OF THE NOMENCLATƲRE OF BLOUD, And its Definition.
CHAP. I.

THe Hebrews denominate it [...] ab Adam per Aphairesim, from its red co­lour, by the Greeks it is called [...], whence those who abound with this pure juice are called [...], facetious, courte­ous persons; so great a power hath this liquid red matter to alter our conditions, that accor­ding as it is constituted in Eumetry and Eucrasie, our morality may be good or bad.

The Latines give it the name of Sanguis, quasi Sua­vis vel [...] aut [...], being a De­faecate most highly perfected sweet juice fiting to nourish all parts, vel Sanguis quasi [...] Sanctus, for the Ritual Vertue it hath of purification of the soul in sacrifices. The more crude impure part is called [Page 2] Cruor a [...], i. e. Crudus Concretus, which un­dergoes manifold Guises, and is often the Subject matter of multitude of Diseases, being sometimes changed into an Ichor Tabum, or Sanies.

Sanguis called bloud, [...], is a most pure Sweet Homogeneous, Balsamick, Vital Juice (for the most part of a bright Red or Reddish co­lour) made by the Archeus, by virtue of Fer­ments implanted in the Ventricles of the Heart, Lungs, Veins and Arteries, causing a formal trans­mutation of the chyme or milky substance into this sanguineous Liquor ordained to be the seat of Life, and the principal matter for Sense, Motion, Nu­trition, Accretion and Generation.

It is for good reason called Balsamum seu Con­dimentum totius Corporis, for as much as it hath a Sanative power, sweetly uniting all the parts of the Body for the conspiration of the good of the whole.

It is a great preservative against Putrefaction as long as it remains in its integrity, for consist­ing of many Saline particles, it seasoneth what­soever it toucheth with a pleasing Sapour.

It is the proper Habitation of the vital spirit, the immediate instrument of the Soul, in which it shines, displaying its Radiant Beams every way, that Sensation, Motion, Nutrition, and all other Functions may exquisitely be performed.

Its colour is various, in some White, as in Te­staceous Creatures. In some Black, as in the fish Polypus, but usually of a Reddish or Crimson Dye in the most perfect Creatures.

The efficient cause of its Production, is the Archeus or Animal spirit, making an Essential Al­teration of a praevious Lacteous juice into this most [Page 3] highly exalted Liquour of Life, through the effica­cy of those Operative fermenrs which the great Conditor of all things hath destinated to reside in convenient places, principally in the cavities of the heart.

CHAP. II. Of the different sorts of Bloud.

THe Air, Climate, and Food, do not a little alter the bloud of all Animals: For crea­tures that live in lofty places more remote from the faeculent exhalations of the Earth, (for as much as they participate of a more subtile, clean, mag­nale) have their bloud more rarified, volatilized, and so consequently Circulation the better per­formed without those Coagulations or Grumo­sites, which those resting nigh the lower surface of the Globe, always sending out some noxious emanations, are commonly incident to. Hereupon the winged common-wealth that frequently draw breath in a sublimer Region, have their juices for the most part better digested, mundified, and sub­tilized, than those which are constantly contiguous to the earth. For it is certain, look (Coeteris pari­bus) what air you draw in, such accordingly is the texture of the vital spirits, as these are generated good or bad, so likewise is the bloud, as this is constituted, so are the Carneous, Membranous, and Osseous parts.

Laudable or depraved food conduces much to the meliorating or pejorating this animal liquor, for as the diet is regulated in Quality or Quantity, so [Page 4] Euchymy or Cacochymy follow making several dis­criminations therein.

Of all Creatures the bloud of man is graduated to the highest Perfection, fitting to be a Recep­tacle of so divine a Guest, the Immortal Soul, which as long as it is here incarcerated, lying couched in the sensitive, being bound to act by Cor­poreal Organs, suffers many Obscurations, De­fections, and Eclipses, through variety of Mete­ors arising in the Horizon of this Microcosm, from the bloud degenerate and depraved.

It would take up too much time strictly to ex­amine this vital juice in several species, and in certain Individuals, whose Qualities, Proper­ties, Endowments, Inclinations, Affections, Actions, and Passions depend upon the Seed, the exquisite essential part of this animal Balsom, both of which make up Stamen & Subtegmen, the Warpe and Woofe of every creature. This Liquor is in some animals thick, gross, and fibrous, in others, thin; serous, and more fluid. There are those who have it endued with a Medicinal vertue, as that of Cats and Goats, the last whereof affords us an Arterial Balsom of admirable effect in Pleurisies.

Others have in it an Intoxicating and Poysonous property, as Bulls, Dogs, &c. In certain species it is intensly red, in others more remisly. There are creatures which have only a Whitish Liquor in the body, there are those also which possess it either obscure, or of a black colour. The bloud of some animals is tangibly hot, in others it is sensibly cold, as in fishes. It is more ponderous in those that continually adhere to the Earth, than in vo­latiles soaring aloft.

Saturnine persons have usually a more gross and stable juice very fibrous, causing deliberate pulse. Those who are jovial, have by nature a brighter, thinner Liquor, with a pulse more quick. Many other distinctions of this sanguine Balsom might be delivered, which for the present I can only lightly touch upon, directly aiming at those things of greatest moment, in which the welfare of man hath a more peculiar interest.

CHAP. III. Of the Efficient, and Material cause of Bloud.

THe Galenists have reckoned for this sixteen hundred years, four humours analogous to the four Elements in mans body requisite for the essential constitution of this ruddy mass, all of which they affirm are separable and demonstrable to the eye. Thus they make a division of that which God & Nature never intended other than Homogeneous, pure, plain, symbolical with that single princi­ple of the universe; for as much as every thing the more it hath of similarity in it self, the more capable it is to be altered into multiplicity of di­vers different specifick bodies by the Magical power of metamorphising ferments.

Now these Peripatetick Philosophers deliver to the World, that the contexture of this vital juice is made up of choler, phlegm, melancholly and bloud, which united, produce as they would have it, the compounded body we call Sanguis: how grosly erroneous and da [...]gerous this Tenet is, most Learned Helmont hath made evident.

Wherefore we conclude with that Noble Phy­losopher, that bloud is an univocal substance, di­visible only by some external accidental means, as the air or fire which cause a various texture, and different position of its atoms, whereby it seems to consist of those parts which are not really inhe­rent in it, as is manifest in its degeneration from its native colour, sapour, consistence, and good­ness which it had, before it became corrupt in the Porringer, or underwent the torture of the fire: Both of which do strangely larvate and disguise this puniteous Balsom, giving occasion to the Ga­lenists to frame their four fictitious humours no where really exsistent. Hence occasion hath been given of taking wrong indications in the cure of those Diseases (easily sanable if a firm foundation were laid) a great Catalogue where­of have been reputed incurable.

Had they but considered how this vital moi­sture ebbs and flows in goodness and pravity upon flight accidental occasions of any exorbitant pas­sions, as Fear, Sorrow, Anger, &c. the manifold impressions of the ambient air, Ill Diet, immo­derate exercise, divers excessive evacuations, and long retention of any recrement: Did they rightly understand how bloud like Mercury may be Po­lymorphised and changed into divers shapes, and at length be retroduced to the same state and con­dition, as when it was in its Primitive essence: certainly then these Dogmatists would never be so forward to pierce poor mans skin, rashly let out and throw away that substantial support of life, foolishly and falsly apprehending that to be totally corrupt and deprived of what it was in its former being, and in no wise capable to be retro­grade, [Page 7] and return to it self again; because it seems to their eyes when it appears abroad dis­coloured, invested with a contemptible ap­parel, as Yellow, Green, White, Blew, &c. Moreover, one would think it should put a stop to their prodigal profuse bleeding, if they did but meditate with what difficulty Nature brings this solar Liquor to perfection, how many hazards of becoming spurious and abortive it passes through; how easily it is stained by an extraneous tincture; how often intermixed with something allogeneous and hostile to it; how many elaborate circulati­ons, digestions, and refinings it undergoes before it be throughly animated, and made fit for the right use of the immortal soul.

Now that we may be informed concerning the efficient and material cause of this vital juice, let us contemplate its original, the place where 'tis first generated, or conception, as an Embryon of its Nativity, Growth, and full Maturity.

The proper Womb where the bloud receives a previous Rudiment, earnest or signature, of what Nature intends to perfect by degrees, is the stomach, where by vertue of a vigorous ferment, the food is converted into a whitish Chyle su­bacide somewhat fixed, agreeable to the part in­volving or containing, and to the subordinate in­strumental cause, that is employed in this notable change of what is ingested. After the Chyle hath continued so long in the stomach, that it hath at­tained that scope Nature hath intended: it is e­mitted out of this vessel, either oppressed with a­bundance, or stirred up with an extimulating sharpness, which makes an apertion of the Py­lorus, through which it passes into the Duodenum, [Page 8] Jejunum, and Ilion, where a very bitter, yet a most balsamical dark deeply tinged Condiment attending the foresaid Acide juice, strait converts the same into a saline exceedingly Volatilized chyme, the more pure rarifyed part of which be­ing made capable and pervious, is sucked up by those invisible lacteous vessels implanted in the mesentery, the more impure and grosser is dis­charged through the Intestines. In these smal Fi­stulary cavities runs this innocent white Liquor through the Pancreas, into the descending Trunk Vena Cava, and through the Thorax, into the Subclavian Veins, by means of which it is con­veyed into the right ventricle of the heart dila­ting, where intermixt with the bloud it is imme­diately altered in several accidents, there re­ceiving the Character or Idaea of vitality by ver­tue of an inherent ferment concurring. Upon the contraction of the heart the valves belonging to the Cava, hindring regress, a fair way is laid o­pen for its free egress through the Arteria pulmo­nica, into that spongy body the Lungs, in which part it is freed from some foulness and Dross which this Porous Parenchyma in its filtration as it were imbibes and separates, (the ambient Air inspired, much conducing to the mundification, ra­refaction of the same bright red juice by helping the fermentation thereof, and sending out ma­ny nocuous exhalations in expiration. The mat­ter being thus far prepared, it is at lenght brought down by Vena Pulmonica, into the left ventricle of the heart expanding, whence it is more vitalized and graduated in its excellency, and by a strong sudden constriction yirked and exploded by the Arteries meliorating it through [Page 9] the extream Orifices of the fore-named vessels into all parts of the body, where some portion is assimilated into the Identical substance of that which is to be nourished, what juice fitting being spent in assimilation, the rest is taken up by the veins returning it to the right ventricle, and so through the Lungs to the left: where it is advan­ced to a greater degree of perfection (by often Circulation) part of which is made fit for the generation of vital spirits, Accretion, Nutrition, and Procreation. Thus much concerning the material cause of bloud. Now the Efficient or Agent is the innate Archeus or vital spirit, which chiefly makes this formal Transmutation of whatsoever is nourishable. This works by his principal instrument: the ferments in the Du­umvirate, and in the rest of the digestions. For this Primum Mobile, moving sine Motore alieno; sets all the other wheels in motion, till being ex­antlated, and its vital power exhausted, all the in­feriour Orbs forthwith subsist, are at a stand and fail. This Auto Kineton is the seat or subject of the sensitive soul, where it is emicant and translu­cent in the same manner, as the beams of the Sun received in by the air in a serene, clear sky are effulgent and bright, but in a cloudy, dusky heaven are offuscated and opacous. Needs must melancholly, sad thoughts attend the mind, when the spirits are tenebrous, dim, and dark, being clouded and over-spread with dark, misty fogs of noysom, exhalations arising from impure, fecu­lent, malignant, degenerate moisture, which cau­ses the soul lodging therein to act irregularly, in as much as the primary instrument this vital steam by which the soul operates, is depraved [Page 10] and bereaved of its genuine goodness. Where­fore that this place of the lifes residence may be capable to receive so divine a guest; Nature hath ordained and curiously fabricated several Pipes, venal, arterial and nervous, with fit cavi­ties and convenient parts adjoyning for the Cir­culation, Fermentation, Digestion, Exaltation, Purification of this vital juice: So that if any thing dissonant, violent, adverse, incongruous, and of a different Texture enter into it, the same is either forthwith exploded, or a great inquie­tude, displacency, and confusion ariseth in the Oeconomy of the body, to the hazard of the whole frame of Nature.

Likewise if the stomach titubate and come short in its right digestion, all the other succeed­ng shops ordained for maturation and perfect­ing this rubicund Liquor, cannot correct the mi­stakes, errours, and defects of the first, so that we may conclude without controversie, that this Noble Membranous cavity, layeth the foundati­on for the further erection and superstructure of the prime matter, which makes this stately edi­fice entire and firm. Let not any harbour a con­ceit, that the Liquor current in the veins and ar­teries will ever be brought to that requisite ma­turity, and cleansed from that dross it is inci­dent to, unless the stomach, the Key that unlocks all the Privy Chambers and Closets of this little world, be first set in order and rectifyed.

'Tis all one, as if one should pump without stopping the leak, if he apply Remedies, à Po­steriori, to the consequent indigencies in the parts, neglecting the main defect of the Duum­virate, à priori, which like the Helme of a ship, [Page 11] reduces into the right channel, the aberrations of other Kitchins ordained for the formal alteration of nutriment. For this purpose our principal study ought to be employed about the search of such Remedies, that are amicable and delectable to the Archeus, corroborate the tone of the sto­mach, augment, regulate, and fortifie its fer­ment, scoure away any thing recrementitious in it: dulcifie and mitigate what ere is acrimoni­ous, preter-naturally austere, acid, corroding, saline, or putride therein: This being duly per­formed by a Pyrotechnical Philosopher, a sure door is opened for the exemption of Nature, much oppressed from sundry grievous Diseases, (which otherwise would prove incurable) bank­ing and eluding all the trivial medicaments of the Galenists.

CHAP. IV. The manifold Occasions that alter, clarifie, taint, and deprave the Bloud; Also the true signs of its purity or impurity, integrity or degeneration.

EXtrinsecal occurrences, and intrinsecal oc­casions, cause a goodness, depravation, and deflection of the bloud from its native sincerity. Those inseparable things without which we can­not subsist, as air, diet, retention, evacuation, ex­ercise, sleep, watching, passions, and perturbati­ons of the mind do very much affect this noble j [...]ice. Above all, it is most altered by the air, [Page 12] and the perturbation of the spirits: such fixed impressions are sometimes made by these, that they become indeleble all our life after. Many laborious Chymists have to their miserable expe­rience found, that those deletery, venemous fumes, and poysonous Realgars arising from mi­nerals imbibed by the air, and so inspired, have so infected this Balsom circulating through the Lungs, that all the art of man hath not been able by the greatest medicinal Arcana's to expunge the malignity contracted thereby.

How insensibly do those virulent pestilential atoms fluctuating in the air cause a miasm, con­tagion in this red mass, whereby it becoms coagu­lated or colliquated: which inconveniencies are no more to be avoided in some places, than that it is possible for any one to live without air. Doubtless that tedious Chronick disease the Scorbute, which is so predominant and Grassant in this Nation, doth in greatest part diffuse it self by means of the air, which insensibly conveys its pernicious Nature from Body to Body. So that some few having a high tincture of this evil, may in some short space, resorting to much Compa­ny, annoy by a spreading ferment many hundreds, who according as their Bodies are disposed and capable for the reception of this infectious Lea­ven, suffer more or less in pollution of this Nectar of life which by degrees falleth off from its pri­stine goodness. If then timely prevention be not made either by potent strength of Body, or a prevalent art, the man decays in his faculties, the Archeus becomes aculeated, exstimulated, and becomes exorbitant, framing variety of Exotick, Morbifick Idaeas, causing a Syndrom of Hetero­clite [Page 13] symptoms. Infinite are the exhalations flowing out from all sorts of Bodies, greedily sucked up by the magnale or porosities of the air, which, when, where, and how it affects the bloud is not easily known to us: only this we can as­sert, that we have received injury from this subtil ambient, that adheres as close to us as we to place.

'Tis a common Opinion taken up frequently by the vulgar, when they are indisposed or inci­dent to any disease, to say they have taken cold, thereby mincing and extenuating the magnitude and malignity of many feral Diseases to their fi­nal overthrow, being so taught by their Oracle like Galenical Doctors (as they fancy them) whom they observed to insist upon bare Qualities (meerly transitory, momentany, and shadows of true substances) for the Cure of most desperate Diseases, especially Fevers: which I acknow­ledge is often produced, excited, and irritated by the ambient, but not meerly from the bare qua­lity thereof quatenus cold, but as it is stuffed full of atoms Hostile to the Texture of our bloud, which rushing in through the more patulous pas­sages of the Body, or stealing in through the less visible pores, do frequently alter, and contami­nate this Aetherial Liquor. 'Tis granted, that cold doth sometimes accidentally put the Body much out of order, in as much as it stoppeth up the pores of the skin, in such wise, that many noxious recrements are constringed within, to the depravation of the bloud, the impediment of its Circulation, and so to the great prejudice of the health, which otherwise having free vent, rid nature of a burdensome clog, oftentimes pres­sing it down either into dangerous or mortal Feavers.

In this case the principal means to be used, is to open the coarctation, constriction, and consti­pation of this general membrane by proper Diaphoreticks, withal rectifying the air, that there may be a free aporrhaea of whatsoever doth infest Nature and bloud. The next notable cause that makes great alteration for the worse in this vital juice, are the extravagant perturbations, storms, and tempests that arise in this microcosm, raised through mis-apprehensi­ons, mis-applications, and mis-interpretations of things obvious to our sense, contrived by a luxa­ted or dislocated imagination, e. g. Some fright­ful object presented to our eye, or a lamentable story related to our ear, doth strait disturb, the Archeus with its concomitant in such manner, that a plain discovery is made what is done with­in by its sudden flux into, and reflux from the face; the Index of the souls affections: Henquam difficile est (says the Poet) Crimen non prodere vul­tu: Joy, Sorrow, Fear, Hope, Love, Anger, En­vy, Jealousie, are so conspicuously to be read in the countenance by means of the access or recess of this sanguine matter, that the best of Politici­ans study hath been to conceal those evident Sig­natures, Impressions, Stamps, and Characters of their Inclinations, Motions, Dispositions, and Affections arising from the bloud, but yet could never attain to any perfection therein.

How florid is the Front when the heart is chearful? how sweetly diffused is this spirituous Ruby through all parts in an equal proportion, circulating in every vessel with a quiet stream: on the contrary, how luride, discoloured, tawney, yel­low, dark, pale, wan for the most part is the aspect [Page 15] when sorrow hath laid siege to the fountain of life: what stagnations, coagulations, unkindly colliqua­tions, exorbitant fermentations, dyspepsies, aposta­ses, defections, transmutations, allogeneities, vapi­dities, malignities, austerity, acidity, acrimony, is this juice liable to, at first disordered in part, at length by degrees quite subverted from those deformed odious Idaeas of Sorrow, Grief, and Anguish of spirit.

This feral Brat of Hell melancholly, doth so disturb the Oeconomy of the souls residence, that the ruddy Balsom of the Body hath become [...], lutulent, faeculent, deprived of its primitive excellence, so that whereas it was be­fore the fit matter of clear, luminous, active spirits, from whence arose regular, sound, comformable actions, it is now being degraded the Origi­nal of a Black, Fuliginous Archeus, which clouding the soul in such a manner; that the whole frame is disordered, and all the powers are violently hurryed into an ataxie. Briefly, all immoderate passions do exceedingly operate up­on the bloud, spoiling it more or less of its inte­grity. Thus inter spem (que) metum (que) timores inter & iras, is this subject matter wherein the soul de­lights agitated, concussed, sometimes as it were charm'd into a coagulum or curdly substance, again then colliquated into a virulent corroding, fret­ting Ichor or Serum, now a modest apprehension of shame, adornes the skin with a lovely rosie blush; a [Page 16] sudden fear leaves the superficies of the body exanguious, pale and Ghost-like, as likewise ex­cessive love perpetrates the same by degrees, Pallidus omnis amans: Envy consumes this vitae pabulum, as a Moth a Garment.

Jealousie as cruel as the Grave, never leaves till it devours its vigour and fibrosity. Anger intoxicates it, pourtraying the perfect Idaea of madness therein, which sometimes is so gradua­ted, that no poyson in this part of the world seems to be more active, for a few atoms of this venomous gore penetrating the Cutaneous mem­brane, hath infected the whole ruddy mass intro­ducing most truculent symptoms: wherefore Ira furor brevis est, hanc tu compesce catena. Let it be our whole endeavour, ut sit mens sana in corpo­re sano, for if we be not Master of our unruly passions, 'tis impossible there should be an Euto­mie, an Eucrasie, and Eumetry, in this solar juice.

Likewise food is to be considered as power­ful to make an Euchymy or Cacochymie, for those things whose Vita Media are so tenacious, that they cannot be conquered by the stomach, do of­ten put Nature to very great stress, causing it to frame many strange Images, so leading it captive into a morbifick state. I have found experimen­tally, that flesh or any thing Dyspepton of difficult digestion in any Feaver putrifies in the stomach, contaminates the bloud, augments the Feaver, which the good old man Hipp. verifies, [...], i. e. if you give any thing very highly nutritiotous to one in a Feaver, the same will encrease his Disease, weakning the Patient, [Page 17] which given to an healthful body, would strengthen him.

Again, whatsoever superfluity is retained af­ter the six Digestions are performed, do either by their quantity or quality incommodate the blood, causing it to deviate from its sincerity; likewise all profuse excretions do much disturb it. Mo­tion, Rest, Watching, and Sleep, passing their due limits, cause great inconveniences herein.

The Phaenomena or signs whereby the blood may be judged good or bad are, some apparently Vi­sible: others more obscurely latitant. A skin tin­ged with a preter-natural Black, Citrine, Yellow, Green, Pale colour, supposed it be not con­tracted from the impression of the Air, Cli­mate, or any outward accident, doth certainly indicate that all is not well with the juice within, for qualis color cutis, talis corporis habitus, sanguis & spiritus. A feaverish state, cutaneous eruptions, a spontaneous lasitude, difficulty of breathing, an irregular pulse, Arythmus, Dicrotus, For­micans, Serratilis, observing no just proportion. Degenerate excrements arising from several Di­gestions of various colours, Green, Yellow, &c. of bad consistence, as lentous, viscous, clammy, thin, sharp, fretting, cause some suspicion that the blood is impure. Likewise if a man be melan­cholly without any just reason, [...], in­disposed, dull, delirious, forgetful, sleepy, or over-watchful, he may suspect all is not well within. There is no greater sign of notable im­purity in this mass, than when there appears any excessive Haemorrhagy, as from the Nose, Piles, or Mouth; for then we may conclude, that some irri­tating matter is got therein, which like a Thorn [Page 18] extimulates the Archeus, so that it becomes impa­tient, fretful, and furious, profusely squandring away the most precious stock of life in a prodigal manner. Now if we desire to keep a constant Tenour of health, we ought strictly to observe whether any of the six Digestions do at any time titubate, or faulter, and forth with to seek out for means to correct the same, and reduce it to inte­grity, sith it is not possible that the liquor of life should be free from feculencies, imperfections, and apostasies, if the Organ that frames it be ir­regular and depraved.

Here I must give a Caution to all intelligent Persons, that they do not rashly censure that blood let out in the Porringer necessary to be sent packing, because it is disguised in various co­lours, as blackish, blew, green, yellow, white, &c. supposing it to be corrupt, and so unfitting to be retained within the verge of life. It is no such matter, I can maintain: for this superficial alteration proceeds from the Air, spoiling it of its pristine goodness, not that it was really cor­rupted in the vein. For the demonstration of this, I will undertake upon forfeiture of a great penalty to open the vein of a Cachochymick body, emitting about two or three ounces of the visible foresaid degenerate matter, then stopping the Orifice, make use of proper Remedies to this Individual, whose habit I doubt not so to alter in the space of about a fortnight, that no such pu­trid matter as they improperly call it, shall be found in any vein whatsoever opened, which may fully satisfie any sober inquirer after truth, that the corruption was never really existent in that while it was in the vein, which in so short a [Page 19] time is thus red integrated; for corruption being an absolute privation of that formal essence of the thing: and sith there is no retrogradation in this kind, that an Ens losing its form by disso­lution, should assume it again, nam à privatione ad Habitum, non datur regressus: it infallibly fol­lows, that this juice thus restored Techni [...]s by Art was never truly corrupted as they would have it. Hence it follows, that the fair pretence of the Galenists, that the juice drawn out of the pati­ent forasmuch as it is corrupt in the Porringer, is happily discharged; appears a meer imposture contrived on purpose to stop the mouth of those who scruple and question Phlebotomy.

CHAP. V. Concerning the Latex or insipid aqueous Li­quor, that is concurrent with the Blood.

TReating of the blood, I cannot o­mit its inseparable companion that closely perambulates with it through all the winding Maeandrous Pipes in this microcosm. It is called Latex by Helmont, by some Lympha by the Gr. [...]. It is a Diaphanous clear liquor [...], fabricated in the second digestion by ver­tue of a ferment there residing. It is the matter of Urine and Sweat. It undergoes various alterati­ons, partly from sanguine mass, and partly from the solid parts of the body, whose ferments as they are mis-affected, so they infect this limpid li­quor. It is of very great use, first as a vehicle to [Page 20] the bloud to convey and usher it freely into all parts. Secondly, to hinder the condensation and coagulation thereof, that it may not restagnate, and so be hindred in its constant circulation. Thirdly, that it may carry off several impurities and dross, that the parts contained and contain­ing are obnoxious to, mundifying, and as it were rincing away their contracted foulness by Urine and Spitting, reposing the same either in certain Glandulous Emunctories, or diffusing what is saline, acid, acrimonious, pontick or bitter, &c. through the porous skin. Fourthly, it serves for the humectation of those parts, otherwise prone to Aridity, as the bones and Cartilages; hence that Synonia or albuminous substance that inter­venes the extremity of each bone is maintained. Fifthly, it is the matter of tears, spittle, sweat, and urine, all which are rightly fabricated as long as the ferments perform their office as they should, but becomming exorbitant, this Latex degenerates, causing great offence and injury to the life of man. Hence feavers of all sorts, the Scurvy, Squinzy, Pleurisie, Cephalalgy, grievous Gripes, Fluxes, Dropsies, Haemorrhoids, Oede­matous Tumours, Erysipelas, Phlegmons Cacoe­thes, and Fistulous Ulcers, and cutaneous Erupti­ons, of multifarious shapes, wherein for the most part great malignity and venomous nature is in­cluded. This depraved Latex is the cause of in­tollerable thirst in a Causos or a high feaver, which is indirectly attempted to be allaied by Julips of the Galenists, who intend cooling and moistning, as taking their Indication errone­ously from heat and dryness, which then would easi [...]y [...]e corrected by a draught of cold water or [Page 21] small Beer. Whereas the true way if rightly ta­ken is to dulcifie the salfuginous or Briny Latex by appropriate Remedies to destroy the maligni­ty that harbours therein, and to carry off by urine and skin sensibly or insensibly, that Ichorous mat­ter which annoys the whole mass, endangering the total coagulation of it, whereby the Archeus is put into extream displacency, being exceed­ingly heightned in its perturbation at the pre­sence of so tedious, vexatious, virulent and mor­tiferous a sociate. It is not amiss sometimes to ex­antlate or pump up this sharp Serum, and to send it packing per Ptyelismum, by salivation, supposed it be done by those things that are free from a noxious property, leaving no impression behind, which cannot be performed by ☿ dulce Turbith mine, Praecipie, and such like imperfect preparati­ons of Quick-silver, commonly sold in Apothe­caries shops, and frequently used by the Galeno-Chymists, who for that reason assume the name of Chymists to the infamy of this Noble Science. By their leave I must tell them, and I can assert it as a real truth, that no Legitimate Spagyrist, if he be throughly grounded in his Art, will ex­hibite any of the foresaid preparations of ☿, yea moreover, nor oil of vitriol corrosive, nor the spirit only a sower Phlegm, the best thing they have of an Adipson, on which they depend for the abating of extraordinary Thirsts.

Bartholinus a very laborious Anatomist, hath made a discovery of certain Lymphaducts, Re­ceptacles of this clear water, which taking their Original from the Liver and Spleen, tend up­ward to the subclavian vessel, and downward to the Renal cavities: so that Nature hath been ve­ry [Page 22] solicitous to lay up as it were in store this most necessary water, that it may upon all oc­casions be in readiness to be brought forth for the Emergent use of the fluid and solid parts.

If this Latex offend in Quantity or Quality, perfect sanity cannot be enjoyed. If it be defici­ent Atrophy, Consumption, Marasmus follows, if not timely prevented, as appears in those whose pericardium being diffected, hath been destitute of any considerable moisture: if it abound Cachexie, a very ill habit of body, and Dropsies ensue. If it be fretting, salt, or acid, many Idaeas of Disea­ses arise to be specifyed according to the part af­fected. Now Omne Acidum est Venis, Arteriis & Nervis, membranis, hostile, stomacho vero gratum, ac­cording to our Philosopher: Whatsoever is sharp is pleasing to the stomach, but very offensive to the veins, arteries, nerves, and membranes, which are thereby vellicated, curled, convulsed, and corru­gated at the presence of that, whose Atomycal parts are like so many thorns.

In Infants the tone of this Latex being subver­ted, causes an Hydrocephalus, a head very much tumefied. In a declining age it deviates from its integrity, and much infests the Lungs.

The goodness or pravity of the Latex depends much upon the bloud as it is constituted, for al­though it is no essential part thereof, yet is it altered for better or worse, according to the channels it passes through, the lodging it taketh up, and the condition of its associate, not­withstanding I will not deny but that it may be sometimes impaired in its due excellency, and this withall remain very pure and sincere. It is prone to be often damnifyed by outward acci­dents, [Page 23] as the ambient air, any thing that impe­tuously rushes upon it, making a contusion or so­lution of continuity, whatsoever doth terrifie, colli­quate, and gall the skin, or intoxicate it, putting the Archeus into a violent passion, thereby turn­ing the placid innocent Liquor into an unpleasing, hurtful, corrosive menstruum.

Urine and sweat are by some reputed to be the same, however they are mistaken, for urine comes from a putrefactive principle, whereby the Latex is turned into an urinous Nature by vertue of a ferment proper to the Kidneys, which if it be perverted, many Diseases emerge, Dysuria, Ischuria, Stranguria: if totally de­stroyed there happens, that rare affect called Diabetes. The sweat comes from the Latex, drawn thither by the Magnes of the membrana Carnosa & Cutis, whose attraction is more pow­erful when promoted by exercise, heat, frication, and attrition, &c. which are great means that that undulating moisture in the inward part hath its recourse to the Periphaeria or circumfe­rence of the body, and so passes through the pores thereof in form of a dewy Mador. This water as it is tinged or impregnated by divers occurrent matter, it finds in the passages where it is tran­sient, so it retains an odour, or sapour, colour, consistence, for the sweat of some is very stink­ing and noisome in sent, sharp in taste, yel­low, greenish, darkish in colour, glutinous, clammy, waterish, and sometimes so fretting, that the Linnen is even corroded thereby, as if it were imbrued with a weaker sort of oile of vitri­ol, which expulsion is always laudable, if it be per­formed by strength of Nature, [...] to [...], [Page 24] for an Ephidrosis, particular sweats always portends debility of the Archeus, an unequal strength, a defection of the attractive faculty, stubborn, obstructions, and abundance of lentous, clammy, tough matter, not easily ca­pable to be tamed by the vital spirit.

Here I cannot but make an animadversion on that truculent Disease which formerly raged in England, to the destruction of some thousands. It had its original doubtless from a degenerate Latex turned into a malignant Ichor, which cau­sed a tabefaction or colliquation of the bloud and Nutritive juice, which issuing forth in a copious measure symptomatically, without any Euphoria alleviation, quickly consumed the stock of life. The attempt made at first to cure this malady, by stopping the sweat by astringents and cooling things, proved not only frustraneous, but also very mortal, for the malignity being thereby more concentrated, wanting a Momentaneous vent through the universal membrane, it forthwith preyed upon the Archeus, extinguishing the Lamp of life in such sort as a Mephitis or subterranean damp doth obsuscate, and at length put out the flame of a Candle. Now the proper adaequate Remedies that took effect in this feral evil, were Eustomachicks, as likewise counterpoysons that did immediately resist the venome by oblitera­ting the Idaea thereof, by corroborating the e­normon, exterminating the intoxicated Ichor, and ill conditioned Latex through the habit of the body, carrying it that way quo natura vergere stu­debat.

Most stubborn Coughs oftentimes vex many, by reason this Latex is become illegitimate and [Page 25] destitute of its primary eucrasie: for having con­tracted a subtile pungitive acrimony, itexceeding­ly grieves the tender body of the Lungs, through which it is continually circulated. Hereby this part is extimulated to vexatious explosion, night and day without any considerable expectoration. The Galenical Lohochs, Lam­batives, syrups, and several mixtures signifie no­thing in this case, for they do but prejudice the Mint where the Latex doth first receive a stamp, which being at first defaced, can never after be repaired and brought to its perfect form. I have always found experimentally, that nothing is more prevalent to master the Orgasmus and enor­mous cataract of this fretful Liquor, than to give a vomit proper for the discharging any superfluity a­bout the stomach, no whit offensive to its ferment, nor diminishing its vital strength. As for those vomits of the shops, which Galenists make use of, I utterly renounce them, as unfitting to be used by a true Son of Art.

Here I shall insert something requisite, and peculiarly belonging to a vomit that acts as it ought towards the cure of any dangerous Disease. 1. It ought to be safe,—so that one need not fear to sleep after it, to walk about the house, nor be terrified that it work not by vomit or stool. 2. It is assistant to Nature, that it may be able to discharge the morbifick matter, keeping up its vigour after a sharp contention and victory over the Disease: not leaving it very languide in dan­ger to be encountred by second infirmities, as is commonly observed to be the effect of the ordi­nary Purgatives. 3. It leaves untouched what­soever is sound, not coliquating the wholsome [Page 26] juice of the parts. 4. It conveys away by ex­pectoration sweat, and urine, whatsoever is ho­stile to Nature. 5. It sweetens the Acrimony and Acidity of the Latex. 6. It casts some bright radiant lustre upon the Archeus, whereby it is il­lustrated, and so by reflecting beams enabled to scatter those dark cloudy mists and foggy exhala­tions that obnubilate the life. That Physician that is furnished with such an Arcanum, dares give a vomit to that Patient, to whom a Galenist of the greatest fame dare not exhibit one (as I have heard) for a hundred pound. I have this twenty years practice attempted many specious, highly applauded medicines, for the regulating this spurious Latex, but never was I successful to any purpose, till by long labour and expences, I at length met with such an Emetick, endued with the aforesaid properties, which was potent in a­mending the errours of this limpha in the fountain or first source thereof, I mean, the Duumvirate that governs the whole body. In short, the Physi­cian that is to seek in such a safe effectual means, shall never be able to strike at the root of any fix­ed disease, but must be forced to palliate by bleed­ing, blistring, venomous Purgings, issues, &c. [...]t he may seem to do something, [...], after a busie manner to content his Patient, least he should be thought to receive his money for nought.

CHAP. VI. Of the manifold Diseases that take up their Lodging in the Bloud.

QUicquid in sanis actiones sanas, id ipsum in morbis etiā pravas edit. If as we are taught, in the bloud is L [...]e, Light, and Health, then necessarily accor­ding to the foresaid Theorem in the same is death, darkness, and sickness; yet is it to be taken in such a sense as this red spirituous liquor relates to the fountain, from whence primarily it had a be­ginning. For in truth, diseases generally are first embryonated and Characterized in the vital spi­rit, residing in the Hypochondries, stomach, and spleen, from whence they are traduced seconda­rily into other parts. For example, Cephalaea, i. e. an inveterate pain in the Head, took its first be­ginning from the enormon of the Duumvirate, where the seminal Rudiments and Idaea of this disease were obumbrated or shadowed forth by the sensitive soul, excited to passion upon the apprehension of something disagreeing and inju­rious to vitality. Afterward the same is perfect­ly delineated in the Archeus of the brain, in which the scene laid below is now brought to light above. Now is to be seen a syndrom of many symptoms, which plainly shew the Nature of the disease suitable to the part afflicted: here the Latex and vital juice apostatize by degrees from their purity the ferments, and con­sequently the digestions of the brain becomming viciated, so that this Organ which at first suffer­ed, [Page 28] per Deuteropathiam, is now alienated from its former integrity, being disordered, per Idiopa­thiam, hereupon the parts adjacent incur infir­mities, as Amaurosis, or Gutta, Serena, Opthal­my or inflammation, a Cataract, a Pterygion or film in the eyes, &c. a Parotis, Inflammation, Tinuitus, or tingling in the Ears, &c. Yet how­ever still the fountain root and original of this, [...], came from the Duumvirate. So that if any ligitemate Physician go about to make a Cure of the Cephalaea and other superve­ning diseases, he must aim directly at the extir­pation of that primary cause, which first genera­ted, propagated, and gave life to the second infir­mity. Now the efficient and material cause of all diseases, is the vital spirit implanted, especially in the most pure juice contained, and parts con­tained, for the supply of which the influent serves. This ingenite [...], had at first [...], a power given from the great Condi­tor of all things, to bring the fluxile seed into the conformation of an Embrion, and after that to maturate it for parturition: since when it continues a despotical Government over all the faculties, functions, offices belonging to this Re­publick, being the seat and habitacle of life or light, form, or the sensitive soul.

As the soul inhabits the Archeus, so this is per­manent in the blood, and all three take up for their Metropolitan or chief place of Residence the stomach and spleen, in which the soul by means of the Duumvirate acts freely. The imbred spirit is implanted every where throughout the whole body, taking notice of the least mischief which happens thereto in every single particle, [Page 29] so that if a thorn, a splinter, the sting of a bee, wasp, a Scorpion, the biting of a Viper, Tarantula, Mad dog, or Rattle snake break the skin, touch­ing the vital juice: This Archeus forthwith frames Idaeas of indignation, fear, sorrow, &c. Ac­cording as the Nature of that which vulnerates it, such & such symptoms are evidently contriv'd by this quick sented and tasted spirit, which nimbly apprehends what is nocuous, and what is harmless to the life. This Custos I say is ubiquitary in the body, carefully watching for its preservation, but it is in an extraordinary manner concentrate, where the first preparation of the sanguine mass is made, here the Apoplexie, Epilepsie, Palsie, Con­vulsions, Lethargy, Scotomie, Delirium, Melan­cholly, Madness, Phrensie, Phthysis, Quinsie, Peripneumonie, Incubus, Asthma, Dyspnaea, vexa­tious Coughs, Syncope, Lypothymie, griping of the Guts, Diarrhaea, Dysuria, Arthritis, Gout in several parts, Cachexie, Dropsies, the Scurvy, Hypochondriack Passion, all sorts of feavers con­tinual or intermitting, mild or malignant, the small Pox, Measils, spotted Feaver, the Plague, Marasmus, Erysipelas, Phlegmous Haemor­rhoides, &c. In this Mint they are all first coined, receiving an Impress Schem or Figure, according to which they act uniformly upon the Scene of this microcosm.

That which makes a difference of Feavers and other Diseases, is the first mover extimulated from an extraneous matter: Impatient withall of the Local Possession of the same; for as it re­lisheth Excrements, so it is affected, fashioning in the Hypochondries [...], the pourtraiture of that Ens M [...]rbosum, a­nalogous [Page 30] thereunto: and were there not a Discriminating fancy in the vital spirit, where­by a disease is determinated to this or that kind, and made to be Hoc aliquid Specificum, there would necessarily be a great confusion in the Ca­talogue of infirmities, that none could rightly and distinctly understand the Diganôsis, the true Knowledge of them, but in a preposterous man­ner should mistake one for another, becoming uncapable to applicate, and appropriate Reme­dies according to the Nature of what infests us. Sith then it is otherwise, that the symptoms of the falling sickness, Lethargy, Peripneumone, Asthma, &c. do constantly evidently discover the species and essence of the Disease; this can never be but from an efficient material cause or Principle above the four humours of the Gale­nists, or the three principles of Paracelsus, and his Sectary Dr. Willis, who adds to Sal, sul. and ☿, Water and Earth. But how far from solid truth, we shall ere long examine.

As for the former opinion, it is at this day ex­ploded by most Scient Philosophers, who have rejected that consuming Ens (which they would have to make up one of their four Elements, and consequently the four humors, as a meer fictitious conceit, fetched from the Utopian Elemental Re­gion of fire immediately next the Moon.

This latter opinion borrowed from the Chy­mists, I confess seems to be plausible and very taking, as if it contained some verity: notwith­standing narrowly searched into, and put to the fiery tryal of experimental Philosophy, the infal­lible Lapis Lydius or touch-stone of our Works, whetner they be allowed or Reprobate, it will [Page 31] appear expresly, that those so called five Chymi­cal principles, of which all bodies (as Dr. Will [...] asserts) have their initiated Synthesis, Cuncreti­on, or Composition, and into which their Analy­sis, Dissolution is made, are not the essential, effi­cient, and materil cause of diseases. I cannot subscribe to what Dr. Willis positively delivers as a truth, in capii de ferment, that Corpora quaevis è Spiritu, Sulphure, Sale, Aqua & Terra constare, i. e. Every body consists of Spirit, Salt, Sulphur, Wa­ter, and Earth, and according as is the different motion and measure of these in Concretes, so is the beginning and end of every thing, with the diversity of their fermentations to be considered. I would willingly know of Dr. Willis as expert an Anatomist, as he is in the dissection of Nature, when ever he discovered visibly all these five principles in any body whatsoever, without the torture and corruption of the whole.

If these can be otherwise extracted, and de­monstrated to me by him, I shall become more inclinable to his opinion: but sith I am sure he cannot, I have very good reason to maintain, that these parts separated from Bodies by the fire, were never actually pre-existent in them, but are fabricated by Vulcan, and so instead of being Principles or Elements of things, they become no other than Products. Moreover if ever the Doctor beheld with his eyes, shewing to us the same (for to putatitious notions of the Brain we give no credit, sith being an experimental Philo­sopher, we hope he will not impose any thing upon us barely, because he saith it) these five supposed fundamental Principles produced in any living body by any heat whatsoever, I shall forthwith [Page 32] submit to his judgment, and Cure diseases accor­ding to this Hypothesis. Till then he must excuse me, if I tell him that the stately touring structure founded upon this Quinary Doctrine of Princi­ples, easily captivating those that look only super­ficially upon truth, will undoubted fall to Ruine. 2. These supposed quinta prima, cannot be dis­gregated from some bodies by the fire, any Art or sublunary machine of man, witness Mercury, which being a Homogeneous, similar, Ens, (not conspurcated or fouled with any strange matter) cannot by any devise of man whatsoever be brought into the foresaid parts. It may indeed be disguised several ways by additaments, deluding the eye in the form of an Oil, Water, Salt, Sul­phur, and Earth, but they are only momentany dresses, which this Proteus hath assumed no whit Real, sith it may in a short time be made to re­trocede to its primitive Individual Substance and Consistence.

Our great Philosopher Heimont, declares abso­lutely, Ex Arena silicibus saxis non calcariis sul. aut ☿ nunquam trahi posse: That 'tis impossible to fetch out of Sand Flints, and all sort of stones except Lime stones, Sulphur, or Mercury. But he could by means of his Liquor Alkahest (never to be at­tained by Dr. Willis, or any Galeno-Chymist, who dare not believe it hath an existence, least it should be expected they should spare time, take pains, and be at Charges to acquire it) he was able I say by means of this great Dissolvent, to con­vert Sand, or Stone, into salt aequiponderat to its former Bulk, which mechanical Probation gives more satisfaction to any intelligent Person con­cerning this truth, than any tedious Argumenta­tion [Page 33] to the contrary, contrived never so subtilly and plausibly.

Again, what spagyrical hand did ever Analyse Water (not impregnated with a seed) that the Quinta Prima might be made manifest. The Tria Prima according to our Philosopher, may be said to be in it Analogicôs, but in no wise real­ly existent therein. 'Tis true, we often use the Etymon of 3 Prima, for the distinction of those parts that have a disparity in them created by the fire, yet this doth not conclude that they had their integral being in that body, out of which they were extorted anamolôs. No more than a Charcoal can be said to be revera in Wood, Glass in ashes or sand: because by the Alterative pow­er of Vulcan, they have received this peculiar stamp differing from the quiddity of the thing they were before. Helmont affirms an Aqua vitae may be drawn out of any Vegetable that hath not lignofity [...]; i [...] it then to be taken for a The­fis, that Aqua vitae was a Principle of the same; after this rate we should multiply principles, and of five make fifty, and perhaps more; if when ever we see some notable Product from the fire, we should presently conclude that it is Ens pri­mum principians. If the Concrete had in it those many things that are made of it, Chyle, bloud, flesh, bones, and other parts should then be mate­rially contained in the grass, to which these sub­stances do owe their first original. The same water also that nourisheth sundry Plants of a dif­ferent kind, should harbour in it so many sorts of specifick juices fitting for the nourishment and accretion of each distinct Vegetable. But this is ridiculous to conceive, sith we cannot but [Page 34] know that the seminal ferments of every thing maketh a transmutation of what it taketh in, and by vertue of them, alters, appropriates, and brings into an Identity with it self, that which before was remote of another kind, and moving in another sphear. This formal transmutation is frequently practiced by Nature: the Rain first exhaled from infinite number of bodies, carryed up into the middle Region, where the seed of every thing is mortifyed, is there converted into water, which being ingravidated with celestial vertues, is by their influence forced to descend upon the Earth, in whose matrice it acquires a prolifick ferment, to which a Plastick-spirit is forthwith invited to take up its lodging, being also excited to frame an Idaea of that Vegetable Ens which it intends to produce: so falling to work, and pourtraying the figure of the whole, from an invisible principle it becomes by degrees manifest, bringing to perfection at length every part of the Plant, that was before limmed in its imagination. This being devoured by a Sheep, or Ox, is altered by the specifick ferment of the stomach, changing it into an acid Chyle or crea­my juice, that passing into the Guts becomes sa­line by vertue of that viscus vitale the Gaul: The purer part of this juice receiving now a previous disposition for separation, is sucked up by those vessels they call Milky which convey it into the veins, where intermingled with the ruddy Li­quor, it is called Cruor, afterward being circula­ted some considerable time, it's made by the fer­menting efficacy of the bloud and bowels fit for nutrition, accretion, and generation. This Beast feeding constantly upon this vegetable, is at lenght [Page 35] impinguated, and made food for man, who eating thereof, transmutes this flesh into Chyle, Chyme, and Cruor; at length having passed through the first Kitchin and five several fermental operations, it is identifyed and individuated with the substanti­al flesh of man. This man is devoured by a Shark or the like fish, and passes through all that formal Metamorphôsis, which this fish makes in those several places of Cookery and digestion, at last from mans flesh it attains to be [...], fish. It happens afterward, that this Water creature is taken and eaten by man, so by the Pro­tean force of the instruments of life, it retires motu retrogrado, into [...] mans flesh a­gain. Behold what a versatile Scene of Alterati­ons is here represented to our eyes, arising first from simple water, which entering upon the stage of the Earth starts up, shewing it self in diverse shapes, according as the coercive seminal fer­ments attire it. In this case sure no Philosopher in his right wits will affirm that there is so many principles couched in the Water, as there are formal Transmutations of things arising from the same. He will rather forthwith understand op­tically, having made some serious Analysis of Bodies, and observed a tendency in them to their prme initiation Water, that Heterogeneities and distinct Phaenomena of substances in the Plant, Brute, Man, and Fish, and Man again, are but the fruits of topical and acquired ferments, actuated by a seminal Archeus; that Water also is the first foundation on which the manifold stories of so many Entia, discrepating in form are rai­sed, which being ruinated, return into the same again. I could enlarge my self on this subject, [Page 36] according to the various Experiments and Instan­ces I have seen, but I must contract, studying conciseness in whatsoever I deliver. 3. The in­constancy and vicissitude of these supposed prin­ciples, powerfully refute them to be what he would have them: for according to Aristole, Initia debent esse stabilia, whatsoever are properly denominated principles, are to remain constant, and no ways alterable one into another: now the contrary is found in these, forasmuch as they may by Art (which I am sure I can perform) be mutu­ally converted one into another, as Sulphur into Salt, salt into spirit, spirit into water, again spi­rit into salt, salt into sulphur, and sulphur into Water and Earth. Sith then there is such lubrici­ty, such a m [...]mentany existence in them, that they are in a short time coincident one into the o­ther; how can they lay a solid Basis for any Con­crete, so as to be principles thereof, considering they are so totering, unstable, [...]nd fluxile them­selves.

Besides, let Dr. Willis use the best skill he can in extracting by fire any four (for Water I except, looking upon it as the first, last, solid, real, and only material original of all things) of his Quinta Initia, making either of them as pure as possible his Art will permit, then let him deliver any of them into my hands, and I shall plainly shew him by means of Vulcan his errour, that what he thought was simple, is compounded of one or more of the rest. If this here delivered be true, as I question not to prove it by Reason, Authority, and Practice, then must the Doctor be forced to [...]nravel that c [...]rio [...]s texture of this specious Q [...]inary Doctrine, and to find out a [Page 37] more sure Warpe that will hold out for the ma­king of a more firm Woof of Physiology.

Did not these Traditions prove noxious and pernicious to mans life, in that the ground-work of pathology is laid upon these Quinta prima, to which he attributes the Efficient and Material causes of all Diseases, I should not be much sol­licitous to refell his Opinions in this kind. Whereas the Being of man stands continually in jeopardy to be destroyed by these indirect posi­tions, I cannot in conscience suffer the ill effects thereof to pass without animadversion.

'Tis certainly true, and subscribed to by the hands of the best Philosophers, that the [...] enor­mon of Hipp. that vital air innate and infl [...]ous, the chief and immediate Organ of the soul, is the principal corporeal wheel that first moves all that are subordinate to it in this admirable machine of mans body. 'Tis this that in the beginning laid the foundation of this proud lofty fabrick, deli­neating exactly according to the Copy set it, e­very part continent or contained, requisite to the discharge of those various Faculties, Uses, Offi­ces, and Functions, which all conspire for the preservation of the whole. As it alone began, so it proceeds to finish this beautiful structure, and to keep it in repair by a continual supply of new spirits, instead of those that are daily expen­ded and exhausted by the labour of body and mind.

'Tis this Archeus (let no captious Sermocinal Galenist take exceptions at the word, for it is proper enough according to the Etymon [...], principium vitae) being duly constituted and modified, makes an Eutonie, Excrasie, Eumetrie, [Page 38] and Eutaxie in this little universe. This implan­ted spirit (forthwith emerging apparent so soon as the omnipotent Creator breathed into man the breath of life) is really the Architectonical presi­dent of Generation, Accretion, Nutrition, Sense, Motion, and whatsoever belongs to vitality, à pun­cto initiante ad punctum definitum. This being granted by any intelligent moderate Person, that [...], our sanity, or well being depends principally up­on the goodness, serenity, candor, peace, tran­quillity, activity, and good condition of the vi­tals.

It must necessarily follow (according to the formerly mentioned received Axiom. Quicquid in Sanis edit Actiones Sanas, id ipsum in Morbis edit Actiones vitiatas. That which is the chief Agent in maintenance of our health, the same also princi­pally acts in the production of Diseases) that [...], sickness, and all diseases whatsoever spring from the same Root (the immediate cause of our health) the Archeus depraved, clouded, di­sturbed, hurryed away with divers Passions, An­ger, Fear, &c. Morose, Sullen, Dull, and Malig­nant. It is not possible that a disease should har­bour any where but in this Gas of life, for as soon as it is extinct, all diseases forthwith cease: so that all irritating and exasperating causes which strait disturb these luminous particles in a living body, causing them to frame Idaeas of Indignati­on, Fear, Hatred, whereby many kind of evils easily distinguishable one from the other, by cer­tain signs are hatched, do not at all cause any in­convenience in that which is defunct. And al­though the Quinary principles of Dr. Willis are as demonstrative by the fire (but no other way) in [Page 39] the Carkase as they were in the living body: yet seeing that great Agent and Patient of [...] and [...], health and sickness is wanting in that: no such passions are incident to it, as to the other. For example, apply an Epispastick of Cantharides, or any Caustick, to what is morti­fyed, containing the Quinta Prima, no vesicle a­rises, nor is any impression made. Let it be but laid on where there is vitality, the skin in a short space is separated from the flesh by an Acrimo­nious Ichor, which the Archeus fabricated, being put into a fretting condition upon the apprehen­sion of this virulent Plaister. Observe Canthari­des doth equally vesicate healthful and crasie bo­dies: Hence this evidently discovers that the spi­rit of the part conceiving ire upon the contact of what is odious to it, acts upon nutritious juice, colliquating the same, and turning it into a Li­quamen Corrosivum, making a solution of those particles before united.

A thorn or splinter entring unawares, without the advertency of the person into any part, and there impacted sometime, excites the vital spirit to perturbation and discontent: hereupon it frames Characters of pain, throbbing, feaver, in­tumescence and redness in a body, where the soul is resident: of which a Cadaverous matter being deprived, hath not the least fore-going symp­tom from the puncture and inhaesion of any thing extraneous: yet are there not wanting these Quinta Prima made evident only by Vulcan.

I look upon every degenerate abortive, acid, acrimonious, malignant, virulent matter assumed or acquired in the body, to be only an exstimula­ting occasional cause of all sickness, and so is but [Page 40] exotick, and a meer stranger in comparison of that which essentially makes the Quiddity of a disease. What if a depraved sulphur or salt be ge­nerated and abound in the bloud, are these able per se, to generate, specifie, or determine any sickness that it can properly be said to be hoc ali­quid?

All the excrements that are engendred in mans body through the errours of the digestion, are either occasional and irritative causes of this or that infirmity, or they are Products and conse­quents of the disease. If any sulphureous, saline, [...], Refuse or Dross, Acid, Austere, Bitter, Nidorous, Acrimonious, Fracedinous Dregs, any virulent, malignant, venemous Sa­nies, Ichor, or Tabum be in progress of time brought to an egg by the Archeus of the stomach principally (other digestions secondarily conspi­ring.) Then at length, after long brooding this serpentine Mola or Cockatrice-like egg being hatched, so hostile sometimes to nature, and that efficicient cause that produced it, as the almost dead viper was to the Countryman, that foment­ing it by the fire, resuscitated that life in the Creature, which at length became prejudicial, if not destructive to him) after a strong invasion made, it gives an Alarum to that sentinel which continually watches for the preservation of this Cittadel. The guard, I mean the spirits being rou­sed, finding an enemy at hand, all possible force is raised to repel, retard, and expel this, [...], this encroaching, invading morti­ferous matter that instrumentally aims at the cut­ting of the thread of life.

Hereupon presently arise Idaeas, Characters, Images, of discontent, fury, fear, inquietude, de­spondency, pusillanimity, peevishness, sottish­ness, prodigal effusion and confusion of all things. Thence is the perfect image of this or that disease contrived, in this Aethereal exhalation, accord­ing to the condition, nature, or property of that provocative, exorbitant, hateful matter which at first put it into this passion and perturbation. O­therwise if this efficient were not lascivious or extravagant in forging a numerous company of different Pictures of diseases, how were it pos­sible the sulphur or salt separate or conjunct, could cause so many distinct species of feavers, or other griefs. For take the bloud or urine of five hundred persons afflicted with feavers, whose constitutions have a manifest disparity in them, put them mechanically to the test of Vulcan. Se­parate their sulphurs and salts by Art, it will be found there is no such certain discriminating signs apparent either by odour, or sapour, in­spection or effect in any of each, that one may not be taken for the other. If so, how will Dr. Willis make good his Assertion, that sul. and salt which according to the tryal of Pyrotechny (for I know no other way to make a true discovery of them) seeming similar to sense though taken from several bodies can possible produce such a Catalogue of calamitous infirmities, differing in symptoms one from another, Toto Coelo. If he could shew us optically several distinct species of sul. or sal. any way proportionable to the I­daeas of Maladies, which he would have to come e­fficiently and materially there-from, then were his Chymical principles more plausibly taking. [Page 42] But sith I am sure he cannot demonstrate this, I contemplate the fermentation, exaltation, de­pression of sul. the fusion, fluidity and coagulation of Sal borrowed from the speculation of Wine and Milk, analogically introduced by him to confirm his Quinary Institutions of Pathology, to be no immediate essential cause of diseases, as I doubt not practically to make evident. If Dr. Willis seriously meditate, he shall find in Reality a vast difference between the operations of the vital bloud, and those proceeding from the Zymôsis of the juice of a vegetable, or the sepa­ration made by air, or any other artificial means in Milk tending to corruption of the same. For these dead things are in no wise able to give us ad­aequate light of those regular and Irregular actions that are performed by a vital beginning, whose Type is of a more sublime extract than to be pa­rallel'd by any thing inanimate.

I confess some small illustration may be made by way of simily between animate, and inani­mate, mechanical, artificial, and natural, which may please the phantasie of those that are not throughly acquainted with the intimate, Radical, and efficient causes of vital powers and actions; the priority of which are not intelligible by any mortal, only we are taught à posteriori, the effects of this primum movens, perpetrating every thing by such a plat-form, that is unerring (unless im­peded by intervening outward accidents) accor­ding to that Mandate the great Creator hath given it till the dissolution of the universe. We believe there was the same principles of all Concretes before the fall as since, and that the Archeus of the stomach before the lapse of the Protoplastes [Page 43] did perfectly, intirely change whatsoever was taken in for nourishment, without any Relique of annoyance of excrements, dross, or filth those Tribuli & Spinae, which since the eating of the forbidden fruit, the stomach of man being thereby vitiated, do continually infest it in such sort, that the vita Media of every thing assumed, is hardly conquered an injurious impress be­ing oftentimes left behind.

Hence comes [...], the first rise of all our calamities, for the deviation of the Ar­cheus in [...], gives occasional matter to an infinite number of infirmities. Not that the sulphur and salt of any Concrete is separated in the first digestion, and so according as either is multiplyed or degenerate sickness breaketh forth: No such matter, for let a strong vigorous stomach take into it any sulphureous, fat, oily food, the ferment makes in some short space such an essential transmutation, that the sulphur be­comes acid, quite another thing to what it was before and afterward in the second digestion, by vertue of the vital contact of the Gall it is chang­ed saline. Again, the Alkali of vegetables is so altered in the stomach and other digestions, that use the best skill you have you shall not be able to draw out of the urine, bloud, or any other part a lixiviate salt, although Dr. Willis erroneously at­tributes to this, and an acid Liquor like vitriol, the cause why in a Scorbutical Arthritis, a worm laid upon the part affected, becomes in a short space mortifyed, v. p. 292. de Scorbu. More­over pure spirit of Wine upon touch of the vital spirits looses its inflammability, and its former saline sulphureous nature being changed into [Page 44] something of an urinous substance.

And here I am bound justly to taxe some Phy­sicians of great ignorance, in that they so scruple in feavers to give their Patients a large quantity of spirit of Wine rectifyed as it ought, supposing they should add more fuel to the fire, thereby to make a Phlogôsis a greater efferviscence or con­flagration in the body: not considering that no­thing is more congenerous, symbolizing with the animal Gas of life, then highly exalted spirit of Wine being forthwith imbraced, united, and i­dentifyed one with another, by reason of their affinity and congruity. 2. They do not truly understand the energy of Zymôsis, what a powerful alterity is made by it, and how the sulphureous particles of the vegetable becomes urinous like the spirit of the animal, whereby it is enabled to profligate the morbifick matter, through all the Emmunctories, sluces, and secret passages of the body. This really is the direct way of curing feavers fundamentally, not seem­ing cooling Julips, Barley Water, Posset-drink made with small Beer, least it should be too hot, prone to make the sulphur in the bloud as they alledge incensed already, to become more impe­tuously head-strong no wayes to be reined or governed by the [...] Enormon; whose fate they conclude must needs be sad, when such presump­tuous Phaeton like Pyrotechnists drive the mettal­some Horses of the Son of this microcosm so fu­riously. For all this, let the Dogmatists say what they please, if they will vouchsafe to be specta­tors, I can discover to them Autopsiâ, that I am able to cure [...], many feavers more expeditely and effectually by those things [Page 45] they call hot: then by all the infrigidating pre­paratious they can invent, or all the farraginous mixture belonging to the Apothecaries shop.

I wish with all my soul, the Galenists would now at length reject those insufficient invalid me­dicines made by others, and recond as a Trea­sure, Arcana's, elaborated by their own fingers: then would they be truly said [...], accor­ding to the equivocal sense of the word, making a unity in that profession which through the Cove­tousness, pride, & laziness of Physicians hath been divided into a Tripartite station, to the great di­shonour, debasement, and total Ruine of a his Noble Science, if some Worthy, Prudent Ma­gistrates, the Heroes of this Nation do not timely prevent.

This Parergôs, I return to Dr. Willis his Quin­ta prima, as the efficient causes of diseases. Sith as I have delivered, there is no separation of them in a healthful living body: It follows, that if any at any time a secretion of the five be made, then are they Products and Epigenomena from a disorder or defection, then cannot they be properly said to be primary precedent causes of the impairment of our health, but consequents of the same. Wherefore it's preposterous to take in that for a cause, which is but a meer effect, whose Posteriority plainly shews a dependency upon something going before.

For example, in a febrile state we see reject­ed by vomit, or any other way excreted, a yellow matter which the Doctor may call sulphureous. This (as he conceives) joyned with something saline, causes an effervescence boiling or Accen­sion, whence arises the feaver. First, let us exa­mine, [Page 46] whence came this excessive ebullition, what is the efficient cause thereof in a living body. 2. What separates and expels these parts deno­minated salt and sulphur. 3. Whether the Do­ctor or any other ever saw sul. so sequestred from an Animal so entire, but that the same judged to be what it seems by colour, consistence, odour, &c. might not by the tryal of Pyrotechny afford rather more sal than supposed sul.

1. 'Tis demonstrative, the spirit implanted in the seed gave a Being to the bloud, which still continuing in it, doth durante vita, [...] san­guifie, making it good or bad according as all the digestive culinary Rooms, are well or ill mo­difyed and constituted. If the [...], having a chief Prerogative above all the rest, perform what is requisite compleatly to­ward nutrition: then all the other fare the bet­ter, seldom erring in their intended ends. For 'tis a general received truth: A defect in the first digestion can never be perfectly rectifyed after­ward, wherefore the Primum Mobile of sanguifi­cation, is the stomach, able if any thing be out of order successively, to reform the same by an in­fluential Aspect upon all parts; if it fall out the chief Organ be depraved, all the succeeding shops of transfiguration cannot restore it to for­mer integrity, especially if it be much impaired. For this respect they take a wrong course, who let out the strength of the Limbs, when the mis­chief is concentrated within. Well then, 'tis sure the Archeus acting regularly, a sound pure juice is fabricated; if otherwise an unwholsome faeculent [...] made, consisting of such Particles alto­gether discordant with Nature, yet not presently [Page 47] to be determined sulphureous or saline; Aqueous or Terrestrial, however being illegitimate, incon­gruous, virulent, and malignant, it becomes te­dious and odious.

Whereupon there arises a [...], a Confu­sion within at the presence of so loathsome a Guest. Hence the Figure of this or that disease is strait contrived: The perfect Type being drawn according to the property and native force of the poison, or graduated malignity contained in the Abortive juice.

The stomachical Archeus being exasperated, a Thymôsis, an Excandescence, Effervescence, and great inquietude, seizes upon the spirits of all the digestions. For according to Hip. [...], there is an undissoluble League, Commerce, Correspondence, Fellow-feeling of all parts by means of this, [...], which being in its full strength thus inraged, fret­ting, disturbed, brings all belonging to it into the like condition, agitating, ransaking, and rifling every place, chasing what is injurious to it hurry­ing here and there, breaking it into small parts, labouring with all might to separate light and darkness, that which is defunct from that which is living. This is the beginning and progress of a feaver. This is the Prologue before the variety of Scenes belonging to every distinct Malady, whe­ther Acute or Chronick, only in this, the Arche­us acts obtusely in a more Clandestine manner, in that more furiously, evidently, being exceeding­ly extimulated. This pre-meditated: the Effici­ent and Principal Agent which makes the [...], Effervescence, and ebullition in this nutritious juice, is the Archeus or vital spirits, not a suppo­sed [Page 48] Salt, Sulphur, Mercury, Water, or Earth se­parate or blended together, transgressing the bounds of their due Crasis or Mediocrity. They might, I allow, if they had a true being in the bo­dy be excitative, extraneous, occasional, and fo­menting, not real, intrinsecal, radical, essential causes of sickness, for Nihil agit ultra Sphaeram Activitatis, as soon as the vitals have forsaken the body, they operate nothing in reference to any disease, although they cannot be denyed to be e­qually perfect after death as before.

2. It is to be enquired how salt and sulphur, &c. considered as they are alienated from the primitive scope intended, are at length seque­stred, exterminated out of the Body, through all its obscure or patulous passages in the manner of a White, Black, Yellow, Green, Blew, Red, Thick, Thin, Acid, Acrimonious, Bitter, Sweet, Austere Substance. Certainly they are insufficient of themselves, to make such a Chymical [...], secretion of such seculencies that eclipse the solar light of the microcosm, and would totally ex­tinguish it. If this [...] did not bestir it self, to maturate, subdue, manure, secerne and ex­cern that, of which it is so impatient, never rest­ing contented till it hath conquer'd the same by expulsion, or it self become annihilated.

I contemplate sal and sulphur, Water and Earth, as a Thorn, Splinter, or the like fastned in living flesh: which of themselves are no way Ener­getick or operative to produce a Malady, or ex­empt Nature from the same by a retrocession that way it came in. But as it was an outward, exo­tick, provocative, occasional cause, that the spi­rit is put into a high displeasure, chasing and f [...] ­ming [Page 49] at the presence of that which is [...], quite of a differing kind being inanimate, so this living thing is altogether actively busie in the ex­trusion of that which is dead after manifold vexa­tious symptons introduced, neither will it ever be at rest, unless pacifyed, or this hostile matter (only passive in this case) be removed by its own strength assisted by Art.

This morbifick salt, sulphur, water and earth, are only Spurs and Goads in the sides of Nature, to make it sometime run on full speed to oppose, repel, and eject such a hateful intruding Guest, intending to cut off the thread of life like a sword. Wherefore being incensed by the Idaea of anger, it quickly culls out whatsoever incroached or in­vaded its Territories, separating any thing Ho­stile, from that which is under its own Regiment, throws it out of doors if it be able of it self (which is seldom) or calls for assistance from without. This revera makes an acute disease.

The out-lets or places of egress for these dis­guised, supposed principles, are as the matter is disposed the passage convenient and Nature in­clined. Certainly that good old candid Physician Hipp. gave us excellently useful instructions, which I wish his pretended modern Sectaries would more observe [...] saith he, [...], i. e. to carry off any thing vitious that way, it and Nature do most encline supposed the place be proper, I have found experimentally, there are two eminent Emissaries or sluces above the rest through which the heavy clog of impurities is discharged [...], the Gullet, the o­ther [...], the skin, the intestines, uri­nous, [Page 50] and the other pectoral passage not neglect­ed. In feavers I have found [...], an Or­gasmus, a propensity in the stomach to vomit by reason of an acid, acrimonious, salsuginous, nidorous matter, which irritates the expulsive faculty. In this state an appropriated Emetick (I mean not the common vomits) is of great force to break the ice for a future Cure. This I advise to be repeated two or three times, if the patient be in a capable condition to receive any benefit, yea when the stomach is sometimes dull, besmear­ed, or imbrued with viscous, tenacious phlegm, wanting something to extimulate, attenuate, and subtiliate this gross substance, incrustating as it were the inward Coat, then have I found by strict observation, that such a gentle Emeto-ca­thartick, which if it excite not this tender mem­brane neither by vomit nor stool, will carry off any Scoria through the eccentrical parts or uri­nous Pipes in no wise impairing the strength no­tably. This I pass over lightly, intending to speak more expresly in some other place.

3. Quaery requires a mechanical demonstration or firm experiment, i. e. whether the Doctor or any Philosopher ever saw sulphur sequestred in a living body so entire, but that the sulphur judged what it seems by colour, consistence, odour, might not by the tryal of Vulcan afford rather more Salt, Water and Earth, each of them then sulphur: As­suredly so far as I can apprehend, it is but equity that as these Chymical principles owing their first discovery to the fire, gave occasion to some in­directly to improve and apply them too rashly without serious advertency to the erecting a sy­steme of Physiology: so likewise a thorough Py­rotechnical [Page 51] search may very justly excuse those who are versed therein, not to accept of them upon these terms.

I have as I conceive, sufficiently made it good that Pyrotechny can only detect them: that no Art of man can extract them out of some bodies, that they are equivocal, mutable, transient one into another.

Now am I ready to discover in reference to the Cure of miserable man: that the pretended sanguine sulphur or Cacochymy of any in a high feaver doth afford more salt, water and earth each of them than sulphur. I have taken that diseased bloud termed corrupt, which might seem to some to abound with sulphur, being cleanly con­veyed into a Retort with a Receiver joyned thereto, I have by a gradual fire regulated very strictly, brought over what possibly I could. In the upshot upon the separation of the several parts, I have found very little of sulphur in com­parison of each of the rest.

At another time I procured the purest bloud I could get from a healthful person, putting it to the same igneous tryal, as the former degenerate of equal proportion to it: then after sequestrati­on of the parts, I could not perceive any conside­rable difference in the quantity or quality of the several parts of the sound, and that seemingly corrupt; which gives testimony that a feaver doth not principally arise from an excess of sulphur, Reprobate too much advanced or graduate, but rather from some other illegitimate matter, as Spurious Salts, Lancing, Goading [...]nd Gauling, the most exquisitely sensitive Archeus, where­by it becomes Active to lay the plat-form of th [...]s spec [...]fick Malady.

CHAP. VII. Concerning the Prevention, with the Cure of those Diseases that take up their lodging in the Bloud.

WE are taught by Divine Writ, that in the bloud that Spiritus rubens is Life: In the same also is contained death, as we find experi­mentally. If it be pure in the fountain, free from mixture of a strange matter, notable defection, apostacy or contagion, incessantly circulating in those Labyrinthaean Pipes without impedi­diments, health, vivacity, strength of body and mind attends that person. If on the contrary it be sordid, feculent, degenerate from its native goodness pestered with any thing of a Texture different from it, sickness, dullness, melancholly, and a disorder in the whole frame follows. It ought to be the labour and study of every indivi­dual if he have acquired any knowledge of him­self, to be well ve [...]sed in the Prophylactick part of Physick, by keeping his bloud [...], with­out staining and foulness, by preserving the di­gestions strong, lively, especially that of the sto­mach introductory of good or bad to all the rest. [...], Moderation in all things is a most excellent compass to steer by.

'Tis not the quality of what we assume, as the quantity that is injurious to us: For I am of Cel­sus his mind, who advises a healthful man to eat any thing, that his stomach can well alter. If he [Page 53] commit an errour in eating or drinking a little too much at one time, let him use abstinence af­terward for the correction of the same.

I have observed of late years a great proneness in the bloud to be soil'd and conspurcated in an ex­traordinary manner, by reason of a great Scor­butical malignity lurking in the body, the Proca­tartick cause of which may very justly be deduced from our prodigious Lusts, our enormous Intem­perance in compotations. I am easily perswaded, that the Venereal Lues at first procreated this spurious Brat, whose Heteroclite and discrepant existence from other diseases, doth plainly testi­fie that an anomalous seed arising from the con­junction of two evils differing in specie, brought forth this horrid Monster to light, being since propagated and traduced from one to another, spreading like a Leprosie over the whole Nation, by reason of a Clandestine miasm, or infection that nestles within, whose subtil Aporrhaeas or E­manations diffuse themselves in such contagious manner, that most of the Nation are thereby in­fected.

It seems to me very dissentaneous to truth what Dr. Willis alleges to be the fomenter of this cala­mitousevil among us, condemning the frequent use of Sugar, and his reason is, that this matter being put to the proof of the fire (a spagyrical Analysis made thereof) affords a Liquor but little less corrosive than Aqua fortis, as if the ferment of the stomach did dissolve in the same manner as the so­lution made byart, or that such a acid matter were really contained in the Concrete, which d [...]stilla­tion produced. He shall find the best food we take in: if put into a glass set in hot sand, will send [Page 54] forth a most nasty empyrematical Liquor: shall we therefore refuse such wholsome Aliment? withall let him be pleased to take notice, that the effects of the fire are Aequivocal, various, and mutable according as the matter distilled receives such or such an Adjunct; for I can by vertue of Vulcans Art make the whole body of the better sort of Sugar (adding something to it congene­rous, or of like kind) become excellently medi­cinal for the Cure of the Scurvy above all the A­pothecaries preparations, the Doctor makes use of: This I can demonstrate, moreover I know no reason that a substance so pleasant to the taste of most as it were a sweet Alkali, so useful for preservation and mundification of what is foul and prone to corrupt, should be rejected guilty of so high a Crime as to promote the Scurvy most infamously. For satisfaction of those that are wa­vering in this thing, I dare undertake to keep half a score or more persons drinking liberally every day Beer and Sugar, yea eating Sugar with meat plentifully, (as I knew a Galenical Physici­an of great renown allow of as very wholsom) freer from the Scurvy than any Dogmatist in Eng­land shall perform with all his Art exercised on the same number, debaring them this delicious congeled salt Under favour of better judgments (if I may deliver what I have observed without offence,) I conceive our Sybaritical voluptuous­ness, ebriety, mangonical, pampering sauces con­trived as a shooing horn to the exciting the appe­tite to the drawing in a greater quantity and vari­ety of food then Nature can well digest, is an extraordinary procurer of this grand malady grassant among us. Above all, I much condemn the [Page 55] common abuse of Tobacco, out of which no o­ther sometimes than a Scorbutical venom is acci­dentally sucked. Agreeable to which judgment of mine is that of the Legitimate Artist Dr. Mayn­waring, who marks where Tobacco is much taken, the Scurvy doth most abound. I wish those who are too forward to condemn Chymical prepara­tions ordered by true Philosophers, would re­flect upon themselves and others as yet ignorant of Pyrotomy, how that they are too forward in rushing into this Science: indirectly making use of a Retort with a receiver, I mean, a Pipe and the mouth for the reduction of this Plant into salt and sulphur, proving not a little injurious to them. If they were conscious how subtle an ene­my it is, how hardly to be dealt withall in a mo­derate sense, how insinuating, tempting, delu­ding; how disagreeing to Nature, as is manifest at first taking it, pretending an evacuation only of a superfluous moisture when it also gene­rates the same; how it wrongs the Ventricle by reason of a continuity of its membrane with that of the mouth; how it taints the nutricious juice; how it Dozes the brain, impairing its faculties especially the Memory, they would quickly com­mit this herb to the hand of those that know what belongs to the right management and improve­ment thereof.

I confess it hath a dowry bestowed upon i [...], which may make it very acceptable to all ingeni­ous Artists for inward and outward uses, yet [...]s the matter is handled indiscreetly, I know no­thing introduced into this Nation hath discover­ed it self more apparently hurtful, in aggravating and graduating this Scorbutical evil among us than Tobacco.

I am not ignorant what some object, that there are those who taking an extraordinary quantity of Tobacco have lived to a great age, as 60, or 70, years. 2. That multitudes not taking this fume are yet notwithstanding overun with the Scur­vy. 3. That some have protested they have recei­ved certain benefit by this Plant, when other Re­medies prescribed by able Physicians have been invalid to relieve them. 4. That there are places where Man, Woman, and Child, take in this smoak, none of these sad effects appearing.

As to the first I answer, one Swallow makes no Sommer, I reckon this among raro contingen­tia. I have known one very intemperate in Diet live to the fore-mentioned age: but doubtless, had he regulated himself according to the Rules of Mediocrity, he might have doubled that age. Innate strength of body, doth carry a man some­times through that without any great dammage, which destroys another.

2. I do not affirm that this vegetable is the sole coajduvant cause of the Scurvy, it being certain there are many promoters thereof. Besides, yet granted that your great Compotators Ventricolae, Gormandizers, (who have as the Grecians, [...], Lazy Panches, little else to do but to take Tobacco to pass away the time, filling pipe after pipe, as fast as possibly they can exhaust it) are commonly incrdent to this feral malady. Hereupon this very same specifick disease may be diffused and communicated to others by e [...]pi­ration or effluvium sent out of a body infected therewith. So that it seems rare to me that the Wife should be exempted from this Cacoethick sickness, if the Husband be afflicted therewith, or [Page 57] the Husband be free if the Wife be vexed. Doubt­less, some Peoples breath doth exceedingly taint the air, to the great annoyance of others.

3. I condemn not medicinal appropriation and application of this Drug, for I know it to be of excellent vertue: there is great difference, inter dictum secundum quid & dictum simpliciter, be­tween the censure of any thing as absolutely evil, and the indirect practice of it. Moreover, what is one mans meat, may be anothers poison.

4. The generality of smoaking it in some pla­ces without those ill effects we find, doth not at all frustrate my assertion: for I have observed a more moderate course of life in Diet, the good­ness of the air, with an Hereditary custom, hath in great measure ballanced the nocument or incon­veniencies, which otherwise they would have contracted by excess thereof; neither are these numerous Tobacconists acquitted from this evil, as it appears by those frequent eruptions in the skin, whereby a greater mischief is prevented within, they being only efflorescences of a Scor­butical pravity.

There are as I apprehend two principal reasons to be given why this Weed hath captivated so ma­ny thousands in such sort, that they become meer slaves to it.

One is the seeming delight it affords in the present taking thereof, inducing a pleasing be­witching melancholly, exceedingly affecting their fancies, so that they could wish with him in the Poet: Hic furor O Superi, fit mihi perpetuus, O that I might always thus melanchollize, not considering though the Prologue be chearful, the Epilogue is often sad; though the spirits are as [Page 58] it were titillated and charmed into a sweet com­placency for a short space, yet afterward a dul­ness, gloominess seizes upon them. Indeed how can it be otherwise, seeing they are but forcibly lulled into this secure placid condition, by that which is as far remote from the vitals, as the beams of the Sun are from a black cloud.

I find in this smoak a stinking, retunding, con­densing Opiate like sulphur, and an acrid salt profli­gating, extimulating, so that by the bridling much of the one, and the excessive spurring of the other, the spirits like a free metalsome horse, are quite tired out at last. It is impossible that the frequent insinuations of this subtil fume ma­king shew of affinity, but quite of another tribe with the animals should not at length (let a body be never so strong and custom how ever preva­lent) either pervert or subvert his well constitu­ted frame.

Another Reason (observable only by those that are true Gnosticks of themselves) why To­bacco is so highly set by, and hath so many fol­lowers is its meretricious Kisses given to those that embrace it: oftentimes secretly wounding them mortally, yet are they not throughly sensi­ble who gave them the st [...]oak. I have taken no­tice of very temperate persons in other things, who for diversion have indulged their Genius ad Hilaritatem, continuing for urbanity sake in com­pany they liked longer than ordinary, have so closely pursued this pernicious Art of sucking in the smoak of this Herb, that never any Chymist was more sollicitous, in greater haste to fetch his matter over the Helme by distillation. Behold what the event was: the next morning I have [Page 59] heard complaints come from them, that their brains were something stupid, dozed, their sto­mach nauseous, being thirsty, also feaverish. The cause of all this they attributed to their transgres­sing limits of sobriety in drinking, or to the so­phisticated adulterated Liquors. Not finding the least fault with the extravagant use of Tobacco, which above all did them the most hurt privately. Something I can speak experimentally to this purpose, for having been wedded to it many years past, supposing I had got an Antidote a­gainst Hypochondriack melancholly, with an A­pophlegmatism, to discharge crude matter, I ap­plauded it in all Company without advertency at that time, how false and treacherous it was, which afterward perceiving, I withdrew my self from the use thereof by degrees, at length was altoge­ther divorced from it.

Praevisa Spicula leviùs feriunt, could we see the poisoned arrows that are shot from this Plant, questionless we would endeavour to avoid them, that they might less intoxicate us.

Latet anguis in Herba, we are suddenly surprised by this Serpentine Plant before we are aware; thus that which we take for an Antidote, becomes meer poison to us, supplanting and clancularly confounding the [...], or good Government of this Republick, consisting in the strength and goodness of a seminal Archeus, vigorous ferments, the just constitution and harmony of every part. Needs must then indigestions, crudities, degene­ration, and illegitimation of the nutricious juice follow promoting causes and Products of the great poison of the Scurvy.

My advice therefore to any immoderate [...], a fume-succker, is that he would as he tenders the preservation of Body and Soul, wean himself by degrees from excess herein. If so, doubtless he will find if the Scurvy infest him much, an abatement of the tedious symptoms thereof.

For the removing other Adjuvant causes of this Scorbutical malignity, let him regulate Assumpta, Inspirata, Excreta, & Imaginata, what he receives into his stomach and Lungs, what is fit­ting to be excreted or thrown out: Lastly, what he harbours amiss in his thoughts. He ought to be very careful above all, in the Election of what is potable, as Beer, Ale, &c. which must be strict­ly looked after, that it be well brewed, kept, and spirituous. For I am no friend to those poor small Liquors, which are [...], which have nothing of a spirit symbolical with ours, for in these Northern parts of the World, whatsoe­ver hath a Leptomery, a Tenuity of parts in it, Coeteris paribus, doth best concord with us, not only in respect our Archeus is elevated, embra­cing it more willingly by reason of a consangui­nity with it: but likewise for this, that the sto­mach which is often [...], the Genitor of many raw, superfluous, gross, lent, viscous tena­cious matter adhering close to its Tunicles is ex­cited, being corroberated to attenuation, subtili­ation, and abstersion of such sordid dross. In for­mer time the English Ale hath been reputed a most excellent wholsome drink: but this as ma­ny other things, through Avarice and Idleness is much depraved. For a great deficiency is often observable in the materials or preparation of this [Page 61] Liquor. Touching materials, I find the Menstru­um or Solvent, i. e. Water not seldom unfit for the reception of the vertue of that which is dis­solved therein. For being clogged, yea almost sa­tiated with multitude of divers foul particles which the Thames of the City in particular swal­lows up greedily by conveyances of common shoars, Jakes, Sinks, &c. besides Offal and stink­ing Carkases thrown into it: never perfectly to be cleansed by Tides, I say this water cannot be approved by any true Chymist, for the making of the best English Ale, unless we had the Art to purifie it, as the Sea and certain Climates per­form by a peculiar separation. Next I discover sometimes though not very often the dissolutum our mault not altogether so good as it should be, proceeding partly from the Barley, being in some unseasonable years vitiated partly for want of due ordering it: so that it gives the Liquor an odd Empyreumatical, musty, uncouth, fracedinous tang, very unpleasing to the vitals. Concerning the just preparation of this old Liquor of England (the fame whereof invited that honestable Philo­sopher, Benedictus Valentnius to come into this I­sland, that thereby he might be throughly ac­quainted with the right Manufacture thereof) we are too careless in boiling it as it ought, and af­terward in exciting it to fermentation, that there­by several impurities might be sequestred; which flote in it to the contamination of our bloud. Moreover (as I am informed) additions of sae­culent, fulsome, loathsome things are put into it, enough to make it abhorred by us if we knew them. Well, this I am sure, a great part of the Ale of this City as they contrive the mat­ter [Page 62] is very unwholsome and Scorbutical, so that I advise all living in this Metropolis who love Ale, (being perswaded for good Reason, that it is a­vailable against some infirmities) to mix it with the best stale Beer they can procure, which is of great force to rectifie the imperfections thereof. The solid food of this Nation, is generally very gross, for few people in the world are greater [...] flesh-eaters, than we at this day, likewise such [...], bread-eaters withall. I suppose we commit no small errours therein, for repletio panis est pessima, especially of bread that commonly is [...], a meer clung, dense, sometimes half-baked pondrous past, no whit sub­tiliated by a proper Leaven, such as commonly is our White-bread; this cannot easily be subacted by the stomach: Hence crudities, viscosities, obstructions, acidities, the founder and fomenter of the Scurvy, and many other diseases. He therefore that covets to be [...], healthful and long-lived: let him be sollicitous that his Liquor and Bread be well or­dered, for these two much conduce for the well or ill being of a mans life, according to their goodness or pravity.

As for variety of Edibles: The Poet tells us Nam variae res, ut noceant homini Scito. 'Tis im­possible that the vita media, the various, specifick, formal properties of several esculents, should not puzzle the chief form president in a humane li­ving body, before they can be reduced to do ho­mage to it as principal, and to other subordinate belonging to every particular part: yea when each seems to be tamed, or totally subjugated to the Laws of specifick Nature, having passed [Page 63] through divers alterations of Culinary fermenta­tions: yet still remains some Hogo, tang, or in­sensible odorous relick of what they were before; so that often repeated impressions made hereby, cannot but put the Archeus and ferments of the whole, with every part in particular into an A­taxie, Atonie, Dyscrasie and Dyspathie: here­upon follows an Apostate juice, a coacervation of recrements excommunicated from the Govern­ment of life, afterward upon an irritating occur­rence, the perfect shape of such or such a kind of disease is drawn in the life.

2. Care is to be taken that inspirata what we breath in, be not injurious to our Lungs through which most part of the bloud of our whole body passes in a few hours. In the air lyeth occult, sometimes a mortal enemy which glides into this respiracle of life unseen, unfelt, making a stigma upon this ventilating spongious Paren­chyma, never deleble till its final Analysis. In this rare subtil body the morbifick atoms are in­volved, stealing into us, [...], not easily perceptible till we find the sad effects thereof. The condition of true Philosophical Chymists are here to be pityed, whose lives are often in jeo­pardy while they labour to save others partly from the medicaments they prepare (not by re­mote means of an Apothecary) but [...], with their own hands, the most certain [...] Ticket that can admit a man to be a legi­timate Physician, to enter into the secret closet of Sophia, there to contemplate the Archives or evidences of natural knowledge by the help of Py­rotomie. The Gas (let Momus deride the word I value it not) or incoercible spirit, with the mani­fest [Page 64] fumes or Realgars arising from the dissolution of bodies, especially mineral, do so strike upon the tender spiracle of incessantly laborious Spa­gyrists, while their souls are intentively busie at their fingers ends for the welfare of mankind, in so much as although they obtain Arcana's for the prolongation of the thread of life, yet is it often cut off in the midst of its course by the Truculent Exspirations. The truth of this Paracelsus hath sealed: let his enemies never so falsly, ungrate­fully asperse him to the contrary. Something I can aver in reference to my own particular, that I have sustained many a Mephitis, stinking, sul­phureous smell, many Arsenical, Mercurial, vi­triolate, corrosive Corpascles, to the great an­noyance of my bloud and spirits, whose coagula­tions and colliquations must needs have been de­structive to me, had not powerful Remedies [...], a reward of my labour and study re­lieved me, una eadem (que) manus vulnus opem (que) tulit: the same Concrete afforded me an Antidote a­gainst its poison.

Again, Physicians suffer much in their bloud and Lungs while they are anxiously conversant a­mong their sick Patients. I mean not those who dare not stand to it, to contest with an Atrocious Pest, when there is most need, that then they should make good their Diplôma or Authority to practice by courage and dexterity in Curing. No such matter I dare say, most of these Philau­tists conscious of their own weakness, will hardly venture to come under the Roof where an infect­ed body lies, much less will hazard their own lives in the dissection of a Pestilential Carkass, that their neighbours may be preserved.

Those I intend obnoxious to many inconveni­ences from the Paedour, nastiness, foul stinks a­rising from transpiration and expiration of the sick, are they, whose Charity incites them and Abilities animate, to help the poor distressed man smitten with a venomous contagious arrow. This is a duty incumbent on those no presumpti­on (as some malevolent Zoili would fasten on me) to undergo any jeopardy for their Countreys safety.

As for those that are not thus obliged by their Profession, Freedom is granted to such to avoid as much as they can any place, [...], where the magnale of the air copiously imbibes saetid, sracid, unwholsome exhalations, also to make choice of a Region serene, pure, free from such particles which infect our bloud.

Note that a certain topical aire, not so com­mendable in it self, is yet more agreeable to some individuals, then that which seemeth to have bet­ter properties, so that the Lungs hath as it were an [...], a gust peculiarly belonging to it for the distinction of an air congruous or incon­gruous with its texture, as the stomach hath in reference to meat or drink; for this cause Physicians may in my judgment as well injoyn that to be eaten by a Patient against which he hath an ingenite antipathy, as to commend an air appro­ved by their reasons to some tabid persons, with which the implanted Archeus of the Lungs may altogether disagree.

3. He that desires to preserve this vital juice entire, must endeavour carefully to expedite or discharge [...], those excrements which nature doth every day labour to proscribe [Page 66] as refuse of the digestions, for being [...] de­funct, they have no fellowship with [...], that which hath vitality in it. If he be costive, let him not miss every day to make use of [...], something which may exonerate his belly: 'tis truth what the old Physician delivers, [...], Torpidity in the intestines to throw off the Ordure contained in them, brings the good Order of the Oeconomie into a Confusion.

The flegm loose in the stomach if there be pro­pensity in it, is to be evacuated by Vomit. The tongue is to be scraped every morning, which I much commend to all those that are incident to Squinzies, which course Helmont allows of, and the [...], the excrements of the six digestion are to be mundifyed from the skin by gentle frication made with a course cloath.

4. Above all, let him bend his study in obtain­ing a right imagination of things, for this Laesa Imaginatio precipitates us into many furious pas­sions and perturbations of the spirits, whereby the rubicund spirit becomes vitiated, and a Scorbuti­cal venom soon contracted; for shew me the person that is over-clouded wi [...]h melancholly. I dare assert such an one will quickly be overcome with the Scurvy in a high degree. Sith the seat of the sensitive soul, as principally is this chief ven­tricle there cannot any inquietude, commotion or disturbance happen to it: but the root from whence sanguification arises must needs bear a sh [...]re. We find manifestly our hungry appetite to our food forthwith taken from us in a moment, when any unexpected very sad news suddenly sur­prises us; yea, if a man be curious in observati­on, [Page 67] he shall be sensible of a little stroak or im­pulse made upon the Orifice of the ventricle in­stananteous with that punctum temporis, wherein the terrifying Relation comes to our ears. I have known the yexing or Hick forthwith removed upon the apprehension of a frightful object. I have also heard of those who have been Podagri­cal and Clinical a long time, restored to their former valetude by the sudden invasion either of some dreadful accident, or something exceeding­ly desired extraordinarily pleasing their phansies, whereby those morbifick Idaeas impressed a long time upon the vitals have been blurred, if not to­tally blotted out. The Epilesie, Convu [...]sion, Madness, Small Pox, Pest, Trembling, whose o­riginal cause is in the Duumvirate, have been first stirred up in some by violent perturbations, pu­fillanimity or Thymosis of the Archeus, whose imagination hath been so dislocated through a false apprehension, that all the Art of man was never able to set it right again. Hence we are to take notice, that both health and sickness may come from an invisible principle: yea an Ens Rationis, or non Ens; for could we understand the passions, irregular concitations of this Enormon which governs the whole and every part, how it disturbs the right imagination of the man, and this again, that by way of mutual dependance one up­on another, we should be better Philosophers than to attribute the principal causes of all infir­mities to sal. sul. ☿ water, earth. 'Tis credibly reported of the Chinois, that if their Physicians, in whom they place more than ordinary confi­dence prenuntiate to them a sickness on such a day, they by the powerful activity of their Mercu­rial [Page 68] phansies operating upon their spirits, do fre­quently make good what is prognosticated to them, although otherwise their health of body before did not at all preindicate any such alterati­on or lapse from salubrity.

I wish there were not among us Europaean Phy­sicians, who having by reason of their Grandeur, Magnificence, and strong opinion thereby ac­quired greater Authority over their Patients than verity on their side, perswade them to be ob­noxious to this or that grief, of which as yet there is not the least guilt: however in such a manner become they affected, that by frequent, serious, sad, rumination thereon, they have by the power of their Magical Imaginations brought that really to being, which before had no existence, as I could instance in Consumptions, &c. Moreover there are those, who taking all their Physicians speak for Oracles, (I wish they were so for the honour of Physick) contentedly acquiescing in their Grave Sentences, have slighted all means whatsoever for their recovery: for that they are informed what they labour under is uncurable, according to their Galenical Catalogue. If it chance any hath so far condescended to the ma­king use of Chymical medicines, it hath been with such regret, and strong thoughts of being [...], past Cure, with such vacillating, anxi­ous conceits, and prejudice infused into them by Mysochymists against this most Effectual, Inno­cent way of healing, that let the best Artists do what they can, contending against the torrent of their perverse conceits, nothing but a Miracle can save them from the pit of destruction.

Some of these I have met with in my time, to whom I have engaged a Cure upon condition of a resignation of their vain thoughts, but this Chy­mophobia sigillated on their spirits by the viru­lent tooth of Zoil, hath so rapidly carryd them another way, insomuch as no Hydrophobus bit­ten by a mad dog, hath been more fearful of wa­ter than they of those Chymical Remedies, which I can assert by multitude of repeated Experi­ments to be both safe and sufficient. Such is the force of these prevaricating turbulent passions, that a man is often led Captive by them whether he will or no to his own ruine. Wherefore my Councel to such whose imaginations is distor­ted, is to endeavour to rectifie it by vertue of right understanding and firm resolution, as that Philosopher who vexed with Hydrophobia, after he had discovered the absurdity of his apprehensi­on, took resolution to throw himself into the water, saying, what should a dog do always in the water, quid canis cum aqua: Although 'tis con­fessed Chymistry can work no Miracles, which a sort of people in another extream expect from it; yet I am certain if any Physick be powerful to charm or allay these evil spirits, suggesting a thou­sand deformed Idaeas in our souls, to the con­tamination of our vitals and detriment of health, this Spagyrical way can only claim right thereto. For having respect to the [...], this Me­tropolitan ventricle, the Throne of life, the Root from which this ruddy juice first arises, that all its actions may be performed [...], in­cessantly vigorous; it cannot be concluded other­wise, but that there must needs follow the more clarity, serinity, tranquillity, and regularity in mind.

In short, the direct Prophylactick course to keep this sanguineous liquor desaecate, and con­sequently imagination sounder, is to mundifie the fountain, i. e. to preserve it in good state by me­dicines fabricated by the hand of an able Pyroto­mist.

Thus much concerning Preservative directions. Next follow in order Therapeutick or Curative instructions for the exemption of any mischief that hath seized upon this animal Balsom, the sub­ject of all calamities of the body, either in Radice vel in Ramis, in the Root or Branches.

Here I must make repitition of what I former­ly delivered, [...]. 'Tis of so great use, and so much neglected, there­fore it ought to be often renewed. The stomach, [...], the root where the white juice [...]s first prepared, afterward to be rubefied, chal­lenges right of priority above every Organ, in that it is according to all probability the place of the souls chief Residence. The errours committed by it in the first and last digestions accumulate innumerable inconveniencies upon the whole. Its indignation or mansuetude, its inquietude or complacency, its fullenness or ala­crity, deject or erect all that are Clients and Re­tainers to this noble part: so that they are all forced to do homage to its Soveraignty, without which they are not able to subsist. Regis ad exem­plum totus componitur Orbis: This being assisted by its Vice-roy the Spleen is that which is [...], Imperial in this microcosm, at whose smiles or frowns an Eutaxie or Ataxie is discover­ed in this little Universe. The Blus Alterativum & Motivum of this predominant vital viscus is [Page 71] perspicuous in all infirmities belonging to this Synopsis of Nature. For when did any ever fall sick of a feaver of what kind soever without a de­fection in stomach and spleen, herein is preg­nant the Embryon or Seminal initations of Ce­phalalgie, Scotomie, Epilepsie, Apoplexie, Le­thargy, Madness, Coughs, Tissick, Squinsie, Pe­ripneumonie, Pleurisie, Haemorrhagy, Dyarrhaea, Lienterie, Dysentery, dropsies, cachexie, atrophie, Marasmus, Dysuries, and Strangurie, external tumours, Ulcers, and a multitude of Cutaneous af­fects. Although several of these named in pro­cess of time become Substantives, moving in their proper sphear: yet I find them generally like Comets, to have a dependance, and to follow the Rhyme or Modulation of [...], the first moving cause, so that he that intends ever to Cure fundamentally the secundary affect, must ever have an eye to the primary: otherwise he will find his labour for the most part come to nought. Besides, as these Entia morbida, own their first being usually to this admirable mem­brane, whose influence and Aspect is remarkable upon the very extimous particles: so likewise whatsoever extraneous occurs venomous, hostile or repugnant to any outward part, the same in a short or longer time is communicated to the sto­mach, as I was plainly sensible of, after the dis­section of a Pestilential Body; the poison of which stealing in through the pores of my hand, never rested till it concentrated in the mouth of my ventricle, where I found my self first afflicted, and from thence had it not been disturbed, a Pe­riod must necessarily have been put to my life.

Touching those morbosities that take up their habitation in the spirits and juice diffused in the divaricated Branches: their origination is com­monly from errours of the sixth digestion, where­upon many exorbitant images are here decipher­ed. Although I confess the judications require that the Physician direct his Remedies to the part affected (remote from the first digestion) as to the main scope, yet he shall find that there is such a Soveraign power, in this Chyliferous Tunicle, that what medicine is ingested into it, receives some sanative impress or Character for the Cure of the disease that subsists by it self. For nothing can come into the upper or farther distant Rooms before it be throughly examined and receive a Ticket for its entrance by the first, and as this approves the thing assumed, a Pasport is granted for its farther permeation.

This acute membrane is endued with most ex­quisite sense for those things, the energie whereof our Palate cannot in the least discover, is quickly made manifest by the Odour and Sapour of the Archeus here implanted. For example, many Mercurial and antimo. [...], insipid solutives, whose operation our Lingual Gust could never find out, are by the nimble sent of this Stomachical spirit plainly detected to be deletery and of a virulent Nature: whose sad ef­fects many times reach the nerves and extremi­ties of the limbs by reason of a colliquating, ta­befying sigillation here set upon them, and so is by way of influence or Actio Regiminis, Regular action over the whole injaculated into other parts; yea such an inexpungible stigma is some­times made by the [...], fore-taster upon [Page 73] this tender membrane, that notwithstanding the Cathartick matter be totally proscribed, yet the Cachoethick impress thereof remains, a wasting Diarrhaea following.

I have formerly contemplated (not without great dissatisfaction til I understood better things) concerning the true cause how some Remedies (without any perceptible Odour or considera­ble sapour) not to be conquer'd by the strongest reverbating fire, nor dissoluble by our stomachs could possibly perform so great Cures in the con­sines of our body. As Lapis Ossifragus for instance, which (according to the great Doctor of Nature Van Helmont, whose Philosophy I am bound to follow, because I find practical verity therein) powerfully heals Ulcers, Wounds and Fractures of the extream parts: and yet saith he, non dissol­vitur à Stomacho Humano, nec pro inde penetrat ad procul dissita in materia sui lapidea: it goes no far­ther than the Stomach and Intestines.

Antimonium Diaphoreticum (now at length al­lowable to be given, but not as the shops fre­quently prepare it) is of rare vertue against di­vers stubborn maladies fixed in the Ramuscles of the Limbs. It makes a profitable Diaphaeresis, edulcorates acidities, expels malignant pustles and spots, yet suffers no deperdition of sub­stance, neither is it admitted beyond the first long Cavity. Some so dotated, as Antimo. Diapho. but of greater vertue do I use, which go no far­ther than the stomach and its Appendix, however extend their admirable effects to the superficies every way.

What incomparable sanative power is in the highly purifyed sulphurs of minerals actuated only [Page 74] in the first digestion, is well known to those A­depti, who become Masters of such Arcana's, be­ing throughly acquainted with their appropriati­on in time of greatest necessity. These while they are yet in the first Receptacle, do appease, pacifie, compose the fury of the Archeus by their solar il­lumination, so that it reflects upon it self with exceeding delight, as in a terse Mirrour at the presence of these Specula Nitentia: whereby it gets force to oppugne and discreetly to insult o­ver that which before caused a distraction, con­fusion, pusillanimity in its family.

This being granted (yet no farther than I can assert experimentally, that the stomach with his Collegue the Spleen, for when I speak of that, I implicitly intimate this his coadjutor appointed to minister a proper ferment upon just occasions) is of so great Authority, that it is the Key of the whole Work, the Helm that steers all faculties and functions aright, the [...], the chief Cater or manciple that provides for all the Hou­shold, and the Root of health and sickness: Then will it be worth inquiry, whether the Galenists that now perforce denominate themselves, though improperly (Chymists) take an authen­tick course in the Therapentick part of Phy­sick.

And first I shall begin with Dr. Willis, whose method of Curing is founded upon his Quinary Doctrine of sal. sul. mer. W. E. This knowing man seeming to be a Paracelsian, according to those principles he borrowed from that great Philoso­pher; should also imitate him in Re Medica, stu­dying to dive into those Arcana's, with which as the Epitaph testifies, he Cured Dira illa Vulnera [Page 75] Lepram, Podagram, Hydropysim alia (que) insanabilia Corporis contagia: A list of those diseases which are accounted by the Galenists incurable. I con­ceive it no whit more beneath Dr. Willis, than that genuine Philosopher Helmont to be an inter­preter of those [...] of Paracelsus, which were able to perform stupendious Cures. Had he attained any of these, he would have scorned to publish such poor, Pedantick, trivial Medicines in his Tracts, De Morbis Convulsivis & de Scorbu­to. I can hardly forbear to blush in the behalf of this Eminent Science, when I read one ex [...]olled for a Hiatrical Chymist prescribe for the Scor­bute solutives, as P. 256. 257. [...], that make as well as carry off corrupt matter being very slightly corrected, injurious to the stomach and its ferment, such as Sena, Reu­barb, Cassia, Tamarinde, Manna, Mechoacan, Turbith, &c. Concretes that have couched in them a clancular poison, and so must needs, being un­corrected rather increase than diminish the ma­lignity of the Scurvy deeply radicated: yea if it fall out that the Patient seems to find a meliora­tion, it is but by accident; for as the Poet saith, Dat saepe injuria luerum, that which is noxi­ous may by chance produce something commodi­ous rather by hap than any good cunning: But what is this to level directly at the mark, to ex­hibite what is adaequate or proportionable to the venom of such an Atrocious malady. It is of lit­tle validity to purge away sal. sul. water, &c. degenerate Products (no whit essential to this Plague) unless the seminal poison be mortifyed, the Idaea thereof obliterated, and the fountain of acidities stopped, the ferments of the shops, e­specially [Page 76] the 1. and 6. reformed, and the Archeus invigotated, which how these recipes, can effect a Forrago whereof is there conglomerated, seem to me impossible: ever since I got out of the mire of that fatal way. What a deal of superfluous trash (unworthy of a sincere Spagyrist, who ought (ac­cording to the Etymon) to separate the impure fruitless part, and to congregate the Crafis; the seminal vertue and refined essence of every Con­crete, that the [...], the Cook-room which dresses for the whole, may be less tormoiled, pestered, and incumbred in its prepa­ration.) I say what refuse hath Dr. Willis com­mended to the world against the Scurvy under the form of Electuaries, Confections, Powders, Pills, Tabulets, Decoctions, Infusions, Expressions, Syrups, &c. to inquire into the absurdities, incon­gruities, insufficiencies of each particular, and to compare them with the Chymical Standard, will take up more Ink and Paper than I have allowed me.

Neither would I have any think I am an ene­my to the specifick vertue of any single Concrete as it is entire, able to challenge a propriety by a certain effect of what is attributed to it: In no wise: for I much applaud that. But I utterly dis­like a plurality of needless ingredients: Nam frust a fit per plura, &c. a permission of their Faecu­lencies and Gummosities to remain to the inter­position or Sepulture of their vertues; their Ca­stration, frivolous corrections, a disparity in their conjugation, a connexion of things which are not [...], able to draw in the same yoke with the rest for the accomplishment of the in­tention proposed.

If the Doctor declares himself an absolute Physician in that, he prescribes Chymycal and Ga­lenical Preparations according to his method, as occasion and indications require, rather chusing sometimes the safest way a long time trodden in, than this new Hazardous, perhaps desperate Tract, either quickly killing or curing: More­over, for his part he is much for this Pyrotechnycal way, supposed it be modifyed or regulated by his Learned Pen, as appears by his principles bor­rowed of Paracelsus (how true that severe Asser­tor of verity Van Helmont hath discovered in his Tria Prima Chymicorum) his prescriptions like­wise plead for him, wherein he stands up in the defence of Infu. Croc. Metal. Mercu. Vi. Sulp. Anti. Glanb. as fitting vomits. Antimo.

Cremo. seu Christal Tart. Sal & Tinctu Tartari Tarta. Vitrio. Chalybea. (which I much question whether rightly prepared) Elyx. Propriet. Mix­tur. Vitri. Spir. simp rectificat. Spir. C. Cer. which ac­cording as his Theorems and observations direct him, he puts in practice.

This here delivered I confess at first glance seems very specious and winning, but throughly examined by an intuitive Sophist is to be reject­ed.

For first concerning his method, I deny it to be Legitimate, the shortest way (according to the exposition of the word) and no otherwise than I can prove demonstratively. What right order of Curing effectually, speedily, and surely, can there be expected from this [...], this Hermaphroditical Linsey Wolsey course, where the active energie of the one shall be retunded by dulness of the other. This must needs cause a Hy­steron [Page 76] [...] [Page 77] [...] [Page 78] Pro [...]eron in Nature, put it forward with one hand, and pull it back with the other: so ma­king of an Acute, a Chronick disease. As for what may be alleadged that this Galenick is the safest way, I cannot understand it in any other sense than thus, that for a man to be debarred of the most certain means to keep him alive, is the safest way to bring him to his death. He that boils chips in water instead of something Alimental to nourish a weak person, although he may pretend not to act any thing positively injurious, yet pri­vatively he is guilty of the debility he lies under. Sir, you and I must answer for omissions, as well as commissions. What may be said concerning the Antiquity of the way, is no way prevalent with me, to free it from falsity:

The malicious or ignorant aspersions thrown upon this most beneficial Art, do not at all now move me who know the contrary, and can make a patefaction practically: if I might be admitted, that no medicines whatsoever are generally so powerful and safe, if rightly managed as Spagy­rical, I mean not these common Ant. mercural, of the shops, nor oil of vitriol sul. Salt, &c. but what are made by a Philosopher, [...], with his own hands. The best Sack is no whit de­graded in its excellency, because some Vintners adulterate it, or intemperate persons debauch themselves therewith.

I cannot deny, but Dr. Willis carrys a great Repute in the World of being an eminent Philo­sopher, [Page 79] partly for his artificial compilement of a Physiologie resulting from his Quinta Prima, part­ly from his frequent exhibitions of what is Chy­mycal: yet under favour of so Worthy person, I am forced out of Cordial Respect I have for Truth, my Neighbour, King, and Country, to avouch that this famous man doth much come short of the Substantial, Faithful, Rizotomus, medicinal way which Van Helmont hath deliver­ed, an assertor whereof according to certain Ex­periments, frequently repeated, I divulge my self against all opposition whatsoever.

What poor, weak, inferiour, pitiful Antidotes against these unwonted Tyrannical, Truculent, Feral, Virulencies are these of the Doctors in comparison of the Magnificent, Despotical, So­veraign Arcana's of Helmont. Tinctu. lili ab El. Minerali Tincturi Anti-monial is ☿ vitae stibii pro [...]es integra ☿ Diaphore fixus ☿ corallat. Ele­mentum ignis è Cupro Lac Margaritarum Sal volat, &c.

Now least this Learned man should question the real existence of the Medicines of this great Pyro-sophist, as he hath the Liquor Alkahest, I who am but minimus Discipulorum, having lighted my Candle at his Torch, shall not fear to enter into the lists with Dr. Willis, and practically make good the Aitiologie, with the Theraputick me­thod and medicines of this Noble Adeptus in the presence of so many sincere vertuous Explora­tors, to whom we will appeal for the Decision of this medical controversie between us, by way of infallible Experiments, the only mean to de­tect each others errours. Above all, I shall put out my self to the subversion and demolition of [Page 80] this [...] and [...], weakning and destructive Phlebotomie upon the account of Evacuation and Revulsion, a great Patron of which I find Dr. Willis to be to my astonishment, that one so intelligible should be so grosly over-seen in a matter concerning the Life and Soul of man. He takes upon him to be a proposer and defen­der of bleeding, for prevention and Curation of acute and long infirmities, even harbouring a ve­nomous miasm, as in the Small Pox upon the ve­ry nick of their eruption, as in his Book de Febri­bus, p. 169. he sets down Nuper Experientia D [...]ce (I hope he will stand to this, for I am chiefly for it) in quibusdam casibus Sanguinem mitti omnino utile & necessarium comprobatur: make this good by fact, that 'tis profitable and necessary in any such case to open a vein (for [...], will never carry with me) then shall I forthwith become a Proselite to your method. Assuredly this, I am certain of it was neither profitable nor necessary for the Nation, that we should by this means loose three persons of the noblest Extract. Again, for Prophylaxis in the Pest, he holds section of a vein requisite. In the same Book p. 157. he gives his advice, ubi adest Plethôra cum magna Sanguinis Tur­gescentia aut quibus longa consuetudine sanguis solenni­ter mitti solebat iis venam secari convenit: he adds this Reason, quo enim sanguis mimus effervescit & sine Tumltu in vasis circulatur eo tardius Lue pestifera contaminatur, i. e. in a plenitude and huffing up of the bloud, and want of any long customary eva­cuation a vein is to be opened. For the less ef­fervescence and disturbance is in the Circulation of the bloud, the less capable it is of Contagion. As if plenitude of which I shall speak more fully [Page 81] hereafter, might not be abated by a more effectual way, the effervescence allaid, & a customary eva­cuation brought into the same current, or one as convenient without this prodigal emission of bloud at random, especially sith it is unavoidable, but that the strength of the Archeus hereby must needs be impaired, the only fortress against this potent enemy: as for his Reason, it is frivolous, for spirituous Liquors cause an effervescence and Enormontick motion in the bloud, and yet is it at that time less obvious to infection, in re­spect of the audacity of the Archeus resisting the venom, as many examples confirm.

But that which is stupendiously a temurarious act in him, is to allow of pertusion of a vein in one contaminated with this pestiferous poison: but he saith withall, Rarò & admodum cautè in hoc morbo celebrari debet: it ought to be done seldom and warily, so it had need; for whosoever at any time upon what pretence soever of Caution at­tempts Phlebotomy for the Cure of the Plague, takes a course rashly to jugula [...]e the Patient, unless some extraordinary Redemption happen. Cer­tainly here the Doctor speaks by Rote, not expe­rientia duce: For had he Anatomized the Pest, in­vestigated the nature of this atrocious stroak as I have, feeling the smart of it three several times, he would as soon allow of piercing a vein in him who hath taken an intoxicating draught, as at any time in this case, where the stomach alone is the place from whence the poison is to exulated. 'Tis no wonder if the Galenists strait injoyn bleeding, where they find a seeming foulness in the less ma­lignant feaver, when they dare be tampering with it in the greatest. Assuredly were not [Page 82] strength of nature sometimes so Robust, that it is able both to super-ponderate the malignity and its augmentation by Phlebotomy, the world would quickly be satisfied that it is no less crimi­nal to suffer the bloud to spin out in any ill con­ditioned feaver whatsoever, than in that which is so [...].

Touching Chronick maladies, it is observable above all the rest, the Doctor maintains Phlebo­tomy in the Scurvy indicated, à sanguinis copia & vitiositate, from the quantity and quality thereof, his words are p. 256. De Scorbuto, cum enim liquor sanguineus valde impurus evasit nullo remediorum gene­re certius emendatur quam crebra & parva extramis­sione, quippe sanguini veteri corrupto quoties educitur re­cens melior & defaecatior existit. When the mass of bloud becomes very foul, no Remedy is of more certainty to correct it than often letting it out in a small quantity, in that as often as the old cor­rupt bloud is discharged, a fresh supply is made of that which is better, more free from impuri­ty.

Here I observe our Galeno-Chymist waves gi­ving a Reason of the indication of bleeding, a Copia from fulness, the fairest pretence that Sect hath for their [...], Sanguineous effusi­ons, and shelters his opinion (for I am sure it is no other) under the pravity or naughtiness of the bloud, which he doubts not so certainly to re­ctifie by this repeated extramission as well as any Spagyrical Philosopher whatsoever, by his never so exquisite preparations. I would willingly be resolved concerning some Questions I shall pro­pose to our great Phlebotomist. 1. Whether he can make an election of such a vessel for aperti­on, [Page 83] wherein the foulest juice is contained. 2. Whether this seeming to the eye foul or cor­rupt may deserve this Epithete, or may not har­bour something that is very useful to Nature: sith Chymists take notice of a strange disguise put up­on things, making them seem to be what they are not really.) 3. Whether this frequent emissi­on in a lesser Quantity, considering the insuffici­ency of Corroboratives exhibited by Phleboto­mists, will excuse the ill effect of this operation. 4. Whether a succession of a new supply for what is evacuated, will produce any considerable me­lioration in it, according to our Authors asserti­on. 5. What Experiments the Doctor will un­dertake to testifie unto us, that Phlebotomy is a way equivalent with the best Remedies to amend Scorbutical bloud.

That this Ruddy juice is better or worse in some venal pipes above other, is not to be doubt­ed by any who hath been Spectator when it spin­neth out: but how this is to be discerned within the vessels, I understand not unless a man had in­spection, intus & in Cute, could intuitively be­hold where it lies, and so accordingly let out the worse, leaving the best. I have marked in my mi­nority a laudable sanguineous juice to come first out of the same vein, then afterwards more con­temptible: in others the contrary. One time I have seen it extracted inculpable, a few hours af­ter vitiated, insomuch the Physician and Patient have been sorry for the loss of that, and glad at the riddance of this. Yea Learned men have ad­vised sick persons to have a vein portunded, meer­ly for this Reason, that they verily apprehended a cacochymie within, whereas upon tryal no such [Page 84] matter afterward appeared, to the disparagement of the Art, and debility of the Patient. Seeing then one is at no certainty this way to have what is depraved taken from him, yea in danger to loose what is Euchymous: Me thinks this incision of a vein for the Cure of a Scorbutical impurity should not be so stifly insisted upon by the Do­ctor, seeing he may as wel miss as hit the scope.

2. 'Tis commonly pronounced by the Chirurgeous, and approved by their Masters when the bloud altered by the ambient, looks with any deformed aspect, as Green, Yellow, White, or Blackish, &c. that 'tis happy this was taken away, supposed to be the only subject mat­ter wherein a Feaver, Scorbute, &c. roosted, to which the credulous Patient is sorthwith prone to assent, being fully perswaded by his miserable un­faithful auxiliators, that so much of his infirmity is abtruncated or dismembred, as there is bad bloud extramitted. This often lures him to a se­cond and third evacuation.

But how inconsiderately this is done, the wo­sul cries of Widows and Orphans do too often proclaim; for this very bloud which they decry, rejecting it as very bad and corrupt in the Por­ringer, was running in the veins free from cor­ruption, containing parts very useful to nature, which might by the activity of powerful Reme­dies be as easily reduced to its native goodness, as Mercury assuming the Vizard of salt, sulphur, water, sublimate, precipitate, &c. may easily by means of fixed Alkalies and Vulnerarie Con­cretes be brought home to it self.

Those supposed Phaenomena of sal. sul. water, earth, are but separations made by a posterous corruption of the bloud, excited thereto by the [Page 85] extraneous air: for while it was under [...], the Government of life, it was of another substance being preserved by the innate force of the vessels, from coagulation even after death. So that granting it was bad enough here, yet [...], 'tis not good re­moving it out of a place when it might be made better: and brought again to its former integrity by adaequate, appropriate applications, which could never be if it were corrupt, for corruption signifies an absolute abolition of that essential form it had before, and assumption of a new: nam à privatione ad Habitum non datur regres­sus: what is quite lost can never be recovered a­gain by way of retrocession to its pristine being. But this was redintegrable, therefore not then corrupt. This I can make good, [...], by fact in the presence of those that are my Lord Ba­cons followers, or let me suffer in my good Name, which I value above all sublunary things.

Give me the opportunity of ten or twenty Scorbutical persons sanable, whose bloud is pol­luted and corrupt, in this sense the Doctor deli­vers as we shall disclose by a previous letting forth a little. To these I will administer some of my Arcana for a fortnight or at fart hest three weeks, with which I will undertake so to defae­cate and recover the degenerate juice of most of these Scorbutick Patients, that upon the second elimination thereof at the time expired, it shall appear in the Recipient no such thing as before; if I miss this mark (according to the judgment of some of this Royal Society, I will be bound to forfeit a considerable sum of money, upon condi­tion the Phlebotomist my Opponent will forfeit the same if I hit it right. Well, what will be the [Page 86] result of this, if I accomplish what I propose. Thus much: It will convince any ingenious sa­gacious man, that the Galeno-Chymists are guil­ty of a passive fallacy at best, allowing the very sustenance of life so wastfully to be spent, because they unadvisedly judge that fitting to be cast a­way, which being out of its proper place, seems to their eys as altogether unserviceable: Where­as being impregnated (before it touched the air) with vital particles, it might by a dexterous hand have been made very useful both for present and future sanity.

Me thinks this great Champion of bleeding, alluding to the mechanical management and Er­gasie of spirtuous Liquors, for illustration and con­firmation of his Quinary Hypothes. sal. sul. &c. endeavouring to make the cause and manner of vital actions to be convertible and co-incident, with the operations of things inanimate, artifici­ally promoted by extrinsecal means, deriving both from the same fictitious principles) should imitate the discreet Operator, who when his wines through any outward accident super-ferment fret become sick, disturbed, acid, vapid or degenerate: doth not prodigallydraw them out good with bad, throwing them away, but doth wisely take off their excessive fermentation by divers contrivan­ces he is acquainted with, stirs up or augments the spirits of decayed, flat, depauperated Liquors, mundifies their impurities, sweetens, their aci­dities, but still preserves what is capable to be made better by Art.

Hic labor, hoc opus: Herein lies the difficult work of an exact Spagyrist, to sequester the superfluous naughtiness of Animals, Vegetables, Minerals, [Page 87] curiously reserving their vertues, excellent Dow­ry, & implanted gifts: Of which if he be ignorant, he will incur gross mistakes, abjecting the Gold with the Dross, the Spirits with the Flegm, the most precious part lying occult with that which is manifest, because his dim sight in this Philosophy cannot discern and make a [...] of the pre­cious and vile, profitable & unprofitable. Many an excellent medicine lies involved in the dark cor­ners of Natures Closet, which might be brought to light if our Learned pretenders to Chymistry would seriously take pains themselves, or incou­rage others: but alas! they are so far from this Candor, that they will neither credit what suits not with their Phansie or Genius, nor admit of a fair Experimental process to convince them.

Did I not savourly understand, being autopti­cally satisfyed by long Industrious Experience and Practice twenty two years, (having rolled e­very stone, searched out every scruple to be infor­med concerning truth of the Galenick and Hel­montian way) that the bloud termed foul and cor­rupt, may by the transforming force of ex­alted Remedies while it is inclosed in the small channels of a living body be cleansed, consolida­ted, and revegetated: I should never presume to contradict or thwart Dr. Willis, endued wi [...]h Learning and great Worth, who might if he pleased with some others condescending thereto regain the Honour and Credit of this now prosti­tuted and vilified Science, but sith I am sure I can by divers instances and probations demonstrative make good my position, none that is Philalethes will condemn me in this case before I be try­ed.

3. Quaerie, is whether the frequent emission of bloud in a lesser quantity, considering the in­s [...]fficiencies of corroboratives exhibited by Phle­botomists will excuse the ill effect of this operati­on.

Here I shall put the Doctor in mind again of his analogical resemblance of wine and bloud, which as he would have to be symbolical in their excessive fermentations impregnated with prin­ciples alike: so methinks he should proceed to maintain the Corrections of one as well as the o­ther to be equally congruous and proportionable. But here I find him in the main to relapse and quite desert his similitude; for he takes clean contrary course to the deportment of the Vint­ner, whose care is ever to amend what is amiss in his Liquors; but withall to save what is spiri­tuous in them suffering nothing to run out be it never so defective, if it can be restaurable. This [...], Wine-curer, is so far from little and frequent extramission of his Liquors degenerate, agitated by an extraordinary ebullition or effer­vescence that if it be possible he will not let out any at all.

For he conceives it will come all to one up­shot, to exhaust them by little and little, several times repeated, as to draw out the same measure at once, being assured that the end which he aims at will never be attained by this course. Now I find our Phlebotomist conscious to him­self that the Scorbute strangely seizes upon the vitals, debilitating them in an anomalous manner injoyns reiterations of a parcimonious bleeding least the patient should be too visibly damnifyed in his strength (the custody of which should tran­scend [Page 89] all indications whatsoever) therefore he minces the matter, supposing that what impair­ment nature suffers hereby, will never be charg­ed upon his minute repeated furtive detraction of bloud, but upon the malignity of the disease. Wherefore the sum is this, rather than this san­guinary depletion shall fall to ground to the dis­paragement of their Galenick method, it shall be prescribed in such a moderate portion, that the ignorant, sick person shall never discover the im­posture thereof: so that if through innate strength and some accidental means otherwise he find a relevation, Phlebotomy shall forth with carry the credit thereof; if he be pejorated and thrown into a worse condition, hereby afterward though not for the present, this irregular way is ex­cused and all must fall upon the pertinacous infir­mity. Now 'tis plain, they will play at small Games rather than stand out: Be doing some­thing this way either to little purpose, or little hurt; for if there be detriment in a grea­ter portion, it cannot otherwise be according to the doctrine of the mathematicks, but there should needs be some prejudice in a lesser, though not so sensible. Something I confess might be bet­ter apologized for this extenuated way of dimi­nishing the strength, had the Phlebotomists Ar­cana's prevalent Restauratives sufficient to sub­jugate the grief to the laws of life: as also for the reparation of that debility their patients con­tract by their unwarrantable exinanition.

But that I am sure they have not, in as much as then they would never attempt, yea, rather ab­hor to enervate in the least by the Lancet, the strength with its correlative bloud and spirits, [Page 90] without which there is no hopes of attaining a desired Cure. For it is a most established verity taught by Hip. Naturae sunt morborum medicatrices, the most assured means of sanation is to keep up the vital pillars without which all falls to ruine. So that Van Helmont is without controversie in the right, when he says, utcun (que) rem verteris ig­norantiae plenum procurata debilitate sanare velle, i. e. make the best you can thereof. It savours of gross ignorance to assay to heal by bringing one into a weak condition, and p. 84. De Febr. Satis sit me­dico (saith the same Author) quod aeger alioquin in­excusabili debilitate labascat, per morbum, inedias, in­appetentias, Inquietudines, Dolores, Anxietates, Vigi­lias, Sudores, &c. neque idcirco fidus Auxiliator de­bet debilitatem addere debelitatibus, fraudulentum est sublevamen quod venae sectio adfert: ejus (que) tam incer­tum est remedium quod nemo medentum hactenus aufit polliceri sanationem inde futuram. One would think it is enough and too much for the poor sick man un­avoidably to be brought low through a Disease, fasting, want of appetite, restlesness, pains, an­guish, watchings, sweating, wherefore in such a case whosoever is a trusty supporter ought in no wise to add weakness to weakness: All the suc­cour the Lancet can afford is deceitful, and all the redress hereby is of such uncertainty, that no Physician dare venture to make a promise of a perfect Cure by this means, and to keep one from relapse.

For my part, I find it a task difficult enough to fortifie the Cittadel of life against the assaults and batteries of the fore-named inevitable enemies, with my best Remedies still supplying the spirits as they are cut off with those things that are [...], [Page 91] agreeable to their Texture, avoiding all those voluntary artificial devises introduced for the farthering the Consumption rather than re­stitution of this already dilapidated trea­sure.

I conceive it not unseasonable for the confir­mation of what Helmont hath declared to set down one remarkable History, among many I have ta­ken notice of in my time as no small evidence of the insufficiency of Phlebotomy as to sanation with the Amphibologie or ambiguity of the Gale­nical Physical predictions. For I look upon this right judicious prognostication to be an insepara­ble distinguishable Character of a Phylosophical Spagaryst supplanted by the Galeno-Chymist on one hand, and the vulgar distiller on the other, for between these two this veridical Science suf­fers no little disparagement.

On the 9. of Aug. 1668. I was sent for to one Mr. Flavell, a Canary Merchant about the age of thirty years lodging in Dukes-Place, [...], of a habit, such as they call Athletick, labouring under a malignant feaver, difficulty of breathing a Parapleuritis, i. e. a Bastard Pleu­risie, oppression at the stomach, inquietude, Ano­rexia, Emesia, Lypothymia, a disposition to vo­mit, ready sometimes to faint with a pulse very high, faster than ordinary, unequal. In this case I advised him contrary to his expectation, to for­bear bleeding, which course some of his friends advertised him before-hand what Physician soever he made use of would take. Withall I told him, if he would be ruled by me, I could promise to relieve him in two or three hours, which he willingly listned to: forthwith swallowing a pro­per [Page 92] Emeto-Cathartick, and a diaphoretick, by means whereof a large quantity of foul excre­ments were evacuated, cum Euphoria, with suc [...] benefit that he began to slight his disease, passing over that afternoon with such alacrity among his friends, as if he had been perfectly cured. For all this I foretold him a Viper lay in the grass unseen, declaring in express terms, that the ve­nom he harboured within must either be driven out in the form of pimples, sports, or red Blot­ches: otherwise all the art of man could not pre­serve him, which according thereto fell out in part, the next morning after a troublesome night.

Now for the farther promotion of nature in her work: I gave him on the day following another Emeto-Cathar. with a Diaphor. which succeed­ed very well in carrying off morbifick matter e­very way, pulling up some of the roots thereof about the stomach and spleen.

After which, I followed him close with the highly exalted sulphurs of certain minerals. He took also liberally of those Volatiles most ami­cable to the vitals? These pacifyed the rage of the Archeus, encouraging and joyning sorces with it against a domestick enemy, sweetned in some measure the acidity of the Latex, carrying it off by large profusion of universal sweats, bringing to the superficies of his body (in such a manner as I predicted) that malignant bloud which lay lurking nigh the center of life: so that my pa­tient was exceeding well perswaded of me for the prospect I had of what hitherto fell out. All be it, the Paroxysms were tedious, yet were they still kept down, so that no mortal symptom appear­ed, [Page 93] though the assistants were terryfyed at some transient Delirium or dotage proceeding in the [...], height of the fit, & a straining to vomit from an Orgasmus in nature, striving to cast out remain­ing superfluities and feculency, aboundance whereof was exterminated before by Art. All things being upon the fourth day from my first vi­sit in a happy condition, my patient being free from anyeminent danger of miscarrying as I often intonated in their ears. Some of the inconstant vulgar about him (prejudiced against this Chymi­cal way that it was too violent and hot) affrighted at every intense motion of the Archeus (invigo­rated by active medicines to profligate whatso­ever is hostle) were very busie in prompting to the sick man the worse, representing every thing in the most deformed dress, enough to make him despond to the postergation of the Cure.

Whereupon another Physician, a Kinsman of the Merchants formerly a great Philo-chymist before he entred into the colledge, was by my con­sent admitted to consultation, who approved of all I had done hitherto, neither could he deny but that my Remedies were sufficient, yet being ig­norant of the right use of them, advised me to give not above the tenth part of what I exhibited, however least he should visit for nought, an Apo­thecary, one Mr. Battesbee was forthwith sent for, who I knew would soon disturb my me­thod.

Now must Pottle glasses of Julips to cool him forsooth: into his grave (I am certain had they not been counterchecked) be obtruded, which for quietness sake I confess I connived at for the present, knowing all was in Vado secure, and [Page 94] that the vertues of my Remedies were able to correct the vitiosities of the other. Now a subtil Trade is carryed on, they aim at the lopping off the branches: I at the pulling up of the root. So at length we begin to jar after a former har­mony; for as soon as another opportunity was offered to me, on the fifth day I gave him the third Emeto-Cathartick for more security, which he willingly accepted still finding it beneficial, much, confiding in me for my pre-monitions, al­though he was encompassed with those that were very diffidently adverse to my Remedies. Now exception is taken by the coadjutor in that I should presume to give a vomit before I consul­ted with him: I answered his remoteness a mile and half of, and the fear of loss of the nick of time sith [...]) might very well excuse me. And sith we were both concerned in one principal End, the safety of the sick man (which I did then asseverate might be attained, otherwise it should lie at my door (supposed he would be ruled) no petty difference should arise between us. For all this, the Galeno-chymist was trou­bled with a [...], a heart-burning, and attempted to allay it by proposing and urging upon the sixth day when nature was victorious, the most non-sensical application of Epispasticks or Vesicatories which I utterly refused, having de­claimed against them by my Pen: withall certain­ly knowing the main Cure being already perfor­med, I should both wrong my Conscience and my Reason if I should condescend to such an ab­s [...]rd act. Then finding he could not corrupt me by all his glozing Rhetorick and Paralogistical discourse of the rare effects of Cantharides, &c. [Page 95] he flung away in discontent, saying, he would now leave the sick man to my Custody, my reply was, and I to yours if the Patient be so pleased, which would by no means be granted by him; be­ing very sensible and thankful that I took a direct means to save his life. I then proceed, asserting upon good grounds that the danger of the disease was passed over; besides, I would ingage my self perfectly to cure him without relapses, and long vexatious Ague, or any Chronick infirmity what­soever: This I would make good, or I would have no reward for all my pains and medicine; hereupon the patient gratefully resenting every thing, fully resolved to resign himself over to my solitary care: In the mean time there were not wanting instruments, any one may easily guess at the prime agent to supplant me, and to intro­duce even upon the eleventh day, when all the blustring storms of various symptoms were pas­sed over, the said Galeno-chymist who was re­presented to this convalescent person, as able to do great matters for the removing his Ague by his cooling or more temperate preparations, mine being looked upon (after I had helped him out of the mire) as too strong & burning, now the rea­son of this my dismission, must be coloured over with a fair pretence that the Patient would betake himself to Kitchin Physick: Through this door was the Galeno-Chymist with his Apothecary en­tertained once again into the sick mans Chamber to attend him, who kept him fast in their clutches for the space of a Lunary revolution, how and with what they plyed him all this while, any that hath the least inspection into our Phisosophy may conjecture. Blisters are raised without controul­ment, [Page 96] for what reason I cannot tell, unless in op­position to my judgment, or least he should re­cover too soon. This I am certain, they exceed­ingly wronged the ferments of the stomach and spleen, thereby encreasing the acidity of the bloud, as appeared by extream dolour he suffer­ed from the Haemorroides, the cause whereof they attributed to my hot spirits, the continuati­on of his Ague at the months end; for the cure of which, he applyed himself to me, after that he protested they had done what they could. Preter­mitting what errours were past, for which he might thank himself, I told him, I doubted not to cure his Ague, and take away the Haemorroidal anguish radically, if he would be obliged now at length to take what ere I gave without scruple; he consented in great part thereto excepting vomits i. e. Galenical, with which he affirm'd he was tir'd: It was dispensed with, & his Ague in a short time cured with certain Pills I call Polychrest, with other slight things; yet still the Haemorroides tor­ment him. I offer, if he will give me leave to act freely a fundamental abolition of them without further prejudice: I my self having been mise­rably cruciated with the same wound many years before I knew Pyrotechny, so having suffered in this kind, Miseris succurrere disco: I could the better help others. Here he ties my hands be­hind me, I leave him to another Galeno-chymist, who both ignorantly and injuriously inveighing against my Pills, forthwith opens a vein in the arm to his detriment, increase of the present pain of the piles, with introduction to a future relapse: at length finding no comfort by thi [...] Learned man, he commits himself to a Chyrur­gion, [Page 97] who by topical means asswages the grief, palliates and cicatriseth without searching out the intrinsecal cause, which lying dormant some weeks produces another feaver, of which by acci­dent he recover'd nature being benevolent (not­withstanding it was retarded by Phlebotomy, pre­scribed by a third Galeno-chymist, who I am certain cannot maintain the solid truth of this practice, if he and I come to an equal experimen­tal determination in the presence of vertuous ex­plorators.

I have been a little punctual, and somewhat prol [...]x in setting down this instance of [...], the Therapeutical deportment of the Galeno-chymists and my self, in reference to this sick person, to the end the world may plainly under­stand (if they please) by this Narrative, how one dares prom [...]se and effect, having a firm foundati­on what the other will by no means ingage him­self upon, being conscious of his rotten princi­ples: I conceive it worth my labour to collect some useful observations from this History. 1 None but the absolute Spagyrical Philosopher can give any assurance of his Patients recovery in a high malignant feaver, seldom erring if he come in any seasonable time, neither can any but one so instituted, give any certain prediction of the variety of Phaenomena, several Scenes to be act­ed in this microcosm when ere it is put out of or­der, and what will be the conclusion of al his sanative endeavours.

2. The Spagyrist can in a shorter space with confidence, without fear of a relapse remove a Pleur [...]sie, or any pain of the side without bleed­ing, far beyond the other executing the same.

3. It is all one to him who is [...], en­dued wi [...]h the gift of healing, whether the sick bodies veins be fuller or emptier, turgid or flac­cid: Sith he knows it is gross preposterous folly to think to dry up a River, without obstructing the fountain, to save a ship from sinking, neg­lecting to stop a great leak therein. The like madness it is to draw out of the Limbs a great deal of excessive bad bloud, and not to have re­course to the efficient cause thereof concentrated in the Trunk.

4. The most upright, genuine, regular, imme­diate way to take off the exorbitant commotion and tumult in the Archeus in the bloud, so there­by to reform it, is to eliminate with all expedi­tion that sordid apostatized yellow, green, clam­my filth adhering to the Tunicles of the stomach like Bird-line, or transmitted from the parts circumjacent, especially the spleen, to open the passages of the Hypochondries obstructed, to carry off through all the Emunctories of the whole body whatsoever is not under the Guardian-ship of Life. This is to be done by that which Anti­malignant cleansing away, [...], wha [...] is really excrementitious, not what is so made in great part by deletery Laxatives of the shops.

5. The only noted sluce through which the poi­sonous matter of all malignant feavers passes a­way, is the universal memorane, the skin on the which the stomach hath no small influence, go­vern [...]g this Catholick Coat at its pleasure [...]n so much no successful sweat or eruption can be ex­p [...]cted as long as the Duumvirate lies prostrate under any insulting calamity. Wherefore the [Page 99] arch design of the Pysician, is to cherish, corro­borate, and remove all impediments of this emi­nent part, that it may protrude, explode, or e­jaculate from its bosom to the utmost limits whatsoever is virulent, closely supplanting the fortress of life. Now whether bleeding be any competent Medium to achieve this, let any one infferently versed in the knowledge of the Pest be judge, wherein no honestable Artist dare open a vein, because it will attract the miasm in­ward, hindring the extrinsecal motion of the Archeus, for the expulsion of what is mortife­rous. Albeit our Phlebotomists do extenuate the matter, setting a fair gloss upon it by their sophistical evasions, pretending that in malig­nant feavers of the inferiour Class Plethorick, or cachomchymick indications do manifestly require their utmost assistance before that inconsiderable venom lying occult. I must by their favour, be bold to tell them they will never solidly and spee­dily make a sanation of any great feaver, or any other disease till they handle it in some manner proportionable to the plaugue: For there is quid­dam Deleterium, a certain venenosity in most ma­ladies as I can prove ex facto. Had a vein been o­pened in this Plethorick, Cachochymick Mer­chant when I first undertook him (as I make no question most of that Sect would have strait con­sented thereto) they had infallibly destroyed him, sith all their medicines could never have expiated their first Crime of retraction and fixation of that within, which by the Dowry of prevalent Re­medies afterward appeared without. Moreover I deliver it faithfully, I have not acording to these ten years strict observation seen any one [Page 100] firmly evade a vehement feaver, unless there hath been an [...], efflorescence or breaking forth of something in the surface of the body: which cooling Julips, Posset-drink made only with small Beer, Barley, Water, &c. repress.

6. The great offence the Galenists still lay to my charge, is that my Medicines are too hot and violent, where the sulphureous particles are ad­vanced, preter-natural fermentation promoted, and so the feaver encreased. This they would fain have granted without any proof, thinking it e­nough for their purpose to buzz it continually into the vulgars ears, easily seduced by their Au­thority. How many by this false allegation have been deterred from making use of the right means I am not a little apprehensible. Me thinks these men should be ashamed to censure that rashly, of which they are ignorant, nor will be instructed in by any clear experimental pro­bation. For if I do not ratifie by Art before my Lord Bacons Disciples, that what of my Reme­dies they call too hot, burning, enflaming and violent, are effectually temperate, amiccable to Nature, gentle in operation, and far from any excessive quality, in no wise causing any Dyscrasie in the bloud, although they be given in a treble quantity, let me be forthwith made an exile from all Artists.

Now upon this stumbling block of a mis-con­ceit, that such or such things are extream hot, they do infinitely err in the oblation of one part of that, whereof ten ought to be given where the state of the Pa [...]ent is very hazardous, as it was in the fore-men [...]oned sick man, to whom the Dr. sent for to consu [...]t with me after a gust of a spi­rituous [Page 101] Liquor, advised a srcuple to be g [...]ven for one Dose of that, which I gave some ounces, o­therwise I dare maintain he had perished. By this it may appear how ridiculous and incogitant it is for any one to detract, vilifie anothers Ar­cana's, or impute any evil effects to that which they neither know how to make or use, neither will be convinced by the Touch-stone of tryal how far its virtue and dose extends.

7. I am satisfyed by the late example, with some hundreds beside, that sulphur clarifyed by a Philosophical hand, likewise volatiles prepared as they ought (I mean not the ordinary sp [...]rits of Harts-horn, yet of very good use) have a gift bestowed upon them to subjugate atrocious feavers, if they be given according to substantial, not an accidental method depending upon poor, beggarly, momentany Heats and Colds.

8. A true judicious Prognostication of the pro­gress, state, and termination of a disease, be­gets in the Patient a strong perswasion of the abi­lity of his Physician, and the sufficiency of his Remedies, this invites him to take liberally of of them: this large sumption of what is efficaci­ous will in a short space alter the sad, scene, sug­gesting his restauration if he be capable thereof, neither will there be need to stand gaping for a Crisis, sith that may be anticipated, and all secu­red before that time, if there be a regular pro­cession.

For instance, this person took the greatest quantity of my remedies above any (except my self infected by the dissection of the Pestilential body) to which he was instigated by his allevation, and my presagition of what would fall out so that he [Page 102] expresly declared (not long before I was under­mined nigh the eleventh day) that I had foretold him whatsoever came to pass to that time, yea withall had been an instrument to save his life. A man would think this should be obligation suf­ficient, to keep a sick man from listning to the obloquies of any slander. But behold how incon­stant one is, and malicious the other. They falsly now upon his Recovery inveigh against me, that I gave him violent hot things: urging with­all Vesicatories would have done him most good. He foolishly gives credit to it, whereupon another must be entertained to reap the fruits of my labours, to carry away the credit of the Cure.

Well, what is the issue, their cooling, dull, flat sycophantizing slops, their putrefying Vo­mits, Purges, their colliquating Epispasticks, their uncorrected opiates continued for a months space could in no wise rid him of his Ague, which I offered (upon the Reputation of the Spagyrical Science, valued by me above any temporal thing) quickly to eradicate. Yea, the supinity and blindness in sounding the bottom of the re­lique of the feaver, gave occasion that an acid or acride feculent bloud restagnant about the spleen was afterward in part derivated sympto­matically to those tender vessels of the funda­ment, afflicting him by anxious excretion, [...], in a dribbling manner, superstite causa in­trinseca materiali, the true cause no whit remo­ved. Now Gentlemen, de vobis fabula narratur, [Page 103] what ye wrongfully cast upon my hot medicines, I can make appear, not saying only, but by doing something experimentally for the future, that your [...], your erroneous practice brought all the succeeding mischiefs upon this infirm sub­ject too tractable and condescending to your Au­thority.

9. How unworthy of a Learned Philosopher, was it to let out the bloud of the arm, robbing a man of his strength for the pain of the Haemor­rhoides, whose efficient material cause was in the spleen, or the parts circumjacent not to be reached by the Lancet. Sith moreover there are some A­mulets prevalent Anodines for the mitigation of Haemorrhoidal Dolours, witness Van Helmonts factitious metal, with which he could by bare application to the skin of the hand asswage their anguish in the space of repeating an Ave Mar.

10. What a dis-repute is at this day brought upon the Honourable Science of Physick through the ignorance of some famous Doctors, that a meer Chyrurgeon should be esteemed more able to remove the grief of the Haemorrhoides or piles depending upon an inward cause, then they who have made it their continual study and care thirty or forty years, to be acquainted with the essential properties of things.

11. That indiscreet bleeding, palliation, and a neglect of the original cause of the vexatious piles, brought a feaver upon this merchant the 2d. time is as perspicuous to a genuine Artist as light at noon-day, which if I had not prevented (absit jactantia) had he been guided by my directions, I would have been liable to a severe mulct.

12. Lastly, 'tis no firm argument at all, that the Lancet doth directly, solidly, or radically cure any great feaver, because this Merchant at last through innate vigour accidentally recover­ed: For this will be but Elenchus causae pro non causa, unless they will stand to maintain it accor­ding to my Lord Bacon's way of [...], experimentally.

After this little digression, I now return to our D [...]ctor, that we may examine the fourth Quae­ry.

4. Whether the succession of a new supply of bloud for the old corrupt emitted, will produce any considerable melioration in it according to our Authors assertion.

There hath been of late an invention I suppose more ingenius than useful, of the transfusion of the bloud of one body into another, which according to Report of some knowing men, hath caused such an alteration in this balsamick mass, that great di­seases have been Cured. I wish this experiment might so far hold currant, that our Phleboto­mists might infuse some laudable juice in lieu of the depraved they effuse, then should I quickly concur with them in this, [...], remotion of evil and repositi­on of good: then should I conclude they were Spagyrists indeed, did really perform what they verbally express. But sith I see no such matter acted by them, their utmost scope they level at being the piercing the vessels, and drawing out what is contained in them good or bad, without any solicitude to make a vicisitudinary immissi­on of what is better.

I have very good reason to contrad [...]ct this Phlebotomical method of curing, which debili­tates Nature by emission of blo [...]d, termed cor­rupt, the efficient cause thereof remaining un­touched.

For the Confirmation of this truth, I shall alledge Reason, Authority, and Experiment.

The means used to let out bad blo [...]d without removing the efficient cause thereof, is no direct method of healing.

Now Phlebotomy lets out bad bloud without removing the efficient cause thereof, Ergo, Phle­botomy is no direct method of healing.

The major is thus proved: whatsoever suffers the cause to remain, can never remove the effect; for manente causa manet effectus.

Now Phlebotomy suffers the cause to remain, Ergo, it can never remove the effect.

The minor is made good by frequent experi­ments, if the cause of bad bloud were cut off the feaver or Scorbute depending, according to Dr. Willis upon the degeneration of sal. and sul. therein would quickly cease, but we plainly see the con­trary, for after the veins are much depleted, the d [...]sease becomes more truculent, and oftentimes mortal, which could never be if this depraved bloud were any other than a Product or Effect of an essential morbifick cause. The same Agent which in sanity sangu [...]fies regularly without any considerable defection. In sickness becomes ex­orbitant, sending out a vicious juice into all parts, be it good or bad, it still springs from a Root which continually feeds the branches: so that it cannot be other than great folly and wrong to the Patient, to let out that juice, though it [Page 106] seem never so corrupt, when another of the like condition must needs enter into its place, deri­ved from that shop the Duumvirate, where it first receives a previous Rudiment, which ought in all reason rather to be reformed, than to give vent to those easily evanid particles inseparably joy­ned with this ruddy Liquor, how ill soever re­presented. If all contained in the veins (suppo­sed to be corrupt) were discharged, yet as long as the ferments principally of the first and sixth digestion deviate from their right scope, there would in short space be a succedaneous repletion of a matter equally contemptible, yea, worse in respect of an enervation of strength than before. But sith a total riddance of this foul guest can hardly be made by Art in a very Cachochymick body without hazarding the life, there being a kind of necessity to leave some behind: no soo­ner is there an accession of any approved every way compleated Chyme, but it is forthwith de­teriorated and infected by the contact of the reli­que of that filthy reprobate Gore, which still harbours in the vessels wherein is a peccant fer­ment endangering as long as it continues the fae­dation of the whole mass, a little Leaven leaven­ing the whole lump. Wherefore in my judgment, with humble submission to better reasons the Do­ctor is much out of the way in taking this course of mutilating and impoverishing the vitals, the preservation of which transcends all other indi­cations whatsoever, considering no solid benefit accrues thereby, withall weighing how the cause of most calamities, as the Scurvy, venereal Lues have their rise from a venomous seed ingrafted a­bout the Hypochondries: for the abortion or [Page 107] strangulation of which all our best Arcana 's are but little enough efficacious. In brief, the true method is to scour every way by proper Mediums, the filth or feculency gathered together in the first foundation, destroying likewise the venom, re­ducing the errour of the parts to their due Eu­praxie, corroborating them: then need we not doubt whatsoever is superstructed will quickly be brought to a handsome conformity, whereby this stately structure may be kept Sarta tecta, in good reparations many years.

2. The Authority I shall cite against this ex­tramission of putrid bloud, to the diminution of the strength, without any amolition of the cause thereof, is Van Helmont, who is to me as an hundred testimonies. His words are these, p. 184. lib. de Febr. Etenim ostendant non contradi­cere, quod febri proprium sit Cruorem ipsum inquinare & hanc proprietatem tolli à posteriori à putrefacti scili­cet remotione? Etenim si primum Imperuor sanguis è vena depromatur, iteratò venam pandunt interim vires consternunt turbant (que) hinc & Crisis spem tollunt, quid si tum rubicundior effluxerit. Certè exclamant. Quasi totum mali Agmen ablatum prima vice, fuisset (que) febrium sedes, à Corde ad cubitum duntaxat extensa bonus autem circa Hepar resideret, i. e. But let them make it appear if this do not imply a contradicti­on, that a feaver hath a property to pollute the bloud, and that this properly can be taken away à posteriori, by a posterous manner, to wit, by withdrawing what is putrefyed. For if first the fouler bloud be let out, they open a vein again: all this while they overthrow and confound the strength, and so thereby wholly disappoint a Cri­sis. But suppose sometime a fresh ruddy bloud [Page 108] run out, they presently cry with open mouth as Cock-sure, that a whole Troop of diseases is cut off at the first dash, as if the resting place of a feaver did only extend from the heart, to the bending of the arm, and the good bloud did take up its abode about the Liver. In another place of the same page our Author delivers this, In confesso est quod Materia Febrilis non consistit in vena supra Cor & per consequens ne (que) vena Sectio Materiam Oc­casionalem ullatenus exhauriat aut directa Medendi in­tentione effectivè sanet, i. e. It is taken for granted, that the material cause of a feaver is not seated in the vessels above the heart: then it must necessarily follow, that breathing a vein doth in no wise discharge the matter, which st [...]rs up the feaver: neither is this a down-right effectual way of healing. Thus far he who is instar Omni­um.

Yea for the countenance of this truth, I have something very conducible from Dr. Willis, his words are these, p. 75. de Feb. Prae caeteris vero observa­tione constat quod crebra sanguinis missio Homines febri aptiores reddat, i. e. Now above all, it is certainly known according to observation, that o ten bleeding makes men more apt to fall into a fea­ver: Again he follows it close, Hinc fit ut qui crebro mutunt sanguinem, non tantum in febres sunt proclives verum etiam pinguescere soleant propter Cruo­rem Succo Sulphureo [...]plus impregnatum, i. e. Hence it comes to pass, that they who often breath a vein, are not only prone to fall into feavers, but are also wont to grow fat by reason the bloud is full of sulphur. In another place to this purpose he drives it home, Qui sanguinem habent sale vo­latilizato bene saturatum ii sunt minus febribus obnoxii: [Page 109] hinc etiam qui saepius sanguinem emittunt ad febres ap­tiores sunt, i. e. They whose bloud abound with volatile Salt, are not subject to feavers: For this cause, they that use Phlebotomy often, are more liable to feavers. Well then, the Do­ctor and I agree thus far in the main, that fre­quent bleeding procures feavers, which is suffici­ent to back my assertion, that Phlebotomy is no good method of healing, sith it is plainly a Proca­tartick cause of feavers. For whatsoever means exhausting the strength (as I can demonstrate this course, doth more or less sensibly or insen­sibly) inviting and making way for feavers, in­stead of preventing them, is not to be approved of or allowed in Curing the Scurvy or other di­seases: unless we act like Tinkers, some of whom are reported to mend one hole and make another; for how possible can it consist with the Honour and Credit of a Physician, quem creavit Altissimus, to go about to correct the bloud by often letting it out in a Chronick infirmity, like­wise withall to usher in [...]; as it were to be a Pander to the introduction of an Acute feaver, which in a short space dissipates that strength which this Phlebotomical harbinger hath in part worsted.

Certainly then there is a better way (if we could hit on it) to reform this juice (without an elumbation of the vitals) by proper Medicines, which the good Creator hath ordained, able to supply the bloud with a sufficient quantity of vola­tile Salt, and to take away the exuberance of its sulphur (if the cause of feavers) as this Learned Defendant would have, from whom I dissent, un­less he can convince me by practice, or mechan­nically [Page 110] shew to my eye more sulphur in the Pyro­technical Analysis of bloud taken from one af­flicted with a high feaver, than from that ex­tracted from a Scorbutical or venereal body, &c. The sum of all is this, if it be so, that striking a vein often in a long tedious disease, is a prepa­ratory for a sharp eaver as we both herein jump right in our observation: then am I certain that Phlebotomy repeated in an acute sickness, is a door set open, an in-let for a long infirmity, so that this mode of defalcating the vigour of the spirits doth for the most part (as I have strictly heeded many years) disarm and plunder Nature in such sort, that it cannot resist the assaults of every pettey invading infirmity, witness those multitudes, who after sharp conflicts fall either into Relapses or Agues, Scorbute, Dropsies, Con­sumptions, Atrophie, Jaundies, Asthma's, &c. which might be easily prevented, if a mature re­gular course were taken to give convenient Eme­to-catharticks, Analepticks, Diaphoreticks, which safely and speedily cleanse the sto­mach, keep up the strength and breath, the whole body: then need we not fear any mischief from this late invention, Redundance of Sulphur or Salt in the bloud, no more than choller, phlegm, and melancholly of the ancients. I would fain be satisfyed how this sanguimission is the cause of such a congestion of sulphur in this bloudy mass, out of which there is no elective subduction of the Salt, and a reservation of sulphur behind, but both fly out promiscuously, not to be discrimina­ted by the eye till the fire which produces these Phaenomena, makes a secretion of the homoge­nous juice into these heterogene parts, inconfide­rately [Page 111] denominated principles which are never so separated by the Archeus, in so much, as if one spin o [...]t more than another, it is by accident, ne­ver intended by Nature, then a feaver may as well be sometimes prevented, as invited accor­ding to the Aet [...]ological Hypothesis.

Neither can I apprehend where and how a greater quantity of sul. above salt should be en­gendred after iterated Phlebotomy, unless be meant by sul. a spurious matter growing out of kind, never intended by the scope of Nature, which works regularly and uniformly. Indeed so this may very well be after the stock of life is exhausted, that the stomach Archeus and ferments becoming flaccid, more dregs & exotick strangely disguised, abortive conceptions do forthwith start up, attiring themselves in various shapes, appear­ing afterward upon some stimulating occasions up­on the Theater of the microcosm acting various Scenes of diseases according to the pravity and malignity of each excrement dis-junctive or co­pulative. Me thinks 'tis more consentaneous to Reason that a degenerate salt should rather a­bound in the body after this unkindly evacuation, sith all the shops of digestions endeavour much a­bout acid or urinous salts, as is eminently appa­rent in the first and second Labora [...]ories, most of the visible excrements, urine, tears, &c. even of a hall person being saline. Hence we may very well conclude, that our Phlebotomist is much to seek in the cause and cure of a feaver sith he makes hat cause thereof, which is only a Pro­duct of the fire, not really existent, withall pre­tends to take it away by that means which brought it: for certainly what did mischief in [Page 112] this kind, ab Anteriori, can hardly do otherwise, à Posteriori. What gave occasion to admit it at first, cannot well be expected to dismiss it once entred, unless it be for a while, that it may again return to take stronger possession.

Experto Crede, What the great Philosopher Van He [...]mont hath set down before-cited, I can maintain as certain truth by multiplyed experi­ments above these two and twenty years, having in procincture not a few Patients ready to appear upon meet opportunity to attest how their veins have been acquitted of abundance of corrupt bloud (as they thought) yet their infirmit [...]es grown more strong and pertinacious, and Nature more weak: so doubtless must have perished, had they no [...] r [...]ceived succour at length by this pow­erful C [...]ymical Art. Many medical Histories could I mention apposite for this purpose, tend­ing to the subversion of this Phlebotomical me­thod, but I conceive it will signifie little with those, who are obstinately prejudiced against whatsoever I relate in this kind. Wherefore I rather chuse [...], to come up close to them, earnestly pressing they would either stand to some Aequi [...]able trials, as we shall mutually propose for the final decision (according to the sen [...]ence of our experimentally knowing Philo­sophers) of this Controversie of so great mo­ment, wherein Princes, Noblemen, and the great [...]st Hero's Lives are concerned: otherwise let them desist for the future prodigally to spend this Balsom of life, keeping in its proper place [Page 113] for better uses that Lancet which I may safely aver hath been the destruction of more than the Sword.

At length I am put in mind of the last Quaery. What Experiments the Doctor will undertake to testifie unto us, that Phlebotomy is a way aequi­velent with the best Remedies, to amend impure bloud corrupted.

Here now am I so zealous a [...], Inda­gator of verity by the Touch-stone of experience, that I even blush to deliver any great matter of importance in reference to the health of man, unless I have made trial my self, or received it from a Learned honest Pyrotechnist.

Were it not that I should be censured for a stentorian Boaster by those who bear an Odium to this Science, I would presume to take to my self a priviledge of knowing more practically than all those Physicians, who altogether depend up­on the Gregal Pharmacopaean set up principally to foment Laziness, as likewise to keep up a meer mercenary Trade for the Reciprocal interest of each other, to the injury of thousands. Pish, why should I be dared by any mortal, only speak­ing physical truth. Let Zoili or Momi do their worst, I value them not. Thus much I can up­rightly and boldly deliver. I have been both A­gent and Patient in the examination of the Gale­nical and Chymical Dispensatory: the former of which (after a tedious expectation of some Bene­fit several years in reference to my sickly cond [...] ­tion) gradually filtching away my strength, quite tyred me out, us (que) ad nauseam: so that I abhor­red to look upon a painted Gally-pot, or a bright Lancet. The last in a short space gave me Re­lief: [Page 114] not long after totally eradicating my infir­mity, repairing my decayed Constitutives in some measure. Although some Philautists may judge me a little too venturous: careless of my own safety in taking into my stomach Spagyrical medicines, the effect whereof were as yet un­known to me, yet I have not in the least repent­ed thereof, being perswaded it was but Charity that I my self rather than my Neighbours should run the hazard of virulency, if they had any. Withall I thereby collected those Documents by frequent sumption of my preparations for their correction and safe exhibition, which a vulgar head could never have imparted to me. For this end I give not a Remedy effectually Authentick, which these hands of mine have not contrived, and this stomack approved. Neither was there any other Reason why I forsook this old smoothly beaten more profitable Road, be [...]aking my self to this seldom trodden, rugged, poor contemp­tible way at that time, but a plain forcible con­viction within my self, that one was erroneous, unsatisfactory, full of doubts and perplexities, seldom bringing a man to his intended End. The other was veriloquos, right, scientifical, per­forming for the most part what is promi­sed.

Herein I acquired after some labour, a satis­factory notion of things, with a sweet content, far surpassing any Pecuniary Reward: so that I could at length after a serious libration of the symptoms, undertake a Cure with confidence, succeeding prosperously therein. Assuredly this great Defender of bleeding shall find me no o­ther now than formerly, as it were Rasa Tabula, [Page 115] not at all pre-occupated against convincing proofs, tending to the favourable suffrage of his Hypothesis. I hope it will not be alledged for an excuse, that this case in Question hath so many intricacies, that it cannot easily be determined without danger of derogating from the valour of truth, which often suffers unjustly through hu­mane mistakes. This I confess would seem plausible were the matter in controversie meerly Dogmatical putatitious, consisting in the rational conceptions of the brain. But sith it depends up­on the conclusion of fact, certainly we are not so enclosed with the darkness of mis-apprehensions, or wildred in the Labyrinth of vain conceits, but we may by the conducting thread of infallible ex­periments discoverable by our senses get out, though not at the fore-door, yet at the back-door. I mean, though we cannot understand the essence of things à Priori, as they relate to their first cause, yet may we attain some acquaintance with them à Posteriori, by their Fruits, Products, Effects and Operations.

Now this Controversie between us concern­ing bleeding can either be conclusively resolved by equal experiments, or it cannot. If it cannot, then are we all alike groping in obscurity, never a barrel better Herring, the most knowing of us being (as that most perspicacious Prince of famous Memory justly upbraided some of his Physicians) at the best but good Guessers. If it can, as I doubt not, let us put an end to this Debate, and let him that shrinks pretending this or that evasion, be looked upon as one guilty of his own insufficien­cy, which ought in all Reason to oblige him ne­ver to speak or Act contrary to the testimonies [Page 116] of those Imperial Judges who are induced to give in their verdict sincerely impartially, either in favour or discountenance of Phlebotomy, accor­ding to what they see done by each of us.

I have in Galenopale proposed several com­mendable truths for the decision of the different processes of a Galenift & Helmontian in Physick, but they have been so far from being accepted, that instead thereof, a scurrilous Piece full of untruths was published by one who did not dare to own it. I shall spare to speak more of that Per­son who did me great wrong (for which I hope he received a pardon from Heaven) sith he and the Spiritus Antiloimoides, both vanished toge­ther in the time of the Pestilence.

Worthy Sir, I expect more handsome candid dealings from you, being perswaded that you are so far a hearty lover of truth, that you scorn to be displeased with any one who shall offer any probable means for the indagation thereof. If thoughts should arise in your breast that I have a meer design to eclipse your Lustre in the World, that I may be the more conspicuous, I assure you are much mistaken therein: For were it not for the promotion of fundamental Physical veri­ties, I should hate to set Pen to Paper in deroga­tion of any mans fame and Repute, for the exal­tation of my own. So desirous am I to know something solidly useful in my Art, whereby my collapsed distressed Neighbour may be edify­ed, that I should think my self happy to be your Disciple upon such terms. Be confident Sir, if I be not exasperated through indignities, you shall never have cause to find fault with my Morality as it respects you, with whom I should think my [Page 117] self happy to joyn for the Restauration in part of the splendour of that profession, which at this day is deplorably obscured.

For that end, let us manifest to the world by each others actions, that there is a manner and means of healing, beyond the Plebian Pharmaco­paean or Pseudo-Chymical reach, never to be attained but by a compleat Philosopher.

Let us then in a friendly gesture meet and con­clude upon those Perquisites which may give us both content if we be sincere [...], cordi­ally affected with verity. What trials I have for­merly offered, I shall stand to, and here make repetition of them, adding some others thereto, directly aiming at the mark.

You and I, or so many of us on each side (as we shall agree upon) will visit the sick people of some Hospital, with equal and competent Arbi­ters or Censors: after that each party hath gi­ven his verdict or opinion of the nature of the di­sease inward or outward, we will make our pre­diction what is like to be the Epilogue or Event thereof, whether it be curable or no, and in what time probably it may be brought to pass: let the Galenist or Helmontian, that (according to the sentence of those elected persons to whose Award we are to stand) performs his business best in the Diagnostick, Prognostick, and Therapeutick part, prevail, and be taken into favour and tuition of the Magistrate; but let the other be rejected.

Or we will deal in this manner, we will sum­mon so many Patients afflicted with feavers or o­ther diseases in the City whom we will visit to­gether. So according to our former proposition, we will enter upon a direct proof, who may best [Page 118] deserve a Diplôma or Patent. Or we will (if you please) act severally. We will (with so many impartial Judges) undertake twenty persons vex­ed with Acute diseases, and so many Chronick; after that we have illustrated the Nature, Condi­tion and Magnitude of the disease to the standers by (our aforesaid Arbitrators) we will enter up­on the Cure with a prognostick in acute diseases after our first admission, upon the fifth or sixth day. In Chronick, in the space of three weeks or a month at farthest: ye shall be bound to act the like, the same supervisors attending you that did us; who after they have seriously weighed all circumstances being rightly informed, consider­ing what difficulties both parties have been put upon, shall determine (as each of us have done better or worse) who are the best Artists, and so receive a Reward or Mulet.

Moreover we declare that we shall take into our hands twenty sick persons troubled with acute feavers of what kind soever. Of these twen­ty, we will engage to secure (under God) six­teen of them upon the fifth or sixth day after our approach, or to give a Prognostick upon the same days, how the disease will terminate; in which if we fail, we shall be willing to suffer ac­cordingly, supposed that ye come to the like trial.

And because ye insist so much upon bleeding in a Pleurisie, we dare oblige our selves to cure more Pleuritick persons, Citò Tutò & jucunde, without Phlebotomie, than ye shall making use of the same.

These fair equal proofs formerly proposed, though somewhat oblique to our present matter [Page 119] in controversie. I thought fit here to repeat, that the world may understand I am no Tergiver­sator. These now following drive the Question home.

We will search out ten or twenty persons over­run with the Scurvy, whose blouds are certainly presumed to be foul by apparent symptoms, let them be divided [...], as equally as can be into parts. Freedom shall be given to the Do­ctor to make his election first of one half, lea­ving the other to me. Let him use his best art to clarifie and correct by often Phlebotomy as he pleaseth the corrupt foul bloud of his Patients for the space of a fortnight: I'l take the same time, using only these Remedies which are [...], have a gift of healing without spending the spirits by cutting a vein: then sub judice lis sit, let it be defined according to our meritorious per­formances, who amends the impurity of the bloud best fundamentally.

Let our opponent the Phlebotomist assume to his care twenty more or less, such as are very Scorbutical, let him give a Prognôsis or Predi­ction in what precise time he is able to cure every single patient: then let him fall to his method of depurating the bloud as he hath divulged. I like­wise receiving into my custody the same number, presaging a set time of the Recovery of each, will make application of my Arcana's: Then let my Lord Virulam his Disciples deliver their mind impartially (as either of us accomplish the end best according to our Judicious Prescience) whe­ther possess the best means to rectifie the depra­ved mass of bloud radically.

Let the Galeno-Chymist be pleased to ma­nage by his Phlebotomical method for a months space the cure of half a dozen of such whose bloud is much contaminated, I will also deal with the like number in the same condition for a month according to my method, the time expired, one and the other subjects of our essays shall be strict­ly viewed by the fore-named Censors, who shall give their sentence who have been best ordered by us receiving the greatest benefit, and whoso­ever on the other side at the time limited comes short of his Cure, shall be delivered into the hands of the other Physician, to try what an alternate change of Remedies are able to do.

Six, whose juice in the veins is very impure shall be equally divided to each three, we will ad­minister that peculiar means of depurating the bloud which we assert is most prevalent. At the end of five days a vein in the Arm shall be open­ed in them all: Then shall we see whose mass running in the veins is most mudifyed.

Of four [...], as nigh as may of equal con­dition of sickness, whose skin is to be opened for the defaecation of the bloud: Commit one, which you please to me to be regulated, then shall we see at fortnights end which of the four will be most vigorous, having the cleanest liquor contain­ed in the vessels.

When any sick person is tired out some mo­neths by sanguimission and a tedious course of physick, so that the Galeno-Chymist is at a stand whether he will live or die: then suffer us to speak and act something in this case for the credit of this Science.

We will also try who is best able to preserve any one Scorbutical (whose bloud is conspurca­ted) from a feaver, or when fallen into a feaver from the Scurvy, for 'tis certain they are reci­procally incident one into the other.

He that suffers one afflicted with a feaver to fall into any long maladies or a relapse, shall be esteemed (if the Patient be conformable to his Rules) insufficient in his faculty, and shall forfeit twenty pound; for as meanly as our adverse par­ty esteems us, we shall be willing to wage with them a considerable sum of money upon every experiment.

Forasmuch as some who have the Scurvy much radicated in them, are cruciated with long, foul cacoethick soars depending upon an inquinated bloudy juice, an essay shall be made whether the true Philosophical Spagyrist or Galeno-Chymist are best able to heal the Ulcers fontally, speedily, securely, without danger of lapse into a worse calamity or recidivation into the like.

Many more Apodeictical Processes could I start of great validity to convince all aspiring souls, thirsting to know verity of things from their effects, that there is a way to preserve in sanity, and recover in infirmity the frail Sons of Adam without this never-intended or allowed of (by the God of unity) course of making solu­tions of contenuity in the skin, for the letting out the Balsom of life, but I shall request our famous propugnator of Phlebotomy to set his Ingenie on work to find out more experimental proofs (not excluding the reason of the natural causes of what we practice) for the ultimate discussion of this debate, which is the principal partition-wall [Page 122] that keeps us asunder. Assuredly there shall be no man breathing more tractable & condescend­ing than my self, to accept of any offers tending to the putting a period to all altercations of this kind for the future.

Thus much by way of confutation of sangui­mission, as it is indicated by the pravity or cor­ruption of the bloud. Next I shall strive to A­rietate or batter the main fortress grounded upon Plethôra too great a quantity thereof. What I have promulged in the XII. Chapter of Galeno­pale concerning Phleboromy, I am ready to as­sert to be truth: wherefore I shall request any opponent to peruse it and answer it if he can.

In the mean while I shall here examine the matter a little more. If by plenitude be meant an excess of pure bloud, I absolutely deny there is any such [...], indication for Phlebotomy, for during the goodness of this juice there must needs be perfect sanity arising from integrity of all the actions in the body, so that it may justly be reputed madness to go about to broach this Balsom of life, weakning nature thereby as long as there is health with abundance of strength.

Imprimis notandum (saith Van Helmont in cap. de Feb. p. 8.) ut nunquam vires peccare possint abundan­tia nequidem in Methusalem: ita nec Bonus sanguis peccat nimietate, eo quod vires vitales & sanguis sint Correlativa, i. e. We are to take special notice that too much strength can never be offensive to any, yea, not to Methusalem: no more can any one have too much bloud, forasmuch vital strength and bloud are Correlatives. Well then it is plain, whatsoever sickness seems to indicate Phleboto­my upon the account of [...], sanguine­ous [Page 123] superpletion must necessarily come from an apostate juice generated by vitiated digestions, which being hostile to life irritates the Archeus to frame the Idaea of a disease, not as it is meerly provoked from nimiety or plurality, but from the pravity of the matter: wherefore the case is al­tered now, and the [...], signification or de­monstration of evacuating doth in a strait line immediately respect the Cruor or cacochymie, directing the artist to reform, mundifie, and rid those impurities contained in the seemingly cor­rupt marred juice, by proper means sequestring the vile from the precious, not to let it out indi­stinctly what comes next at random to the fur­tive castration, depredation, confasion of the Eu­tome, Lustiness, Liveliness, and strength of the Patient, which is to be preferred before all mo­tives whatsoever.

'Tis certainly known to those who are through­ly versed in the Analysis and Synthesis of the parts of bodies, that ebullition estuation, effervescence of febrile liquors arising from a pleonasm of de­generate sul. and sal. &c. as they would have it, may be appeased and allayed by Remedies assist­ing the vitals to make separation, and afterward an exclusion every way of what is reprobate, re­serving that which is acceptable. This being per­formed, there is no fear that a plenitude simply of it self can do any harm, for hereby so expedite a course is taken that the over-plus is in a short time sent packing by vomit, stool, urine, expe­ctoration and sweat; for this reason considering what strict abstinence the Patient is put upon in a feaver, 'tis very unlikely a plenitude should be of any duration. Is it not then greater prudence in [Page 124] a Physician to minorate what is superfluous by safe, profitable ways of secretion and excretion, still advancing the principal Agent, then for that end to give vent indiscreetly to what comes next without any election, incommodating, if not ha­zarding the loss of the vital principles. For be­lieve it, whosoever hath any great quantity of bloud taken from him either rues it for the pre­sent, or hereafter: Let him that is Hetorodox prate what he will, alledging examples of those sturdy, lusty bodies which have hereby received immediate succour, I can make good by pra­ctice (and challenge any one who opposes me to to come to that, otherwise let him forbear his Garrulity) whosoever is cured of a great mala­dy by the Lancet in this sort, is either prone to relapses, or to live more crasie in his younger or elder years, although for some short time he may not by reason of an engrafted Robust constitution be sensible of these inconveniencies.

Moreover 'tis to be noted, what redress is by this means in this manner received comes not from mastering and subjugating the disease, but from an impoverishment and debellation of the Archeus, which being brought to a low condition, becomes more remiss and impotent to contest with its enemy: whereupon some symptoms ve­ry terrible to the standers by are remitted, which a wise Physician knows are often fore-run­ners of a happy expulsion, if furthered by congru­ous volatiles, setting forward the Elastick moti­on of the spirits.

For the establishment of what I have before delivered, let us chuse ten the fullest bodies we can meet with labouring under feavers or other [Page 125] griefs: Dr. Willis shall have his choice of five (whom he conceives do most require bleeding) leaving the other five to me) to be ordered by my method. It shall be put to reference who cures soonest, surest, and soundest.

Because I often observe many squaring their Therapeutick intentions according to the defini­tion of the feaver, endeavouring to cool those who are in a great scorching heat, by breathing a vein, let them know that a feaver, whose es­sential nature is to be enquired into for the use of man is very erroneously defined, an accident for a febrile heat is certainly the product of a fore­going cause which is primarily to be searched af­ter, than whatsoever depends thereon will quick­ly vanish.

Now this cutting a hole in venal vessels for the removing a bare Quality, is all one as if one should lave out of the Pot ready to boil over a spi­rituous, or some precious Liquor therein con­tained, to the intent it may thereby be quailed, neglecting to withdraw the fire, the impulsive oc­casion of the violent motion made therein. Do not they take the like absurd course, who think to cool the body in a feaver by throwing away whole Porringers of Nectar of life, never look­ing after the ablation of the Causopoietick cause and focular matter sited about the stomach, which makes an estuation and effervescence in all the other parts. That way of frigidation which pil­lages the vitals, encreasing the malady, only aba­ting obliquely a tedious quality, is never to be approved of by a Legitimate Physician. He that will bring to a moderation the finger excessively heated from a Thorn impacted therein, must [Page 126] extract the same, otherwise he will take a wrong course by the use of meer frigafactives. So he that will positively refrigerate in any preter-na­tural heat must eliminate that spinous, aculeate, acid, acrid matter which goads the Archeus in­censing it that it becomes exorbitant, fretting, raging. Heautontimorumenos, gauling it self at the presence of that which it abominates never to be pacifyed till it be excluded, or some extraor­dinary sedative given (I mean not Opium vulgar­ly prepared) which may for a time asswage its fury till it can have leisure to thrust out the [...]n­welcome guest.

Another pretended indication for sanguimis­sion is Revulsion, by which they say a violent flux of morbifick Liquor into any noble parts is intercepted, for this end they use the Lancet in a Pleurisie, Peripneumomie, or any inward inflam­mation: but how far they erre herein is well known to the best Practicioners, for although I confess they do sometimes in the beginning sup­press, and as it were crush the foresaid diseases, yet is it done accidentally, very uncertainly, ra­ther by way of distraction of nature for the loss of its substantial Treasure, than from any true Revulsion or direct pulling back of what is in flux or already flowed in. 'Tis true, when the vessels are depleted, a repletion is forthwith made ob fugam vacui, to avoid vacuity, but the supply is from what comes next: Foras intrô as well as in­tro foras, however there is no streight immediate Revulsion intended from the part affected to the Orifice.

In the up-shot this is but a contingent Cure, not at all Rizotomous, which ought to be perfor­med [Page 127] by those things which are [...], dulcify­ing the acid Latex, carrying it off through all its Emunctories, rectifying the stomach, and morti­fying the malignity not by attracting into the fi­stulary Receptacles, that which will undoubted­ly, do mischief for the future. For 'tis verify­ed by observation, they who recover by this A­pospastick means do for the most part find a great Debility succeeding, are incident to Empyema's, Consumptions, and prone to relapse into the like condition again. On the other side those who rise from their sick beds, restored by vertue of adae­quate Remedies are secured from the fore-men­tioned discommodities. Assuredly of all those Pleuriticks, I have handled above these half score years, I have not known one after their e­vasion procured by a legitimate form of Physick; either live Crasie, fall into secondary calamities, or recidivate into a Languor of the like Idaea.

As to that, the party of the adverse opinion urges in behalf of Phlebotomy, that when ever there is any notable stagnation or coagulation in the bloud it is hereby set in free circulation, which liberal current being acquired, a subtilia­tion and dissolution is made of stubborn Concre­tions, obstructing the passages, endangering the loss of vital functions, I in no wise subscribe. For seeing Grumosities or Coagulations are for the most part contracted either in the Capillary ves­sels (seldomer in the greater, unless the poison be graduated) or out of them procured by an acid or malignant cause: I cannot understand how this depromption of the fluid juice should so set in motion what is condensed in either of the fore­said [Page 128] places, that thereby a dissolution can be made thereof, much less can abolish the Renet-like or venomous cause. Certainly were there not a wilful fallacy in mens judgments, they would easily perceive how the greater quantity of the spirituous, subtil, liquid part is deducted the more, contumacious to remove must needs be the vapid, gross, tenacious left behind, and the Archeus made more unable to resist the pungi­tive curdling malignity.

And although Apoplectical strangulated per­sons seem to receive benefit by sanguimission from a strange unwelcome alteration suddenly made, which rouses up the Archeus to exert its ultimate power to blow up the spark of life: Nam Animi Actiones incidente aliqua occasione forti­us agunt presertim in Morituris saith Duretus. The soul upon a stress acts most vigorously as is ob­served in those nigh death. Notwithstanding this Alarum is but given to the sentinel of life by this puncture to do something if possible upon the ap­prehension of its loss for the profligation of the enemy, now lodging in its Territories: All this while not one jot of the specifick venom or acid Latex thickning the bloud and spirits, ma­king them Rigid and immoveable, is touched to any purpose. Where as a single design to relieve this syderated or suffocated Patient were to give him if he can swallow down medicines which have a Leptomerie in them, such as Sal. Tart. Volo. and other highly exalted sulphureous Alexiphar­maca, which have an influential faculty can per­meate into all parts, quicken the Archeus, ab­sterge, incide, and dissolve whatsoever grumous, [Page 129] spurious, or congealed matter they meet with, and to counterpoise any thing virulent.

If any ingenious man still continue to be after all these weighty Arguments against bleeding, of astaggering mind whether he should assent to what I have alledged against it. I shall only re­quest such an one to accompany me in the visiting those Patients, who are very Plethorick, Caco­chymick, afflicted with a scorching heat, the Pleurisie, Squinzie, &c. and to take notice of my Prognosticks and Therapeuticks, i. e. how I cure such according to the verity of my predicti­ons without the sharp iron, for the confutation of the sanguineous evacuation supposed to be or­dained for depuration, Refrigeration, Revulsion, and dissolution of any Grumosity or unkindly Con­cretions. If I do not convince him (if he be can­didly inclined to know) that our Chymical me­thod is the best: let my mouth be for ever here­after stopped from uttering the least syllable in derogation of the Galenical process.

I hope likewise whosoever takes up Pen to de­fend the contrary by his conceited Theory, will not think much if I justly put him to the trial of practice, for the confirmation of what he writes: otherwise I suppose he will be censured to do me wrong by all truly vertuous persons, as for o­thers I value them not, sith I never expect right from such.

Wherefore dear ingenious Country-men, whose Welbeing I exceedingly tender: let no cunning Sophister work upon you by his [...], perswasive terms of Rhetorick, that Phle­botomy is Aequivalent with the best Remedies for the Correction of the impurity of the bloud: [Page 130] But give ear to my Counsel following, observing this method, when at any time ye find your health impaired, and the juices of the body revolted from their good state, have special care to regu­late the stomach, whose Archeus, Ferments, and digestion are president over all the rest. In this principal part are sowed the seeds of sanity and infirmity, here are the Idaea's of valetude and invaletude chiefly pourtraied, although all the membranes, as the Womb, Dura & Pia Mater, &c. have according to Helmont Admirandas Pote­states, admirable faculties inherent in them, yet this surpasses claiming Soveraignty over them all and their Contents, insomuch as Catharticks, Diaphoreticks, Diureticks, Apostethicks, and whatsoever carrys off by the Haemorrhoidal or u­terine vessels, must first be approved here if they be properly effectual to bring to pass the end in­tended. Wherefore the direct means to make all excretions of noxious matter in general success­ful, is to begin with this Noble Ventricle to cleanse away whatsoever impurity is already con­tained in it, or is Anarrhopon flows in thither from other parts: which is chiefly to be per­formed, Per Emesimvel Ptysim, by vomiting or spitting, if nature be so pleased to throw it off this way, if not, let it be such an Emetick which may square with the Genius or inclination of the Archeus, to carry the morbifick matter through what sluce it pleases, without damnifying or ma­king any ill impression on the stomach. Because I see great errours frequently committed by Ga­leno-Chymists in the oblation of vomitive medi­cines (i [...]somuch as they become scandalous to many, not enduring to hear the very name men­tioned) [Page 131] I am forced to tell them plainly, they neither know how to prepare dextrously an E­metick, which can humour and comply with na­ture, neither if they had it, could they tell how to use it as long as they still tie themselves up so strictly to their obsolete method. 'Tis not Squils, infusion of Crocus-metal: or other crude uncorrected Antimonial, Mercurial, Manu­facture of the shops, I mean, when I commend a vomit. In no wise: But 1. 'Tis as I have else­where characterized it. So friendly to this ten­der membrane, that if it chance not to purge up-ward or down-ward, yet doth it operate other ways profitably without leaving any mark of vi­rulency behind. 2. Next it carrys off electively what it finds bad, not perverting any thing good. 3. It keeps up the vital spirits, exciting, illumi­nating, corroborating them to exclude whatso­ever infests them. 4. It profligates excrements every way from the center to circumference, as well as in a direct line. 5. It resists malignity, dulcifies acidities, reforms the ferments, pro Modulo, according to the sphear of its activity. The ice being thus far broken, the Kitchin being in part made clean, a door is set open for the mundifying the other Rooms, wherein lodge the vital juices defiled with the mixture of divers alie­nated Liquors, dross, and filth. Here urinous and acid spirits rightly provided and duly admi­nistred, carry a great stroak, not suffering the Physician to be ashamed of what he undertakes.

Yet note, I intend not the Seplasiarie spirits made more for lucre than Cure: these indeed may be put in practice, and thought to be suffici­ent by a formal prescriber, but certainly can [Page 132] never satisfie a sincere inquisitive Chymist; who knows they can never execute great things, un­less they be corrected and advanced to a sublime condition of purity. If ye presently put me to the question how this may be done, I strait re­turn this answer, by labour of Head and your own Hand Improve, stilling as well as Reading, then I dare engage such refined Wits as yours will quickly find out the intricacy of these things. But be sure you work with your own fin­gers, not committing the pursuit of such Arca­na's to another, whose entire desires are faint, and abilities too weak to attain to such an excel­lency.

Acid and urinous spirits meliorated and brought to the highest Climacterical pitch of cla­rity, are most commendable Remedies, earnestly to be sought after by every one who is ambitious to be well versed in Physical Sophy, but fixed Alkalies, i. e. Lixiviate salts volatilized in a ge­nuine manner without extorsion surmount all o­ther, except the great dissolvent. Some progress I have made in the acquisition of these volatiles, enough to satisfie me fully (notwithstanding any sugillation of the credit of so a great a Hero) concerning the truth of what Van Helmont sets down, p. 298. de Potestate Medica Adeo ut fixa Al­kalia si volatilizentur, magnorum Pharmacorum Po­testates Adaequent: Quippe vi incisionis Resolutionis & Abstersionis, delata us (que) ad limen quartae digestio­nis tenacitatem Coagulatorum in vasis fundamentaliter t [...]ll [...] [...] i. e. Insomuch if fixed Alkalies be made volati [...]e, they are advanced to noble Remedies. For being a [...]mitted in [...]o the fourth digestion, ha­ving a vertue to attenuate, dissolve, and cleanse, [Page 133] they utterly destroy all stubborn coagulations Likewise in cap. 1. de Passiva Decep. Scho. p. 122. he declares, Sin vero penitiori recessu aliquid perti­nacius occultius (que) restiterit: assumenda sunt A [...]kalia volatilia, quae instar Saponis cuncta abstergunt. Mi­rum, sane quantum Sal. Tartari, vel unici, volatile factum non praestiterit: nam omnem è venis Amurcam detergit, & Obstruentium contumaciam, dispergit (que) Apostematum suscepta conciliabula. If any stubborn matter lies couched in the innermost parts, take volatile Alkalies which scour away whatsoever foulness they meet with like Soap. 'Tis to be admired what salt of Tartar brought to volatili­tie is able to do of it self, for it cleanses from the veins every dreggy, filthy stuff therein contained, opens obstinate obstructions, and scatters the Col­lection of any imposthumated matter whereso­ever it harbours.

Whosoever is master of this spiritual fire, need not fear to consume any superfluities and foulness in the vessels without this mischievous sanguimis­sion, yea, he abominates any such anomolous course of attempting to Cure by the abscission of the vital strength. Become then ye Learned Do­ctors, Zeteticks, sedulous inquisitors herein, ne­ver desisting till ye be throughly acquainted with the Philosophical [...] and [...], preparation and use of this spiritual substance, which as Poleman expresses, Per se & solus tant [...] vertutes habet in medicina, ut quis multiplices inna­meras vires ejus non satis posset mirari, i. e. is of it self so rare a medicine, that a man cannot but stand amazed to see the sundry vertues thereof, not to be reckoned up. That great Reformer of Physick Van Helmont hath in many places of his [Page 134] Writings given us much Light concerning the be­ginning, progress and consummation of this sin­gular Arcanum, neither have some of his Disci­ples been wanting to illustrate to us the Mystery of volatiles, as the fore-named Poleman in lib. de Sulphure Philos. likewise Dr. Starkey, in his Py­rotechnie, a most deserving Tract, for which the world is not a little obliged to him: Were our Linguists industrious, [...], to work themselves, and to make inspecti­on into their Handy-works with their own eyes, they would soon aspire to great endowments, for the recovery of the honour and Reputation of this faculty. Then none need use Arguments and proofs against Phlebotomy, for of their own ac­cord they would forthwith lay it aside, recant­ing with detestation that they were so mista­ken.

Fall to your business, therefore ye literate ju­niors (if the Seniors think scorn) persevering to take artificially in pieces the Republick of salts, afterward joyning together in a congruous friend­ly manner, their parts corrected and highly cla­rified, doubt not but ye will purchase such satis­faction herein, that ye will all become as zea­lous Anti-phlebotomists as my self, utterly re­nouncing the hodg-podge of the Galenical shops. Having once got these spiritual essential salts, ye possess a key to open Natures Closet, where ye may be furnished with all utenfils fitting to make a Physician compleat. Hereby ye will be able to unlock the fast inclosed sulphurs of Metals and Minerals, whose vertues explicated in the mi­crocosm, are like so many benevolent Planets, illuminating and sweetly moving the vital spirits [Page 135] to perform all functions aright. As kindly Eme­ticks and volatiles are destinated for the ablation of the irritating or occasional matter of diseases, so glorifyed sulphurs serve to the immediate de­molition of the disease seated in the very bosom of the Archeus, which being irradiated, actuated, well pleased, and fortifyed, doth forthwith obli­terate that black exotick hostile Idaea imprinted in it, exploding the Nosopoietick cause thereof: Sale & Sole nihil utilius, is certainly true, nothing in the universe is more conducible for the well­being of mans life, than true spiritualized salt, the sulphur of Gold, any other Metal or Mineral exalted to its requisite perfection. For as the Ce­lestial Sun doth heat, cherish, enlighten, and rouse up the spirit of all things in general, whereby procreation, nutrition, accretion, and maturati­on is exercised for the continuation of the spe­cies. So these Terrestrial Solar Sulphurs do by their influence upon every individual Archeus proportionably warm, foment, and animate it to the subduing Secretion & expulsion of whatsoever obscures the Lamp of Life, introducing annihila­tion thereof. He who hath acquired any of these nobilitated sulphurs, may really say he is an A­deptus Possessor of a Panacaea. Sunt videlicet saith our Philosopher Sulphura quaedam quibus correctis at (que) perfectis tota morborum cohors auscultat utpote quorum pluralitas in unitatem Archei tanquam in pug­nantem pugnum contrahitur: There are some refi­ned sulphurs brought to a high degree of perfecti­on which make a whole Regiment of diseases to truckle under them. For let them be never so many, they are all comprehended as it were within the Clutches of one Archeus. As their sa­native [Page 136] power is of unlimited extent, diffusing it self quaquaversum, in this Epitome of the great world, so likewise is their vertue inexhaustible, divine goodness expressing it self as bountifully liberal to indigent man in perpetuating the gift of healing, once conferred upon them as he was in a continual supply of the Cruse of Oil, for the sustenance of the poor widow. For after you have once made use of this luminous metalline Remedy for the Cure of any, the same may be used many hundreds of times with equal success as at first, without the least Consumption of its rare endowment, or diminution of its weight or bulk. For the manifestation of th [...]s truth, our great Philosopher hath given us a pregnant in­stance in crude Mercury, which if it be steeped in a large quantity of Water, doth imbue it with an excellent property to kill all manner of worms, yet doth it not loose the least jot of its substance. Sic unica uncia saith he, Argenti vivi millies poterit mensuram aquae infirere, attamen per­manere in pondere & proprietate pristinis, i. e. Thus an ounce of Quicksilver is able to stain virtually a pint and half of fair water a thousand times, yet to continue in its integral weight and quali­ty as before. Wherefore undoubtedly as he proceeds there are Agents which operate always freely, indefatigably without any passion or re­action of the Patient, Perstante eodem semper sui pon­dere, Aequipollent and Aequiponderant to what they were at first. This and other examples, which I could procure are sufficient to convince any one intelligent, that if we would patiently put our own hands to the fire, such Divine in­consumptible medicines might be procured, [Page 137] which would make the Art and Artist flourish a­gain, and totally abolish this Truculent effusion of bloud. Did we dexterously Anatomize Venus Stibium, native Cinnabar, &c. we should at length enucleate such a Celestial fire out of these Terrestrial undervalued gross bodies, which would consume many Truculent contumacious Maladies, the Apoplexy, Epilepsie, Dropsie, Consumption, Madness, Scurvy, Venereal Plague, &c. in some measure actively, as the Culinary fire doth any combustible matter, then would appear plainly where the Idaea's of all in­firmities do first take up their station or mansion, not in Putatitions, Quinary principles, nor in the nerves as the Doctor delivers, unless seconda­rily, but in this lofty fair Arched Room, where the soul doth fit in Councel for the Regular Oe­conomie of the whole Family. Had we once ob­tained, this [...], the Philoso­phical Sulphur, we should easily master this [...] of Hip. that morbifick malignity or venom, a reason whereof because he was not able to render, he gave it this Appellation. For no sooner are these clear bright Remedies taken in­to the stomach, but it may easily be perceived how they display their beams, irradiating and il­luminating every dark corner, whereby health is accomplished either by altering the vitals, or by appeasing them, the greatest part of indigested dross remaining still behind, which provoked them to passion. 'Tis certain as our Author at­tests, the foresaid Mercurial water destroys all kind of Worms, yet being quickly carryed a­way by urine, comes not corporally to the place where they harbour, but Basilisk-like by very As­pect [Page 138] it strangely mortifies them without incur­ring that danger which I have observed in the sumption of Mercurius dulcis. Did I not own some Arcana's, whose energie suits with what our Philosopher extols (I confess) I should a little suspend my belief, and eagerly seek after a knowing person, whom I apprehend to be able experimentally to demonstrate any thing tending to the satisfaction of this scruple: but being con­vinced by pract [...]ce, [...] in great part, that there are fixed metalline graduated medi­cines, which according to this great Physiologist operate upon the Archeus abstrusely in an Hete­roclite manner differing from the vulgar, citra sui dissolutionem aut interitum, citra sui Penetratio­nem, Intro admissionem, Commisturam & Commutatio­nem, their vertues being not at all weakned or decayed their substance either not taken in, or going no farther than the stomach and intestines not mixt with any thing else or altered: I can­not but assert this Superlative way of Cure which Paracelsus, Helmont, Butler, and other Philoso­phers were acquainted with, to be fundamental and infallible according to the capacity of the Patient. To conclude, if this can be effected, as I question not satisfactorily to illustrate the same: Then Dr. Willis and all his adhaerents do err toto Coelo egregiously, in laying such a sandy foun­dation of principles, the Phlebotomical super­structure being raised thereon, which must of necessity come to Ruine. For who but one want­ing Hellebore would defend a method of Curing so uncertain debilitating nature, shortning the life, prolonging maladies, or inviting them again, and oppose a secure means, corroborating the vitals, [Page 139] lengthning the days, and overthrowing the very Basis of all infirmities.