CHAP. 1. Of the ſituation of the Towne of Knaresborow.

GNareſbrugh (commonly called Knareſborow) is a very ancient Market towne in the Weſt-Riding of Yorkeſhire, diſtant 14 miles from the City of Yorke; where the Pole is eleuated 54 degrees, and 20 odde minutes. On the South-weſt part thereof is that faire, and goodly Fort, ſo much renowned, both for the pleaſant ſituation, and remarkable ſtrength, knowne by the name of Knareſborow Caſtle, ſeated on a moſt ragged and rough Rock; whence (as learned Mr. Camden ſaith) it is ſo named.

Both the Caſtle and Towne are fenced on the South and Weſt parts with the Riuer Nid: which is beautified here with two faire Bridges of ſtone, which lead from the Towne into the Foreſt adioyning, as alſo vnto a large empaled Park of his Maieſties, called Bilton parke, well ſtored with fallow Deere: part whereof is bordered with the ſaid riuer.

The Towne it ſelfe ſtandeth on a hill, hauing almoſt on euery ſide an aſcent to it; and about it are diuers fruitfull valleyes well repleniſhed with graſſe, corne, and wood. The waters there are wholeſome and cleare; the ayre dry and pure. In briefe, there is nothing wanting, that may fitly ſerue for a good and commodious habitation, and the content and entertainment of ſtrangers.

Many things are very obſeruable in this place, which becauſe they rather do appertaine to the volumes of Geographers, & Antiquaries, then to the purpoſe intended in this little treatiſe, are here omitted.

CHAP. 2. Of the ſeuerall earths, ſtones, and mineralls, found neere and about this place.

ALthough there are in ſundry places of this Kingdome as many, or moe ſeuerall kinds, and ſorts of earths, quarreyes of ſtone, minerals, and mines of mettalls, then in any other Realme whatſoeuer; notwithſtanding no one place hath beene obſerued to haue them either in ſuch plentie, or variety in ſo ſmall a diſtance, as this. For here is found not onely white and yellow marle, plaiſter, oker, rudd, or rubricke, free-ſtone, an hard greet-ſtone, a ſoft reddiſh ſtone, iron-ſtone, brim-ſtone, vitreall, nitre, allum, lead, copper, (and without doubt diuerſe mixtures of theſe) but alſo many other mineralls might (perhaps) be found out by the diligent ſearch, and skilfull induſtrie of thoſe, who would take paines to labour a little herein.

All which do manifeſtly demonſtrate, that nature hath ſtored this little territorie with a greater diuerſitie of hidden benefits, then great and ſpacious Countries otherwiſe abounding in outward natiue commodities, and that the fountaines, or ſprings of water hereabouts cannot otherwiſe then participate of their ſeuerall natures, and properties.

CHAP. 3. Of the fountaines, of pure and ſimple waters neere, and about the Towne.

AS generally moſt parts of the Weſt Riding of Yorkeſhire (eſpecially the hilly and more mountaineous places thereof) are ſtored with fountaines and ſprings of cleare, limpide, and pure ſimple waters; ſo likewiſe the territorie here abouts is not without plenty of them. Two whereof haue gotten and purchaſed that reputation, as to be ſaincted: The one called by the name of Saint Magnus, or Mugnus-Well: th'other, that of Saint Roberts.

Theſe, formerly for a yeere, or two, haue beene in great requeſt in theſe parts amongſt the common ſort, much ſought vnto by many, and great concourſe of people haue daily gathered and flocked to them both neare, and a farre off, as is moſt commonly ſeene, when any new thing is firſt found out. Fama enim creſcit eundo, euen vnto incredible wonders and miracles, or rather fictions, and lyes. All which commeth to paſſe as wee may well ſuppoſe, through our ouermuch Engliſh credulity, or (as I may better ſay) rather ſuperſtition. For to any ſuch like Well, will ſwarme at firſt both yong and old (eſpecially the female ſexe, as euer more apt to bee deluded) halt, lame, blind, deafe, dumbe, yea, almoſt all, and that for all manner of maladies and diſeaſes, both inward and outward.

But for as much, as theſe are ſprings of pure, and ſimple waters meerely, without any mixture at all of minerals, to make them become medicinable, it is verily thought, that the many & ſeuerall cures, which haue bin attributed vnto them in thoſe times, when they were ſo frequented, were rather fained, and imaginary, then true, and reall; and that thoſe, who then viſited them, were deſirous (either to vphold, and maintaine the credit, and reputation of their Saints, or elſe, to auoyd the ſcorne and deriſion of their owne deluſion) to haue others likewiſe deceiued.

Time hath quite worne all their ſtrength, and conſumed all their vertues; ſo that nothing of worth now remaines with them, ſauing onely their bare names and titles:

Sic magna ſuâ mole ruunt.

Wherefore to omit theſe, as ſcarce worthy the mentioning; thoſe are chiefly here to be deſcribed, which doe participate of minerall vertues, and faculties.

CHAP. 4. Of fiue fountaines neare vnto the towne, which doe participate of minerall vertues.

OVt of the diuers Fountaines ſpringing hereabouts, fiue are worthy the obſeruation of Phyſitians. The firſt whereof is very neare vnto the riuer banke, ouer againſt the Caſtle, called by the name of the Dropping-well, for that it droppeth, diſtilleth, and trickleth downe from the hanging rocke aboue. The water whereof hath a certaine quality or property to turne any thing, that lieth in it, into a ſtony ſubſtance in a very ſhort ſpace.

Three of the others (being all of them much of one, and the ſame nature) are termed by the country people thereabouts the Stinking-wels, in regard they haue an ill, and fetide ſmell, conſiſting moſt of Sulphure-viue, or quicke brimſtone. One of them, and that which hath the greateſt current, or ſtreame of water, is in Bilton park.

The other two are in the ſayd Foreſt; one is neare vnto the towne; the other is further off, almoſt two miles from it, beyond a place called Haregate-head, in a bottome on the right hand of it, as you goe, and almoſt in the ſide of a little brooke.

The fift, and laſt (for which I haue principally vndertaken to write this ſhort Diſcourſe) is an acide, or tart fountaine in the ſaid Foreſt, commonly named by the vulgar ſort, Tuewhit well, and the Engliſh Spaw, by thoſe of the better rank, in imitation of thoſe two moſt famous acide fountaines at the Spaw in Germany, to wit Sauuenir, and Pouhon: whereof the firſt (being the prime one) is halfe a league from the Spa, or Spaw village; the other is in the middle of the towne.

CHAP. 5. A more particular recitall of the firſt foure Wells.

I Purpoſe to ſpeake ſomewhat more in this place of the firſ • foure Springs mentioned in the former Chapter, in regard the conſideration of them may perhaps giue ſome light to thoſe, who ſhall hereafter ſearch further into the ſecrets, which nature may ſeeme to afford in the Country hereabouts.

The firſt is the Dropping-well, knowne almoſt to all, who haue trauelled vnto this place. The water whereof diſtilleth and trickleth downe from the hanging Rocke ouer it, not onely dropping wiſe, but alſo falling in many pretty little ſtreames.

This water iſſueth at firſt out of the earth, not farre from the ſaid hanging rocke, and running a while in one entire current, continueth ſo, till it commeth almoſt to the brim of the cragg; where being oppoſed by a damme (as it were artificiall) of certaine ſpongy ſtones, is afterwards diuided into many ſmaller branches, and falleth from on high in manner aforeſaid.

It is therefore very likely, that Mr Camden in perſon did not ſee this Fountaine, but rather that hee had it by relation from others; or at leaſt wiſe (if he did ſee it) that hee did not marke, and duly obſerue the originall ſpringing vp of the water, when in his Britannia he ſaith thus: The waters thereof ſpring not vp out of the veines of the earth, &c.

Concerning the properties and qualities thereof, I haue nothing more to write at this time (there being formerly little tryall had of it) ſauing that diuers inhabitants thereabouts ſay, and affirme, that it hath beene found to bee very effectuall in ſtaying any flux of the body: which thing I eaſily beleeue.

The other three are ſulphureous fountaines, and caſt forth a ſtinking ſmell a farre off, eſpecially in the winter ſeaſon, and when the weather is coldeſt. They are all noyſome to ſmell to, and cold to touch, without any manifeſt, or actuall heat at all; by reaſon (as may moſt probably be thought) their mynes, and veines of brimſtone, are not kindled vnder the earth; being (perhaps) hindred by the mixture of ſalt therewith.

Thoſe, who drinke of their waters, relate, they verily thinke there is gunpowder in them, and that now and then they vomit after drinking thereof.

The waters, as they runne along the earth, doe leaue behind them on the graſſe and leaues a gray ſlimy ſubſtance; which being ſet on fire, hath the right ſauour of common brimſtone. They are much haunted with Pigeons, an argument of much ſalt in them; of which in the euaporation of the water by fire, wee found a good quantity remaining in the bottome of the veſſell.

One thing further was worth obſeruation; that white mettall (as ſiluer) dipped into them, preſently ſeemeth to reſemble copper: which we firſt noted by putting a ſiluer porrenger into one of theſe; vnto which Sir Francis Trapps did firſt bring vs. Which tincture theſe waters giue by reaſon of their ſulphur.

Touching their vertues, and effects, there may in generall the like properties be aſcribed vnto them, as are attributed vnto other ſulphureous Bathes actually cold, participating alſo of ſalt.

The vulgar ſort drinke theſe waters (as they ſay) to expell reefe, and fellon; yea, many, who are much troubled with itches, ſcabs, morphewes, tetters, ring-wormes, and the like, are ſoone holpen, and cured by waſhing the parts ill affected therewith. Which thing they might much more conueniently, and more commodiouſly doe, if at that in Bilton parke were framed 2 capacious Bathes, the one cold, the other to be made hot, or warme, by art, for certaine knowne howers a day.

CHAP. 6. A more particular deſcription of the fift, or laſt fountaine, called the Engliſh Spaw.

THis, being the principall ſubiect of this whole Treatiſe, is in the ſaid foreſt, about halfe a league, or a mile and a halfe weſt from the towne; from whence there is almoſt a continuall riſing to it, but nothing ſo great, as the aſcent is from the Spaw village to the Sauuenir. This here ſpringeth out of a mountainous ground, and almoſt at the height of the aſcent, at Haregate-head; hauing a great deſcent on both ſides the ridge thereof; and the Country thereabouts ſomewhat reſembleth that at the Spaw in Germany.

The firſt diſcouerer of it to haue any medicinall quality (ſo far forth as I can learn) was one Mr. William Slingeſby, a Gentleman of many good parts, of an ancient, and worthy Family neere thereby; who hauing trauelled in his younger time, was throughly acquainted with the taſte, vſe, and faculties of the two Spaw fountaines.

In his latter time, about 55 yeeres agoe, it was his good fortune to liue for a little while at a grange houſe very neare to this fountaine, and afterwards in Bilton Parke all his life long. Who drinking of this water, found it in all things to agree with thoſe at the Spaw. Whereupon (greatly reioycing at ſo good and fortunate an accident) he made ſome further tr all and aſſay: that done, he cauſed the founta ne to be well, and ar ••• cially walled about, and paued at the bottome (as it is now at this day) with two faire ſtone flags, with a ſit hole in the ſide thereof, for the free paſſage of the water through a little guttered ſtone. It is open at the top, and walled ſomewhat higher, then the earth, as well to keepe out filth, as Cattle for comming and approaching to it. It is foureſquare, three foot wide, and the water within is about three quarters of a yard deepe.

Firſt we cauſed it to be laded dry, as well to ſcoure it, as alſo to ſee the riſing vp of the water, which we found to ſpring vp onely at the bottome at the chinke, or cranny, betweene two ſtones, ſo left purpoſely for the ſpringing vp of the water at the bottome: Which as Yliny obſerueth in his 31 booke of his Naturall Hiſtory, and the third Chapter, is a ſigne aboue all of the goodneſſe of a fountaine.

And about all (ſaith he) one thing would bee obſerued, and ſeene vnto, that the ſource, which feedeth it, ſpring and boyle vp directly from the bottome, and not • ſſue forth at the ſides: which alſo is a maine point that concerneth the perpetuity thereof, and whereby wee • y collect, • hat it will hold ſtill and be neuer drawne drye.

The ſtreame of water, which paſſeth away by the hole in the ſide thereof, is much one, and about the proportion of the current of Sauuenir.

The aboue named Gentleman did drinke the water of this Fountaine euery yeare after all his life time, for helping his infirmities, and maintaining of his he • lth, and would oftentimes ſay and auerre, that it was much better, and did excell the tart fountaines beyond the ſeas, as being more quicke and liuely, and fuller of minerall ſpirits; effecting his operation more ſpeedily, and ſooner paſſing through the body.

Moreouer, Doctor Timothy Bright of happy memory, a learned Phyſitian, (while hee liued, my very kind friend, and familiar acquaintance) firſt gaue the name of the Engliſh Spaw vnto this Fountaine about thirty yeares ſince, or more. For he alſo formerly had ſpent ſome time at the Spaw in Germany; ſo that he was very able to compare thoſe with this of ours. Nay, hee had furthermore ſo good an opinion, and ſo high a conceit of this, that hee did not onely direct, and aduiſe others to it, but himſelfe alſo (for moſt part) would vſe it in the Sommer ſeaſon.

Likewiſe Doctor Anthony Hunton lately of Newarke vpon Trent, a Phyſitian of no leſſe worth and happy memory, (to whom for his true loue to mee, and kind reſpect of mee, I was very much beholden) would often expoſtulate with mee at our meetings, and wi h other Gentlemen of Yorkeſhire, his patients, how it came to paſſe, that I, and the Phyſitians of Yorke, did not by publi • e writing make the fame and worth thereof better knowne to the world?

CHAP. 7. Of the difference of this Fountaine from thoſe at the Spaw, to wit, Sauuenir, and Pouhon.

THis ſpringeth almoſt at the top of the aſcent (as formerly hath beene ſaid) from a dry, and ſomewhat ſandy earth: The water where of running South-Eaſt, is very cleare, pure, full of life, and minerall exhalations.

We find it chiefly to conſiſt of a vitrioline nature and quality, with a participation alſo of thoſe other minerals, which are ſaid to be in the Sauuenir fountaine; but in a more perfect, and exquiſite mixture and temper (as wee deeme) and therefore to be ſuppoſed better and nobler, then it. The difference betweene them will be found to be onely Secundum maius & minus, that is, according to more, or leſſe, which maketh no difference in kind, but in degrees. This partaketh in greater meaſure of the qualities, and leſſer of the ſubſtances of the minerals, then that doth; and for that cauſe it is of a more quicke and ſpeedy operation; as alſo for the ſame reaſon, his tenuity of body, and fulneſſe of minerall ſpirits therein contained, it cannot be ſo farre tranſported from its owne ſource, and ſpring, without loſſe, and diminution of his ſtrength, and goodneſſe. For being caried no further, then to the towne it ſelfe (though the glaſſe or veſſell be cloſely ſtopt) it becommeth ſomewhat weaker: if as farre as to Yorke, much more: but if 20 or 30 miles further, it will then bee found to be of ſmall force, or validity, as we haue often obſerued.

Whereas contrariwiſe the water of the lower fountain at the Spaw, called Pouhon, is frequently and vſually caried and conueyed into other Countries farre off, and remote, as into France, England, Scotland, Ireland, diuers parts of Germany, and ſome parts of Italy; yea, and that of Sauuenir, (which is the better fountaine, and whoſe water cannot be caried ſo farre away, as the other may) is oftentimes vſed now adayes at Paris, the chiefe City of France.

But this of ours cannot be ſent away any whit ſo farre off without loſſe and decay of his efficacy, and vertue: ſo ayrie, ſubtill, and piercing are its ſpirits, and minerall exhalations, that they ſoone paſſe, vaniſh, and flye away. Which thing wee haue eſteemed to be a principall good ſigne of the worthy properties of this rare Fountaine. So that this water, being newly taken vp at the Well, and preſently after drunke, cannot otherwiſe, but ſooner paſſe by the Hypochondries, and through the body, and cauſe a ſpeedier effect, then thoſe in Germany can. Whereby any one may eaſily collect, and gather, that this getteth his ſoueraign faculties better in its paſſage by and through the variety of minerals, included in the earth (which only afford vnto it an halitious body) then thoſe doe.

If then wee bee deſirous to haue this of ours become commodious either for preſeruing of our healths, or for altering any diſtemper, or curing any infirmity (for which it is proper and auaileable) it ought chiefly to bee taken at the fountaine it ſelfe, before the minerall ſpirits bee diſſipated.

CHAP. 8. That Ʋitriol is here more predominant, then any other minerall.

VVE haue ſufficiently beene ſatisfied by experience and trialls, through what minerals this water doth paſſe: but to know in what proportion they are exactly mixed therewith, it is beyond humane inuention to find out; nature hauing reſerued this ſecret to her ſelfe alone. Neuertheleſſe it may very well be coniectured, that as in the frame, and compoſition of the moſt noble creature, Man (the leſſer world) there 〈…〉 of the foure elements rather adjuſtitiam (as Philoſophers ſay) then ad pondus; ſo nature in the mixture of theſe minerals, hath likewiſe taken more of ſome, and leſſe of others, as ſhee thought to be moſt fit, and expedient for the good and behoofe of mans health, and the recouery • nd reſtitution of it decayed; being indeed ſuch a worke, as no Art is able to imitate.

That Vitriolum (otherwiſe called Chalcanthum) is here moſt predominant, there needs no other proofe, then from the aſſay of the water it ſelfe; which both in the tart and inky ſmack thereof, ioyned with a piercing and a pricking quality, and in the ſauour (which is ſomewhat a little vitrioline,) is altogether like vnto the ancient Spaw waters: which according to the conſent of all thoſe, who haue conſidered their naturall compoſitions, doe moſt of all, and chiefly participate of vitrioll.

Notwithſtanding, for a more manifeſt, and fuller try all hereof, put as much powder of galls, as will lye on twopence, or three-pence, into a glaſſe full of this water newly taken vp at the fountaine, you ſhall ſee it by and by turned into the right and perfect colour of Claret wine, that is fully ripe, cleare, and well fined, which may eaſily deceiue the eye of the skilfulleſt Vintner.

This demonſtration hath beene often made, not without the admiration of thoſe, who firſt did ſee it. For the ſame quantity of galles mingled with ſo much common water, or any other fountaine water thereabouts, will not alter it any thing at all; vnleſſe to theſe you alſo adde Vitrioll, and then the colour will appeare to be of a blewiſh violet, ſomewhat inkiſh, not reddiſh, as in the former, which hath an exquiſite and accurate coniunction of other minerall exhalations, beſides the vitrioline. But this probation will not hold, if ſo be you make triall with the ſaid water being caried farre from the well; by reaſon of the preſent diſſipation of his ſpirits.

CHAP. 9. Of the prop • rties, and effects of Ʋitrioll, according to the ancient and moderne Writers.

THe qualities of Vitrioll, according to Dioſcorides, Galen, Aetius, Paulus Aegineta, and Oribaſius, are to heate and dry, to bind, to reſiſt putrefaction, to giue ſtrength and vigour to the interiour parts, to kill the flat wormes of the belly, to remedy venemous muſhromes, to preſerue fleſh ouer moyſt from corruption, conſuming the moyſture thereof by its heat, and conſtipating by his aſtriction the ſubſtance of it, and preſſing forth the ſerous humidity.

And according to Matthiolus in his Commentaries vpon Di •• orides, it is very profitable againſt the plague and peſtilence, and the chymicall oyle thereof is very auaileable (as himſelfe affirmeth to haue ſufficiently proued) againſt the ſtone and ſtopping of vrine, and many other outward maladies and diſeaſes, (Andernacus and Geſner adde to theſe the Apoplexy) all which, for auoyding of prolixity, I doe here pupoſely omit.

Neither will I further trouble the Reader with the recitall of diuers and ſundry excellent remedies, and medicines, found out and made of it in theſe latter times, by the Spagyricke Phyſitians, and others: In ſo much that Ioſeph Quercetanus, one of thoſe, is verily of opinion, that out of this one indiuiduall minerall, well and exquiſitely prepared, there might be made all manner of remedies and medicines ſufficient for the ſtoring and furniſhing of a whole Apothecaries ſhop.

But it will (perhaps) be obiected by ſome one or other in this manner: If vitrioll, which as moſt doe hold, is hote and dry in the third degree, or beginning of the fourth, nay, of a cauſticke quality, and nature (as Diſcorides is of opinion) ſhould here be predominant, then the water of this fountaine muſt needs bee of great heat and acrimony; and ſo become not onely vnprofitable, but alſo very hurtfull for mans vſe to be drunke, or inwardly taken.

To which obiection (not to take any aduantage of the anſwer, which many learned Phyſitians doe giue, viz. that vitrioll is not hot, but cold) I ſay: Firſt, that although all medicinall waters doe participate of thoſe mineralls, by which they doe paſſe, yet they haue them but weakly (viribus refractis) eſpecially when in their paſſages they touch, and meet with diuers other minerals of oppoſite tempers and natures.

Secondly I anſwer, that in all ſuch medicinall fountaines, as this, ſimple water doth farre ſurpaſſe and exceed in quantity, whatſoeuer is therewith intermixed; by whoſe coldneſſe it commeth to paſſe, that the contrary is ſcarce, or hardly perceiued. For example, take one proportion of any boyling liquor to 100. or more, of the ſame cold, and you will hardly find in it any heat at all. Suppoſe then vitrioll to be hot in the third degree, it doth not therefore follow, that the water, which hath his vertue chiefly from it, ſhould heat in the ſame degree. This is plainly manifeſt not onely in this fountaine, but alſo in all others, which haue an acide taſte, being indeed rather cold, then hot, for the reaſons aboue mentioned.

CHAP. 10. Of the effects, which this fountaine worketh, and produceth in thoſe, who drinke of it.

EXperience ſheweth ſufficiently, beſides reaſon, that this water firſt, and in the beginning cooleth ſuch, as vſe it: But being continued, it heateth and dryeth; and this for the moſt part it doth in all, yet not alwayes. For (as we ſhall more fully declare afterwards) it effecteth cures of oppoſite, and quite contrary natures, by the ſecond and third qualities, wherewith it is endowed; curing diſeaſes both hot, cold, dry, and moiſt.

Thoſe waters (ſaith-Renodaeus) which are repleniſhed with a vitrioline quality, as thoſe at the Spaw, doe preſently heale, and (as it were) miraculouſly cure diſeaſes, which are without all hope of recouery; hauing that notable power, and faculty from vitrioll; by the vertue and efficacy whereof, they paſſe through the meanders, turnings, and windings of all parts of the whole body. Whatſoeuer is hurtfull, or endammageth it, that they ſweepe and carie away: what is profitable and commodious, they touch not, nor hurt: that, which is flaccid, and looſe, they bind and faſten: that, which is faſtned, and ſtrictly tyed, they looſe: what is too groſſe and thicke, they incide, diſſolue, attenuate, and expell.

More particularly, the water of this fountaine hath an inciſiue and abſterſiue faculty to cut, and looſen the viſcous and clammy humours of the body, and to make meable the groſſe: as alſo by its piercing and penetrating power, ſubtilty of parts, and by his deterging and deſiccatiue qualities to open all the obſtructions, or oppilations of the meſentery (from whence the ſeeds of moſt diſeaſes doe ariſe and ſpring) liuer, ſplen, kidneis, and other interiour parts, and (which is more to be noted and obſerued) to coole, and contemperate their vnnaturall heat, helping, and remouing alſo all the griefes and infirmities depending thereupon.

Beſides all this, it comforteth the ſtomacke by the aſtriction it hath from other minerals, eſpecially iron, ſo that (without doubt) of a thouſand, who ſhall vſe it diſcreetly and with good aduice (their bodies firſt being well and orderly prepared by ſome learned and skilfull Phyſitian, according to the ſtates thereof, and as their infirmities ſhall require) there will ſcarcely be any one found who ſhall not receiue great profit thereby.

Moreouer, it clenſeth, and purifieth the whole maſſe of blood contained in the veynes, by purging it from the ſereſity peccant, and from cholericke, phlegmaticke, and melancholike humours; and that principally by vrine, which paſſeth through the body very cleare, and in great quantity, leauing behind it the minerall forces, and vertues.

Their ſtooles, who drinke of it, are commonly of a blackiſh, or darke greene colour, partly becauſe it emptieth the liuer and ſplen from aduſt humours, and melancholy, or the ſediment of blood; but more eſpecially, becauſe the mineralls intermixed doe produce and giue ſuch a tincture.

CHAP. 11. In what diſeaſes the water of this Fountaine is moſt vſefull and beneficiall.

OVer and beſides the peculiar and ſpecificall faculties, which this fountaine hath, it ſheweth diuers and ſundry other manifeſt effects and qualities in euacuating the noxious humours of the body, for moſt part by vrine, eſpecially when there is any obſtruction about the kidneyes, vreters and bladder: Or by vrine and ſtoole both, if the meſentery, liuer, or ſplen, chance to bee obſtructed. But, if the affect or griefe be in the matrix or womb, then it clenſeth that way according to the accuſtomed and vſuall manner of women.

In melancholicke people it purgeth by prouoking the haemorrhoides, and in cholericke by ſiege, or ſtoole. If it cauſeth either vomit or ſweat, it is very ſeldome and rare.

See here a moſt admirable worke guided by the omnipotency and wiſedome of the Almighty, that a naturall, cleare, and pure water, ſhould produce ſo many and ſeuerall effects and operations, being all of them in a manner contrary one to another, which few medicines compoſed by art can eaſily performe without hurt and dammage to the party. Wherefore being drunke with thoſe cautions and circumſtances neceſſarily required thereunto, it is to be preferred before many other remedies, as not onely procuring theſe euacuations; but alſo (which is more to be noted) ſtaying them, when they grow to any exceſſe. For ſeeing that here are minerals contained both hot, cold, dry, aperitiue, aſtringent, &c. there is none ſo ſimple but muſt needs thinke and grant, that it cannot otherwiſe bee but good and wholeſome in grieuances, and diſeaſes, which in their owne natures are oppoſite.

But I may inſtance in ſome few, for which it is good and profitable, and therein obſerue ſome order and methode; It dryeth the ouer moiſt braine, and helpeth the euils proceeding therefrom, as rhumes, catarrhs, palſies, cramps, &c.

It is alſo good and auaileable againſt inueterate headaches, migrims, turnings, and ſwimmings of the head and braine, dizzineſſe, epilepſie, or falling ſickneſſe, and the like cold and moiſt diſeaſes of the head.

It cheereth and reuiueth the ſpirits, ſtrengthneth the ſtomacke, cauſeth a good and quicke appetite, and furthereth digeſtion.

It helpeth the blacke and yellow Iaundiſſe, and the euill, which is accompanied with ſtrange feare and exceſſiue ſadneſſe without any euident occaſion, or neceſſary cauſe, called Melancholia Hypochondriaca. Likewiſe the cachexy, or euill habit of the body, and the dropſie in the beginning thereof, before it be too farre gone. For beſides that it openeth obſtructions, it expelleth the redundant water contained in the belly, and contemperateth the vnnaturall heat of the liuer.

It cooleth the kidneyes or reynes, and driueth forth ſand, grauell, and ſtones out of them, and alſo hindreth the encreaſe or breeding of any new, by the concretion, and ſaudering of grauell, bred of a viſcous and clammy humour, or ſubſtance. The ſame it performeth to the bladder, for which it is alſo very beneficiall, if it chance to haue any euill diſpoſition either in the cauity thereof, or in the necke of it, and ſhutting muſcle called Sphincter, whereby the whole part, or member is let and hindred in his office and function.

Moreouer, if there chance to be any vlcer in the parts laſt ſpecified, or any ſore, or fiſtula in perinaeo through an impoſtume ill cured, this water is a good remedy for it, in regard of its clenſing, cicatrizing and conſtringing power, and vertue; and for that cauſe it is very proper and commodious for the acrimony and ſharpneſſe of vrine, and againſt the ſtopping and ſuppreſſion of vrine, difficulty of making water, and the ſtrangury.

Although it is very auaileable againſt the ſtone in the kidneyes, and againſt the breeding, and increaſe of any new there; yea, and againſt little ones, that are looſe in the bladder; yet notwithſtanding it will afford little or ſmall benefit to thoſe, in whom it is growne to bee very great and big in the bladder: Becauſe nothing will then ſerue to breake it, as Braſſauolus ſaith, but a Smiths anuile and hammar. Neuertheleſſe, if in this caſe inciſion be vſed, it will be very commodious both for mundifying and conſolidating the wound, made for the extraction of it.

It ſhall not bee needfull to ſpeake much of the profit, which will enſue by the fit adminiſtration of it in the inveterat venereous Gonorrhaea, cauſing it to ceaſe and ſtay totally, and correcting the diſtemper, and the euill vlcerous diſpoſition of the ſeed veſſels, & the vicine parts.

There are very few infirmities properly incident to women, which this water may not ſeeme to reſpect much. The vſe whereof, after the aduice and councell had of the learned Phyſitian, for the well and orderly preparing their bodies, is ſingular good againſt the greene ſickneſſe, and alſo very commodious and behoouefull to procure their monthly euacuations, as alſo to ſtay their ouer much flowing; as well to correct, as to ſtay their white floods; as well to dry the wombe being too moiſt, as to heat it being too cold, through which cauſes and diſtempers conception (for the moſt part) is let and hindered in cold Northerne Countries, as England, and the like. For by the helpe of it theſe diſtempers are changed and altered, the ſuperfluous humidities and mucoſities are taken away, the part is corroborated, and the retentiue vertue is ſtrengthned.

This hath beene ſo much, and ſo often obſerued at the ancient Spaw, that it cannot otherwiſe, but bee alſo verified at this in after times, when it ſhall bee frequented (as thoſe haue beene) with the company of Ladyes, and Gentlewomen: Diuers whereof, hauing beene formerly barren for the ſpace of ten, twelue yeares, or moe, and drinking of thoſe waters for curing and helping ſome other infirmities, then for want of fruitfulneſſe, haue ſhortly conceiued after their returne home to their husbands, beyond their hopes and expectations.

Beſides all this, it is good for thoſe women, who, though otherwiſe apt enough to conceiue, yet by reaſon of the too much lubricity of their wombes, are prone to miſcarry and abort, if before conception they ſhall vſe it with thoſe cautions and directions requiſite.

Alſo it reſpecteth very much the hard ſcirrhous and cancarous tumours, and the grieuous ſoares, and dangerous vlcers of the matrix All theſe excellent helpes and many moe it performeth to women with more ſpeedy ſucceſſe, if it be alſo receiued by iniection. But here by the way, all ſuch women, who are with child, are to be admoniſhed, that they forbeare to vſe it during that time.

In children it killeth and expelleth the wormes of the guts and belly, and letteth and hindreth the breeding and new encreaſe of any moe.

I will here forbeare to write any thing of the benefits which it affordeth againſt old and inueterate itches, morphewes, leproſies, &c. in regard the other three ſulphurous fountaines, before mentioned, doe more properly reſpect ſuch like grieuances. Neither will I now ſpend any more time in ſhewing what vertues it hath in the cure of the Indian, commonly called the French; or rather Spaniſh diſeaſe: becauſe experience hath found out a more certaine and ſure remedy againſt it.

CHAP. 12. Of the neceſſity of preparing the body before the vſe of this water.

IT is not in moſt things the bare and naked knowledge or contemplation of them, that makes them profitable to vs; but rather their right vſe, and opportune and fit adminiſtration. Medicines are not ſaid to be Deorum manus, that is, the hands of the Gods, (as Herophilus calleth them) or Deorum dona; that is, the gifts of the Gods (as Hippocrates beleeued) till they be fitly applyed and ſeaſonably adminiſtred by the counſell and aduice of the learned and skilfull Phyſitian, according to the true rules, and method of Art.

Temporibus medicina valet, data tempore proſunt, Et data non apto tempore vina nocent.

That is, Medicines auaile in their due times, And profit is got by drinking wines In timely ſort; but in all reaſon They doe offend, drunke out of ſeaſon.

Therefore to know th'originall mineralls, faculties, and vertues of this worthy acide fountaine, will bee to no end, or to ſmall purpoſe for them, who vnderſtand not the right and true vſe, nor the fit and orderly adminiſtration of it. For not only Phyſicke or medicines, but alſo meats, and drinks taken diſorderly, out of due time and without meaſure, bringeth oftentimes detriment to the partie; who otherwiſe might receiue comfort and ſtrength therby: So likewiſe this water, if it be not drunke at a conuenient time and ſeaſon, in due faſhion and proportion, yea, and that after preparatiues and requiſite purging and euacuation of the body, may eaſily 〈◊〉 hurt thoſe, whoſe infirmities otherwiſe it doth principally reſpect. For medicines ought not to be taken raſhly, and vnaduiſedly, as moſt doe hand ouer head without any conſideration of time, place, and other circumſtances; as that ignorant man did, who getting the recipt of that medicine, wherewith formerly he had been cured, made triall of it againe long after for the ſame infirmity without any helpe or good at all; whereat greatly maruailing, receiued this anſwer frō his Phyſitian: I confeſſe (ſaid hee) it was the ſelfe ſame medicine, but becauſe I did not giue it, therefore it did you no good.

To the end therefore, that no occaſion may hereafter be either giuen, or taken by the miſgouernement, or ouerraſhneſſe of any in vſing it to calumniate and traduce the worth, and goodneſſe of this fountaine, I will briefly here ſh • w, what courſe is chiefly to be followed and obſerued by thoſe who ſhall ſtand in need of it.

Firſt then, becauſe very few men are throughly and ſufficiently informed concerning the natures, and cauſes of their grieuances, it will be neceſſary that euery one ſhold apply himſelfe to ſome one, or other, who either out of his iudgement, or experience, or both, may truely be able to giue him counſell and good aduice concerning the conueniency of this fountaine. And if he ſhall be auiſed to vſe it, then let the party (in the feare of God) addreſſe himſelfe for his way to it, againſt the fit ſeaſon of it, without making any long and tedious daies iourneys, which cauſe laſſitude, and wearineſſe.

Then, being come to the place, he ought after a dayes reſt, or two, to haue his body wel prepared, & gently clenſed with eaſie lenitiues, or purgatiues, both fit, and appropriate, as well to the habite and conſtitution thereof, as alſo for the diſeaſe it ſelfe, and as occaſion ſhall require, according to the rule of method, which teacheth that vniverſall or generall remedies ought euer to precede and goe before particula •• . Now what theſe are in ſpeciall, to fit euery ones caſe in particular, is impoſſible either for me here, or any elſe to define preciſely. Ars non verſatur circa indiuidua. We may ſee it true in mechanicall trades. No one ſhoomaker can fit all by one Laſt: nor any one taylor can ſuite all by one, and the ſelfe ſame meaſure.

Yet in regard it may perhaps bee expected that ſomething ſhould be ſaid herein, I ſay, that in the beginning (if occaſion ſerue) ſome eaſie Clyſter may very fitly bee giuen, as well for emptying the lower inteſtines from their vſuall excrements, as for carying away and clenſing the mucoſe ſlimes contained therein. After that, it will be conuenient to prepare the body by ſome Iulep or Apozeme, or to giue ſome lenitiue medicine to free the firſt region of the body from excrements. For otherwiſe the water might peraduenture conuey ſome part of them, or other peccāt matter, which it findeth in his paſſage either into the bladder, or to ſome other weake, and infirme member of the body, to the increaſe of that euill diſpoſition, which is to be remoued, or elſe to the breeding of ſome other new infirmity.

Obiect. Some perhaps will here obiect and ſay, that the time of the yeere, in which this fountaine will be found to bee moſt vſefull, will be the hotteſt ſeaſon thereof; or (if you liſt ſo to call it) the dog-daies, when it will be no fit time to purge at all.

Anſw. 1. To this I anſwer and ſay: Firſt, the purging medicines here required are not ſtrong, and generous, but gentle, mild and weake, ſuch as are ſtyled Benedicta medicamenta: which may with great ſafetie and profit bee giuen either then or at any other time of the yeere without any danger, or reſpect of any ſuch like like circumſtance at all.

2. Secondly I anſwer; Although this obſeruation of the dog-dayes might perhaps be of ſome moment in hotter countries, as Greece, where Hippocrates liued, who firſt made mention of thoſe daies: Yet in colder climates, as England, and ſuch like Countries, they are of little or ſmall force at all, and almoſt not to be regarded any whit, either in vſing mild & temperate purgatiues, or almoſt in any other; or in blood-letting: though very many, or moſt doe erroniouſly ſay and thinke the contrary. So that (if there be cauſe) they may as well and ſafely then purge, as at any other time: Or, if occaſion ſhall vrge, as in plethoricall bodies, and many other caſes, a veine may ſafely (or rather moſt commodiouſly) be then opened, and ſo much blood taken away, as the skilfull Phyſitian ſhall thinke in his diſcretion and wiſdome to be needfull and requiſite.

Let no man here think, that this is any ſtrange poſition, or a new paradoxe (for the learned know the contrary) or that I am ſtudious of innouation, but rather deſirous to roote out an old and inueterate errour, which in all probabilitie hath coſt moe Engliſh mens liues, then would furniſh a royall army, in neglecting thoſe two greater helpes or remedies, to wit, Purging, and Blood-letting in hot ſeaſons of the yeare; which in all likelihood might haue ſaued many of their liues, while expecting more temperate weather, they haue beene ſummoned in the meane time, or interim, by the meſſenger of pale death to appeare in an other world.

Wherefore let all thoſe who are yet liuing, bee admoniſhed hereafter by their examples, not obſtinately and wilfully to eſchue and ſhunne theſe two remedies in hot ſeaſons, and in the time of the Dog-dayes, (much leſſe all other manner of phyſicall helpes) not once knowing ſo much as why, or wherefore, and without any reaſon at all, following blind and ſuperſtitious tradition, and error, haply firſt broched by ſome vnworthy and ignorant Phyſitian, not rightly vnderſtanding Hippocrates his ſaying in all likelyhood, or at leaſt wiſe miſapplying it. Which hath ſo preuailed in theſe times, that it hath not onely worne out the vſe of purging, but alſo of all other phyſicke for that ſeaſon, becauſe moſt people by the name of phyſicke vnderſtanding purging onely, and nothing elſe. As though the art and ſcience of Phyſicke was nothing elſe, but to giue a potion or purge. Then we rightly and truly might ſay, Filia deuorauit matrem.

But for as much as moſt people are altogether ignorant of the true ground or reaſon, from whence this ſo dangerous an error concerning the Dog-dayes did firſt ſpring and ariſe, giue me leaue a little to goe on with this my digreſſion, for their better inſtruction, and ſatisfaction; and I will briefly, and in few lines ſhew the caſe, and the miſtake ſomewhat more plainly.

Hippocrates in his fourth booke of Aphoriſmes, the fift, hath theſe words: Sub canicula, & ante caniculam difficiles ſunt purgationes. That is, vnder the canicular, or dog-ſtar, and before the dog-ſtar, purgations are painfull and difficill. This is all that is there ſaid of them, or brought againſt them for that ſeaſon, or time of the yeare. A great ſtumbling-blocke, againſt which many haue daſhed their feet, and knockt their ſhinnes, and a fearfull ſcar-crow, whereat too many haue nicely boggled. Here you doe not find or ſee purging medicines to bee then prohibited, or forbidden to be giuen at all (much leſſe all other phyſicke) but onely ſaid to be difficill in their working: partly becauſe (as all expoſitors agree) nature is then ſomewhat enfeebled by the great heat of the weather; partly becauſe the humours being then, as it were, accended, are more chaffed by the heat of the purging medicines; partly, and laſtly, becauſe two contrary motions ſeeme then to be at one and the ſame time, which may offend nature; as the great heat of the weather leading the humours of the body outwardly to the circumference thereof, and the medicine drawing them inwardly to the center. All which circumſtances in our cold region are little, or nothing at all (as formerly hath beene mentioned) to be regarded. For as Iacobus Hollerius, a French Phyſitian, much honoured for his great learning and iudgement, hath very well obſerued in his Comment vpon this Aphoriſme; Hippocrates ſpeaketh here onely of thoſe purging medicines, which are ſtrong, and vehement, or hot and fiery; and that this precept is to take place in moſt hot Regions, but not in theſe cold Countries, as France, England, and the like.

Ouer and beſide all this, thoſe churliſh hot purging medicines, which were then in frequent vſe in Hippocrates his time, and ſome hundred of yeares after, are now for moſt part obſolete, and quite growne out of vſe, ſeldome brought in practice by Phyſitians in theſe dayes; becauſe we haue within theſe laſt ſix hundred yeares great choice and variety of more mild, benigne, and gentle purgatiues found out by the Arabian Phyſitians, which were altogether vnknowne vnto the ancients, to wit, Hippocrates, Dioſcorides, Galen, &c. which haue little heat, and acrimony, many wherof are temperate, and diuers cooling, which may moſt ſafely be giuen either in the hotteſt times and ſeaſons of the yeare, or in the hotteſt diſeaſes. Let vs adde to theſe the like familiar and gentle purging medicines more lately, yea, almoſt daily newly found out ſince the better diſcoueries of the Eaſt and Weſt Indies. So that henceforth let no man feare to take either eaſie purgatiues, or other inward Phyſicke, in the time of the canicular, or dog-dayes.

The ſame Hollerius goeth on in the expoſition and interpretation of the ſaid Aphoriſme, and confidently ſaith: Ouer & beſides that we haue benigne medicines, which we may then vſe, as Caſſia, &c. Wee know and finde by experience no time here with vs more wholſome and more temperat (eſpecially when the Eteſian, or Eaſterly winds do blow) then the Canicular dayes: ſo that, wee finde by obſeruation, that thoſe diſeaſes which are bred in the moneths of Iune and Iuly, doe end in Auguſt, and in the Canicular dayes. Wherefore, if a diſeaſe happen in thoſe dayes, we feare not to open a veyne diuers times, and often, as alſo to preſcribe more ſtrong purging medicines.

Wherefore away henceforth with the ſcrupulous conceit, and too nice feare of the Dogge-dayes, and let their ſuppoſed danger be had no more in remembrance among vs. And if any will yet remaine obſtinate, and ſtill refuſe to haue their beames pulled out of their eyes, let them ſtill be blinde in the middeſt of the cleare Sun-ſhine, and groape on after darknes: and let all learned Phyſitians rather pitty their follies, then enuy their wits.

CHAP. 13. At what time of the yeare, and at what houre of the day it is moſt fit and meet to drinke this water.

TO ſpeake in generall tearmes, it is a fit time to drinke it, when the ayre is pure, cleare, hot and dry: for then the water is more tart, and more eaſily digeſted, then at other times. On the contrary, it is beſt to forbeare, when the ayre is cold, moiſt, darke, dull and miſty: for then it is more feeble, and harder to be concocted.

But more ſpecially, the moſt proper ſeaſon to vndertake this our Engliſh Spaw dyet, will be from the middeſt or latter end of Iune to the middle of September, or longer, according as the ſeaſon of the yeare ſhall fall out to be hot and dry, or otherwiſe.

Not that in the Spring time, and in Winter it is not alſo good, but for that the ayre being more pure in Sommer, the water alſo muſt needs be of greater force and power. Notwithſtanding it may ſometime ſo happen in Sommer, that by reaſon of ſome extraordinary falling of raine, there may be a ceſſation from it for a day or two. Or if it chance to haue rained ouer night, it will then be fit and neceſſary to refraine from drinking of it, vntill the raine bee paſſed away againe: or elſe (which I like better) the fountaine laded dry, and filled againe, which may well be done in an hower, or two at moſt.

Touching the time of the day, when it is beſt to drinke this water, queſtionleſſe the moſt conuenient hower will be in the morning, when the party is empty, and faſting, about ſeauen aclocke: Nature hauing firſt diſcharged her ſelfe of daily excrements both by ſtoole and vrine, and the concoctions perfected. This time is likewiſe fitteſt for exerciſe, which is a great good help, and furtherance for the better diſtribution of the water, whereby it doth produce its effects more ſpeedily.

CHAP. 14. Of the manner of drinking this water, and the quantitie thereof.

THoſe who deſire the benefit of this Fountaine, ought to goe to it ſome what early in the morning, &, if they be able and ſtrong of body, they may doe very well to walke to it on foot, or at leaſt wiſe ſome part of the way. Such, as haue weake and feeble leggs may ride on horſebacke, or be caryed in coaches, or borne in chaires. As for thoſe, whoſe infirmities cauſe them to keepe their beds, or chambers, they may drinke the water in their lodgings, it being ſpeedily brought to them in a veſſell or glaſſe well ſtopt.

It is not my meaning or purpoſe to deſcribe here particularly, what quantitie of it is fit and meet for euery one to drinke: for this is part of the taske and office, which belongeth to the Phyſitian, who ſhall be of counſell with the Patient in preparing and well ordering of him: who is to conſider all the ſeuerall circumſtances, as well of the maladie or diſeaſe it ſelfe, as of his habite and conſtitution, &c. Neuertheleſſe I may aduiſe, that at the firſt it be moderately taken, increaſing the quantitie daily by degrees, vntill they ſhall come at laſt to the full height of the proportion appointed, and thought to be meet and neceſſary. There they are then to ſtay, and ſo to continue at that quantitie, ſo long as it ſhall be needfull. For example, the firſt morning may happely be 16 or 18 ounces, and ſo on by degrees to 20. 30. 40. 50. 60. or moe, in people, who are of good and ſtrong conſtitutions. Towards the ending, the abatement ought likewiſe to be made by degrees, as the increment was formerly made by little and little.

Here by the way every one muſt be admoniſhed to take notice, that it is not alwayes beſt to drinke moſt, leſt they chance to oppreſſe and ouercharge Nature, that would rather be content with leſſe. It will therefore be more ſafe, to take it rather ſomewhat ſparingly, though for a longer time, then liberally and for a ſhort time. But, indeed, the trueſt and iuſteſt proportion of it, is euer to be made and eſteemed, by the good and laudable concoction of it, and by the due and orderly voiding of it againe.

It will not be here amiſſe to adde this one obſeruation further: That it is better to drinke this water once a day, then twice, and that in the mornings, after that the Sunne hath dryed vp & conſumed the vapors retained through the coldneſſe of the night, &c. as is formerly declared. After drinking it, it will be needfull to abſtaine from meat & other drinke for the ſpace of three or foure dayes.

But if any one, who hath a good ſtomacke, ſhall be deſirous to take it twice a day; or if any ſhall bee neceſſarily compelled ſo to doe for ſome vrgent cauſe, by the approbation of his Phyſitian, let him dine ſomewhat ſparingly, and drinke it not againe, vntill fiue houres after dinner be paſt, or not vntill the concoction of meat and drinke in the ſtomacke be perfected: Obſeruing likewiſe, that hee content himſelfe in the afternoones with almoſt halfe the quantity he vſeth to take in the mornings.

CHAP. 15. Of the manner of dyès to be obſerued by thoſe, who ſhall vſe this water.

THe regiment of life in meats and drinks, ought chiefly to conſiſt in the right and moderate vſe of thoſe, which are of light and eaſie digeſtion, and of good and wholeſome nouriſhment, breeding laudable iuice. Therefore all thoſe are to be auoyded, which beget crude and ill humours. There ought furthermore ſpeciall notice to be taken, that great diuerſity of meats and diſhes at one meale is very hurtfull, as alſo much condiments, ſauces, ſpice, fat, &c. in their dreſſing and cookery.

I commend hens, capons, pullets, chickens, partridge, pheſants, turkies, and generally all ſuch ſmall birds, as liue in woods, hedges, and mountaines. Likewiſe I doe approue of veale, mutton, kid, lambe, rabbets young hare or leuerits, &c. All which (for the moſt part) are rather to be roaſted then boyled. Neuertheleſſe thoſe, who are affected with any dry diſtemper, or thoſe, who otherwiſe are ſo accuſtomed to feed, may haue their meats ſodden; but the plainer dreſſing, the better.

I diſcommend all ſalt meats, beefe, bacon, porke, larde, and larded meats, hare, veniſon, tripes, and the entrailes of beaſts, puddings made with blood, pig, gooſe, ſwan, teale, mallard, and ſuch like; and in generall all water-Fowle, as being of hard digeſtion and ill nutriment.

Amongſt the ſeuerall kinds of fiſhes, trouts, pearches, loaches, and for moſt part, all ſcaly fiſh of brookes, and freſh riuers may well bee permitted. Moreouer ſmelts, ſoales, dabs, whitings, ſturbuts, gurnets, and all ſuch other, as are well knowne not to be ill, or vnwholeſome to feed on. All which may be altered with mint, hyſſope, aniſe, &c. Alſo cre-fiſhes, crab-fiſh, lobſters, and the like, may bee permitted.

Cunger, ſalmon, eeles, lampries, herrings, ſalt-ling, all ſalt-fiſh, ſturgion, anchouies, oyſters, cockles, muſcles, and the like ſhell-fiſh are to be diſallowed.

White-meats, as milke, cruds, creame, old cheeſe, cuſtards, white-pots, pudding-pyes, and other like milkemeats, (except ſweet butter, and new creame cheeſe) are to be forbidden. Soft and reer egges we doe not prohibit.

Raiſons with almonds, bisket-bread, marchpane-ſtuffe, ſuckets, and the like, are not here forbidden to be eaten.

Let their bread be made of wheat, very well wrought, fermented or leauened; and let their drinke be beere well boyled and brewed; and let it bee ſtale, or old enough, but in no wiſe tart, ſharp, or ſower: And aboue all let them forbeare to mixe the water of the fountaine with their drinke at meales; for that may cauſe many inconueniences to follow, and enſue.

Let me aduiſe them to eſchew apples, peares, plumbs, codlings, gooſeberries, and all ſuch like ſommer fruits, either raw, in tarts, or otherwiſe: Alſo peaſe, and all other pulſe; all cold ſallets, and raw hearbs; onions, leekes, chiues, cabbage or coleworts, pompons, cucumbers, and the like.

In ſtead of cheeſe at the end of meales, it will not bee amiſſe to eate citron, or lemon pils condited, or elſe fenell, aniſe, coriander comfits, or biskets and carawayes, as well for to diſcuſſe and expell wind, as to ſhut and cloſe the ſtomacke, for the better furthering the digeſtion of meats, and drinkes. And for that purpoſe, it would bee much better, if the Phyſitian, who is of counſell, ſhould appoint and ordaine ſome fit and proper Tragea in groſſe powder mixed with ſugar, or elſe made into little cakes or morſels. Likewiſe marmalade of quinces, either ſimple or compound, (ſuch as the Phyſitians do often preſcribe to their patients) may be vſed very commodiouſly.

After dinner they ought to vſe no violent exerciſe, neither ought they to ſit ſtill, ſadly, heauy, and muſing, nor to ſlumber, and ſleepe; but rather to ſtirre a little, and to raiſe vp the ſpirits for an houre or two, by ſome fit recreation. After ſupper they may take a walke into the fields, or Caſtle yard.

CHAP. 16. Of the Symptomes or accidents, which may now and then chance to happen to ſome one or other in the vſe of this water.

ALthough thoſe who are of good and ſtrong conſtitutions, obſeruing the aforenamed direction, doe ſeldome or neuer receiue any hurme, or detriment by drinking this water: notwithſtanding it may ſometime ſo fall forth, that ſome of the weaker ſort may perhaps obſerue ſome little, or ſmall inconuenience thereby, as retention of it in the body: inflation of the bellie: coſtiueneſſe, and the like. Wherefore to gratifie thoſe, a word two of euery one ſhall ſuffice.

Firſt then, for to cauſe a more ready and ſpeedy paſſage of it by vrine, it will not be amiſſe to counſel the partie after his returne to his lodging to goe to his naked bed for an houre or two, that thereby warmneſſe, and naturall heat may be brought into each part of the body, the paſſages more opened, and nature by that meanes made more fit and apt for the expulſion of it. During which time it will be very requiſite to apply hot cloathes to the ſtomack: but not ſo as to prouoke ſweat. Or elſe, to cauſe it to voyd and evacuate either by vrine, ſtoole, or ſweat, exerciſe will be a good helpe and furtherance; if the party be fit for it. But if neither of theſe will preuaile, then a ſharpe glyſter ought to be adminiſtred.

The inflation or ſwelling of the belly hapneth principally to thoſe, who haue feeble and weake ſtomacks; who may do very wel to eate aniſe, fenell, or coriander comfits at the fountaine betweene euery draught, and to walke a little after; or elſe ſome carminatiue Lozenges, made with groſſepowders, ſpices and ſeeds for breaking of wind: or what other thing the learned Phyſitian ſhall deeme to be moſt fit and proper in his wiſdome, and iudgment. But if the inflation chance to be very great, then a carminatine glyſter muſt be ordained.

Such as ſhall be very coſtiue may doe well to eat moiſtning meats, and to vſe mollifying hearbes, raiſons ſtoned, corants, damaſcene prunes, butter, or the yolkes of egges, and the like in their broths, or pottage. If theſe will not be ſufficient, then let a day be ſpared from drinking the water, and let the party take ſome lenitiue medicine, as laxatiue corants, or ſome ſuch like thing; whereof the Phyſitian hath euer great choice and variety, wherewith he can fit directly euery one his caſe; to whom preſent recourſe euer ought to be had, when any of theſe, or the like accidents doe happen, as likewiſe in all other caſes of waight and moment.