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 sweat 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 {αβγδ}, what if by the authority of Hippocrates 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, then the urine? And yet this the ordinary sort of vrine-monging Physitians 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, then 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 then 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 embrued. Wherefore well and learnedly said the worthy Hippocrates {αβγδ}, 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 then the urine.  The sweat( saith he) giveth us notice of the humours superabounding in the whole body, but the urine onely 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 onely, 
De Alexandrinorum medicorum desidia. Gal. lib. 2. de natura humana. lib. 6. epid.& passim alibi.  loitering idle at home like the Physitians of Alexandria, and sitting in their chairs like Apolloes Priests, or some old wise fortune-teller by her crystal looking-glasse, it is a wonder to hear how doubtfully and perplexedly, without any sight of the sick, but looking on the urine onely, they will with brazen faces prate of the patients 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 wouldest 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 onely, 
Thus do most of our practising Parsons and Vicars become suddenly Physitians.  they are not ashamed to prescribe physic to the parties( whom they haue never seen) and that by reading of books, of the which experiments they haue never made any trial at all: to whom thou mayest most justly object the ancient proverb. 
{αβγδ}.  A master by his book or sea carded. But Hippocrates and the ancient Physitians of the race of Asclepiades, not superficially, but solidly learned, did never settle their judgements concerning the substance of the disease vpon 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 withall to find out the fittest time for purging. The which Galen, Hippocrates his true interpreter, doth intimate unto young Physitians 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 humors: 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. 
Damascenus in Aphorism.  For this cause well said Damascenus in his aphorisms: Concerning diseases pronounce not rashly thine opinion, neither yet look thou vpon 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 diverse 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 iudgement 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 Physitians, being like unto the lazy sedentarie Physitians of Alexandria, lest they should be by the vulgar people( who do commonly beleeue, 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 simplo and more ignorant sort, they are not a whit afraid to prate of diseases by the inspection of the urine onely. But would to God the truth were with them in greater esteem then any popular applause, and that they would be warned by the Poet Persius: 
Si quid turbida Roma eleuar●t, &c. Pers. sat. 1.  If troubled Rome do too much dispraise any thing, then not to rest and rely vpon her iudgement: 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 Physitians and impostors of later dayes, 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 Pathognomonicke 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 wandring and cozening rogues, impostors, apostatical monks, perfidious Iewes, enemies to all Christians, the ignorant Parish-Priests, alchemists, and all the rabble of such rakehells,( but I had almost forgotten those old trots, fortunetellers) 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 haue, as drones do into the Bee-hiue, 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 Physitians do discern and know diseases, and do presage the future issue of the same.  

Epist. 83.  As I hear, these barbarous and wicked persons, falsely assuming unto themselves the name of Physitians, do mutter and grumble against me, because of condemning their mad, rash, and foole-hardie finding out of diseases, by means of the urine onely, 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 Physitians did with great labour, travell, 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 onely, 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 {αβγδ}( which were nothing else but the collection by observation of certain accidents and circumstances of diseases) the later Physitians therefore gave it the name {αβγδ}, 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 diverse 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 onely 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 Physitians, and such among the Greeks as haue 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 fellowes, more foolish then 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 then 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 Physitians, 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 Physitians, 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 interested, and some things which essentially do adhere thereunto) do indicate and declare, as well the disease as the place affencted, 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 Greekes 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, then 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 Synedreouonta, as if thou shouldst say, assessors or assi●tants to the disease, unto the which also they are not inseparably annexed, nor yet haue 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 read, bloody, or yet yellowish spittle, a pain extending itself to the breast bone or neather 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 behoveth 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 then 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 Crisi●, 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 Decretorie, or Iudicatorie; other signs of crudity and concoction; others again do foretell the security or danger of the disease. Now the signs of concoction, 
signs of concoction.  after the beginning of the disease is past over, and the humours by means of the natural heat, well concocted, sequestered, and separated from that which is putride 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 verdigris, it doth not onely 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 amnoyed, 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 onely the concoction of the disease, especially in fevers, but also that the natural force and power is a great deal stronger then 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 vtine is no Pathognomonicke sign, and yet a necessary sign of concoction and crudity, and worth the observing in fevers, diseases of the neather belly or entrails, and places adjoining to them. Wherefore Galen in the exposition of the predictions of Hippocrates, 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 ingenderer of the humours: howbeit the same Galen again affirmeth, that there are other Pathognomonicke signs belonging to the brains, lungs, mother, sinews, &c. 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 Hippocrates witnesseth, that if any do voided by urine, either gravel, 
Praenot. lib. ex edit. press. vel prognost. 2. ex edit. Heur.& lib. de natura hoins circa finem.  or little thin scurf, or matter like unto scales, or coursest dressings of bran, little gobbets of flesh, congealed blood, matter or small hairs or threads, like unto the small veins knit together under the creuices tail; these things declare that the bladder is amnoyed with a scab, and the kidneys with the ston, suppuration, the rapture of some vein, or some other infirmity. But lest any should rashly apply the signs of urine to any other then the aforenamed diseases, this famous father of Physitians 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 ought to be referred to the bladder onely. There is yet another fearful and dangerous disease belonging to the kidneys, called Diabete 
Diabete.  or Poldropsy; being an extraordinary flux of the urine, called of the Greekes 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 accustomend time, and answering in proportion to the food received: then, as saith Hippocrates, 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 then 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 meate do argue and declare the force and strength of the stomach. For this cause the Emperour 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 hote 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 Hippocrates: 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 decretorie signs which concern the future crise, as also diverse prognosticke signs foreshowing life or death, the full explication of which would rather require a great volume then an Epistle( the which haue been exactly described by Hippocrates,) but especially the intricate signs of prediction by the pulse, as also the signs both of the disease itself, and of the place affencted or interested; 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 Physitians use, then 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, then 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 iudgement will ever beleeue 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 Physitians 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 concerning all diseases: who nevertheless, haue 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 Physitians. Farewell, and writ 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 onely; 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. Sauonar. lib. de vrin. cap. 1.  how easily such Physitians are deceived, who trust too much to the iudgement of the urine onely: for such may well be compared to the vulgar sort of people, who are of opinion that not onely 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 vpon diverse occasions: as by the quantity and quality of diet: by reason of excessive motion: by plentiful evacuation, &c.   

Of the erroneous and preposterous iudgement of diseases by urine.  

history. Diomedes Cornarius, lib. consil. medicinal. de histor. admirand. raris.  Georgius Rithamer a Gentleman of Vienna, being incited by the great concourse of people which did daily in so great abundance flock about this base roguing and cozening empiric( who came hither of late) to hear his opinion concerning their urines, woulds needs likewise in some matter hear his opinion. having discoursed a little with this Scoggin concerning the errand he came for, casting his eyes vpon the table, he espied a greek book lying vpon 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 empiric as ignorant as himself. He afterwards confessed unto vt, that the stove where he lodged had two doors, at one of the which people ordinarily entred 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 haue 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 die 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 asking 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 hurt and prejudice to the poor distressed patients, do thus increase their means, and by the like imposture purchase to themselves no small gain. Such a one is that notable impostor, the jew I mean, practising his imposture at Vienna, these many yeares by past. But hear again the cunning imposture of another of these knaves, recorded by the same author.  
It is not unknown to many, 
Another. Idem ibidem.  how that a few yeares ago there lived here a certain cozening knave, who by the bare inspection of the urine onely 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 then ridiculous and monstrous tales: as that some drop of blood was fallen down from the heart into the neather 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 vrinarie oracles, he prescribed most commonly for every one to sweat; administering to this end and purpose this medicine following, well known to every Apothecaries apprentice: to wit, a little Venice treacle, mingled with a little Campher: 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 whores and Iewes, as also any desperate villain, and bold ignorant empirics, do kill and destroy the simplo 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 theeues by the high ways to be driven out of the thickets and forrests to be punished. But alas, so far are we from banishing this abuse, that many of good worth amongst ourselves, haue required, and do yet require, not of myself alone, but of many others also both judicious and learned Physitians, 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 mans or a womans; 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 haue contracted the same by drinking of bad wines, 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 haue been with them who haue  told them wonders by the water. Thou seest then how absurd an opinion is crept in, not among the vulgar sort onely, 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 giuing 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 bold varlets, that we desire nothing more, then the driving of such dunces out of all well governed countries and commonwealths.  
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.  

Fernel. Pathol. lib. 3. cap. 8.  Now the urine if it be neither mingled with too much drink, 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, &c. And then concludeth thus: whosoever then shall urge the physician, as if he were some Prophet, by rash adventuring, to deliver his iudgement 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 maenner 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 Sauonarola says to this business.  
From the premises then we may conclude, 
Sauonarolo loco supra citato.  that the knowledge we haue 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 iudgement taken from the urine onely, 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. Palih. 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 onely 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 born 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. ib. 4. cap. 8.  they can give us but a general knowledge of the disease, giuing 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 humors within the veins. Next, they show forth the disposition of such parts as they pass by, to wit, of the kidneys, vreters, 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 voided 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 vpon the approaching of the crisis; or when as vpon 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 vpon 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 few 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 onely, 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.  

history.  In the year 1617. in the beginning of Ianuarie, a young Gentlewoman unmarried, and daughter to a Gentleman of worth dwelling not far from NORTHAMPTON, the season being very could, 
deceitfulness of the urine in an imposthume and pain of the head.  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 dayes 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 diuers means of diversion, as well by phlebotomy and attractive glisters, as by other means, not neglecting hypnoticke, cordial, and deoppilatiue 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 dayes, began to flatter us with a faire 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 haue lived many, not onely dayes but yeares 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 Monarchs, on an evening knocking suddenly, demands his debt long before his day, and would scarce allow her full two houres 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; giuing us intelligence of an imposthume in the head, which had occasioned, not the former accidents onely, but even death itself also.  
About the same time in this town and country about us, diverse were surprised with Impostumes, both in the head and other parts, whereof diverse died, among the rest my counsel was craved for a maid about twenty yeares of age, suddenly suffocated by an imposthume 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. houres after my departure. But I will now relate a true history of the deceitfulness of the urine in a consumption of the Lungs.  

Another. In an ulcer of the Lungs.  In april 1622. my counsel and personal presence for a Gentlewoman in Bedfordshire being desired, I repaired thither, where I found her infirmity to be a Quotidian fever, 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 haue my opinion of the same. having well viewed it, I found it both in colour and contents, answerable to the most healthful mans 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 Hippocraticall face see our arraignm●nt of urines. lib. 3. cap. 3.  Hippocraticall face, deaths trusty messenger, I left him to the Prognosticke, which within less then the space of three weeks was verified.  
Now would I willingly demand of the most cunning Pisse-prophet, what could he haue found out by either of these urines? or could he ever haue attained to the height and depth of these diseases, by the bare inspection of the urine onely? And if he had been beholden to the use of the best perspective glass that ever was made, could he ever haue 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 diverse diseases without the veins, the uncertainty of iudgement in diseases by the urine onely; 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, &c. Now that the urine is not always a certain sign in every fever, may from hence appear, 
lo Rogan. lib. 3. de provid. ex vrin. 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 hote a cause, yet do not appear of so high a colour, is because of the same immoderate and excessive hear, 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 Physitians easily appear, 
Dangerous errors.  who never admit of phlebotomy, but when the urine is of high and intense read colour; thinking that this doth always argue abundance of blood, which nevertheless is most false, as hath been said. And besides, in that the urines afford us but some general notice of the crudity and concoction of the disease, they can never inform our iudgement, whether the fever be primary or a principal guest, or symptomaticall accompanying the disease as the shadow doth the body, as is to be seen in Pleuresies and diuers other internal inflammations: which is, notwithstanding of no small moment for the methodical curing of the disease. And yet moreover, how canst thou ever tell whether it be an intermittent or continual fever by this uncertain sign? Neither Hippocrates nor Galen did ever presume to know so much; howsoever Actuarius in this, as in many other things concerning this point, hath troubled himself more then he needed. But again, what if the fever be composed of diuers 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 quartan 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 quartan, the urine cannot be discerned from a sound and healthful mans. 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 fevers, maketh so small account of the urine, that he neither nameth it among the signs of the Quotidian, Tertian, quartan, nor yet of such as are continual or without intermission. 
Timoth. Brichius Cantabrig. lib. de med. the 1. aph. pag. 94.  And a learned physician born 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 iudgement? It hath ever been so agreed vpon by the learned, and daily experience teacheth us this truth, that when greatest danger is nearest, it is then there least of all to be discerned. But concerning this point, hear yet the authority of a learned man born within this land, 
johannes 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 haue appeared. I myself haue 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 
The urines in malign and pestilent fevers very deceitful.  are very variable and hard to lay hold on. In some the urine differeth nothing from a healthful mans: sometimes again but a little, as in this last instance. again, in others it followeth the nature of the humour, showing onely the abundance and putrefaction of the humours; as I myself observed 1610. at London in a lusty young fellow, seruant to a Gentleman a friend of mine, and dwelling in the Strand near to Charing-crosse.  

history.  This fellowes urine was very high coloured, with a copious residence of read 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 plethoricke 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 dayes dyed of this disease.  
But before we go out of our own island, 
johannes Anglicus, vulgo Gatesden, in epere practico communiter Rosa Anglica nuncupato. What the urines do here declare unto vs.  let us yet hear the authority of another learned physician, who lived in this land above 300. yeares ago. hear therefore his own words concerning quartans and other diseases.  
Now because the quartan ague is engendered of diuers humors, therefore the urine is many ways changed. 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 practise, I could ever attain to any certain knowledge of the urine, either in the conception, a quartan ague, the Falling sickness, &c.  
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, &c. 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 onely 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 
{αβγδ}, id est, vitiligo, {αβγδ} siue pruritus aut prurigo, {αβγδ}, id est, impetigo, {αβγδ}, nomina sunt affectionum, in quibus omnibus male afficitur cutis, à vinoso aliquo succo, qui nescit assimulari, &c. Holler. schol. ad cap. 64. lib. 1. de morb. intern.  skin is ever infected: so whether thou understandest that which the Greekes or yet the Arabians so called, 
In quovis horum affectuum( lepra scilicet& morbo Gallico) membra nutrimentalia( praecipue recur, à quo omnes corporis partes suum recipiunt alimentum) fear habitualiter laborant. Mercat. oper. predict. tom. 2. pag. 126.  it is agreed among all our Physitians, that as well the liver, which is the fountain and roote, as the mass of blood, which is as the branches or streams proceeding from the same, are much interested and endamaged in this disease: and therefore by right the urine here should carry a great stroke, it being also the opinion of diuers Physitians, that as well the blood as the urine of such as are infected with this loathsome disease do much differ from other mens. And yet hear I pray thee what a learned late writer of no small experience witnesseth concerning this matter.  

Felix platter. oper. pract. tract. 3. cap. 4.  But as for myself, who haue these thirty yeares 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 blood of such as enjoyed their perfect health: or if at any time it happened to olive from the foresaid perfection, that it then appeared no more corrupted or infected then ordinarily we do behold it in the jaundice, 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, &c.  
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 onely 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 vpon the same, entreating a little thy patience( gentle Reader) and I hope thou shalt not afterwards repent thee of this pains.   

CHAP. IIII. That by the urine onely, 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 haue so far prevailed, that he who cannot vpon ●he bare inspection of the urine onely, 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 vpon the sight of the urine, make them beleeue they had found out the whole truth by means thereof: and others again, when as they could learn nothing, haue vpon 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 then 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 then 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. For the better confutation of this point, my purpose is, 
Arguments euincing that by the sole inspection of the urine, it cannot be discerned whether a woman be with child or no.  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 besides, 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 pensiveness 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 haue no passage, 
In aphor. 51.& 54. lib. 6& 3. de natur. facult. cap. 3. 6. de locis affect. cap. 5. 15. de vsu part.  as witnesseth Galen in diuers places. Now if any will deny the truth of this point, in the first place I answer, that as I grant that sometimes there may 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 stoping of the menstruous flux, whereof if any part during their being with child is voided forth( as sometimes some women haue some to spare) the urine can no more declare any stoppage of this flux, and by consequent nothing concerning the conception, unless thou wouldest 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 ring-leader 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 iudgement. And according to the opinion of diverse 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? diverse contents are set down by some authors following Auicenna, which are said to be found in such urines, which nevertheless, haue 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, was wont to say, 
Guil. Adolph. Scribon. lib. de vrin. inspect.  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 mens 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 womans waters, especially in the first moneths, as I haue myself often observed. again what if a woman with child be surprised with some acute disease, as cometh often to pass, will this then think you, make no alteration in the urine? And if there were any certainty in this sign alone, what needed our Physitians trouble themselves with so many? and oftentimes all will not serve the turn. Let it therefore remain firm and stable, 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 onely, I will now make it appear: hear therefore some of our learned Physitians deliver their own minds, that out of the mouth of many witnesses this truth may be confirmed. Let Rondeletius first speak.  

Rondel. lib. de vrin. cap. 40. de vrina praegnantium.  It would seem( saith he) justifiable, as well by reason as by experience, that the urine may give us certain and assured notice of a womans 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 Physitians, who haue 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. &c.  
hear now the opinion of some of our Italian Physitians, and first of all let the learned mercurial utter his mind.  

Mercur. lib. de vrin. cap. 7.  Be it known, notwithstanding, that I am not altogether of the Arabian Physitians mind, who haue devised certain contents which are not to be found in urines, to wit, certain grounds like unto carded wool, little motes, &c. 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 Hippocrates hath in diuers places set down, there is not one that we can certainly trust to.  
The same opinion is by his country man Sauonarola yet seconded.  

Sauonarola libr. de vrin. cap. 2. rubr. 0. de vrin. praegnantium.  But here we must be very circumspectly, 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 Physitians haue been deceived, and their too forwardness hath turned to their great disgrace and infamy: as it befell two learned and skilful Physitians in the Uniuersitie of Pauie, Marsilius de sancta Sophia, and Petrus de Tussignano, both in my time. Let young Physitians therefore be careful, that with the urine th●y join all the other signs belonging to conception; amongst which one is chief, which belongeth to the midwife to find out, &c.  
And lo 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 womens, to wit, that then in such women, 
lo Roganus lib. 2. de cause. vrin. cap. 15. de vrin. utero gerentium.  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 Physitians, that they are persuaded women with child make urines differing from other womens. 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 moneths 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, because he speaketh so plainly and to the purpose. 
jean Marinello de Formie lib. 3. chap. 5. de malady des femmes.  The book was first written in the Italian tongue, and since translated into French, out of the which I haue translated this parcel.  
Truth it is, that we must not altogether rely vpon 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 accustomend 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 hid and darken the principal sign of conception( if any there were) in the urine: such as be headache, any could, especially being accompanied with a cough, crudity, or indigestion of the stomach, great pain in the kidneys, &c. And which is yet more, the eating of raw fruit, salads, milk, pork, pease, sparage, cabbage, artichokes, cleans, and many other such kind of food, not being ordinary or usual to the party, are sufficient to alter and change, not the colour onely, 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 then 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, since that without conception the foresaid retention and stoping is found, as well in maides as in married women. The last and most certain sign of conception is, when as the child beginneth to stir and move.  

2. Mercat. tomo. 3. lib. 3. pag. 669.  Mercatus a learned Spaniard, 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 iudgement, yet may we sometimes draw some certainty out of the same. But how I pray thee? By observing her several urines at diverse times, beginning with the first month of supposed conception, and so observing the several alterations until the time of her delivery approach. Then withall setteth he down all the several trials which the famous Hippocrates 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.  

history. Diomedes Cornarius in lib. consil. medicine. inter historias admirandas, historia tertia,& prima de peruerso vrin. judicio.  Franciscus Emericus Doctor in physic, and of the chair in the university of Vienna, 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. relateth, 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 Physitians of the college of best note, bringing with him his wives urine, to know whether she were with child, as he deemed, or no. The physician vpon the bare sight of the urine onely, did peremptorily affirm, that she was for certain with child, and that of a boy. After the which time Rithamerus began quiter to distaste me; and that onely by reason that vpon the sight of her urine, together with diuers other signs and circumstances thereto belonging, I had delivered my opinion, that she was not at all with child. And besides, 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 diverse 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 corps. 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 neather belly, discovering such parts as before were hide,& 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 ript 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 cachecticall disposition, and had never in all her life time born any child: from whence I did by very probable conjecture 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 spake 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 aclowledge, that he had wrongfully and undeservedly been offended with me, and withall did freely aclowledge his error. Witnesses with me at this incision, were Doctor Iacobus Walch, companion with me in my Italian studies; as also Andreas Perlachius, a great Mathematician, being also the onely 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 moneths.   
A Gentlewoman dwelling near Northampton some yeares 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 womans, I began to suspect that which afterwards proved true, that she was with child. The messenger demanding whether she was not entred into a dropsy: I replied, I rather inclined to the opinion that she was with child, the which proved to be true. The seruant 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, then I confess it deserved.  

Another of one in the latter moneths.  The same harvest, within seven miles of this town of Northampton, a Lady great with child, being now within two moneths at most of her delivery, sent me first her urine, and then desired mine own personal presence for foam 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 carded wool, flax, nor huswiues 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 timc, contrary to that which we commonly observe; and yet neither of them exceeding the colour of a choleric mans urine. The Gentlewoman had been for a long time, even before her being with child, much troubled with a hote and feauer-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.  

absurdity of this opinion proved.  NO less absurd an opinion then the former, 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 yeares, 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 then women, which is the cause that their urines are dyed of an higher colour; and moreover, that the contents in womens urines, in regard of their idle and sedentarie 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 hote diet. If, I say, one should bring thee two such urines, demanding to know which were the mans and which the womans, 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 womans perhaps higher in colour and thinner in substance,( which may by diverse means come to pass) thou shouldst give wrong sentence, then being thus gulled, thou mightest be made a gazing stock to thy neighbours, by reason of thy peremptory opinion. Now that some women are of an hotter constitution of body then some men, 
Some women of an hotter constitution then men.  I think who so denieth, deserveth rather to haue his pate purged, then to be dealt with with by any reason. I myself haue also known many a man make paler urines, with greater quantity of contents, then women: which may easily come to pass, by reason of great quaffing, dainty fare, and abundance of ease and idleness, the engendrers of all manner of crudities. Haue we not now adays more then 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 our women, what if their liver and kidneys be hote, as I haue 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 nappy Ale well brewed with sugar, nutmegge and ginger, may it not now and then not onely 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 diverse 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 climat then our own, to wit, in France, spain, or Italy, where women drink more water then 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 man-like then many men, how were any able to contradict it? But if I should sand 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 yeares 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 haue been also credibly informed of some such who haue lived here in these parts of the country. But if the woman shall be surprised with any hote and acute disease( as the urine is seldom sent to the physician but in sickness) will not these confounded thy iudgement? Now if the sex cannot be discerned by the urine in persons of yeares, 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 semilare 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. Of a peremptory person determining of the sex in the womb.  left with child of her late deceased husband, was very desirous to be certified of the sex if it were possible. The reason was, because that if a son, then was he to be heir to great lands and possessions, which otherwise were entailed to the next heires male. This person being by many reputed famous in vromancie, this Gentlewoman had recourse to his oracle. The person 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 Parsons 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 haue 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 vnguibus Leonem: what manner of men these be.  
The year 1622. a patient of mine of good account dwelling in Northampton, 
history. Of a womans urine higher in colour and contents then a mans.  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 dyed read colour, of a mean substance, a copius read residence. Meeting with him the same day, I asked him whether he complained not of some heat: who replied, he felt no manner of distemper at all. I wished him yet once again to sand me his urine, which if it should so continue, I doubted Phlebolomie would be requisite. The next urine was of a pale st●aw coloured yellow, with some whitish residents, such as sometimes accompany crudities. inquiring 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 dayes 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 hote, and her urine answerably high coloured, unless it be accidentally hindered. And this I dare boldly affirm, that during her husbands 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 onely 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 mans body. Then followeth the uncertainty of iudgement 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 diuers prodigious histories of several sorts of worms rejected by urine. The obstruction and stoping of the urine, either total or in part, the several causes of the same, and diuers predictions, as also the inuoluntarie 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 iudgement by the same.  

Actuarius the first glister of these regions, &c.  IT hath been an inveterate opinion, and which hath taken deep roote 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 mans 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 neather region of the urine, the lowest parts from the bowels downwards. Others again make four, appropriating the circled 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 pectorall parts, heart, lungs, &c. the middle region to the parts serving for nutrition or nourishment, to wit, the stomach or maw, the liver, spleen, guts, &c. the lowest or nethermost part in the bottom of the urinal, to the parts appropriate to generation. 
Iodochus Willichius de probat. vrin. part. 4. c. 1.  But this opinion( saith one) is more curious and superstitious then true. Meaning of the four regions of the urine, &c. 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. Now to this purpose I think it will not be amiss, to set down the words of his interpreter, 
Hieron. Reus. schol. ad cap. predict. prope finem.  which may serve sufficiently to overthrow this error: Hence may it evidently appear, in how great an error those Physitians are involved, who hold a proportion betwixt the height of the urine and of a mans 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, &c. 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 vpon the top of the urine? Neither yet doth it therefore necessary follow, that the head is principally affencted; 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 vpon the top of the urine, 
Aphor. 34. lib. 4.  and according to the doctrine of Hippocrates, do Prognosticate some long and lingering disease of the kidneys. To what end and purpose then keep they such a prating, 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 circled or garland, then do they argue a pain but in one side of the head? How often are such people pained with the wind Colicke 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 iudgement 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 mans 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 circled 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.  

division of the urine.  I will with the learned mercurial, 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 haue manifold significations. 
diverse significations of thin urines. johannes Vasseus Meldens. lib. de vrin. judicijs. pag. 30. &c.  First a failing of natural heat. Secondly, a stoppage of the liver, kidneys, and the vrinarie 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 abscesse or imposthume in the neather 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, 
Sauonar. lib. de vrin. cap. 3.  saith Sauonarola, without any ease or alleviation ensuing, signifieth a wasting away of the whole body, &c. 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 haue some further occasion to speak hereafter when I shall handle the colours, I will not dwell so long vpon 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 humors. Thirdly, the thickening slime and the other parts next unto it, by reason of could, if thin urine went before. Fourthly, 
Significations of thick urines.  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 as glassy phlegm, as we see in the urines of Epilepticke persons proceeding of phlegm. If it be of a citrine or yellowish colour, it signifieth choler, like the yolks of eggs. 
Of thick troubled urines.  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 vpon the same. 
Their several significations.  The same Author assigneth three significations to such urines. First, a great agitation and stirring of crude and vnconcoct humours, together with no small store of windiness. Secondly, abundance of humours, which nevertheless are by nature expelled. Thirdly, the great trouble and encombrance 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 Ranzouius) as are made thin, 
Henricus Ranzonius lib. de conseruanda 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 haue 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 vpon the humour, and to concoct it. I haue often observed such an urine, both in perfect health and before and after sickness. could 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 Hippocrates, 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. 
lo Roganus de provid. ex vrin. 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 onely 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. Iodochi Willich. de probat. vrin.  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 cannot 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 Physitians 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. But before I proceed any further, 
Confutation of an erroneous opinion of the vulgar sort concerning the staining of the urinal.  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 haue often myself observed, and no doubt so haue 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 onely, 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 yeares ago, 
history.  I was solicited to afford my presence and best counsel to a person, dwelling within some four miles of the town of Northampton, surprised with a burning fever. having diligently inquired 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 then three at least, if not four Parson-Physitians had administered to him, and then the most famous for Uromancie of all the country about: howbeit since that time some others are also crept into that society. I inquired 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 fellowes, would haue bribed Death with foue pounds worth of Aurum Potabile, which she willingly payed for, in hope of her husbands recovery. But this importunate suitor would haue no nay; 
This person a chief proctor for aurum potabile in Northamptonshire.  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, then 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 onely 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 onely vpon 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 Physitians( not the person who ministered Aurum Potabile; for after the same he had no more arrows left in his quiver) who, if faire buttered speeches and peremptory promises could cure diseases, he might cure more then ever did the Apostles: who then all too late letteth his patient blood, who survived not long after the loss of this liquour of life, but dyed 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 onely.  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 Hippocrates of vrina confusa? I cannot but much marvell, 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 iudgement of diseases, by the sole inspection either of thick or thin urines: to wit, that after many cautions and diuers 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 neighbours infirmity, they taking chiefly notice either of some accident common to many others, or else of some grief most affecting them. But besides the premises, 
Many things alter the iudgement of the urine.  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 iudgement? That I say nothing 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, &c. 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, the quantity and the quality. 
Accidents of urine twofold.  The quantity is either great, small, or mean, which is the best. 
diverse 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; 
A●hor. ultimo lib 4. ●●b. 4. de generat●one an●m cap. 4.  and yet Hippocrates witnesseth the truth hereof: and besides, 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 flatuous or windy substance, and then into urine, and so expelled. In sickness 
In sickness.  this abundance is likewise diuers 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, which cometh to pass in burning fevers, and which was observed by that famous physician Marcus Gatinaria in that maid of Milla● about some eighteen yeares of age, 
history. Mercur. lib. de vrin●● cap 6. ex Marco Gatina ria.  who voided every day for forty dayes together, fifteen pounds of urine, whereas the quantity of every dayes meate 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 diverse other means: as I remember a young woman then unmarried, who in the disease called the mother, voided abundance of urine, especially during the time of her fits, b●ing in the afternoons, and that for the space of four dayes 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. 
G●il. Adolph. Scribon. de vrin. inspect. pag. 41. 42. Another.  A man of Sena( saith Scribonius) every day did piss four or five iugs of urine, who scarce drank half an English pint all the said space: what could a physician haue judged by this quantity? Thus then when thou seest so many causes of 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 
Small quantity of urine by diuers means.  is likewise procured, 1. By dry diet. 2. By the use of tough and slimy 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 vrinarie vessels, as cometh sometimes to pass by reason of the could 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 die. 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 straighten 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 meate 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 lasks or fluxes do void but a small quantity of urine, as Galen himself declareth. again a little after, 
Aphor. 83. lib. 4.  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 ones seruant should bring unto thee such an urine, not acquainting thee with any other circumstance, why wouldest thou give sentence for an obstruction rather then a lask? or for a lask rather then an obstruction? Besides the premises, in the ston, the dropsy, and such other diseases which hinder the generation of v●ine, no certain iudgement 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 yeares voided all his urine by the belly, and not by the ordinary passage. What then could a man haue judged concerning this mans 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. l●b. de vrin. cap. 6. Of the smell of urines. urines without smell.  according to the doctrine of the Arabian Physitians, are five: the smell, the taste, the sound, the touch, and the colour. As for the smell, urines haue little or no smell, or else a sweet and pleasing 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 could quality, like as we see in could countries, and the like complexions, the smell of the urine is not so much to be discerned. Urines smell well, 
urines smelling well.  either in regard of diet or drugs: but especially by means of a temperate heat concocting well. Stinking urines come by four several means. 
Stinking urines with their several significations.  1. By means of crudity and indigestion of the food. 2. By reason of putrefaction. Galen witnesseth, that whatsoever thing is putrefied hath an evil favoured smell. 
Ga●en lib. 5. de simplic. 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 vrin. cap. 3. rub. 1.  look at large what Sauonarola 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 folkes seldom sand 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 vpon them to judge of the several humours so putrefied. 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 onely, or of the liver also, of the chest, or other members? Nay so far off is the stinking smell from giuing 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 hote complexioned men voided often very strong smelling urines, howsoever free from any disease, as I haue 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 necessary 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 Sauonarola in his treatise of urines, that there are other signs also to be observed in the annoying of putrefied 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 onely 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 judicandi ratione scribentes digni essent, qui in dies lotium potare cogerentur. Vpuparum potius quam Medicorum haec tractatio erit. Idem ibidem.  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 vpon the taste, I fear I should be worse taxed. I can tell no man their taste by mine own experience. Salt they haue always been counted, as the tears likewise: If any be incredulous I will not hinder him. If our vrinemongers had no better beer allowed them, they would not so much adore the pissepot as some of them do. But yet if any purpose to practise this point, I wish him to go to the Arabians, who haue written so curiously concerning this point; and it may be, in regard of their aromatical drugs, their urines may be of better taste then those of our Europaeans, who feed on grosser food. As for the other two qualities, the sound and touch, we will sand them all in one ship to Arabia with their fellowes: 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.  

Vrina meretrix.  IF ever urine proved a strumpet, 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 vpon each several colour: for this might prove too tedious, and perhaps, not so pertinent to the purpose we haue 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 Physitians 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 childrens, do commonly decline towards white and pale) it doth betoken that their bodies are too hote, 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 mans, a womans or a childs, 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 red in an English urine book: to wit, 
Called the key of unknown knowledge, or a shop of five windows.  that a maid which maketh an urine of this colour, desireth the company of a man. Doth not our master vrine-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 vpon their hemisphaers, and the suffering some syllibubs 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 suite: 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, haue 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, 
Leuinus Lemnius de occultis nature 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. Ia●ob. Douinetus apol. lib. 1. cap. 8.  and then I will add one of mine own experience.  
The iudgement 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 judicious 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 haue their being in the bladder, veins, kidneys and liver. As it came to pass anno 1581. in a young man about 24. yeares of age newly married. This young mans urine being, as well in colour as contents, most like unto an healthful urine, he being neither deprived of his accustomend appetite, either to meate 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 onely 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, b●ing now wholly deprived of the said spirits, it was no marvell if nature now decaying, and wine, by the counsel of a certain physician, being denied him now for certain dayes, he did vpon the eight day make an exchange of this cottage of day 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 diuers other diseases, there reigned not onely in Northamptonshire, but in many other places of the kingdom, a certain kind of malign, if not pestilential fever, the which, by reason it sweept 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 eye-witnesse.  
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 name 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 dayes, fearing that which afterwards came to pass, being also hereunto persuaded by some of her friends, she used the aduise of another physician and myself. In a few dayes 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 entred into the possession of a better. Two or three dayes before her death, her urine might both for colour and contents, haue given such satisfaction and content to the most eagle-eyed physician, that none by the sight of the same could ever haue 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 withall sensibly approach the dissolution of this crazy cottage, he would no doubt with old Agag haue concluded: 
1. Sam. 15.32.  Surely the bitterness of death is past.   

CHAP. IIII. Of read 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 vpon 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 read urines. This colour of urine, howbeit it hath many degrees, some being of an higher, and some again of a lower coloured read: 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 Physitians maintained: as also that this same colour of urine is often and usually seen in hote 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 hote and acute diseases; which would puzzle a good physician, by the bare sight of such an urine, 
Dangerous to let blood vpon the bare sight of an high read coloured urine.  to know what disease it were. But yet is not this rule so infallibly true, that it admitt●th of no exception, as is the opinion of many. And therefore most erroneous and dangerous is the practise of such, as vpon the bare sight of an high coloured urine, presently without any further deliberation or enquiry of circumstances, both prescribe phlebotomy, and administer all maner 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 haue 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 could cause, or else from some imbecility and weakness, as cometh sometimes to pass in Dropsies, &c. But lest this should seem stuff of mine own brain, and hatched at home, hear from the mouth of a worthy Author, 
Rhemb. Dod. observat. 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 read 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 be mingled with it, that not the substance of the urine, but the colour onely should be altered, is but seldom seen. Such a case befell a young man of 28. yeares of age or near by.  
This young man voided an urine of an high read colour, 
history.  and thin substance for many dayes together, being very like to the urines made in hote acute fevers. The aforesaid patient had used the advice of diuers ancient learned Physitians, who had appointed him such means as are used for the cooling of hote livers. At length he repaired to myself, at that time but a young physician. Looking on his urine, and withall seeing it of so high a read 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 moneths bypassed he had felt a chilnesse 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, dyed 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 informer times: and thus in a short time recovered his vigour, strength, and former perfect health again.  

Idem Dod. in schol.  Such an excretion of blood, 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 Diapedesis: that is, as much as a straining through. It cometh also to pass, that some blood is voided by urine many other ways: sometimes some great ston fre●ting the passages betwixt the kidneys and the bladder, called Vreteres, blood doth also accompany the urine, but withall it is black and clotted. The ston 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 read, the which doth declare, that the vigour and power of the kidneys is almost quiter abolished.  
But I wish thee yet to lend thine ear a little to the same Author, yet again in a story or two more, 
Idem observat. medicine. cap. 31.  which will add not a little light to this matter.  
The urine doth appear of a reddish colour, not onely when the liver is surprised with a Gangrene, or the body with any hote 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 read colour, howbeit free from any fever: 
history.  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 withall 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, about fifty yeares of age, 
Another. Idem Ibidem.  being freed from a quartan ague, which had held him for the space of four or five moneths, fell into that kind of lask 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 read 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 vpon any so rotten a foundation, but having a more watchful eye on other matters, I thought it necessary in the first place to haue 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 hote and dry, allowing him for his drink the best and strongest wines, such as are sack and canary. physical means were Diagalanga, Diatrion-pipereon, and such like. By continuance of which means, this much at length was obtained, that the faecall 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 read, 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 read by reason of the crudity of the stomach.  After that time therefore he refrained again from beer, vpon 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 haue 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 haue 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 red Galen to Glauco, 
Lib. 1. cap. de signis quotidianae intermitt.  they could not be ignorant that urines sometimes do appear of a reddish colour in could 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 read colour. 
In comment. in predict. 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 read waterish substance issueth out with the urine. 
Hieron. Reusner. in schol. ad cap. 22. joh. Willich. de prob. vrin.  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 read 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 plethoricke 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 {αβγδ}.  who by the onely means of phlebotomy, together with the application of some Emplasticke 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 iudgement had by the variety of these read urines in hote or could diseases easily be conceived, for the which cause I will here surcease from insisting any more vpon 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 haue done.  
Now as these urines of an high and intense read colour, 
Of pissing of blood.  do strike a terror often in the beholders, much more doth this liquour of life( the blood itself I mean) issuing out of the vrinarie 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 onely a mean and ordinary understanding, but a more refined iudgement, may justly fear the future danger: as in the rapture 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 hemorrhoids 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 accustomend and wonted period of time, there shall happen a suppression or stoppage of the aforesaid flux, they are presently surprised with a great headache, their eye-sight waxing dim, seconded with a giddiness and swimming in the head. Vpon 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 eye-sight somewhat darkened, do resemble Hydropicke persons: others are oppressed with melancholic diseases, and some again with Paralyticke passions. All these inconveniences do follow vpon the suppression of any former flux of blood.  

Holler. Schol. ad cap. 52. lib. 1. de morb. Vde ibidem plura, vt& apud Schenck. observat. medicine. lib. 3. Tit. de sang. mictu.  Sometimes pissing of blood( saith Hollerius) is critical, and cometh by certain turns and set times: and with such a one was troubled a certain Nun mentioned by Musa, who every month vpon the suppression of her monthly disease, 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.  

history. marcel. Donat. lib. 4. cap. 29. hist. med.  I am very familiarly acquainted with one Donatus Arrigonius, a merchant of our town, who in his journey to the faire 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 vpon his journey homeward to Mantua, and fast asleep in his inn, being accompanied with another friend, who lay in the same bed with him, vpon the sudden there issued out at his yard, of its own accord, great store of blackish blood; inso 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 withall quiter freed from his jaundice.  
A certain young man, after the eating of great store of garlic, 
Another.  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 yeares 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 then 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 diureticke 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 ease 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 iudgement of the eye at the first to be discerned mingled with the same I caused him bleed oftener then once, besides other fit and convenient remedies, as well in diet as otherwise; and yet this flux continued less or more for some few dayes after. In the space of one week he lost in all above a gallon of blood. For prevention I wished him, besides good diet( hard to be observed by people of that profession) with corroboratiue and other medicines fit for that purpose, with special regard to the liver, not to neglect Phlehotomie, at least every Spring and Fall, which he duly put in practise for the first year: and, for any thing I could ever hear, was little or nothing troubled after that time with this infirmity. After this he lived at least three yeares, and then dyed suddenly; of the cause whereof here to discourse, were besides my present purpose. diverse others haue 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: onely one I will touch but in two words.  

Another.  A little child above five yeares of age, used at diverse times to piss pure blood, not keeping any certain times or turns. This the Gentlewoman herself the childs 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 blew, ash-coloured, or leaden and green coloured urines, together with their several significations and uncertainties.  
THe highest and intensest of all other colours, 
{αβγδ}.  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. prognosi. lib. 2. aph. 29. {αβγδ}.  
Idem in coac. sect. 27. aph. 16. 1. de cris. cap. 12.& alibi.  
Comm. 3. in lib. 3. epid.   may be seen by some passages of our old father Hippocrates, who doth peremptorily affirm, that as well in men as in women, black urines are always dangerous. And of the like opinion and iudgement was once his trusty interpreter Galen, confidently avouching that he never knew any one recover whose urine was altogether black; howbeit the danger was the lesser if the residence onely were black: less again if the middle part or swim, and least of all if the cloud onely were of this colour. Howbeit the same Galen in another place affirmeth, That if there be a retention of a womans monthly flux of melancholic blood, there is no cause of fear, if in such a case the urine appear black to the eye. And again, 
Comm. 3. in lib. 1. epid.  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 onely mention of a certain commotion and agitation of the humours of the body, joined with a a certain conflict: and yet of all sorts of black urines this thin black is counted the best. 

Of black urines.  
history.  
johann. Bel. fort. comm in lib. de vrin.  
Gal. attrib. pag. 72.   black urines may be voided both in health and also in sickness, especially by way of critical excretion. 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: 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 could and dry, since that from thence the could 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 yeares, 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 hemorrhoids 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 an 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.  

Another. Guil. Adolph. Scriben. lib. de vrinar, inspect.  I did once see a Knights urine of a very black colour, who notwithstanding, 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 colour, that whosoever did see it, did suppose it to be ink.  

Actuar. lib. 2. cap. 20. de judic. vrin.  The story of Actuarius his seruant, 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.  

Another.  I was myself very familiarly acquainted with a reverend and grave divine, who lived sometime in this town of Northampton, who did at diuers 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 diuers 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, &c. But I produce my authorities. 
Thomas a Vega comm. ad lib. 6. Gal. de loc. affect. pag. 342.  We must not unadvisedly and without any limitation, jump with the iudgement of Galen in condemning of black urines. For howsoever he did never perhaps see any saved after the voiding of such an urine, yet haue diverse other of no small note and famed since his time seen and observed the same: for the which cause it ought not so much to be condemned; nay not if thou wouldest even tie thine assertion to acute diseases: yea though thou shouldst yet further suppose many other bad and dangerous signs to concur with the same. For besides Rhases, Auicenna, and Actuarius, Hippocrates 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 vpon the taking of any meate, drink, or medicine, of a black colour,& perhaps endued with a diureticall quality; concerning which there is a pretty story in Actuarius. It proveth also often a critical excretion in quartan agues, in diseases of the spleen, as also in the suppression of womens menstruous fluxes, and of the hemorrhoids 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. And yet further, in some infirmities of the kidneys, 
Nocturnae vel diurnae febres.  or yet a ston 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 forerunner of extreme danger, to wit, when it doth proceed from extreme heat or could, 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 all●uiation do follow vpon 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 womens monthly disease, it is an usual and accustomend, howbeit not a perpetual and certain sign. But now I will instance in some histories the proof of these critical evacuations.  

Another. Anton. Valet exercit. 40 ad Holler. de morb. intern.  I am very familiarly acquainted with a Church man, who ordinarily three or four times a year complaineth of the swelling of his spleen to an excessive bigness, especially towards the Spring and Fall: and vpon 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 dayes, the foresaid swelling, as also his great pain vanishing quiter away, he recovered again his wonted and accustomend health. It is now twelve, if not fifteen yeares since he was first acquainted with this critical excretion by urine, having before that time been troubled with the piles or hemorrhoids, which notwithstanding did yield but little matter.  

Another. Andr. Laurent. anat. lib. 1. quaest. 38.  I haue of mine own experience observed( saith the learned Laurentius) such as haue been troubled with the spleen, by means of a plentiful evacuation by black urine to haue been cured. Now it is also to be observed, that such urines were black, not by generation, by reason that such urines in Hippocrates his Prognost. predict. 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 sand forth through the kidneys into the bladder.  

Francisc. Valer. comm. ad libr. Gal. de constit. art. med. pag. 355  Howbeit black urines be by Hippocrates condemned as deadly( saith Valeriola) or at least very dangerous, 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 vpon the twentieth day, by way of a crisis, void above twelve wine pints of urine as black as ink, the which I haue often also observed in quartan agues.  
But now I will instance in some agues, and some other infirmities.  
Vpon a time I went to a Canon who lay sick of a triple quartan ague, 
Another. jacob Douinet. apol. lib. 3. cap. ult.  being troubled also with a scirrhus or hardness both of his liver and spleen, 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 diuers who haue 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 yeares in France, 
Another. Of a bastard Tertian in myself.  and living at that instant in the town of Fontenay le count, 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 weekes, yet without any violent accidents, I did at the first contemn. After the foresaid space, 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 diuers fit and proper remedies for the extirpation of the foresaid infirmity, I voided for the space of three or four dayes together great store of thick blackish urine like unto ink, at the first sight whereof( having red something before in Hippocrates, concerning the danger of such urines) I was something afraid; but after more mature deliberation I restend better satisfied. I remember I had for certain dayes together drunk of an infusion wherein was some quantity of Sene leaves, which as it seemeth by the attraction of the humour of that colour did die the urine therewith. Unto this critical excretion was shortly after added another: to wit, a violent task, not without the mixture of some blood, which lasted at least for the space of a full forthnight, and which did at length wast away the m●teer 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.  

Another. johann. Crato consil. medicine. col. 446. aedit. Hanou. in fol. 1612.  I gave vpon a time to a patient of mine( saith Crato) much troubled with the black jaundice, some Bezoar ston, 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 withall complained much of a pain in her loins, and always vpon 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.  

Another. Amatus Lusitanus centa●. 5. turat. 54.  The son of Angelus born at Ancona( as relateth Amatus) being but five yeares of age, somewhat fat of body, being, 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 vlcer-like matter all over his head and neck, and for diverse dayes did run great store of this putrid matter from the foresaid sores. But after a moneths space, this child voided abundance of thick black urine for the space of three dayes 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 then 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 onely, whether it be critical as we say, or symptomaticall, 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. And besides all the premises. 
Mercur. lib. de vrin. cap. 6.  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 vndoubtly void black urines. The same Author affirmeth, that black urine after great travell and exercise, doth prognosticate a convulsion, and that a glister made of the decoction onely of high coloured read wine, hath produced a black urine. And again, out of Rufus Ephesius, who lived about the time of the Emperour trajan, that black urine, voided for a long time together in the time of health, prognosticateth the engendering of a ston 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.  
Blew urines, called commonly veneta& caerulea, 
Of blew urines.  being as it were a more remiss black, and not dyed with so great a quantity of that humour, hath also diverse significations. For being thick withall, it signifieth that black choler, proceeding first from yellow choler very adust, doth colour the urine: or else so great could of the inward parts, that they are almost quiter mortified. It signifieth moreover, extraordinary 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 adust 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 ston, 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 Physitians 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 could in extremest degree, as was said before of black, and then is mortal: especially if leaden colour and black follow successively at diuers times, pulse feeble, with thirst or short breath. Sometimes again a Quotidian ague and yellow jaundice, 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 sound& 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 vpon certain kinds of food, may produce such an urine, this ensuing history may easily declare.  

history. Guil. Adolph. Scribon. de inspect. vrin. propefinem.  There was a certain physician, who having fed on some nourishment of that colour, 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 vpon the feeding on such and such food it was no uncouth thing for him to void such an urine: and withall advised him not to pronounce his opinion so peremptorily vpon the colour of the urine onely.  

Of popiniay green, oily urine.  The other sort of green urines is a light popiniay green, called also an oily urine: that is, such whose substance is clammy and thick, as oil or fat melted. 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 vpon 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 haue not always one and the same signification more then the former. If an urine of this colour be thick, and green coloured urine went before, it signifieth extreme heat and burning: if pale coloured urine went before, it doth portend extreme could and mortification. This kind of urine may also proceed from the affluxe 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 blew 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 then 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 quiter contrary. For the which cause it is no marvell if a physician who should settle his iudgement solely thereupon, might easily be deceived.   

CHAP. VI. The manifold significations of white urines, as also the great uncertainty of iudgement 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 faire spring water, haue diuers significations, as witnesseth the learned Rondeletius, 
Rondelet. lib. de vrin. cap. 15.  with whom are joined in iudgement the rest of our learned Physitians. And first of all this urine is sometimes seen in indifferent good health, 
Their diuers 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, 
foreste. observat. medic. tomo. 1. lib. 2. schol. ad observat. 25. {αβγδ}. Hippocrat. prognost. lib. 2. aph. 30  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 Hippocrates. Wherefore we had need to consider many things before we proceed to deliver our iudgement concerning such urines. If therefore such an urine were brought to the physician, whether would he thereby pronounce a weakness of the stomach, or obstruction of the liver, spleen or Kidneys? And why not a frenzy in a fever? And howsoever Hippocrates pronounceth this to be a most dangerous urine; yet haue I myself often observed the same without any danger to the party, as I doubt not but so haue many more besides myself.  

history.  About some eight or nine yeares ago, there came to me a yeoman of Northampton shire, 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 being indifferent well coloured in regard of the urine, howbeit near fifty yeares 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 yeares bypassed his urine had not altered nor changed from that I did now 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 some things for the strengthening of his stomach, and never since heard any more news of him.  
The like urine haue I often observed in many other cases, and will instance but in one: to wit, an hystericall passion, commonly called the mother.  
Some ten yeares ago I had in cure a young maid, 
Another.  much molested with that disease which is commonly called the Mother. For four dayes 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 last 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 eye-sight, and this commonly four or five times in an afternoon, and that during the dayes 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 troubled 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 mans last mentioned, and this womans) they had never been able to discern any difference betwixt these two urines: much less then the ignorant empiric, the peticoate 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 haue conjectured a Diabete, or pissing evil, then any other infirmity? And this I think may suffice to prove the uncertainty of iudgement by thin white urines: now something of thick white urines.  

Of thick white urines.  Hippocrates, 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, conuulsions, great coldness of the natural parts: and finally, all manner of diseases proceeding from phlegm. If such an urine then were offered to thy view and consideration, good master vrine-monger, for which of these diseases wouldest 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 diuers 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.  

history. Nichol. Florent. serm. 3. tract. 10. cap. 21.  I did see in the Castle of Itrum in the county of Sundoz, a young man about thirty yeares of age, 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. This 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 suburbe of Northampton, commonly called Cottonend, sent me an urine, if so it might be called, which was nothing else, as one would haue judged by the eye, but thick curdled milk, which did very near fill the urinal, onely on the top of it did swim a little liquour 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 onely like the aforesaid white posset drink, howbeit she had sometimes before voided such an urine, as I was informed. She died about two moneths 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 Sphaererio medico referent Schenck. lib. 3. observat. medicine. lib de vrin.  namely in a certain Polonian in the hospital of the holy Ghost, the which( saith the Author) I often beholded. 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 melted 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 ston, howsoever it cometh sometimes otherwise to pass.  
I was these yeares by past( saith Schenckius) familiarly acquainted with a certain Noble man, now dead, 
Another. johann. Schenck. ibidem.  whose name was Vdalrichus, and brother to George master of the order of the Knights of germany, called Ioannitae, being descended of the noble family of H●henheimes, 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 haue drawn it an ell long, as if it had been some glue or bird-lime. He never in his life was troubled with the ston, and himself shewed me this urine, offering the same to my trial.  

Another. Holler. inter raras observat. num. 2.  Another voided by urine a certain matter like unto melted pearls being of a fine bright colour, of whom Hollerius maketh mention, the same party again voiding a matter of thicker substance much like unto the white of an egg boiled.  

Another. Idem schol. ad cap. 30. lib. 1. de morb. intern.  The same Author maketh mention in another place of another, who voided by urine, not without great pain and torment, little pieces of phlegm, round like little bullets, clear like unto crystal, clear glass or fine gellie.  

Another.  An ancient Gentleman and acquaintance of mine dwelling in London, being at least threescore and ten yeares of age, at that time 1611. had for a long time voided great store of such tough phlegmatic matter, most like unto bird-lime or gellie, 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 Physitians were not wanting, some being of opinion it was a ston 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 ston in the bladder, moved hereunto by some probable coniectares. But seeing him much macerated and weakened by much physic, exhibited both by the learned physician, and by the ignorant empiric 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 Iuleps 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 moneths together. After two moneths were past 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 dayes, payed that debt which admitteth no bail nor suretyship. This then may appear that the urine here could give us no assured knowledge of the certainty of the disease, whether the ston 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 circled 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.  
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 haue here the pre-eminence above the other two Now as concerning the circled, ring or garland, 
Of the circled, ring or garland. Not mentioned by the ancients. Lib. de vrin. cap. 31. de circulo. The original of it.  it hath been well observed by some of our late writers, that neither Hippocrates nor yet Galen ever made any mention of them, as being in their judgements a thing not worth the consideration. Rondeletius maketh Auicenna and Isaac Arabian Physitians, 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 circled or crown. 
It is twofold.  Two sorts of these circles or garlands find we mentioned by Actuarius, which notwithstanding few authors that I haue red do remember. The first is that commonly so called, being nothing else but a certain circled or round line in the ou●rmost 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 liquour. The other circles or garlands are no such round rings or circles as haue been mentioned, 
Le● Roganus de differ. vrin. lib. 1. cap. ult.  but onely some overmost parts of the urine which swim in the liquour of the same, and for the same reason, of the roundness of the urinal, called crownes or garlands. Of the former of the two do our Physitians most commonly make mention, and many things do many men prognosticate by the same, 
Posteriores eiusdem( coronae) iuditia subiecerunt veteribus non vsitata,& in quibus justae saepe causae desiderantur: verum vt scenae inseruiamus eadem iudicia subdere placet. Villich. de probat vrin. part. 4. cap. 39.  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 Physitians: 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 haue we the proportion betwixt the regions of the body of man, and the regions of the urine violently thrust vpon us; and as they will haue 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. And not with this content, they ascribe several colours of these circles, not to several humours onely, 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 part; diving sometimes into the very ventricles or inward concauities 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 diuers manners of situation of the urinal, one or all of these, easily alter the colour of this thy circled, making it appear sometimes of one, sometimes of another colour? Besides, these circles or garlands are supposed to be seen in such urines onely as are not of one colour, and the overmost part thinner then 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. The learned Rondeletius, I am sure, made but small account of them, and where he mentions them, 
Loco proxime citato.  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 read circled( if it signify any thing at all) doth signify abundance of blood in the whole head, &c. Another learned author lately mentioned, 
Idem Roganus de provid. ex urinis lib. 3. cap. 8.  would also willingly haue them banished out of all the Hippocraticall commonwealth, in these words following: But perhaps in vain do I labour to roote out this so inveterate and inbred opinion( meaning concerning froth, spume and bubbles) out of the minds of our ordinary Physitians. The like may I say concerning the crownes or garlands in urines, the opinion whereof hath now almost so deeply possessed every mans mind. It is most certain that Actuarius himself never did prognosticate any such thing by this circled or line compassing round about the overmost part of the urine, having onely 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 circled or roundring, which may be as well observed in any other round vessel filled with any liquour, as in an urinal? 
Idem lib. 2. de cause. vrin. cap. 9.  As concerning that crown or garland which is the superficies or overmost part of the urine, which Actuarius seemeth to haue borrowed from Hippocrates, we haue by the authority of Galen, already rejected. Wherefore in my opinion these crownes 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 haue 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 Physitians haue 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 Physitians. And this shall now suffice concerning circles or garlands, we now proceed to the rest.  
Bubbles, spume, or froth, 
Of bubbles, spume or froth.  are all accounted to proceed from one and the same cause, differing in some circumstances onely. 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. vrin. cap. 9.  then in the former. Actuarius( saith our above name author) maketh mention of many things concerning this matter which neither Galen nor Hippocrates haue 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 onely, but in any other liquour in like manner may easily be observed, to wit, that such froth and bubbles do longer persist in the circled joining to the vessel then in the rest of the overmost part of the same, &c. 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 onely, 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 onely 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 besides 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 mans 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 haue 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 then 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 it come, as we say, per sympathiam, by consent from the neather parts( which is most common) or per idiepathiam: 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 then a thousand urines. If bubbles do appear in the urine( saith Reusner) together with the signs of defluxion or distillation of humours, 
Schol. in cap. 30. part. 4. Iodoci Willich. de probat vrinar.  especially if a fever be therewith conjoined, they do portend a 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 beleeue he were a cunning physician, that could tell or name the disease by the urine onely. 
Comment. 3. libri 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 onely, but in the infirmities of the kidneys also; Hippocrates 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. But from the froth we come to the smoke or vapour in the urine, 
Sauonarola de vrin. cap. 3. rubr. 17.  of the which an Italian physician maketh mention; and 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 hote 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 marvell 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 hide mystery of the imposture, and abuses concerning urines. But now something concerning the fat swimming on the top of urines.  
Such urines haue 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 spiders 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 onely, if without it. 
Gai. Comm. 3. in lib. 3. epid.  This fever is sometimes very speedy and swift in operation, wasting suddenly not the fat onely, but the solid substance of the body also; called therefore by our Physitians, 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 onely, to discern all these several circumstances and differences? 
De provid. ex urinis lib. 3. cap. 6.  But this is yet worth the observing( saith Roganus) that when as these wasting or consuming fevers haue 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, but passeth away like a vapour. 
Lib. 1. meth. med. cap. ult.  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 then before? 
Guil. Adolph. Scrib. de inspect. vrinar. 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 haue eaten fat meats, or haue 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 onely, but full of temeritie also. The truth of this assertion may also in this more plainly appear, that many haue dyed 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 Physitians part diligently to inquire concerning all the circumstances of the disease, and not by the inspection of the urine onely peremptorily to pronounce any thing. Thus far our author. Many of my friends and patients haue voided urines with this far like a spiders web floating on the top for diverse yeares 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.  

history.  It is not yet full three yeares since I had under my cure in Northampton town a country woman diseased of that infirmity which we call Lienteria, 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 dayes 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 diverse sorts of grounds or residences, and the uncertainty of their significations.  
IN the first place we are to observe, that all urines are not accompanied with contents, 
All urines are not accompanied with contents.  but many deprived of them; which may proceed from diverse 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 diuers 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 jennings in their urines: and such as are in present health, and eat much, haue a more copious residence, and in Winter it doth more abound then in summer. Laborious and very painful people may also haue 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, then 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 haue 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, haue one and the same material cause, and their generation is also alike, differing onely 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 haue 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 
The swim.  or sublimation, hanging as it were betwixt the overmost and nethermost region of the urine. But when nature hath now gotten the vpper hand of the disease, then doth this which we call ground, 
The 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 onely to discover the uncertainty of iudgement which these contents do afford vs. 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 onely in circumstances, yet may sometimes the one be without the other. wheresoever there is a swim( saith Scribonius) there is also a ground or residence, 
Loco 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 iudgement 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 diuers other circumstances, according to the which critical dayes are accustomend 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, &c. But better it were when they are settled, then to give out our iudgement of them. For I haue often let urines stand by me, and could see no settling till the next day. Now what couldst thou haue judged of such an urine the first day, especially if the messenger, according to the common custom, had hied him home? What couldst thou haue 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. It may then plainly, 
Et ex his proinde vniuersis optime facillimeque intelligi posse opinor, quantus f●cus, quanta deceptio, quanta denique malignitas, sit omnium illorum qui absque aliis coiudicantibus vllus nude& simpliciter ex allata sibi vrinae aliquas corporis male affecti causas& originem, subiecta, adiuncta& sic deinceps, vel exploratissime se cognoscere posse aeutumant. Idem. Seribon. ibid. Of yellow contents or grounds  by the premises, appear( saith the same Author) what counterfeiting juggling and deceit they use, and how wicked their practise is, who without any other coiudicant signs, do by the urines onely, give out sentence concerning the infirmities of the body of man, their causes and beginning, their subiects, adjuncts, &c. 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 accounted 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 vpon among Physitians, 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 diuers) it may signify, 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 iudgement 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 read residence, 
read 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 Plethoricall and Catechymicall constitutions, oppressed with abundance of blood and bad humors, if they attain to their expected issue, must needs be accompanied with such or the like residence. The bare inspection of the urine onely will never acquaint thee with the particular. Sometimes both the afore-mentioned contents are to be seen in one and the same urine, which is sometimes deadly, and sometimes again proveth a fore-runner of safety and security: I will instance in two examples of mine own experience, to make the truth of this appear.  

history.  About some three yeares ago, 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 hote, and the whole constitution of his body participating of the same distemper.  

Another.  But in the year 1613. 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 weekes 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 lask, all which accidents, or the most of them, did not forsake her till near the time of her delivery. phlebotomy for diverse considerations I durst not then attempt. Other evacuations, both upwards and downwards, came in greater abundance then was wished. It was now deeply imprinted, not in her own onely, 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. Vpon 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 man-child, which nevertheless lived not above the space of a month. The mother two or three dayes 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 hote liver, and the matter of the laundise 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, &c.  
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 plethoricall body, or else by weakness of the retentive power, and of the liver; the which rightly to discern, wee must be acquainted with diuers 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. about the beginning of january, 
history.  my counsel was demanded for a Gentleman dwelling near Northampton, about fifty yeares 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 read streaks of blood. And howbeit I often earnestly entreated him to admit of phlebotomy, as the onely 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 haue paid a good fine for the renewing of the lease of his life, but all too late.  
As concerning white, black, leaden, or ash-coloured; 
See somewhat in the colours heretofore.  as also green and blew contents, the uncertainty of these may be in some sort collected from that we haue already said of such urines, and many other matters I willingly pass by, and hasten to the rest: to wit, diuers other sorts of residences or strange contents, called by some, difforme contents.  
Purulent or mattery residence, 
Purulent or matterie residence.  doth much resemble a white residence or ground, which is so much commended for the best of all others; and therefore requireth some iudgement to discern the one from the o●her: and yet is there a crude and vnconcocted residence not unlike this purulent matter to bee 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. 
Schol. ad cap. 50. lib. 1. de morb. intern.   
Neither yet doth this mattery stuff always proceed from the kidneys or bladder. For it proccedeth almost from every part of the vpper 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 moneths after dyed, and the dead corps 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.  

Lib. de vrin. cap. 38.  Galen( saith Rondeletius) did see an imposthume of the Lungs purged by urine, 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 affencted, the grief and tumour of the part giveth us notice, and not the urine onely.  

read vetches or fitches.  Now read Vetches or Fitches in the residence, 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 onely. And so branny contents, 
Brannie and scalie contents.  signify sometimes consumption of the whole body, or of the bladder onely with concoction, no Ague; and great heat wasting the substance of the liver, and burning the blood if it be read. 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 read, 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 diuers significations: as namely, a consumption of the whole body, a fever then being joined therewith, or else of the kidneys onely, and then is no fever to be seen. 
Comm. 1. ad aph. 76. sect. 4.  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, womens 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, saith Hollerius. 
Loco proxime supra citato. history.   
A certain man voided such hairy excrements, with a golden coloured urine, above the space of twenty yeares, 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 observat. medic. lib. 3. Tit. de vrina.  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. It is recorded by that famous Hippocrates, 
sandy or grauelly residence. Aph. 79. sect. 4.  that in whatsoever urine a grauelly matter settleth to the bottom, it betokeneth a ston 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 haue myself often observed, both in old age and younger yeeres, such grauelly urines without any ston. The wideness of the urinary passages, as also diureticall 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 ston from some other disease, as hath heretofore appeared: what certainty then can be expected from the sole deceitful sign of the urine?  

history. Ibidem.  The admiral Annebault( saith Hollerius) being much tormented in making his urine for the space of eight moneths together, both Physitians and Surgeons being in doubt whether there were a ston in the bladder or no, at length it was concluded to m●ke incision for the ston. No ston 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 patent restored to his former health again.  

Flesher.  Some also are of opinion, it signifieth adustion of humours, as in diseases coming of choler, such as be burning Agues, Tertian Agues, single and compound, and sometim●s in diseases of melancholy, as rain agues long continuing. Likewise the Gout, pain of the joints and reins, leprosy, French pox confirmed, Emeraudes, costiuenesse, and heat of the liver: if there be no pain nor heaviness about the reins.  

Worms rejected by urine.  But besides all the former contents, worms haue 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 shewed me worms in the urine when I was but yet young, who was also the chief inciter of me to this profession. The worms might be seen to move without any motion of the urine. 

Montuus. Idem Rondel. lib. de morb. cognos. cap. 17.  
Historia Didymi Obrechti ad finem libri Rondel. de vrinus adiecta.  
Loco iam supra citato.   again. I haue 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, 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. And of another, who after the voiding of some stones and grauelly matter, voided two evil favoured worms.  

Ibidem.  The same Author again. 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 beckes, two horns vpon 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 read.  
I haue wondered to see( saith another Author) in mine own urine a great number of worms, short and little, like unto small lice. 

H●eron. Cardan. comm. in aph. 76 lib. 4.  
Ambros. Par. Chirurg. lib. 19. cap. 3.   Monsieur Duret a physician hath assured me( saith Ambrose Pare) that he did void at his yard, after a long and grievous sickness, 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 pie.  
Leuinus Lemnius reporteth that he hath seen in the urines of diverse that haue been sick of the French pox, 
De occult. nat. mirac. lib. 2. cap. 40.  worms like unto Antes.  
One being troubled with difficulty of making water( saith Schencleius) voided by his yard a little live Scorpion. 
observat. 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 haue often administered means both to young and old against this disease, even against all the sorts of worms commonly recorded by our Physitians, yet could I never perceive any in such persons urines. And in how many young childrens urines haue 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? If thou wilt deny this long and tedious journey, I will again demand of thee, 
johann. Renodaeus de mat. med. lib. 3 cap. 33.& antidote. lib. 1. sect. 1. cap. 20. circa finem. Motes in the urine, together with their several significations.  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. Thus then 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 diverse 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.  

Of dust in the urine.  But we must not yet omit the very dust, which they will haue to signify diverse and sundry matters; and that according to the several colours of the same, vpon 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 Emeraudes, present, or shortly to follow: and sometimes vomiting of blood. As also sometimes pain in the reins, loins, &c. and stoping of the Flowers, and at other times pain and diseases of the spleen, &c.  

history.  In the beginning of the year 1623. my counsel and personal presence was craved for a lady in Northampton-shire of good account. In the bottom of the urinal wherein her urine was put, for certain dayes 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 dayes after the sight of such contents in their urines. And howbeit some strange and troublesone accidents did terrify the spectators who beholded 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 inuoluntarie passing, both in sickness and in health.  
THe manner of pissing, is either hard and uneasy, or else inuoluntarie. As for the first, the action is interested 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, may come to pass, 
Of painful and uneasy pissing.  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 could: the which painfulness may in like manner be procured by reason of some inflammation, clotted or congealed blood, an ulcer, a ston, &c. Suppression of urine 
Suppression of urine.  proceedeth from diverse 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, or else by obstruction. 
The several causes of the same.  This suppression is likewise procured by the obstruction or stoppage of the Kidneys and urine-pipes, and by means of the weakness thereof. By reason of the obstruction of the aforesaid passages, it cometh also diverse 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 ston, 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. curat. 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 bladd●r diverse ways procured.  it being also thereby interested. 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, &c. Thirdly, the exceeding great quantity of urine distending and stretching out of the bladder, detained longer then is convenient, may bring this sometimes to pass. Fourthly, the resolution or looseness of the muscles of the neather belly, which haue 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 Hippocrates. sixthly, by the defect and fault of the urine-pipes, and that diverse 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 ston stoping 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 pensiveness 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 sand to the physician? And if such an accident come to the cure of some empiric or vnskilfull physician, his conceit will straightway lead him to some ston, and so, according to their ignorance in this art, exhibit strong diuretickes, or medicines provoking urine, as I haue sometimes observed: 
Calculus renum rare aut nun. quam diuretica huius aut illius sortis citra damnum admittit, &c.  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 haue instanced already.  
This last Spring a young Gentleman of Leicestershire, 
Mercat. Tomo. 1. lib. 3. par. 3. class. 3. quaest. 217. history.  of good worth, travailing towards London thorough this town of Northampton, was suddenly surprised with a suppression of urine. Being afraid of a ston 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 julep, 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.  Hippocrates doth not deny; other Physitians also haue observed it, and myself not long since, in one who died not long ago. And because this History for diuers 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 yeares of age, subject of late yeares 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 chilnesse in his legs, and shortly after complained of the like in his back, bones, and vpper parts of his body: vpon which occasion he hied him home, and im●gining it to be some could, 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 person sent back word, it was a blind Ague, and withall sends him a vomit, and prescribes phlebotomy. The Surgeon being sent for, perceives a jaundice, and the patient complains of some faintness; vpon which occasion he refuses to let him blood, wishing his friends to acquaint the person with these occurrents. The person repeals his former sentence, and commends the Surgeon for being so sparing. And indeed he dealt honestlier then the person: for he trusted none but his own eyes, and so  told his mind freely to his friend: but the person both saw with other mens eyes, and heard with other mens ears; and building vpon this sandy foundation, sent his Oracle to the absent, which he as easily recalled again vpon the first information, and sends him another Oracle written now in a piece of paper, and withall 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 besides, after the operation of this vomit, the jaundice appeared, a suppression of urine and ordure, together with a troublesone 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 person 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 past. The patient seeing himself forsaken now in his greatest need, having learned by a too late repentance, that his person proved not so trusty a friend as he supposed; Cum nemini obtrudi potest itur ad 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 haue already related. having acquainted his wife and friend●●●th the extreme ●anger I then found him in, yet being both by him●elfe, his wife and all his friends earnestly entreated to do my vtt●●most endeavour to help him in this extremity, and at least to ease him of ●hese troublesone accidents; so much by glisters and other mildred means in two dayes space I prevailed, that most of the aboue-named accidents vanished quiter 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 vpon his lips. The which I then perceiving, as likewise that he was not as yet free from his fever, willing to try if phlebotomy 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 better able to swallow then before: the soreness of his mouth began likewise to amend, being duly dressed diverse times of the day: his hicket also was no more to be heard. Not full two houres 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 giuing of him a cordial julep there in a readiness, and so left visiting him any more, and he ere nine of the clock at night, obeying Deaths last summons, discharged that debt which we haue yet to pay.  
But now Master person, 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 then a mans life: the life, I say, not of an ordinary man, but of a magistrate, whom this corporation could not so well at this time haue 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, said 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 haue both red, 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 writ 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 practise 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 yeares ago, his iudgement by a Gentleman concerning his disease being demanded, answered, It was a disease in his spirits. The Gentleman died within a few dayes after of a fever, which took possession of the whole body; and a physician that came afterwards to him, thought it to be a Squinancie, and that the person had wronged him in deferring phlebotomy too long, by the which he gave the patient some ease for the present. If this person had ever learned the grounds of physic, he could haue  told that that fever which we call Ephemera, 
Gal. 1. de differ. febr. cap. 1.  not exceeding four and twenty houres, 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 surfet, 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 haue 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, &c. I know your gravity would disdain the name of an empiric, but pardon me good master person, this course was too Empiricall, I wish both yourself and some of your brethren to be more circumspectly in exhibiting your vomits. It is too well known in the country, 
Strong stibiate vomits ordinarily used by our Parson-practisers in most diseases, and for the most part without the sight of their patient.  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 person lately mentioned, within these few yeares 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 yeares ago my presence was required for a Gentlewoman at a Knights house within seven miles of Northampton. 
history.  Her disease was a Squinancie, and had been before my coming, by the advice of a neighbour person( 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 asking me whether she might take the Parsons vomit or no, I replied, it was absurd both in 
Si igitur valenter etiamnum fluxio irruat, ad contraria reuellere studebimus: utique si in superioribus vicus consistat, per inferna purgantes: sin autem in inferioribus sit, superiorem ventrem p●●gantes. 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 affencted. In three dayes space, by means of attractive glisters, which the person 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 yeares 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 weekes 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 friends carelessness, and yet recovered he his health. But why was not this remedy administered to our patient? Because the person was informed of the appearing of the jaundice. But did the jaundice cross the former indication of bleeding The 
Icte●us triplex est, selleus, hepaticus& criticus. Felleus si● vel ab immodica pleni tudine vesiculae fellis, vel paruitate eius, aut ab imbecillitate facultatis attractricis eiusdem, aut à m●atuum obstructione; siue corum sit per quos bilis allicitur, siue eorum per quos pellitur ad intestina, quo regurgitat ad venas bilis,& praedictum gignit affectum. Hepaticus efficitur icterus ab hepatis obstructione, scirrho, inflammatione, aut calida distemperie: ad quod etiam membrum reducitur venarum caliditas exurens,& totius etiam corporis, siue etiam corrumpatur in venis& vniuerso corpore sanguis ob earum intemperamentum citra hepatis affectum, aut à veneno assumpto, aut eiaculato à fera, vel assumptis cathar●ticis non purgantibus. Criticus duplex existit: salutaris vnus, qui rursus sit dum sano existent homine molestatur natura, aut in morborum iudicationibus, quae septimo die aut post septem, diebus criticus incidit, antegressis coctionis fignis, &c. Alter vero est criticus à motu maligni morbi, quem etiam symptomaticum dicere possumus, qui semper antè septimum incidit, &c. Mercatus de intern. morb. curat. tomo. 3. lib. 4. cap. 5.  jaundice proccedeth of diverse 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, &c. It is also sometimes occasioned by poison, and sometimes by means of some 
Aliam adhuc addit causam Hollerius, calculum vnum, vel plures in vesica fell-a saepe concretes De morb. intern. lib. 1. cap. 37.  ston or stones grown within this gall-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 patients jaundice appeared in an acute disease, before the seventh day. That phlebotomy in this 
Multis rationibu● sanguis in hac affectione utiliter mitti potest, primo quidem malo incipiente retractionis gratia: ob id Paulus statuit 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: quapropter dixit Aetius dvo maxima esse in hoc affectu remedia, nimirum, venae sectionem,& purgationem, &c.& paulo post. Si ex morbo acuto ante septimum prodeat sanguinem mittes, &c. 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 Aegineta and Aetius, two famous ancient greek Physitians: especially in the abundance of blood, with a concourse of choler, which was manifest to the eye-sight 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 wonted evacuation. This then 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 then the opening of a vein. five dayes after, when by reason of hote and sharp humors towards his throat, procured by your unseasonable vomit, this remedy brought alleviation, with some rest after ensuing. What then might it in probability haue 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 
Verum si suspitio aliqua est excrementi in ventre& primis venis Cassiae aut Catholici ℥ j. ex sero lactis imperabis. Et quia in hoc morbo aluus fear astricta est, vtilissimus est clyster, cuius materia sit ex iis quae stercus durius emolliunt, &c. Sic enim placuisse veteribus Aphrodisaeus scriptum reliquit. Holler, loco nuper citato.  rules of reason and precepts of art. And those who artended him can testify that one glister by me prescribed, gave him more ease then all your physic. But let us come to your Prognosticke: you hoped the worst was past. Vpon what ground? Because now the jaundice came forth. Cuius contrarium verum est. The case is quiter contrary: you ought therefore to haue deemed some danger. Fie master person, such a Rabbi as you think yourself, whom the vulgar adore like the 
Acts 19.35.  Image of Diana, which the foolish Ephesians thought came down from jupiter. Old 
Aphor. 62. lib. 4.  Hippocrates could haue  told you, that such a jaundice seldom portended security. And howsoever he and some others make mention of some who in such a case haue recovered: yet do all our Authors hold the case to be very dangerous. 
Medicum arbitror operae praetium esse prouidentiam consectari ●praesentiens enim atque praedicens apud aegros res praesentes, praeteritas atque futuras,& etiam quas ipsi aegri praetermittunt explicans, existimabitur facile percepisse notitiam singularem rerum ad aegros pertinentium: eoque fiet vt confidentius credant homines seipsos Medico Medicinam autem optime faciet Medicus, si ante praesenserit quid euenturum sit cvique affectui. Hippocr. Prognost. lib. 1. aph. 1.  At my first coming to our patient I found apparent danger, not onely by reason of this accident, but of diverse other dangerous and deadly signs, wherewith I at that instant acquainted 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 seventh day, as hath been proved. And the messenger was an understanding young man, able to relate some other dangerous accidents, and besides he had no small interest in our patient. But what was wanting by information, might haue 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 entreateth 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. 
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 sees more then doubled: and yet master person must not be called covetous. Now besides the jaundice, the 
Singultus in febre periculosus nisi sit criticus& signa coctionis manifestae appareant. A vomitu quoque malum: cum enim vomitus qui remed●ū esse debet singultum gignit, ab inflammatione cerebri vel stoma●hi metuendum. Holler. lib. 1. de morb. intern. cap. 33.  Hicket in acute diseases, even in the iudgement 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 
S●gna saeg●●s mem●rand●& obserua●da in aegrotantibus. Nam ex continua inspect●●ne, exquisitam eorum potestatis habemus notitiam. Semper mente reuoluere oportet, ac considerare quaenam signa sunt optima quae pessima,& quae in medio confin●o horum quoddle gradus quosdam habentia, nonnulla quidem optimis, nonnulla vtro deterr●mis 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, &c. Gal. 1. de cris. cap 13.  other dangerous signs, maketh the danger yet apparent. And yet the person hopeth the worst is past But how came it to pass, that all your twelve houses in the heauens forgot you at this time, and made you become a lying Prophet? Where were all your malign aspects? 
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 gray-beard( Saturne 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 patients eyes, yea and in some motions of his hands, &c. better then the urine and all the celestial orbs could tell you. 
Sexcenta licet eiusmodi 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 loth to enlarge this Treatise. But master person, make more account of mens lives, and discharge more constionably that calling from which you take the denomination, and yet busy yourself too little about it. I haue 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 Patients friends, and this whole Corporation haue no great cause to magnify it. But it is not much to bee marveled 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 mens 
Quot Themison aegros a●tumno occiderat uno. iwen.  errors are butted 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 mans 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 yeares( 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.  

Of inuoluntarie pissing.  The second branch of the manner of 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, &c. as cometh to pass in the palsy, 
It is produced by diverse 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 could 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 voided, not the urine onely, but other excrements also against their will. And yet were our Pisse-Prophets never able by any such urine onely 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 mens observations make it appear, but that now I fear I haue 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 iudgement by such means.  
THE alchemists well perceiving this vecertaintie afforded us by this sign, haue set their wits a work another way. One of their great Masters, 
Lib. de disti●lat. vrinar.  Thuenheuserus by name, to the end that Paracelsus and his Disciples might be thought to surpass all other Physitians, 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. 
Est aqua quadam queen dicitur ALKALI secreta● cuius vsus ad febres, ad foetum mortuum& alia. Inter haec est etiam separatio succorum. Nam si tantum vna gutta proij●iatur in vrinam agroti, statim fieri dicitur elementerum separatio, adeo vt praedominans elementum apart inconspectum prodeat,& causam mortificum manifestet. Liban. in Alch. pharmac. cap. 8. ex Penoto.  Libanius mentioneth a certain water of separation, which besides diuers other effects hath this also, that one onely drop of it being mingled with the Patients 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 withall declare and lay open the cause of the disease. Parturient montes nascetur ridiculus mus. Great cry and little wool. Our Paracelcists 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 
Cap. de Spagiricorum noua prorsus vrinae 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 hide the very fountain and spring of the disease, and doth withall 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 then hyperbolical promises. If we shall narrowly prie 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 inspect. vrin. 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, could, &c. be discerned by the same. And by this means shall we onely 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 onely 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 bee caused of mercury, Sulphur, or Salt. But wilt thou straight-waies maintain, that all mercurial diseases are seated in the head onely? &c. If this bee 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 haue their original from this Sulphureous and salt matter, as any that proceed from a mercurial cause, haue their root and original from the head, 
absurdity of this opinion.  &c. 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 Good-man Wood cock 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, vpon 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 symptomaticall or dependent vpon 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 stils and Alembicks 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 liquour 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 then 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 then time to withdraw myself out of so stinking a place. The like liberty is allowed thee, kind Reader, to whom I am afraid I haue 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 iudgement 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 iudgement, 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 onely. And therefore I cannot see any just cause why it should not bee pronounced guilty of man-slaughter 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 haue 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 euentu facta notanda putat. ovid. 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 beleeue, they see that in or by an urine, which never had allowance of any learned authority. And may not any ignorant empiric, a cozening Quacksaluer, 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 apprehended some extraordinary sufficiency in that person, as being best able to free thee from thine infirmity. Thus then we see, Uno dato absurdo multa sequuntur: One error draweth on another. The prospe●ous event sometimes seconding their bold attempts, inuolueth the vulgar daily in this dangerous error. 
Arguments taken from issue or event, not to be trusted to.  But arguments taken from event haue 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 haue sometimes performed such cures as haue often astonished some of great understanding: that I say nothing of our Spelmongers, curing by characte●●, figure-casting, with a world of other forbidden trash. Are we therefore warranted by these actions to turn our back vpon God, and make a covenant with his enemy? The divell himself no doubt, as well in the ancient Oracles as of later dayes, hath sometimes  told truth. I should be too tedious to instance in examples. But did not that counterfeit Samuel, to wit, the divell himself, 
1. Sam. 28.18.  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 asking counsel at the divels Oracles, but he who meaneth to haue his habitation with him in hell? 
L H. Howard of blind Prophets.  Far●e 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 lucke then his learning. 
arguments& rationibus oportet quare quicquam it a sit docere non ruentis. Cicer. de divin. lib. 2.  Reasons and arguments( saith a Heathen) must be produced for the confirmation of mens courses, and not examples of events both casual and uncertain. So far were the ancient egyptians from maintaining this opinion, and so careful of mens lives, rejecting this conjectural, casual, and Empiricall manner of curing diseases, and judging of the sufficiency of the physician by the event or issue of the disease; 
Medici ex publico victum sumunt, aegros secundum legem curant, ab antiquis medicis comprobatisque scriptoribus traditam. Si quis normam libri secutus infirmum sanare nequiuerit omni caret crimine. Si praeter ea quae libris continentur, curauerit illum, morte punitur. long. epist medicine. l●b. 1. epist 80 ex Diodoro Siculo.  That at their own cost and charges they maintained many sufficient and skilful Physitians: and moreover, set down an inviolable law and ordinance, 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 then 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, busy-bodies, &c. Thus far our Author. Now as concerning such remedies thus casually and unskilfully ●dministred, howsoever at sometimes they may either do, 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 haue 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 loth 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. A few yeares ago( saith he) the plague of Pestilence prevailing daily more and more in this famous city of Paris, 
history.  whereof no small numbers, especially of the meaner sort, died daily: the learned Physitians 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 famed, for his extraordinary supposed skill in curing this disease, who was said to haue cured more then some of the most expert Physitians. The duchess of longueville being acquainted with these occurrents, sendeth for her physician, desirous to know the cause of so happy successses 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 withall knowing how much is commonly attributed to these casual events, answered onely in general at that instant, that many things seem often otherwise then they are indeed: and false famed maketh some men famous, whose names deserve rather to be butted in oblivion: and after some further discourse concerning that subject( all which notwithstanding, would not satisfy her more then nice curiosity) he taketh his leave for the present. A few dayes 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 haue 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 then 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 cacochymicall bodies, who would prefer the counsel of this clown, before that of the learned and indicious 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 Physitians 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 then the means were able to overcome, the patients were often forced to faint under the burden. Neither were such dangerous, or rather desperate means, as this empiric used, in their opinions to be administered to any, much less to persons of quality and weak constitution. The Noble woman having heard the Physitians 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 Leua in germany, 
Dangerous medicines exhibited by Paracelsists.  of many rare cures seemed to be performed by that medicine which they call the Philosophers ston, 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.  

Another.  Some few yeares before my coming to this town of Northampton, a certain empiric, 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 Electuarie Diaphoe●icō, mingled with so much powder of Diagridium as he could take up between his finger& his thomb, which were his ordinary weights and sca●es, as I was since by our apothecary informed: by which his butcherlike boldness he cast many into most dangerous lasks, accompanied sometimes with diverse other evil accidents, as I haue 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 other 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 diuers 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. Agitur de corio humano. skin for skin, 
job 2.16.  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. said 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, CONSVLT, 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. force. 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.