IT was no difficult Task to presage what en­tertainment a Matter of this Nature would meet with, among those to whom only a na­ked Advertisement concerning it should be presented; all such pretenses being through the fraudulent Practises of some Presumpti­ous and unskilful persons brought into almost an universal Odium and Suspition of Imposture. That according to the different Tempers, Complexions, Interests, and Incli­nations of People there should be produced as great a va­riety of censures is a natural consequence, and accordingly expected.

As for the Opinions of the Vulgar whose Ignorance in­spires them with the greatest presumption, I shall send them to School to learn the meaning of that familiar saying, Qui pauca novit citò pronunciat. As for those whose Ability qualifi [...]s them for competent Judges, with such this enter­prize will gain a favourable construction, except they are over-byassed by interest to a partial Verdict: Unto these [Page 4]howsoever inclined, I shall suggest that worthy sentence of the profound Naturalist, Doctor Harvey in his Exercitation of Conception, being uncertain how his Judgement in that case would be resented; Viri docti & ingeniosi de eâ cogitant, fastosi, per me, rejiciant, & petulanti qui sunt splene liberè irride­ant.

The motives whatsoever they were which induced me at first to have my Balsome publickly exposed to Sale, (though not possibly without some reflection) and now to give some satisfaction to all whose concernment it may be to make use thereof are not pertinent to my present Theame, onely I shall not omit that next to that principal end which is to bear sway in all the undertakings of a Christian, a designe of gratitude to an obliging person had the greatest pre­valency, whose Fidelity, Care, Charge and Industry in the preparation of it, will not be ever-liberally compensated by its advantage; To which might be superadded, my fre­quent Avocations from a constant and uninterupted pursuit of practise by the importunity of more urgent Affaires, make meless capable of rendring it so publickly useful as it justly deserves. Hereupon I was the more easily inclined to attempt its Publication by the Presse, that it might thereby arrive to their knowledge, to whom otherwise distance of place would have made it incommunicable and unprofitable.

If I am not mistaken, in this single composition I have at­tained the scope, which was designed, by the most deserved­ly Renowned Sennertus in his Elaborate Treatise; De con­sensu inter Chymicos & Galenicos, &c.

The Ingredients of my Balsome are vulgarly call'd, Gale­nical, (viz.) those which belong to the Vegetative Kingdom, and are the choicest of those Pectoral, Cephalical, and Car­diaque Simples which have been successively transmitted by the Arabique and Grecian Authors to posterity, in the par­ticular Enumerations of their Virtues, and in their most approved prescriptions with so liberal an encomium of their Excellency, as can scarcely admit of an hyperbole.

The processe, or modus praeparandi, is of a far later date, being wholly Spagyrical, an Art wherein the Antients were not very well Versed; neither in relation to internal uses hath a Medicine of this kinde been excogitated by any of our modern, and more sagatious Chymists, whose Dis­courses and Pharmacopaea I have perused. And if I assume to my self the sole Invention of it, I shall in no wise dimi­nish the Reputation of those whose other Essayes and Expe­riments in this Noble Mistery bring them in a full harvest of applause.

In the culling out such Simples which were appropri­ate to those Parts whose Distempers were intended to be extirpated, or alleviated by mine internal Balsome, I have purposely declined the election of any of those which are either of a Narcotique or Corrosive Quality, being well a­ware, that if their pernicious, and fatal effects should be put into the scale against their applauded, but accidental, suc­cesses which would preponderate, and made constant obser­vations, and iterated experiments, that basis on which this Medicine is founded.

If a Medicine, whose matter, and method, are so worthy commendation, may not be ushered into the World by a small Discourse to intimate its usefulnesse; to remove the prejudices to which it may be obnoxious through the igno­rance and diffidence of many, without a severe censure from the Learned, one may easily augure, how it would put a pe­riod to all industrious endeavours after the improvement of the present state of things to an higher degree of perfecti­on, and introduce a Supine, and sloathful disposition into many Active and Publick Spirits, did they not slight their Entertainment in the World, and aquiesce in their being conscious to themselves that their attempts are laudable; If I am charged as a Criminal, our Patriark Galen shall be my Compurgatour: whose words in his Tract, De usu Re­spirationis, are these, [...]: [Page 6]But I have expectation of other Treatment from those who are judicious in this present case, to whose Reason and Learning upon an impartial surveigh of the ensuing Dis­course it will approve it self, especially considering it is not destitute of the universal suffrage, and concurrent testimony of the most Credible Writers, both of the past and present age, whose Ability in Physick hath been indisputable, and hath in effect their tacit consent, and commendamus, which few or none of those who are friends to the Art of Physick, and instructed in its principles will disallow.

As for those, who are through want of Learning unable to judge of this Medicine, by those Rules which are proper to Scholers, they may soon satisfie themselves, not onely by a cheap, but advantagious experience of its Worth.

That Books have been written, not only concerning the Virtues of Compositions, but also that single Simples have been celebrated by select Discourses, is not strange to them that are but slenderly acquainted with Physical Authours, whose Examples I have in this present Treatise, I hope in­offensively imitated. And although by a copious induction of instances I might give to many abundant satisfaction of its efficacy, in the accomplishing all those ends for which it propounded to be administred; yet I shal for the present de­cline that way, not because of its savouring of Empericisme, and being unsutable to this occasion of my writing, but be­cause another opportunity may shortly offer it self, when a­mong other Experiments they shall be mentioned, and in this paper make use of that way of arguing which is dependant upon the testimony of Authours which I prefer to the atte­station of any single and private persons, it being no wayes probable that those which have by the experience of m [...]ny years practise throughly acquainted themselves with the na­ture of these Simples, should attribute to them such a degree of efficacy wherewith they are not endowed. I readily be­lieve that none which have the first fruits of Reason, but will rather be satisfied with this way of evidence, then the other [Page 7]which I have omitted to insist on, as being more obnoxious [...]o mistakes and fallacies; I am not at all doubtful, but if Reader it should be your lot to be afflicted with any of those Distempers, at which this Balsome is level'd, that upon the [...]aking of it according to the directions, you will subscribe [...]our probatum est; provided you take it for such a consider­ [...]ble time, and with such circumstances, as the nature of [...]our melady doth require; for none can reasonably expect [...]hat their bodies which have been some years decaying, [...]hould be immediately repaired, or those vicious habits of [...]ny of the viscera which plead a kind of prescription should [...]e as suddainly exterminated, as encountred; or that the [...]nnate heat, when almost suffocated and extinguisht, should [...]pon the first approach of assistance recover its former acti­ [...]ity; If any intend to use my Balsome with such expecta­ [...]ions, let them first prepare themselves by a Dose or two of [...]ellebore, and then proceed.

As Nature doth not act per saltum, but is gradual in all [...]er operations, so this Balsome intended for her assistance [...]n the bodies of Men, is prepared to such a degree of work­ [...]ng, as is agreeable thereto, and may move with it, there [...]ing not one Ingredient in the Composition any wayes vi­ [...]lent or molestful, but all have such an amicable corres­ [...]ondence with it, and easie insinuations to fortifie her against [...]he secret invasions of Life, which lodge in the supplies of [...]he radical moisture, that I know no Medicine more justly [...]erits the Title of Universal then this: For though [...]ong and violent Catharticks in many cases prudently ad­ [...]inistred, have been seconded with a good Effect; yet I [...]ppose that in most Diseases tis greater security to attempt [...]e Restauration by Cordial, Pectoral, and Alexipharmacal [...]eans, which will gently blow up the sparks of Life, which [...]re left into a [...], then adventure their dissipation or ex­ [...]ction by too strong a blast▪ That Roman is not to be for­ [...]otten, but imitated, Qui cun [...]tando r [...]stituit rem.

I do not pretend to any Catholick Medicine, which upon [Page 8]its first entrance into the body will compose and silence all the Tumultuous and Impetuous Efferations of the Humours (if with their leave who boast themselves the Masters of it, I may so call them) and reduce every extravagant, and dis­orderly particle to its proper place. Was I to dispute, not for victory, but the truth upon that question, an detur panacea vera, I should chuse the negative, having as little credit for him that affirms all Diseases to be cured by the same Medi­cine, as for him that should say the same shooe will fit every mans foot; but he that would loose his labour in the fur­ther pursuit of this subject, may repaire to the Rhodomon­tados of some arrogant Chymiasters, or to the Fanatique Chymaeras of the Brethren of the Rosie Crosse, Dic quibus in­terris & eris mihi magnus Apollo.

That a Polychreston may be prepared, whose virtues may extend to at least those Diseases which have affinity with one another, hath been in all Ages uncontroverted. The di­verse operations of some Simples so vulgarly known, must needs inform us how powerful and comprehensive their efficacy may be, when Artificially knit together.

I have been very cautious in the Enumeration of the Dis­eases which are Curable by my Balsom, that I may not wrong my self in the abusing of others, to a belief of receiving benefit only by this (when there may be an urgent necessity of ad­dressing themselves to the use of other Medicines for the promotion of their health,) and so trappan them with flat­tering hopes into their winding-sheets, by the promise of relief in such maladies, to whose extirpation it is not ac­commodated.

Most of those Distempers for which this Medicament can be bonâ fide commended, are not of a very different nature, but originally the same, though under various Appellati­ons, and have not that Heterogeneity, which at first view seems to appertain unto them, there being little, but another name or symptom on which to ground a distinction, for the Remedy of which, no essential alteration hath been yet [Page 9]made in medicinal prescriptions, which if it had not been reserved for another Generation, or not at all to be accom­plished, would have hardly escaped the Essayes of some late Ingenious and Industrious Artists, whose Anatomical In­ventions and Mechanical Hypotheses have given just occasi­on to put a difference between that Sect of Physitians which have hither to been known by the Title of Dogmatical and Rational, in distinction from those other two of Empirical and Methodical, and make a fourth entirely Rational, not at all depending upon those futil and insipid suppositions which hitherto have so much obtained in Physick through their oscitancy, who had a greater share in the [...] then [...]. If their be any Maladies which have not the same source, which yet are mentioned, as under the influence of my Balsom, they are subject to the same method of Cure, so far at least as I have promised help thereby.

The parts unto which my Balsom is Appropriate, and those Distempers, against which it is Effectual; I shall reduce to six heads, and accordingly give you an account with as much brevity, and perspicuity, as the nature of the subject requires.

First I assert it is a Sovereign Medicine for all Distem­pers incident to the Lungs, as difficulty of Breathing, Spit­ting of Blood, Astma's, Ʋlcerations, Coughs, Consumptions, Phti­sique, Hoarsnesse, Defluxions of Rhumes, and Obstructions of the Chest. In this part of its virtue which respects all pectoral Diseases I cannot be too Confident, nor fear the being over­lavish in its Commendation, partly because in the nature of the Ingredients there is a peculiar tendency to aichieve the fore­mentioned ends, they being such which open Obstructions, Attenu ate Viscons, and Clammy Phlegme, purifie the Lungs, Heal all inward Excoriations, incrassate thin and acrid Humours, abate the violence of the Cough, and further expectoration, there being nothing which is necessary to Compleat a pectoral Medicine deficient; but principally, because of the [...] that singular advantage it hath in the present case (be­ing [Page 10]a pure and sincere Elixir, or Balsom) above all those common Remedies which almost every Apothecaries File is full of, I mean Lohochs, Electuaries, Pills and Lozanges, all which are generally so charged with pouders, as render them altogether inept to be conveighed to the Lungs, the nearest way thither, and if the Virtue of them do ever Arrive there, it must be, Viribus multùm castratis, Exceedingly Debilitate, it being impossible for these kind of Medicaments to come to their journies end, without several Concoctions, there being no way for the immediate passage of any thing to the Lungs except Air, and those subtile Effluviums of bodies, which are of almost as tenuious and rare a nature; hence it is, that a grosse and foggy Air excites the Lungs to that violent mo­tion, produceth a Cough, because of its unsuitableness to their nature.

And after the Cure of Consumptive Persons hath been attempted, by a tedious and successeless method of Physick, the Asylum, to which at last they are counselled, to betake them­selves, is a clear and sweet Air. In order to the Cure of Consumptions, and all Pulmoniaque Distempers, my Balsome being frequently contained in the mouth, Impregnates the Air which is continually drawn into the cavity of the Chest, with healing and bals [...]mique Atoms, which correct those sharp and saline particles, (wherewith the Air about Great Cities especially is so replete,) that are so fatal and pernicious to humane nature; and in this particular, it justly challengeth the precedency of those Vulgar Medicines, whose speedy Deglutition makes them unfit for the obtaining this present end, (viz) the Melioration of the Air. To this I shall add, that next to the direct and speedy conveiance of its Virtue to the Lungs in a vehicle of Air, of whose conve­niency for that purpose I have already given an intimati­on, there is another way, (if I may interpose to give in my Judgement among the Learned) which I cannot baptize with a fitter Name, then Filtration, which naturally suc­ceeds the gentle and gradual dissolution of this Balsome in [Page 11]those parts which are adjacent to the Orifice by which the Aire passeth to the Lungs, that this may be effectually per­formed by a Balsome or Essence, not clogged with Pulps and Pcuders is obvious to a weak apprehension, but how possible to be effected by Lozanges, Lohochs, &c. whose total Virtue con­sists in Pouders, is difficult to imagine, except it be urged, that by commixtion, the pouders communicate some part of their Virtue to the more liquid matter; but how small a portion it partakes of, is known by so frequent experience, that to offer any Arguments for its proof, would be as needless as easie.

In any Ʋlcerations of the Lungs, and extream weaknesse and emaciation of Body, take it dissolved in any convenient Liquours, the quantity let it be about an ordinary Nutmeg; thus taken Morning and Night, it doth by degrees ren­der the blood more Balsamique, yea in time, a consolida to it self. In the other Distempers of the Lungs, let the quan­tity of a large Pea be once every hour or two dissolved by degrees in the mouth.

Secondly, 'Tis an effectual Antidote against the Plague, Small Pox, Measels, Pestilential Feavers, or any other Infectious Disease, or Ʋnwholesome Airs. Would I expatiate upon each of those classes of Maladies, to which it is necessary that a little be spoken, I should exceed the limits by which this Discourse is to be bounded; therefore I shall but briefly touch them, and passe them over. No Treacle or Methri­date is a greater preservativite then this, especially if taken in a glasse of Sack, it taking as it were, first possession of the Heart, fortifies it powerfully against the virulency of all manner of contagion; for such purposes take it onely in a Morning, or at such times as any danger approaches, and be secure.

Thirdly, It quickens the Annimal Spirits, Easeth pains of the Head, strengthens the Memory, helps the Megrim, and all Dizziness and Giddiness, and doth equally extend it self to all Distempers of the Brain, whose Original is to be assigned to Coldness, Moisture, or Obstruction, it being of a subtil and pe­netrating [Page 12]Nature easily pervades the genus nervosum, and accordingly communicates its Virtues thereunto. Let it be taken every morning in the quantity of a large Hasel nut, and if you fast after it till Noon, it will supply the want of a Breakfast, or Mornings draught.

Fourthly, It promotes Digestion, helps disposition to Vomit, expels wind, takes away fainting fits, corrects the Crudities of the Stomack, and is beneficial in all its Infirmities; there is nothing in it which exceeds that degree of warmth, which is necessary to the Stomachical concoction, which moderate quality of it gives just ground to commend the use of it to all sorts of Persons without exception of any Age or Sex, or Constitution whatsoever. For these purposes take the quantity of a small Nut, or more, Morning and Evening, and before and after each Meal.

Fifthly, 'Tis of Excellent use in all Surfets, any kind of Feaver, or Ague, Cramps, Aches, Colds, being dissolved in Posset-Ale, to the quantity of a large Nutmeg, and the party taking it, put into a breathing sweat for three or four hours: It's usefulness in these maladies depends upon those Bezoartique and Alexipharmacal Ingredients, which do power­fully assist Nature to subdue all that malignity, which hath seized upon either blood or spirits, and force it out by Transpiration; it may be dayly repeated where there is oc­casion, without fear of any impairings of strength by it.

Sixthly, It tends much to the easing pains of the Stone, difficulty and sharpness of Ʋrine, the Cholick, and all gripings of the Bowells, and any windy and flatulent Distemper, it cor­rects the windiness and rawness of milk in them which give suck, tis a great restorative of decayed strength, good to prevent Abortion, to give Children for the Winde and Convulsions; in all these Diseases let it be used according as necessity re­quires, and as your own discretion shall direct you; after this large enumeration of Infirmities and Sicknesses to be re­medied by my Balsome, in lieu of being too extensive, I must end with a nonnulla desunt.

That all which hath hitherto been spoken, may appear not to be gratis dictum; I shall give a Description of the Thing it self, in a manner not so abstruse, but those which have Ability, Opportunity, and Curiosity, may by an In­dustrious Inquisition into the Authours here after mentioned, which give in their Suffrage to the Virtues attributed to my Balsom, give a very fair conjecture at least, at the ingre­dients of it, or be satisfied with its Usefulness.

Yet I do not value it at so cheap a rate, as to prostitute it to the view of every careless Reader, [...]: must be understood before this can be guessed at. To avoid the frequent mention of the same Authours, and the repetition of the Virtues attributed to each Ingredient of my Balsom; I shall summe up the Contents of what they have at large in­sisted on, in reference to one Simple under one Head, and at last once for all, give in a Catalogue of some of their Names.

The I. and II. Which are Branches of the same Root, receive this Commendation: They are Enemies to Poyson, to the Plague, to all Infectious Airs, and Malignant Diseases; most noble Bezoartiques, and Vulneraries, attenuate clammy and tough Phlegme, help the Asthma, ease Coughing, Cure Surfets, and loathing of Food, strengthen Concoction, dissolve concrete blood, heal internal Ʋlcers, and refresh the heart and spirits: The name may be spelt out by this Periphrasis, [...].

The III, and IV. Because of their Affinity, shall be match'd together, and passed by with this Testimony: They are Alexipharmacal, resist all Malignity, comfort cold Stomacks, oppose Melancholy, exhilarate the mind, and are profitable in gripings of the bowells, difficulty of Ʋrine, and the Cholick.

The V, and VI. (being if I may say it without a Sole­cisme are Synonima in Virtue) have this Character: They abate Hoarsness and Coughs, are profitable in inflamations of the Throat, abate the Acrimony of the Humours, help short­ness of Breath, and other Infirmities of the Lungs, and asper [Page 14]arteria, are gratefull both to the Stomach and Liver, and are Principal Ingredients in the most approved Pectoral Composi­tions.

The VII. hath these Attributions: It consumes Windi­ness, allays gripings of the belly, cleanseth the breast of phlegm, corrects the coldness of the Stomach, provokes Ʋrine, is profitable in the Dropsie and Stone, easeth pains, and ingenders milk.

The VIII. Is of an anodine and healing nature, mitigates the sharpness and heat of the Ʋrine, is effectual against all Pectoral Diseases, cures all inward Excoriations, is profitably used in the Cramp, Sciatica, Ruptures, Bruises, and the bloody Flux, and gravel of the kidnies.

The IX. Hath ascribed to it these Virtues: It corrobo­rates all the bowells, principally the Head, dispels flatulency, cleanseth the breast of tough Humours, frees the Liver from Obstruction, helps the Spleen, and cold and moist Distempers of the Wombe, and ♀^is sopitam vim excitat.

The X. Hath this Character: It is of principal use in the composition of Antidotes, consumes Wind, provokes Ʋrine, strengthens Digestion, easeth the pains of the Cholick, and the Headach.

The XI. Hath this Commendation: It attenuates and evacuates the tartar of the Lungs, and Reins, hence tis effectual in the Astma and Consumptions, and in opening the Ʋrinary pas­sages, tis profitable against Pestilential Diseases, and putrifaction of the Humours, Cramps, and Convulsions, and refresheth the heart.

The XII. Is Celebrated for easing pains of the Head and Stomach, for clearing the sight, for curing dispositions to vomit, for ingendring, and correcting, milk in Women, for any Obstru­ctions of the Liver, Lungs, and Spleen.

The XIII. Is Transmitted by Authours to us with this encomium; It attenuateth thick Humours, heals Ʋlcers of the Lungs, and old Coughs, with all Diseases of the Chest, opens the stoppages of the lower belly, and takes away the frets and gripings in Children.

The XIV. Hath a general Applause for an Alexipharmacon, and for its usefulness in all Diseases of the Head, the Nerves and the Breast, for all Diseases proceeding from Winde, as the Cholick: from Obstruction, as Hypocon [...]riaque Melancholy, difficulty of Ʋrine: and for the Chin-Cough in Children.

The XV. Is an Experienced Remedy in abating the sharpness of Humours, in stopping the violence of Coughs, in opening all pectoral Obstructions, in spitting of blood, in the Pleurisie, and hoarsness of the throat, and is of frequent and vulgar use.

The XVI. Carries a Testimony of its Virtue in the very name, & having acquainted you with its Usefulness in Coughs, in short­ness of breath, and in Ʋlceration of the Lungs, I take my leave of it.

The XVII. Hath a great Estimation, in the curing of Catarrs, and the Dropsie, in the comforting of the Liver, strengthening a feeble Stomach, in opening Obstructions, and drying up superfluous moisture in any part of the Body.

The XVIII. Hath been Eminently used, in all Distempers of the Head and Nerves; as the Falling-sickness, the Palsie, the Vertigo, the Megrim, as also to quicken and strengthen the sight, and to open Obstructions of the Liver, and Spleen; to cleanse the blood, oppose Ma­lancholy, and corroborate the Memory, and comfort the heart, and pre­vent faintings.

The XIX. Is commended for an Excellent Stomachical, and Cephalical Simple; for the dispersion of wind, promoting of digestion, refreshing the Faetus, removing the Palpitation of the heart, the stopping of all manner of Fluxes, and for the restoration of strength after sickness.

The XX. Which is added to render it Grateful, and give it a Consistence, and as it were to Dilute it, is so well known, I shall wholly omit to speak of it.

The Last and Principal, I shall reserve even from conjecture, except you can tell what it is, by being informed that in Chy­mistry, nothing is Esteemed More Sacred.

Although I might bring in a Regiment of Worthy and Learn­ed Authours, which give in their Vote to what h [...]th been now propounded; yet I shall content my self in the Impannelling a Jury of them, and trouble you with no more, their Testimony being instar omnium, valid to all intents and purposes; Andernacus, Dioscorides, Fuchsius, Dodonaeus, Matthiolus, Lobelius, Renodaeus, Ge­rardus, [Page 16]Schroderus, Weckerus, Clusius and Camerarius: I have pro­ceeded thus far to give an account concerning my Balsom, to satisfie the reason of some, but not to gratifie the curiosity of any; and now I can appeal to the severest Censurers, whether any thing can be made more Effectual to all the Purposes which were before mentioned; And did I not believe there was no scruple left in my Readers minde, I could with great facility show its Accom­modation to its particular ends by the Exact proportioning of those things which are its Fundamentals, to those which are but vehicles, and how thereby the Virtue of the Whole is Communicated to the several parts; but this would be oleum & operam perdere, for those which are not by what hath been already offered sufficiently sa­tisfied shall have my leave to abound in their own sense.

The Balsome is put up into Lattin Boxes, containing between the weight of four or five Ounces, and sold for Five Shillings; which quantity in many Distempers, may be taken before any sensible benefit accrue, or at least, the Cure be compleat; and where the Disease is radicated, more may be necessary: But be­cause Children may not need so great a quantity, and some have desired a little for tryal; I was induced to have some of it put into Boxes holding about half so much, at half a Crown the Box; It will retain its Virtue for many years.

The Boxes are Sealed with this Coat of Armes.

They are to be sold in London, by Mr. Tho. Fydge Apothecary, at the sign of the Fox in Bishopsgate street, neer to the Spittle. Mr. Henry Eversden, at the Gray Hound in St. Pauls Church Yard. Mr. Tho. Clark at the South entrance into the Royal Exchange. By Mr. William Flindel at the White Hart in West-minster-Hall. Mr. William Fyge at the Hat and Feather in the Strand, neer the Savoy.