THE APOLOGIE, OR DEFENCE OF A VERITY HERETOFORE PVBLISHED CONCERNING A MEDICINE CALLED AVRVM POTABILE, that is, the pure substance of Gold, prepared, and made Potable and Medicinable without corrosiues, helpefully giuen for the health of Man in most Diseases, but especially auaileable for the strenghning and comforting of the Heart and vitall Spirits the performers of health: AS AN VNIVERSALL MEDICINE. Together with the plaine, and true Reasons, manifold and irrefragable Testimonies of fact, confirming the Vniuersalitie thereof. And lastly, the manner and order of administration or vse of this Medicine in sundrie Infirmities. BY FRANCIS ANTHONIE of London, Doctor in Physicke.
LONDON Printed by Iohn Legatt, 1616.
THE PREFACE TO THE INDIFFERENT and Iudicious Reader.
ALexander the Great, King of Macedon, amongst all other blazons of his honour, hath this not the least: That in hearing of causes, both his eares were open to both parties, Plaintiffe, and Defendant: That being rightly informed, his decision of the controuersie might be vpright, not partiall. As this is the duty of euery learned and iudiciall Reader: so in this question of mine, I cannot entertaine other thought, then expectance of all integrity: Not onely to haue eares, and all other senses auersed from the tongues and quills of idly-learned slanderers, but also reserued vnto a generous equanimitie towards the necessarie and equable reply of the Defendant. Not doubting therefore (gentle Reader) of this your disposition, I haue written, and dedicated to your hands and hearts, to take, reade, digest and cherish this Apologie of my Preparation, and administration of my Essence and Liquor of Gold, commonly called Aurum Potabile or Potable Golde: with assurance of censure on my side, though distasting the [Page] A-B-C-darie and Comicall Rayler. If therefore my malicioners haue heretofore seduced you into sinister constructions of this cause, it was not your fault, but their posting malice, anticipating and forestalling that better and true Information, which this Apologie freely now offereth, and earnestly intreateth to be so accepted. Many good men haue iustly complained against the Pasquelling libertie of traducing slanderers. If a sufficient conclusion should rest therein, yea, or a moouing Inducement: then you with me must needs confesse, that no vertue shall haue his due regard, no man of whatsoeuer desert, shall be secure of his good name. My contentment and satisfaction preseruatiue: my shield and defence against the tainted darts of such aduersaries, shall bee securitie against foule challenge, Impossibilitie of attaint, the warrant of truth: which in her naked simplicitie shall maintaine me, in the vprightnesse of a good conscience against all their attempts, and by Gods grace, powerfully deliuer me. Vnto you therefore (indifferent and sincere Readers) I consecrate the protection both of this Treatise, and of the Medicine it selfe therein handled. Because, as no man is created solely for his owne particular, but for the profit and good of others; (for nature hath made, and charitie commanded a vicinitie and neighbourhood betwixt all men) so this being materially a kinde of vniuersall Medicine: it ought not to be restrained from the publike tēder of profit to all men. Socrates being demanded what Countriman he was, answered, not only an Athenian but a Cosmopolitane, a Cittizen of that great Commonwealth, the whole world. So ought euery good Physition in the publike profession of his facultie, not to burie his talent in the soyle of one Countrey, but to remember, that the very Character of his calling doth challenge the fruits of his function for all the world, so far as possible capacitie extendeth; specially of this neerest communitie in Christendome. [Page] Let it not therefore seeme strange vnto you, (worthy Readers) that without exception of Countrey or nation, I doe indefinitely appeale vnto all, and in such generality consigne these fruitions, which long study, labor & chargeable experience haue confirmed vnto me, in my profession and Practise of Physicke. Arist. saith morally (but the sentēce is diuine) Bonū quo cōmunius, eò melius. The more cōmō a good thing is, the better it is. Of which followeth one reason of this my present act: Omne Donū quo melius, eò comunicabilius. The better any gift is, the more cōmunicable also ought it to be. And as it is so in nature it self, so ought it to be in the dispē sation of the possessour. I do not herein so propose, and magnifie mine own endeuours, & the perfection of this Medicine by my selfe made, with a solitarie conceit, and ambitious preiudice, as though no person else where were seized of the like (and peraduenture in a higher degree of exaltation) but acknowledging Gods blessings and gifts, to my selfe amongst many others, I may not hide my talent in the earth: But beside the present vses hereof in most vrgent causes of health, do also wish the prouoking, and virtuous emulation in others, to incite their industries in the search and labour of excellent necessity for a common good. Also that so generall a Medicine may as generally be knowne to be had, to the intent to be vsed in all places. The opinion of euery excellent, both ancient, and moderne Physitions, concerning the virtue, power, efficacie and vse of Potable gold, is conuested in their owne writings: who do hold firme, that no Physition can well saue the performing honour of his profession, without Potable gold, howsoeuer otherwise he be furnished with herball Medicines. In which kind also, God hath stored so many particular adiuments, for the reliefe of mans miserable maladies, that none ought to neglect the indagation of their virtues, the preparation of their parts, and administration of their Remedies. Which as
I gladly and happily vse in fit time and place, so I also commend the like vse to others, euen with this Potable Gold, as is commonly vsed in sundry other Polychresticke, or Panchresticke Medicines: according to euery present requisition of occasions and circumstances, by the aduice of any rationall and experienced Physition. With which profession I offer and submit the respect and acceptance of my Inuentions, desiring you all, with like regard and fauour, to receiue and embrace this my will and desire of doing good, and to be profitable to many.
THE DIVISION OF THIS TREATISE.
ABout fiue yeares past I published a short discourse for the Assertion of Chymicall Physick, and of true Potable gold, containing these heades or Chapters. 1. Whether gold may be so dissolued, that it become truly potable. 2. That the highest and most powerfull excellencie of Medicines is in Mettals. 3. That amongst all Mettals gold hath the prerogatiue, concerning the Physicall vse of Medicine. 4. Of what manner is the Art, and mystery to dissolue gold, and distill it vp: which commonly is called, Drawing ouer the helme. 5. That it were requisite by publike question to examine and try this truth of this Magisterie, that so the mouth of all gainsayers might be stopped. 6. That Potable gold deserueth the name of a Generall or vniuersall Medicine: and of the manifold vse, and efficacie of mine owne Potable gold.
This Treatise of mine, containing a simple, naked and plaine deliuerie of a simple and naked truth, and [Page 2] therefore as simply and plainly in words and style set forth, though it really satisfied both here and in forraine parts many learned men, Iudiciall louers of truth, yet it wanted not the common lot of all vertues, to finde maleuolent eyes and detracting encomberers: such as may seeme either with blinde zeale, or ignorant opinion of omniscience, rather to repine at a fee lost, then desire the true knowledge of that, which they neuer intending to labour for, yet ambitiously desire an imputation of criticall knowledge therein. The sand of this descent was chiefely, if not only in London. The Issue, none haue greater cause to mourne for, then the Printers for want of vtterance, or rather they which bare the charge of printing: for vnto Iudiciall Readers, those labours of theirs, though they were tedious and nauseous, yet some recreation followed in laughing at so much obstetrication of such mountaines in the parturition of such ridiculous mice. I hope none will expect a cryquit answer of me to their most powerfull arguments, being, in the most modest terme, a shamble of impotent and effrenat scolding: but rather truth and matter against falshood & words, leauing their tongs and goose-quils, to the iudgement and censure of their owne reformed and better aduised hearts: of which my charitie perswades me not wholly to despaire: knowing some learned gentlemen of the same company, not the same minde, ready to blush at such a publication, which all the learned men of Christendom do laugh: And who can fancy such barking Rhetoricke, wherein not only good words, are made the measures of madnes, but precious houres are consumed in frothy rablings? If they be still of the same spirits, I wish them thereof full contentment therein: [Page 3] And that therefore they would in some hollow craggy place stretch out their own straines, that 1000. exchange of interest might bountifully returne them their delightfull termes and Syllogismes in this their new Barbara. But this my Apologie shall with much tranquillity, I hope, answer them, defend mine owne reputation and integritie, vindicate this verity questioned; giue estimation to potable gold, and make the vse thereof more common. According to which intentions I haue diuided this Treatise in three parts. In the first shall be proued and maintained that which in my first printed booke was deliuered concerning gold, that it may be made potable and medicinable, and be esteemed for a kinde of generall Medicine, or neere thereto. In the second I will satisfie and sufficiently prooue by irrefragable testimonies, and examples, that this my Medicine so much canuased, both is made and doth consist of gold, and also performeth the true effects, mentioned to be incident vnto potable gold. In the third part I will shew and teach the way how to vse this Medicine in euery particular disease. That all pacified and indifferent persons, fauorers of truth, and embracers of Gods blessings, may enioy the fruition thereof. Some circumstances also I haue hereunto annexed, such as are pertinent to this our intent.
It is a controuersed question: Whether there bee or may bee made a generall or vniuersall Medicine, good for all Diseases. Many hold the negatiue. If they speake precisely of all Diseases without distinction, I say as they doe, and consent. For there be many fatall, mortall and Incurable Diseases, against which all consultation and counsell of Physicke is bootlesse. Therefore that my assertion of a generall [Page 4] Medicine be rightly vnderstood, I desire my meaning to bee truly and distinctly taken. For I know that some diseases be natiue and hereditarie: some caused by some outward and superuenient chance or accident: some proceeding of simple distemper: some of humors ioyned therewith. Those which are natiue and hereditarie, are generally thought, and for the most part be all incurable, though they may in some kinde receiue alleuiation and ease: And some of them also in the title of those which happen by superuenient accident: As luxations, lamenesse, Impotencies, want or superfluitie of some ioynt, blindnesse, deafenesse, Ambiguitie of sexe, &c. And these so farre as they be restaurable and capable of Cure, are chiefely vnder that part of this facultie which is called Surgerie, and requireth the hand, though not alwaies and in all cases. But those Infirmities and Diseases of the other kinde, proceeding of inward causes within the body, such as, for the most part, be all Maladies whereupon all Rationall Physitions are exercised, if by administration of one Medicine they all (I meane, so long as they are accounted curable by Rationall Physitions) may be eased, mitigated and perhaps perfectly cured, surely such Medicine, ought and may be accounted respectiuely a generall Medicine. For as that Physition is to be accounted perfect, and a generall Master of his Art which knoweth according to his title, facultie and profession, how to cure all diseases, though he leaue and giue ouer some as incurable; not for wnat of fit meanes and skill in all cases of possibilitie, but through ineptitude and indisposition of the subiect being vncapable of redintegration: So also that shall be accounted a Medicine vniuersall, which cureth most and the greatest diseases, though [Page 5] not all: not through defect of efficacie in the Medicine it selfe, but respectiuely for the inhabilitie of the subiect.
This also may be proued by reason deriued from 1 The first reason. those Medicines of Rationall Physitians, which for the multiplicitie of their operatiue extent to many intentions, and curing of many diseases, are called Polychresta, that is, of many vses. For if there be among them such as be helpful not to one only singular affection, but to many different diseases, why is it not likewise consequent and reasonable that by help of Art, a Medicine may be made much more comprehensiue of efficacie vpon diseases? And as it may bee made to exceede in one degree, so in 2. 3. 4. 100. and from Polychreston, of many vses, be Catholicon, vniuersall, of all vses. The reason is all one to reasonable men.
If obiection be made, that such Polychrest is artificially made by composition of many things, wherin are diuersitie of natures. And this vniuersall of one onely, which implieth an impossibilitie of different and contrary operatiue faculties: to this I answere, that Polychrests are made out of Simples without commixtion: As from Rheubarbe, Vineger, Lead, Niter, Vitriall, Opium, Camphire, and many other, wherof some doe both loose and knit, some do heate and coole, some haue other contrary effects, which appeare in their operations, and are testified by Writers. These things being thus in impure mixtures and vnperfect bodies, what doubt can there be made of the high prerogatiue and supreme excellencie of Gold, which all the learned and experienced antiquity, and the continued deriuation from thence vnto this day haue acknowledged and magnified for [Page 6] the chiefe, if not only Treasurie, and rich Cabinet of vniuersalitie and Panchresticke Medicine: In which all the dowers of all other Medicines, whatsoeuer are written and experimentally found, be vnited and naturally inclosed.
Secondly, whereas the originall of most diseases 2 The second reason. springeth from that, which the Physitions call Intemperies, that is, a distemperature, being especially in the first qualities, hot, cold, moist or drie; there is no reason to the contrary, but that one Medicine, being without excesse or defect, in equall harmonie of all qualities most temperate, and also powerfull in operation, may bee sufficient for the collection, qualifying, and rectifying of all and euery such distemper. Such a like body is gold: which notwithstanding it be compounded of the foure Elements, yet is this in prerogatiue aboue all other naturall bodies, endowed with an exact temperament and equalitie of the compounding Elements, and Elementall qualities. Euery one to the other three, and all foure to and among themselues by exact naturall equalitie and perfect mixture, are so compounded to the perfection of this body, that it constantly persisteth in the fire without diminution. From this proportionall mixture of Elements resulteth a temperament of supreme mediocritie: whereupon that our learned and famous countryman Roger Bacon, calleth Gold the meane betweene the foure first qualities. Seeing therefore by Gods gift in the creation it consisteth of so true an adequation and subtile temperament, this must needs appeare and shew it selfe operatiuely in consequent effects vpon those first qualities, and be powerfull against all distemperatures, whether hot or cold, moyst or dry, or any their combinations: First allaying and bridling [Page 7] any excesse therein, and so by degrees and succession ouercomming the whole discord, and restoring mediocritie of temperament betweene all. So that the generall Axiome or Rule of great Hippocrates is here magnified: That Diseases are cured by Medicines contrarie to themselues. For the meane betwixt two extremes is no lesse contrarie to both and either of them, then one extreme to an other: and more powerfull in reduction, by how much it is more habituall and fixed in the vnspotted mediocritie and equalitie. Let this be vnderstood of gold dissolued and made potable, otherwise it is not operatiue vpon those distempered qualities in one kinde or other
The third Reason concerneth the temper of the bodie to bee cured. Death (saith Galen) doth alwaies 3 The third reason. follow the vnmeasurable or excessiue distemperatures of the Heart. So likewise doe Diseases. For all parts of the bodie languish with the Heart. Let vs therefore consider a little the Emperie of the Heart in mans bodie, how by his owne heate and vitall spirit, it raigneth ouer, and in all parts of the bodie. Let vs also take into consideration the distemperature of other parts making impression vpon the Heart, and so are causes of languishment and death. VVhich beeing on either side certaine, then it must also bee true, that if golde administred doe restore integritie of temperament to the Heart, the other parts and members of the bodie shall also receiue comfort, strength, restauration, and finally life to the whole bodie. VVherefore the first office of euerie good Physition is, to haue speciall regarde, to maintaine [Page 8] and vphold the spirituall functions of his diseased patient, which all haue their originall from the heart. For if he suffer them to quaile, and ouer much to bee deiected, all Cordialls will then come vnseasonably. That admonition is iust and necessarie First strengthen and comfort the Heart, then apply for the Disease, if neede be: for oft times, the Heart being well corroborated, the Disease imminent vanisheth. But some will aske, how gold, so hard, solide and compact, and therefore indigestable by any strength of mans stomacke, can passe from thence to the heart, and strengthen, comfort, rectifie and restore it; conconsidering that these and such like faculties come to it by the plentie of pure, cleere, and subtill spirits of the blood, which cannot be made of any thing not digested both in the Stomack and Lyuer, and therefore not of gold. In answer whereof I say, that long and daily obseruation hath confirmed, that many things naturally are effected by the hidden and specificall properties of some things, whereof no vnderstanding of man can giue a certaine and vndisputable manifest cause or reason. We see the affinitie of natures betweene Iron and the Lode-stone, and the pointing of this to the North Pole. Of which kinde there be infinite exemplarie instances. Neither doe the most learned Physitions and best Philosophers so well agree vpon the reasons of those Purging Medicines which they call Electiue, as appropriate specially to one humour: and diuers others to some speciall part of the bodie, yea and to some speciall diseases: but that a great part of them doe flie to these hidden and specificall properties, some in the same, some in other termes. In which ranke if wee marshall gold, what Lieuetenant will chide? He certainly must be [Page 9] some ouerweening man, that will question these noble vertues of gold, that hath read so many notable and famous Authors for that affirmatiue assertion, part whereof I haue cited in my other booke, being but one Rank of a whole Armie. Here I will only trouble the Reader with a few lines out of that famous Physition and excellent Philosopher Arnald. Gold altereth the euill condition of mans body, clenseth and reneweth it. The vertue of many things may come neere the particulars of the operation hereof, but no one performe it all. But potable gold alone is it which worketh these miraculous effects: this is not subiect to corruption, but is agreeable to the Complexion and temperament of man. It doth neither heate, nor coole, nor moysten, nor dry: but is temperate in all temperature, and exceedeth all things in durabilitie: It helpeth a cold stomacke, and giueth courage to Cowards and fearefull hearts: It helpeth the passions of the Heart: It is good against Melancholy: It comforteth naturall heate and tempereth the same, neither may any thing be compared to it or supply the stead thereof. The vertue thereof is manifest in the substance of it. It clenseth and clarifieth by reason of the naturall heate it hath. It giueth high and supreame temperament aboue all other things, by reason of the great temperament of it selfe: and beeing it selfe most durable, it causeth continuance and durabilitie, according to naturall possibility in other things, and preserueth mans body. And because it is like to the Complexion of mens bodie, therefore if it be prepared as it ought, it will ioyne and incorporate thereunto. But all the secret is in the preparation of it, which the wise Philosophers haue concealed. It confirmeth and keepeth sound the substance of the Heart, and preserueth it, and clarifieth the substance of the spirits, and sendeth good blood to the skin, and with a light and easie abstersion preserueth beauty as in youth. Thus he writeth, as also in other places of this [Page 10] Author you may reade many admirable effects and vertues of gold both solide and potable. How gold is so powerfull a Cordiall and so generall a Medicine, is held a very difficult question to finde the cause and reason thereof. Let euery mans opinion bee free to himselfe. I will without preiudice to any other briefely shew you my opinion. I take it for granted that gold of all mixed bodies is most equall and temperate in the Elements and elementall qualities, so that moysture with heat as agent, drinesse with coldnes as patient and subiect to action, are inseparably with naturall concordance perfectly ioyned. Wherefore gold is respectiuely a body not only incorruptible in water, fire, ayre, and earth, and as it were an earthly image of eternitie, but also most conuenient, agreeable, and as it were allied to and with the heart of man, which of his hot moysture doth worke the vitall spirits, and maintaine the arteriall beatings of the pulse in all parts of the bodie. And this temperament of gold must bee considered two waies. First (as Scholers call it) Arithmetically: hence commeth the equalitie and equabilitie of qualities elementarie in the compact and solide body thereof, not resolued into the permanent forme of potable liquor. In this consideration it were very hard for learned Physitions that build so much vpon and presse authoritie, to deny that gold hath and actiuely doth shew many great effectiue vertues, seeing the Catalogue is so great of many notable and famous Physitions which extoll the effects thereof, and at this day doe vse it so much; as of gold quenched in wine, boyled in broth, giuen in limell or foyle in Conserues and Electuaries. The hope and end thereof in all their intentions, is to Corroborate and comfort the heart. And this [Page 11] temperature in and of gold is habituate and coessentiall with the whole substance, matter and forme, in all the Elements both actiue and passiue. And because not the materiall but the formal Essence is most operatiue and professor of the noble Elements, fire and ayre, from whence resulteth in an indissoluble bond, heate and moysture so friendly agreeable to mans nature. Therefore gold in his naturall coagulation and soliditie, cannot so fully according to the inward power of his naturall efficacie and vertue, shew and performe the effects thereof, as being resolued, opened, and made potable, that the Elements and elementall qualities may more freely both worke and be wrought vpon, and be brought from their potentiality to actiuitie in application to the body of man. For then the agent and formall vertues, fire and ayre be predominant in their exaltation. Whose propertie, being communicated & applied to & with the spirits of our body, is to refresh, comfort & strengthen the heart: renew, restore, and increase the spirits, by that wonderfull facultie, and neere equalitie as it were brotherhood which it hath to them. And this in the second consideration of the temperament of Gold Geometricall in that different respect, as the other is called Arithmeticall. In which that proportionate qualitie friendly and concordant to the heart and temperament of man, and that complexioned moyst heate or hot moysture, is preualent or predominant. And one chiefe reason why Arnald before cited and very many others of vnreprooueable authoritie, doe so much commend, and with a reserued secrecie admire the excellent dowers of gold, is, that being made potable, it restoreth, augmenteth and preserueth that our humidum radicale, and calidum [Page 12] innatum, Naturall heate and moysture, (vnderstand them complexioned not distinct) and so with respectiue possibilitie, prolongeth life, and keepeth backe old age, I meane the sense of the defects and infirmities thereof.
If it be obiected that this exact temperature and equality Obiection. of mixture in gold being supposed, it cannot actiuely operate or worke any thing in mans bodie, because, as euery action commeth from or by meanes of some predominant qualitie, so equalitie without disparagement keepes all in an vndefeazeable bond of an irresoluble compound. I answer thus. In cases where the intemperature or distemper of the disease (or the degree thereof in some cases) is not yet knowne, the doctrine positiue and counsell of Physitions is, to vse and administer temperate Medicines, which shall not be offensiue manifestly to any qualitie, but indifferent and allowable to all. If this be done with good aduise and reason: in such like case, it must needs be far more consonant to reason, and behoouefull to the patient, to giue such a Medicine as is not only temperate by qualification, but so prerogatiuely excellent therein, that it cannot lose that temperature and the consequent efficacie thereof, by the force of any thing consonant or dissonant. Which is farre otherwise in all vegetables reputed equall in temperament, because they are apt in some cases to cause dangerous distemperature in mans body. Examples are plentifull. But for instance take Manna it selfe reputed a very temperate laxatiue, yet very easily it selfe turning into a hot Cholerick humour, and encreasing the same, and the distemperatures and diseases consequent thereupon according to the disposition and inclination of the body receiuing it. Of [Page 13] which there is no feare in the vse of gold, for the reasons aforesaid. Therefore whether the Tenure be: That Contraries be cured by Contraries, hauing respect to the disease and the cause thereof, the qualitie of the Medicine is remedy: Or that like are conserued by their like, with regard to the strength of the patient and comfort of the heart, according to the doctrine of Hippocrates: Gold (as hath beene prooued) must needs be in both intentions the fittest and most conuenient Medicine and remedy for diseases of what temper or distemper soeuer, being aduisedly giuen: specially being Philosophically opened, resolued and made potable:
That there may bee a generall or vniuersall Medicine 4 The fourth reason. is also prooued, by consideration taken from the nature of the person diseased, with reference to the disease. For if the disease be strong, like a heauie burden pressing the patient, and the poore patient weake not able to beare out the Critical day of happy iudgement of issue of the maladie; I aske in this case what ought to be done. Certainly, rather enable the body to the end of the Combate, by comforting and strengthning the heart, then vainly attempt to remooue the log, and suffer him to sinke vnder the burden. For, not the Medicine, but nature alone is the true physition, curing all infirmities, if she be not oppressed, or that she be so releeued, that strength in her be maintained. It is not vnlike by comparison vnto the charge of sumpter Mules or Pack-horses, which oft times vse to bee fed trauelling that they may endure to carry their burdens to the Inne, not discharged vntimely of their packes. And by this meanes they neede not be vnloaden at euery bayte; but prouendred vnder their loads for the quicker dispatch. [Page 14] So no disease is cured, the strength not maintained: but contrarily by perfect Methode the strength and power of the body is by degrees to bee restored and comforted, that the disease may be both resolued, and life maintained. To this purpose did Arnaldus write in these words. The only intention of ancient Physitions was, to giue vigor and strength vnto nature: Who being strengthned, performeth whatsoeuer is expedient. And by this meanes they neuer did ouerthrow any man. Therefore neuer cease to worke with Cordialls in administration of Physicke. This is the counsell of Arnald.
Moreouer, many diseases proceed from obstructions The fift reason. of some viscous, slymie and mucilaginous matter, not separated in the vessels of concoction, by their imbecillity, either naturall, or accidentall. Therfore, if this obstruent matter be subtiliated, the obstruction shall thereby be taken away, & consequently both the disease and accidents of the disease cured. Of such kinds of Obstructions, besides other diseases, many kinds of fevers doe arise, burning, rotten, hectick, pestilent, &c. Also many and dangerous sicknesses both hot and cold. Against which though Medicine made of vegetables doe often very much preuaile: yet because for the most part they be too weak, and leaue no solide and lasting impression: or contrariwise worke so violently, and seldome without some offence, scarce euer with such temper, gentlenes and sincerity as is requisite. Therefore that Medicine which being most temperate and equally graduated to the Elementall harmonie of mans body, ought iustly to be preferred both before them and all of that kind. For such one cannot by his coldnesse offend the complexioned parts, nor by his heate the hot: but by opening and so promotiuely taking away the Obstruction, be equally & certainly profitable to all. Galen [Page 15] teacheth that the cause is to be takē away, by finding out, and applying the true contrary of euery alterable nature. As to cure any disease coming of and depending on Obstruction, is the dissoluing of matter obstruent, & opening the Obstruction. This counsell we ought to follow in al such cases, in opening that which is forcibly shut. And then gentle and quiet restitution commeth of temperament to all distempered parts. For, whether the excesse were in heate or cold, the spirits which were shut vp in prison, now set at liberty, are refreshed, recouer their former vigor, and health to the whole body. If the blood (saith Hippocrat.) be stopped in his course, and the spirit with it, it causeth chylnesse, numnesse, giddines, losse or hinderance of speach, heauines & paine of the head & convulsions, after which follow many kinds of the falling sicknes which be accounted cold diseases. In briefe, it is most euident, that only Obstructions be the cause of many and sundry diseases, not only different, but directly contrary each to other. Therfore as one cause brought them in, so may one Medicine expell them.
But pause a while. It may be demanded how humors Obiection. so exorbitāt & abounding as they do in the bodies of many men, shal be emptied from thence by the force of any medicine, whose faculty is not to expel or purge by the common passage, and whose intent is to be only strengthning and comforting the heart.
To which I answer: It is true, that in many diseases Solution. the abundance of humors are such causes, that except they be purged away in due and conuenient time and order, it is scarse possible to hope for a sound recouerie: in vvhich case if some gentle Purgation, together vvith the administration of this vniuersall Medicine be vsed, both the strength shall be better maintained, sooner recouered, and the disease ouercome [Page 16] Yet though no purgation be giuen, but onely this vniuersall Medicine at times administred, such is the vertue thereof, that Nature it selfe being strengthned and comforted aboue the malice of the offending humors and the disease, will expell the burden of those humors by the most conuenient passages which that case may require, whether it be by siege, vomit, vrine, sweate, or other exitures. For the Physition attending, is not directer and Master, but minister and seruant in fit administration vnto nature: which being comforted and strengthned, will helpe her selfe beyond all hope and conceit of man, as hath bin often found to the admiration of the greatest Doctors which hitherto haue written, and happeneth daily in our owne experience. In all diseases the Physitions part is, to promote the indeauour of nature to expel the offending humors by those passages, which herselfe sheweth and directeth; with discretion betweene criticall and symptomaticall euacuations, and of the conueniencie of a few circumstances following the particularities of the disease: Of this I could easily and plentifully bring many irrefragable and demonstratiue reasons: but they may partly bee vnderstood by that which is already said, and partly are written by diuers others graue and learned Authors. Therfore I wil follow breuitie, & only set down a few lines out of that profound and singular Philosopher Raymund Lully: who in the 32. Chapter of the Theorie of his Testament writeth thus. Blessed be our glorious and omnipotent God who hath giuen mankinde knowledge and vnderstanding to ioyne and integrate the confused particularitie of all Medicines with one reall vniuersalitie, by which all things be and continue rectified. Therefore Sonne I warne thee, if thou desirest to be a perfect Physition, set not [Page 17] thy Practise on the particularities of Medicine, or the particular intentions of Physicke, because they be confused, and at this day not sound, nor perfect. For nature cannot endure them, by reason of their too much confusion, but is best pleased or satisfied with and in one only Medicine. Because there is but one Medicine truly curing all Infirmities, and comforting the spirituall vertues and powers of life, &c. And a litttle after in the same. He that knoweth how to reduce most particularities or vertues (for the intention of Curing diseases) vnto one vniuersalitie (of subiect) shall bee the most excellent amongst Physitions. In particular Medicines vertues bee confused: but in an vniuersall, they bee reall, vnited, and actiue, as the whole course of nature sheweth. And this is Medicina, Medicinarum, superlatiuely by excellencie and prerogatiue the Medicine of Medicines. And hee that hath such a Medicine, hath a pretious gift of God. For it is an incomparable treasure. Thus far Raymund: who though he there speake of that great and high Philosophicall secret, yet he plainly witnesseth that there is in nature a vniuersall Medicine: which whether it be made of gold, or gold made of it, It mattereth not much, for either way it sufficiently proueth, the excellent properties of gold most agreeable to mans nature; which hauing thus farre prooued, I will here end this first part of this Treatise.
Hauing thus, vnto moderate and well tempered Iudgements (for my intent and purpose in this treatise) prooued, that there hath bin, and therefore may be a Panchresticall Medicine, for which very many learned are either searchers themselues, or witnesses of other mens happines in attaining the same: yet because the peruicacie of some is such, that against experiment and sense it selfe, they will (peraduenture [Page 18] consciously) pretend the Impossibilitie & maintaine the negatiue: & some againe, though yeelding a possibilitie & maintaining the affirmatiue, wil fight in the shadow of one instance: contending, that thogh they granted it may be; yet this subiect of mine, this my potable gold hath not either the true, or neere preparation of that so renowned and famously mentioned Medicine, powerfull and auaileable in all diseases that may happen to men: I will applie my selfe to their satisfaction. My answer shall be breefe, and of two sorts. First by Reason: secondly, by manifest and cleere demonstration of effects, of manifold experiments and witnesses beyond exception: which be the maine pillers & onely necessary substructions of all knowledg in matter controuertible amongst men.
Concerning the proofes of reason, I haue sufficiently satisfied that point in my other booke in the fourth, fift, and sixt chapters. Yet further I pray consider here with me, that there bee many pathes leading to the same Towne, and many waies to one and the same end. Some in their endeauours and pursuite for the attaining of a vniuersall Medicine labour in Minerals and those Mettals which respectiuely bee called, and are vnperfect: Some in Salts: some in vegetables, some in the Animall kinde: euery one dittying the sound of the bell answerable to his owne tune. Let each of them therefore follow the Issue of his owne labors. I force not against them. But freely professe that in the perswasion of those reasons which haue lead mee, I resolutely set downe my rest for this scrutinie in naturall gold, and therein haue employed my Industry: with what successe and happie Issue, I appeale to the most certaine, true and vncontrollable Iudge and Doctresse, [Page 19] which is experience. The centonary Fropperies of Alphabetarias, of Aurum non Aurum, shall nothing abate the vindicting of this constant truth, that by my preparation, Aurum non Aurum, gold hath beene so altered in and from the compacture and soliditie of his primitiue body; and in that respect it may bee called, and truly is, non Aurum, not gold, but destroyed, concerning the grosse body, and altered into a subtile, penetrant and volatile nature, and so exalted into the full actiuitie of a most precious Medicine, with all the powerfull explications of healthfull and helpfull mysteries which nature hath sealed in that body, and left to the industrious labour of man to vnfold. For gold is the Embleme of a magnificent and most princely Pallace, drawing the beholders of his naturall luster, to search what excellent Iewels bee contained within that outward wall of so rich promises. Which though they be many and admirable, yet few attaine to the fruition thereof, because by externe apparences, they ayme at the latent and hidden vertues: neither doe they know the right key to vnlock that rich Cabinet. And although I cannot sufficiently declare, nor prize, all the faculties (which be respectiuely innumerable) of this bountifull treasury: yet I may and doe confidently acknowledge and professe, that I haue found in vse & practise very many of great worth; which as in themselues, for the vse of men they be of great worth, and estimation, so for them, man is reciprocally bound both to ackwowledg & thankfully embrace, as Gods large blessing; who commandeth vs to knock at these gates of Nature, that they may be opened vnto vs, that so we may finde and enioy the treasures locked therein. What man amongst thousand hath found out and perfected the like [Page 20] magisteriall secret? Who is he among many, that hath not tyred his teeth in the hard shell, neuer inabled by cracking it, to come to the sweet kernell, in which dwelleth this mellite and gentle liquor of gold? But I will leaue this digression, and returne to the intended end.
There is no question but that a Medicine made of 1. Reason. naturall gold, dissolued without things corrosiue, and brought into a substance in forme like hony, and Medicinable, potable, and disperseable into any liquor, is both excellent, and iustly to be reputed potable gold. But this Medicine of mine, made and consisting in it selfe of gold, is such (as I haue before prooued and shall further hereafter proue) therefore it is, and ought to be acknowledged for true potable gold. The proposition needeth none other proofe, then the consent of all famous writers of and vpon potable gold: The Assumption, whereupon the Inference and Conclusion dependeth, is prooued in my first published booke, as also out of manifest demonstration, not priuate, to my selfe, but publike in the sight of many, not onely once done, but sundry times iterated: in which proceedings, the demonstratiue tokens mentioned in Art, are apparent: the Instrumentall water which was in the forme of common water before it was put vpon the gold, in few daies becommeth tincted, with a deepe and ruddy colour, also when the Instrumentall water so tincted, shall be distilled away, the solution of gold remaineth in forme of hony as by Philosophers is specified. In the whole magisterie, Art or processe I haue not kept any thing secret, sauing the Instrumentall water as Raymund testifieth. But some will say, If this be that true Potable gold, why do you make it common to others? Good Sirs, forsooth I answer [Page 21] because it is such, therefore I make it common, concerning the vse: Which being profitable to all, challengeth the right and law of nature and charitie, to be communicated to al. But that other great secret of the Philosopher, not communicable to others, is onely profitable to the Author himself. And therfore let not this be the lesse precious in it selfe, because innumerable men receiue health and comfort thereby? The sunne giueth visible light to the whole world. Is it therefore an inferiour Planet vnto Mercury which seldome appeares in the sight of men?
Againe. That Medicine which really performeth 2. Reason. the true and proper vnquestioned effects of Aurum potabile, being essentially made of the said subiect, ought and needes must be accounted true potable gold. But this Medicine of mine, hath produced the notable effects, only proper to potable gold. Therfore it must needes be the same. An affirmatiue argument from the effect to the cause is good and strong: as likewise from the cause to the effect. In the holy Scriptures, a Prophet shall be iudged great, by his great workes. As Elias, Elisa, and the Apostles raised the dead, as our Sauiour Christ did. (It being proper only to the power of God) whose doctrine they as forerunners; these as succeeders preached, in one verity, and the same diuine gift. The Analogie and proportionall deduction of Inference, is a like true in Arts and Sciences, and in all workes both of Nature and Art, whether singular or conioyned. So our Potable gold, brought from the potentialitie of natures lock, vnto the actiuitie, which artificiall opening exciteth and manifesteth, is knowne by his owne proper and inseparable efficacies and effects, largely affirmed in my other booke. The Assumption of this Argument, [Page 22] drawing the conclusion, I will further heereafter, by examples confirme.
The third Reason may be taken from the extraordinarie 3. Reason. and wonderfull manner of working in the nature and resolution of gold, whereby it is brought from fixation, to volatility, and so made potable. Therefore I say thus. Whosoeuer can so dissolue the body of gold, that it shall not by any Art be reduced againe into fixed solide gold, but so persist; doubtles hath made potable gold, medicinable and profitable for the health of man. But by Gods blessings in my endeauours, I haue often times done this, and stil can doe it: therefore doubtlesse I haue often times made, and still can make potable gold, medicinable and profitable for mans health. The dependence and connexion of this proposition standeth in this: That gold in his primitiue, naturall, hard, compact body, cannot communicate his internall vertues in mans body; and therefore is not medicinable. For then the formalitie of gold is not loosened from the bridle, or freed from the bodily prison, and bonds of coagulation; and therefore not easily worke vpon the subiect whereunto it is applied. But contrariwise, being vltimatly and irreducibly solute, it is then apt for action. So that if the substance of gold be exalted in his exuberate colour, it is a true token that it is made subtile, attenuate, and therefore Medicinable; and that the aery and fiery parts, or Elementalitie thereof, are predominant ouer the earthy and watery. And in this manner preseruing the naturall vnitie of the whole compound, doe draw them (not altering the composition, but subtiliating the substance) in the exalted symbolisme of the same Elements. The Assumption hath the same proofe and confirmation which the [Page 23] other before: that is, my very often and almost daily experience, whereof, if need be I, can produce many eye-witnesses of eminent rancke, and amongst them some learned Physitions, against whom no one dare mutter an exception. But as Auicen in his booke de Animá maketh three kinds of proofe. 1. Sophisticall. 2. Logicall, and 3. Sensible by sight: of which it is to be vnderstood, that by Sophisticall there he meaneth not false or counterfeit cauillings. But leauing that apart, I will content my selfe with the other twaine. The Logicall part of which we haue hitherto discoursed by inference of reason: And now, will we proceeede to the third, being of sensible and eye-witnessed experiments.
EXPERIMENTS AND OCVLARE TESTIMONIES, A FEVV DRAVVEN OVT OF A GREAT NVMBER, BY WHICH the Wonderfull vertues of this my Potable gold in the Curing of Diseases are fully shewed, perhibited and auouched, by oculare and sensible testimonies, free from all future challenge and question.
A PROTESTATION OF THE Author, to the writers of these Epistles or Letters following.
HOnorable, Worshipfull and Worthy persons, I intreate your curtesies, and considerate humanities, not to take in ill part or make sinister constructiō, that I haue without your speciall allowances & warrants, published these your letters written vnto me, concerning the effects and successes in the administration of my Potable [Page 25] gold. Protesting hereby, that I entertaine not the least thought of wronging any of you; but beeing compulsarily enforced to the necessarie defence of my Integritie and good name, intentiously scandalised in the oppugning of this Medicine, which is the subiect of this Discourse. I pray you all willingly to consent to this auerrment of your owne consciences, and testifying both the Innocencie of mee, and vsefull necessity of a Medicine prooued by your selues in so many cases of dangers, left and forsaken after all other knowne Remedies rankly attempted: and prognostically reputed desperate. Which your consents, I doubt not shall record an honorable memorie of you, in the maintenance of so necessarie, and healing truth. I shall neuer faile by any my habilities, to be ready in any kinde of seruices of good offices towards you.
TRANSMARINE TESTIMONIES. THE VSE OF THE POTABLE GOLD BROVGHT OVT OF ENGLAND, AND PRESENTED TO HIS SACRED IMPERIALL Maiestie I doe approoue, by the happie successe in two cases of mine experience.
FIrst, I gaue one ounce waight thereof to a yong man naturally strong, but then farre spent with a malignant feuer, being febris inclusa, with Idlenesse of his Braine. After taking thereof he slept, and in his sleepe, auoided through his mouth, foure long and round wormes, liuing and quicke. So was he quit and free both from the feuer, congelation, and distemper of the Braine. Notwithstanding many Remedies had beene before prooued vpon him, and he had lyen in this case foure weekes extremely sicke, in great danger of death.
AN other also recouered by this potable gold; Who beeing possessed of a Quartane feuer, (which tooke him in the Autumne or fall of the leafe, and held him all winter) and was thereby so weakened, that his strength seemed vtterly decayed, and ready to fall into a Dropsie. This man after many Purgations, tooke of me an ounce of this Potable gold, in the distilled water of Carduus Benedictus: whereby hee fell into so strange and vnaccustomed sweat, as I cannot remēber euer to haue read, or heard of the like. For beside that it was naturall, with out other impulsion, and so abundant that two persons had their hands full in drying him, yet it so continued 3. daies and 3. nights. But the most wonderfull thing of all was, that in this extraordinary sweat, and abstinence from meate the time of three daies and nights, he was so farre from fainting, for so much as any person could obserue, that with this naturall and spontaneall euacuation, he did euery houre waxe stronger, lustier, and more cheerefull: And at the end of these daies, he was throughly recouered and in perfect health.
Right worshipfull Sir.
HAuing read your true Assertion of that high Medicine the Aurum Potabile, and heard relation made of the strange and wonderfull effects of the same, by my Lord Rosse his Maiesties Ambassadour, Sir N. Drury. and Mr. Stafford, with diuers others noble and gentlemen of England that were at this Election & Coronation in Frankforth, I could & would not omit to visit you with these few lines, humly intreating you, that for my pay, I might be partaker of this so great a gift of God. And hauing vnderstood by the letters of Sir Henery Cary, that 4. ounces of this high medicine are sould for twenty shillings, I haue intreated this gentleman to lay out foure pounds sterling, that I might haue 16. ounces of it. The which, if I may attaine at your hands, as also the dose, the manner and time of exhibiting it (for vnwilling would I erre contrary to your experience) I shall euer hold my selfe bound and behoulding vnto you. Thus humbly beseeching you that for common studies sake, you would not let me faile of my Intreatie, I rest
RIght Worshipful Sir, I thank you most highly for your Aurum Potabile which you sent me: which indeede I do neuer vse, but in necessitie, when other Medicines wil shew no help at al. I haue tried the vertue thereof in extreame vomitings: In the passion of the hart: In malicious and contagious Dysenteries or bloody fluxes: In the rising or suffocation of the mother, and the falling sicknesse by reason thereof: In the Colike. In all which diseases after all other helps inward and outward haue failed, one dose of this Medicine did effect so much, that all these patients after they had taken it, as it were in few houres recouered their health. I haue also tried it, in that disease which is called Melancholia hypocondriaca (in English some call it the Melancholie of the gutts) but haue not found that effect as in the former. Yet it hath comforted the party maruellously.
VVOrshipfull D r. Anthony, you may thinke me either forgetfull, or vnthankfull for your manifold curtesies towards me. But the truth is, I can finde no conuenient meanes as I would, how to shew my thankfulnesse; and therefore constrained to die your debter.
Your Aurum Potabile is an admirable Medicine in most Diseases. I haue giuen it in the beginning of a Podagricall fit: Whereupon the patient fell into a sweat, and therewithall his paine ceased, and the patient walked againe in short space. Also in the bloudy flux I haue vsed it, In the falling sicknesse: In the superfluous Menstruall flux of women: In the wormes of yong children; In the Measels and small Pocks: Almost in all the Diseases of the Matrice, it is a most excellent Remedie. Let all them that haue written against it, talke idely & nothing to the purpose. This grant them, that they haue read much, and write learnedly, but nothing to disprooue your Medicine: That little experience that I haue made of it, and others haue found, is sufficient to shew their vanitie. So I desire to be commended to you, &c.
BVt that I may the better aduertise, declare and satisfie this relation by letters sent vnto me from this said worthy, truly learned, and vertuously adorned gentleman Iames Mosan Doctor of Physicke, and primate Physition in ordinary to the Landsgraue of Hess. I thinke it not amisse here to insert that which came from an English gentleman named Alexander Oldfield, then beeing in Germany; who in the yeare 1613. the 22. of Iuly, in certaine letters sent to Sir Richard Norton Knight, and by him shewed vnto me, amongst other matters writeth thus.
One thing I had almost forgotten, which I intreate your Worship to certifie to my Lord s, the Lord Biship of Winchester; that being at Hall the 28. of May, I met with the Landsgraue of Hessen his Doctor of Physicke, which speakes English very well (for he proceeded his degrees in Oxford.) And talking with him about Physicke, hee asked whether I knew Doctor Anthony. I told him that I had heard of him. He told me, that his Aurum Potabile was excellent Physicke: and the first experience that he had made of it, was on a maide of 21. yeares of age, which was fore troubled with the falling sicknesse, and since that time she was neuer troubled with it, being now aboue a yeare past. [Page 32] He gaue her one ounce therof at a time, and that selfe same day she fell into the passions of that Disease eleuen times, & (as I said before) she neuer fel since into them. Hee gaue it also to a childe not aboue foure monethes old, which was grieuously troubled with that disease, and it helpt the childe presently.
Also he gaue it to one that was troubled with the bloudy flux, and was brought so low with it, that no man thought he could haue recouered: he gaue him one ounce at a time, and that but once only, and instantly he recouerd, and is very well.
He gaue it also to a woman which was in childe-bed, and was exceeding weake with the scouring, and nothing could stay it but that Aurum Potabile. For as soone as shee tooke that, shee recouered. This himselfe reporteth, and wisheth that he dwelt neere vnto D. Anthony, that he might haue I nough thereof as neede required.
SIr. I am perswaded that you admire my long silence, which proceedes from no other then sundrie great businesses, &c. I had occasion to recommend some of your Aurum Potabile which I had for my proper vse, to a principall gentleman here in the Emperours Court. By whose meanes I haue bin of late much sent vnto by sundrie principall persons, some dangerously sick, to impart it vnto them; namely the Baron of Cressy, who had two sonnes sicke of the small Poxe: the Eldest of about 19. and the other of 17. yeares of age. The Eldest died without taking any of the Aurum Potabile, because they about him thought it was in vaine, and that they were both too farre spent. The other, beeing as dangerously sicke, tooke it, and is thereupon recouered. The father himselfe not being well, hath likewise vsed it, and doth finde himselfe much comforted, and wel againe by it. Many more in like manner. I haue beene so liberall of my store, that it is almost spent. Many doe wish I had such quantitie by me that they might haue a good part of it for their money. Wherefore send me I pray you a good quantitie of the three sorts, with the price therof. Send it either by some of our Marchants that are to come to this next Mart at Frankfurth, or else by some frind of trust in the company of the Count Palatine, or the Lady Elizabeth, &c.
VVOrthy and learned friend, I write to you later then I intended, because I thought it not fit to deliuer my opinion before manifold experience made, in a matter of such worth and consequence. Experimentū fallax, as our great master Hippocrates teacheth. But now I will breefely shew you the vertue and excellency of your medicine. The first triall that I made of it, was on mine owne daughter about 16. yeeres old: which for two continuall dayes, was much troubled with vomitings, keeping nothing that she eat or dranke. Also by reason of intollerable inward torments she could not sleepe one winke for the space of two daies and nights. In which her extremities, hauing vsed all other conuenient and commended medicines to no purpose, but altogether without any ease or mitigation of her paines, I betooke my selfe lastly to your medicine, as to a holy Anchor, and last hope. She tooke the same and kept it, and then slept a litle. But after 2. houres she cast againe in great abundance, and since she hath continued perfectly well.
The second triall I made thereof, was vpon a very worshipfull gentleman, Sir William Samuell Knight. He had a burning feauer, with great violence of continuall heat, so that he vtterly lost all sleepe: he had withall a weakenesse in his kidneis, and could not make water. Sundry glisters were administred vnto him, Purgations, vomits, and he was also let blood: All which (in my obseruation) were so far from giuing him any ease, that the disease did still grow stronger, and all the [Page 35] symptomes or accidents euery day worse and worse, and more grieuous. I perswaded the giuing of your medicine. But at the first I could not obtaine, that he should take a new and vnknowne thing. At last by the Importunitie of his friends, and the necessity of his disease stil increasing, he yeelded & tooke it. In an instant almost, he felt a gentle remission of his heat, & a milde cooling; his spirits comforted; his kidneis strengthned, so that he made water in a reasonable good quantity. Since which time, he neuer ceased to extoll this Medicine, though in troth, hauing beene long afflicted with a most violent disease, he hath not as yet fully recouered his strength.
The third triall I made, was vpon a maid of noble familie, which being taken with dreadfull convulsions, after some glisters taken, had also this medicine, and was thereby perfectly cured.
Lastly, I was desired to send all the store I had of this medicine, to a graue Matrone, a gentlewoman already spent with old age, and much sicknesse, being then left to Gods mercy as at her last gaspe. She presently after the taking of this medicine, found much ease and comfortable strength in her spirits, though I thinke there be no possible recouering her, so spent as is aforesaid: farewell. &c.
MAster Doctor Anthony, though I haue no acquaintance with you at all, yet being an eye witnesse of your generall charity extended to the whole world, in bringing to the vse of men the most excellent quintessence for the rectifying of nature, that the world (as I thinke) yet euer had, I am thereby imboldned to presume of your fauour for some sew graines of the same, which (for the seuerall operations that I haue seene thereof, in two speciall friends of mine, both at the point of death) shall in my esteeme for euer be held in most precious accompt. For you shal vnderstand that about a tweluemoneth since, I came to a brother in lawes house of mine, one Sir William Samuell knight, of Vpton in Northampton-shire, whom I found in great extremitie of sicknesse, and thereby so weakned with the continuall torment he was in, that all which were about him feared him greatly: he had three Doctors of Phisicke, yet could none of them minister any thing to him to giue him any ease of his torments, but rather tormented him more, vntill at last, himselfe remembred that one Mr. Markes had commended this memorable medicine of yours. Which being brought, hee tooke, and it wrought so miraculous an effect within the compasse of two houres, as neither he nor I euer saw before. For it instantly deliuered him of his paine, which seemed before intollerable: It gaue him rest, which for many daies and nights before he had bin barred of: It drew on an appetite by little and little, all meat before being loathsome vnto him: And (which is most maruellous) whereas formerly, by his medicines excoriating those passages, he seemed to endure great torture vpon euery prouocation to the stoole: he had now in the day and night fiue stooles, and euery prouocation [Page 37] was now as delightfull vnto him, as the other were tormenting. Then did one of his Physitions aduise, that now he should take some Cordiall, to assist the faculties of nature being very weake. But when this was propounded vnto my brother by his wife, he vtterly refused it. Neuerthelesse, it was so farre forth vrged, as that he tooke it, the Physition bearing him in hand, that it was nothing else but Vnicornes horne, Bezoar stone and such like. But after taking thereof, my brother fell againe into his former tortures, and more vehement then before. Wherby he was enforced the selfe same night to send again vnto Mr. Markes; who releeued him as formerly he had done: since which time (by Gods blessing) he hath continued well. After this manner an obstructed body was cured. It hath wrought a great effect in Sir Iohn Hunt Knight, of Leicester-Shire, who lately was very low brought with a fluxe, together with a Burning feuer: and being neere vnto death, and voyde of all other helpe, he was releeued by the selfe same Medicine only, and perfectly restored. M r. Doctor Ashworth, who partly had seene, and partly heard these miraculous effects of this your Medicine, lying dangerously sick at Oxford this last Sommer, sent his Son in very great hast to Master Markes for some portion of this your Medicine: his said sonne feared that at his returne, he should not finde him liuing But thankes be to God, he liueth, and is well: which is to be attributed vnto your Medicine, although peraduenture he will not acknowledge the same, &c.
MACTE VIR PROBITATE, et Scientiâ singulari.
MY wifes brother M r. Henry Skipwith, lately told me how friendly mention of me you made to him; He might very well haue reciprocated, and said, how oft mention he hath heard me make of you. Yet howsoeuer, I must euer acknowledge my selfe obliged to you in double bands. For in my last grieuous and long languishing sicknesse, when my then Physition Dr. C. staggered in his Iudgement of my Disease, and in the hope of my recouery he seemed to quaile: yea when my selfe, and all my beholders did despaire of my life; then by Gods prouidence, a friend (telling the rare vertues of your Aurum Potabile) caused two graines of the same, to be dissolued in fiue spoonfuls of distilled Endiue Water, and so to be ministred vnto me. After receiuing thereof, within one houres space, it is incredible to be spoken, what alleuiation I found of my languishings, and what corroboration of all my vitall parts. In the morning I tooke it, and vntill night I felt a most happy operation thereof. It procured stooles all that day, so pleasingly as my soule could desire: vntil such time as that my Physition (after he had taken his leaue of me for that night, I that I had now composed my self to rest) came againe vnto me, hauing vpon the point of a knife somewhat which hee did put into my mouth, being then almost asleepe. But about midnight when I did awake, I found my selfe relapsed as before. Then, vtterly despairing of my life, I called (as I [Page 39] thought my last call) vnto my wife, intreating her to send againe to my foresaid friend, to intreate him to consider, whether in his Iudgement two graines were not too smal a proportion to ouercome the malignitie of so dangerous a Disease. He therefore gaue me this second time three graines, which speedily as before, and wonderfully did refresh my spirits, and therby my bodie was very soluble for the space of 7. daies after. And notwithstanding sundry euacuations euery day, my strength daily increased. Then was that D r. exceedingly angry that I did entertaine his counsell no longer: since which time he hath wrote an English booke, vncharitably defaming me, and cauilling against that famous Medicine, which by the prouidence of God restored vnto me both life and health. Now concerning the chiefe intention of these my letters, I pray you send me 12. graines of your potable gold in such forme as my brother M r. Henry Skipwith lately receiued from you. This bearer my friend shall giue you satisfaction for the same, &c. The Author of health is God, who perpetually preserue you, vnto whome he hath vouchsafed such fauour as to attaine vnto so great a restorer of health, and prolonger of life, as this Aurum Potabile appeareth to be. Farewell. Reu. Dr.
VVOrthy Sir. I am aduised by that Reuerend Doctor, Master Doctor Hunton, in these parts highly accounted, to require in behalfe of our worthy friend, a knight, your helpe and aduice, in a deplored estate, wherein hee now standeth. We desire also some quantity of your Aurum Potabile, with direction for the due administration thereof. This gentleman diseased is neere 80 yeares of age, of Cholericke constitution. The first originall of his Infirmitie (as we coniecture) was by company of his wife being yong. Not long after in a Iourney which he tooke, when he was yet scarse sixe myles from his house, he was constrained oft times for to alight from his horse. Then did he make water, and in his water either blood, or some substance like vnto blood, peraduenture spermaticall, which hath continued now many daies. Also euen to this time he is vnable to retaine his vrine, by the Imbecillitie of his bladder as wee suppose. A Gonorrhe likewise he was subiect vnto. He is not as yet free from any of these Infirmities. We expect some helpe from you. For your charges and counsell, this gentleman will giue you full content. My selfe also will be with you this next Terme, and will not be vnthankfull.
MAster Doctor Anthony you may call to minde, This letter came from the Knight himselfe. if you please, that about September last past, you wrote certaine letters vnto me. At which time I also receiued from you fiue ounces of your Aurum Potabile, to the praise of God, your commendation, and my great good. My Diseases were mentioned in the former letters. Besides which I had also a great swelling from my hucchlebone vnto the soles of my feete. But it is without paine: peraduenture it came of cold, or with lying long time vpon my right side. I vnderstand by Master Doctor Hunton, that besides this Aurum Potabile which you sent me, you haue also the substance of gold in forme like hony, I pray you send me thereof, and the manner how to vse the same. I doe feele (I praise God) a mitigation of all my paines and Infirmities throughout all my body: the swelling which I mentioned doth daily decrease: My vrine also I am able to retaine. This booke of yours Master Doctor Hunton requested of me. Send me an other I pray you, your studies and endeauours God alwaies blesse: farewell.
THis gentleman, of whom I shall now next write, and whose letters sent vnto me are extant, being Secretarie to the right honouable the Earle of Southampton, in his owne words had beene long sicke of a Quartane feuer: for Cure whereof he entertained a most learned Physition, who ministred vnto him a long time such Medicines as were appropriate: Neither yet had he ouermastered the feuer; nor restored any strength vnto the patient. Then did this Physition perswade this gentleman his patient to vse my Aurum Potabile; which he did, and with good successe. Whereupon, he wrote afterwards vnto me for more thereof, as followeth.
Sir, I haue found so much good vse of your Aurum potabile, as makes me desire more. For I must truely say, I haue gotten much strength since I tooke it, and recouered my spirits exceedingly decaied by extremitie of sicknesse: my store is not so spent, but that I haue some left in the Country, but my slay hath bin longer here then I expected; and therfore may be supplied from you with more ease then from thence. Which I desire may be sent by this bearer of the best: So shall I rest,
MAster Doctor Anthony, I pray you make me so much beholding vnto you as to bestow me this twentie shillings in that soueraigne quintessence which I had of you at my being with you. For (as I told you) I was to haue but one of those glasses my selfe: which, one of my especiall friends hath had of me; so that now, I haue scarcely one graine left. Sir Brian Caue Knight, was taken with a violent burning feuer: but after taking of this Medicine, he had only one fit, and then was perfectly well recouered. Also a seruant of mine, had in like manner so dangerous a Feuer, that at my comming home I found him at point of death. The onely taking of this Medicine hath so purged him by an extraordinary Sweat, (that thankes be to God) he is at this time in a Iourney abroad with me, and finds his bodie in so good temper as it was not of a Twelue moneth before, &c.
SIr. Some few houres after your departure, Master Doct. Lewknar came hither to my Lord Bishop of Winchester. And at supper, after my Lord had made some relation of the proceedings and benefite he found of your Aurum Potabile, Doctor Lewknar replied in the comendation therof, saying; That on Saturday last past, he being at Cowdry, came to a gentlewoman who was dead to the world, being both speechlesse and knowing no body; he gaue her one spoonfull of your Aurum Potabile, in that case as shee then was. And at the first taking thereof, she fell into strange convulsions, wherein she continued two houres: and after he gaue her as much more, and then she fell into a great sweat: and 2 houres after, he gaue her a spoonfull more, & she fell into a fine sleepe, and waking she said, Giue me more of that: which was done; and she tooke good rest after. And the next day, he went to see how she did, and found her eating of a Chicken. This he told before my Lord Bishop, his brother, Doctor Steward of the Arches, Sir Thomas Bilson my Lords sonne, and my selfe.
THis Doctor Lewknar, of whom mention is made in these former letters, did afterwards write vnto me, desiring to haue more of my Potable gold. For this learned Gentleman, had before found and seene the effects thereof in the Cure of his daughter in law by marriage with his Sonne, being strongly taken with the falling sicknesse. The case whereof set downe in a part of his letter to me, which I haue shewed in the end of my first booke. Whereupon the aduersaries both to my selfe and the truth, haue greatly accused (I was about to say slandered him) as may appeare by an other letter of his sent vnto me beginning thus.
Good Doctor Anthony, I haue beene bitterly taxed, for giuing testimony of the good successe of your Aurum potabile: which doth nothing at all daunt me. For I assure my selfe, that Aurum potabile being rightly made (which few haue attained vnto) is a singular medicine howsoeuer, I thinke yours (as I haue experienced) to be good. And therefore I pray you send me two ounces by this my kinsman, and write vnto me, what effect it worketh in womens monethly courses, &. And after it foloweth.
I doe assuredly promise you, that as I shall find the effect thereof good, all the Societie of the Colledge shall not auert me. So likewise, shall not any priuate regard of friendship, flattery or gaine, induce me at any time, to giue approbation to any dangerous or vncertaine medicine, &c.
I Doubt not (my good Cosen) but you much desire to heare what effects your Aurū Potabile hath performed in these parts. A certaine neere neighbour of mine, the wife of Ro. Downing, lay euen at point of death, after a long languishing sicknesse (for shee was prayed for in the Church.) Whereupon, my Sonne Barners & I, went in the after noone to see her. Shortly after our comming, she tooke a potion of a Physition there present, which sodainly she cast vp: at which I mused. Then did her husband affirme, that for the space of a moneth before, she had not taken downe a spoonfull of any thing, but she did likewise cast it vp. My Son did thē importune me, to giue her a spoonful of your Aurum potabile; which I was very loath to doe, seeing she seemed but a dead woman: and, it might be some discredit to the medicine, & to me. Yet at the last I did yeeld, she being desirous thereof: I gaue her therfore a spoonfull, which staied with her contrary to all our expectations. And within a short time, whereas before she was so cold, that they were forced to lay more cloathes on her, she came to a kind naturall heat. Thē we gaue her some mace-ale with Aurum potabile, which she digested, and afterwards mace-ale alone, which also staied with her. The 3. day after, we sent to visit her, who sent vs word that the same day she had eatē the best part of a Chickē, & did hope to come to vs shortly, &c. You shall also know that Mr. Boswell a Minister & Preacher of Saffron Walden, did greatly importune me for one ounce of Aurum potabile for his wife, being accounted past Cure in a languishing disease. And she by that onely ounce receiued so much comfort, that he sent vp to Lond. to you for more, &c
A Letter sent to Master Edward Smith of the Temple, Counsellor at the common lawes, from Master George Wethery, Secretary to the right honourable the Lord Sheffield, Lord President of his Maiesties Councell established for the North parts.
Good Master Smith, my Lord would haue you send presently to Doctor Anthony, and desire him to send his Lordship (with all possible speed) the like quantity of his Aurum Potabile, as he sent the last time; for that my Lord hath made many trials of it, and will report much good thereof; which will turne greatly to Master Doctors aduantage, and the credit of his Medicine.
A True Relation made by me Elias Holmes, of the manifold vertues of Master Doctor Anthonies Aurum Potabile, tryed by the command of the right honourable, Edmund Lord Sheffield, Lord President of Yorke.
THe wife of Iohn Goulsbrough seruant to my Lord, lay very sicke sundry daies before my Lord had knowledge thereof. Then was I sent vnto her, whom I found languishing and in great extremitie. Shee was greatly sweld in her bodie, and had also a loosenesse, so that it past from her almost vnknowing to her. And further she was greatly distempered in heat. She had taken no manner sustenance for 4. or 5. daies before, whereby shee was growne so weake, that shee could not mooue her body but as she was helpt by others. Also her eyes were greatly swelled: her speech could not be heard the length of the bed: shee desired nothing but drinke, taking no rest, neither night nor day.
The first spoonfull that I gaue her, did shew small effect whilst I was with her, which was some houre: but they which attended her, said, that some two houres after, it made her rist, and to voide a little water of her Stomacke. At euening I gaue her one other spoonfull, and before I could seale vp the glasse, she was in a little slumber, but it continued not long. Neuerthelesse, shee felt so much ease at her Stomack, that she said, What is this that my good Lord hath sent me: for I giue God thankes I feele much ease towards that I did: with that she prayed hartily for my Lord And both her speech and countenance seemed better then before: Then about one of the clock at midnyght, she fell asleepe, and slept two houres. The next morning, I gaue her the third spoonfull; and after that she cast a little, and in her casting she tooke cold, which caused her to cough, and made her so ill and weake, that I thought my laboure was all lost. Her loosenes also held her still. But it pleased God to giue such a blessing vnto this Medicine, that after the [Page 49] taking of 4. or 5. spoonfull more, her flux was staide, her strength also recouered in such sort, that she was able to sit vpright in her bed, and to receiue sustenance. Also, after three spoonful more, shee could endure to haue her clothes put on, and with a little helpe, to walke vp and downe the Chamber. Shee tooke in all 13. spoonfuls. Then did she acknowledge that shee was perfectly well, giuing God thankes therefore: And to me shee said, Now Master Holmes I pray you spare your further labour, &c.
THomas Taylor, one of my Lords houshold seruants, about the same time in the former yeere had an extraordinary Maligne feuer & of long A quotidian maligne feuer. continuance. He was a very able and strong man: Neuerthelesse, it had so weakned him, that he was seantly able to goe vpright: He could endure to take no sustenance for a long time. Often times also as a mad man, he would arise out of his bed in the night season, and lye downe on the floore, and there lie, vntill some body came by chance to helpe him.
This yeare he likewise fell into the same Infirmity by all signes and tokens. His first fit continued sixe houres, with such violent paine at his heart, that he was enforced to cry out. My Lord was not willing that I should giue him any thing this first fit. The next day after, when the former passions began to assault him, my Lord sent me vnto him, and I gaue him one spoonfull of this Medicine. After which, he did sundry times cast vp by vomit, a very filthy and euill substance. When he had done casting, I gaue him another spoonfull, and so he rested quietly, hauing an easie fit which continued the space of three [Page 50] houres. His third fit came also vnto him, then I gaue him one other spoonfull, and within a quarter of an houre, he had a vomit. I gaue him one other spoonfull, and he had one other vomit. I gaue him then an other, that is, three times one after an other, and three times he vomited: and then he was prouoked to the stoole. Whilst he was there, he had againe a very great vomit, being of diuers colors, and a mucilage or slymie substance. After this vomit, I gaue him one other spoonfull, and then he slept quietly, and had no more fits afterward.
HEnry Kickinson one of my Lords seruants, it A continuall maligne feuer. pleased God to visite with an extraordinary Quotidian feuer, hauing a sensible paine in his bones, which made him so sore that he could not abide one to touch him: and with the extremitie thereof, became euen mad and senselesse, not knowing any man. Also so weake, that euery one of his friends expected death. He continued in this extreamitie a fortnight, before I was sent to him: In which time, he had taken little sustenance. His body also was extreamely hot, and he tooke no rest.
After the first spoonfull that I gaue him, within halfe an houre he fell asleepe, and slept the space of one houre, and when he awoke did cast a little. At night I gaue him one other spoonfull after which he slept two houres, and then spake these words. Will not Master Holmes come againe vnto me? and other such like speaches manifestly approouing that he had found comfort by that which I had giuen him. Then did he giue thankes vnto God. All that I gaue him was eleuen spoonfuls. So by little and little he amended, and became perfectly recouered.
MAny others I could here set downe, which haue receiued in these parts present releefe by this Medicine. Among the rest, my Lords Children both sonnes and Daughters, who sundry times and in sundry cases being affected, haue alwaies bene cured with this onely Remedy. Also my Lord himselfe by vse thereof, doth preuent many sits of the Stone which heretofore he hath beene subiect vnto, and preserueth his health thereby; So likewise doth my Lady.
LAstly for my selfe, being subiect vnto an extreame migrim in my head, as Physitions call it, but my disease is in this manner. Many times in the yeare, being in perfect health, I shall haue my sight sodenly taken away; so shall I continue halfe an houre: then shall I haue a most violent aking in my head, also a sleepinesse; then a kind of stupor first in my lips and tongue, and so it goeth downe to my hands; I stretch them out like vnto the Palsey, and A dead Palsey thus it holds me a good while: Then it will go downe into my legs. All this while I shall haue a great desire to cast, but cannot, vntill I haue beene in this fit some 6. houres: and then with much adoe I shall cast, and after once or twice casting I shall haue some better ease. As long as I am in that former extremitie, I shall somtime sarcely be able to fetch my breath, neither to speake, nor vnderstand, nor heare what is spoken. But [Page 52] at the last I fall asleepe, & then I begin to be wel, & yet not very wel, nor in perfect good health for the space of one whole weeke after. Now it pleased God, that being at Lond. in Decem. last, 1613. being in presence of my Lord, suddenly I felt that my sight failed me, my head aked, and that my fit approached neere. Whereupon I craued pardon of my Lord, being not able to goe forward with his businesse that I had then in hand. My Lord therefore commanded mee presently to take some Aurum Potabile; for it was then in my custodie. But I made the mixture somewhat more effectuall of the gold, then I was accustomed to doe at other times. And within one quarter of an houre after taking thereof, my spirits and senses were comforted: the cold, which at the first possessed me, became temperate. Also I brake winde both vpward and downward. Likewise I had a desire to vomit, and an inclination to sleepe: But my Lord would not permit me, causing me to bee kept walking vp and downe. Whereby after the space of one houre I felt my selfe very well: only my head did ake a little. But (praised be God) I did not fall into my vsuall fits. Furthermore, by taking that Aurum Potabile, I became loose bodied, whereas vsually I am accustomed to be bound. All these things (if neede require) I will bee ready vpon mine oath to auouch. Thus I doe end.
EVER SINCE I TOOKE THIS Medicine I haue continued in good health, praised be God.
I May not forget here to remember the right Reuerend father in God, whose learning, pietie and vertue be sufficiently knowne, the Lord Bishop of Winchester, my Honourable good Patron: against whose testimonie there can be no exception. His Lordship is a most autenticke witnesse of this my Potable gold, and testifieth the vertues thereof to all persons: and can (if neede require) maintaine the same to the greatest persons of this Realme: how not onely himselfe in the recouerie and maintenance of his owne bodily health, much weakened with continuall studies, and the late great paines in conference of many copies, for the true translation of the holy Scriptures out of Hebrew into English: but also very many others, receiuing Aurum Potabile from his pious charitie, haue beene from many and diuers diseases recouered, and restored to their former health by vse thereof. But because the vocall and liuely attestation of his Lordship, can more satisfie any that require satisfaction, then any deliuery by his letters sent me, I will be sparing in that point: and trouble the Reader onely with a few of many, shewing how, and to whome, his Lordship in greatest necessities, and dangerous diseases, did liberally bestow this Potable gold, and commanded the effects thereof to be briefely set downe, as followeth.
SIr, being appointed by my Lord & Mr. to confer with diuers of this coūtry, who haue bin cured of sundry diseases with Aurum potabile, giuen vnto them by his Lordship: I haue accordingly takē the report of those few that were neere this place, and with whom I might conueniently speake. Many more there are, that receiued good by it, which dwell remote from this place, with whom I shall speake as occasion shall be offered, and leisure permit to do it. So hoping to be better furnished with these things against your comming into Hampshire, which is shortly expected, I take leaue, resting,
GOod Sir, although it be vnusuall with me to offer exchange of words to strangers, yet since the heauenly prouidence hath designed a part of noble skill, wherein I vnderstand you are singular, to be some meanes of healthfull vse vnto me, I should hold it a iust forfeit of my recouered estate, if I should silēce any thing that appertaineth to the effecting it. I therefore cannot choose but tell you how [Page 55] much I am bound to my Honourable good Lord of Winchester, who first of his good fauour vouchsafed me of your Aurum potabile, so well agreeing with my diseased body, as that I shall become a Customer vnto you for more of it. I find it very milde aboue all other Physicke in operation, causing a temperate sweat, and much allaying the violence of the offending humors. How highly I doe prize it, this my letter shall be hostage: desiring him from whose vnsearchable power the vertue comes, to blesse you for it, to whose further grace I leaue you; and rest
I Was sicke of an ague some seuen night or there abouts, A malignant burning feuer. & thē I had two such fits, as I & all that did see me, thought I could not haue escaped death. Then I dranke a spoonfull of Aurum potabile in the middle of mine extreame burning, and within a quarter of one houre after, the extreame paine in my stomacke ceased, and I felt my selfe very well. Only the heat remained with me about one houre, which paine of the stomacke was wont to hold me 3. or 4. houres in the former fits. The next day that my Ague should come, it came not all the day, vntill supper time. And sitting at supper, it came very terribly vpon me, so that I was driuen to go to bed. I was extremely sick. Then I called for a spoonfull of Aurum potabile and it wrought with me as it did before. I did also sweat some three houres, and so I thanke God, he tooke his farewell.
SIr, the Disease of my Sonne was in this manner: A long continuing quotidian with a vomiting. It tooke him once in 24. houres, with a colde shiuering in the likenesse of an Ague. Which colde helde him but a short time. Afterward, he fell into an extreame heate, with a vomiting which continued about 3. or 4. houres. In this manner he was daily perplexed the space of a Moneth or fiue weekes, before he tooke the Aurum Potabile. Which at the first taking, being at the beginning of his cold, stayed his vomiting, and his fit was not so extreme as it had beene before. And in this manner he tooke it 3. or 4. fits immediately one after another, about the quantitie of a spoonful or somewhat lesse: and still his fits did lesson and decay, and lastly left him altogether.
A BRIEFE COLLECTION AND RELATION OF THOSE FEW AMONGST MANY, THAT HAVE TAKEN AVRVM POTABILE, IN THIS COVNTY of SOVTHAMPTON, truly related concerning the effect thereof, deliuered from their owne mouthes vnto me Anthony Langford.
THomas Wheeler of Waltham husbandman, aged 67. yeares, continued sicke the space of one moneth of a new disease very common at that time, whereof many died. This man likewise was in so great perill of death An aged man at point of death. that the bell tolled for him, and he was prayed for in the Church. In this his desperate case, a spoonfull of Aurum Potabile was giuen vnto him, by which he felt some present releefe, and fell into a gentle Sweat for an houre or twaine: Then taking one other spoonfull, he slept quietly the space of an houre: After that a third spoonfull, by which he had a vomit of a great quantity of slymie humors. And by sensible degrees he recouered health, praised be God, and is yet lyuing being of great yeares.
EDmund Laurence of Bishops Waltham gentleman, A continuall burning feuer aged 36. yeares, was perplexed with a burning feuer continuing two daies, and two nights without intermission; he onely tooke one spoonful or rather lesse in quantity of the Aurum Potabile, and by degrees he soone returned into his former temper and health againe.
GIles Ethericke Yeoman of the same place, 40. A continuall and sharp burning feuer. yeares of age, had a continuall and sharpe burning feuer eight daies and nights. In all which time he could take no rest: he tooke two spoonfuls of Aurum Potabile, and slept quietly the space of two houres the same night. The next day towards euening, taking the like quantitie, he slept the whole night quietly, and recouered perfect health.
VVIlliam Hilles of Waltham aforesaid, Yeoman, A quotidian. aged 55. yeares, hauing had fiue fits of a quotidian, and beeing entred into the sixt, he tooke a spoonfull of Aurum Potabile, which put him out of his colde fit, and made him sweat; and then taking as much more, it gaue him a good vomit and 2. or 3. stooles: and thereupon shortly after hee slept quietly and recouered his stomacke, which both had failed him the former 5. daies, and since he hath beene well.
IOhn Walter of the same, 40. yeares of age, hauing A tertian feuer. had 4. fits of a Tertian, and the fift fit being vpon him, he tooke a good spoonfull of Aurum Potabile. Whereupon within one houre after, his fit left him, and neuer troubled him since.
The said Iohn Walter, hauing 2. spoonfuls of Aurum Potabile left, after he himselfe was cured, he gaue the same vnto a maide in Hambleton of 14. yeares, who A tertian. had languished of a tertian feuer a quarter of a yeare before, and thereby was cured and had no more fits.
HEnry Hindle of Waltham, 47. yeares aged, for A continuall feuer with vomiting. the space of fiue daies continually had a feuer without intermission. He could not retaine any thing in all that time, that he did either eate or drinke. After the fift day, he tooke a spoonfull of the Aurum Potabile, which he did not cast vp as his other nutriments: but digested it, and it put him into a sweat that continued about 4. houres: Then againe he tooke as much more, and did sweat 3. houres more: After that he arose, and being vp, he did vomit a pint of thicke viscous flegme. Then after the space of two houres, he did eate of a peece of veale, which he retained and digested. And the next day went abroad, and in short time recouered his former health which he inioyeth now.
IOhn Cole of Waltham Mercer, 43. yeares aged, A Passion of the heart. was grieued with an extreame paine at his heart, so that for the space of three daies he could neither take foode nor rest, and was growne so weake, that euery man doubted his life. A spoonfull of Aurum Potabile was giuen him by those about him, hee not knowing what they gaue him. And after one houre, an other spoonfull; and a while after the third spoonfull. By this meanes, he continued long in a sweat, and within two daies after was restored to health.
THese also whose names are vnder written, haue all in their extremitie of sicknesse, receiued Aurum Potabile, from my Lord Bishop, and are well recouered: But hetherto I haue had no conference with them. Howbeit it is most certaine, that by meanes thereof, they were recouered from sundry dangerous Infirmities.
- Robert Moore Master of Arts, of this new feuer.
- Reuben Hamme gent. the like.
- The wife of Mr. Armwood in the forest, of the like.
- The wife of Mr. Cotton of Roche Court.
- The wife of Iohn Hawkesworth, cured of a strange disease, whereof shee had long before languished.
- Richard Peckham.
- Tho. Beale, about one hundred yeares of age, and recouered of this new ague, and is yet liuing.
- Edward Searle of Northampton gent. hauing long languished of this new ague.
- Nicholas Prior.
I Doubt not but that these Testimonies so warranted, being but a few exemplarie proofes of very many, will satisfie any vnderstanding and honest reader. I intend not with a whole Calender or endlesse Catalogue, and with tedious reading of the same thing often done, to weary the reader. Else I could easily inlarge this Roule: It being certaine, that there is scarce any one Shire or Lordship in England, from whence I haue not bin sent vnto, for my potable gold, with which, Noblemen, gentlemen, and persons of other rankes haue bin diuersly cured and releeued, in their necessities of their healths: Apparent it is, that it neuer hurt any, profited all, though all haue not recouered. We must herein euer acknowledge the vnreuealed ordinance of God, not to bee controlled by any Art or Industrie of humane Remedies. I desire therefore the patient Indifferencie of all Readers, to consider and fauourably to Interpret these my proceedings. For I acknowledge and confesse, that in ordinary Cures performed, no Rationall Physition ought to print the Calender of his successes, except in some cure and peculiar case, which seldome happening, may be a light and Instruction to others (though many haue sought fame thereby) which was farre from my intent and purpose. But the necessitie of vindicating my integritie, and the well knowne truth of the effects of my potable gold, haue made that necessarily voluntarie, which before I neuer entertained in priuate consultation. For good wine needs no Bush or [Page 62] Signe. And these be the motiues why I offer this small assay (I hope not wearisome to be read and obserued) beeing a short mention of some persons and Diseases, which haue receiued present helpe by the vse of this so maligned Medicine: (my potable gold) I say, a short mention, not of all, nor the greater part, nor in any neere proportion of number to the totall. For some will not consent to bee named: and some specialties may not be diuulged. And in some respect I am not very forward of mine owne nature to enlarge the malice of my traducers, by publishing some Cures which cannot please them to heare of. Thus farre forth concerning other mens testimonies: I will proceede to mine owne practise.
AS the brighter the Sunne is, the more apparent be the shadowes caused by solid & thicke duskish bodies: so, the more excellent & famous the glorie is, that is atchieued by things wel & faithfully performed; the more it is spurgald with the kicking heeles of Enuie. As this is true in all actions and commercements of this life, so it hath notoriously and lauishly bin practised against me in my proceedings. At the very first, this corroding spite, sparing no man, this malicious detraction, enemie of truth, set vp their whole rest in such fashion as they could, to demolish my faire building. But truth, that precious daughter of time, hath now vndertaken the quarrell, [Page 63] that will say, nill they, shee must and will preuaile against their furie, and maintaine her quiet nauigation, notwithstanding any gustes or stormes, from their dry, and waterlesse Clowdes. And to the intent that euery vnpartiall, vnpreiudiced, and Intelligent reader, may the better vnderstand the cause of these Impressions, and the state and first force of this controuersie, which hath now enforced the publike attestation of the vertues of this Medicine: I will as briefely and sparingly as may be, by one or two Instances, declare the first originall cause.
SIr Adolfe Cary a worthy knight, nobly descended, being not well, sent for a Physition of great name & fame: who gaue him such Medicines as he thought fit, one being a Purgation, which did not only clense the first veines, but wrought somewhat forceably. Within short time after, the disease was discouered to be the small Pocks. But by the vnseasonable revulsion and indraught of that so strong Purgation (as I thinke) and peraduenture by some other neglect, nature failed in the sufficient expulsion of the pustules. Also those exitures which appeared, shortly after sunke againe, or, as we commonly say, went in. Hereupon, the Patient fell into that extremitie, that the eminent perill of his life could not be hid, so that all they that were about him despaired vtterly of his recouery. Wherefore they sent to his brother, to call hastily for the Doctors best accquainted with the [Page 56] state of his body, which were two: Who missing them both, neither knowing where to seeke either of them, and being very sensible and heauy for his brothers desperate case, by chance met with me in the way, intreats me to accompany him to his brother, then lying dangerously sicke. But I hearing the names of those Doctors, was vnwilling to goe, being loth to giue offence: also that gentleman was at that time vtterly vnknowne vnto me, whereby the rather I excused my selfe. He replied, that I was sufficiently knowne to him by a friend of his whom I had cured, and therefore instantly persisted, that in so honest and necessary and iust a cause I would not refuse him. I consented, went with him; and being then euening I visited the sicke gentleman his brother, and found him in a most deplorable state, without sleepe or any other rest, raging and rauing. He tooke a spoonfull of my Aurum potabile, with which he presently became quiet, of a more cheerefull countenance, and fell into a gentle sleepe. After one houre I gaue him an other spoonfull, after which he spake aduisedly, & said he was much comforted, & so sleept again, & sweat naturally al his body ouer. And (which was the best signe) the Pocks or Pustuls did againe come out plentifully. I attended him all that night, & at fit & seasonable times gaue him my medicine, sometime pure of it selfe, sometimes mixed with broth or other cōuenient liquor. The next morning, one of his first Doctors comming & finding me there with his patient, tooke that for his occasion to raile on me in vnseeming termes. To whom it was answered, that I was vnwillingly and almost compulsiuely brought thither, by the neerest of blood to the sick gentleman, & with no lesse intreaty then others. But these Physitians were [Page 65] so far from conferring with me cōcerning the further health of this patient, whom they then found in very good case, that they both ioyned, and would not bee quiet, before they had rid me thence; contrary to the will of the patient, and of those that were present. In what case and state I both found and left this gentleman, you haue hard. After my departure, what cooling, or astringent, or otherwise qualified Syrupes, or Electuaries, or other forme of medicine they gaue him all that day I know not. But this I know, that the next night he relapsed into the same cruell and desperate accidents, in which I formerly had found him, and from which I had restored him: peraduenture, he fell into this relaps for want of that my medicine, so powrefull in strengthning the heart, and expelling poyson from it. For doubtlesse, the exitures being stopped, and the poyson returning from the outward parts of the body, whither nature had expelled it, to the heart, the same accidents must needes returne. Such relapses are most dangerous, because both the infection is stronger, and the body weaker. And so it appeared in this noble gentleman, by this his vntimely death. Then did these Physitions vnder whose hands he died, bethinke themselues of some stratageme, to avoid the imputation imminent. One of them therefore hastneth to the Court, where he publisheth excuse of himselfe, and accusation of me. And further causeth me to bee cited to the Colledge of London Physitions, and with the eloquence of Tertullus very stoutly accuseth me, as culpable of the death of this gentleman. Where I acquited my selfe, and maintained my innocency by foure lawfull witnesses, seruants and attendants of their late Master the deceased knight: Who with one consent and contestation [Page 56] [...] [Page 65] [...] [Page 66] dilated: That I came to their said Master lying in his last and extreame pangs, rauing after the exitures of the small pocks were striken in: That after I had with carefull and diligent attendance all that night administred my potable Gold vnto him, as aforesaid, the extremities of his passions, and grieuousnesse of accidents were much eased and abated, he more quiet and in better sense, and that the Pustules of his diseafe did againe plentifully breake out, by which meanes he was respectiuely in good temper: And that the next day when the said Physitions had excluded me, and giuen him their mixtures, all things turned to their old course, he to his former extremities, and so died. His Maiestie also had commanded 4. honourable persons to be present at the Colledge in the hearing and debating of these actions now in question: that is, the right honourable the Lord Kneuet, Sir Henry and Sir Philip Cary knights, brethren of Sir Adolph deceased, and Sir William Godolphin knight; who finding it fully proued, how I found him (in the agony of death) how I left him (in good temper) how the other Doctors receiued him (in very good case for that disease) how they left him (dead,) truly reported the whole matter to the Kings Maiestie as indeede it was. What his Maiesties censure then was herein, and on whom he would lay this imputation of his death, may easily be coniectured out of the manifestations of the cause. Also those two worthy brethren, meere strangers to me at that time, liuing in honourable account and place, so generously and vertuously, that none dare entertaine any sinister thought against their sinceritie; nor opinion that they will for any respect whatsoeuer be induced to report any vntruth for me nor any other: are alwaies ready to giue further [Page 67] satisfaction, if any as yet be not sufficiently perswaded of these proceedings. Reason it selfe, in one maine ground of Physicall indications doth teach vs, that, à iuvantibus et nocentibus, from such things as helpe, and such things as hurt, a most inuincible argument is drawne, and concluded. Is it not a generall rule with all Physitions, to continue the vse of those things which haue manifestly releeued and profited the patient (if there be no necessarie exception) and to fly and for beare the vse of those which haue hurt, or done no good? Nature teacheth brute beasts, to seeke shadowed and coole places, in the heat of sommer, because their sense findes ease and refreshing by the shaddow, and hurt and annoyance by the parching sunne. Apparant it is, that my Potable gold did euen miraculously refresh, helpe, profite and comfort this diseased gentleman, of whom this question first grew. For his vnderstanding was thereby recouered: quietnesse, rest, and sleepe procured: naturall and healthfull sweating caused: and the poyson of his disease driuen from the center and heart, whereby the pustules and exitures did againe appeare and come forth. All arguments and signes of good estate and temper in that disease did appeare as portending a perfect recouerie. On the other side, whatsoeuer the Medicines administred by these two other Doctors were, before or after my comming, I know not. But, most certaine it is, that whatsoeuer they gaue, or howsoeuer they handled the matter, much hurt succeeded, euen the greatest mischiefe that may happen to a languishing patient. For all the concourse of his former grieuous, direfull, and mortall symptomaticall accidents returnes with double strength, when his heart and vital spirits were not able to resist. [Page 68] The striking in againe of the exitures, rauing, wrestling, and (which only remained to conclude the tragedie) Death it selfe, the last of all lines that man can draw: and a true line to draw and direct vnderstanding men to the true cause of his death. These circumstances compulsarily wrung from me, be sufficient for the euidence of this verity to all men, that will not maliciously spurne against apparant truth. But my traducers doe still spiderlike sucke poyson in stead of hony, and force themselues to an vnnaturall vomit of these humors against this medicine, truly of gold, and truly potable. In which bitternesse if they did not still persist, against their owne science, conscience, regard of vertue and veritie, wounding many honest hearts, with false suggestions against my good name, and the innocuous worthinesse of this Medicine, and defrauding many poore languishing soules of the vse and benefite thereof, I would, and surely gladly would, for their sakes, haue forborne the narration and report of this true storie: Which I am by them compelled to publish for my Apologie.
MIstres Cicely Boulstred, a worthie gentlewoman, Extreme vomiting. and virgine, attending in neere seruice our gracious Queene, in good fauour and account, fell sicke, and had greiuous passions. Vnto whome diuers of the most famous Physitions of the Colledge were called. Who with great care, and their vtmost skill, sparing no cost (as was fitting in such a place) administred all kinds of conducing Medicines, both Cordials, and other respectiuely to the cause of her disease, and passions: both such as be ready in the [Page 69] shoppes, as others by some singularitie of Art prepared. Her passions still continued, if not encreased. Continuall vomiting, and reiection of whatsoeuer she tooke, meate, drink, medicines: with swoundings, torture, torments of euery part of her body. A miserable and pitifull spectacle, much lamented of many very honourable persons. Shee could not rest nor sleepe night nor day. So that sinking vnder the burden of this affliction, with the violence and continuance thereof, her strength vtterly failed. Shee could not retaine so much as one drop of any broth or other nourishment. Her Stomacke by coniecture of all Physitions, was drawen together and shut vp, without any power or faculty to performe the offices of nature. In this miserable estate, this distressed gentlewoman languished two whole monthes, without any ease or releefe by the vse of any the Medicines giuen her by the aduise of the said Physitions: all things tending to a more desperate and Immedicable estate. Whereupon the mother of this gentlewoman demanded of these said Doctors, whether they had any hope to giue helpe, or at least wise ease to her daughter; else she said she would send for Doctor Anthony. Those Doctors hereupon limited themselues to a certaine time, which they spent in their vttermost habilities to perform, to the intēt I shold not be called. To which purpose they commanded an Apothecary to attend in the Chamber of the patient all the next day and night, and euery third houre to giue her a Cordiall. Then voluntarily they said to the mother, Send for Doct. Anthony if you will, and God send him good successe with your daughter. Then was I sent for, and finding this gentlewoman in so desperate a case, left and giuen ouer by all the Doctors of [Page 70] the Colledge as not to be recouered, (for besides the aduise of these Six, there had beene publike consultations in the Colledge, as is requisite in such like cases which sildome come in vse) I desired God to blesse my endeauours, and to continue his blessings in the administration of this my happy medicine. After a small time, vpon due and mature consideration of all things, I gaue her at the first, not a whole spoonfull of my Aurum potabile, as in other cases, but much lesse, scarce a quarter so much; which she cast vp againe with a vehement force and torture of her body. A little while after I gaue her as much more, which she cast vp in the same manner as she did the first. Againe I gaue it the third time, some part of which shee also cast vp, but kept some, with a kind of strife or conflict betweene the medicine and the maladie. Then I aduised, that she should not further be troubled for a season, but to try if shee could now take a little rest or sleepe: So she disposed her selfe thereunto, and slept soundly a whole houre; which diuers of great account then present can witnesse. For she snored that we all heard: Which seemed strange to all: considering for a long time before shee had taken no rest. When she waked, she said that she found her selfe somewhat better at ease. Then (which was the fourth time) I gaue her halfe a spoonful, which she kept without any contending or trouble to her body. This gaue me, and many worthy gentlewomen there present, great hope of a good recouerie. Wherein (God be praised) we were not deceiued. For in all the other administring of this Medicine, orderly, as she was able to beare, increasing the quantitie, her spirits were releeued, she daily recouered strength, all the passions, symptomes and accidents of her diseases ceased, [Page 71] her sicknesse fully left her, and she recouered perfect health. Thus with the vse of this happy Medicine, this gentlewoman was recouered, and cured of that dangerous disease, wherein those other Doctors had wearied themselues, and forsaken her; at which her friends wondred, mine reioyced, and other malicious aduersaries fretted: for which God be praised. If they will call these the effects of Iugling, and of a corrosiue Medicine, they will hardly finde any Cordiall amongst all their Dispensatories and Magistrall prescriptions. The cause and effect are Essentiall Relatiues.
THe Lady and wife of Sir Francis Leake Knight, Continuall vomiting and destillation of Reume continuing many moneths. being now conceiued of her first childe, was fallen into many infirmities. Shee had a continuall and abundant slux at her mouth, caused by collection of phlegmaticke and pituitous humors: Also a continuall vomiting and casting, euer after any food taken. Her flux ceased not neither day nor night. She was brought to that weaknes & leannesse in her body, that al her friends thought she was in a consumption. During the time of this sicknes (which was fiue moneths) she vsed many medicines in hope of remedy, but found none. And therefore iustly feared eyther miscarying her trauell, or the losse of her owne life. Whereupon, by the perswasion of some friends, which knew right well the efficacie of my Potable gold, she tooke therof the third month before the time of her deliuery, and at seuerall times continued the vse of it. By which meanes, her vomiting, & flux of spitting ceased, she recouered strength [Page 72] and good habit: and all the rest of the time of her childe bearing, continued in very good health and disposition. And in due time was deliuered of a faire and strong Sonne, which is yet liuing.
THe Lady and wife of Sir Edward Barret knight, Perill in childbirth. and sister to the forenamed Lady, being in trauell of childbirth, in such hazard and extremities of hard labour, that both her Midwiues & all other there present despaired both of safety and life of mother and child; by counsell of a great Ladie then in my chamber tooke of my Potable gold, and beyond the expectation of them all, was presently deliuered of a child in good liking But the after burden stayed, which in that weakenesse made them feare the like danger. Therefore they gaue her the same Medicine againe, by which the after burden followed, she recouered, and did well.
THis Medicine hath likewise bin happy and succesfull to very many others, Weomen in like cases, euen after the childe hath beene dead in their bodies, and they giuen ouer in their last extremities. So that it is scarse possible to finde any Medicine to match this in such cases, whereof I will set downe a few examples.
THe wife of Ioseph Pemberton Haberdasher of Ipswich Childbirth. in the Countie of Suffolke, was deliuered by meanes of this Potable gold, being in great extremitie and danger, by reason of her hard labour.
THe wife of Master Oratio Paluasino, was recouered Childbirth. by the same Medicine, beeing in great danger through hard labour in childe-birth.
IN like manner was the wife of Thomas Blackeborne Childbirth. Citizen of London, when she had beene two daies in labour, safely deliuered by this helpe.
THe wife of Nicholas Colman in Great Saint Bartholmewes, Childbirth. was euen at the point of Death, and vpon the taking of this Aurum Potabile, was presently deliuered, and her life preserued.
MAster Foxton in Red Crosse streete, had his wife Dead birth. in the like case, and in greater danger, by reason of the childe in her body being dead.
THe like Foetus mortuus, or dead birth, the wife of Dead birth. Master Castle, of Hatfield Peuerell in Essex, had carried in her body three daies, neither could she be deliuered by any helpe, vntill shee tooke the Aurum Potabile.
THe wife of Master Harde dwelling vpon Saint Peters Hill in London, was deliuered of a dead Dead birth. childe, yet neuerthelesse she was still full of intollerable paines. Whereupon the wife of M. Fitzgarret Esquire neere dwelling, gaue vnto her of my Aurum Potabile, the next day after her deliuery of that childe, at 9. of the clocke in the morning. And the same day at 2. of the clocke in the after noone, shee was deliuered of an other dead childe, and then presently recouered.
THe wife of Mast. Iohn Bingle of the Exchequer was Perill of Childbirth. in her trauell in great peril of death, vnto whom a graue gentlewoman there present at her labour, gaue of my Aurum Potabile; with which helpe, both shee and the childe were saued.
THe Lady and wife of Sir Iohn Pretiman knight, Burning feuer in Childbirth. being in childe-bed, fell into a burning feuer: also she could take no rest nor sleepe: And other very violent passions she endured. She was not willing to take any manner of Medicine. Only Aurum Potabile shee tooke, and was quickly restored to health.
THe wife of Mast. Edmund Kingstone, of Glocester Burning feuer and bloody flux in Childbed. shire, being in childe-bed had a burning feuer, and with it a bloody flux. She was throughly cured by the same meanes which the Lady Pretiman vsed.
AN other gentlewoman of the same Countie, Feuer and scouring in Childbed. the wife of Christopher Blackewell, was by the same meanes cured of a feuer, with an excessiue scouring, lying in childbed.
THe wife of Master Iohn Sherington of London Preseruation of Aborte. Marchant, being with childe, had many passions and euident causes, to make her feare abortion or miscarrying. Beeing therefore aduised thereunto, she tooke of my Aurum Potabile, daily a proportionable quantitie, and went out her full time, receiued Gods blessing in the safe deliuery of a faire childe.
Whereby it appeareth that this Medicine hath diuers vertues and faculties: As in case, both to promote the birth where it is stayed, be the birth aliue or dead: as also to stay and preuent abortion of miscarrying, vnto the full time and periode of the naturall birth, which in the power of the Medicine is but one: That is, the onely comforting, strenghtning, and enabling of nature, to promote and performe her owne actions, which way soeuer is most fit for the safety & health of the body, as in other cases before hath beene obserued. And not only profitable to each mother in all those former causes, but to the infant also, as shall appeare by one Relation, which here followeth.
THe wife of Master Richard Browne Esquire, Perill in Childbirth. dwelling in the Blacke fryers, was long in labour of childbirth, and in great danger, notwithstanding she had two midwiues with her. A certaine gentlewoman and neighbour being then present, perswaded to send for some of my Aurum Potabile, and to giue it her. One Midwife said, she had better meanes to giue her. But when all meanes fayled, and small hope of life remained, then was my Aurum Potabile sent for. And after it was twice administred vnto her, she was safe deliuered of a liuing and well liking childe, God be praised. The next day following, The new borne Infant in danger. the same gentlewoman and neighbour, came to visite the mother and childe, finding the childe in the Midwiues lap, not well, but languishing and ill. The Midwife desired of this gentlewoman some of the Aurum Potabile for to giue the childe. It was then asked, whether she, who had denied it vnto the mother the former day, would now giue it vnto so yong an infant? The Midwife answered, that hauing seene the admirable effect thereof the day before, she doubted not of successe in the childe. She gaue it therefore vnto the childe, mixed with breastmilke, and the childe presently amended.
If therefore such yong infants, which skantly haue seene the light of the Sun, and haue brought from the mothers wombe their infirmities, and not taken them by misdiet or misorder, doe finde releefe by this Medicine; as also women in their conception, and in time of their deliuerie, and afterwards lying in childbed, as is euidently set downe in [Page 77] particularitie: Euen in this only case, it meriteth that account, that no Lady or gentlewoman of accompt, should at any time bee vnfurnished thereof, for the benefit of themselues, and their infants, in case of necessitie: seeing that no Medicine is more powerfull, more secure, more pleasing to take.
SIr Lewis Lewknar knight, in the yeare of our Lord 1611, fell dangerously sicke with a cōtinuall burnīg The Plague or Pestilence. feuer, & vehement passions. He sent for two famous Physitions of the Citie of London; which followed and plyed him sixe daies with al the conducible remedies they could deuise, but without any successe. For they neither eased his passions, nor abated the burning heate and furie of the feuer: So that the patiēt euery day waxed worse & worse: at the last, an Aposteme appeared in his groyne, a true token in such a disease, of a pestilent and contagious infection: which at that time, though not since, was very hot in London. Thereupon these Doctors excused themselues, in that they were tied to the attendance of diuerse noble persons, whom they were loth to infect. And therefore, were compelled to bid him farewell. And accordingly left this worthy gentleman, to wrestle with this disease, for the cure of which they were waged, and by conscience thereunto tyed; and his trust in them was reposed. They hauing thus taken their leaues, I was sent for, not knowing the disease, which could not long hide it selfe, hauing such manifest tokens. Yet I thought it, against both charity and honestie, now being with him, to forsake him. And therefore resolued (by the grace of God) with some [Page 78] powerfull and strong Antidote, to expell the poyson from his heart, and afterwards to proceede for his further recouery, as occasion should be ministred. To which purpose, I first gaue him sixe graines of my Essence of gold, mixed appropriatly. After which, in a small time, he began to sweate, which continued all that night, and a great part of the next day. The next night, and so euery day for 4. daies more, I gaue againe the same Medicine, in the same quantity, which caused abundant sweating, whereby both the malignitie of the feuer and the vnnaturall heate was exceedingly abated: the Aposteme, which was risen very great, did daily decrease, and at last quite vanished, only with a certaine sticticke plaster outwardly applied. Thus he was cured of this mortall and contagious disease, before it was knowne abroad of what he was sicke: which I would not now haue published, but that the Knight himselfe, hath not beene sparing amongst his friends to report both what his sicknesse was, and the story of his Physitions and recouery.
THe yeare before, I had likewise cured of the same The Plague or Pestilence. disease, with an Aposteme also appearing, the Lady and wife of the same worthy knight.
THe Lady Edmonds widdow, about the age of 78. Dropsie and Iaundise in extreame old age. yeares, a Lady well knowne in Court: (so likewise are those that formerly are named) about three yeeres past was fallen into a dropsie, with all the symptomes thereunto belonging. Her belly, face, legs, hands, [Page 79] greatly swelled: blood wasted and spent: not free from the Iaundise, nor far from a Consumption. How dangerous her case was, is sufficiently knowne. She was perfectly restored (praised be God) in short time, nothing being ministred vnto her, but only the Aurum potabile and Essence of Gold. This Lady, spared not either for cost, or due obseruation to preserue life and health, after that she had once found comfort thereby; for during the space of 12. daies at the first, shee tooke euery morning 3. graines of the Essence, dissolued in a spoonfull of Aurum potabile: and the like proportion was taken at night when she went to rest. Also before dinner and supper, at each time one spoonfull of the Aurum potabile alone. After 12. daies were spent, and that her stomacke was amended, naturall rest returned, her strength increased, the disease abated, and all the state of her body bettered, then the Lady tooke of the Essence but once a day. And so by degrees all things in lesser proportion. Needfull it was, that this Lady should take these helpes in greater proportion, then vsuall, partly in regard of the Infirmitie, being a capitall disease: partly also in regard of her yeeres, in which nature was not so powerfull to ouercome the malady, as in youth.
SIr Thomas Parrey knight, Chancelor of the Duchy, and of his Maiesties priuy Councell, being Extreme cough in age and want of sleepe. of the age of 77. yeares, this last winter was much deiected in habilitie and strength of body euery waies. His appetite abated, his sleepe diminished, tormented with an extreame cough day and night, not able in many weekes together, to goe forth of his [Page 80] house for execution of his place. He had vsed good helpes of learned Physitions, from time to time all the winter long. In February last I was brought vnto this honourable person; and finding that the best Medicines ordinarily, in vse had nothing auailed, I perswaded him to take of my Aurum Potabile, whereunto he willingly condescended. I gaue him thereof in the morning in bed fasting, as also one houre before Dinner and Supper, at each time a spoonfull. Also whereas vsually his sleepe was but two houres euery night, which was after he was first laid in bed, and then afterwards being once awaked, he slept no more all that night, but continually did lie coughing, vntill he arose in the morning: my counsell was, that after his first sleepe, his Honor should take two graines of the Essence of golde, dissolued in one spoonfull of the Aurum Potabile: which doing, he alwaies within halfe an houre, was at good and quiet rest, his Cough ceased, and he slept quietly vntill sixe of the clocke in the morning. This course it pleased him to continue vntill the 12. of Aprill, in which time he daily gathered strength and habilitie of body to vndergoe any seruice of his Maiestie. And thus he continueth still to the praise of God.
A Certaine yong gentleman, onely Sonne and Debilitie of retention of sperme. heire vnto his Father being of great possessions, complained vnto me that his sperme passed from him vnsensibly both day and night, whereby his body was much enfeebled, his complexion altered, and a Consumption imminent. A marriage was tendered vnto this yong gentleman, being an heire also. Conditions agreed vpon by Parents on both [Page 81] sides, both for Dowre and Ioynter. The father of this gentleman being in feare of his sonnes life, was loath to make any perfect Contract, vntill he had found Remedie for his sonne. Hee vsed the best helpe that the Country could afforde, wherein he liued. But finding none, he brought vp his sonne to London, vsed my counsell; and with the helpe of Aurum Potabile, the Essence of Golde, and a Solution of Pearle which in such case I doe vse, he hath recouered perfect state of body, is married, and hath Issue. This Gentleman about twelue Moneths since being in London, came to visite me, whome when I beheld I knew not vntill he had manifested himselfe vnto me; so greatly was his body altered euen into a full vigor and perfect constitution.
THe wife of Master Robert Dixon, Secretary vnto Sir Henry Montague Knight, Recorder of the Speech and sence lost in Childbed. Citie of London, being deliuered in childbed; was possessed with a most violent burning feuer. Shee had three Physitions of great woorth, who ministred vnto her such helpes, as Art could affoard in that case. Not preuailing, they left her being senselesse. Then did the Lady Tanfield send vnto me for some of my Aurū Potabile, which her Ladish. caused to be giuen vnto this gentlewoman. In short time after sheefell into a sweate, not long after shee slept; and when shee did awake, shee had recouered both sence and speech, her burning feuer was asswaged, and in few daies after by Iudgement of al her friends, shee seemed past all perill and danger of life. But shortly after, rising vp out of her bed, and sitting vp ouer long, shee tooke cold, so that all the parts of her [Page 82] body became colde & were vtterly benummed, and without sense, her speech failed, & her strength & spirits much abated. The former worthy Lady being informed therof, did send againe of my Aurum Potabile vnto her, which instantly put her into a sweat, after she was in bed, and by degrees restored her vnto perfect health. The same gentlewoman being lately deliuered of two daughters, fell into the like passions both of heate and colde, and in each of these extremities was releeued with the Essence of Gold, as formerly she had beene, with Aurum Potabile.
MAster William Rowden the Kings Maiesties seruant Speech and sence lost. and Marshall of his Hall, 70. yeares of age, or thereabout, with a continuall Ardent feuer which held him long, he was at the last brought to that debilitie and weakenesse, that he altogether kept his bed, tooke no rest day nor night, but for the most part lay senselesse, not knowing what was said or done vnto him. In this extremitie I was brought, and it pleased God that by these former helpes, he was recouered, and remaineth still in perfect health.
MAster William Gore now Alderman & Sheriffe Aquartane Ague. of the citie of London, threescore yeares of age or thereabout, dwelling in Bow lane, for the space of many Moneths languished of a quartaine feuer. In which time, by prescript of learned Physitions, he had taken so many Medicines, that he vtterly abhorred all vsuall Physicke. When he was informed [Page 83] by some of his well wishing friends, that my Aurum Potabile, was very Cordiall, effectuall in operation, and not loathsome or vnpleasing to take, he was resolued to make vse thereof, although he had resolued neuer to vse any more Physicke. But being disswaded by some of his Physitions, my professed aduersaries, he refrained the space of some weekes, vntill meere necessitie (by reason of his still continuing quartane, and his strength daily abating) enforced him to send for me. I ministred vnto him at returne of his next fit, a small quantitie of my Aurum Potabile with 2. graines of the Essence of golde; which gaue him such contentment during the time of his fit, that his feuer was much more tollerable then formerly it had beene, and himselfe in farre better vigor after his fit. Thē did he much admire what reason his Physitions could alleadge, for the disabling of that Medicine. To conclude, in very few fittes, this Medicine cleared him of his feuer, it brought him to quiet rest, restored him to appetite, and brought him to good habilitie and strength of body. And vntill this time, it is and hath beene a continuall releefe vnto him, whensoeuer hee findeth himselfe inclining to any manner of debilitie or sicknesse.
AS in this case, so haue they dealt with diuers of the Nobility of this land & honourable personages, who in extremity of their sickenesse, hauing first vsed (and that fruitlesly) all the course of Physicke which their Physitions in Art could aduise them) haue desired the helpe of my Aurum Potabile. But haue beene diuerted by malicious cauillations of those, who rather [Page 84] desire their owne lucre and gaine, then the life of their patients. Neuerthelesse some of the right Honourable, not beeing daunted by their terrifyings (more fit for children and babes, then for men and women of vnderstanding) haue made happie vse thereof both in Court and Citie; although for causes conuenient, it is not publikely diuulged, and yet peraduenture not vtterly silenced. But time, in his due time, will bring the truth to light.
MAster Mathew Dale, Iustice of Peace & Iudge in Gilde Hall, 76. yeares of age, hath sundry times beene troubled with an infirmitie incident to age: that is, want of Retention of his vrine. Whereby sometimes in the night season, he hath bin inforced more then twenty times to make water: whereby his naturall rest (which should haue sustained nature) was taken from him: and consequently his stomacke failed, & his strength abated. Vpon the vse of Aurum Potabile, these extremities were abated, and he continued vntill the end of his daies, in good state of body, answerable vnto his yeeres.
THe wife of Master Mathew Dale, 70. yeares of Consumption of the Lungs. age, hauing an infirmitie of the Lungs, altogether vncurable, was neuerthelesse preserued in good state of body, many yeares with helpe of this Aurum Potabile.
SIr William Hericke Knight, had by his Lady two Falling [...] nesse. daughters, the one after the other. Each of them being 20. weekes of age, was taken with the Epilepsie or falling sicknes, and died of that disease. After them, he had by his said wife a third daughter; then did they change their Nurse, suspecting that some defect might be in the Nurses milke. When this daughter came to the age of 16. weeks, the Epileptical fits began to possesse this infant, and daily the fits increased, vntill the disease came to the height. Then was the Nurse & child sent for hither to London; hauīg heard that I had cured some in the like infirmity. The father vsed my help in this case. It pleased God that with the helpe of my Aurum potabile and Essence of gold (with some helpes giuen to the nurse) I perfectly cured that Child of this dangerous infirmitie. This was done in the spring time. Then I aduised the Lady, that the like should be done at next fall of the leafe: But that being neglected, the child vpon the feast day of All-Saints next following, fell into the same disease againe; which I likewise cured the second time. Since this time, being now foure yeeres past, this child neuer had fit, praised be God.
IN like manner, and of the same infirmitie, a Sonne Falling sicknesse. of Sir George Wright Knight, being a yeare old was cured by me, and many others, whereof some shall be mentioned in this treatise hereafter.
IOhn Vnet, belonging to the right honourable Sir Speech and sense lost Henry Hubbard Knight, Lord chiefe Justice of the Common-Pleas, 40. yeeres of age or thereabout, after long sicknesse, was at the last brought to that debilitie and weaknesse, that he lay depriued of speech [Page 78] and sense. The bell tolled for him: The seruants of the house had taken their leaue of him: no hope of life remained. Being in this manner at point of death, some of my Aurum potabile was put into his mouth: by which he was brought againe to speech, to sense, and lastly restored to perfect health, being formerly by iudgment of all, ordained for death. Of this case, Raymund Lully in his booke of the Quintessence writeth in this manner. We terme them dead men, not those which absolutely are dead, but those of whom by the opinion of Physitions there is vtter despaire, so that they are forsaken by all Physitions, and the actions of life haue relinquished them, and be depriued of sense. If such like men (saith he) reputed thus dead men, shall recouer life and health by a Quintessence, then may they iustly be said to be reuiued from death.
IN like manner was there an other, whose name is Speech and sence lost Robert Brodbottome, a Citizen, 60. yeares of age, neighbour vnto Sir Lewis Lewknar then dwelling in Aldersgate streete; being likewise at deaths doore, the bell hauing tolled for him the space of three houres. The said Knight, when he vnderstood that it tolled for his neighbour whom he well loued, sent him of my Aurum potabile, willing the wife of the said patient by any possible meanes, to put the same into his mouth. Which being done, he shortly after fell into a sleepe, sweating in his sleepe, & after his awaking, his sense and speech returned, and himselfe recouered health, and yet is liuing.
THe daughter and heire of Sir Walter Coape knight, now Lady and wife of Sir Henry Rich knight, being [Page 87] then dangerously sicke of the small Pocks (whereof Small poxe many worthy Knights, Ladies, and gentlewomen haue miscaried of late) was presently releeued by vse of my Aurum potabile, and the small Pocks expulsed plentifully.
IN the small Pocks also, and likewise in the measels, diuers haue beene recouered, whose only names I record, and none haue miscaried to my knowledge which in due time haue embraced the benefite of this medicine.
- The Lady and wife of Sir Richard Ogle knight.
- A gentle woman belonging to the Lady and wife of Sir Edward Barret knight.
- Sir Henry Caries Page.
- Sir Henry Caries daughter, of the measels.
- The Sonne and heire of Sir Henry Cary, of the small pox.
- A young daughter of Sir Richard Norton knight, of the Measels, which were striken in and recoiled by cold taking whereby the child was in great danger.
- A Kinswoman of Mistris Browne of Essex, widdow.
- A Seruant of Master Marsh Esquire, then dwelling in Colman-streete.
- A Maid seruant, belonging to Ro. Dixon before mentioned.
- An other maid seruant of Master Iohn Morris Marchant, dwelling neere vnto leaden hall.
- An Infant of Mr. Price the Kings seruant.
DAily experiēce also hath taught vs of late, that very many both young and old haue miscaried of the Small Pox, euen vnder the hands of the best practised Physitions, although the cure of them be accounted no difficult matter: vnto whom, if this approued Medicine, so secure from danger: so powerfull in corroborating the Heart, and expelling the venemous malignitie of that Disease, had beene at hand, and had beene administred in due time and forme, no doubt but (the vertue expulsiue being fortified in the patient, and the materiall venenositie subtiliated) if not all, yet some of them, might by this only Medicine haue beene recouered. As the vse hereof hath preuented death in many, so likewise very many wanting the benefit thereof, in the flowre of their age perished; which haue vsed purgatiue Medicines, whose propertie is to draw malignant humors from the externall parts, vnto the center of the body, and to the very Heart it selfe. I leaue this matter to bee considered of, by those whom in like case it may concerne hereafter.
THe Honorable Lady and widdow Doretie Skot, Vomiting of sustenance in old age. sometime the wife of Sir Thomas Skot Knight of the age of 78. yeares, for the space of many daies could retaine no manner of sustenance, but instantly cast vp by vomit whatsoeuer shee receiued. Neither could this be stayed by any Medicine ministred [Page 89] vnto her. All meanes failing, my Aurum Potabile staied this extremitie. And after taking thereof, shee likewise tooke any manner of other sustenance, and retained the same. Hereby it may appeare, that this one and the same Medicine, doth sometime procure vomit, when nature would be vnburdened, and at other times it suppresseth vomit, when nature is so infeebled, that it would faine retaine nutriment for sustentation, but cannot.
MAster Napper Esquire, dwelling in Oxford, 60. yeares of age, was long time perplexed with a Vomiting and scooring. very strange infirmity. He was diuers times taken with an extreme vomiting, with a scooring likewise, which both continued the space of 2. or 3. daies commonly euery houre without intermission vntill his body was vtterly exhausted. Thē he became so feeble and weake, that he was inforced to keepe his bed many daies, vntill by degrees he recouered some strength againe. But when his body began to be repleate, then did he fall into his former passions. In this manner he continued one whole yeare more. He vsed for Remedie, the counsell and aduise of Physitions both at Oxford and London. When all their meanes auailed not, then did he send vnto me for my Aurum Potabile, which by the helpe of God preuailed in this case, to the great admiration of many.
THe wife of Master William Wiseman Counsellor at the Law, after her safe deliuery in Childbirth, was possessed both with a feuer, as also with an extraordinary [Page 90] and a dangerous flux, tam per Menstrua quàm per sedes. Her sleepe also was thereby vtterly taken from her. By meanes whereof shee was brought vnto great Imbecillitie and despaire of life. In this dangerous case, after the fruitlesse helpe of other Physitions she was recouered and perfectly restored, with the Essence of my golde in few daies.
SIr Edward Barret Knight, hauing his abode Essex Ague. sometime in Essex neere vnto the Marishes (a Country much subiect to Agues) was two seuerall times possessed with that kinde of feuer. And each time he was freed from that feuer, by the onely helpe of my Aurum Potabile. Many also of his seruants, more then ten at one seuerall time, haue beene taken with that Country feuer. One especially amongst the rest, a woman, hauing chiefe gouernment ouer the family, was so grieuously afflicted therewith, that her senses were taken from her, and other such like accidents so oppressed her, that there remained small hope of life. Yet it pleased God, that both shee and the rest, in short time were recouered (although the Agues of those parts doe commonly continue long:) as also in one part of Kent, where many haue beene releeued by my Aurum Potabile, after that all other meanes haue failed.
MAster Doctor Sauage, Doctor of the Ciuill Lawes, Essex Ague. 56. yeares of age, lying sicke in Essex of the like feuer, sent for me to come downe vnto him. Beeing [Page 91] now with him, and before I administred any thing vnto him, hee was strangely taken with convulsions and Crampes, in his hands, feete, legges, face and in all the exterior parts of his body, with extreme tortures, lamentable to beholde. I appeased all these symptomes within the space of one halfe houre, with the Essence of my gold, which in short time brought him into a Sweat, and his Convulsions and Crampes ceased, [...] feuer also was cured in very short time.
THe same Doctor Sauage now lately within these two moneths, was taken with a malignant feuer, a Disease now common in sundry places. He was perfectly cured thereof, only with the Essence of golde. I gaue him thereof three graines, before the beginning of his fit, dissolued in fiue spoonfuls of Endiue water with a little sugar: and the like quantitie in the middest of his hot fit. This I did reiterate euery fit vntill the fourth fit. In which time he was free from his ague. But afterwards he fell into the like feuer againe, as also into those former Convulsions, which could not by any helpe of Medicine be asswaged, vntill he was inforced to send vnto me, 17. miles for the Essence of golde: which being taken gaue him present releefe, admirable vnto them who were eye witnesses of the effect thereof.
MAster Thomas Drywood of Northokenden in Long languishing sicknesse vpon obstructions. the County of Essex, 30. yeeres of age, by reason of obstructions and other inward causes, languished a long time, became very leane, and so [Page 84] into a consumption. Being therewith almost spent, my Aurum potabile was present remedy to him, and he liueth now in good health.
THe wife of the said Thomas Drywood, by the same Weaknesse after childbirth. medicine recouered from a great weaknesse and decaied estate, caused by hard labour in childbirth, and sicknesse afterwards.
A Daughter of theirs being about 4. yeeres old, Obstruct. hauing pined, and decaied long time of an vnknowne disease, vpon the taking of my Potable Gold, vomited vp a great quantity of viscous tough matter, and then recouered presently.
A Young daughter of Iohn Fanne Citizen, dwelling Obstruct. in Aldersgate streete, being fiue yeeres old, by reason of obstructions in her liuer, splene, and brest, which had long continued, and was thereby much hindred in her breathing, tooke one ounce only of my potable gold, after which she cast vp much slimy stuffe, tough, like molten glasse, that one could scarcely cut with a knife, and presently she amended, and shortly after became perfectly well.
MAster William Snelling Fishmonger, dwelling in Falling sicknesse. Thamestreete, had a young infant of a yeere old, who was grieuously perplexed with the falling sicknes. His fits were frequent and oft, [Page 93] sometimes 20. in one day. So that the parents besought God, to take him to his mercy. out of that so great misery: When diuers medicines had beene tried in vaine, he was at the last recouered by my Essence of gold, and neuer since was troubled with any fit, being more then 3. yeeres past.
A Maid seruant of the Lady and wife of Sir Thomas Convulsions. Smith knight, being 22. yeeres old, was afflicted with most violent convulsions, and fits like vnto the falling sicknesse incessantly day and night for a long season: not finding any ease by glisters, and many other medicines giuen her by other Physitions. At last she was by me cured of that fearefull disease by this my Medicine, and neuer felt it since; three yeeres being past.
AN Infant of a yeere and halfe old, daughter vnto Inward torments and gripings of an infant. Sir Edward Barret knight, was long grieued with some inward torments and gripings in her belly. The Lady Paget, Baronesse, her grandmother, gaue her of my Potable Gold, with which she presently cast vp some rawe fleagmaticke matter or humor, and was well for the space of 2. houres: after which time she complained as before, and peraduenture worse. The Lady her grandmother gaue her an other spoonfull, after which she cast againe much viscous matter diuersly coloured, and then slept a whole houre. But waking sodenly, she seemed as one ready to diepresently, hauing many dangerous signes as sowundings, and falling of her iawes &c. So that [Page 94] the good Lady, holding this Infant all that while in her lap, was faine forcibly to open her mouth, and poured in an other spoonfull mixed with beere or ale. After which she cast againe a blackish and ill sauoured slimy thicke stuffe. Then she was well and recouered.
MAster Thomas Allin Esquire, more then 60. Extreame debility. yeeres of age, being lodged in Broad streete, hauing then languished a long time: at last being neere spent, he sent for me: and with my Potable Gold especially, some other dietary meanes being also prescribed, he was perfectly restored in few daies.
MAster Small, gentleman, an Attourney at the A quartane ague. law, and student of Furniualls Inne, 32. yeeres old, had lien sicke of a quartane feuer many moneths, and had also the iaundise. He finding no helpe in other medicines, was in short time perfectly cured by my Aurum potabile.
MAster Thomas Tutteshame gentleman, aged 20. A quartane ague. yeeres, sonne of Master Anthony Tutteshame, both of Staple Inne, was likewise cured of a quartane ague, by my potable gold.
A Yong son of Sir Io. Talesburrough knight, about Essex ague. 4. yeeres old, lay dangerously sicke in Essex, of the popular and vniuersarie disease, ordinarie in those marish countries, and could not endure to [Page 95] take any medicines. He tooke my Essence of gold, with the aurum potabile at seuerall times, and was thereby perfectly cured.
THe daughter of Sir Anthony Capell knight, about A Consumption. 14. yeares old, after a long sicknesse fell into a Consumption, with extreme weaknesse. Her father sent vnto me for some of my potable golde, whereiwth shee was in reasonable time perfectly recouered, and restored to her former health.
FRancis Wonnam of Darkin in the Countie of Surrey, Palsey of all the body. Yeoman, was taken with a dead Palsey in all parts of his body. To whom Master William Radcliffe Esquire of the same Towne, gaue some of my potable golde which hee had in store for his owne vse, beeing oft times troubled with the Stone; by which meanes the said Wonnam recouered, and had perfect vse both of legs and hands.
A Yong gentlemā Io. Studolph, 17. yeares old, being Speech lost, and vomiting, then with his mother (a widdow) dwelling neere the foresaid Darkin, was taken with a Palsey in his tongue; his speech was taken from him, and whatsoeuer he did either eate or drinke, he cast it vp. I was sent for, and staied there some three dayes. In which time, by intermissiue administring of my Aurum potabile, and Essence of gold, his vomiting was staied, his speech recouered, and he perfectly cured. But I heard afterwards by some of his friends, [Page 99] that about a yeare after he fell againe into the same Disease, and died thereof before he could conueniently send for any helpe.
MAster Iohn Coles, called Captaine Coles, about 44. yeares old, had long time beene troubled Consumption of the Lungs. with a dangerous Disease of the Lungs, shortnesse of breath, coughing and with it, spitting of rotten matter, and seemed to bee in full Consumption. He was perfectly cured with the continued vse of my Potable golde.
HEnry Smith seruant to Sir Edward Barret Palsey. Knight, lost his speech by a Palsey, and so some time. Afterwards he perfectly recouered his speech againe, by helpe of my Aurum Potabile.
A Seruant of Sir Thomas Smith Knight, hauing beene long troubled with a quartane Ague, Quartane. finding no helpe by other Medicines which had beene giuen vnto him, was cured with my Potable gold.
A Daughter of Master Fitzgarret Esquire, dwelling vpon Saint Peters Hill, was infected with Plague. the Plague or Pestilence, and cured by the only vse of my Essence of golde, dissolued in my Aurum Potabile with Carduus Water.
ELizabeth Elward, being allied vnto Edward Rugham retainer to the Lord Kneuet, was likewise infected with the Plague, and because the same Plague. Edward Rugham was continually attendant in White Hall vnder the Lord Kneuet, the said Lord therefore perswaded him to vse my Aurum Potabile for his kinswoman, being then in Edward Rughams house; which he did, and by it recouered his kinswoman.
DIuers other were also cured of the Plague at the same time.
A maide seruant belonging to Master Iohn Morris, marchant, dwelling neere vnto Leaden Hall.
A seruant of Sir Edward Conway Knight.
Mast. Carre Counsellor at the Law, dwelling in Great Saint Bartholmewes.
A man seruant and a maide seruant in the house of Mistris Randall widdow, dwelling on Saint Peters Hill.
Three seruants in the house of Sir William Hericke Knight.
Master Arthur Luson, Citizen in Paternoster Row.
THe wife of Master Seabright of London, Esquire, Convulsions with losse of sense. being about 60. yeares old, was often taken with diuers and sundry passions, as Convulsions, and paralyticall stupefactions of her sense of feeling; And had [Page 98] beene sundry times releeued by my Potable gold. But to ouercome, & vtterly to suppresse the great aboundance of those humors or matter, which caused these fits so often to returne, without being perfectly cured, I aduised her to take sometimes of my Essence of gold. Which when shee had taken, shee cast vp a great quantitie of Melancholicke blacke stuffe. Since which time, she hath neuer beene troubled with any of those passions.
MAster Iohn Sherington of London, Marchant, had a sonne about three yeares old, long time Obstructions in a childe. deiected and weake, and had receiued many Medicines against the wormes and other causes which were suspected, but to no purpose (for he daily grew worse and worse.) At last therefore, hauing taken my Potable golde a few daies, he cast vp a great quantity of tough, thicke, and viscous humors. After which (the matter of Obstructions being taken away) he presently recouered perfect health.
ALso a yong daughter then borne to this Master A new borne Infant. Sherington, being sixe moneths old, fell dangerously sicke, and with the same Medicine was restored.
THe wife of Mast. Coles dwelling in Colmanstreete Plague. (after the death of her said husband, who died of the Plague) shee beeing then with childe, was also [Page 99] infected. And fearing in that case all strong Medicines, vsed only my Potable golde and the Essence, with vse whereof by Gods grace she recouered, & her childe saued, of which shee was after safely deliuered. The husband which tooke other Medicines, not this, died. The wife which refused all other Medicines, and tooke only this, recouered; Notwithstanding the increase of danger by her childbearing. Let the due consideration of this one case, stop the mouth of malice it selfe, and informe the enuious to glorifie God, for his great and good gifts bestowed vpon men.
EDmund Nusum dwelling neere Charing-Crosse, fell into a dangerous sicknesse and long time continued therein. In this his distresse he sent for a learned Physition of London, well knowne: who vsed his best skill and endeauours, for recouery of this patient. But failing in his expectation, he tolde the patients wife, that she must shortly be a widdow, A worthy gentleman, their neighbour, pitying this case, sent his man to me in this sicke mans behalfe. I came, and found the Apothecarie at the patients dore, newly come from him, which saluted me with these, or the like words: You come tooo late, there is no good to be done. To whome I answered, that though I could doe no good, yet I would do no hurt. So when I came to the patient, and could not finde any likely signes, nor hopes of life, I vndertooke nothing concerning his recouery; neither promised so much as hope. Yet for a triall, I gaue him some of my potable golde, and continued that administration all [Page 100] that night, once in three houres. It pleased God that hee recouered, to the great admiration of all men.
NOt long after, the only sonne of the aforesaid Apothecarie, (whose name was Nathan Darbey) 17. yeares of age, was likewise taken with a violent burning feuer. He had the aduice and counsell not onely of the said Physition before specified, but also of many other of the Colledge. But the patient grew worse and worse, and at length became speechlesse, and was as it were vpon the threshold, to take death by the hand. The father then, though in despaire of his sonne, yet hauing seene the former effect, came hastily vnto me, in the Sermon time (being then the Sabbath day) imploring my aide for his sonnes recouerie, if yet it were possible. His complaints preuailed. I gaue his sonne of these materials, iterated by degrees as the case required. God blessed the meanes, and he recouered.
MAster William Parkinton gentleman, likewise, dwelling neere vnto Charing-Crosse, and sufficiently well knowne, lay dangerously sicke, vsing the aduice and helpe of the said before mentioned Physition. He neglected no meanes of ordinary course prescribed by Physicke. Neuerthelesse the patient found small releefe. For the Physition himselfe accounted him a dead man. So likewise did his wife, and other his friends, In this forlorne estate, I was called vnto him. I only gaue him of the Essence of gold, [Page 101] and the Aurum Potabile. And that God, who doth wound and heale: who bringeth vs to the brinke of the graue, and raiseth vs vp againe, by this meanes, as his reuealed ordinance, restored him againe vnto perfect health.
BY these three last instances, all dwelling neere vnto one place, and almost at one time, one Physition being called vnto them all, and they all forsaken by him, as deplored: yet neuerthelesse, they all beeing recouered, by the only helpe of this Aurum Potabile: we must of force acknowledge the same to bee an extraordinary blessing sent from God, for releefe of those, who haue enioyed the benefit thereof. And let no man depraue this Medicine, in that it is administred so diuersly. It ought rather to be had in greater price. The neerer vnto simplicitie, the neerer to veritie. Also, in vaine are many things vsed, when one thing preuaileth. As in all the course of our life this is true, so likewise in administring of Physicke. Therfore Damascen saith: It were a wicked fact to vse a compound Medicine, where a simple profiteth.
CONCLVSION OF THE SECOND PART.
BY these euidences, and manifold experience sincerely deliuered, partly taken and faithfully translated out of Latine letters, sent from seuerall parts beyond the seas; partly in English verbally set downe, as they came to me; any reasonable man, not seduced by vaine oppositions, nor willfully preiudicate, nor peruersly malicious, may easily iudge, that this medicine, my Potable gold, is the most wholesome, safe, & operatiue medicine, which at this day is knowne to be had in vse: both for the cure of desperate and hopelesse sicknesses, when all helpe of man is accounted vaine: And for the wonderfull restoring of the decaied strength, and languishing powers of the body, with a singular comforting of the heart: As also, for a Prophylacticke, and preseruer of health. Which so being, the greater is their sinne, which contrary to Gods commandement, Christian charitie, the loue of truth, their dutie towards their neighbour, and peraduenture their inward testimony of their owne conscience, haue so virulently and despitefully inueighed against the true and vncontrollable virtues and effects thereof: And [Page 103] in their wast papers of impression, haue attempted to shew the power of malicious Rhetoricke, thereby to wrong that good, which they themselues cannot attaine vnto. Whereby so farre as their habilitie and credibilitie could stretch, they haue notoriously iniured, not me only, but all sorts, ranks, and degrees of people, subiect to the vnrespectiue tyranny of sicknesse, which maketh no difference betweene the Cottage and Pallace, the King and the Peasant. The wrong to me, is, that for my loue and truth, workes of charitie, good intentions towards all, and good deserts of as many as haue made, or hereafter shall make vse of the fruites of these my labours: they haue rewarded me, with that which is vnder my backbiters tongues, railing, for reuerence, reproch, for my good deeds, and slander, for a recompence. But the wrong done to others, hath many branches, and searcheth to the seate of greatest honour. For (though I dare not say that it should haue beene otherwise, by the administring hereof (the length and number of all daies being in Gods hand) yet to shew their warme charitie against all things, not in their owne Apothekes, they would not suffer our late yong Prince, worthy of immortall memorie, to vse this so famously and aboue all exceptions approued medicine; notwithstanding in the vse of all other, they found not so much as any hope. In a desperate case, and a prognosticated life, all rules both of learning and charitie allow, yea and require the attempt of any meanes, not noted of ill suspicion: Much more so publikely and manifoldly testified, for the admirable good effects which it had wrought in diuers persons. But that Rubricke ( Propter dignitatem personae &c.) Giue ordinary medicines to great persós, to preserue the honour of the Physition, that he hath done [Page 104] no hurt, scilicet, though he did no good, is neither Prophylacticke nor Therapeuticke. We say in English: As good neuer a whit as neuer the better. And such is their pious affection towards all others whom it may concerne, that whatsoeuer happen, none of them will make vse of this my potable gold, (which though not properly, yet emphatically may be called a diuine Medicine: and certainly with more merit, then their Gratia Dei, Manus Christi, Benedicta Medicamenta, Diuinum Medicamentum) though it would saue a thousand liues. Esteeming (as it seemeth) that good which is so done without the Seplasiasticke preparations, to be their dishonor, and delinement. Let all be soberly vsed, but where greatest need is, the best and most powerfull chosen. But the searcher and iudge of all hearts will recompence according to merit, to them, as to enemies of truth. And to the sincere louers thereof, acknowledging Gods mercies shewed in the administration of his owne guifts, their guerdon, which is the testimony of a good conscience. If we looke backe, vnto the actions of certaine Physitions of old time euen before the age of Galen, and the admirable medicines of some of them: we shall find not impertinent to our purpose, that of great Alexander King of Macedon. He (as Quintus Curtius in his third booke reporteth) in the extremitie of a most dangerous and violent disease, desiring either present helpe or death, that he might hold his appointed day of battell with Darius King of Persia; for that purpose, consulted with his friends and counsellors, what remedy might be found in this desperate case. The King disliked al ordinary medicines, as too weake for his purpose. The Physitions would allow none such as they called vnknowne. One Physition among the [Page 105] rest, named Philip, being borne in the country Acarnania a part of Greece, offered Alexander to make him a medicine very safe to be taken, which should speedily restore him to health, though the other Physitions knew not what it was. Parmenio a great Counsellour and fauorite of Alexanders, disswaded his King from this medicine, (for he was vnwilling the King should recouer as the sequell shewed) and laboured to perswade him, that this Philip the Physition was hired by Darius for 1000. talents to poyson him. Yet Alexander tooke that Physicke, and finding the effect answerable to his promise, after his health so suddenly and beyond expectation recouered, did afterwards among other accusations, lay this for one against Parmenio, as not wishing him well; which altogether made vp that Iudgment which brought him to his end. And very honorablie, both rewarded and regarded Philip, to whom next vnder God, be attributed and acknowledged the preseruation of his life. The working of that medicine, in the same place is described, not vnlike to this of mine. In this manner, Vt vero Medicamentum, &c. So soone as the Medicine diffused or spred it selfe into the veines, there might leisurely, by little and little recouery and healthfulnesse be perceiued in all the body. First the spirits and heart recouered their vigor, and after the body also, sooner then could be beleeued. For Alexander after he had beene in this case three daies, shewed himselfe to his Armie: which did not more ardently or affectionatly fixe their eyes vpon Alexander, then vpon Philip who had so vnexpectedly restored him to them: Euery one striuing who should first giue him their right hand, embrace and thanke him. Thus much Curtius.
Semblably it is sufficiently prooued and famously manifest, that very many great, Noble and Honourable [Page 106] personages, both men and women, sicke either as Alexander was, or taken with other more dangerous and violent diseases, forsaken by all other Physitions, as vncurable, haue beene by the vse of this Medicine, through Gods grace, in very short time recouered, and restored to their perfect health. Therefore vnto you worthy and Honourable gentlemen, who as you are the Inheritors of Nobilitie, so are you of gentle and noble dispositions: to you I say, I turne my selfe, resting assured, that you esteeme these calumniating bablers, to haue said nothing reall, materiall, and veritable against me, howsoeuer they haue mooued their tongues and quills. They intend not in this case, your health, but my dammage: and would rather you were offered a silent sacrifice in eternall sleepe, then strike one saile, or vnlace one bonet blowen with the winde of their malicious breath, or leese the price of a popular Recipe, for a Benedict Medicament, although it doe no good, shall doe no harme, Propter honestatem Medici, that is, for the reputation of the Doctor: though euery day almost doe giue miserable experience, that by want of doing good, the mischiefe increaseth; and so with the reputation of the Doctor, the poore patient is lodged in his grauesend, which is harme enough, and the worst of a maledict Medicine. Therefore as I desire, so I iustly hope, that you will discerne betweene a blacke and a white: falshood, and truth: light and darknesse. That you will patronise, defend and keepe from oppression, both me and the truth. If there be any doubt concerning the auouchment of the cures and good effects of this my potable gold, here spoken of, you haue the reports, the particular names and places, and many of their owne hand writings I keepe ready at [Page 107] all times, to be shewed for your further contentments. And I am verily perswaded, that all honest persons which haue beene recouered from their diseases and infirmities by the good vse of this my potable gold, will be so thankfull to God for that benefit, as to acknowledge the meanes of their recouery, and not imitate those silent 9. Pharises clensed from their Leprosie by our Sauiour: which is little lesse (if not equiualent) then against their owne knowledge and conscience to deny. Of them you may know and be satisfied, that it hath done good to all, hurt to none: That it is a safe, powerfull and pleasing Medicine: euen a Prince amongst all, analogising with principalitie in this. That doing much good, yet of malicious and vnshamefull persons it is ill spoken of as Princes oft times are. Let these worldling slanderers, disprooue that I say, or prooue the contrary, if they can. If not, then it is time they would be intreated, if not for conscience sake, yet at least for shame (if they feare any) to be silent hereafter: though it were more for their honest account, to recant in print. These great cures performed, realities, things of fact, often times, in sundrie and distant places, and sundry and diuers persons, in sundry and different diseases, done and performed to the great good of many, and applaused by common attestation, in all parts of the Realme, and many parts beyond the seas: This (I say) cannot be pocketted as not done, nor so easily vilified by a fine phrase, a little good Latine: Substance or sence there is none in his writing, it is meere froth, and the deceitfull inside of a rotten Egge, or worm-eaten nut: good for nothing but to befogge the cleere light of a knowne truth, and maintaine the inured practise of learned scolds. Surely, this is not, [Page 108] White, in any tongue, Latine or Welch, howsoeuer versified. These testimonies for me (which will daily increase) shall lye and remaine to all posterities, as honourable Trophies, fixed in the hearts of vnderstanding and honest men; when these stagie chartlets of theirs, shall not be vouchsafed an honest eye or eare: but cast by for wast paper, to stop mustard pots, or other base offices. They are not able, to produce one Instance, of harme receiued by this Medicine. Wheras contrary, the chiefest, most polychresticall, and greatest magnified compositions (whereof (to speake truth) at this day the right Ingredients bee not knowne: and against which some learned Doctors haue learnedly written) haue their Imputatiōs, wherin the charge must bee either vpon the Medicine it selfe, or vpon the Physitions. Whose errors, if themselues will not mend, I will not excuse. If obiection be made, that all haue not recouered, which haue taken this Medicine of mine, but some haue died: I confesse that is true. But what then? Old Age is irreuocable. Many diseases also are either essentially incurable, or preuent all power of Medicines, either by the vehemencie or malignitie Morbi acutissimi, or by the negligence of timely helpe. Many also being easily to be cured at the first, are made desperate and vncurable, by errors, either of Medicines directly hurtfull, or at the least not helpfull, to the intollerable weakning of the poore patient, and triumph of the disease. Also Hippocrates telleth vs, that all diseases be not curable. For the fatall and predestinate houre is ineuitable. There resteth an vnknowne cause, which is the vnsearchable counsell of God, which wil not that all diseases shall be cured in al men. Thus much concerning the second part, we will now proceede to the third.
THE THIRD PART SHEWING THE VSE OF THIS POTABLE GOLD.
THat which Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the great said of gold: That with it all Cities, Citadells, Castels, Forts, Fortresses and Bulwarkes, howsoeuer by nature, Art and munition thought impregnable, might be assaulted, laid open and conquered: I may as truely, but to better vse, affirme of Aurum potabile, that is, of Gold made into medicine and reduced to the forme of a potable liquor, that it doth assaile and oppugne all infirmities and inward diseases of mans body (respectiuely curable, as aforesaid.) That it also doth restore, establish, and confirme, the vigor and strength of mans body, with the naturall and vitall faculties thereof: If it be duely and considerately administred, with such care, caution and iudgement as becommeth the dignitie of a rationall Physition. For as the Captaine of an Army, hauing any peculiar exploite in hand, neglecteth no meanes, either by Military Discipline, or Engines of warre, to accomplish his intended purpose; so is the Physition [Page 102] likewise bound to doe. And as the clandestine enemy which lieth in Ambush, and appeareth not in sight, is much more dangerous, then he that commeth in open face; so likewise, many of our internall diseases, whose malignitie lurkes in the inward parts, are more difficultly cured, then those which manisest the vttermost of their malice. And as in this age, both Armour and other Artillery for the seruice of warre, are farre different from those of former times, so that it were ridiculous now, either in offensiue warre or defensiue, to relinquish our Ordnance of all sorts, because (in comparison) they are but late inuentions, and to trust to the ancient military instruments seruiceable among the Romans in those daies: Euen so, the capitall diseases of this age, being for the most part Complicati Morbi, whereas olim they were simplices, will hardly be extirpate, if we ouercuriously do persist in the prescript rules and method of antiquitie, and tye our selues only to their Medicines: seeing that daily experience doth teach vs, that they performe not the effects promised, and therefore, are for the most part administred fruitlesly. Seeing therefore the indeuours of this age (being inforced thereunto by defect of those medicines) haue likewise added vnto Art, and haue inriched the same with other materials medicinable, not formerly retained in common vse; or the same, by more artificiall preparation, haue exalted into a higher virtue: Were it not madnesse (the validitie of the same being sufficiently experienced) to relinquish those of a higher nature, and to vse triuiall and fruitlesse medicines? Let the Souldier make conuenient vse of the Sword, Dagger, Helmet, Target, Pike, and such like (for they haue beene of long antiquity) but withall, let not Musket, Saker, [Page 110] Mineon, Cannon, be neglected, because they are new inuentions, in comparison of the other. And let vs likewise approue, and retaine in vse, Electuaries, Syrups, Pills, Powders, and whatsoeuer else by long approbation is pertinent to the expulsing of malignant humors the causes of maladies: yet, let not the virtues acknowledged by all antiquity to be insident in gold, be least regarded, which virtues do actually appeare in potable gold. Euery graduated Physition is tied by solemne oath, as also by integrity of conscience, not to neglect any thing, tending to the recouery of his patient; But to vse all manner of effectuall medicines, either new or old, whether of their owne inuentions, or of other mens labours, being approued to be secure and not nauseous: not reiecting the same vpon any priuate consideration, either of preiudice or malice. But leauing this digression, to the intent that euery body whom it shall concerne, may make the best vse, reape the full fruition of all benefits which they can expect by this so profitable and extraordinary gift of God, (although they cannot at all times haue the assistance and directing aduice of a learned Physition, to prescribe and order the administration thereof, which were to be wished) I will here in this last part of this Treatise, endeuour to helpe that defect: and teach the method, manner, and rules, how, and in what diseases and passions, it may most profitable be administred. Which though by many the letters sent me, before in this discourse set downe as also by the histories of many cures by my selfe and others therewith performed, it be reasonable plaine, yet I will draw it into a more distinct and orderly deliuery, according to the good will and meaning I haue: That by a generall helping medicine, a most generall and [Page 112] vniuersall benefite may be reaped.
Therefore be it knowne, that the vse of this medicine is generally twofold, answerable to the two generall ends of Practicke Physicke. One, to preserue the present health. The other, to recouer it, beeing broken or lost: by curing the Diseases, and rooting out the causes thereof.
THE VSE OF POTABLE GOLD in preseruation of health.
ALL the Physitions and learned men, both before in my first printed booke, and here in this alledged, as also almost innumerable others, whose names I omit to auouch, for breuitie, agree in this: That Aurum Potabile is the best Medicine, and most profitable Instrument for the conseruation of health, in all kinde of complexionable temperaments; That it partly suppresseth and suffereth not luxuriously to bud, shoot out, and bring their fruit vnto ripenesse, any seedes, or latent rootes of sicknesses, lurking in mans body, whereunto any pronenesse or aptitude hereditarie, or otherwise accidentall, make them obnoxious: That it reduceth to mediocritie, inordinate distemperatures, either in excesse or defect: That it refresheth, vigorateth, and strengthneth the heart; restoreth, and increaseth the vitall spirits: aduanceth the force and and generation [Page 113] of good blood, multiplieth geniture seede, and habilitie of prolification in both sexes; banishing sterility, preuenting abortions, and prouiding quicke, easy, and safe deliueries in childbed, suppresseth the infirmities of age: preserueth the vigor of youth. It were vnnecessary to heape arguments in confirmation hereof, being in it selfe so authentically warranted by famous authors, and manifestly witnessed by many experiences. Particularly, it is a preseruatiue against the Falling sicknesse,, the Apoplexie, Leprosie, Plague, Dropsy, Cancer, Gout, Stone, and all manner of feuers in all ages and sexes. And in some, it expelleth (or rather enableth the body to expell) by conuenient and most naturall passages, the antecedent matter or humors, from and by which any diseases depending vpon such materiall causes might spring, and so by preuention, preserueth health.
But it is to be knowne and obserued, that this Medicine The first forme. of gold, though made of one body, yet is reserued and vsed in three formes and consistences; which not being knowne, there may be much mistaking and errour in the vse and administration thereof.
First, when the gold is dissolued in the proper menstruall or instrumentall water, this water is distilled away from the dissolued gold, vntill it be in the bottome in the forme or consistence of a liquid gum or hony, deepely coloured (as Raymund Lully cals it) & most vnctuous. To which, the spirit of wine is then put, and by solution thereof, tincted very red and deepe coloured. That tincted spirit of wine is gently decanted, or powred off, and so reserued by it selfe in a glasse. And is called the Physicall Tincture of gold. And may so, in small roome, and with no burden bee caried whither any man please. And this we call the first forme.
Take one ounce of this tincted spirit, mixe it with The second forme. 16. ounces of generous wine (or if you please, of any other liquor.) And this being so mixed is called that Potable golde, of which so often mention hath beene hitherto made. One, or two spoonfuls of this at one time, and sometimes a whole ounce, I accustome to giue, in such cases and Diseases as aforesaid.
The third forme is this, and thus made. That tincted The third forme. red spirit of wine, in which the dissolued gold is taken vp from the white feces, or residence, is put into a fit glasse body with a head. And with a gentle heate of a Balneum, the spirit is drawne off, vntill the substance in the bottome of the glasse be dry. Then doe I put on fresh spirit of wine, setting it in digestion certaine daies. In which time it will cast off an other residence. This processe is reiterated, and at euery such solution and distillation, the feculent residence must be separated from the pure, vntill it leaue no residence at all. Then is it called the Quintessence or Essence of God, which I doe vse to administer in the quantity of 2. or 3. or more graines, and doe dissolue it in some appropriate liquor or other mixture conducent.
So that any, that is desirous to make vse of this my Medicine, may haue either the Potable gold, or the Tincture of gold, or the Essence of gold, or all; and apply them in all manner of needfull vses, as occasion shall require.
They therefore that shall take it for preseruation, may vse it in the simplest & least curious order & fashion. That is, to take of the Aurū Potabile one or two spoonfuls, together fasting, and in bed, if they may, else in the morning after they be vp; the oftner, the better. Vse giues instruction, from that common Indication aforesaid, A Iuuantibus et nocentibus, &c, From [Page 115] things that helpe and hurt, euery one is directed. Therefore whosoeuer after twice or thrice taking, hath found benefit thereby, he may proportion himselfe, in moderate increasing or diminishing the dose or quantitie, according to his owne hability and constitution. For, in increasing the quantitie of this, there is no danger, so it be within any bounds of mediocritie, not exorbitantly exuberatè: which is farre otherwise in all or most part of other simples and compositions, whether meerely Medicaments, or Midicamentall nutriments, as are Oximel, Saffron, Methridate, Treacle, all Cordiales and Purges whatsoeuer.
Also a conuenient time to take it (especially in those that haue weake stomacks) will be one houre or two before dinner or supper, or after supper, at bed time (for it doth both helpe digestion, and procure sleepe) according as the circumstances shall require or suffer.
In precaution of Lunarie Diseases, such as haue their exacerbations & fits according to the quarters, changings, & full of the Moone, as Epilepsies, Defluxions, inordinate Menstruals and such like: The rule is, for this last, to take it neere the time of course: In the other, 3. 4. or 5. daies before the new and full Moone.
If it be desired for the more particular appropriating of this Medicine to any particular cause, to take it not so simply of it selfe, but mixed: Then let such, either by their owne knowledge, or the appointment of some experienced Physition, mixe it with some specificall water, decoction, extraction, or otherwise formed Medicine, according to the necessitie of euery particular cause and occasion: Or with some compound water, approoued for that Disease, or Polychrestall to the same, and others, in neighbourhood and linke of causes to it.
THE VSE OF AVRVM POTABILE IN SVNDRY INFIRMITIES.
THe diseased person that shall vse this Medicine, may take it in the same proportiō or dose, as formerly is set downe, or somewhat greater or lesse, according to the condition of the partie, and state of his Disease. Commonly one spoonfull of the Aurum Potabile is giuen at one time: or sixe The dose. or eight droppes of the Tincture of gold, mixed in some appropriate liquor: and of the Essence of Gold, two or three graines. Where necessitie shall require, these doses may be doubled, or more; as of the Aurum Potabile, two or three spoonfull vnto a full ounce: of the Essence foure graines or sixe: Of the Tincture in like respect. Also in some persons greatly debilitated, and not able well to retaine, a small quantity is first to be attempted, and then by degrees increased, as by former examples may plainly appeare. Also this Essence of gold is very fitting and conuenient for very yong infants but newly borne, in any Disease whatsoeuer, being ordered in this maner. Take one graine of the Essence, dissolue it in one or two spoonfull of brestmilke or in some distilled water as shal be fitting: [Page 117] giue the childe part of that mixture at the first: after a while giue it more. This is securely giuen, the third or fourth day after the birth; so is likewise the Aurum Potabile in a small quantitie, and mixed with some other liquor, not with milke: neither must the childe sucke within two houres after, lest the wine in the potable gold, should curdle the milke.
These administrations are to be giuen intermissiuely, How oft. sometime euery second, third, or fourth houre, as the present case shall require: vntill of the operation appeare with good signes, the abating of the passions, diminishing of the Disease, and recouerie of strength.
It may be giuen at al times, most commonly in the When to be giuen. morning fasting, or an houre before repast. Likewise after meate to preuent a surfet. For it helpeth digestion, and preuenteth sicknesses following such repletions. To procure sleepe it is giuen at bed-time; or if necessitie vrge, in any other houre of the night or day: being effectually a true Anodine, of contemperation without stupefaction, not narcoticke.
The Effects of this Medicine: corroboration of Effects. the heart: restauration of the vitall spirits decaied and enfeebled: which apparantly is manfest, by quiet and sweete sleepe most commonly following; as also by mitigation of paine, and appeasing of violent passions: sometime by a milde and gentle sweat ensuing, sometimes by vomit, and reiection of malignant viscous humors: also by plentifull euacation of vrine, as also by restraint thereof, where the retention is weake. And though sildom, yet somtimes by a loosenesse of the belly: but very oft, by staying inordinate fluxes. And euery of these functions, though contrary some one to other, are directed and performed by the meere motion of Nature it selfe, being strengthned, [Page 118] vigorated, and enabled, by the virtue of this Medicine.
Let thus much suffice, for the simple, or very simply mixed vse of this Medicine. But although in this forme taken and vsed, it giueth great furtherance towards the curing of any malady, as by many particular experiments hath beene related, in which sildome times any addition of peculiar effect hath beene administred: yet because of the great varietie, difference and diuersitie of dispositions, natures, places, diseases, times, and countries; and because prescription ought not to preiudicate the skill and iudgement of all men; Therefore to supply these differences, I doe leaue free to the iudgement and discretion of euery rationall experienced Physition, to administer this medicine, with any kind of Waters, Liquors, Syrups, Conserues, Electuaries, or other medicines simple or compound, such as they shall vpon good grounds and experience, know or iudge most appropriate, specificall, conuenient, and agreeing to the present circumstances of the disease, nature, & quality of the patient, & necessity of his state. We giue no prescript of Method, or limitatiō of proceedings vnto Physitions; they being present, know what is needfull, what requisite, in order, time and place: what in each respect is to be done, what to be left vndone. But where a competent Physition is not at hand, as in Country villages, or such like places, there some admonition or direction is expedient.
It is well knowne among learned men, what effect, efficacy, and force, is attributed to that Medicine which is called Vniuersall, in that high degree whereof writers make mention, that it performeth great and admirable effect, not only vpon mans body, but also vpon Mettals, as appeareth by these words of Raymund Lully: The quintessence of gold, after distilling [Page 119] away of the instrumentall water, will remaine in the bottome of the glasse, very pure, and separated from all impurity, thicke in the consistence of hony, or of gumme, deepely coloured and very vnctuous, greatly auaileable, both for Medicine of many body, as also of Mettals. But this Medicine of ours, hath his preparation onely pertinent to the vse of man. Neuertheles seeing that, both that Medicine of Raymund Lully, and this of mine, haue all the virtue incident vnto them deriued from gold, and from the forme thereof, as from one fountaine and foundation; therefore it will not be impertinent, to prescribe the same vse and manner of administring of this medicine of mine, which Raymund doth vnto his. For if the agent cause be one in them both, the manner of vse may also be the same. He prescribeth a speciall vse in these words. Mixe this Essence of gold in a quantity of white wine, when you will giue it to a Phlegmaticke constitution, especially in the Winter season. If to a Cholericke, giue it in faire water: to a Melancholike, in broth, wherein mutton is decocted: If he be of a Sanguine complexion, in cleare white wine: And this shall be a preuention against infirmities, and their bodies shall be rectified against the distemper of the season. If you giue this medicine to those that are sicke, let the mixture be more effectuall of the Medicine. Neither be thou greatly troubled (saith he) to know the perfect state of the disease. For nature it selfe is wise and prouident by her owne instinct, and hath inuested to this stone being dissolued, sufficient virtues, to rectifie that which is amisse in nature. My sonne, this medicine is powerfull, both against hotte diseases, and cold, naturall, and accidentiall, &c. These words and other hereunto tending Raymund setteth downe, which we out of our experience haue found to be answerable to this [Page 120] our intent. Neuerthelesse wee acknowledge, that sometimes extraordinary symptomes doe occurre, which threaten present danger of death, if they bee not speedily preuented: As is, extreme heate, extremitie of cold, great thirst, lacke of sleepe, inordinate fluxes, and such like. All which by the good pleasure of God, are mitigated and asswaged by this only Medicine of mine. And yet many things may be appropriately added hereunto, & pertinēt for the expulsing of euery Disease. Therfore, if the patiēt haue a repleate body, that necessity require some euacuation to bee made; gentle, & not violēt purges, fitting the humor offending, are to be administred. Sometime the body hath neede by vrine or sweat to be releeued: which both, although this Aurum Potabile doe in sort performe yet in some cases it is to be helped. If a fluxe be caused in the nether ventricle, vnto which a Medicine receiued at the mouth cannot speedily penetrate, then a clensing, and astringent Glister will be expedient. If sleepe be wanting, that necessarily must be regarded. And although this Medicine doth for the most part by a secret proprietie therin procure sleepe, yet if neede be, let other helps be adioyned. Blood letting in conuenient time must not be neglected. Other things pertinent, I referre to the discretion of them, whome it shall concerne.
THE CONCLVSION OF THIS TREATISE.
HAuing thus, ingenuously, plainly, and fully (as I hope) satisfied all indifferent and vnpartiable Readers, of the cause of this discourse, concerning the generall and extraordinarie effects of this Medicine: and of the three kinds thereof: of my vse in administration thereof, in all Diseases, sexes, ages and circumstances: together with the libertie and cautions in further extent, and mixture with other Medicines: I now returne in the Conclusion, vnto such Readers, to whome I haue and euer shall, deuote, consecrate and dedicate all my studies, labours and industrie, commending vnto you the right construction, and generous acceptance, without any sinister detortion, of my good and vnspotted intendements, not retorted against my traducers, with any malicious virulence, but extorted by meere compulsion, for the necessary challenge, and defence of my good name, oppugned by two Doctors, though neuer expugnable by them, nor the laudatorie versifiers, chaunting pro formâ absque materiâ. Let them enioy the glory of their Eloquence, or rather loquence, with ill applyed Phrases. I desire none other contentment in this [Page 122] question, then the publike testimony of a constant truth. Truth will surely liue, preuaile, flourish. It is like the gentle and sweete Marierome, manifoldly excellent for many vertues. Which but rubbed in the hand, yeeldeth an excellent sent, comfortable to all senses. Of which hearb it is written, that if swine be enforced, with full sent of open nostrels to take the smell, it is mortall to them, and causeth them to die. Surely this is a secret in Nature, that a thing so good in it selfe, and so agreeably helpefull to good men, should by the malice, or brutishnesse of a Swinish nature be accounted poyson. This is a true Embleme of my Medicine, which being helpfull to all, hurtfull to none, yet there are found such, as professe hatred to the very name thereof: and so turne that generall preseruatiue, to their priuate poyson of rancor. But herein that common rule of Philosophy, is not vnfitly analogised vpon them: Nutriens conuertitur in naturam nutriti, et non contra. The nourishment is cōuerted into the nature of the body nourished, but not contrarily. So likewise the enuious man, whatsoeuer hee beholdeth with his malicious Eye, though extraordinary good of it selfe, yet hee conuerteth it to his owne peruerse disposition, which is euill. As may well appeare in the Bee, and the Spyder, this sucking poyson, and the other hony out of the selfe same flower. Let all these things be considered, by the indifferent and Iudicious Reader, and with equall ballance let him peise truth with falsehood, sinceritie with deceit, not inclining either to hatred or adulation, but with free minde and integritie of conscience, let sentence be pronounced. Among good men there ought to be good dealing. It may peraduenture bee that some doubts may bee mooued, or cauilling allegations [Page 123] against the tract of this Treatise in some point or other, but surely such as will be vtterly vnprofitable to the sicke patient, who is to be releeued by healthfull Medicine, and not by subtilitie of Argument. Wherefore if I should endeauour to answer euery friuolous and idle obiection, I should both abuse the Reader, and thinke mine owne time euill spent. Some few things I desire to admonish the Reader: First, fauourablie to construe and interpet the intent of these my proceedings, & not rashly, vpon any mans words or writings, to condemne the verity of this matter now in question. Also, if any thing in this Treatise be contained, which seemeth not answerable vnto euery mans capacitie or iudgement, that such person would be pleased, first, to admonish mee thereof by priuate letters, or otherwise, that I may in those doubts yeeld him satisfaction, before hee doe publikely oppugne the truth. Furthermore, if these things to some, seeme of small moment, I humbly intreate them, to produce better in place for the vse of the languishing patient (prouided alwaies that it bee no lesse approued by time and experience) and in the mean time, whilest wee liue in expectation thereof, let the Common-wealth receiue benefit by this, without their let or preiudice.
AN APPENDIX RESERVED FOR THE IVDICIOVS READER.
IT is generally well knowne, that Mathew Gwinne, in the Preface of that his Invectiue booke against me, did, in most instant manner, sollicite the Kings Maiestie, for the suppression of this Medicine my Potable gold. His Inducements, and motiues were in these words. Tolluntur vnà Medici, &c. The Physitions of this Citie, the Chyrurgians, and the Apothecaries will all decay, and in manner be subuerted; if this one vniuersall Medicine of Anthony doe preuaile. He enforceth the same as yet further: Let your Maiestie establish this, least the Archytectonicall order of the Physitions, (for I doe produce his owne words) the Polychrest all order of the Chyrurgians: the honest, learned, & wealthy order of the London Apothecaries, be either confused, or vtterly confounded, by the Intrusion of those who prepare Medicines Chymically. How vniust this petition is, and how preiudiciall vnto veritie it selfe, and vnto true Art (whereof the Apothecaries haue but a shaddow) who seeth not? If God [Page 125] hath granted vnto this our age, an extraordinary blessing, more seruiceable for the health of man, and much more auaileable then all other Medicaments hitherto retained in cōmon vse, ought it to be exploded by the practitioners in Physicke, or to be reiected of the patient in his vtter distresse, because the like lucre and gaine doth not to them aforesaid redound, as by other drugges ordinarily prescribed? Was that elect Vessel (mentioned in holy writ) iustly scourged and vtterly silenced, because by his words and admonition, the handicraftsmen, employed about that idoll of Diana, were likely to lose some part of their vsuall lucre and gaine? (I hope it is not vnlawfull in this case, to compare profane with sacred actions.) Nay rather contrariwise. If this vniuersall Medicine, shall approoue it selfe by daily experience to be vniuersally effectuall, then being retained in vse, both Physitions, Chyrurgions, and Apothecaries, will the rather be accepted of, and the more reuerenced: Neither will that three-fold order, bee either confused, or confounded herewith but rather confirmed, and better setled in generall account. For if these three, when they shall be called to the sicke patient, would at their entrance (as the ancient Ethnick Senators vsed to doe, when they entred the Senate house for consultations of the Weale publike) shake off aemulation, Enuy, and ouermuch desire of filthy lucre: then the Physition should finde in this Medicine, such helpe in desperate Diseases, as both he and his languishing patient should reioyce at the fruites thereof. The Chyrurgians likewise, in some case of theirs, as in Faintings, Swoundings, Convulsions, Crampes, and where sleepe and rest are wanting, whereby great feeblenesse and deiection of Spirits [Page 126] doe ensue should then make perfect experience and tryall, of what validitie this Medicine is. Then also the Apothecarie should lose no part of his honestie, of his learning, nor of his substance and riches, hauing by him this Medicine, as a last refuge for the releefe of his forlorne patient. The Apothecarie is carefull, to haue in euery corner of his shoppe, diuers and sundrie contemptible drugges, loathsome to most men, now in this age of ours. My desire is not to detract any thing from them in their gaine or skill, but rather to adde thereunto, and the behalfe of the Common wealth, vnto whom I doe here dedicate, consecrate and offer, all these my labours; and whatsoeuer else is in my power.