FOr to unmask Mercury and Antimony, and to ſhew the Danger of ſuch Medicines as are vulgarly made of them, was no ſmall cauſe of my penning this Diſcourſe: that I might admoniſh, and precaution thoſe who are Lovers of Chymiſtry, and wiſh well to the Miſerable Sick; not to endanger their credits, and the Health of their Neighbour by adminiſtring ſuch miſchievous things; nor yet vainly ſpend their time, own healths, and monies, in fruitleſly handling thoſe Subjects.

For he that will tame them eſpecially Mercury, had need to have as many eyes as Poets beſtow upon Argus, and a well nigh Immortal Menſtruum: had need have ſo much underſtanding in the more abſtruſe Philoſophy, and in the gradual operations of Nature, as not to give credit to every Fabler, or elſe he will Labour in vain. As too many have done; ſome of whom I more than a little admired at, whilſt they went, without reaſon or underſtanding, to build Caſtles in the Air: and promiſe themſelves great things from a ſcience they knew not, and an Art whoſe Theories they were ignorant of. And ſo like blind men groping in the Dark, whilſt through want of Study they want for no ignorance, hope to get ſomething by hook or by crook, though it is but burn'd fingers for their pains.

Nor is there any thing much commoner amongs our Junior Chymiſts, after Reading two or three Authors that write Myſteriouſly, than after meeting with theſe words; Mercury, Antimony, Gold or Sol, Luna or Silver, Venus, Sulphur &c. To fall diſmally foul on thoſe Subjects, but chiefly the firſt four, till they have wel nigh made all their Gold Volatile. And whilſt they inconſideratly put confidence in any author they meet with, as alſo in the literal ſound of Aenigmatical Writings; in ſeeking for the Lapis, invent ill-contriv'd things that muſt paſs for ſtrangely-good Medicines.

Not conſidering in the interim that thoſe very Authors ſay, where they have spoken plainly they have ſaid nothing; and that where they have Written Darkly, there is the Truth; And that Helmont confeſſeth their Writings were but for excitements; alſo that Chymical Authors wrote not to be promiſcuouſly underſtood by all, but that they might not be underſtood: leſt (ſaith • e) in ſpeaking plain we ſhould caſt Pearls before the unworthy. But 'tis no matter for that, they mind not what ſuch idle men as Helmont ſay, for they are in the Right they think: and therefore without following Nature, or in the leaſt underſtanding her Laws, judging whatever they read muſt be ſo meant as they humbly conceive, preſently go to work. Though there is no more reaſon to expect what they deſire from their operations, than to hope a fire will be made of flint-ſtones and water, or a Horſe generated from a Dog and a Tree.

Nor do they count themſelves a little beholding to the Stars, if they meet with ſome Lapis-teaching Books: but hugging themſelves up in their Fancies conceit they all ſhal be—Yea, what will they not be? ſeeing commonly upon twice or thrice tumbling a Bookover, & thoroughly believing ſuch a thing is in Nature; having met with ſome paſſage that pleaſeth not a little, thogh they underſt • nd neither head nor feet of the Diſcourſe, they forthwith fall to work, and ſoon ſpend ten or twenty pounds in vain, and are at laſt as wiſe as at firſt. Therefore having ſcratcht their heads well for vexation, the Book muſt have the other ſlight reading, and perhaps we may have another Book to expound it; but their fingers itching to be lapiſing, after a week or two ſpent in ſlightly tumbling the Book, to work they go afreſh: & if they meddle not with the old Subjects, yet doubtleſs they have ingredients every whit as Foppiſh; which being likewiſe workt upon, after a perdition of their coſts, they ſit ſoppiſhly down and lament, And ſome of theſe Juniors are ſo diſingeniouſly witty, that becauſe ſuch Authors talk of their Mercury ſublim'd, Precipated Mercury, and Mercury of Mercury, with other ſuch like things: therefore forſooth to work they go on common Quick-ſilver, with Sulphur, Sal, and other adjuncts, adding alſo Gold that it may partake of the Solar Tincture; becauſe (ſay they) if it have not the Tincture of Sol, how can it give it? (Nobly Philoſophiz'd!) ſeeing nil dat quod non habet, nothing gives that which it has not. And thus when through tedious and repeated operatings, they at laſt find not what they ſeek, to wit, their much coveted Elixir or Lapis: yet being unwilling to think they ſhould work ſo long in vain, they begin to imagine That their—may we call it a Medicine? muſt needs be a ſuccedaneum, or next in vertue to it; in regard 'tis made of Mercury and Gold, or perhaps of Mercury with ſome other adjuncts. And are ſomewhat confirm'd if they find it at a chance to do ſome good: For if at other times it does miſchief, the Mercury being unſlain, that they aſcribe not to the Medicine, but to a miſtaken or too great a doſe.

Others alſo Reading ſuch Books, and there moſt fortunatly meeting with the word Antimony: acoordingly fall foul on't, and are reſolv'd to get wonderful things from't whether Antimony can afford them or no. But when they alſo have ſpent much upon inconſiderate projects, and can't come at the coveted Elixir or Lapis: yet being alſo unwilling that their Works, and expences, ſhould produce nothing; ſuch Hot • hpo • chly mixtures muſt paſs currant for Medicines: And though they Purge, and Vomit ſo notoriouſly that they are enough to Kill a horſe; yet muſt they have ſplendid Titles, to Gull the World with words.

And undoubtedly after this manner, whilſt many were ſeeking for the Lapis, were moſt if not all thoſe pernicious Mercurial, and Antimonial Remedies invented that currently paſs in the Shops, and are taught by the Writers of the Beginnings of Chymiſtry. For there is ſcarce any name given by Hermetick writers to their ſcience; but the ſame, by ſome or other, has been given to ſome ill-contriv'd Medicine, which is founded on Mercury or Antimony.

This I thought meet to hint for the good of ſuch, who are ſo extreamly Lapified, that meerly upon the account of getting the Lapis Philoſophorum (though they oftner get the ſtone in the Kidneys) attempt the ſtudy of Chymiſtry: thereby loſing much Silver in catching of Gold, & in unfortunately plundering the Golden fleece.

Whereas if they did but conſider the ſayings of thoſe very Authors, That it requires the whole-man; which how can he that is incumbered with Phyſick allow? alſo that many that ſought if ever they got it, obtain'd it not under nigh thirty years ſtudy and Labour: And that ſeveral Nobles, and Knights in purſuit thereof ſpent great part of their Eſtates before they obtained i • ; and ſome ſuch never did get it, but ſpent vaſt ſums of money in vain. I ſay if they did but conſider this, it might put ſome ſtop to their procedure, and teach them ſo much wit as to keep their monies, and not venture it upon they know not what; as alſo to be better ſatisfied and inform'd about what they would have, before they ſet to operate.

Beſides, many are dubious whether or no, there is ſuch a thing as the Lapis in Nature.Arbor vitae P. 793. And truly for my own part, were it not that noble Helmont confeſſeth, that he had ſome of the Gold-making powder given him by a Friend of one Evenings acquaintance: and that he was Conſtrain'd to believe there was ſuch a thing, becauſe he had made projectionCogor credere lapidem aurificum, & argentificum eſſe: quia diſtinctis vicibus manu mea unius grani pulveris, ſuper aliquot mille grana argenti viviferventis, projectionem feci, adſtante multorum corona, &c. therewith ſeveral times, and confirms the ſame in diverſe places of his writings. Were it not for this; the lovers of the Hermetick Science muſt pardon me if I ſhould deſire my own liberty in thinking. However I can aſſure you, I am ſo little an admirer of their preſcrib'd proceſſes, becauſe ſome of them ſeemingly contradict other ſome; that I ſhould count my ſelf worthy of blame, if I ſhould ſpend five pounds on five the moſt plauſible receipts in their whole works: being better admoniſht by the Dogs miſhap in the Fable, that catching at the ſhadow loſt the Subſtance. But to return to our Phyſical affairs.

Let thoſe who read Helmonts works, diligently obſerve, and they ſhall ſoon find, he ſpeaks but ſparingly, and Aenigmatically of his Medicine the Alkaheſt; which (as he ſaith) was the Menſtruum whereby he reduced things into their firſt being: and without which he denies, that his Horizontal Gold, Fire of Venus, and other his moſt potent Remedies may be made. Alſo they ſhall find, that without it he denies the deſtruction of Vulgar Mercury: and ſaith, that Paracelſus in ſpeaking about his Arcana, doth commonly hide the Operation of his Alkaheſt? Of which though I am not a Poſſeſſor, yet have I ſeen ſo much as to confirm me that Helmont wrote not like a Novice, and that ſuch a thing is in Nature.

However in the abſence thereof 'tis admirable that our Mercury-mongers and pretended Helm • n • ians, will offer to meddle with that Proteus, who derides their endeavours: and make ſuch a talking about rendering Gold volatile, and potable as alſo about extracting its Tincture, when Helmont plainly declare▪ that he profited more by the Decoction of a Simple than by its Poteſt: Med. potable juice▪ For (ſaith he) after P. 480. that I knew how to unlooſe bodies by things agreeing with their radical Principles I then firſt began with a pleaſant wearineſs to laugh at my fooliſh credulities, which caus'd me in times paſt to diſſolve Gold: yet I profited leſs by its potable juice, than by the Decoction of a ſimple. But after that I could diſſolve Gold, and make it look like Butter, Roſin, and Vitriol, I no where found the Vertues attributed to Gold, becauſe it was reluctant to our Ferments. I perceived therefore that Gold without its own proper corroſive is dead; Dead I ſay, unleſs it be radidically pierced by its own Corroſive.

Elſewhere he ſaith 'tis impoſſible to alter Gold radically without the aid of one only Liquor: which I dare warrant you is not Aqua Regis, or any ſuch pitiful Corroſive. Beſides, if the Almighty, who is the God of the Poor as well as Rich, hath made all Nations of the Earth curable as ſaith the Holy Scriptures, it need not be doubted but in the abſence of Gold Salutiferous Medicines may be found. Yet ſeeing all the harm Gold in a Medicine can do, in regard 'tis not corroſive, is the encreaſing an Apothecaries, or Doctor's bill, and making the Patients purſe lighter; I ſhal let it here alone, & ſpeak of Mercury

Againſt which I can't ſay enough, ſo long a 'tis not kill'd, and its malignity wholly deſtroy'd. Which I believe all the Vizards of Salts, and other adjuncts will be in no wiſe able to do; it being a Body more ſtrong, than to ſuffer Death through ſuch. Of which I can ſpeak partly from experience; having not only operated on it with my own hands, to make it confeſs its vertues; But morover ſeen two others variouſly attempt, to fix, open and ſubdue it, whilſt it apparently derided their endeavours, and made us conclude with Helmot, Nec mori poteſt per machinamenta ſublunaria hujus ſeculi, to wit, that it can't die through the ſublunary engins of this World. He confeſſeth indeed it may be radically pierced and divided by the Alkaheſt; but he deems not that a ſublunary Engin, ſeeing 'tis an immortal Menſtruum; & in reſolving all bodies into their firſt being, burns up their hurtſul qualities, and ſets their Vertues at Liberty. For (ſaith he) the Common People burn with fire, we with Water.

But doth not Helmont, in his Ignotus Hydrops, highly commend Mercurius Diaphoreticus, and ſay, that it being once obtain'd is ſufficient for many 100 ſick people, as alſo for him that is a Phyſician, and his Son? Yes he does: but adds moreover, That that thing may ſucceed according to thy deſire,P. 521. the Mercury ought to die, without any aſſociation of external ſalts, or fellowſhip of Forreign Spirits. Yet 'tis meet that it ſo die, that in the Chariot a living being may remain, which may be able in the middle life of the Mercury, to carry it to its appointed places. A little before he alſo declares, that in the Dropſy, Paracelſus commends his Praecipiolum, or Mercury drawn dead out of its mine: where the word his, plainly ſhews it was not the common praecipitate; neither is that dead. And he more fully manifeſts that his was not the common, by quoting Paracelſus ſaying; that he reverenceth and admires the endowments of ſimples as they aroſe from God, but not as they are a kin to Mineral Mercury. Which Praecipiolum, ſaith Helmont, is difficult to be obtained; doubtleſs more difficult than the Vulgar Precipitate.

I could heartily wiſh they would for the future be admoniſht, and not refuſe to learn at a cheaper rate than an utter loſs of their expenees: Seconded with a ruine of their healths by its volatile fumes, if not a deſtruction of their Neighbour by the Medicine. Such raſh, and heedleſs, procedures in handling Mercury and Antimony, whilſt they ſought they knew not what, and deſpiſed the footſteps of Nature; being doubtleſs one cauſe that Chymiſtry in former Ages was ſo exceedingly undervalued. And the Medicines (if we may call them ſo) produced by its Profeſſors, ſo very much exclaim'd againſt, and ſhun'd.

And what ever ſome opine, and imagine concerning Mercury's being the baſis of the Alkaheſt: were I willing to declare my ſentiments concerning it; I could eaſily prove, and back my aſſertions with Authority of good Authors that that neither it, nor Antimony is the Parent of the Alkaheſt, nor any ways contributing to its ſtructure: and that they who think they are are no better than hood-winkt; will doubtleſs by operating on them prove dangerous knowers; and be Adeptiſts at Latter Lammas. This the Learned, and Ingenious may find with facility, if they ſtudiouſly peruſe, and thorowly compare, and digeſts the ſayings of its Wiſe-Poſſeſſors: eſpecially if they bring all things to a Rational Taſt, and to a Poſſibility in Nature.

But as for the more Ignorant and Ʋnlearned ſort of Chymiſts, 'tis in vain to admoniſh them; for they dearly love to buy Wit, or at leaſtwiſe they commonly do ſo: as being thoſe that dote on Mercury and Antimony, and expect wonders from them. For aſſoon as they get them into their clutches, having huddled over ſome wonderfull Author; they think they ſha'l be for ever made, and can talk of little elſe but Arcana: ſuch as Aurum Horizontale, the Lapis Philoſophorum, or Glaubers Aurum potabile, which many times they ſo long purſue till they have well-nigh ſpent all their Aurum Portabile, and obtain the Vaſt ſecret of making Card-matches.

And though Helmont (whoſe Diſciples they would fain be counted) doth tell them, that Mercury ſo long as it may be reviv'd, and Antimony ſo long as it purge or vomit, are Poyſons, and not the Remedies of a good man: yet will they ſometimes drive a ſubtil Trade with ſuch Mercurial and Antimonial Medicines, that either Purge, or Vomit, and have the Mercury nor ſ • ain; till by the Death of ſeveral and loſs of their own credits, they are ſomewhat ſtartled. But they do not intend to leave them ſo. For Noble Mercury and dear Antimony is their All-in all; take them away and you half undo them. Well, let them keep them for all me; for I had rather the • ſhould run hazards with their Patients, tha • I. And now to ſpeak concerning Antimony, and Medicines made of it.

Which cannot poſſibly be enough diſprais'd, ſo long as they either Purge or Vomit▪ becauſe by ſuch many are hu •• and ſome do looſe their lives.

And notwithſtanding the Galeniſts blame the Chymiſts or uſing • azardous remed •• s, and pretend, wh • lſt they themſelves uſe Poyſons, to go ſafely to work; Yet who are more ſubject to give venomous Antimonial Medicines than they are? No • e I am perſwaded. For with ſuch, which are bought of Mercenary Chymiſts, the Apothecaries Shops are well (or rather badly being they are Poyſons) furniſhed. And amongſt many other perverſe things called Medicines, there is Crocus Metallorum, a remedy fitter for a Horſe than for a Man, though enough to infect & hurt the Stomachs of either▪ and of which there is ſuch a Doſe ſometimes preſcrib'd, that 'tis enough to make a well-man Sick, and almoſt Vomit his Heart out as the People phraſe it.

But 'tis no matter for that, the Doctor he muſt have his F • e; which he well deſerves were the Medicine good. And if the Patient happens to be kill'd by means of it, 'tis but the Doctors laying the fault upon the malignity of the Diſeaſe, (though had one in health taken it 'twould almoſt, if not altogether have kill'd him) and telling you the Patients time was come; alſo that he preſcrib'd ſecundum Artem; and then all will do wel, and 'twill be fundamentally done. So the Earth muſt hide his fault.

But I believe, if any amongſt you ſhould be ſo inhumane, as with a weapon to wound one to Death; and plead afterwards, that you could not help it, for his time was come▪ 'twould be counted but a ſhallow excuſe. For that God had permitted ſuch a thing to come to paſs is Apparent: ye • doubtleſs was not his time ſo come, but that if the Weapon, (as it ſhould have been) had been kept out of his Bowels, he might have lived many years longer. In like manner after taking a Poyſonous Remedy, that deſtroyes the life of his Patient; though the Doctor to excuſe himſelf tell you his time was come: yet grant me leave to tell you, had innocent Remedies been given, he might doubtleſs have liv'd ſome years longer.

But if the Doctor prove ſo happy as not to kill, yet if the Diſeaſe is ſtubborn, and deeply impre • t through the vigour of the Stomach, or ſome other noble Bowel, • ailing, the Diſeaſe not being Acute but Chronick, 'tis much if it is not exaſperated by ſuch Poyſons, (I may not well call them Medicines) and if the Patient is not made worſe by much. Whereas were it not much better for the Phyſicians Credit, and the Patients good, to give ſuch Medicines as are harmleſs, yet cleanſing and Vertuous? Yes it muſt needs. Only ſuch are gain'd by Sweats, as well as Readings; both which together agree well.

But to ſpeak in a word; I verily believe there are ſeveral Phyſicians, who would not take ſome ſuch Vomits, as they order for their Patients for twenty pounds ſterling: however I ſpeak ſeriouſly, if they would, I would not for thirty; and therefore ſhould think my ſelf exceedingly Wicked, if I ſhould give ſuch a Vomit to another. Theſe are commonly given under pretence of cleanſing the Stomach, but it oftner defiles it, and lays the foundation of future weakneſs. I ſpeak experimentally: for I heretofore, in my youthful dayes▪ took ſeveral of them, according as I was ordered, to my ſmall comfort but great hurt: away with ſuch poyſonous Medicines; away with them.

And not go to preſcribe Crocus Metallorum for a Vomit, as one did not long ſince; and the Apothecary in a jeſt ſhewing the Bill ſaid 'twas a great deal too much: and he might have added as fit to Kill as Cure. But being askt why he would ſend it, anſwered What was it to him, he muſt do as the Doctor ordered. The event of which I have not heard of, by reaſon the Patient liv'd far off in the Country. But a Lady in the Weſt of England, a few years ſince took a Vomit that was preſcrib'd for her: and the poyſon being great ſhe never left vomiting till ſhe died: as her Daughter told, complaining againſt poyſons to my friend a Chymical Phyſician. Helmont alſo in one place gives an account, of three Perſons which were deſtroy'd by Vomits: one of whom was his Wifes Brother, and the other two were young N • ble Ladies, and Siſters: but to be brief, both of them died at once, for which they may thank, (I ſhould ſay blam • ) their Phyſician. But all three, after Death, being diſſected, Blackiſh and ſtinking Liquor (ſee the excellency of Poyſons) floated on the Pylorus or lower mouth of the Stomach, which was contracted through indignation againſt the admitted Venom.

But are only Antimonial Vomits hurtful? No: For all other whoſe virulency is ſuch, as with indifferency to work upon the Healthy and Sick, are poyſonous. The cauſe of Vomiting after admitting ſuch Venoms (I muſt not wrong them by calling them Medicines) being no other than a cloſe ſhutting up of the Pylorus. For though the Palate, and tongue, being cheated by the vehicle which 'tis put in, unadviſedly admit it unto the Stomach: yet the lower mouth of the Stomach through its great ſenſibility, perceiving an Enemy to the Life to have entred, preſently ſhuts up the paſſage into the Guts by contracting it ſelf like a Purſe: Wiſe Nature by this deſigning the preſervation of other cohereing parts. Which being done, ſhe with her whole might endeavours to caſt forth the Venomous Doſe, and at a chance if the Diſeaſe was from a ſurfeit, and of no long continuance, diſlodgeth the cauſe of faex, but not without hazarding the Life: as alſo of leaving ſome Venomous Character, or Thornyneſt behind it. But if at any time whilſt vomiting is intermitted, the Pylorus having pretty well freed it ſelf, gives paſſage to any of the Poyſonous Medicine: then the neighbouring Bloud, and Latex, is ſummoned out of the Meſenterick veins, and other cohereing parts; to help Nature to caſt forth the Venomous gueſt, and thereby cauſe ſtools. But if on the contrary (as it ſometimes happens) the Lower mouth of the Stomach, does not open, Death unavoidably follows.

Let this admoniſh People to take a ſpecial care of their Stomachs, and not endanger their Lives and Healths by poyſonous or clogging Medicines: but let them be aſſured 'tis a blockiſh, and Heatheniſh trick, to caſt out one Poyſon by another, or Diſeaſes which act like Poyſons, and are virulent and leavenous.

My thus handling Mercury and Antimony, reminds me of an eminently-unlearned pretender to Chymiſtry; one that uſed not to write much above thirteen words of falſe Engliſh in twelve lines; & one that for all he underſtands Latin ſcarce more than a Horſe, yet has the confidente to tell us he read over the writings of thoſe accounted the beſt Authors. However I will clear him • rom a Ly; for I verily believe that thoſe Authors he read were counted the beſt, by Himſelf, his Wife, and ſame other ſuch Sublime Learned Head • . For you may, without being counted a Cunning Man, gueſs that his Authors were no l • ſ • than N • ch: Culpepers works, or ſome ſuch •• n • er-working Books of Phyſick: ſeeing hr utterly defy'd all pittiful Latins Authors, and ſuch as write intelligible phraſes. Only he now and then amongſt the honeſt Women, would thunder forth ſuch an All-aſtoniſhing word or two, that were enough to amaze'em: frightning'em with no leſs Bully-boes than Lapis Philoſophorums; for either ſuch Aurum Potabile, or Aurum Horozontale he much deſired. And having abus'd himſelf into a belief he ſhould do wonders, and obtain'd ſome ſmall skill in Chymiſtry, he reſolv'd to get one of them by hook or by crook. To which end therefore, and the better to inform himſelf, he would ſometimes viſit a Grave Ingenious Chymical Phyſician, that for ſeveral years together had kept his Body in good plight, though otherwiſe he was naturally of an infirm conſtitution.

This our Piece of Ʋnlearnedneſs you muſt underſtand, by being the Doctors conſtant Patient, had ſometimes admittance into his Laboratory, and was thereby doubtleſs the more excitedThe event of Chymical Phyſicians ſhewing their Laborarities to their Patients, or other buſie deſi • ers. to the ſtudy of Chymiſtry. For he having ſeen various Furnaces and Glaſſes, imagin'd according to likelyhood that he could do very strange things: yea what could he not do? For I have heard as if he could break Glaſſes as well as moſt; and that he was an able Man at it too.

But as I ſaid before, he ſometimes viſiting this Grave Man, amongſt many other things, would oft exceedingly pleaſe himſelf in talking Taratan-tara about the Philoſophers ſtone and Horizontal Gold, and gazing in our faces would magnify Mercury and Antimony, and tell us there was a noble thing in'em; to which the Grave Doctor would ſay, ſo; what then; or nod a little; and that was as much as he could get. Thus at laſt when he had told out a Tale of two or three hours long, home he would go as Wiſe as he came. But in the mean time you muſt needs, think that to have our ears weekly boxt about with the Philoſophers-ſtone, Horizontal Gold and Noble Mercury, was a very irkſome thing, as indeed it was: yet I aſſure you, the Repetition of his Mineralline conceits did abundantly recompence that injury, by often produceing a ſmile or two at leaſt.

But to proceed; many ſuch viſits being paſt, to work he went on Gold and Mercury; amalgamized the firſt with the laſt; conjoyn'd them with Antimony after a previous preparation; and firmly reſolv'd, after he had made it into a Cinnabar that it ſhould be Horizontal Gold: and enumerating praiſes in no wiſe due to it, ſtriv'd to recompenſe the fewneſs of its vertues by a Swelling and Glorious Title. This we having the ſight of eaſily perceiv'd that 'twas a Mock medicine, firſt from its Taſte, ſecondly from its flying the Fire, thirdly from the ſparkling of the quick-ſilver diſperſt, but not fixt in the compoſition: ſo we, or to ſay more truly, my Tutor in my hearing, told him 'twas not the true Horizontal. However he eſteem'd on't not a little, but would tell the People 'twas a rare Medicine for there was Gold in it, and would thereby make them think that it was ſtrangely good indeed: inaſmuch as 'tis the cuſtom of thoſe who are ignorant in Phyſick, to judge a Medicines Vertues according to the coſtlineſs of its ingredients, or Myſteriouſneſs of its compoſition, not conſidering in the mean time that a price happens not in Nature; that a Diſeaſe will not be baffled with a naked name; and that God who is the Patron of the Poor, has choſen in Nature, as well as in Divinity, the Mean things of this World to confound the Mighty.

This Medicine which wanted not for Price, he therefore liberally made uſe of; and manag'd his buſineſs ſo untowardly, that few Practiſers had worſe ſucceſs than he had, till he had loſt his practice wholly in a manner. However I would not have you think but that ſome receiv'd good, for many Mercurial, and Antimonial Medicines don't hurt alwayes: Nay, I verily believe believ that ſome, and thoſe not a few, receiv'd great benefit by it. But yet ſome others were very much injured. For when ſuch Mercurial Medicines do meet with a ſtomach whoſe Ferment goes to work and reſolves them, and by conſequence ſets the Mercury at liberty, then is't that the Villain, Mercury plays knaviſh Tricks, and makes the Patient wiſh him out of his body: and if I my ſelf were Sick, and ſhould ſend for a Phyſician, if he give me a Mercurial Medicine that ſix others before me had done well after, whilſt their Stomachs did not reſolve it; yet my Stomach through the propriety of its Ferment, ſetting the Mercury at liberty (which none of theirs could) it might be a means to Kill, or miſchief me. Therefore I ſay with Helmont, that Mercury ſo long as it may be reviv'd, is a Poyſon, and not the Medicine of a good Man. I remember,

A young Man falling Sick was perſwaded by ſome Viſitants to accept of our piece of unlearnedneſs for his Phyſician, and accordingly took as I was inform'd a Doſe of a certain pouder, which, by its deſcriptions, I deem'd was either the conterfeit Horizontal, or ſome ſuch hazardous Mineralline production. But in ſhort, the young Mans head ſw • l'd ſo exceedingly that (as one related to us that ſaw him and was a next neighbour to him) his eyes were gaſtly, and his ſwell'd very much (Oh Noble Mercury and Antimony) alſo his Tongue black, and ſo ſwell'd as not to be eaſily contain'd within its limits; and thus being in very great Miſery he breath'd his laſt.

Another cure though leſs miſchievous than the former was on a Gentleman of his acquaintance, and of the ſame Neighbourhood; one that for many years together had been a Patient to my Sober Tutor. By whom having now for ſeveral years been kept ſound, through taking when need required ſuch innocent, and lively remedies as were meet: was at length overperſwaded (thinking perhaps any one might be a Chymiſt, and that all Medicines call'd Chymical were ſafe) to accept of our piece of Unlearnedneſs for his Phyſician; and when his Body required converſe with Medicines, to take ſome of him, which he did. But after a few months following his ill-contriv'd mixtures, was reduced to that weakneſs, that his Legs ſeem'd unable to ſupport his Body. Thus being tormented with a daily declining of his ſtrength and an almoſt inceſſant gnawing in his Stomach, (Oh Noble Mercury and Antimony! He ſends his Wife to his former Chymical Phyſician, with requeſts to ſend ſomething to give him eaſe, foraſmuch as he ſuppoſed, and ſo did his Wife, that the Medicines taken from the other; had exceedingly weaken'd him, and were the cauſe of that Gnawing. His deſires were anſwered, as to obtaining eaſe, and getting ſtrength; but not a real Cure: Mercury and Antimony ſcorning to be baffled after that pittiful rate, whilſt the very texture of his Stomach and other vital bowels was vitiated. Inſomuch that about ſix months after, whilſt as yet he was infirm, his occaſions calling him to London, he relapſt; and there being helpt forward in his Heavenly journey, by a Mineralline doſe which another half-witted Ignorant, and unlearned Chymiſt gave him, he fairly breath'd his laſt.

But leting our Piece of Unleardneſs paſs I will give you another relation. A Learned Phyſician my very familiar acquaintance, who from his Infancy was educated in Phyſick, and chiefly in Pyrotechny; accidentally about the one and twentieth year of his Age, met with an Author that magnifies ſome Mercurial preparations, and impertinently ſtyles on an All-curer, This the ſtudious young Phyſician reading, was no little animated to follow the Authors preſcrib'd proceſs, and prepare this Medicine: but before hand acquaints his experienced Father with his deſign, and accordingly was diſſwaded from attempting. Nor was it without cauſe; for his Father had been deceived in his Junior ſearches by that Pr • t • an Subject, and ſuch Collecting Authors, who not ſeldom write untried Proceſſes and Recipes taken upon Truſt, that are too often Decipes.

But he notwithſtanding believing the Author, Proceeded, Operated Variouſly according to order, and that at no mean Charge; and at laſt having finiſht it, took a few grains of it firſt himſelf: which made him ſo unmercifully Sick, and paid him off ſo cruelly; that he would gladly, have been freed from his perverſe Gueſt, if he could. But in brief his Life being in Danger, (Oh Noble Mercury!) he applies himſelf to ſome Valiant, and innocent Remedies, which they had in their Repoſitory, that quickly diſpatcht it out of his Stomach, and other the more Vital Bowels: and ſending it to his Throat, it rais'd a ſmall ſore ſo painful, that for nigh half a years time, it diſquieted him day and night; but in the end by ſtrengthening Remedies he was cured. Whereas, for ought I know, had they wanted good Medicines, he might have been Kill'd by Noble Mercury.

And ſince, for this and diverſe other good Reaſons, he is ſo much an Enemy to Mercurial Medicines; and ſo irreconcileably angry with them: that I perſwade my ſelf he will not deal with them on any account; nor give ſuch to the Sick were he hired.

Neither is he only averſe to Mercury; For Antimony ſo long as it Purges or vomits he hates even as much: And that not without cauſe. For his ingenious and grave Father, who in his junior ſtudies hoped well concerning Antimomy, was ſeveral times very much hurt by it: Whilſt he honeſtly (becauſe he would not dammage the Health of his Patients, and becauſe he had good Medicines to cure himſelf) would venture to take ſuch Remedies firſt himſelf, to the loſs and hazard of his health. And to what end was it? That he might not give a hazardous Medicine to the Sick, but might caſt away ſuch as he found were diſturbers of Nature. But this his tenderneſs towards his Patients, and Love to the ſick, once almoſt coſt him his Life; for trying an Antimonial Medicine, as he had oftentimes done ſeveral, he Purg'd and Vomited, ſo cruelly, that had he not had good Medicines to put a ſtop to its Venom, it might have coſt him his Life however it hurt his ſtomach. Here was candour and honeſty indeed! Oh that we had many more ſuch as he; or if not ſuch; yet ſuch as would be admoniſht, to take heed of Poyſons, and defend the Lives of their Patients: As this true-hearted Phyſician uſed to do: For when he by taking a Medicine found it malignant, his next work was to caſt it away; that he might not hurt his Patients, nor diſcredit himſelf by giving ſuch.

Though by this means amongſt ſome people he loſt the Repute of a Skilful knowing Man; • s if there were any skill in filling a Cupboards head with inſignificant Glaſſes, and Gally-pots; or as if there were any Art, or Knowingneſs, in giving Poyſonous Medicines to the ſick. But he minded not, as I tell you, the Poyſoning Trade; haveing run through that before: and was more willing to be counted unskilfull by the Ignorant and Fooliſh, than to be both Fool, and Knave, in walking againſt his Conſcience; and in giving ſuch Medicines as were hurtfull.

But to reaſſume our Diſcourſe about Mercury, and to ſhew our great adorers of it Helmonts judgment; I ſhall deſire them to take notice, he ſaith. Therefore although the Mercurial part of Mettals, as alſo in the very Body of Mercury, Pa. 408. may reſemble Vitrol, Oyl, Salt, or Water, by reaſon of things put to it; yet are they nothing but the deceivings of the Eyes, as being that which alwayes returns, from thoſe masked forms, to Mercury again: becauſe it is alwayes therein, according to all its properties, and Nature. Alſo a little after denying the dividableneſs of Mercury▪ he ſaith. For Nature cannot deſtroy the ſeed which cannot die, nor be ſeperated from its own matter; neither through the ſublunary Engins of this World can it die. Thus doth he not only deny the Seperation of Mercury; but hints, that mixing it with other ingredients, is no wayes able to alter it, nor its properties. The which had he been ſilent experience would have manifeſted from miſerable events, as well as others have declared it in their Works. But he elſewhere tells you that the Mercury ought to die, without the aſſociation of Forreign Salts, or ſpirits: Upon this word Forreign lies the ſtreſs: for he teacheth that his Alkaheſt turns Mercury into Horizontal Gold, but that it, to wit, his Alkaheſt is a thing ſo much unworthy of the name Forreign, that he calls it a thing Conſentaneous or agreeing with the Radical Principles of Bodies, for ſaith he Poſtquam ſcivi corpora denodare, per conſentanea ſuis principiis radicalibus, tum primum caepi cum ſalutari •• dio irridere &c.

And now to let our Piece of Ʋnlearnedneſs ſee his miſtake about Horizontal Gold, I will borrow a few lines more from Helmont. He ſaith. For as Gold is reckoned to be bred in the Horizon of theD • Lith. P. 69. Hemiſphere, ſo Mercury when tis made Diaphoretical, Sweet as Hony, ☞ and as fixed as Gold; is Gold in its Horizon; and in Med icine is ſo much more Noble than Gold, by how much an Oriental, Pearl, exceeds a Scotiſh one. He alſo, in the foregoing Diſcourſe, telling us of ſome, who with requeſts & threatnings, wold have obtain'd from him the ſecrets of Horizontal gold & Fire of Venus ſaith, Firſt of all I have anſwered that the ſecret of Paracelſus his Liquor Alkaheſt doth hinder, to wit, the teacher and diſpenſer, of which the Almighty hath decreed to remain even to the end of the world, for reaſons in part known to adeptiſts.

But thoſe who go to transform Mercury into the likeneſs of Salt, Water, or Oyl; therein following the Writers of young beginnings of Chymiſtry, do erre: as ſaith Helmont, who adds by way of Confutation, amongſt other things: I • I had not (ſaith he) ſeen Quick-ſilver to delude every endeavour of Artificers, ſo as that it wholly flyes away, as yet intire, or doth wholly remain in the Fire; and after either manner keeps its unchangeable Identity, and undiſſolvable hom • geneity of ſamelineſs: I ſhould ſay that that Art was not true, which is true, without a Ly, and moſt exceeding true. You may remember I declared in the forgoing diſcourſe, how mightily our Piece of Unlearnedneſs wold talk of the lapis Philoſophorum, & on that account was wel pleas'd with Noble Mercury: But I forget to tell you how he was ſeconded in his attempts, by the aſſiſtance of another, who was neither wellſtudied, nor very Learned; but a great Admirer of • he Lapis. This his aſſiſtant (who was counted a very honeſt Man) unhappily had a Receipt confer'd on him by a Woman which had found it, (as ſhe ſaid) in an Old-Doublet left at her houſe; yet you muſt know, that he had it on ſtrict engagements of privacy; for if I thought you would not blab it abroad, I could tell you it was no leſs than how to make the Philoſophers ſtone. This Receipt being preſented to our Piece of Unlearnedneſs, and he having ſeen it was pleas'd exceedingly with the thoughts of being a Philoſopher, and thereupon regarded not his money: nay he ſpared not to ſay that were he worth thouſands he would venture it, not doubting but that the end would pay him with Uſury.

Whereupon to work he went; and after long, tedious, and charegable Operatings to no purpoſe, he pulls down his Laboratory, and builds another much larger; but all prov'd in vain and to no purpoſe: For the Old-Doublet was defective, and made him ineffectually caſt away more money on't than would have bought many new New-Ones. Only whilſt he was a ſtone-hunting, he obtain'd the ſecret (as he thought and boaſted) of making Gold Volatile. For, (ſaith he) I having Amalgamiz'd many pounds worth of Gold with Mercury, and incorporated it with other things, put it into heat; But the Glaſs breaking, away they flew, Gold and all. Which in my opinion was neither a profitable Project, nor more an argument of Volatility in the Gold, than 'tis of Life in a Dead Child, forceably carried by an Active Man to the Top of a Houſe. For the Gold being almoſt Atomical, at leaſt wiſe eaten into very ſmall Particles, was by the adjuncts carried away.

But what if the Old-Doublet had produced a Philoſophers ſtone? What could you have ſaid then? You muſt needs have not only call'd it Miracle: But have conſequently concluded, and reaſonably expected that a New-Doublet ſhould produce two.

Several ſuch pretty ſtories I could afford you were I willing to ſpend Ink and time in vain. In vain I ſay, ſeeing this one inſtance about Lapiſing is enough. For my deſire is (and to that end I inſerted it) that ſuch unwary ignorant men may take heed: and not truſt every Fabler and receipt they meet with; nor every conceit of their own ſublime Heads. Leſt whilſt they hunt after Gold they ruin and undo themſelves, and by following a crew of ſecrettellers prove themſelves ſuch, of whom Augurellus ſpeaks. Ut videas quandoque bonum ſua praedia civ • m Vend • nt •• , patriaſque domos, mercesque repoſtas; Fornaces inter verſari: ac follibus auram Captare, in tenuem, nefas, convertere fumum, Rem dubias dum quaerit opes inſanus, avitam. Difficilem interea conjux, maeſtiſſima vitam Protrahit, illachrimant nati, ſit ſordidus ipſe E lauto, luduſque patens, & fa • ula vulgi. As thou mayeſt ſee a Citizen that's rich, Sometimes to ſell his farms; and houſes which His Fathers were, and hoarded wares to ſell, To catch the Bellows breath, and likewiſe dwell with Furnaces, and (wicked 'tis!) preſume, His Grand-ſires wealth to turn to ſlender-fume, Whilſt for uncertain gain he madly hoes His Wife moſt ſad and Melancholy goes, His Sons lament, and being dirty, he The vulgars ſport and Fable comes to be.

Beſides they themſelves whilſt to the ruine of their Eſtates & healths; they run blind-folded on in their Operations, never conſider what thoſe Authors, from whoſe writings they take the confidence of ſeeking it, doe ſay. Therefore that I may a little admoniſh ſuch forward & over credulous Perſons to take heed for the future, and let them ſee ſuch Receipts are worth nothing; I will quote two or three of the moſt noted amongſt them, and begin with Count Treviſan firſt. Quicunque cupit artem veram addiſc • re, verſetur cum ſapientibus, (i. e.) iſtorum Libros legat & non impoſtorum, licet obſcuris verbis eam doceant nullibi eni • claris & apertis verbis, deſcriptos ejuſmodi Libros reperies. Whoſoever (ſaith he) deſireth to learn true Art, let him be converſant with the Wiſe, that is, let him read their Books (and not thoſe of Impoſtors) though they teach it in obſcure words. For thou ſhalt nowhere find ſuch Books written in words plain and clear. Which ſaying of Count Treviſan much contradicts the Actions of Receipt mongers, or ſuch who would find it ſtitcht up in an Old-Doublet; for if we ſhall no where find it written in plain and intelligible phraſes, never expect that the ſecret of ſecrets (for thoſe who write of it call it ſo) will be committed to half a ſheet of Paper. And if it is impoſſible, as Dionyſius Zacharias ſaith it is, to find all things written in order, which are neceſſary to the Art; and that one Book expounds another, becauſe what is wanting in one is ſupplied in another: doubtleſs all Recipes and ſuchlike half witted-ſtories muſt needs be exploded as error: his words are, Unus liber alio declaratur, ſiquidem quod fortaſſe in uno deeſt ſuppletur in alio; impoſſibile namque eſt (ſic diſponente divino conſilio) reperiri omnia ex ordine Scripta quae ad hanc artem ſunt neceſſaria. Thus he. Nor ſayes the Author of Correctio Fatuorum much leſs in his Prologue, whilſt he ſpeaks of the benefit of Study. Imprimis (inquit) eſt, neceſſarium perſtudium, hujus ſuavis operis ſcientiam acquirere. Qui autem ſtuduere abhorruerint, & tamen laborare voluerint; impoſſibile eſt iis ſecreta Philoſophorum, ad perfectum finem praeparare. De his ſapientes dicunt, quod ii tranſeunt ad practicam, ſicut aſinus ad coenam, neſcientes ad quid roſtrum porrigant. Ideo omnes hujus artis apicem diligentes, ſtudiis conentur inſiſtere, & ex libris haurire veritatem, & non ex mendoſis (alias nidoſis) neque fabulis fictis, quia haec ars non inveniatur niſi per continuum ſtudium, & Philoſophorum dictorum cognitionem. It is (ſaith he) a thing chiefly neceſſary, to obtain by ſtudy the knowledge of this pleaſant work. But they who abhor ſtudy, and yet are willing to go to Labour; to ſuch, it is a thing impoſſible, to bring the ſecrets of Philoſophy to perfection. Concerning theſe, the wiſe ſay, that they go to practice like an Aſs to ſupper, not knowing to what they reach forth their ſnouts▪ therefore all the lovers of this Arts perfection, endeavour to perſiſt in their ſtudies, and to gather Truth from Books, and not from lying, though otherwiſe plauſible Fables, nor yet from ſeigned ones. Becauſe this Art is not found unleſs through continual ſtudy, and through the knowledge of the ſayings of Philoſophers. Many more Authors I could quote you to this very purpoſe, did I not judge theſe three had ſaid enough to ſatisfie thoſe that are intelligent. Therefore I ſhall next with as much brevity as I may ſpeak a little concerning the Writings of Johannes Rudolphus Glauberus, as being thoſe that have injured and abus'd many.

ANd firſt, I judge it will not be amiſs as Perliminary to Treat a little of the vices of Ferments, and the contrary. They being of Genuine, proper and true, the producers of quietude, and health in the Body, and é contra if ſpurious, malign, eſtrang'd, and forreign, the Authors of all diſorders and Fevers. Thus a Thorn or Splinter in the hand, makes ſuch diſturbance through its forreigneſs to the part, and its ſpurious fermentive odour, that it excites a preternatural heat; and ſometimes make the whole hand, and arm, ſenſible of its power: thereby ſo altering and corrupting the Saline Blood which flows thither, as ſummon'd by the inraged Spirit of the part (which by Helmont is called the Archeus) to expel the incroaching Enemy, as to make it put off vitality.

So that thus in the mean time the Blood is buſie to expel, but not able, and for that cauſe angry, and hot; in approaching the Thorne (which through the excitemenes of heat ſends forth a ſpurious odour) 'tis changed from its ſaline and Balſa • ick nature, and becomes as injurious as the Thorn. Inſomuch that at laſt inſtead of a Hoſtile Thorn only, a Thorn and Thornineſs are preſent to the more violent exalperating the Archeus. And indeed Optima Corrupta peſſima, the Blood the moſt lively juice of the Body being thus once deviated, and infected, is no leſs miſchievous than the Thorn. For it having through adheering to the thornyleaven put on corruption, loſt its ſalineneſs, and its vitality, is thenceforth forbidden to circulate in with the Blood, and enjoy the benefit of Life. However a ferment being begun, it glanceth forth its vitious raies; and whilſt the Archeus is inraged at what doth afflict him, and neglects the defence of his Territories, the neighbouring good Blood is gradualy perverted (for a little Leaven leavens a whole Lump) and the Life of the part is endangered.

Thus you may ſee the cauſe of a Fever, and that though it takes its denomination from Heat, yet that heat is but the effect, and therefore not ſo much to be minded; ſeeing the thorn, or thing cauſing is cold, and Deadly. But if whilſt the thorn in the hand is unremov'd, or if removed whilſt the begun Thorny Ferment or leaven is in being, they ſhould, to abate the accidental Feveriſh-heat, let the Blood out, or apply coolers outwardly or inwardly; oppoſing the preternatural heat with contraries, could you poſſibly, forbear ſmiling, and not think them half-witted, or at leaſt wiſe well furniſht with Ignorance? ſurely I think not: yet this way might, and ſhould, doubtleſs have ſerv'd, had not Chyrurgical experience prov'd it Vain; and not only have ſerv'd, but we ſhould perhaps have been able to bring, ſome old muſty rotten Axiom, to have prov'd it Authentick: if not backt with ſufficient Authority.

For a great many of the Antients, who were wonted, as at this day 'tis too common, to ſtrike at the effect not the cauſe; loving ſloath, and eaſe, and being loath to ſwim againſt the ſtream of a received opinion, leſt they ſhould be accounted Hereticks in Phyſick: deem'd it better, more ſafe, and profitable, to Tranſcribe Collect from, and comment on their Antients, than in the leaſt to oppoſe their dark notions. Inſomuch that till within the ſpace of an hundred years, there was rarely any, who ſung not the ſame Cuckows note.

But Diſeaſes growing more obſtinate daily; and baffling the common method of healing, whilſt the Pox and Scurvy prevail'd. God whoſe Mercies are beyond his judgments, mercifully ſent us Men, tender of the health of their Neighbour, and that ſought not wealth ſo much as Wiſdom; who have ſo effectually laid open the errors of Galen, (who was but a man at beſt, and therefore Subject to err) and manifeſted the defects of the Antients; who were likewiſe Men, that unleſs we wil wilfully ſhut our eyes as (the greater is the Miſery) too many do, we may plainly enough ſee their barrenneſs.

I remember a Learned Gentleman of my acquaintance, no Phyſician but a general ſtudent, and by that means intimate with ſome Court-Phyſicians, ſeriouſly told me; that on a time he lately Diſcourſing with an eminent Doctor; a lover of Chymical Principles, and asking him why he let his Patients be bleeded, ſeeing he knew better things; had what follows for an anſwer. Sr. (ſaith the Dr.) I am forced to do it, otherwiſe I ſhould have little to do, for the people will be bleeded and look ſtrangely on him that wont admit on't, and they muſt be humour'd. I muſt needs confeſs the Doctors dealing is politick: but how in the interim it fares with his Conſcience, I know not: but ſurely I think, mine would fly in my face, ſhould I do any thing which I knew might prove injurious to the Sick, though the Patient being ignorant perſwaded me. Much good may his gain by bleeding do him.

But to reaſſume our diſcourſe about Forreign Ferments, and to prove them the cauſe of heat in a Fever, leaving our Thorn, let us conſider a Mote in the eye, not unlike a Thorn to the part: of which I will Treat, after I have deſired you to take notice, that all Ferments are injured by ſtrange ones, and that all parts and Liquors of the Body abhor the intruſion of a forreigner. Thus a Mote in the Eye ſtirreth up a Feveriſh heat in the part, whilſt Nature being hurt ſends moiſture plentifully to wipe it away: But labouring in vain, grows inraged, and angry, and gives leaſure to the Mote (heat being preſent) to lay the foundation of a ſpurious▪ Acrimonious Ferment that corrupts' the Latex flowing thither, and endeavours a total extirpation of the life of the part. Inſomuch that unleſs a Medicine contradictory to Acidity, and the Spurious Ferment ſubvenes; a a continual weakneſs if not loſs of the ſight is threatned; whilſt the Latex, or Liquor which flows Saline from the Eyes when wel, is corrupted by the acid acrimonious Ferment.

Thus a certain Merchant from ſome Hayduſt or ſuch like Motes that fell into his Eyes, contracted a violent ſoreneſs; he took various remedies, as ordered but they ſtill grew worſe and worſe: at laſt, when he had for nigh too months uſed many Medicines to cure them, and all attempts prov'd unſuccesful, becauſe they ſtruck▪ not at the cauſe; a judicious Chymical Doctor my acquaintance, whoſe many years converſe with Pyrotechny had made him well skil'd in Phyſiology, and the Doctrine of Ferments, hearing the Merchant complain to his Phyſician, that told him he muſt have Bliſters Bliſters rais'd in his Neck, to draw the humour backwards; after the pretty ill-contriv'd old way ſtrike at the effect but neglect the cauſe) I ſay the Chymical Doctor hearing him complain and ſeeing him like to looſe his eyes ſight; out of compaſſion offered him his help contrary to his cuſtome, (for I believe he hateth that shabbed trick of asking people to buy health) and told him he would give him ſomething to cure him; ſhould not coſt above half a Crown: the Merchant replyed, he cared not what it coſt provided he could be cured: and thereupon coming next day to the Doctors houſe, he gave him a Liquor that kills Spurious acid Ferments, and is very friendly to the eye; which being dropped into his eyes, three or four times a day, they were well in the ſpace of (as I think) three daies. By which you may ſtill ſee the force of Ferments, and what Medicines are likelieſt to prevail.

And as a Fever in the hand is caus'd by a Thorn, a forreigner and an enemy to the part; as alſo the like in the Eye by a Mote, both the begetters (heat being preſent) of Spurious Ferments: ſo if it happens that any thing is admitted into the Stomach (which I have in following Diſcourſe endeavoured to prove the Prime ſeat of life; & there through its weakneſs, or neglect of the Vitals called away from their duty, by ſome ſudden fear, ſurpriſal, or otherwiſe (for there may be twenty waies to cauſe it) what ever is received in for nouriſhment, deviates, & puts on a Hoſtile dreſs, and through debility is detained in that Noble Bowel longer than it ſhould: know the thing ſo detain'd is an Enemy, and Metaphorical Thorn to the Stomach the prime ſeat of Life, and conſequently the Parent of Feveriſhneſs in the whole body byeconſent. The which thing happens not to the Eye, or Hand, in regard they are leſs noble and nouriſhed; and are not thoſe on whoſe welfare the life of the Whole Body depends: therefore no more to be compared to the ſtomach in point of Excellence then Servants are to their Maſters. wherefore ſeeing the blood, which is innocent, is commonly charg'd with the guilt of harbouring the cauſe of a Fever, and is therefore let out and Nature impoveriſht, I will proceed to prove, that 'tis mightily wrong'd, and lay the blame on the Stomach as its due.

To tel you that with Stomachical Medicines, and thoſe that reſiſt Spurious Ferments, I have known of many hundreds that were cured of Fevers, without the leaſt aſſiſtance of Phlebotomy or endangering the Life of the Patient; and ſuch Fevers that the ſingle and aſſociated endeavours of ſeveral Galeniſts before the Doctor that at laſt cured them with ſuch, was called; will be, I ſuppoſe, much to weak an argument to prove it; inaſmuch as ſome may on on the other hand object, that thoſe Medicines I call ſtomachical, might be aſwell adapted to the Blood, and might deſtroy the Spurious Ferment in it. I therefore ſhall endeavour more amply to prove by arguments aſwell as examples.

And firſt I wil begin with a Hectick Fever; which though numbered by many, and that not ineptly, in the Catalogue of Conſumptions, I ſhall here Summon in to prove the ſtomach the ſeat of a Fever.

To tell you its definition, and to ſpend time and paper, to tell you the opinion of the Antients about it, would be a thing beſides the matter: it being not my intent to ſpin out a tedious Diſcourſe, whilſt the Diſeaſe is too notoriouſly known. That the foundation of that febrile heat, which accompanies a Hectick, is in the ſtomach, and that its weakneſs is the cauſer thereof, is ſo apparent to any one that has but half an Eye, that to deny it would be vain: whilſt in the beginning of the Diſeaſe, & when 'tis in its Bud, a Feveriſhneſs is wonted to poſſeſs the palms of the hand, and ſometimes the whole Body, in leſs than an hour after eating any thing liberally: and this when as yet the food is in the ſtomach, and no chyle ſent from thence to the Venae Lacteae: much leſs to the blood in the Veins; that it might there prove the cauſe of that Heat. Nor doth the Aeſtuating and Feveriſhneſs ceaſe, till the ſtomach hath overcome the oppreſſion of the food, and in ſome ſort fitted it for the Duodenum: yet at laſt having digeſted and clear'd it ſelf of it, the Aeſtuating ſpontaneouſly ceaſeth, till the ſtomach is over-loaded a freſh. Here we ſee that a Fever is caus'd, and cured again, whilſt the Blood in the Veins is unconcerned.

That this is true my own experience hath told me, beſides what I ſaw from others. For being ſome years ſince a little too Bookiſh, I in ſtudying for the health of others, loſt my own. Yet not ſo, but that I could pretty well walk about; for 'twas only my Spirits were flag'd, and the digeſtion of my ſtomach weakened. This I felt for a mouth together, and could by no means be drawn to give over, till by apparent ſigns I fully perceiv'd my ſelf in a Hectick Fever. For uſually at noon, after eating a moderate dinner, or at evening a ſupper, the palms of my hands would burn, my head ach, & I was ſometimes more than ordinarily Feveriſh: that this Feveriſhneſs was from my Stomach, and that the Blood was not concerned, any otherwiſe than as 'twas hot for the ſake of the vital Spirit, I will thus prove.

I uſually about an hour (ſometimes leſs) after Dinner or Supper, whilſt as yet the meat was in my ſtomach, was wonted to have the palms of my hands hot, and ſometimes other parts too, with no little pain in my head. Being therefore a Tabler with my C • rdial Tutor, I knew how to come at Medicines; and would uſually, when I found the Fever and Head-ach violent, drink about four ſpounful of two Medicines which were ſtomachical and abſterſive, and as uſually remove them both in half an hours time hy enabling my ſtomach to maſter the food, whilſt it deſtroy'd all inclinations to Spuriouſneſs. Whereas ſhould the food have laid long, have declin'd, and prov'd Thorny, and the ſtomach not able to diſmiſs it; the thing to be expected had been a continual Fever from Natures endeavouring to expel it.

Nor is the heat in a Hectick, otherwiſe differing from that in a continual Fever, than that the one is occaſion'd by food receiv'd into a ſtomach that is unable to digeſt it, through an ill-habit and general weakneſs: and that the other is caus'd from food received into a healthy ſtrong ſtomach; which either through its being too too much or from ſome other accidental error, Nature being unable to diſpoſe of it, lies there and degenerates, and Thorn-like produceth a Fever.

But a Fever which aſſaults Perſons ſtrong, & luſty, is commonly by far the more vehement and raging; therefore wanteth the moſt excellent remedies. For their ſtomachs being vigorous, a ſmall matter hurts them not; and their ſtrength being confirm'd bear`s them out: ſo that if they are caught, commonly the offence is to ſome purpoſe, and they ſometimes dearly pay the puniſhment of their offence. For what is more common, than to have robuſt, and jovial people; if after ſurfeiting and ſurcharging their Stomachs, they fall into a continual Fever: for want of potent abſterſive remedies to deſtroy the forreign ferment and enable the ſtomach to do its duty, to take their laſt farewell of this World, when Phlebotomy and the Doctors coolers have done their beſt. And all becauſe they miſtaking the matter fall ſoul on the innocent Blood, and never level at the cauſe in the Stomach. Whereas they that are weakly, tender, and feebliſh, not daring to be ſo bold with their ſtomachs; if they exceed their little Doſes, and their healths are prejudiced by it; yet it not being ſo over much to exceſs, they make ſhift to wade from under it, with ſome ſlender diſturbance, and pretty eaſily recover again:

But what is the ſeat of a Continual Fever, alwayes in the Stomach and no where elſe? If you mean thoſe Fevers which are bred by themſelves alone, and don't borrow their being from ſtrange paſſions: I ſay yes▪ for experience tells me ſo.

To the truth of which Helmont teſtifies, after he had ſaid, I willTract. d • Feb. Cap. 9. ſhew both the ſeat and manner of a Fever, in ſuch manner as experience, and a long diligent ſearch of things, hath made manifeſt unto me. Thus he delivers himſelf, Firſt of all therefore a Diary, and that which is called an Ephemerial Fever from the duration of one day, ſi • s in the hollow of the Stomach, and is for the moſt part from vitiated food; therefore alſo after • omiting or the finiſhing of digeſtion it ceaſeth of its own accord. Likewiſe a conſumptional or Hectick Fever, is a certain quotidian or daily Diarie, returding ſoon after the taking of food, from a part of it being corrupted. And in ch. 10. he ſaith, that they are ſo much the worſe Fevers, which ſhall not ſit in the hollowneſs of the Stomach, but in its convex parts; becauſe none but an extraordinary Arcanum can reach unto thoſe places. And therefore all Camp and all Endemical Fevers are more ſtubborn than others and for the moſt part without Thirſt; wherein the heat is ſcarce perceivable, and a continual perplexity alone brings the ſick unto their Coffin: for ſuch-like Fevers defile only from without, and affect the laſt nouriſhment of the ſtomach. Becauſe indeed ſo long as we live, our whole Body according to Hippocrtes is tranſpirable, and exſpirable. For I have elſwhere demonſtrated the Lungs, and Diaphragma, are on every ſide paſſible with pores in live-Bodies. Through which while Endemicks paſs, and ſmite the convex part of the Stomach, they oft-times infect the laſt nouriſhment—Elſe-where in the ſame Chap. he ſaith, that thoſe Fevers that are neareſt to the Orifice of the ſtomach, are by ſo much the more moleſting, and formidable in their perplexities.

To confirm the truth of which Doctrine concerning a Fevers ſeat in the Stomach, a loathing, juſt after the beginning of a Fever, an abhorring of fleſhes, fiſhes, and thoſe things which readily corrupt, do offer themſelve; as likewiſe thirſt, and want of Appetite do prove it. Pain in the forepart of the head, Do tages, a great Drowſineſs ſometimes and watching other ſome, pain about the mouth of the Stomach, and ſometimes in that part of the back on which the ſtomach reſteth, do alſo ſhew it. Burntiſh and ſtinking belchings, a proſtrated Digeſtion, and Vomitings plainly atteſt it; as alſo roughneſs, foulneſs, Dryneſs, and Blackneſs of the tongue and mouth.

But to prove more fully that the ſtomach is the harbinger of the Thorn, and the Blood only hot by conſent, and for the ſake of the Vitals; as alſo to manifeſt that Helmont was no wa • es miſtaken when he ſaid, that the nigher the ſeat of Fevers are to the Orifice of the ſtomach, they are by ſo much the more troubleſome and formidable in their perplexities, take theſe following examples.

In the year 1660. being the fifteenth year of my Age, about Mid-Summer occaſions requiring my taking Coach for London, I return'd from thence into the Country again about a month after; and the laſt night upon the road, my Jovial companions requiring it, by conſent after ſupper we went to be merry or rather to ſpeak more properly be Mad. We having drunk pretty high though not to drunkenneſs, I that alwayes before was accuſtom'd to moderate drinking, was illiſh next morning; and about noon had a pain in my Stomach. But at night when I came home was aſſaulted with a violent fever, whilſt my Head and ſtomach grievouſly ach'd & a violent pain poſſeſſed my Back, doubtleſs caus'd by the ſtomachs leaning on the back-bone. In this plght I was when next morning they ſent to a Phyſician, who ſent me a purging doſe: I took it the next day, and had ſix or ſeven ſtools, but my pains were more and more increaſt, inſomuch that I did little but roar.

At night after taking ſome Kitchen-Phyſick, I went to bed being ill, and next morning when I awakt I found my ſel • -well; and accordingly aroſe and came down. They wondered to ſee me whilſt with Joy I told them I was well, and had not the leaſt pain or Fever: But a few hours after they viewing my hands, and face, found the Small Pox coming out thick and three fold, as being I believe made worſe by the purge.

Hereupon, my bed being warm'd, I was ſent back again to it, & with Difficulty eſcapt with my life: but for five years after this with, what with the weakennings of this fit, twice bleeding an Iſſue, often vomitting, and oftner purging; I was every year as duly as autumn came, laid up with a continual Fever, or an intermitting one. Though ever ſince through the benefit of ſuch healters whoſe properties I have deſcrib'd, I was not ſick, to ſay ſick, two dayes.

By this my ſickneſs was manifeſted the ſeat of a Fever, and that Helmonts aſſertion is true. For if the ſeat of a Fever is the Blood at which the Galeniſts ſhoot their arrows; how came it to paſs I was not pain'd through all parts, ſeeing the Blood doth circulate through all? and that only my ſtomach as chief and my Head and Back by conſent ſhould be puniſht by the Feveriſh cauſe? alſo how came it to paſs that after it was out of my stomach, and that the pain from thence and from my Head and Back was remov'd▪ that the Fever ceaſed, and all illneſs was baniſht, whilſt yet the impurity was in my Blood? For if a Fever ſhould have its Throne in the Blood, to wit a forreigner or Enemy being in it: It ſhould then at that time when I thought and felt my ſelf perfectly well have Aeſtuated moſt, and been Feveriſh; ſeeing at that time the morbous Fex was preſent in my Blood, and was going to be driven to without.

Where will they find lurking-holes now? and how will they prove Phl • botomy needful? They will tell you, or at leaſt-wiſe they may, that they love to walk ſafely in the foot-ſteps of the Antients; though were thoſe Antients now living in our Northern Climats, doubtleſs our modern, and more ſtubborn diſeaſes would baffle both them, and their frigid methods: and that (though ſome of them wrote like Ignoramus's, and were ſcarcely in the leaſt acquainted with Dame Nature) they had rather perſiſt in their (Heatheniſh) methods, whilſt Diſeaſes in the interim get footing, than now being old, and wanting Medicines to cure, leave deſtructive Plebotomy off. They would do well in the mean time to tell us, if the Antients were ſuch excellent Naturaliſts; why the Romans who were a people not void of ſenſe, by the perſwaſions of Ca • o the Cenſor, baniſht the Method of Phyſick from their City: he alledging how eaſily a man might live without it, having lived fourſcore and five years himſelf without a Phyſician; but doubtleſs not without Phyſick, for all things that are good, and by experience found innocent and healthy, may without a ſoleciſme be termed Phyſick: but what-ever is deſtructive, diſguſtful or a weakner of the Faculties, is improperly called ſo.

But that which I believe was baniſht from Rome as hurtful, and exaſperated their ſpirits againſt the Art, was their poyſonous doſ • s, and thoſe methods that rather weaken than ſtrengthen a man. I could wiſh they, to wit poyſonous Remedies had never return'd, and had never been counted more, as Phyſick; for then my Father for ought I know might have been alive to this day.

However I will not leave the matter thus, but will prove by one example more, that the occaſional thorn, and cauſe of a Fever has its ſeat, and reſidence in the Stomach: and that therefore to let the Blood out whilſt 'tis only hot by accident, is a needleſs thing, if not hurtfull.

A Gentleman my acquaintance falling ſick after the eating of ſomething that diſagreed with him, fell into a Fever, an eminent Galeniſt was ſent for, and for a fort-night laboured in vain to abate the Fever; notwithſtanding his Bleedings and his Coolers.

Hereupon the Gentleman being given over as incurable, though as many are, he was afraid of a Chymiſt, yet ſent for my honeſt Tutor, knowing at laſt he could but die, as the Alder-man his Father, and alſo his Mother, had done about ſix weeks before of a Fever and were buried together in one day; after they had each of them been bleeded once or twice at leaſt.

The Chymical Doctor hereupon viſited him, and finding him very weak, and in a Fever, with a very great pain in his ſtomach went home and ſent him two Medicines, on an enemy to Acidity, and Acrimonious ſpurious Ferments, and the other Cordialine to revive his drooping ſpirits.

He took the firſt as ordered ſeveral times, and about ſix hours after when the Doctor viſited him again he found him a ſmall matter better, but the Fever not removed, and the pain in his Stomach remaining: becauſe the Medicine taken inwards was not ſtrong enough alone to conquer the Diſeaſie Leaven in his ſtomach, which as a thorn, or rather thornineſs, there Implanted, was the cauſe and parent of the Fever. Hereupon he took another Remedy that kills acidity and that was ſomewhat akin to the firſt, and applies it outwardly to the Pit of his Stomach: and then gave him Medicines as before plentifully to drink. Theſe by their inſinuating and ſubtil livelineſs ſo narrowly on both ſides, beſet the forreign ſpurious Gueſt, that next morning there remained no foot-ſteps on`t (ſee here the power of Ferments) ſo that the Doctor viſiting him found him pretty well, only weakened with his fortnights ſickneſs: for which cauſe cordials & ſuch Medicines ſtill were ſucceſſively given him; and Sack, and good ſtrong Beer with a Toſt in moderate quantities were not omitted.

By following of theſe he in leſs than four daies ſpace left his bed, and walked about the chamber: a fame of which flying abroad, a certain pretender to huge skill in Medicine and to as great in feeling the Pulſe, (concerning whom alſo elſe-where) came boldly to give him a viſit. Whereupon ſeeing him ſo well, to the end the Chymical Doctor might not have the whole honour, feeling his Pulſe, tells him he was in a continual Fever, and that 'twould hazard his Life if he were not bleeded.

This exceedingly diſturb'd the young Gentle-Man, (for Death is the King of Terrors) and caus'd him forthwith to ſend for the honeſt Doctor in haſte to hear what he would ſay to it. The Gentleman having told what the Apothecary had ſaid concerning bleeding him; The Chymical Doctor askt him how he found himſelf: he replyed very well, and that the pain was remov'd from his Stomach. Upon this the Doctor heartned him up, and admoniſht him not to let in fears, for he doubted not of his doing well; adding, that if a Fever had been preſent his Body would have been out of order, and chearfully bad him farewell. The Gentleman got ſtrength apace, and yet kept his blood, and ſaw the Cunning Pulſe-feeler miſtaken: for within ſeven or eight daies after he walked abroad, and remains well now 'tis ſeveral years ſince. But by this means he is become ſuch a Chymical Convert, that he cares for none but Chymical Remedies: nor cares he for them unleſs they are ſtomachical, and agree with the Life of that part.

Abundance of inſtances as remarkable as theſe I could bring, did I think it needful here: but omitting them, I ſhall deſire you to conſider how little benefit Phlebotomy affords, whilſt the Blood is not concern'd in the matter. For though the Blood ſeems to look of various colours when 'tis let out, as being inflamed for the ſake of the Vitals at the Diſeaſe that intrudes: yet does that not argue in the leaſt a neceſſity of letting it out, ſeeing a Fever is and may be ſafely cured without it▪ to ſay that there is putrefaction in the Blood, and that for that cauſe it ſhould be emitted won`t do neither; ſeeing if it be deviated or putrefied, good and bad together will be retain'd, aſwell as let out. Beſides, that the Blood is not putrefied plainly appears, from its return to vitality when the Fever is overcome, though not an ounce of it was tranſmitted: alſo from its loſing that diſcolouredneſs which appear'd in the Fever when the cauſe in the ſtomach is remov'd and the preternatural aeſtuating ceaſe. Whereas were the Blood really putrefied it could not be, ſeeing a returning from Real corruption to Life and Health is denied. Beſides if the Blood ſhould putrefie in the Veins, the Veins themſelves would putrifie as in Gangrenes, &c.

But what are the Signs of the Blood being putrefied?

Is it not from Diverſe colours appearing in the porringer, after 'tis let out? As Black, Yellow, Duskiſh, White, and ſomewhat Greeniſh colour? is it not from a ſlimy, groſs, watry thin matter? and laſtly is it not from a conſiſtence not thready or fibrous, ſcarce cleaving together? And if theſe be the tokens of Blood being putrified, let us hear what the Learned Chymical Phyſician Van Helmont faith concering it, from whom I made bold to borrow theſe queries.

In anſwer to them, ſaith he, I declare under the penalty of a convicted Ly, if any oneDe feb. Cap. 2. will make tryal, that I have examined the Bloods of two hundred wanton Country healthy people in one only day, and many of them were exceedingly unlike like in their aſpect, colour, matter, and conſiſtence. ManyAspectu valde diſſimilares colore, materia, & conſiſtentia. of which I deſtil'd and found them a like profitable in healing. For our country-People are wonted at every Whitſuntide, to let out their Blood, to to the end they may drink the more largely: and though many of them ſeem'd to be putrefied, others Cankery or Black-Chollery; yet nevertheleſs the Country-men from whence thoſe bloods iſſued were very healthfull: Therefore they confirm'd me, the tokens of corruption not gain ſaying it, that they had their bloods not alien'd in the leaſt, or eſtrang'd from the Nature of a Balſame. Wherefore I have laughed at the Table of judgments from the beholding of Blood emitted; and have really concluded, that by Phyſicians the venal Blood is commanded to bekept, on this account that at leaſt-wiſe they might number one viſit to the ſick. For if corruption of the Blood hath any where a place, and if under that name it betokeneth the letting forth of it ſelf, ſurely that muſt be in the Plague. But in the Plague the cutting of a Vein is deſtructive. Therefore Putrefaction is no where in the Blood of the Veins, nor a fear leſt the putrefaction of that Blood ſhould prevail; and by conſequence the ſcope of letting out the Blood is in this reſpect erroneous. Thus ſaid Helmont.

Nor is his Doctrine coatradictory to experience; for let others talk of the Blood being faulty in a Fever and of its being the cauſe of the aeſtuating, and corrupted, if they will call it ſo. Yet I teſtify, I have known of many hundreds cured ſafely and happily of a Fever, by remedies that were innocent Stomachical and lively, and the deſtroyers of forreign ferments, without the leaſt aſſiſtance of Bloodletting. Nor were months required to cure a Fever with ſuch, whilſt commonly five dayes ſpace did it: ſometimes four, ſometimes three ſometimes two. And ſometimes if the Patient was pretty ſtrong, and not much weakened in his Vitals, one dayes time would do it, without attending the leaſure of a Criſis. But if the party had been one that had long languiſht under other Phyſicians, and was thereby much impair'd and debilitated: though it required many times three weeks, if not longer, to regain his loſt ſtrength, yet four or five daies time at moſt carried off the Fever.

One thing there is which I have obſerv'd very injurious in Phyſick, that is mask'd under the vizard of Art. To wit, that a Phyſician being called whether in a Fever or otherwiſe, doth, notwithſtanding his pretences to Method, and withſtanding the Diſeaſe, ſee it violently get footing, whilſt he gapes for a judicial Criſis. And for all he tells them,

And is permitted, by being ſent for in time, obſtare principiis; yet by clogging droſſy Medicines and debilitating methods, lets the Diſeaſe grow worſe; And when through the ineffectualneſs of his Remedies he ſees the ſick party dangerouſly Ill, he tells the byſtanders that the Diſeaſe is pertinacious, ſtubborn, and difficult to be cured; and that he hath done the utmoſt Art and method will allow him, and therefore now he will wait for a Criſis. But if in the inte • im, or a little after▪ Nature being not wholly defeated does (like a Fire almoſt extinguiſht with water and dirt) through the benefit of a few ſparks of life left in its Embers, revive and get ſtrength by the aſſiſtance of a little Kitchen Phyſick, when the clogging Medicines are laid aſide, and non-pluſt; how is the Doctor applauded for his mighty Cure, and Nature not in the leaſt commended: notwithſtanding • hee (oppoſing the Diſeaſe & Medicine too), did the Cure by her proper ſtrength. This I have often beheld▪ & wondered to ſee that the people could ſuffer themſelves to be ſo ſignally deluded. For if a Perſon is ſlightly affected & illiſh & the Doctor, being ſent for, gives him medicines ſo ineffectual as to exaſperate the diſeaſe, or let it grow ſtronger; thereby confining his Patient to the Dungeon of a ſick bedd▪ and yet after all this if Nature by her own ſtrength does the work▪ and reſtores the ſick again; or if by other remedies aiding ſhee does it; Know this for certain the firſt Method & Medicines were deſtructive, and no waies aſſiſtant to Nature. For ſhall Remedies not be able to deliver one out of the hands of a ſlight Diſeaſe, and yet be able to effect it when 'tis twice worſe? I ſay no: For you may as well imagine that perſon able to carry five hundred weight on his back, who upon trial could not carry three. But indeed that their Remedies do not do it is plain, and 'tis as manifeſt that Phlebotomy is uſeleſs: for commonly when they have brought the Sick to that paſs that 'tis dubious whether they will live or dye, and only attend upon a Criſis, then they apply themſelves to Cordials, and to Kitchen▪ Phyſick, and their Patients are ſometimes recovered by them.

Whereas if Medicines are truly Stomachical, the deſtroyers of forreign Ferments, Friendly to the life, Reſiſters of poyſon, and innocent, they do not uſe to permit the growth of diſeaſes: But laying the Axe to the Root, cut them down (if they are acute) in the ſpace of four or five dayes: And the firſt day give the Patient ſuch a Teſtimony of their Vigour, and of their Power and abilities in healing; that inſtead of growing ſicker, they arefar more chearfull, and have thereby encouragement to take them. But if ſuch Medicines have been exhibited▪ as I have ſeveral times known, and the Patient hath vomited them up; and hath after taking them often ſtill done the ſame, ſo that no ſuch Medicine could be admitted to work upon the Diſeaſe: It was an apparent ſign of the Patients not recovery, and that the morbous Faex reigned in his Stomach.

And if ſuch innocent Medicines as I have before ſpoken of (with others as occaſion) have been taken in ſome Diſeaſes of long continuance, and that therefore required the longer time for extirpating them, and their Semina, And have not in ſix dayes time, or leſs, given ſome teſtimony of their Vigour and Virtues; but have nevertheleſs ſuffered either the Diſeaſe to ſtand at a ſtay, or get ſtrength: I ſay the Remedies being thus non-pluſt, if the Diſeaſe did more narrowly beſet the life in the Stomach &c. It was a real ſign of the Patients not recovery, and that the beſt ſhop Remedies would be baffled.

Therefore I ſay, and ſay it again, that that Phyſician who lets a Patient for ſeveral dayes decline, whilſt he makes uſe of Remedies in a Fever, or other ſuch like Acute diſtempers; and yet at laſt the Party recover: deſerves not in the leaſt to have the honour of the Cure, whilſt Nature by her goodneſs effected it. For had ſhe not done it, for all his Criſis the Patient had died at laſt.

And let it not ſuffice to ſay this learned man, or that learned man uſeth Phlebotomy in a Fever, and therefore we may do ſo: for if they do ſo, know 'tis through a penury of good Remedies, for where noble Remedies are, there's no need of it. And know alſo that Helmont who out of compaſſion to his neighbour wrote expreſly againſt it, was as Learned as the Learndeſt o • them all: and that not a few Learned and Graduated Doctors in this Nation have appeared in Publick againſt it. I remember one of our ingenious Moderns, in a treatiſe of his lately publiſht, candidly confeſſeth that he, through a penury of good Remedies in ſome high Fevers, made uſe of the Lancet. I muſt needs highly commend his candor, whilſt he does his beſt to find better; and could wiſh more Phyſicians had ſo much good will towards their Neighbour as to be as diligent as he.

• or Purging and Phlebotomy, the two main Pillars of the common Method, where found by learned Helmont ſo fruitleſs and deſtructive in Fevers: that with a ſerious Character he affirms he ſhould be guilty before God, if he did not perſwade we muſt wholly abſtain from them.

What muſt we doe then? Go to labour as other honeſt Phyſicians have done, and take heed of Mercury and Antimony, by which means you may get Medicines that will credit a Phyſician, and certainly cure a Fever. Such Medicines, I ſay, if you are as fortunate as ſome others have been, that will not ſtand ſhall I? ſhall I? but will fall to work on the Diſeaſe preſently; and if Nature be not too weak, will enable her to caſt it out the dores, either by Vomit, Sweat, Stool, or Urine, according as ſhe beſt can diſpoſe ont.

But what, is a Fever by no means ſafely to be Cured by Phlebotomy and borrowing the aſſiſtance of the L • ncet? do not we ſee that a perſon in a Fever that is exceeding hot, has that aeſtuating abated by bleeding, and it afterwards the heat increaſeth, and the Fever is renewed, cooling again is produced by ſanguimiſſion? is not this obvious and manifeſt? I anſwer 'tis obvious that after bloodletting the Patient is cooled, but you do not conſider how; for 'tis no otherwiſe then as the Vitals are weakned, and ſo a deſiſting for a time from the Combate between Nature and the Occaſional cauſe in the Stomach is admitted of. For when ſhee has rallied, and gained a reinforcement, and is enabled to give another onſet, the Fever renews, and is as ill as before, and if you think meet requires a cooling. But I don't mean by a loſs of more blood; for if you go that way to work, your cooling will but add weakneſs to weakneſs, and take away ſtrength from the ſhoulders of Nature. And yet after a ſecond or third opening of a Vein, and a loſs of that Crimſon Treaſure, if the Cauſe, the Cauſe, the Cauſe I ſay, in the Stomach remain and Nature is not wholly proſtrated, the Fever will again renew in ſpight of the Lancet's aſſiſtance. For

Manente cauſa, non tollitur effectus.

Whereas had a Medicine that is able to preſerve it ſelf from Mouldineſs in the Glaſs or Gally-pot, and not only ſo but alſo lively, innocent, friendly to the Stomach, and a reſiſter of Spurious ferments, been adminiſtred; with ſome other Cordialine Medicine, according to the neceſſities of the ſick▪ to revive and keep up his ſpirits: Nature might not only have been enabled to expel the Occaſional cauſe, by wayes moſt meet and eaſy; but likewiſe the Thornyneſs, or bad Character imprinted on the ſtomach, and its dependants, might be obliterated; as alſo the faculties and functions ſtrengthened. So that a perſon cured after this method and way might be as luſty in few dayes as before.

When as thoſe that are cured after repeated Phlebotomy and ſuch like exhauſters of the ſtrength, if they at length recover through the benefit of Nature or otherwiſe: How ſlowly do they get ſtrength? how thin and weak (like ſmall beer its own ſelf) are they for a long time? and how ſubject on the leaſt error or cold to ſuffer a relapſe. The laſt of whichDe Feb. Cap. 1. & alibi the learned Dr. Willis confeſſeth, ſaying, They who let their blood often out are the more prone to Fevers.

Neither, as ſome ſuppoſe, is Putrefaction in the Heart or Stomach the producer of heat of it ſelf; and ſo conſequently the cauſe of heat in the whole body: For if ſo that Putrefaction which of it ſelf is ſo Hot, as to extend its heat to the Extreams and Surface of the Body (i. e.) to the hands and feet; muſt of neceſſity ſcorch or burn thot bowel wherein it reſides. But that the real producer of that aeſtuating and Feveriſhneſs, is not an inflamed maſs of putryfyings, I ſhall prove by a Thorn thruſt into the hand; which is ſo for from being hot, that 'tis actually and potentially could: and yet through its being an Enemy to the life of the part, inrageth it, and exiteth a Fever: Which cannot better be extinguiſht than by a ſtrengthening of the injured life, and enabling it by good remedies to expel the Thorn and Thornyneſs. By doing which, the Praeternatural heat will of its own accord ceaſe, without the aid of Coolers, or taking away the Blood. Therefore is the Heat in a Fever a thing by accident, a latter product, not the being or occaſional cauſe; and conſequently not ſo much to be regarded, as for that cauſe, and for fear of inflaming the ſick, by adding a kind of Fire to Fire, as they phraſe it: to deny, when the Patient deſires it, a Glaſs or two of comfortable Liquor (to wit) Good Beer, Ale▪ or Sack in moderate quantities. It having been by long experience proved that through the aſſiſtance of ſuch in Fevers, much good may be done: Seing many have recovered by their ſole aid, when the Apothecaries Drugs have proved aidleſs without them. But if with them, good, innocent, yet lively Remedies are given to corroborate and ſtrengthen the functions, by deſtroying all Spurious Ferments: The Diſeaſe muſt needs with more eaſe be expelled, and caſt forth by a two-fold aſſiſtance. But to let you ſee the excellency of Lively Liquors in a Fever, I have inſerted theſe following relations.

A Gentleman my acquaintance, being in a Fever, was forbidden, though he deſired it often, the uſe of ſtrong-beer by the Doctor, ſaying 'twas aſmuch as his life was worth. The Fever continuing, and whilſt he languiſht, not being able to obtain any of his wife and attendants, who were frightned with the menaces of the Doctor; the Gentleman was reſolved to try the event, not doubting but he ſhould do well, and therefore watching his opportunity, in their abſence privately ſteals to the place where the Strong-beer lay, and drawing two large Tankards full drank them off, and carried a third to his bed-ſide; the which he alſo drank off, and laid himſelf down, and began within few hours to mend upon it. The Doctor not long after coming to ſee him, he askt, and earneſtly requeſted he might have ſome Strongbeer: The Doctor anſwered not by any means, adding 'twill inflame you; Well (replies he again) come what will on't, I have taken three Tankerds full, and ſo he tells him how, to which the Doctor knew not what to ſay, ſeeing him ſo much mended. And there upon contrary to his adored Small-beer Method the ſickman quickly recovered, who otherwiſe had undoubtedly laid Languiſhing a long while, if not periſht at laſt, by following Heartleſs Slops and Spiritleſs Small-beer.

Alſo a man and his wife, both my Quondam acquaintance, and neighbours, being in a Fever, and prohibited by their Doctor to drink Strong-beer, Ale, or Sack; where thereupon through about two months ſickneſs ſo very weak, that their recovery was deſpaired of by many. But whilſt they were thus languiſhing, and the Doctor not coming as he uſed to do, neceſſity required them to ſend their ſon to him: who found the Doctor indiſpoſed and feveriſh. But the prettineſs of the Knack was that Maſter Docter who denyed ſtrong-beer to his two Patients, wanting a refreſhing dram or two whilſt the youth was there, was almoſt angry with his ſervant for not quickly bringing up a Cup of the Beſt-beer to quench his thirſt. The youth obſerving this at his coming home tells it to his Parents, and thereby renewed their deſire to drink a cup of Good Beer, &c. But being unwilling to do it without a Doctors advice, reſolved to conſult another, and accordingly ſend for him. Who being a Chymical Phyſician ſpontaneouſly advis'd them to follow lively corroborating liquors▪ and drink now and then a Glaſs of Wine ot Ale, with a Toſte to warm it. Theſe conditions of peace were mighty pleaſing, and prov'd no leſs efficacious and profitable: ſeeing that with the aids of ſuch, and a Doſe or two of Phyſick (I dont mean purging) they both ſhortly recovered.

Many ſuch remarkable inſtances I could give you, which were in complaining-wiſe told me by the very Parties themſelves, that in ſickneſs were thus forbidden ſtrong liquors, and that on no leſs penalty than Death it ſelf. One of them (a Gentle-woman) told me, that had ſhe not, when ſome years ſince ſhe was in a Fever, drunk Sack liberally, contrary to the Doctors ſtrick't command, ſhe had been in the black Box (meaning the Coffin) e're now: For, as ſhe ſeriouſly told me, by the help of it and other Kitchen Phyſick, whilſt ſhe took none of thoſe Decoctions the Doctor ordered, ſhe ſafely recovered in the ſpace of ten or twelve dayes, the Doctor thinking ſhe followed his orders. But on the ſeventh o • eighth day the Fever being vaniſht, the Doctor told her ſhe might drink Sack or Strong-beer: Whereupon ſhee replied ſhe had done it all this while, and that if ſhee had not ſhee had been in the Black Box. The Doctor hearing which, told her if ſhee was wiſer than he (as truly I think ſhee was in this) he would come nigh her no more, and in a chafe went away and prov'd as good as his word: But ſhee recovered, and I ſaw her well lately.

Such like paſſages as theſe almoſt every Nurſe-keeper can tell you; ſome of whome are ſo ingenious and witty, that when the Doctor hath told his tale, and hath anathematiz'd ſtrong liquors they will nevertheleſs uſe them, and that ſuccesfully: Concerning which I could give you one remarkable inſtance, but it being too long I muſt omitt it. I wonder in the mean time however that the people ſhould be ſo unwiſe as thus to be led by the noſe, and frightened with the threatnings of the Doctor. Fo • if the Doctor whilſt he is ſick may follow the dictates of his own ſtomach in ſuch indifferent things, I know not why the Patient may not. For it is well known, and by ſome taken great notice of, if a Doctor himſelf be ſick of a Fever; not a ſpoonfull of Small-beer ſhall enter his ſtomach if he find it rather crave Strong. Though he command his Patient to drink Small: I will not ſay to keep them long under cure, but ſhall leave others to conſider the reaſon of it. 'Tis true, and can't be denyed, that Strong Spirituous Liquors, Sack, or Ale, doe a little heat the body for the preſent: Yet if they be moderately taken (to wit a Glaſs at a time) the ſtrength which the Vitals receive theref • om, doth in a five- • old meaſure recompence that Injury, by enabling them the better to withſtand the diſeaſe. Others there are who having deſired cold water, and laid for want thereof in a more violent Fever, have begun exceedingly to mend and grow better, when their earneſt requeſts were fulfill'd: Only care muſt be taken to give a little at a time, leaſt inſtead of refreſhing with watter they doe harm.

Theſe Examples I have brought to Confirm the uſe, and neceſſarineſs, of Strong wholſome Liquors in a Fever, be it never ſo high, if the Patient deſire it, and it be given in moderate quantities. It being the office of a Phyſician in theſe indifferent things to follow the guidance of wiſe Nature, (who ſaith Helmont is wiſer than all the wits of the Schools) and alwayes to aim at a confirmation of the faculties, not exhauſting the ſtrength and Vitals.

For, as many times only through a failing in them, diſeaſes are cauſ'd, and a hurtfull gueſt introduced to the dammage and detriment of the functions; which otherwiſe, had they been vigourous, had not been admitted: Therefore a Phyſician aim ought to be the ſtrengthening of them by Medicines well agreeing, and ſuch that may prove true helpers and corroborators of the Vitals. For that being once well performed, Nature who before was weak, and admitted the Diſeaſy Faex, will again expell it by wayes moſt requiſite and advantageous. For, as ſaith Hippocrates, Natura eſt Morborum Medicatrix, Nature is the Phyſicianneſs of diſeaſes: and therefore ought by no means to be impoveriſht. Thus far concerning a Fever.

I intending to diſcourſe of a Pleuriſie next, and of the ſafety of curing it without Bloodletting, by the aſſiſtance of vertuous Remedies: as alſo of the needleſneſs of opening a Vein, provided Remedies that will cure are at hand. Though in their abſence, to prevent a greater miſchief, the uſe of the Lancet may prove advantageous: we being admoniſht by the vulgar proverb To chooſe the leaſt of Evils.