THis so frequently tearmed, The New Disease although as ancient as In Epidem. Hippocrates, to de­fine it with the times, is a Malignant, and contagious Feaver, being comprised under the Genus of a putrid, continued Feaver, which proceedeth from putrefaction of bloud, or hu­mours contained in the greater vessels. So that the disease may be truly called, Febris putrida, continua, maligna, & con­tagiosa; that is, a putrid, continued Feaver, both malignant and contagious, which we shall endeavour to prove, first, Nega­tively by shewing that it is not the Plague, (as the Relations and hopes of our enemies, and the Feares of others have suggested) which may appeare by these Reasons.

First, Hip. 3. E. pid. & Gal. comm. 1. in Lib. de Vict. rat. in Morb. acat. text 9. Pectis pleros (que) ex iis, quos corripit, jugulat, of those that are infected with the Plague, there alwaies dye, more then escape, but of this Disease, where one dies, ten at least I may safely say more, recover.

Secondly, Inseparabi­le signum ë non proprium & quod non soli conven it. Pestis summè contagiosa est: as we may instance in that of the Athenians, described by the [...]. Thucyd. de Be [...]lo. Pelo. pon. Lib. 2. Historian, where the Physitians could no sooner come to their Patients reliefe, but they themselves were infected.— in (que) ipsos saeva Medentes erup [...]t clades. But in this many hundreds have visited their sick Friends without Infection; Physitians, Chirurgians [Page 2] and Apothecaries, who have been daily conversant with them, not any way tainted, although some few have fallen sicke, for which it cannot be denied but that is somewhat, although not extreamly, contagious.

Thirdly, those, which they call, Bubones and Carbunculi, are frequent concomitants of the Plague, neither was it e­ver known, but that the virulency of the Plague in some bodies, though not in all, betra'd it selfe by Carbuncles. Al­though I am not ignorant, but that these arise many times where the Plague is not, yet I am of Lib. 8 de Bebr. cap. 5. Horatius Augenus his mind, that in the time of Contagion, every Bubo, (unlesse proceeding à Lue Venerâ is Pestilentiall, and so to be ac­counted. But wheresoere this Disease hath spread it selfe, I ne're yet saw any Carbuncle to arise: yet some of late (I heare) have appeared, but very rare, and I hope, ne're to be seen again.

Fourthly, Few, or none spotted, in the Plague, escape, in this sicknesse, many although are spotted, very few (in com­parison of them that recover) doe dye.

Notwithstanding, I cannot aprove of their Opinion; who to avoid one extreame, runne into another, and be­cause it is not the Plague, therefore conceive it not at all Pe­stilentiall, nor to contain an Malignity, or Contagion, where­fore I shall shew them in the second place, Positively, that it is Malignant, as we before defind it, and Contagious.

For if they allow that Morbus benignus is that, which, as Physitians say, Supra propriam naturam nullum grave Sympto­ma habet, they must be inforced to grant, that this is Morbus Malignus, because it hath, pejora quàm pro suae essentiae ratione Symptomata, or as L. Pro [...]het. text. 14. Galen, [...]. And sure none upon due consideration, can deny, but that the Symptoms of [Page 3] this Disease are more violent, and of farre greater danger, then what ordinarily belong to putrid Feavers; which dan­gerous Symptoms shall be set downe among these following Signes, which will undoubtedly distinguish, Malignant Fea­vers, from others.

The first signe is Magna virium imbecillitas sine manifestâ causâ, A great weaknesse without any manifest cause appearing. which hath been, and is still very apparant in this Disease, in so much that strong men, in a very short time, have so much lost their vigour, as they have not been able to walke, or scarce to stand, without the help, and assistance of those a­bout them, although there hath been no sudden evacuation to disenable them, either by Vomiting, Purging, Sweating, or Bleeding, neither naturally, or by art. Nay, the Maligni­tysometimes hath so farre prevail'd over the vitall spirits, that there hath been, to the great affrightment of those a­bout them, frequens Syncope, & Lipothymia, Fainting and Swounding, as often as removed from their beds.

The second signe is, Pulsus frequens, parvus, & admodum debilis, formicans nonnunquam & intermittens, A quick, weak, creeping Pulse, and sometimes intermittent. It would be too long and tedious to shew the cause of Simple, or Respective differences in Pulses, it will suffice to know, that the preser­vation, and distribution of the naturall heat, and vitall spi­rits, is by the Pulse, the use of which in generall is, conser­vari [...] caloris nativi, or as Lib. 1. Fen. 2. D octr 3. cap. 1. Avicen, regere spiritum. Now if the heart, being caloris & spiritus vitalis fons, domici­lium, focus, & officina, and together with the Arteries the In­strumentall cause, shall be affected by putrid, maligne Va­pours, empoysoning the streame, and current of Spirits, from this Fountain, the vitall Faculty must necessarily de­cay, and the Pulse be found weake, and Languide, and that with severall variations.

[Page 4] It is likewise very observable, that Febris omnis, quâ Fe­bris, pulsus facit magnos, then on the contrary it must needs arise from the Malignity, that doth parvos & debiles reddere pulsus.

A great controversie there is, whither by the Vrine also, Malignant Feavers may not be discern'd. My opinion with some others in briefe is, they cannot, because the Maligna & venenata qualitas doth insensibly steale, and seaze on the heart, without any violent agitation, or perturbation of Hu­mours, from which proceeds the alteration of Urines, so that the greatest Argument of a Malignant Disease is, the Vrine to appeare good, when there are very bad symptoms. Both In Comm. 2. Pro [...]rhet. ad text. 2. Hipp. and Galen tell us, nullum in Vrinâ esse signum quod dilirinm portendat, and delirium is no where so frequent, as in these Diseases. Yet for the most part, Vrinae tenues, & crudae sunt, containing no sediment, or if they doe, Excre­mento potius simile est, quàm sedimento.

Many other signes there are, taken from the Symptoms, or rather are indeed the Symptoms themselves, which you may read at large in Theodoro Angelutio a Belforte: Eu­stachius Ru­dius. Joh. Colle. Octavianus Robertus. Coyttarus. Carolus Gal­lus. Th. Mina­dous, &c. Authors, I shall, for brevities sake, mention them together. Dolores capitis intensi, Vertigo, Ocu­lorum caligo, narium stillicidia, Aurium surditas & tinnitus, I­maginatio laesa, somnus variis & absurdis imaginibus interpella­tus, facies horrida, Cardialgia, Lipothymia, singultUs, Humo­rum corruptorum vomitus, vermium excretio, alvi dejecto valdè faetida, atra, livida, virescens; extrema corporis frigida. And neere upon all these have I observed in this City, in parti­cular persons; since the progresse of this Disease.

But what need we any farther signes then the Spots, which appeare upon halfe the number at least of those that fall sicke. Febres Petechiales, Peticulares, Lenticulares & Purpura­tae, were never yet knowne, or otherwise accounted then [Page 5] Malignant. except by In Scholiis in Meth. Med. Michaelis Joh. parchialii Lib. 1. cap. 1. Peredam. whose worthlesse argu­ments, I passe by. Nor is it to be doubted, but the Spot­ted Feavers were very well knowne to the Ancients, al­though no tract, extant, hath been written of them, since Lib. 5. Meth. Med. cap 12. Galen makes mention of his ' [...], and Hippocrites his [...], & [...], like to the bitings of Gnats and Fleas, the materiall cause of these Spots, is the most thinne, and subtle part of the morbifique matter, thrust out to the skinne, and although it be the strength of Nature, to send out these Spots, and therefore by some are accounted Criticall; yet they argue abundance of putrefaction with­in, and therefore may bee accounted Symptomaticall. and (contrary to the common opinion) the more Spots, the more danger.

Some from the colour of these Spots draw Prognosticks, and tell you, that rubrae maculae, red spots arise from a good and well tempered bloud, though now corrupted, and there­fore are of all the most safe. Maculae flavae vel virides, yel­lowish or greenish Spots from putrid Choller, and there­fore are of a worse condition. Maculae puniceae & nigrae, Black and blew spots from Melancholy, and adust Humours, and therefore are the worst of all. This for the most part holds true, yet oftentimes we find them escape, and dye too, with Spots of all Colours.

Concerning the Causes of this Disease, there are diversi­ties of opinions; and that of Divines deserves the first place, as being most certain that Diseases are sent from God, as the punishments of sin, who hath been most mercifull to this City, in sparing us heretofore, when our neighbours round about us were visited, but although with them, we ac­knowledge, that God may by his absolute power, and with­out ordinary, and second causes, send the Plague, or other [Page 6] Diseases among us, yet usually he doth it, according to his ordinary power, working by the mediation of ordinary, na­turall Causes, which we shall now farther enquire after. And first to speak of the generant, then the propagating Causes, Some attribute the cause of the disease to the Aire, which this Summer, by reason of continued Raine, hath proved hot and moist, of which 1. de [...] cap. 4. Galen speakes thus. Pestilentes (vel malignos morbos) oriri est necessarium, cùm aeris temperatura, à naturali habitu ad caliditatem, & humiditatem immoderatam fue­rit conversa. of which constitution of the Aire 3. Epid. Com 3. Hippocrates likewise writes at large. Therefore if the weather were sea­sonable and very hot, the humiditie, as some suppose, would be spent, and the Disease cease. As it is reported the Plague doth at Aleppo, and other places in the Turkes Dominions. What may happen in that Continent, I know not, but in this our Island, I conceive there never wants moisture e­nough, to be answerable to the greatest heats, either of the Canicular dayes, or any other, and then the danger may be, if the season proves hotter or dryer, that this disease may grow to a higher degree of putrefaction, and malignity, it being too, too often known, that these Malignant Diseases forerunne the Plague. But I doe not conceive those acci­dentall properties of the Aire, Heat, or Cold, to be necessari­ly requisite, either to the Generating or Propagating of ma­lignant Diseases. Since we find them rage in all seasons, many years together, as that malignant [...]o. Caius, Lib de Ephe­merâ Britan­nicâ. Sudor Anglicus, or the sweating sicknesse, Anno 1486. continued Summer and Winter, neere upon forty years. I am therefore of opinion with Fernelius, Platerus, and others, that the hot and Moist constitution of the Aire, can be but Causa praeparans, but to make up the adaequate Cause of Malignant Diseases, there is required that [...] Hippocratis, which is thought to be, [Page 7] Aeris constitutio occulto modo & totâ naturà nobis adversa, the Aire having its alteration, and [...] from the occult in­fluences of the Heavens: there may be such strange maligne influences of the starres, at this time, but 'tis more then we know, or more then Astrologers have foretold; if the Cause of this Disease must be found i'th' Aire, I should rather at­tribute it to those putrid exhalations, drawne up by the Sunne, from stinking matter, Dung, Carcases of dead Hor­ses, and other Carrion, in and about the City, and were there care taken for the remooving these noysome inconve­niences, and keeping the Streets sweet, and cleane, it would doubtlesse tend much to the abatement of the Disease.

A Second Cause is attributed to Diet, & although there be no such scarcity of Provisions as to force us to feed upon bad meates, yet I cannot altogether excuse our Drink, being for the most part (by reason of the multitude, and concourse of people) over-new, and not ripe or fit for drinking. I could wish the Brewers would somwhat regard our health, as well as their owne profit, in drying their Mault sufficiently, throughly boyling their Beere, making cleane their Vessels; whereas the complaint against them is, they make use of slack-dried Mault, not halfe boyle their Beere, adde few, or no hopps, and tunne it up in unwashed Vessells, which cau­seth the Drinke to be crude, raw, and apt to corrupt within us. The Brew-houses all stand upon the Bankes of the Ri­ver Isis, which of it selfe is a cold hungry water, the source and springs of it arising from Cotswold in Glocestershire; where at the spring head, the extremity of coldnesse in the water is such, that as it is observed, Beasts refuse to drinke of it; how great care then ought they to take i'th' boyling, whereby to alter, and amend this quality of the water.

[Page 8] But we need not look farre for a cause, where there is an Army residing, as the old verse shewes, which the Thucy [...] Lib. 2. Athe­nians called to mind in their Calamity; [...] Or as Iliad. [...] Home speaks of his Greeks. [...] It being seldome, or never known, that an Army where there is so much filth, and nastinesse in Diet, worse lodging, unshifted apparell &c. should con­tinue long with contagious Diseases.

The cause of its Propagation and diffusion is, Natura e­ius contagiosa. That this Disease is contagious is not to be Malignn. esse, est pro­prietas alicu­ [...]us [...]antum [...]peciei morbi c [...]ntagiosi.doubted, since the Rule holds constantly true, All Malig­nant Diseases are Contagious, though all contagious Di­seases are not Malignant, the infection, & Seminum Conta­gij being that which the Graecian call [...] which are sent forth, and slow from the party diseased, sometimes per expirationem & haltum, some­times perporos, cutis & [...], & after being trans­mitted, and received in corpore analogo, doe operate, and produce in it the same specificiall Disease. The Question is how long these semina morbi may lye hid in the body be­fore they Habet se con­tagium Fer­menti instar, quod in cor­pore analogo receptum, si­mil m disposo­siliodem illi inducet. Sen.Fermentate the Humours, and break forth into action. Cardan and many others hold they may lurke not only dayes but some weekes, before the infection betray it selfe; as for example, the venemous biting of a mad Dog, doth long prece'de [...] or Feare of drowning; t Lib 1. de 26.whether the Contagion be taken immediatly by contact, or immediately, and at a distance, and that either per Fomitem or per Aerem, how the [...] or in quinamenta, doe lurke in the body, and whether that body must necessarily be corpus analogù that must receive them, so that beasts cannot catch the disease of us, as we do not each the Murrein of beasts, it is not Materiall here to be determined. Sufficient it is for [Page 9] our purpose, that it appeares to be Contagious by infecting whole Families, and seldome in any house, where sicke Souldiers of either side are quartered, but the Inhabitants likewise fall sicke of the same Disease; but if any man be yet obstinate, and will not beleive it Contagious, I an­swer him as Proteus in Lucian did Menelaus, who would not beleive he could turne himselfe into fire also, [...] Let him goe near and try. The Reme­dies.

It may be thought by most, but lost labour, to attempt the setting downe any Remedies, since it is commonly re­ported, as Coyttarus writes, was of his Febris purpurata that the Physitians themselves know not the Disease, nor, the cure of it. True it is, we doe not here proceed altoge­ther in the same order and method, as in common putrid Feavers, which contain no malignity in them, but as we find altera indicantia, so we must provide altera remedia, yet we are not destitute of Rule and Method, to be observed in the cure of these occult malignant Diseases, but as Lib. 1. cap 1. Eustachius Rudius well conceives occultis omnibus praeter na­turam affectibus, tacitâ quidem & occultâ medicamentorum pro­prietate succurendum, non tamen Empiricorum ritu, sed arte & methodo. For as in many other things, so in the Nature, and Remedy of these diseases, we must with Scaliger have refuge to that falutare Asylum of occult qualities, who like­wise tells you: Exercitat. 218. Sect. 8. ad manifestas omnia deducere qualitates summa impudentia est, and they, which goe about to endeavour it rationes ineptas, vel ridiculas adferunt, as Lib. 1. de Nat. Fac. cap. 14. Galen saith of Epi­curus and Asclepiades. These Morbi maligni are indeed, Ferne­lius his Morbi totius substantiae, contra quos, non calidis, frigi­dis, humidis & siccis, sed his quae tota substantia agunt pugnamus, That Maligna [...] contpined in them, is not to be ex­pell'd by any other Medicaments, but [...]. It wil there [Page 10] fore plainly appearere, that in the cure of this malignant Fever now raging, all our intentions ought to be directed to these two, the Malignity, & the Fever, from which of these the greatest danger may arise is chiefly to be considered. The Fever sometimes requires Vomiting, Purging, Blee­ding; especially in the beginnig, of which we shall speak more hereafter That which is principally to be regarded, is for the most part, the malignity, which being timely pre­vented by some Alexipharmacall Medicine, there will be little danger of the ensuing Disease. I have known some who presently upon complant of Chilnesse, of a king and diznesse in the head, have taken a Cordiall, gone strait way into bed, and swet, and risen next day, without any distem­per: which may very well be, by dicussing, and expelling the [...], and inqninamentum putredinale, before it have fer­mented, and assimilated the whole Masse. And by this means alone was cured that most fatall Disease [...] or Sudor Anglicus, which raged with such destructive vio­lence, (till constant sweating for 24. houres, the only cer­tain Remedy was found out) that neighbouring Countries did not believe this Island had so many inhabitants as died. It is requisite therefore to set downe proper and specificiall Medicines, ad [...], or the expulsion of the Malignity. Theodoro Angelutio à Belforte, who writ his book, de Febre Maligna after his recovery from the Disease, and therefore may be the better credited, divides those Medi­caments, which preserve the Heart from malignity, into fixe Classes, but more compendiously, they may be divi­ded into these two, Simplicia, and Composita: of the first sort are Angeleca Valeriana, Carduus benedictus, Scordium. Acetosa Tormentilla, Dictamus, Scabiosa, Vincetoxicum, Ruta, Morsus, Diaboli, Veronica, Pimpinella, Scorzonera, Galendula, Absyn­thium, [Page 11] Zedoaria, Imperatoria, Gentiana, Baccae Juniperi, Cornu Cervi, Os de Corde Cervi, Bolus Armenus, Terra Sigillata, Sma­ragdus, Hyacinthus. The second sort, or Compounds, are, Theriaca Andromachi, Mithridatium, Confectio Liberans, Ele­ctuarium de Ovo, Diascordium Fracastorii, Pulvis Saxonicus, Antidotus Guidonis de Cauliaco, Pulvis, Caesaris rubeus, & Gryseus, Electuarium Camphoratum Kegleri, Gal de An­tidot is. v.and Others. Out of all which upon occasion we may make choice, se­lect Cordialls for our use and purpose, the poorer sort, and Common Souldiers, when they first find the Disease com­ming upon them, may take a draught of Carduus-Posset­drinke, and with it some Diascordium, Venice or, London Trea­cle, sweating after it, or an Electuary may be compounded of them after this manner;

• R. Confect. Liberant. vnc. 1.
  • Diascord. Fracast. vnc. sem.
  • Theriac. Andromachi.
  • Pulv. Saxon.
  • Elect. ex Ovo. an Drach. ij.
• Cum Syrup. ex Acetos. Citri.
• Vel Luiula fiat Electuarium.

Take a Dramme of it in a draught of Posset drinke, in which Carduus, Angelica, Scabious, Sorrell, or Marigold Flow­ers, have been boyled; The Richer sort may take likewise of the same Electuary, and drinke after it three or foure ounces of this Iulep made of distilled waters, which doe penetrate more, and sooner provoke sweat.

• R. Aq. Cardui. b.
  • Angelice.
  • Buglosse. an. vnc. iij.
  • Sudorif.
  • Theriacal. an. ℥ j ss.
• [Page 12] Syrup. ex Acetos. Citr. vel è Limon. unc. ij.
  • Luiule. unc. 1.
• Spirit, Vitrioli gt. 12.
• Misce.

Some repose great confidence in costly powders, as Be­zoar, Contraerua, Gas [...]ons Powder, Vnicornes Horne, and now a dayes the Lady Kents Powder (as it is vulgarly called) is in great esteeme. The ingredients of which are not common­ly known, although we may guesse at them. 'Tis generally found by experience, they say, that this powder is of in­comparable vertue, although I have known when it hath not answered our expectation, and that Cordialls fetcht from the Apothecaries shop, have at last proved more effe­ctuall. Neither doe I think it good to trust altogether to new inventions, when we have so many Antidotes appro­ved of by the Ancients, and continued with happy successe to these our times. Praestat benè inventis, ac probatis uti, quám nova componere; and I know not who speakes thus to the pur­pose. Cùm omnia illa Alexipharmaca experientiâ potius quam ratione inventa sunt, nemo suam salutem gloriosis nonnullorum promissis concredat, ne (que) novis medicamentis, sed iis, quae á mul­tis probata fuére, considat. For if the Bezoar stones (which are thought to give the vertue to most of those powders) bee very rare and scarce among the Indians themselves, sure the great number we have must needs be couuterfeit, and very unsafe it were for any man to rely upon them alone, to save his life. What likewise that rare, treasur'd up Unicornes horne is, I know not, nor could yet ever learne, and have no such confidence of its vertue, as to entrust my life to it.

Nor is it enough, to take Cordiall Medicines once or twice, thinking then we are secure; but all the time of the Di­sease, as towards night, to drinke this or the like Julep.

[Page]

• R. Aq. Borrag.
  • Acetos. an. unc. j
  • Bezoard. Sem. unc.
  • Syrup. Luiule. unc. j
  • Diascord. Fracast.
  • Confect. liberant. an. Scrup. j.
  • Asceti scordii. drach. ij.
• Misce.

to drink like likewise one or two ounces, every second, or third houre, of this following.

• R. Aq. Cardui. b. unc. iij.
  • Luiule.
  • Herculis Saxon. frig. an. unc. ij.
  • Bezoard. unc. 1.
  • Syrup, Garyoph.
    • Luiule.
    • E Limon. an. drach. ivj.
  • Confect. liberant. drach. ij.
    • Alkerm. drac. 1.
• M. ft Iulapium.

These or the like may be altered upon any occasion, and made fit to be answerable both to the Disease, and the Symptoms. The shaving of Harts-Horne are of singular good use in this Disease, both to boyle in Posset-Drinke and broth, or to make a decoction thus.

• R. Rasur. Corn. Cerv. unc. Sem.
  • C. C. praep. drach. ij.
  • Aq. Fontaine Lib. ij. sem.
• Coq. ad Tertias, addendo.
  • Kad. Scorzonere, drac. ij.
  • Sem. & Cort. Citri. an. ʒ jss.
  • Santal. Citrin. Sem. drach.
• [Page 4] Affunde Aq. Scordii. unc. 5.
• Ebulliant semel at (que) iterum. Col. utm adde.
  • Snccie Limon. unc. Sem.
  • Syrup. é Limon. unc. ij.
  • Sp. Vitrol. q. s.
  • ad gratam aciditatem.

This Drink quencheth the Thirst, opens obstructions, and resists both putrefaction and malignity. Of which or ther waters we may likewise make Cordiall emulsions.

• R. Sem. Cardui. b.
  • Napi. an. ℥ [...] ss.
  • Aquilegie. drach. [...].
  • Melon. excort. unc. sem.
  • Simul contunà. in Mortar.
  • Marmoreo, sensim affusis.
  • Aq. Borrag.
    • Cardui. b.
    • Acetose.
    • Scabiose an. unc. ij.
• Pt s. a. Emulsio. cui adde.
  • Magist. Perlar. drach. sem.
    • C. C. ust. praep. Scrup. ij.
• M. Dulcoretur Rotul.
  • Manus Christi perlat. q. s.

The Malignity thus provided against, we are in the next place to consider the Fever, and in this, as in other putrid Fevers, many times we find Nature endeavouring to ex­pell the Morbifick matter by Vomiting, and that very of­ten cum aegri [...], and the great ease of the Patient, which course we may safely fallow, and help Nature in the begin­ning of the Disease, for which Method in Practice, we can produce more reason and experience, then authority al­though [Page 15] we are not destitute of Gal. comm. in Hipp. Aph. 24 Lib. 1.That neither, when there is Turgida materia ad superiora vergens. And in that Malig­nant Camp-disease, which raged in Hungary, anno 1566. and agrees very much with this our Morbus Castrensis, Tob. Coberus, writes thus. Obs. Ca­strens. Unga­rie De [...]ad. 2. Observat. 5. In morbo Vngarico ad vomitum, tan­quam sacram Anchoram, mox confugiendum esse, neminem nega­turum, qui curationi hujus morbi interfuerit. and drawes his Argument from the copiousnesse of viscous, tough Hu­mors, lodg'd in the stomach, and entrails, which Nature was not able to concoct, nor could they bee otherwise discharged, but by this sudden evacuation. By this meanes usually, that Saburra vitiosorum humorum in ventaiculo & pri­mis vi [...]s, is removed, and the Nausea, Dolor, Aestus, Amaritu­do, Anxietas, incident to this Fever, much lessened, if not quite taken off. Yet I would wish a man well advised, be­fore he adventure to give strong, Antimoniall Vomits in this disease, gentle and easie Vomits, as Aqua tepida, Oxymel, Vi­num Scyllit. Decoctum Raphani, &c. may safely be administred.

But all Bodies are not apt, or fit for vomiting, and to such Lenitive Medicines, moderate purging Physick may be pre­scribed, as Syrup of Roses, Manna, Cassta, Tamarinds, and (Tur­gente Materia) Rheubarb, Agarick, Sena, or our common pur­ging infusion, consisting of the three latter, and their corre­ctives, with an addition of some proper Syrups to it. And these minorative medicines must be taken in the beginning of the Disease, (si turgeat materia) before the third day be past, otherwise better it is (in reference to that of Aph. 22 lib 1. Hippocrates. Concocta movere & purgare oportet, non cruda) to forbeare all these, and make use only of Clysters, or sometimes (if occasi­on so require) purging per Epicrasin. With these purgatives likewise Heurnius tells us, he hath admixed Alexipharmaca, d Lib. de Pe­ste cap. 9.putting Nature to contrary motions, Purging, and Sweat­ing [Page 16] both at once, and that, with very good successe. But from strong violent Purgatives, as Scammonie, Colocynth, Tur­bith, &c. we must by all means abstain, it being knowne by sad experience, that they have proved fatall to the sick, by overmuch disturbing, and weakning of Nature, drawing in­wards putrid, maligne Humors, after which, too, too often followes, a desperate Diarrhaea, and [...].

In the beginning likewise of this Feaver, the opening of a Veine is very requisite, especially for Plethorick bodyes, where the Quantity of the Bloud distending the Vessells is burdensome to Nature, and where Repletion is another Disease: For if fulnesse of Blood be of it selfe dangerous, as Lib. 3 [...] de Di [...]ta. Hippocrates tells us, how great must the danger be, when this fulnesse shall be corrupted? Wherefore Lib 11 de Meth. Med. Galen universally pronounceth, Saluberrima est in omni putridâ fe­bre sanguinis missio. Yet some there are, who utterly con­demne letting blood, and object the horrid Symptoms, and great weaknesse incident to this Feaver. But we finde in Pe­stilentiall Feavers (where the Symptoms and weaknesse are not losse) Lib. 14. de Meth. Med. cap. 10. Galen lets bloud, and Rufus (more ancient then Galen) whom Cap 25. lib. 6. suae Synop­seos. Oribasius commends for so doing. So like­wise Lib. 2. c. [...]6. Paulus Aegineia, Cap 94. Aëtius, and with the Grecians consent Avicen, Averroes, the chief among the Arabian Phy­sitians. Phlebotomy therefore doth well before the fourth day be past, after which time when the Diseasehath diffus'd it selfe, and wrought a Turbulency, and confusion in the Humours, for the Generality it is observed, not so much to help, as weaken Nature, although by Leeches the Hae­morroide Veins have been opened after that time with good successe. And in case the Physitian be not sent for till five or six daies be past, Galen adviseth us (if there be Ingens mor­bus & virium robur) after that time to let bloud. Lib. de C [...] ­ [...]and ratione per sanguinis [...]issionem. Quoniam [Page 17] quintum saepe diem, aut sextum ab initio expectant, priusquam nos ad curandum accersant, expediet nihiolo secius sanguinem detrahe­re, etiamsi hujus auxilii tempus sit omissum. Where there is Cacochymia, sine Plethora, we must sparingly diminish the Quantity, and (as farre as may be) endeavour to amend the Quality. And since there is no losse of bloud without some losse of Spirits also, we must not unadvisedly draw bloud, but seriously consider, and weigh the Lib. eo [...]em [...], set down by Galen for our direction. The Patients, Age, Strength, Constitution, Country, Diet, the time, &c. Guided by which we cannot erre, nor shall ever have cause to repent of what we have undertaken. The Question is when the Spots appeare, and that Nature seems to thrust out the Disease, whether we may let bloud, or not? Lib. 3 de Contagione. Cap. 5. Fracastori­us Forbids it. But the Answer in briefe is, we may; because the spots are only putrid evaporations, thrust out to the circumference, the seeds and matter whereof remain with­in, in the Center, and are in part drawne away by letting bloud: in the Small Pox or Measels, the case is farre diffe­rent, for there the Putrid matter it selfe is thrust out to the skinne, which by bloud-letting would be drawn back a­gain. But in Lib 6. Cap. 4. Febre Petechali, Iohanes Colle, and Ludovicus Mercatus (if you think them Authentick) say, Semel, bis, ter vel saepius sanguinem detrahere licet,

I know noe reason, why the Common people account it death to sleep after letting bloud, and therefore keep them waking all the day after, or at least six houres. Lib. 2. Meth. Med. Fer­nelius only gives the reason thus, ne languidior calor extin­guator, aut obruantur i [...]inuti spiritus which after one houres space, I thinke we need not feare I I am sure Meth. Med. cap. 4. Galen when he had drawn bloud from his patient us (que) ad animi de­liquium, within two houres let him sleep, and would not [Page 18] wake him, and in the greatest Haimorrhages which come of themselves, we let them presently sleep without danger.

Vesicatories applied to the extreme parts, Armes, and Leggs, are of good use, by drawing and diverting the vi­rulent matter from the head, and Principall parts. Cantha­rides are most in use to make them, nor did I ever yet find, which many feare, that the Bladder suffered any inconve­nience from them, they may be applied safely upon any, but a Criticall day.

Concerning Ligatures, and Frictions, of the Leggs and Thighes, setting on Cupping-glasses, scarifying, applying Pigeons to the Feet or opening Veins in the Feet, if a deli­rium be instant; to speak particularly of these, and to an­swer all doubts and objections, which may be raised, would require a Volume. There being as Lib. 2. cap. 3. Thomas Mina­dous calls them, an Ocean of difficulties, De sanguis missione, saith he, de Phaenigmis, optime deus? quanta habita dissentio est, de Curbitulis, de malleolorum scarrificatione, de hirudinibus, de ipsis interdum Frictionibus, De lavacris, &c.

Concerning Diet and the government of the sick, quo ad res non naturalis, some are of opinion, because those of the Northern Climates are the greatest feeders, therefore meat and the custome of feeding ought not to be prohibited in acute Diseases. But reason and experience shew the con­trary, Victus tenuis is here by all means to be observed, and the more violent the Symptoms are, the more sparing and slender the Diet. Nature having enough to doe in concoct­ing the peccant Morbisicke matter, cannot with secu­rity be taken off, from that employment, to concoct meat also, and who ere shall adventure to give meat, will find, that he doth not so much nourish the Man, as the Disease. But for the most part, their stomacks nauseate and [Page 19] abhorre sollid meats, therefore their chiefe nourishment consists of broths, altered with the shavings of Harts-Horne, sufficiently infused in the water, over Embers, then boyled with these or the like Rootes, and hearbs, as Succo­ry leaves, and Rootes, Persly rootes, sweet Fennell, and Aspara­gus roots, Sorrell, Borrage, Buglosse leaves and flowers, &c. Broths in this or the like manner prepared, are as well Medica­ments, as nourishments. Sometimes for exchange they may be permitted, Watergruell, Pannado, Caudle, Mace-Ale, or the like.

They wrong the sick very much doubtlesse, who in the extremity of Heat, and drougth; altogether forbid Drink, suffering the very radicall moisture to be dried, and con­sumed by the preternaturall heat prevailing, therefore small Beere, as they may not drink overmuch, so neither must it altogether be debarr'd them; but because many times through negligence, it is cru'de and not well boyled, twere safer to take cleer Posset-drinke, with a small quan­tity of sugar added, or to make it more effectuall, boyle shavings of Harts-Horne in the Posset-Drinke, adding some few drops of the Spirits of Vitrioll withall to drinke sometimes Harts-Horne decoction, and other Iuleps before mentioned, which quench the thirst, resist putrefaction and mitigate the violent heat of the Fever. I have heard di­verse commend Vlmaria, or Made-sweet, and attribute so much to it's virtue as the cure of this Disease, being boy­led in Broth, or Posset-drinke. I know no such rare virtue it hath, yet I conceive it may conduce somewhat to those who are troubled with the Diarrhaea, or slux in this Di­sease, being of a styptick quality, as also cold, and dry.

There is required a pure Aire, voyd of all noysome, of­fensive smells, and Temperate, as not cold, to cause a [Page 20] constipation of the Pores, so not overhot, to encrease the Fever yet the patient must be sufficiently covered with cloathes, to discusse, and breath forth Putrid Fuliginous vapours.

Sleep strengthens the Spirits, encreaseth the naturall heat, and concocts vitious, peccant humours. Therefore if hot vapours, by inflaming the Braine, attenuate, and di­sperse the Animall Spirits, and so consequently cause con­tinuall waking, wee may warily use Medicines to fixe, quiet, and sweetly compose the same spirits, and so procure sleep. Such are Theriaca recens, Philonium, Requies Nicholai, &c. and if need require Laudanum Paracelsi. Diacodion Fraca­storij admixt, doth the like. Or the temples may bee an­nointed with Vnguentum Populeon, Oleum Violac. Nympheae, Nucis. Mosch. express. and some few graines of Opium.

Repose and quietnesse is very requisite, Motion and exer­cise dissipates the naturall Heat, which should be employ­ed in concocting the Morbifick matter: therefore 6. Epid. Com. 3. text. 31. Hippo­crates justly reprehends Herodicus, for that he had kill'd ma­ny, by advising them, to strive and use exercise in Fevers.

Many inconveniences, and ill symptomes follow from the Excrements overlong retained, therefore if the body be not otherwise answerable, every other day make use of a Glyster, or Suppository.

Be Cheerefull and Pleasant, as farre as the Disease will give leave, avoid all all sad thoughts, and sudden passions of the Mind, especially Anger, which addes fire to that Heat, inflames the Bloud, and Spirits, and at length, sets the whole Fabrick in Combustion.

The Preser­vatives. After the Remedies, I conceive it may prove very bene­ficiall, and worth labour, to set downe in briefe some Prae­servatives, for avoiding the Disease. The Common-souldi­ers [Page 21] or poorer sort, may take a Clove or two of Garlick in the Morning, which by 1. de distr. Febr. cap. 3. Galen himselfe is called Rusticorum Theriaca, and although it be no good food or nourishment, yet 'tis a good Medicament. Next they may drink Worm­wood Beere in the morning, which resists putrefaction of humours, and keeps out infection, or they may eate with Butter some few leaves of Rue, or Sage, and when they ac­company their sick fellow Souldiers, let them smell to Rue or Wormwood. Let them burne in the houses where they are Quartered, Pitch, Refine, Frankincense, Iuniper wood, or flash a little Gunpowder. The Apothecary will afford the better sort Ruffus his Pills, which are good, as against the Plague, so all malignant Diseases, make halfe a dram into three Pills, and take them in the morning fasting. They consist of these three things, Aloe, which strengthens the Stomach, and Intestins, freeing them from vitious ill humours. Myrrhe, resists putrefaction, Saffron, strengthens the Vitalls. Of these three likewise consists Elixir Proprietatis Paracelsi, only there is Oyle of Sulphur added, which is also very well knowne, to resist putrefaction. This is doubtlesse an excel­lent Preservative being taken six or seven drops, in some Bezoardick water, or in a little glasse of Sack, or White­wine. Those which goe to the Sick, may doe well to put some Mithridate, or Venice-Treacle into their Nostrills, to bite Zedoarie, or Angelico, and hold it in their Mouthes, or smell to Balls, or as they usually call them Pomanders, made of Ladanum, Benzoin, Styrac, Calamit, Lignum Aloes, Rhodi­um, &c. Let them burne in their Houses, the wood, and ber­ries of Iuniper, Bayes, Amber, Myrrhe, Benzoin. Other pre­servatives I could here likewise put downe, but they are for the most part more Elaborate, Chymicall, and not to bee readily procured against this present occasion. But the best [Page 22] meanes of preserving us, and those which, (under God) we chiefly rely upon, are Medicamenta Alexipharmaca, Anti­dotes, and those that doe (as we said before) totâ substantiâ agere contra Morbos malignos, as Theriaca, Diascordium, Mi­thridatium, &c. Those being absolutely the best Preserva­tives against the Disease, which are the Remedies of it. Cap. 16. Galeu himselfe most excellently in his Book de Theriaca ad Pisonem approves and adviseth this course. Sanus frequenter Alexipharmacis utatur, ut exteriùs occurrentibus injuriis, & con­tagio corpus resistat, & si quando passum aliquid fuerit, ad fani­tatem facilè reducatur.

Thus for the ease and benefit of others, have I described what things are necessarie and usefull against this Epidemi­call Disease: and that I might conceale nothing materiall, I have descended even to the lowest and meanest Directi­ons, which some perhaps would have permitted, as slight and triviall, but I account nothing minute and contemptible, which may conduce to the Life and Preservati­on of MAN.