CHAP. I. Of the situation of the Town of Knaresborow.

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

Both the Castle and Town are fenced on the South and West parts with the Rivers N [...]de: which is beauti­fied herewith two fair Bridges of stone, which lead from the Town into the Forrest adjoyning, as also unto a larg empaled Park of his Majesties, called Bilton-Park, well stored with fallow Deer: part whereof is bordered with the said river.

The Town it self standeth on a hill, having almost on every side an ascent to it; and about it are divers fruitfull valleys well replenished with grasse, corn and wood. The waters there are wholsome and clear; the ayre dry and pure. In brief, there is nothing wanting, that may fitly serve for a good and commodious habi­tation, and the content and entertainment of strangers.

Many things are very observable in this place, which because they rather doe appertain to the volumnes of Geographers, and Antiquaries, then to the purpose in­tended in this little treatise, are here omitted.

CHAP. II. Of the severall earths, stones, and minerals, found neer and about this place.

ALthough there are in sundry places of this king­dome, as many or more several kindes, and sorts of earths, quarries of stone, minerals, and mines of mettals, then in any other Realm whatsoever; not­withstanding, no one place hath been observed to have them either in such plenty, or variety in so small a di­stance as this. For here is found not onely white and yellow marble, plaister, oker, rud, rubrick, free-stone, and hard greet-stone, a soft reddish stone, iron-stone, brim-stone, vitreal, nitre, allum, lead, copper, (and without doubt, divers mixtures of these) but also many other minerals might (perhaps) be found out by the di­ligent search, and skilfull industry of those, who would take pains to labour a little herein.

All which doe manifestly demonstrate, that nature hath stored this little territory with a greater diversity of hidden benefits, then great and spacious Countries otherwise abounding in outward native commodities, and that the fountains, or springs of water hereabouts cannot otherwise then participate of their several na­tures and properties.

CHAP. III. Of the fountains, of pure and simple waters, neer and about the Town.

AS generally most part of the West Riding of York­shire (especially the hilly and more mountainous places thereof) are stored with fountains and springs of clear, limpid and pure simple waters; so likewise the territory hereabouts is not without plenty of them. Two whereof have gotten and purchased that reputa­tion, as to be Sainted: The one called by the name of Saint Magnus, or Magnus-well: the other, that of Saint Roberts.

These, formerly for a year, or two, have been in great request in these parts amongst the common sort, much sought unto by many, and great concourse of peo­ple have daily gathered and flocked to them, both near, and afarre off, as is most commonly seen, when any new thing is first found out, Fama enim crescit eundo, even unto incredible wonders and miracles, or rather fictions, and lyes. All which commeth to passe as we may well suppose, through our over much English cre­dulity, or as I may better say) rather superstition. For to any such like Well, will swarm at first both young and old (especially the female sex, as ever more apt to be deluded) halt, lame, blinde, deaf, dumb, yea, almost all, and that for all manner of maladies and diseases, both inward and outward.

But for as much, as these are springs of pure, and sim­ple waters meerly, without any mixture at all of mine­rals, to make them become medicinable, it is verily thought, that the many and several cures, which have been attributed unto them in those times, when they were so frequented, were rather fained and imaginary, then true and real; and that those, who then visited them, were desirous (either to uphold and maintain the credit, and reputation of their Saints, or else, to avoid the scorn and derision of their own delusion) to have o­thers likewise deceived.

Time hath quite worn all their strength, and con­sumed all their virtues; so that nothing of worth now remains with them, saving onely their bare names and titles: ‘Sic magna sua mole ruunt.’

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

CHAP. IV. Of five fountains near unto the town, which do parti­cipate of mineral virtues.

OUt of the divers Fountains springing hereabouts, five are worthy the observation of Physitians. The first whereof is very near unto the river bank, over a­gainst the Castle, called by the name of the Dropping-well, for that it droppeth, distilleth, and trickleth down from the hanging rock above. The water whereof hath a certain quality or property to turn any thing that lieth in it, into a stony substance in a very short space.

Three of the others (being all of them much of one, and the same nature) are termed by the country peo­ple thereabouts the Stinkingwels, in regard they have an ill, and fetide smel, consisting most of Sulphure-vive, or quick brimstone. One of them, and that which hath the greatest current, or stream of water, is in Bilton park

The other two are in the said Forrest; one is neare unto the Town; the other is further off, almost two miles from it, beyond a place called Haregate head, in a bottome on the right hand of it, as you go, and almost in the side of a little brook.

The fift, and last (for which I have principally un­dertaken to write this short Discourse) is an acide, or tart fountain in the said Forrest, commonly named by the vulgar sort, Tuewhit-well, and the English Spaw, [Page 5] by those of the better rank, in imitation of those two most famous acide fountains at the Spaw in Germany, to wit, Sauuenir, and Pouhon: whereof the first being the prime one) is half a league from the Spa, or Spaw Village; the other is in the middle of the town.

CHAP. V. A more particular recitall of the first four wels.

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

The first is the Dropping well, known almost to all who have travelled unto this place. The water where­of distilleth and trickleth down from the hanging Rock over it, not onely dropping wise, but also falling in ma­ny pretty little streams.

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

It is therefore very like that Mr. Cambden in person did not see this fountain, but rather that he had it by re­lation from others; or at least wise (if he did see it) that he did not mark, and duly observe the originall springing up of the water, when in his Britannia he saith thus: The waters thereof spring not up out of the veins of the earth, &c.

Concerning the properties and qualities thereof, I have nothing more to write at this time (there being [Page 6] formerly little triall had of it) saving that divers inha­bitants thereabouts say, and affirm, that it hath been found to be very effectuall in staying any flux of the body: which thing I easily believe.

The other three are sulphurous fountains, and cast forth a stinking smell a-farre off, especially in the Win­ter season, and when the weather is coldest. They are all noisome to smell to, and cold to touch, without any manifest or actual heat at all; by reason (as may most probably be thought) their mines and veins of brim­stone, are not kindled under the earth; being (perhaps) hindred by the mixture of salt therewith.

Those who drink of their waters, relate, they verily think there is gun-powder in them, and that now and then they vomit after drinking thereof.

The waters as they run along the earth, do leave be­hind them on the grasse and leaves, a gray slimy sub­stance, which being set on fire, hath the right savour of common brimstone. They are much haunted with Pi­geons, an argument of much salt in them; of which in the evaporation of the water by fire, we found a good quantity remaining in the bottom of the vessel.

One thing further was worth observation; that white mettall (as silver) dipped into them, presently seemeth to resemble copper: which we first noted by putting a sil­ver porrenger into one of these; unto which Sir Fran­cis Traps did first bring us. Which tincture these wa­ters give by reason of their sulphur.

Touching their vertues, and effects, there may in ge­neral the like properties be ascribed unto them, as are attributed unto other sulphurous Bathes actually cold, participating also of Salt.

The vulgar sort drink these waters (as they say) to expell reef, and fellon; yea, many who are much trou­bled with itches, scabs, morphews, tetters, ring-worms, and the like, are soon holpen and cured, by washing the parts ill-affected therewith. Which thing they might [Page 7] much more conveniently and more commodiously do, if at that in Bilton park, were framed to capacious Bathes; the one cold, the other [...] to be made hot, or warm by art, for certain known houres a day.

CHAP. VI. A more particular description of the fifth, or last Foun­tain, called the English Spaw.

THis, being the principal subject of this whole Trea­tise, is in the said Forrest, about half a league, or a mile and a half, West from the Town; from whence there is almost a continuall rising to it, but nothing so great as the ascent, is from the Spaw village to the Sau­venir. This here springeth out of a mountainous ground, and almost at the height of the ascent, at Harc­gate-head; having a great descent on both sides the ridge thereof; and the Country thereabouts somewhat resembleth that at the Spaw in Germany.

The first discoverer of it to have any medicinal qua­lity (so far forth as I can learn) was one Mr. William Slingsby, a Gentleman of many good parts, of an anci­ent and worthy Family neer thereby; who having tra­velled in his younger t me, was throughly acquainted with the taste, use, and faculties of the two Spaw Foun­tains.

In his latter time, about 55 years ago, it was his good Fortune to live for a little while at a Grange house very neer to this Fountain, and afterwards in Bilton Park all his life long. Who drinking of this water, found it in all things to agree with those at the Spaw. Whereupon (greatly rejoycing at so good and fortunate an accident) he made some further trial and assay. That done, he caused the Fountain to be well and artificially walled about, and paved at the bottom, (as it is now at this day) with two fair stone flags, with a fit hole in the side thereof, for the free passage of the water through a little guttered stone.

It is open at the top, and walled somewhat higher than the earth, as well to keep out filth, as cattell for com­ming and approaching to it. It is foure square, three foot wide, and the water within is about three quarters of a yard deep.

First, we caused it to be laded dry, as well to scoure it, as also to see the rising up of the water, which we found to spring up onely at the bottome at the chink, or cranny, between two stones, so left purposely for the springing up of the water at the bottome: Which (as Pliny observeth in his 31 Book of his Natural History, and the third chapter) is a signe above all of the good­nesse of a Fountain.

And above all (saith he) one thing would be obser­ved, and seen unto, that the source which feedeth it, spring and boile up directly from the bottome, and not issue forth at the sides: which also is a main point that concerneth the perpetuity thereof, and whereby we may collect, that it will held still, and be never drawn dry.

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

The above-named Gentleman did drink the water of this Fountain every year after, all his life time, for helping his infirmities, and maintaing of his health, and would oftentimes say and aver, that it was much bet­ter, and did excell the tart fountains beyond the Seas, as being more quick and lively, and fuller of Mine­rall spirits; effecting his operation more speedily, and sooner passing through the Body.

Moreover, Dr. Timothy bright of happy memory, a learned Physitian, while he lived, my very kind freind, and familiar acquaintance, first gave the name of the Engl sh Spaw unto this Fountain, about thirty years since or more. For he also formerly had spent some time at the Spaw in Germany; so that he was very able to compare those with this of ours. Nay, he had fur­thermore [Page 9] so good an opinion, and so high a conceit of this, that he did not onely direct and advise others to it, but himself also (for most part) would use it in the Summer season.

Likewise Dr. Anthony Hunton lately of Newark upon Trent, a Physitian of no lesse worth, and happy memo­ry (to whom for his true love to me, and kind respect of me, I was very much beholden) would often expo­stulate with me at our meetings, and with other Gen­tlemen of Yorkeshire, his patients, how it came to passe, that I, and the Physitians of Yorke, did not by publick writing make the fame and worth thereof better known to the world?

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

THis springeth almost at the top of the ascent (as formerly hath been said) from a dry and somewhat sandy earth: The water whereof running South­east, is very clear, pure, full of life, and mineral exha­lations.

We find it chiefly to consist of a vitrioline nature and quality, with a participation also of those other mine­rals, which are said to be in the Sauuenir Fountain; but in a more perfect and exquisite mixture and tem­per (as we deem) and therefore to be supposed better and nobler then it. The difference between them will be found to be onely Secundum majus & minus, that is, according to more, or lesse, which maketh no diffe­rence in kind, but in degrees. This partaketh in grea­ter measure of the qualities, and lesser of the substances of the Minerals, then that doth; and for that cause it is of a more quick and speedy operation; as also for the same reason, his tenuity of body, and fulnesse of mineral spirits therein contained, it cannot be so farre [Page 10] transported from its own source and spring, without losse and diminution of his strength and goodnesse. For being carried no further then to the Town it self (though the glasse or vessel be closely stopt) it becommeth som­what weaker: if as far as to York, much more: but if 20 or 30 miles further, it will then be found to be of small force or validity, as we have often observed.

Whereas contrariwise the water of the lower Foun­tain at the Spaw, called Pouhon, is frequently and u­sually carried and conveyed into other countries afar off, and remote, as into France, England, Scotland, Ire­land, and to divers parts of Germany, and unto some parts of Italy; Yea, and that of Sauvenir, (which is the better Fountain, and whose water cannot be carried so far away, as the other may) is oftentimes used now a dayes at Paris, the chief City of France.

But this of ours cannot be sent away any whit so far off, without losse and decay of his efficacy and vertue, so ayrie, subtill, and piercing are its spirits and mineral exhalations, that they soon passe, vanish, and fly away. Which thing we have esteemed to be a principal good signe of the worthy properties of this rare Fountain. So that this water, being newly taken up at the Well, and presently after drunk, cannot otherwise, but sooner passe by the Hypochondries, and through the body, and cause a speedier effect, then those in Germany can. Whereby any one may easily collect, and gather, that this getteth his soveraign faculties better in its passage by and through the variety of minerals included in the earth (which onely afford unto it an halitious body) then those do.

If then we be desirous to have this of ours become commodious either for preserving of our healths, or for altering any distemper, or curing any infirmity (for which it is proper and available) it ought chiefly to be taken at the Fountain it self, before the minerall spirits be dissipated.

CHAP. VIII. That Vitrioll is here more predominant then any other Minerall.

WE have sufficiently been satisfied by expe­rience and trials, through what Minerals this water doth passe: but to know in what pro­portion they are exactly mixed therewith, it is beyond humane invention to finde out; Nature having reser­ved this secret to her self alone. Neverthelesse it may very well be conjectured, that as in the frame and com­position of the most noble creature, Man (the lesser world) there is a temper of the four elements rather ad justitiam (as the Phylosophers say) then ad pondus; so Nature in the mixture of these Minerals, hath likewise taken more of some, and lesse of others, as she thought to be most fit and expedient for the good and behoof of mans health, and the recovery and restitution of it de­cayed; being indeed such a work, as no Art is able to imitate.

That Vitriolum (otherwise called Chalcanthum) is here most predominant, there needs no other proof, then from the assay of the water it self; which both in the tart and inky smack thereof, joyned with a piercing and a pricking quality, and in the savour (which is som­what a little vitrioline) is altogether like unto the anci­ent Spaw waters: which according to the consent of all those, who have considered their natural compositions, do most of all, and chiefly participate of vitrioll.

Notwithstanding for a more manifest, and suller triall hereof, put as much powder of Gals, as will lye on two-pence, or three pence, into a glasse full of this wa­ter, newly taken up at the fountain, you shall see it by and by turned into the right and perfect colour of Cla­ret wine, that is fully ripe, clear, and well fined, which may easily deceive the eye of the skilfullest Vintner,

This demonstration hath been often made, not with­out the admiration of those, who first did see it. For the same quantity of galls mingled with so much com­mon water, or any other Fountain water thereabouts, will not alter it any thing at all; unlesse to these you also adde vitrioll, and then the colour will appear to be of a blewish violet, somewhat inkish, not reddish, as in the former, which hath an exquisite and accurate con­junction of other Mineral exhalations, besides the vi­trioline. But this probation will not hold, if so be you make triall with the said water being carried farre from the Well; by reason of the present dissipation of his spirits.

CHAP. IX. Of the properties and effects of Vitrioll, according to the ancient and modern Writers.

THE qualities of Vitrioll, according to Dioscorides, Galen, Aetius, Paulus Aegineta, and Oribasius; are to heat and dry, to bind, to resist putrefaction, to give strength and vigour to the interiour parts, to kill the flat worms of the belly, to remedy venemous mushroms, to preserve flesh over moist from corruption, consum­ing the moisture thereof by its heat, and constipating by his astriction the substance of it, and pressing forth the serous humidity.

And according to Matthiolus in his Commentaries upon Discorides, it is very profitable against the plague and pestilence, and the chymicall oyle thereof is very available (as himself affirmeth to have sufficiently proved) against the stone and stopping of Urine, and many other outward maladies and diseases, (Ander­nacus and Gesner adde to these the Apoplexy) all which, for avoiding of prolixity, I do here purposely omit.

Neither will I further trouble the Reader with the [Page 13] recitall of divers and sundry excellent remedies, and medicines, found out and made of it in these latter times, by the Spagyrick Physitians, and others: Inso­much that Joseph Quercetanus, one of those, is verily of opinion, that out of this individual mineral, well and exquisitly prepared, there might be made all man­ner of remedies and medicines sufficient for the storing and furnishing of a whole Apothecaries shop.

But it will (perhaps) be objected by some one or o­ther in this manner: If vitrioll, which as most do hold, is hot and dry in the third degree, or beginning of the fourth, nay, of a caustick quality and nature (as Dios­corides is of opinion) should here be predominant; then the water of this Fountain must needs be of great heat and acrimony; and so become not onely unprofitable, but also very hurtfull for mans use to be drunk, or in­wardly taken.

To which objection (not to take any advantage of the answer, which many learned Physitians do give, viz. that vitriol is not hot, but cold) I say: First, that although all medicinall waters doe participate of those minerals, by which they do passe, yet they have them but weakly viribus refractis (especially when in their passages they touch, and meet with divers other mine­rals of opposite tempers and natures.

Secondly, I Answer, that in all such medicinall Fountains as this, simple water doth far surpasse and exceed in quantity, whatsoever is therewith intermixed, by whose coldnesse it commeth to passe, that the con­trary is scarce, or hardly perceived. For example, take one proportion of any boyling liquor to 100. or more, of the same cold, and you will hardly find in it any heat it all. Suppose then vitrioll be hot in the third degree, it doth not therefore follow, that the water which hath his vertue chiefly from it, should heat in the same de­gree. This is plainly manifest not onely in this foun­tain, but also in all others, which have an acide taste, [Page 14] being indeed rather cold then hot, for the reasons a­bove mentioned.

CHAP. X. Of the effects which this Fountain worketh, and pro­duceth in those who drink of it.

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

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

More particularly the water of this fountain hath an incisive and abstersive faculty to cut and loosen the vi­scous and clammy humours of the body, and to make meable the grosse: as also by its piercing and penetra­ting power, subtilty of parts, and by his deterging and desiccative qualities to open all the obstructions, or oppilations of the mesentery (from whence the seeds of most diseases doe arise and spring) liver, spleen; kid­neys, [Page 15] and other interiour parts (and which is more to be noted and observed) to coole, and contemperate their unnaturall heat, helping and removing also all the griefs and infirmities depending thereupon.

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

Moreover, it cleanseth, and purifieth the whole masse of blood contained in the veynes, by purging it from the seresity peccant, and from cholerick, phlegmatick, and melancholike humours, and that principally by Urine, which passeth through the body very clear, and in great quantity, leaving behinde it the mineral forces, and vertues.

Their stooles, who drink of it, are commonly of a blackish, or dark green colour, partly because it empti­eth the liver and spleen from adust humours, and me­lancholy, or the sediment of blood; but more especially, because the minerals intermixed do produce and give such a tincture.

CHAP. XI. In what diseases the water of this Fountain is most usefull and beneficiall.

OVer and besides the peculiar and specifical faculties, which this fountain hath, it sheweth divers and sun­dry other manifest effects and qualities in evacuating the noxious humours of the body, for the most by Urine, especially when there is any obstruction about the kid­neyes, ureters and bladder: Or by Urine and stoole both, if the mesentery, liver, or spleen, chance to be obstructed. But, if the effect or grief be in the matrix [Page 16] or womb, then it cleanseth that way according to the accustomed and usuall manner of women.

In melancholly people it purgeth by provoking the haemorrhoides, and in cholerick by siege or stool. If it causeth either vomit or sweat, it is very seldom & rare.

See here a most admirable work guided by the om­nipotency and wisdome of the Almighty, that a natu­rall, clear, and pure water, should produce so many and severall effects and operations, being all of them in a manner contrary one to another, which few me­dicines composed by Art can easily perform without hurt and dammage to the party. Wherefore being drunk with those cautions and circumstances necessari­ly required thereunto, it is to be preferred before ma­ny other remedies, as not onely procuring these evacu­ations; but also (which is more to be noted) staying them when they grow ro any excesse. For seeing that here are minerals contained booh hot, cold, dry, apper­cive, astringent, &c. there is none so simple, but must needs think and grant, that it cannot otherwise be, but good and wholsome in grievances and diseases, which in their own natures are opposite:

But I may instance in some few, for which it is good and profitable, and therein observe some order and me­thod; It dryeth the over moist brain, and helpeth the e­vils proceeding there from, as rhumes, catarhs, palsies, cramps, &c.

It is also good and available aginst inveterate head­aches, megrims, turnings and swimmings of the head and brain, dizzinesse, epilepsie, or falling sicknesse and the like cold and moist diseases of the head.

It cheareth and reviveth the spirits, strengtheneth the stomack, causeth a good and quick appetite, and furthe­reth digestion.

It helpeth the black and yellow Jaundies, and the evil which is accompanied with strange fear and excessive sadnes, without any evident occasion or necessary cause, [Page 17] called Melancholia or Hypocondr aca. Likewise the ca­chexy, or evil habit of the body, and the dropsie in the beginning thereof, before it be too far gone. For besides that it openeth obstructions, expelleth the redundant water in the belly, and contemperateth the unnaturall heat of the Liver.

It cooleth the Kidneys or Reins, and drive forth sand, gravel, and stones out of them, and also hindereth the encrease or breeding of any new, by the concretion and sandering of gravel, bred of a viscous and clammy hu­mor or substance, the same it performeth to the bladder for which it is also beneficiall, if it chance to have any evil disposition either in the cavity thereof, or in the neck of it, and shutting muscle called Sphincter, where­by the whole part or member, is let and hindered in his office and function.

Moreover if there chance to be any ulcer in the parts last specified, or any sore, or fistula in perinao through an impostume ill cured, this water is a good remedy for it in regard of its cleansing, cicatricing and constringing power and vertue; and for that cause it is very proper & commodious for the acrimony and sharpnes of Urine, and against the stopping and suppression of Urine, dif­ficulty of making water, and the strangury.

Although it is very available against the stone in the Kidneys, and against the breeding and increase of any new there; yea and against little ones, that are loose in the bladder; yet notwithstanding it will afford little or small benefit to those, in whom it is grown to be very great and big in the bladder: because nothing will then serve to break it, as Brassavolus saith, but a smiths anvil and hammar. Neverthelesse, if in this case incision be used, it will be very commodious, both for mundifying and consolidating of the wound, made for the extracti­on of it.

It shall not be needfull to speak much of the profit, which will ensue by the fit administration of it in the inveterate venereous Gonorrhaea causing to cease and [Page 18] stay totally, and correcting the distemper, and the ulce­rous disposition of the seed vessels, and the vicine parts.

There are very few infirmities properly incident to women, which this water may not seem to respect much. The use whereof, after the advice and councel had of the learned Physitian, for the well and orderly prepa­ring their bodies, is singular good against the green sicknesse, and also very commodious and behovefull to procure their monethly evacuations, as also to stay their over much slowing; as well to correct, as to stay their white floods; as well to dry the womb being too moist, as to heat it being too cold, through which causes and distempers conception (for the most part) is let and hin­dered in cold Northern Countries, as England and the like. For by the help of it these distempers are changed and altered, the superfluous humidities and mucosities are taken away, the part is corroborated, and the reten­tive vertue is strengthned.

This hath been so much, and so often observed at the ancient Spaw, that it cannot otherwise, but be also ve­rified at this in after times, when it shall be frequented (as those have been) with the company of Ladies, and Gentlewomen: Divers whereof, having been former­ly barren for the space of ten, twelve years, or more, and drinking of those waters for curing and helping some o­ther infirmities, then for want of fruitfulnesse, have shortly conceived after their return home to their hus­bands, beyond their hopes and expectations.

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

Also it respecteth very much the hard scirrhous and cancarous tumours, and the grievous soars and dange­rous Ulcers of the matrix. All these excellent helps and many more it performeth to women with more speedy [Page 19] uccesse, if it be also received by injection. But here by the way, all such women, who are with child, are to be admonished, that they forbear to use it during that time.

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

I will here forbear to write any thing of the benefits which it affordeth against old and inveterate itches, mohphews, leprosies, &c. in regard the other three sulphurous fountains, before mentioned, do more pro­perly respect such like grievances. Neither will I now spend any more time in shewing what vertues it hath in the cure of the Indian, commonly called the French, or rather Spanish disease: because experience hath found out a more certain and sure remedy against it.

CHAP. XII. Of the necessity of preparing the body before the use of this water.

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

That is,

Therefore to know the originall minerals, faculties, and vertues of this worthy acide fountain, will be to no end, or to small purpose for them, who understand not the right and true use, nor the fit and orderly admini­stration of it. For not onely Physick or medicines, but also meats, and drinks taken disorderly, out of due time and without measure, bringeth oftentimes detriment to the party, who otherwise might receive comfort and strength thereby: So likewise this water, if it be not drunk at a convenient time and season, in due fashion and proportion: yea, and that after preparatives, and re­quisite purgings, and evacuation of the body, may easily hurt those, whose infirmities otherwise it doth princi­pally respect. For medicines ought not to be taken rashly and unadvisely, as most do hand over head with­out any consideration of time, place, and other circum­stances; as that ignorant man did, who getting the receit of that medicine, wherewith formerly he had been cu­red, made trial of it again long after for the same infir­mity without any help or good at all; whereat greatly marvelling, received this answer from his Physitian: I confesse (said he) it was the self same medicine but be­cause I did not give it, therefore it did you no good.

To the end therefore that no occasion may hereafter be either given or taken by the misgovernment, or o­ver-rashnesse of any in using it to calumniate and tra­duce the worth, and goodnesse of this fountain, I will briefly here shew what course is chiefly to be followed and observed by those who shall stand in need of it.

First then, because very few men are throughly and sufficiently informed concerning the natures and causes of their grievances, it will be necessary that every one should apply himself to some one or other, who either out of his judgement or experience, or both, may truly be able to give him counsell and good advice concern­ning [Page 21] the conveniency of this fountain. And if he shall be advised to use it, then let the party (in the fear of God) addresse himself for his way to it, against the fit season of it, without making any long and tedious daies journeys, which cause lassitude, and wearinesse.

Then, being come to the place, he ought after a dayes rest, or two, to have his body well prepared, and gently cleansed with easie lenitives, or purgatives, both fit and appropriate, as well to the habite and constitution thereof, as also for the disease it self, and as occasion shall require, according to the rule of method, which teacheth that universal or general remedies ought ever to precede and go before particulars. Now what these are in speciall, to fit every ones case in particular, is im­possible either for me here, or any else to define precise­ly. Ars non versatur circa individua. We may see it true in mechanical trades. No one Shoomaker can fit all by one Last: nor any one Taylor can suit all by one, and the self same measure.

Yet in regard it may perhaps be expected that some­thing should be said herein, I say, that in the begin­ning (if occasion serve) some easie Clyster may very fitly be given, as well for emptying the lower intestines from their usuall excrements, as for carrying away and cleansing the mucose slimes contained therein. After that, it will be convenient to prepare the body by some Julep or Apozeme, or to give some lenitive medicine to free the first region of the body from excrements. For otherwise the water might peradventure convey some part of them, or other peccant matter, which it findeth in his passage either into the bladder, or to some other weak and infirm member of the body, to the increase of that evill disposition, which is to be removed, or else to the breeding of some other new infirmity.

Some perhaps will here object and say, that the time of the year, in which this fountain will be found to be most usefull, will be the hottest season thereof; or (if you list so to call it) the dog-days, when it will be no fit time to purge at all.

To this I answer and say: First, the purging me­dicines here required are not strong, and generous, but gentle, mild and weak, such as are styled Benedicta medicamenta: which may with great safety and profit be given either then or at any other time of the year without any danger, or respect of any such like cir­cumstance at all.

Secondly I answer; although this observation of the Dogdayes might perhaps be of some moment in hotter Countries, as Greece where Hippocrates lived, who first made mention of those dayes: yet in colder climates, as England, and such like Countries, they are of little or small force at all and almost not to be regarded any whit, either in using mild and tem­perate purgatives, or almost in any other; or in blood-letting, though very many, or most do erroniously say and think the contrary. So that (if there be cause) they may as well and safely then purge, as at any other time: Or if occasion shall urge, as in plethoricall bo­dies, and many other cases, a vein may safely (or ra­ther most commodiously) be then opened, and so much blood taken away, as the skilfull Physician shall think in his discretion and wisdom to be needful and requisite.

Let no man here think that this is any strange posi­tion or a new paradox (for the learned know the con­trary) or that I am studious of innovation, but rather desirous to root out an old and inveterate error, which in all probability hath cost moe English mens lives, than would furnish a royall army, in neglecting those two greater helps or remedies, to wit Purging and Blood-letting in hot seasons of the year; which in all likelihood might have saved many of their lives, while expecting more temperate weather, they have been summoned in the mean time, or interim, by the messenger of pale death to appear in another world.

Wherefore let all those who are yet living, be admo­nished hereafter by their examples, not obstinately and [Page 23] wilfully to eschew and shun these two remedies in hot seasons, and in the time of the Dog-dayes, (much lesse all other manner of Physicall helps) not once know­ing so much as why, or wherefore, and without any reason at all, following blind and superstitious tradition and error, haply first broached by some unworthy and ignorant Physician, not rightly understannding Hippo­crates his saying in all likelyhood, or at least wise mis­applying it: which hath so prevailed in these times, that it hath not onely worn out the use of purging, but also of all other Physick for that season, because most people by the name of Physick, understand purging onely, and nothing else; as though the Art and Sci­ence of Physick was nothing else, but to give a potion, or purge. Then we rightly and truly might say, Filia devoravit matrem.

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

Hippocrates in his fourth Book of Aphorismes, the fifth, hath these words: Sub canicula, & ante canicu­lam, difficiles sunt purgationes. That is, under the ca­nicular, or Dogstar, and before the Dog-star purga­tions are painfull and difficil. This is all that is there said of them, or brought against them for that season or time of the year. A great stumbling block against which many have dashed their feet and knockt their shins, and a feafull scar crow, whereat too many have nicely boggled. Here you do not find or see purging medicines to be then prohibited, or forbidden to be given at all (much lesse all other Physick) but onely said to be difficil in their working partly because (as all expositors agree) nature is then somewhat enfeebled [Page 24] by the heat of the weather; partly because the humours being then, as it were, accended, are more chaffed by the heat of the purging medicines; partly, and lastly, be­cause two contrary motions seem then to be at one and the same time, which may offend nature; as the great heat of the weather leading the humours of the body outwardly to the circumference thereof, and the medi­cine drawing them inwardly to the center. All which circumstances in our cold region are litle, or nothing at all (as formerly hath been mentioned) to be regard­ed. For as Jacobus Hollerius, a French Physitian, much honoured for his great learning and judgment, hath very well observed in his Comment upon this Apho­risme; Hippocrates speaketh here onely of those purg­ing medicines which are strong and vehement, or hot and fiery; and that this precept is to take place in most hot Regions, but not in these cold Countries, as France, England and the like.

Over and beside all this, those churlish hot purging medicines, which were then in frequent use in Hippo­crates time, and some hundred years after, are now for the most part obsolete, and quite grown out of use, sel­dome brought in practice by Physitians in these dayes; because we have within these last six hundred years, great choice and variety of more milde, benigne, and gentle purgatives found out by the Arabian Physitians, which were altogether unknown unto the Antients, to wit, Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Galen, &c. which have little heat and acrimony, many whereof are temperate, and divers cooling, which may most safely be given ei­ther in the hottest times and seasons of the year, or in the hottest diseases. Let us adde to these the like fami­liar and gentle purging medicines more lately, yea al­most daily newly found out since the better discoveries of the East and West Indies. So that henceforth let no man fear to take either easie purgatives, or other inward Physick, in the time of Canicular or Dog-dayes.

The same Hollerius goeth on in the exposition and interpretation of the same Aphorisme, and confidently saith: Over and besides that we have benigne medicines, which we may then use, as Cassia, &c. We know and find by experience, no time here with us more whole­some and more temperate (especially when the Etesian or Easterly windes do blow) then the Canicular dayes, so that we finde by observation, that those diseases which are bred in the moneths of June and July, do end in August, and in the Canicular dayes. Wherefore if a disease happen in those dayes, we fear not to open a vein divers times, and often, as also to prescribe more strong purging medicines.

Wherefore away hence forth with the scrupulous conceit, and too nice fear of the Dog-dayes, and let their supposed danger be had no more in remembrance among us. And if any will yet remain obstinate, and still refuse to have their beams pulled out of their eyes, let them still be blinde in the midst of the clear Sun­shine, and groap on after darknesse: and let all learned Physitians rather pitty their follies, then envy their wits.

CHAP. XIII. At what time of the year, and at what houre of the day it is most fit and meet to drink this water.

TO speak in generall terms, it is a fit time to drink it, when the ayre is pure, clear, hot and dry: for then the water is more tart, and more easily digested, then at other times. On the contrary, it is best to forbear, when the ayre is cold, moist, dark, dull and misty: for then it is more feeble, and harder to be concocted.

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

Not that in the Spring time, and in Winter it is not also good, but for that the ayre being more pure in Sum­mer, the water also must needs be of greater force and power. Notwithstanding it may sometime so happen in Summer, that by reason of some extraordinary falling of rain, there may be a cessation from it a day or two. Or if it chance to have rained over night, it will then be fit and necessary to refrain from drinking of it, untill the rain be passed away again: or else (which I like better) the Fountain laded dry, and filled again, which may well be done in an houre, or two at the most.

Touching the time of the day when it is best to drink this water, questionlesse the most convenient hour will be in the morning, when the party is empty and fast­ing about seven a clock: Nature having first dischar­ged her self of daily excrements both by stoole and U­rine, and the concoctions perfected. This time is like­wise fittest for exercise, which is a great good help, and furtherance for the better distribution of the water, whereby it doth produce its effects more speedily.

CHAP. XIV. Of the manner of drinking this water, and the quantity thereof.

THose who desire the benefit of this Fountain, ought to go to it somewhat early in the morning; and, if they be able and strong of body, they may doe very well to walk to it on foot, or at least wise some part of the way. Such as have weak and feeble legs, may ride on horse-back, or be carried in the Coaches, or born in Chairs. As for those whose infirmities cause them to keep their Beds or Chambers, they may drink the wa­ter in their lodgings, it being speedily brought to them in a vessel or glasse well stopt.

It is not my meaning or purpose to describe here par­ticularly what quantity of it is fit and meet for every one to drink: for this is part of the task and office which belongeth to the Physitian, who shall be of coun­sell with the Patient in preparing and well ordering of him: who is to consider all the severall circumstan­ces, as well of the malady or disease it self, as of his ha­bit and constitution, &c. Neverthelesse I may advise, that at the first it be moderately taken, increasing the quantity, daily by degrees, untill they shall come at last to the full height of the proportion appointed, and thought to be meet and necessary. There they are then to stay, and so to continue at that quantity, so long as it shall be needfull. For example, the first morning may happily be sixteen or eighteen ounces, and so on by degrees to 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. or more, in people who are of good and strong constitutions. To­wards the ending the abatement ought likewise to be made by degrees, as the increment was formerly made by little and little.

Here by the way every one must be admonished to take notice, that it is not alwayes best to drink most, lest they chance to oppresse and overcharge nature, that [Page 28] would rather be content with lesse. It will therefore be more safe, to take it rather somewhat sparingly, though for a longer time, then liberally and for a short time. But, indeed, the truest and justest proportion of it, is ever to be made and esteemed, by the good and laudable concoction of it, and by the due and orderly voiding of it again.

It will not be here amisse to adde this one observati­on further: That it is better to drink this water once a day, then twice, and that in the mornings, after that the Sun hath dried up, and consumed the vapours re­tained through the coldnesse of the night, &c. as is for­merly declared. After drinking it, it will be needfull to abstain from meat and other drink for the space of three or four hours.

But if any one, who hath a good stomack, shall be desirous to take it twice a day; or if any shall be neces­sarily compelled so to doe for some urgent cause, by the approbation of his Physitian, let him dine somewhat sparingly, and drink it not again, untill five hours af­ter dinner be past, or not untill the concoction of meat and drink in the stomack be perfected: Observing like­wise, that he content himself in the afternoons with al­most half the quantity he useth to take in the mornings.

CHAP. XV. Of the manner of dyet to be observed by those, who shall use this water.

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

I commend hens, capons, pullets, chickens, partridge, phesants, turkies, and generally all such small birds, as live in woods, hedges, and mountains. Likewise I doe approve of veal, mutton, kid, lamb, rabbets, young hare or severits, &c. All which (for the most part) are rather to be roasted then boyled. Neverthelesse those, who are affected with any dry distemper, or those, who other­wise are so accustomed to feed, may have their meats sodden, but the plainer dressing the better.

I discommend all salt meats, beef, bacon, pork, lard, and larded meats, hare, venison, tripes, and the entrails of beasts, puddings made with blood, pig, goose, swan, teal, mallard, and such like; and in generall all wa­ter-fowle, as being of hard digestion and ill nutri­ment.

Amongst the several kinds of fishes, trouts pearches, loaches, and for most part, all scaly fish of brooks, and fresh rivers may well be permitted. Moreover smelts, soals, dabs, whitings sturbuts, gurnets, and all such o­ther, as are well known not to be ill, or unwholesome to feed on. All which may be altered with mint, hyssop, anise, &c. Also cre-fishes, crab-fish, lobsters, and the like, may be permitted.

Conger, salmon, eels, lampries, herrings, salt-ling, all salt fish, sturgion, anchovies, oysters, cockles, muscles, and the like shel-fish are to be disallowed.

White-meats, as milk, cruds, cream, old cheese, cu­stards, white-pots, pudding-pies, and other like milk-meats, (except sweet butter, and new cream cheese) are to be forbidden. Soft and reer eggs we do not pro­hibit.

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

Let their bread be made of wheat, very well wrought fermented or leavened; and let their drink be bear well boyled and brewed; and let it be stale, or old [Page 30] enough, but in no wise tart, sharp, or sower: And above all, let them forbear to mix the water of the fountain with their drink at meals; for that may cause many in­conveniences to follow and ensue.

Let me advice them to eschew Apples, Pears, Plumbs Codlings, Gooseberries, and all such like sommer fruits, either raw, in tarts, or otherwise: Also pease, and all o­ther pulse; all cold sallets, and raw hearbs; onions, leeks, chives, cabbage or coleworts, pompons, cucum­bers, and the like.

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

After dinner they ought to use no violent exercise, neither ought they to sit still, sadly, heavy and musing, nor to slumber and sseep; but rather to stir a little, and to raise up the spirits for an hour or two, by some fit recreation. After supper they may take a walk into the fields, or Castle yard.

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

ALthough those who are of good and strong consti­tutions, observing the aforenamed direction, do sel­dome [Page 31] or never receive any harm, or detriment by drin­king this water: notwithstanding it may sometime so fall forth, that some of the weaker sort may perhaps ob­serve some little, or small inconvenience thereby, as re­tention of it in the body: inflation of the belley: co­stivenesse, and the like. Wherefore to gratifie those, a word or two of every one shall suffice.

1. Then, for to cause a more ready and speedy passage of it by Urine, it will not be amisse to counsel the party after his return to his lodging, to go to his naked bed for an hour or two, that thereby warmness and natural heat may be brought into each part of the body, the passages more opened, and nature by that means made more fit and apt for the expulsion of it. During which time it will be very requisite to apply hot cloaths to the stomack: but not so as to provoke sweat. Or else, to cause it to void and evacuate either by urine, stool, or sweat, exercise will be a good help and furtherance; if the party be fit for it. But if neither of these will pre­vail, then a sharp glyster ought to be administred.

The inflation or swelling of the belly hapneth prin­cipally to those, who have seeble and weak stomacks; who may do very well to eat annise, fenel, or corriander comfits at the fountain between every draught, and to walk a little after; or else some carminative Lozenges, made with grossepowders, spices and seeds for breaking of wind: or what other thing the learned Physitian shall deem to be most fit and proper in his wisdome and judgment. But if the inflation chance to be very great, then a carminative glyster must be ordained.

Such as shall be very costive may doe well to eat moistning meats, and to use mollifying hearbs, raisons stoned, corants, damascene prunes, butter, or the yolks of eggs, and the like in their broths, or pottage. If these will not be sufficient, then let a day be spared [Page 32] from drinking the water, and let the party take some lenitive medicine, laxative corants, or some such like thing; whereof the Physitian hath ever great choice and variety, wherewith he can fit directly every one his case; to whom present recourse ever ought to be had, when any of these, or the like accidents do happen, as likewise in all other cases of waight and moment.