A direct method of ordering and curing people of that loathsome disease, the small-pox teaching the common sort of people (to whom the care of the sick is for the most part committed) how to go thorow their business with much more safety ... : as also how to prevent the usual deformity of marks and scars ... for the benefit of all, but especially the poor / being the twenty years practical experience and observations of John Lamport, alias, Lampard ...

Author: Lamport, John.1685

Licensed,

October 14, 1685.

Rob. Midgley.

A DIRECT METHOD Of Ordering and Curing People of that Loathsome Disease, the SMALL-POX; TEACHING The Common sort of People (to whom the Care of the Sick is for the most part committed) how to go thorow their Business, with much more Safety, Ease, Speed, and Certainty than hath been hitherto commonly known.

AS ALSO How to prevent the usual Deformity of Marks and Scars, with the most usual Names of such Remedies as are necessary to be made use of; with their Dose, and the Manner of Applying them. All made plain to the Meanest Capacity: For the Benefit of all, But Especially the POOR.

Being the Twenty Years Practical Experience and Observations of Iohn Lamport, alias Lampard, Practitioner in Chyrurgery and Physick.

Errata. Page 5. l. 4. for or Vitriol, r. of Vitriol. p. 28. l. 3. I Cure,

LONDON, Printed by I. Gain, for the Author, and are to be Sold by Samuel Crouch at the Flower-de-luce, at the Entrance of Popes-head Alley in Cornhill, 1685.

[Page]

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.

Country-men,

THis small Tractate was intended as an Appendix to another book now almost ready for the Press, but that occasion which did move me to think of inserting it at the end of that Book (being augmented) hath exposed this sooner to a view than was intended.

Of how singular use a Treatise of this kind may prove to all sorts of people, may e [...]sily be conceived, if we do but consider [Page] how hard a matter it is to get any body but to enter into an infected house; the great Charge it is for poor people to pay a Nurse, and how ignorant the most of them are of their business when they are obtained.

Or do but consider what a sad condition it is, when it happens in a Family, where none hath had the distemper, and a Tender is not to be gotten; whereby the Husband, is constrained to tend the Wife, or she her Husband; or they sometimes three, four or more Children sick of this Disease: How Ioyful would they be to know my cheap Antidote, for preserving some to tend the rest? Or to be assured with what Liquor they may boldly and safely refresh their Darling Husbands, Wives, or scorched thirsty Babes.

[Page]Or what would not some pretty Maidens (yea, or young men either) give, to preserve that beauty they have hitherto enjoyed.

All this have I (by Gods assistance) often performed, far beyond the expectation or belief of most people, and now for the general good of Mankind do freely communicate my Experience.

And Lastly, Let me perswade you, not to give heed to those who (out of Envy, or Self-Interest, Demetrius like) tell you that I do not understand the Subject of which I have written, because I cry down cooling Liquors as poyson to Febrile people; for I do assure you that I have not Wrote from bare Conjecture, but from undeniable Experiments; as you will quickly find when you do put my Advice into Practice.

[Page]Wishing you happy Success, with my Prayers to God Almighty, for his blessing on my Endeavours, under his alone Protection as it is, I Emit it to the World.

He who fault with this doth find

I'le thank him when he proves more kind.

I. L.

From my Study in Havant, Septem. 28 die Lunae 1685.

[Page 1]

THE CURE OF THE Small-POX.

I Having written a small Treatise concerning the many gross Abuses and dangerous Errors, commonly used amongst such as do pretend to the Curious Art of Healing, discovering the evil of such fraudulent Impostors to the Capacities of plain Country People. Upon hearing the Lamentation of divers Persons, not only that the small Pox was spread much about the Country, but also that many did die of it; did resolve to But the urgency of the occasion, by the raging of the distemper, hath forced this Abortive Birth. conclude that book with these short but sure Directions for ordering people in that Disease. Being fully perswaded that I can hardly do my Country much better service, than to communicate my knowledge herein; having had large Experience, and wonderful happy Success, as well in curing without much difficulty or future Mrs. Badmerings familynear to A [...]hington, & one Gibs at Felpham week. Marks, as preserving those conversant amongst the sick, from the Iohn Haman Needle-maker of Chichester. Infection; being things much desired by all people that do conceive [Page 2] themselves in danger of this Noysom Disease, w [...]ll known for Truth to all such as have imployed me.

Yea, whilst I lived i [...] Aldingbourne, there was one No [...]able Example, viz. all died that had this Distemper not one escaping until three died out of one small Mr. T. Gre [...]. Family; and one out of a Neighbo [...]rs H [...]n. Li [...]b [...]ise. House, yet the former wanted not the Advice of the most famous Men in the Faculty of Medicine. The later did immediately (after the death of his servant) seek to me, and God so blessed my Endeavours that not one more died, yet one Child or Vpon enquiry I hear that it was two children and one servant. more had the Disease; but, if I forget not, they hardly kept their bed a day for it.

One great Cause of this Disease being so Mortal in the Country, is because the Infection doth make many Physitians backward to visit such Patients, either for fear of taking the Disease themselves or transferring the infection to others.

By this means the Tending Nurses do generally assume the sole Authority of Physitians, although that their Experience perhaps is no more, but what they did gather by their being once a sufferer under the like ignorant practicing Nurses.

And in case the Master of the Family do give himself the Trouble and Charge of taking Advice and Remedies of some able Physitian, yet this signifies nothing; for their ignorant Confidence is such, that they will be By help of my directions the Master or Mistress may be able to guide and controul the most confident Nurse. guided no farther by it than it agrees with their own shallow Brains, and Customary Practice.

And considering how hard it is to break or alter an Old Custom that hath fully possessed the fond conceits of a multitude of ignorant people; I have [Page 3] resolved not to strive against so turbulent a stream▪ but rather endeavour to make such (as are not too proud to learn) more able in their Callings, by communicating my Knowledge, grounded on Reason, and confirmed by many Experiments.

And to begin I will teach an Antidote or preserving Medicine, which is this;

Take flos sulphuris (i. e.) flowers of Brimstone (which is commonly sold by the Apothecaries) four ounces, of clarified Honey one pound; warm the Honey, and then stir in the powder, and so keep it in a Gally-pot for your use.

And when you do conceive your self to be in danger of the small Pox, take the quantity of a Nutmeg or more, at Morning and Evening or oftener if you please.

You may go about your business as at other times, not minding any order of Diet, for it is a very safe harmless Medicine and never the worse for being cheap. I have had very happy success in the using it, as there are several living can bear me Hen. Betsworth a Molecatcher in Chichester. Witness; and some of them (I believe) will wonder to see me make it so common, but it is the Real Good of my Neighbour that I do aim at in publishing this Paper, and not Applause.

Those people that are near a Chymist may do well to get such flowers as have been twice or thrice sublimed; and the last time from Colcothar; for an Ounce of such are worth 3 or 4 ounces of those that are commonly sold.

[Page 4] Caution.But beware that you do not use powdered Brimston in the stead of flos sulphuris, least you should meet with a little Ratsbane amongst it.

But to my business, when you find some of the symptomes to appear as the Head-ach, Drowziness, sometimes motions to vomit, pain in the back, these or some of these signs being accompanied with a feaver (at a season when the small Pox are rife) you may well Imagine that the Disease hath seized the Patient.

When these signs do shew themselves (do not run madding to Dr. Dunce or his Assistance to be let bloud) but go to your Chamber (I do not say to your bed) and drink strong Beer, and now and then a Glass of Sack; and never fear increasing the Feaver by your so doing, for it strengthens Nature to cast out his Adversary that way which Nature doth most incline unto, as sometimes by Vomit, sometimes by Sweat and Urine.

But I have alwayes given an Antimonial Vomit, as soon as I could possibly have a fit time to give it, (of which more hereafter) for it doth expel such a quantity of the Morbifick Matter, from all parts of the body, but especially from the Riv. pag. 13. saith, Aqua Bened. purging upwards and downwards, bringeth such a quantity of flegme not only from the Head and stomach, b [...]t from [...]he brain also &c Stomach, that the disease afterwards seems to be quite Mastered; no light-headed discourse, no unruly actions, no excessive thirst appearing (or very little) afterward. And this have I done with very happy success very often; nay I have had some Patients have been angry that they should be confined to their Chamber [Page 5] for a few Pimples (as they called th [...]m); and some never kept within doors.

But such as cannot have well prepared Antimony, may give a drachm of Salt or Vitriol; and for want of that, give a drachm or a drachm and half, or two drams of purified white Vitriol, and those which cannot obtain that neither, were better to give the like quantity of crude white Vitriol than not to Vomit at all; for I have always observed that according as the stomach is more or less loaded with ill humors, so is this disease more or less violent; and not as some of our Country-people conjecture, as people that are fat and corpulent to be full of the small-pox; and that spare lean people should have but few.

I shall in the next place give my Reader a Taste of some other Authors Opinion, how far they may be said to countenance this kind of Practice; and will herein be as brief as possible I can, as having treated more largely in the forementioned Book, under the Title of Feavers.

Doctor Riverius in his Practice of Physick, page 624, telleth us, That the Cure of Pestilential Fevers must be directed to three things, viz, The Fevers must be opposed with Coolers and Moisteners, the Putrefaction with There is no quicker nor safer evacuation than by a Chymical vomit. But do not think that Tobacco and such like are to be used. Evacuators and Alterers, the Malignant Quality with Antidotes. In the Chapter of putrid Feavers, pag. 576, he sayes, But if thirst be caused by a Cholerick Humor contained in the Stomach, the said Humor must be voided by Vomit or How dangerous Stools are, every Nurse can tell you. Stool.

[Page 6]The C [...]olerick Humor here spoken of, being stirred, is generally the ca [...]se of Super natural Thirst, in all Fevers whatsoever.

In the Chapter aforesaid pag. 570 he writes thus, Sometime also in the beginning of these Fevers, Vomit is to be procured, viz. when the Patient is much vexed with illness of Stomach, and with Vomiting, &c. And many times it falls out that great quantity of matter is contained in the Stomach and parts thereabou [...]s, which must be evacuated as soon as possible may be by Vomit; (then he giveth a good Reason for so doing) seeing no Concoction can be expected of such Excrementitious matter in so great a Is it best in a great quantity, and bad in a small? quantity; and whatsoever the Patient eats or drinks is changed into such like Humors and encreases the matter which is Cause of the Disease. Then by consequence to pour your cooling Julips, Apozemes, Pippin-Possets, &c. into such depraved Stomachs, is like to pouring Oyl on Fire (to quench it) instead of Water.

Then he tells us, that Fernelius hath well observed, that all superfluity of Humors in the Stomach, Spleen, Pancreas, Mesentery, and the cavity of the Liver, is conveniently emptied out by a Vomit, which sometimes will not be removed by Why then do [...]ou use them. Medicines that work downwards, though divers times Administred. Thus far Riverius.

Now I must tell you that the Material cause of putrid Feavers, and the small-pox is the same; but that which doth put it into act, (or sets it [Page 7] on working) is different: for the small-pox is set on Fire by the contagious And in put [...]id Fe [...]ers, by [...]ating, or drinking to excess; or some violent agitation, in labour or exercise. Air; as you may see that a common surfet (as you call it) when the small-pox is Epidemical it often turneth to be the small-pox, which had otherwise proved only a putrid Feaver. But of this I have given a larger account in another Treatise, which I hope shortly to publish.

I will say no more of Vomits in this place, having in the aforesaid book shewed almost a Universal use of them, and proved it by undeniable Experiments.

And considering the aversness of many people to this kind of Physick; partly out of a natural Antipathy, but more from observing the bad Events of ill prepared Medicines, too frequently made use of by such, whose Idleness and Ignorance keeps them from the knowledge of good Chymical Remedies; of which well prepared Vomits are (to my knowledge) of most admirable benefit to sick People.

Well, if you will not be so suddenly rid of your Disease, as you might be by vomiting half a dozen times in two hours space; then I must give a touch again at the order of diet. And here I will tell you again, that if you keep your Patients from strong Beer to satisfie their Thirst▪ you do thereby exceedingly increase the Disease: And note likewise, that if you perswade them to eat either Flesh or Broth, you do almost as ill; But if you will be feeding them (though far better it [Page 8] were let alone until they Hunger after it) then give them now and then three or four spoonfuls of a plain Sack-Posset, or a piece of White-bread Toast dipped in such strong Liquor as the Patient likes best, whether it be Sack, White-wine, Metheglin, Cyder, March or Mild Beer, or good Ale: and fear not to let him make his Toast swim in his Stomach if he do desire it.

And for to make you the bolder I will give you Doctor Thompsons Opinion herein, in his Book of preserving the Bloud, pag. 164, says he, ‘Let none then Haesitate to offer liberally what is potulent or liquid to one that is Thirsty, for 'tis both necessary and consentaneous to Nature so to do: yea, through this omission the good juice or solid parts may suffer a deperdition.’

And in the next page, having given divers Reasons for giving strong Beer in Fevers, he breaks out thus, ‘Away then with these Clogging, Dull, Flat, Vapid, Debilitating Decoctions of the Kitchin, with all their crude vegitable Ingredients, most injurious to a febrile Stomach.’

Page 166 at Figure 3, he writes thus, ‘As there are a company of Non-sensical Physitians, who are loath to allow the dry soul of one scorched in a Fever a sufficient quantity of moisture to allay their Thirst: so are there Multitudes of Learned Dogmatists (I am certain Egregiously Ignorant in this particular) who though they assent their Patients should have good store of Liquor granted them, as properly answerable to the indication of Siccity or drought, [Page 9] yet must it be so qualified, that it ought by no means to contain too many hot particles, least they should seem to act contrary to the definition of a Feaver which is as they proclaim it but falsly a preter-natural heat, wherefore they strictly enjoyn Posset-drink made with some poor starvling Liquor, Barley-water, wherein cooling or very temperate Herbs are boyled, small Beer, fair Water, Rose-water, with some acid Juice mixed, &c. To this they most devoutly keep a weak Wretch, not doubting to mitigate (although they have failed many Million of times) a Causos or any burning Fit.’

And a little after he saith, ‘That they will by no means approve of a Cup of Wine, or a draught of strong Beer or Ale (because too hot as 'tis fancied) the Principal Corroborating Pray [...] that this an [...]i [...]t, ingenious, i [...] dustrious, [...] Artist tells us plainly, th [...]t strong Beer, A [...] and Wine, which other Doctors do forbid, be constantly [...]res [...]ri [...] to his [...]ati [...]nts (not o [...]ly as drink) but [...] chiefest diet als [...] ▪ Diet, which I constantly prescribe to my Patients.’ Thus far Dr. Thompson.

To proceed, if you can get any of the oil of Sulphur by the Bell, and drop in 6, 8 or 10 drops into a draught of strong Mild Beer now and then, it will wonderfully help a weak stomach to concoct the ill humors collected therein; which will much refresh the Patient.

If they come forth ill or seem too flat (as you call it) then give now and then a Glass of Sack, with a dozen or twenty drops of Elixir Proprietatis therein; this chears the Vital Spirit [Page 10] [...]xceedingly, if the Elixir be good; which it is h [...]rd to obtain; for the more excellent a Remedy is; the more are they which do (through ignorance or Avarice) Adulterate the same.

Th [...]refore take this Course, first observe if it be thick as bloud, then it is Rich or strong of the Ingredients, and the fewer drops will serve for a Dose. Secondly, Smell to it, if it be strong of the Sa [...]fron, that is another Token of its Goodness. Thirdly, Taste a drop on your tongue, for although it be always bitter, yet the less bitt [...]r the more better; for that is a sign of being well dig [...]sted. But if all these hold, and it hath a harsh Taste on the Tongue, it is not good; as being made with a Menstruum mixed with Oyl of Vitriol or Sulphur; which although I have directed to be given in the Patients Beer, yet in the Elixir it is not to be allowed; because it doth corrode the principal ingredients, viz. Myrrh, Aloes, and Saffron.

Yet for all what I have said, you had better make use of either of them, then to have none; although I have seen some sold, that I would not give one ounce of my own preparing, for four of that; of the reason of which odds, I could easily make any ingenious man sensible, by comparing them together.

In the next place, there is a Medicine sold in many places by the Name of Mathews's Pill, but in Truth Doctor George Starkey was the [Page 11] first discoverer of that Excellent Remedy. But be the Author who it will, its Vertues doth sufficiently declare his worth; for I never saw any thing used by any Physitian that did ever come near it for giving [...]ase, and rest in any Feaver of what kind soever.

But I might here make the same complaint as I did about preparing the Elixir, but I forbear.

But I will teach you the right use thereof according to my many years Experience.

If your Patient be suddenly taken so ill as to desire to go to Bed, you may presently give him two Pills as big as a Pease, and a draught of strong Beer with or after them, and if the party do neither Sleep nor Sweat in an Hour or two, repeat them again, and Beer as before; and repeat it again, and again too, if need be. But if sickness doth not compel them to their bed, defer the giving them Pills until bed-time; but do not miss giving two or three at going to bed during the whole time of Cure.

But do not load them with Clothes (as the common Fashion is) but let them be covered, as may be well-pleasing to the Patient, and of the two it were better they are a little too cold, than to be ever so little too hot.

Now because this may seem a Paradox to some people, being so diametrically opposite to common practice, I will give my Reason for so doing.

[Page 12]If they be too hot, the Vital Spirit flyeth from the Center to the Circumference, which [...]hould be imploy'd about the Riv. pag▪ 57 [...]. say [...], A [...] [...]gard is to be [...]. stomach to concoct (or rather digest) the Morbifick matter ther [...]in contained; which is the Fewel that doth maintain the fire in this Disease.

Do not all men see how slowly the stomachs of sound People do digest meat (I do not say d [...]ink) in hot Weather, for what it doth when the season is cold? And from this Conclusion you may draw a Reason for the giving strong Liquor to drink to febrile people, viz. that in regard the Appetite to eat Riv. pag 5 [...]. [...] is taken away by the Disease, it is very absurd to deny the Patient such spirituous drinks as hath underwent a precedent S [...]ch are all s [...]rts of Wine, Cyder, [...] and all sorts of B [...]er and A [...]e, of which that is the be [...] which the [...]. Fermentation (to ease the stomach of the b [...]rthen of digesting) so earnestly desired by Nature (that sure guide to true Medicine) that by the quick diffusing their vigorous Atoms in the blo [...]d, the Archeus may thereby be speedily enabled to conflict with the Disease.

Here perhaps some will say that I do write Ta [...]tologies; but I answer, so material a point, being so much opposed, and that by Persons esteemed eminently Learned, so much to the prejudice almost of all Mankind; cannot be repea [...]ed too often, until it hath obtained belief of the Audience.

[Page 13]But I have designed this Tractate, not to Teach the Learned, but to Instruct the poor ignorant Tenders of the sick, and such poor Wretches as are not able to hire a Tender, much less to pay a silken Doctor to feel their Pulse, whilest they look over the other shoulder, or hold some perfume to their Noses: I shall rather refer them to the Judicious Writings of Doctor Starkey, Doctor Thompson, Noah Biggs, and others; who partly from the works of that profound, indefatigable, Pyrotechnian Phylosopher Van Helmont; and partly from their own diligent study and labour at the Fire, (the Touchstone of Natural things) have not only battered some of Galen's Their Method. Out-works, but made the Foundation of his Phylosophy to Totter.

It may here be expected, that I should teach some Excellent Oyntment to prevent the Pits, Marks and Scars, &c. which do commonly succeed this Disease; but I tell you that if the foregoing Instructions have been but indifferently followed, there will be no need of the latter.

But for their sakes who (through some occasion or other) have neglected it, I will give a word or two of this also, for I have been forced to do somewhat in this kind of Practice; but I would not have my Reader imagine that I do pretend to an absolute deletion by this way; [Page 14] but only a lessening of the same that they may not be so much deformed as otherwise.

Receipt.So soon as the small-pox begin to suppurate, that is in plain English to ripen, then take oyntment of Tobacco being melted and with a Feather besmear the Patients Face as hot as they can endure it; and when they sit up it will be better to sit against a Chaffing-dish of Coles for an hour together; but those that cannot you may do well to cover their faces with soft paper moistened with the Oyntment.

This is the best thing that I did ever see made use of; and yet I have spent much time amongst them, not only in bare visiting; but have watched several Nights with such as have seemed da [...]gerous; whereby I had greater opportunity to observe the Operation of my Remedies: than those who only prescribe a Medicine by Aim, and sendeth their Bills to an Apothecary, who oftentimes makes up the quantity with rotten Stuff for want of good; and with chopping and changing for want of sorts.

Now if any know better (as I doubt not but better is) I should be glad if either out of Christian Charity or Human Pity; he would communicate it to the World for the benefit of poor afflicted Mortals, whose Torment under this Disease cannot be demonstrated by any Pen; I mean when they have them much, and happen [Page 15] to be handled according to the common way of Practice; for otherwise it seemeth but a light matter to undergo it.

Lastly, I must advise you, not to rely too much on the use of the most Excellent Medicines that the Art of Man can prepare; for our merciful God that giv [...]th us the Assistance of his Creatures, as well for Food as Medicine; can when he pleaseth hinder their effect if they are not received with Prayer and Thanksgiving.

Therefore use the Means, but do not rely on it; but Pray to God with Sincerity and Faith, that he would direct to and bless the Means, and then you may with confidence and hope expect comfort thereby. To whose Great Name be Ascribed all Power and Glory for evermore, Amen.

[Page 16]

Advertisement.

THose that have occasion for any of those Medicines herein mentioned, may have them truly prepared by the Author at Reasonable Rates, if they are not living too remote from his House in Havant near Portsmouth; or at the George Inn in Chichester on Mundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; or at the Half Moon in Peter [...]ield on Saturdays only.

Note, My Fever Pills which I have made use of many years, is not the same with Matthews's Pill, save in the original only; mine containing some eminent Cordial Ingredients which are not in that. Besides when I do intend it against the Stone I add a Mineral Salt, which renders it far more Efficacious in that Disease.

Also I have an Electuary for such as cannot swallow a Pill, which answereth all the intentions of curing this Disease, except Vomiting.

[Page 17]

AN APPENDIX.

WHen I had finished this small Treatise and delivered it out of my Hand in order to be Printed; it came into my Mind that I had given directions to Vomit such Persons as should be infected with the Small Pox, as the most absolute speedy means to Extirpate that Disease, but had given no Instruction to the ignorant Tenders how to govern the Patient during the t [...]me that it is Working. Therefore I have supp [...]ied that defect by way of an Appendix, rather than to leave it defective in so Material a point.

Therefore I will first shew (to such as have a little insight into Astrology) how to Elect a proper time for the Administration of the Medicine, [Page 18] and then teach the Nurse how to do her Office.

First observ [...] what Sign the Moon is in; for that is the Basis of your Work.

For of all the signs in the Zodiack, those that rese [...]ble such Beasts as do chaw the Cud, are by a g [...]neral Consent of Physitians accounted the best. And I do know it to be so by my own Expe [...]ience.

Now which particular signs I do prefer before o [...]her, you shall know by my order in placing them; that which I place first, to be first made choice of.

For I do esteem Capricorn (♑) before all the rest; the next, Taurus (♉); then Aries (♈); after these, Cancer (♋); Pisces (♓); Scorpio (♏) and Sagittarius (♐). The Moon being in any of these seven will do indifferent well; but the other five I reject except on very urgent occasion: the worst of the five are Leo (♌) and Aquarius (♒). I do hardly ever give a Vomit when the Moon is in either of them, nor often being in Libra (♎), Gemini (♊) or Virgo (♍), but the last is the best of the last five.

Secondly, Observe with what Aspect, and from what Planet the Moon is beheld, for I had rather she be void of Course, than to be beheld by any Planet so that her next Application be good: [Page 19] And I do prefer the ill Aspects of Iupiter (♃) or Venus (♀), rather than the good Aspects of Saturn (♄) or Mars (♂). But the Moon being in Conjunction (☌) Quartile (□) or Opposition (☍), with Saturn (♄) Sol (☉) or Mars (♂), beware of giving any purging Medicine. And (☉) and (♄) being so Aspected you ought to forbear likewise.

Thirdly, Let one of those seven Signs ascend; and carefully avoid the presence of ♄ or Mars therein; neither let them nor the ☉ behold the Degree ascending (partilly) by any bad Aspect, but ☉ corporally in the Ascendant in any of those seven Signs is good.

Much more might be said on this Subject, but I design Brevity, and this is the ground of all; and what I have written, I have proved by several Thousands of Experiments. Now such whose Understandings cannot comprehend this, let them observe when the Moon is in one of those seven Signs, viz, ♑, ♉, ♈, ♋, ♓, ♏, ♐, and avoid such days as she changes on, the full and either of her quarters.

In the next place I must teach the Nurse how to govern the Physick in the time of its working.

Therefore when you give any of the Vitriol Vomits, you need not be very curious, do but thus; give a good draught of strong Mild Beer [Page 20] to the Patient, and in a quarter, or half an Hour after give the Physick, being dissolved in a little such Beer, and then some Sugar put into it; which for the most part doth quickly come up again loaded with ill Humors; then presently give the party another draught of the like Beer warm; do thus as often as the Patient doth C [...]st, which will be sometimes two, three, or four times.

But if you take an Antimonial Vomit, then you had need to be more Circumspect.

The best that I do know (that is to be had at the Shops) is that which is called Aqua Benedic [...]a; being an infusion of Crocus Metallorum of which (if the Crocus be good) one ounce or an ounce and quarter is a sufficient Dose for a Man; but that which I have used many years is far more Gentle, and yet the Dose is much bigger, viz. 4, 5, or 6 ounces. But they are so safe that I commonly give them to big bellied T [...]e Wiv [...]s of Will. Hartly, and Rich Read. Hen. Limbric [...], all of Aldingbourn n [...]r Chichester. Women, to Ancient People, or to Jane Goodman of Heyshot. Children of three quarters of a year old or under.

Now these Th [...]se are the best to prevent the M [...]rks. Antimonial Vomits do (for the most part) keep the same order in working, as to the time, and you may take it any time of the day, either full or fasting, it matters not, if the Physick be but rightly prepared.

When you have drank your Physick alone, then fast an Hour after it, walking a little if you [Page 21] are able (for I have often giv [...]n them to s [...]ch Goodwise S [...]one at the Anchor I [...]n in Liphook▪ [...] Por [...]smouth Road. And Mrs. B [...]ll then of Wick by Chichester. Patients as could hardly turn on their Beds without help) in which time it will work of it self (if it be strong enough) if not, take near a quarter so much as you took at the first and stir again.

When the Patient hath Cast once, give him a large draught of warm Gray Posset-drink immediately after the Casting; doing so every tim [...] that h [...] Casteth.

And because I have seen some Country-People make their Posset-drink very ill, I will tell you how, and likewise how much I do usually make to be imploy'd in the working of one Purge.

I take most commonly two Quarts of Milk, and when it is ready to boil I do pour thereinto a quart of strong Beer but not too stale (because that would make the posset have a sowre Taste) and so let it stand over the fire until it be clear.

For the most part these Vomits are just two Hours in the working. And for my Emeto Cathar (or vomiting Purge) you may eat, drink, or sleep as soon as it is over, but commonly they do chuse to lie down on a Bed.

[Page 22]And that Night I do usually give the Patient three of my Fever Pills as big as a pease, and a draught of strong Liquor after them, having supped (either not at all, or) two hours before.

And in regard many people loath Posset-drink (and not to drink good store of some Liquor were like a Laundress washing with Soap and none or little Water) I will tell you what will do as well, and that is strong mild Beer or Ale: But Broath is not good, and Gruel is much worse as I have seen proved.

There is nothing (as I conceive) material now wanting, if you do but Accept it as kindly, as I have Candidly Communicated the same, not resting on Conjecture, (for there is no Argument beyond Experience) but making a practical Use of it. I doubt not but many Thousands will praise God for putting it into my heart to divulge it so plainly to the World.

It may be some will say that there are abundance of abler Artists, who might probably have done it more Elegantly. I answer, Since they have not done it, there is great need that some body else should. For it is not he that can lend me a Hundred Pounds that is Thank-worthy; but he that lendeth me Four or Five Pounds to serve my Necessitous Occasion. And I studied not Or, Eloquence. Elegance (or Applause) but plainness; that it might be the more Universally Useful.

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ALL Agues, Sci [...]tica's, the Scurvy, Hypochondriack Melancholy, with many other Chronick Diseases, are Radically Cured by the Author, by Extirpating the occasional Cause thereof.

He also gives speedy Ease and Rest in all putrid Feavers, and Cures them perfectly in few days, if they are not too far gone.

He Cures the Tooth-Ach without drawing the Tooth; and Pleurisies, and Quinsies, speedily and safely, without Bleeding. He hath a singular way of Easing After-pains, and Gripes in Young Infants; insomuch that the Nurses could scarcely keep their Beds an Hour together one Night, and there was no need of Rising the next.

[Page 24]

THE POST-SCRIPT To the Indifferent READERS Within the Compass of my Acquaintance.

Gent.

I Would not have you Despise the Matter for the Meaness of the Stile, nor the Subject for the plainess of the Authors Coat; for a Man is no more known by his Raiment, than a good Horse by his Trappings, or a good Gun by the Stock. Be not carried away from the Truth with the Gingling Eloquence of such who by Flattery have gained a Repute in the World, but try the matter by your own Reason, and Senses; according to that saying of Aristotle, That we ought to give credit to Reason, if the things [Page 25] of Reason agree with Experience. I say Try, Enquire, not what is reported of me, (for Ill-Will and Self-Interest pervert Judgment) therefore enquire of those that have been my Patients, of what Cures have been done by me of all kinds; whereof many are such as are generally accounted uncurable. But no more of this at present

But a Word or two of Fevers, in this Disease it is known far and near that my practice hath been quite contrary to the common Custom; I thinking it no shame to follow Truth, although therefore very few will follow me, the Major Part aiming more at Greatness than Goodness. And as an Ingenuous Man said once, That although Truth ought to be followed by all, yet he that keeps too close to its heels might chance to have his Teeth dash'd out; so have I been in danger often for no other Offence. For I am of his opinion who said, To follow Gallen any farther than he follows Truth is great wickedness.

Now it cannot seem strange to any Intelligent Person that I should ever and anon be followed with such cruel Clamors, making all people believe (who are ignorant of my practice) that thorow Ignorance and want of good Remedies, I destroy most that I do take in hand; when the Authors themselves know that it is as full of Falsity as the Sun is full of Light. But herein they play the Fox that dispraised those Chimical Vomits and other Chimical Remedies. Hens and Chimical Vomits and other Chimical Remedies. Grapes for nought, which he could not reach to Taste.

[Page 26]For I do believe there is not one of a Hun [...] th [...]t goeth so warily upon the Art of Heali [...]g as I did, being above Twelve Years a curi [...] [...]archer into Galens Doctrine; and as strict [...] observer of their practice that were his Fol [...], before I did meddle with the Admini [...]ion of Ph [...]sick; but I do assure you that I [...]ived more satisfaction in reading one Chymic [...]l [...] Author of about four or five shillings price, [...] f [...]om all the books that came to my hand in all [...]h [...]t time. And I never durst to profess any thing in the Art, but with great doubting before.

Th [...]n pray consider what a bitter exigent I was at, that must either forsake Truth it self, (of which our merciful Father had now discovered a Glimpse to me to sweeten my Labours) or else I must forsake the splendid Society of all the Prof [...]ssors both Chyrurgical and Physical, within many Miles of my dwelling; for such was my unhappiness that there was not one professing the Art of healing that did rightly understand either Astrology or Chymistry, within fifteen Miles, or I suppose twenty.

Now I will tell you some of their Practices. Never was any poor Mouse more narrowly watched by the Vigilant Cat, than I have been by them, or some of their deluded followers, so that if a Patient Fortune to miscarry under my care, it is presently ascribed to me or my Chymical Re [...]edi [...], because I often act contrary to the Edicts [Page 27] of the Female Counsel, and will not Lead my Patients by Bleeding, Cupping, Blisters, &c. (as it were through an Earthly Purgatory) Alamode to their Grave, hereby I say if a Patient of mine Dye, they report all the Country over that I kill'd him or her; with most bitter Hyperbolical, false Aggravations, as extream swelling, it never work [...]d, it was too strong, &c. when it is well known to Thousands now living that if my purging Physick never work it doth no hurt, which hath made me the bolder in using it; nor ever have I had a Patient that died whilst the Vomit strained them, nor above one of a thousand within twenty four hours after its working was over. Now as watchful as my Antagonists have been, let them prove to the contrary and I will subscribe a paper of Recantation, if their Evidence be uninterested persons of Credit.

I must yet come closer, if they be angry I cannot help it, nor care I for it.

Are not ordinary Feavers the means to carry a great number of people to their Graves yearly? Let them look over their Books and then tell me, if they have not lost out of the like number ten for my one.

If this soap will not wash off the Dirt with which I have been so unworthily bespattered; I will offer one more scowring Remedy. Let any of them come to matter of Fact, and abide but a fair Trial; and I will lose Five Guinnies, if I do not Cu [...]e of Febrile Patients two for their one.

[Page 28]But I suppose they will say, they hardly know any practice that I have had in this kind. I believe so too, but it is because I any Fever (except Hectick and Pestilential) in few days, if I am called as soon as the patient doth appear to be very ill and then it is looked at as a thing not worth noting. But you T's that cannot Credit my Report without proof, if you are neer Chichester pray enquire of Mr. Iennings his Daughter, Mistress Godfrey, and if any thing thereabout will make against my Discourse I make no doubt but I have a sort of such Friends as will discover the business without troubling me to search either my Notes or Memory.

Besides hers being a putrid Fever, I will tell you somewhat concerning a Malignant Fever. In the year 80 or 81, there were great Numbers of people died of such Fevers, many whereof were taken with Vomiting, &c. Yet I had the Good Fortune to cure Eighteen in the Parish of Aldingbourn not one dying in that great compass of that Disease; Mr. Henry Whitington and his Wife being two of them.

Now it remains that I give a Reason for this tedious Post-script and so conclude.

Yet I had overslipt one thing being very proper to be spoken of; and that is that since the whole Treatise is concerning the small pox, to say a word or two of my Experience herein.

When this Distemper did rage so much in and about Chichester, (ten or a dozen years since) it [Page 29] was a great many that fell under my Care, I believe sixty at the least and yet I lost but one Person of the Disease. Nor was one of my Patien [...]s marked with them, to be seen but half a year after. My success being such that many people thought themselves almost out of danger, if they could but get one of those Nurses into their houses that did use to Tend my Patients.

Now as to the Reason of this Post-script, I having by Study and Labour attained to a far better, safer and speedier way of curing Diseases, than was ever taught by Galen, did think my self bound in Conscience to give my Neighbours warning of the danger of their Botcherly, Butcherly, Cruel manner of practice, of Bleeding, Blisters, Cupping, Cauteries, Actual and Potential Fontinels, &c. whereby I (like Paul at Ephesus) did engage the whole Tribe of the Medicinal Art against me; and this was not unreasonable neither, for if they lose these, the chief profit of their Trade is gone.

Then do but consider how vain a thing it is, for one single person to stand upon his guard against a Multitude of mad, resolute, self-will'd opposers. It is but like one going about to extinguish a Heath-fire, when there are above one hundred others as exquisite persons, as industriously imploy'd to kindle the said fire in fresh places whilst he is putting it out where it first arose. So for me to make any defence against so violent and numerous, mad, heady kind of people, [Page 30] were but like barking against the Wind; or a Hare to undertake to Expostulate with a Pack of Hounds.

For me to lose a Patient, there is a Clamor presently just like that in a Country Village, when a Dog hath kill'd a Sheep; but for a score of theirs to die, there's no more Notice taken of it than for as many Sheep to lose their Lives in a Butchers Slaughter-House.

For the Female Jury have always this healing Balsam ready; Why he did as much as the Art of Man could do, but alas his time was come. Very true, and so is his time come that is hanged, although perhaps he might have lived much longer had not the Executioner's unlucky Knot prevented him.

FINIS.

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