THE ARRAIGNMENT of VRINES. CHAP. I. What Vrine is.

WHatsoeuer matter is propounded (saith Cicero in his Offices) which a man doth take in hand to handle, together with the reason of the same, ought to be­ginne with the description or definition of the same thing, to the end we may the better vnderstand the nature of the sub­iect about the which the dispute is conuersant. And for this cause before wee determine this question, Whether the iudgement of diseases by vrine be certaine or vncertaine; it is re­quisite that first of al we know what vrine is, of what man­ner of substance it is engendred, of what vse, or profit it is in mans body, as also by which wayes and passages it issueth out of the same. It is not therefore sufficient for a iudicious and learned Physitian with the Empyricke-vrine-mongers, to know, that Vrine is that which is pissed, which doth not at all declare the nature and essence of the vrine.

Ʋrine, therefore properly,Definition of Vrine. is the superfluity of blood con­tained in the great veine, conueyed by the kidneis and other vri­nary vessels into the bladder. But Theophilus, who after Hip­pocretes, Galen, and Magnus, hath written in Greeke a [Page 2] very compendious and succinct booke of Vrines, defi­neth Vrine after this manner: Vrine is the straining through of the blood and the rest of the humours. Some for this cause call it a superfluity like vnto whey: some call it a watrish super­fluity: and others, the putr [...]faction or rottennesse of blood: But we will not wrangle about words, as better befitting some Sophister, then a good and learned Physitian. And therefore following the footsteps of these our famous Physitians; Ʋrine is nothing else but a straining of the blood and the rest of the humours, which proceed from the worke of nature. Of this opinion are Isaacus, Gorclonius, with whom also doth agree Actuarius (not inferior to any that hath written of this subiect) calling it the straining or drai­ning of the blood. And therefore well said Galen in these words:Gal lib. 5. de vsu p [...]rt. To the end that the rest of the thin and watrish super­fluity (which we call vrine) may be separated, nature hauing made the Kidneis, hath placed them hard by the Liuer, and to the end it might be well expelled, it hath created first a receiuer, to wit, the Bladder, as it were a bottle, and at the end of the Bladder a muscle or little piece of flesh to keepe the same from vnseasonable passing away.

Now as concerning the manner how the same is engen­dred in our bodies, it is not to be imagined with the vul­gar and ignorant sort, that all that which wee drinke is conuerted into vrine, no more then all that which we eate turneth into nourishment, howbeit moist things taken in great quantity are an occasion of much vrine, and yet of humide and moist diet doth often also proceed good nourishment. This I haue heard to be verified in a Country fellow called Scermer, who vsed no other meat or drinke all his dayes, saue milke onely,A country fel­low liuing all his life time on milke onely. and was a lusty man notwithstanding, hauing his vacuations by stoole as orderly as other healthfull men, voiding no greater store of vrine, then any other ordinary man, all this milke-moisture notwithstanding. Now to the end wee may the better be enabled to iudge of the vncertainty of these coniectures by vrine, it is requisite in the next place to [Page 3] know the manner of the engendring of the same, of the which we doe now entend to speake.

CHAP. II. Of the engendring of Vrine, as also of the preparing of the blood, and the residue of the humours.

TO the end that these things may be the bet­ter by vs vnderstood, wee are to consider in the first place, that euery part of the body of man hath an attractiue or drawing power,The attractiue faculty. by vertue of which it doth natu­rally draw vnto it selfe such nourishment as is proper and peculiar for the same. This office is performed some­times by meanes of some small straight fleshy haires, or threeds as in the stomacke: sometimes againe this office is performed by the sole temperature of the part onely, as commeth to passe in the rest of the parts of the body: and sometimes againe for the delight and pleasure of the part; and thus the mouth of the wombe draweth the seed of the man vnto it selfe. Moreouer, in the next place, the part is also endued with a retentiue or retaining facultie,The retentiue facultie. to the end it might retaine the same vntill such time as the concoction be finished, if it be nourishment, or if excre­ments, vntill such time as streching and reaching out the said part by the great quantity, or else by the sharpe and biting quality, or both iointly, it doth grieue and annoy the part, as manifestly is to be seene in those parts which containe a great hollownesse; such as bee the stomacke, [...]he guts, the mother, and the bladder: and after the same manner is the infant contained in the wombe, as is the meat in the stomacke, vntill such time as either by the bignesse, the waight, the sharpnesse of the sweat, or vrine of the infant, the cotyledons, or mouthes of the small veines being burst, or yet any other causes vrging or pro­uoking [Page 4] the same, it bee forced to let goe the poore prisoner.

The third is the concocting faculty,The cōcocting faculty. which changeth the nourishment into the owne proper substance, but yet af­ter diuers and sundry wayes; for blood is speedily conuer­ted into flesh, but the bone as being cold and dry hath need of many moe alterations and changes. Hence also it commeth to passe that there are two sorts of helps and aydes assisting nourishment;Two sorts of helpes and aydes to nou­rishment. the one which draweth the nourishment, conueyeth, containeth, and concocteth it, and then as too heauy a burthen expelleth the same. The helpes seruing to conuey or carry the nourishment to the the first concoction, are the mouth, the w [...]zand, the stomack, the guts; to the second, the miseraicall veines, the liuer, the hollow veine; to the third, euery similar part, as also some of the organicall and small threedy veines, the which as also the greater veynes, doe prepare the food and nou­rishment, fitting the same for the nourishing of euery part. The other sort of ayd and helpe, is that which in drawing the excrement vnto it selfe, doth separate, conuey, retaine, and in due and conuenient time expell the same; such are the Spleene, the Kidneis, both the Bladders, together with their orifices and concauities, the Guts, especially the greater, the two muscles called Sphyncters, the eight epigastricall muscles, those muscles also which keepe in the breath, being of no small vse and profit, yea and sometimes necessary also, both in regard of the excretion of the ordure and vrine, as of the birth also. That which by this nourishing alte­ration doth glide vnto such parts as are already framed and made, is assimilated or made like vnto the same; and for this cause properly called assimilation. Assimilation. But by an engen­dring alteration, such parts are made and framed as were not before.

The fourth and the last, is that which wee commonly call the expelling faculty. The expelling faculty. Now when as it doth naturally expell such things as cannot be ouercome, concocted, perfectly changed and conuerted into the substance of [Page 5] that part, especially such as are too-too burdensome, and doe distend and stretch out the part by too great a quanti­tie, or yet by their sharpe quality, or both together, are noi­some and offensiue, it is then said well and handsomely to expell the same. This expulsion is likewise furthered by meanes of the ouerthwart fibres or fleshy haires in such parts as they are found, as namely in the stomacke, the guts, both the bladders, as well that of the gall, as of the vrine, the veines and arteries. Expulsion being contrary to Attraction, is of­tentimes notwithstanding performed by the same passa­ges, as casting and swallowing by the throat; the seed of generation and the birth by the necke of the mother; the di­stribution of the food and nourishment, the attraction of purging physicke, and the naturall voluntary expulsion of that superfluous humour into the guts, by the miserai­call veines. Now these foure faculties, together with their seuerall functions, being vnderstood aright, the manner of the generation of the bloud will bee more plaine and conspicuous. The food being first well bruised by the teeth thereto appointed, is drawne downe into the sto­macke or maw, by the throat; and being there for a certaine space retained, it is afterwards concocted into the sub­stance of a cream-like humour called chylus, and from thence doth it expell the same into the guts, which in some part doe retaine it, altering, changing, and conuer­ting some part of the same into a substance fit for their owne nourishment, and afterwards doe expell the super­fluities, when as they are ouercharged with the abundance, or yet annoyed with the acrimony and sharpnesse of the same. In the meane while the miseraicall veines hauing their originall from the liuer it selfe, by meanes of the bran­chy or porter veine, and are implanted in the guts them­selues, doe sucke, and as it were, milke or straine from them this concocted nourishment, (which Physitians doe call chymus) drawing and conueying the same vnto the hollow parts of the liuer, presenting the same to the san­guifying or blood-making quality, and if there come no [Page 6] rub or let in the way, the same is conuerted and changed into blood, and that afterwards more exquisitly elaborate and refined by the blood-making power of the liuer, as is at length to be seene in Galen and diuers others after him. Be­ing thus then conueyed to the liuer, then ariseth as it were, a boyling, digestion, and generation of the seuerall humours. This Galen illustrates by a familiar example,Gal. lib. 4. de vsu part. & lib. de natur. facul. euen as in the new wine is the spume or froth swimming aboue, the dregs, the watrish humour, and that which is properly called blood: so likewise in the humours there is a spume or froth called by the name of choler, another crud, yet halfe concocted hu­mour (to speake Physically) yet in election to bee blood, commonly called phlegme. There is yet moreouer another thicke and dreggy, commonly called melancholy. Now that which wee properly call blood, answering to the proper substance of wine, doth differ from the foresaid humours. That waterish humour which we call vrine, being produ­ced by the sole and long separation of the humours, (wit­nesse Galen) some doe call a thin and waterish humour,Gal. lib. 1. de crisib. being like to that substance which wee see swimme aboue the blood after the opening of a veine. The manner of the separation of the same is thus brought to passe: The blood being now prepared, and the motion and agitation or perturbation of it being finished, the little bag appoin­ted to receiue choler, The vsed vtility of the gal-bag. and adhering close to the inner lap or lobe of the liuer, draweth vnto it selfe that which is ligh­test and thinnest, to wit, choler, so called, and that for di­uers needfull and necessary vses; as first, to ease and free the body from that superfluous humour; next, to wash and clense the guts, the better and easilier to expell the fecall excrements.

The manner of the engendring of the Iaundise.This choler or gall-bag, hath a passage descending from the liuer, implanted into the orifice of the guts, by the which conueying the choler into the same, the great­nesse of the action is furthered, as also the phlegme adhe­ring to the same, is expelled: and for this we see that the excrements of a sound and healthfull man are for the [Page 7] most part of a reasonable yellowish colour,Gal lib. 5. de vsu partium. as Galen at length declareth.

When therefore there is any obstruction in that place, in such sort is this choler cannot haue a free passage into the guts, it returneth backe speedily into the gall-bag, from thence to the liuer, after that to the veines proceeding from the liuer, and then consequently passing through the same, and like sweat, piercing through the pores, or little holes of the skinne, dyes the same all ouer with a yel­low colour; and then are the excrements, for the most part, whitish, costiuenesse being likewise ioyned with the same, for the reason before alledged.

That which in the ebullition or concoction of blood is terrestrious, and as it were the very dregs and lees of the same, the spleene drawes wholly to it selfe,The vse and vtility of the Spleene. by a certain naturall attraction, (euery member by a naturall instinct drawing that which is proper and peculiar vnto it selfe) partly to the end the body may be clensed from that su­perfluity of melancholy, and partly also that the spleene may be nourished with the same.

And finally, from the spleene is stretched forth a little veiny vessell (called by the Anatomists vas breue) vnto the mouth of the stomacke, which conueyes thither some part of this melancholicke humour, to the end that the appe­tite may thereby be quickned, and the stomacke bound vp and strengthned.

As for th [...]t whey-like liquor, which remained behind,The separation of the vrine from the blood, and the man-of the same. it is drawne by the kidneis, by meanes of the emulgent or suc­king veines, and so passing through the kidneis as it were through a colender, is straight-wayes receiued into the bladder as it were a receiuer or bottle, hauing passed first those passages fitted and appropriated for this purpose, cal­led from this effect [...]. And (which seemeth yet more strange) those pipes or passages are inserted and im­planted into the bladder by a crooked and winding way, lest any part of the vrine should from thence returne back againe into the kidneyes: and in the bladder it is reserued vntill such time, as either by the abundance, or acrimony [Page 8] and sharpnesse of the same, it be forced to expell it. And most fit and conuenient it was that for the foresaid reasons the kidneis should be placed neere vnto the liuer, and from the kidneyes these crooked vrinary passages should be pro­duced, to vnite and containe by this meanes the kidneyes with the bladder, the which in like manner was most fitly and conueniently placed in the lowest place, neere vnto the which also the superfluity and excrementitious part of the food is voided forth.

The vse of the muscle sphyn­cter.Now lest this watrish excrement should be vnseasona­bly voyded, which might proue very preiudiciall to the party, therefore was there placed a musculous flesh called sphyncter, as a porter to let this guest forth whensoeuer ne­cessity should so require, and at other times to keepe him close prisoner. Neither yet is this whole watry humour sequestred and drawne by the kidneyes, but some part of the same reserued to further the distribution of the blood, otherwise so thick of it selfe, that it could not passe through the thinne and hairy veines, for the conuenient nourish­ment of the body. Now the hollow-veine (so called in re­gard of the greatnesse) runneth all along the whole body, hauing the originall from the crooked and backe part of the liuer, as the porter or branchy veine from the hollow part of the same; by meanes of which two as purueyors, the blood is conueyed through the whole body for the nourishment thereof. N [...]w this blood which is so carried to the inward parts of the body, is by that we call the fourth concoction, changed into the substance of flesh, and then doth it lose some part of the perfect rednesse which before it did enioy, but declining into a diminished kind of whitenesse, or colour participating both of white and red, as best agreeing both with the colour of the flesh and of the blood; the residue is performed afterwards by the similar parts, each part drawing vnto it selfe, and changing into its owne substance that which doth best befit the na­ture of the same,

When therefore any part of this waterish humour be­ing [Page 9] left in the veines with the blood, when a veine is ope­ned, and the blood afterwards cold, on the top of the same swimmeth that watry humour, the which being powred into an vrinall will be like vnto vrine, as being both of one and the same substance.

All these workes of nature must one well vnderstand, to the end he may the better giue assured iudgement con­cerning the vrine; all which is at great length laid before vs in the workes of the learned Galen. Gal. lib. de na­tural fac. & de vsu partium. And of all that which hath beene said are our ordinary Empirickes, water-mongers, and peticoat-physitians altogether ignorant, yea most of them being so void of vnderstanding, that they are of opinion, that whatsoeuer quantity of drinke descen­deth into the stomack is in the same quantity voyded forth by vrine, the which is most false, the drinke being appro­priated by reason of the liquidity of the substance, to con­uey and distribute the food through the whole body, as hath beene said: the meat as also the drinke descending both by one and the same passage, are welcomed and en­tertained both in one and the selfe same lodging, to wit, the stomacke or maw, and not, as many idiots imagine, the meat descendeth by one, and the drinke by another pas­sage. For daily experience doth teach vs, that when the least portion either of meat or drinke descendeth into the wind-pipe, which the vulgar call the wrong throat, it bring­eth present danger of suffocation. Hence commeth this custome, that when in this case they cough, lest they should bee strangled, very fitly they strike them on the backe, to the end that that which is that way descended may the more easily be expelled. I deny not but that some­times some pot-companions may voyd as much drinke as they powre downe their euer-thirsting throats: the like whereof also commeth to passe in the disease called Dia­betes, Diabetes. the which haue their owne particular reasons, the which I doubt would proue too tedious here to relate, my purpose being not too much to abuse the Readers pa­tience: but that it is not so, ordinarily and vsually with [Page 10] those who liue a temperate and sober life, and enioy their perfect health, of which sort of people this present Dis­course is to be vnderstood, I thinke it were but superflu­ous and needlesse labour to declare.

CHAP. III. Of the superfluities sequestred and set apart in each concoction: as also of that Ʋrine, which is in euery respect of a meane temperature, and therefore the best: and of the cause of the same.

NOw because that oftentimes in diseases the Physitian is forced to haue recourse to the superfluities or excrementitious parts of the ordinary concoctions, and that partly by necessity and partly by importunity of the vulgar, and sometimes of the better and more vnderstan­ding sort of people also in a manner forced thereto; therefore will it not be amisse to discourse somewhat of the same.

There are then foure seuerall concoctions, performed in the foure seuerall parts of the body.Foure conco­ctions in mans body. The first in the sto­macke or maw: the second in the branchy veine, in the mise­raicall veines, and in the hollow part of the liuer: the third, in the gibbous or crooked part of the same, and the veines which come from thence: the last is in the vtmost parts of the body. The superfluities of this first concoctionSuperfluities of the first con­coction. are as well those which are voided by the mouth, as the faecall excrements descending into the guts. Of the se­condOf the second. concoction which is conuersant about the blood,Hippoc. lib. de elem. Gal lib. 2. de facul. natur. Auic. lib. 1. fen. doct 4 cap. 1 de humor. diuis. &c. comprehending vnder this name the rest of the humours also; the superfluities are phlegme, choler, blacke and yellow. Now as concerning the qualities of all the foresaid hu­mours, their manifold diuisions, as also their dominion and reigne, according to the seuerall seasons in the body [Page 11] of man, is not my purpose here to discourse, as being at great length handled in many great volumes of the anci­ent and moderne Physitians. The superfluity of the third concoctionOf the third concoction. is the vrine, (the proper substance of this dis­course, and cause of the vndertaking of this taske) as also such things as are contained in the substance of the same: of the which hereafter, so farre forth as they shall make for our purpose, we will speake.Of the fourth concoction. Now in the fourth and last, do superabound as well such vapours as do by insen­sible transpiration issue out of the body, as the other seene sensibly, sometimes more, and sometimes lesse, to burst forth of the body, called commonly by the name of sweat. Of all the premisses, as also of many other things belong­ing thereto, are altogether ignorant our ordinary vrine-mongers, Empirickes, and women-Physitians, and many or­dinary Practitioners of Physicke, who haue perhaps attained to some small smattering of learning, and yet haue neuer beene instructed in this profound faculty.

But to come now to the marrow of the matter: if all these former concoctions be performed as they ought, then hath the vrine the right and proper colour and sub­stance, the contents in like manner doe keepe their owne proper place, the residence being white, smooth, Hippocr. 2. prae­dictionar. prae­dic. 26. and of an equall substance. And this manner of vrine is best to be di­scerned, when it commeth from a man in euery respect temperate, and of a pale-golden, or Orange colour, and an­swering in proportion of quantity, to that he drinketh. If it shall so come to passe that any of the foresaid concocti­ons doe erre, then is the vrine also altered, teaching and instructing vs to find out by what causes the same is chan­ged. For the superfluity of the humour that passeth through the whole body, being sequestred in the vrine, may be often seene in the vrinall. The errors committed in this kind may easily be conceiued of by the like in Vl­cers:An example from Vlcers. for if the matter which commeth from the same be white and smooth hauing little or no ill smell at all,Gal. lib. 1. de differ. sch. cap. 6. as also if it containe no substance of another kind, it doth de­monstrate [Page 12] a good concoction or ripening of the same. If any of the foresaid conditions be wanting, it argueth that the concoction hath missed of its perfection: in so much that hence we may guesse if any malignity be crept into the Vlcer, if the concoction be hindred, if it grow black, or suffer any thing more or lesse, answering alike to the fault of the concoction. The like also we may see in the vrines (witnesse Galen, with whom doth Actuarius also agree) that according to the concoction of the humours, the sub­stance, colour, and contents, doe change.

But let vs yet more exactly set downe the nature and properties of an vrine in euery respect laudable and of a meane temper, that so we may the more easily discerne of such as in any respect decline from the same: Euen as a Rule & Square when it is applied to any peece of wood, maketh it perfectly appeare to the eyes of euery one how crooked and bowed it is.Properties of the best and most laudable vrines. Suppose therefore a man in the he [...]ght of his health, in the flourishing spring of his age, of a mean and most temperate constitution of body, liuing on food of a good and moderate substance, exceeding nei­ther in quantity no [...] quality, exercising himselfe neither too much nor too little, liuing in a healthfull Climate or Country, and season of the yeare temperate; and (as sum­marily I may say) in euery thing obseruing a mediocrity without the least either excesse or defect. Such a mans vrine I say vseth most commonly to be of a light or pale-golden, or orange-colour, of a meane or middle substance, an­swering in proportion to the quantity of that which hee hath drunke, in the which swimmeth no bubble, nor spume, in the which no lumps fall to the bottome, nor any thing sticketh to the side of the vrinall, the residence being white, smooth, equall, and euery where like vnto it selfe: prouiding also that no sub­stance like vnto haires, shauings, or such like, be mingled there­with. This vrine then of all others being the best, and in euery respect keeping the meane, betokeneth perfect health. But when in any sort it declineth and swerueth from the same, we may easily vnderstand that in so farre [Page 13] the body is fallen from the best and perfectest health. Nei­ther are wee ignorant of the great latitude and extent of health, as also that some of the foresaid conditions reiected from the Square and Rule of the best vrine, may some­times appeare in the vrine, of such a man as may be said in some sort to be in health.

But our meaning is in this place not of any such health as admits the least latitude or extent, but of that which is absolutely perfect, and in euery respect compleat. This being by vs well vnderstood, wee may certainly know how farre any one is fallen from the highest degree of health,Gal. lib. de crisp. cap. 12. and so likewise of the vrine of such a man as Galen witnesseth. By that which hath beene spoken may easily be discouered and detected, the ignorance and error of the Empirickes and vrine-mongers of our time, who being altogether ignorant of that whereof wee haue lately spo­ken, doe most commonly shake the vrine to and fro, ma­king as it were a confused Chaos of all the parts of the same: whereas the learned and iudicious Physitian, as well by the colour, contents, sediment, as that which swim­meth in the top (all which this base brood doth by this meanes confound) giueth forth setled and deliberate sen­tence. But hauing thus farre discoursed of the premises, without any further repetition, it is now more then time that we come to the discussing of this question, Whether the iudgement of Ʋrines be certaine, and to be trusted to or not: the which this next Chapter shall at greater length declare and set forth.

CHAP. IIII. That the iudgement of Diseases had by the sole inspection of the Vrine, is vncertaine, yea oftentimes dangerous, and that wee ought not to repose any trust in the same.

SInce there is nothing so hard and difficult, which wee ought not to vndertake for the loue we beare to the truth, and the attaining to the knowledge of the most worthy things:It seemeth a strange Para­dox to the most, but espe­cially most ig­norant, to broach any thing against Vrines. and howsoeuer this bee a burthen too heauy for my weake shoulders to beare; yet haue I notwithstanding vndertaken this taske, being e [...]pecially rauished with the extraordinary affection I beare vnto so noble and excellent an Art, howsoeuer perhap [...] I shall broach some such points as shall little please some relishes, especially of such as are chiefe offenders in this ki [...]de, as also of all such as are so blinded, and their eye [...] so d [...]zeled with their old inueterate errors, that they cannot see the truth, how bright soeuer the same doe shine in the noone-tide of the day. It is likewise to be supposed that it will be hard to free my selfe from the hatred and indignation of a many euill-willers, while as I endeauour to free this so noble an Art from this most vncertaine, most vaine and vnprofitable coniecturing by Ʋrines, the which not with­out great preiudice to the Patients health is dayly practi­sed in the Physitians houses. But without any longer circumstance, let vs come now to the matter in hand. If wee carry in our minds such things as haue beene lately declared, it shall be easie for vs to conceiue of such things as shall now be spoken. By the Vrine then are chiefly knowne the disposition of the Liuer, of the Ʋeines, and by consequent of the whole body also. We must vnder­stand also that since the Blood taketh the substantiall forme from the forming power and vertue of the Liuer, it commeth to passe that it answereth in equall proportion to the quality of the blood, of the which the Ʋrine is a [Page 15] superfluity strayned from the same by meanes of the Kid­neyes, according to Theophilus, which Aegidius also con­firmeth.

And hence it is also manifest (as the learned Leeninus witnesseth) that not onely the state of the Kidneyes, Diseases of which parts may chiefly be discerned by the Vrine. but that also of the Liuer principally, together with the infir­mities thereof, as also of the Veines, may be discerned by the Ʋrine. Howbeit this is not alwayes vndoubtedly true, since that by accident it commeth to passe (as here­after shall appeare) that vpon many occasions the same is altered and changed, and by consequent the Physitian de­ceiued. And if this may befall a learned and iudicious Physitian, how much more one without Art or skill, and neuer trayned vp in this Profession. Neither yet, not­withstanding the abuses committed about the same, is it wholly to be reiected, but with great discretion the right and moderate vse of the same to be imbraced. And how­be [...]t some Authors seeme sometimes to giue a great pre­heminence to this signe, as Actuarius; Actuarius lib. 1. de dis. Vrin. cap. 1. Cap. 7. yet if thou lookest narrowly into their works, thou shalt finde that liberty else-where much limited and restrained and the Pulse the fecall instruments, with diuers other excretions taken into that society and fellowship. Now that Vrines are de­ceitfull in many diseases, were no hard matter for mee to proue, as well by reason and experience, as by authority. But if wee shall begin and instance in some particular dis­eases, I thinke it will make the case more plaine. The Ʋrine then is very deceitfull in the Plague and pestilenti­all Feuers, Vrines deceit­full in the plague. deceiuing often the most learned and skilfull practitioners. And this I found to be too true in that me­morable Plague, whereof some few yeares agoe a great number dyed in the Towne of Delfe: for when as the V­rines seemed to promise the Patients all safety and security, then were they suddenly conueyed into Charons boate. The cause that the Vrine in so dangerous a case,The reasons of the same. seemeth of so laudable a condition and quality, may bee this, that the matter of this disease being venomous and maligne, [Page 14] [...] [Page 15] [...] [Page 14] [...] [Page 15] [...] [Page 16] nature dare not freely assault the same, and therefore the Ʋrine (as I haue my selfe found by experience) will ap­peare to the eye of as laudable a condition, as that which wee haue heretofore set downe for the rule and square (as being the best) of all other [...].

Others, not admitting of this reason alledge another, to wit, that putrefaction hauing now seased on the heart, and nature being now much weakened, is not able to ex­pell the excrements by Ʋrine, for the which cause it re­maineth thin and of a good colour, nature it selfe being also weake, by reason of the putrefaction now confirmed in the substance of the heart: and for this cause, these Feuers could neuer bee discerned or knowne by the sight of the Vrines, but rather by their euill-fauoured smell, and stinking of their breath.Praedictions more certaine by the Pulse then by the Vrine in such like Diseases.

Wherefore, I aduise the wise and iudicious Physitian to bee circumspect, lest hee be deceiued herein; and if it be possible, rather to haue recourse vnto the Pulse, which doth euidently declare the vigour and the weaknesse of the vitall power which vpholdeth the life. And for this cause wee may more assuredly pronounce of the issue and euent both of life and death, by the same, then by the Vrine.

Vrines deceit­full in quar­tanes and other intermitting Agues.Not onely is the Vrine deceitfull in the aforesaid disea­ses, but euen in the Quartane or any other intermitting Ague, especially if the diseased vse a good dyet; so that from the very beginning of the disease, signes of concocti­on doe appeare: for here the Physitian desirous to di­stinguish the seuerall times of the disease, might easily goe beside the marke. And not in these onely doth the same leaue vs without a certaine guide: but the vncertaintie hereof is in like manner discerned in all other diseases which haue their originall without the veynes, In diseases without the Veines. and that in the iudgement of all the learned Physitians which haue written of vrines. Oftentimes (as is to be seene in our daily practice) the same will appeare in outward appearance in­dued with all the properties of a sound and healthfull [Page 17] mans, both in substance, colour, and contents: when as notwithstanding vnavoidable Death strikes his boisterous blowes against the weake and feeble patient. This may be obserued also for the most part, whensoeuer in acute, or very acute diseases, (such as are a Pleuresie, Inflammation of the lungs, the Squinsie, and others of the like nature, all which haue, as an inseparable accident, a burning Feuer conioyned with the disease) the vrine seemeth to be of a lau­dable condition and qualitie, the distressed party notwith­standing being liker to dye then to liue; and so it comes to passe, that simply in it selfe being a good and laudable signe, that yet oftentimes it proueth to be mortall: and so it is apparent to any that hath eyes, how deceitfull a signe it is.

In like manner daily experience doth teach, that one and the selfe-same vrine, in substance, colour and contents, doth declare diuerse, yea and sometimes also quite con­trary diseases,One and the selfe-same V­rine doth often declare diuers and contrary diseases. being quite opposite one to another. As in an indifferent healthfull man, the vrine may be thin, crude, and vndigest or raw, and in such a one it doth argue euill digestion of the stomacke: the like vrine againe in acute and burning Feuers, shall signifie a Deliration and Phrensie, and is then an infallible signe of Death, as wee haue else­where sheweth forth by examples. This is also the iudge­ment of learned Hippocrates, in these words;Obseruat. medic. lib. 2. obs. 15. &c Hipp. Aphor. 72 lib. 4. & Gal. Comment. When the v­rine is white and cleere, especially if the same appeare in Deli­rations. Galen also following the same foot-steps; I neuer did see a phrenticke person with such an vrine to haue recoue­red. Now if such an vrine should be carryed to a Physitian who had not before seene the party, hee would neuer so much as dreame of such an aecute burning Feuer.

The like also commeth to passe in a Dropsie, Vrine deceitfull in a Dropsie. the vrine like a strumpet attyring her selfe in her brauest aray, when as the patient is suddenly suffocate by meanes of the sud­den inundation of water ouercomming the noble parts.

No lesse doth this impudent harlot deceiue vs in most diseases of the Chest, In diseases of the Chest. in which we giue more credit to the [Page 18] spittle then to the vrine: so likewise in those who doe cast vp choler, In casting of blood, choler, &c. phlegme, blood, &c. the vrin [...] will giue vs no no­tice of the decaying and perishing of the strength.

No lesse deceitfull it is also in the vlcers of the throat, In vlcers of the throat. in the Inflammation of the palate of the mouth, the Tonsils, and Squinsie which doe sometimes strangle the sicke and di­stressed Patient.

Neyther yet can it giue vs any notice of the Piles or Hae­morrhoides, In Piles & hae­morrhoides. the swellings or risings of the fundament, as also any outward Ʋlcers, In outward diseases. or Impostumes, Itch, Scabs, French-pox, all sorts of Lasks, In Lasks. as likewise the bloody Flux, passing the finding out by the same.

Contractions, palsies, gout, ruptures, disea­ses of the mu­scles and exter­nall griefes.Besides all these, the vrine can giue vs no notice of the contraction of the sinewes, palsies, diseases of the ionts, the Sci­atica, or Hip gout, the Gout in hands, or feet, all the sorts of Ruptures, the diseases of the muscles, and the outward annoy­ances which afflict the skinne, as also all outward tumors, ri­sings, or swellings. All which it is not hard to declare out of Galen himselfe,Gal. in comment lib. 4 Hippoc. de vict. acut. (whereas Hippocrates maketh mention of Conuultions, and other diseases of the Sinewes,) who teacheth vs, that the danger or securitie of the disease, can­not well be discerned by the concoction of the Ʋrines.

Vrins somtimes not answerable to the nature of the disease.This may also be added, that oftentimes in diseases the Ʋrine is of a remisse and low colour, when as it ought to be of an high; and contrariwise of an high, when as it ought to be of a low colour: the which I am able to proue both by reason, and examples.

Deceitfulnesse in the iudge­ment by the in­spection of V­rines, illustrated by examples.Suppose therefore a man of a cholericke temperature, be­ing sicke likewise of a cholericke and hot disease, whose Ʋ­rine seemeth to be of a low colour; when as neuerthelesse both in regard of the nature of the disease, and of his tem­perature, it ought to be of an high and deepe dyed colour. For if there be any obstruction in the crooked and gibbous part of the Liuer, then is the like also in the veynes, & other parts, In diseases pro­ceeding of cho­ler. which goe directly to the kidneyes. Now in like manner, if the other passage by the which Choler is conueyed from the Gall-bag to the Guts, to the end it may stirre vp nature [Page 19] to the better expulsion of the fecall excrements contained in them, (as wee haue already said) be enlarged, then the choler which before was accustomed to passe into the bladder with the Vrine, passeth to the Guts, and there often­times causeth a flix & excoriation of the guts, for the which cause the Vrine also seemeth then to be of a remisse colour. Or if perhaps Choler shall take his way towards the Sto­macke, (as sometimes it commeth to passe) it procureth both a distaste and loathing, as also casting and reaching. In like manner if it shall happen to be dispersed and spread ouer the whole body, it produceth that diseease which we commonly call the Iaundise. But if it shall flye vp into the braine, (as in hot and acute Feuers is vsuall, as hath beene said) it causeth a phrensie. In which and the like cases, it is more then manifest that the Physitian may be deceiued ea­sily in the iudgement of the Ʋrine: and moreouer, if hee should rashly vpon the view of such an Vrine, prescribe hot remedies, might be a meanes of shortning the Patients dayes.

In a phlegmaticke constitution againe we see the case quite contrary, the vrine often in a cold disease,In a phlegma­tick cōstitution, & cold diseases. being of an high and intense, when as it ought rather to be of a low and remisse colour. This commeth often to passe in the weake and feeble disposition of the Liuer, the separating po­wer thereof being then much weakened, and the humors then being confusedly melted together without any separation, in the which case the vrine wil be of a reddish colour, l [...]ke vn­to the water wherein raw bloody flesh hath been washed.

The Ʋrine also is not a little dyed and coloured by rea­son of some great paine,In great griefes and paines. howsoeuer it come of a cold cause, especially if the same doe incline towards the passa­ges of the Ʋrine, Nature in all grieuances and paines sen­ding blood and spirits to succor the same, by which meanes it commeth to passe, that the vrine receiueth from hence some alteration in color, as in the Colicke proceeding most commonly of a cold cause. It is no hard matter to proue the same by authorities of the most learned, ancient and [Page 20] famous Physitians, as hath beene already said. Auicenna himselfe doth confirme the same in these words;Avicen. 2. prim. cap. 2. We must not giue credit (saith he) to the knowledge of the disposition of the disease, which the vrine affordeth vs, vnlesse some certaine conditions, (which he himselfe afterwards reckoneth vp,) first be obserued. And Gabriel de Taregna, a follower of A­uicenna, after many arguments, at length concludeth thus; The signe taken from the vrine is deceitfull, Gab. de Taregna quaest. 30. and therefore doe not Physitians rashly iudge by the same onely, but doe likewise diligently enquire after other signes. For about the same mani­fold errors are committed, by reason the iudgement o [...] the same is easily altered and changed, by the quantity or qualitie of dyet, or any other thing which may colour the same. With him agree Sauonarola, Petrus Aponus, or Aponensis, called Con­ciliator, & all other who haue written concerning Vrines. And that it may appeare that this is not the opinion of the Arabian Physitians alone, and their followers, but of the Greeke Physitians also, heare the learned Galen pronounce his opinion,Gal. lib. 1. de cris. cap. 7. which all others doe imitate and follow: We must therefore determine, that the signes of concoction in the instruments of respiration is the spittle; of that in the veines, the Vrine; of that of the stomacke and nether belly, the grosse, or fecall excrements. And in all manner of Feuers, because they are passions, or grieuances of the veynes, (for in this kinde we doe likewise comprehend the Arteries) wee must princially haue a regard to the vrines.

And let it not seeme strange that here we comprehend the Arteries. Gal. lib. 1. de differ F [...]br. For as Galen saith very well, that by the me­diation of the veynes and arteries, the heart is set on fire, as also, that there can be no Feuer, vnlesse the heart be thus ouer-heated, no other member hauing this prerogatiue, to communicate so great a distemper to the whole body, as wee haue else-where at large declared.Forest. obseruat. medic. lib. de. Feb And because the matter of the same may be as well in the arteries as in the veynes, hence it commeth to passe, that Galen speaking of the iudgement of Ʋrines, doth amongst the veines com­p [...] and the arteries. And howbeit it be a more pure and [Page 21] refined blood in the arteries, then in the veines: yet doth the vrine notwithstanding declare the disposition of the blood contained in the same, and so consequently of the Feuer it selfe.

Moreouer,The Pulse as well as the V­rine to be con­sidered in all diseases. since the Arteries do containe the most pure and refined blood, together with the vitall spirits, by the motion therefore of the same, commonly called the Pulse, no lesse then by the vrines, do we know & discerne a feuer, together with the disposition of the heart and arteries; as al­so some other grieuances, which by the vrine, (and that for diuers causes already declared) cannot be iudged of, as Galen himselfe doth most amply and sufficiently declare.Gal. lib. de Puls. cognit. differ. & causis.

And howsoeuer it be now more then manifest to the iu­dicious Reader, that the iudgement by vrines is for the most part deceitfull in other diseases then such as belong to the Liuer, veynes, together with such places,In diseases of the liuer, veins, & vrinary pas­sages the vrine often deceiueth our iudgments. as are ap­pointed for the separation and conueyance of the vrine: yet is not the same, euen in such diseases as it doth most manifestly lay open, alwayes to be trusted to. For often­times it commeth to passe, that the diseases of the Liuer and of the veynes, as also Feuers, are confusedly intermin­gled one with another, hauing a certaine connexion, and as it were knitting together with other members: hence it commeth to passe that the vrines, for diuers causes (which in the owne place we will relate) are easily subiect to alteration, and doe no lesse here deceiue vs, then they doe in other diseases, which they impertinently & weakly sometimes lay open.Cōment. lib. 4. de vict. r [...]tiene in morb. acut. And therefore well was it said of Galen, as we haue said already, that the security of the dis­ease cannot well be foretold by the concoction of the vrine onely. And for this cause in all his bookes, as well concer­ning Feuers, as the diseases of the Liuer, he putteth downe a number of other signes besides the vrine. Of the same opinion is Hippocrates, as in his books is largely to be seen:Hipp. in prognost. Actuarius. Rhasis. so also is Actuarius in his bookes of Ʋrines: Rhasis also, and many moe.

But hauing now partly by examples, and partly by [Page 22] strong and firme reasons and authorities of the learned, declared that the iudgement of diseases by vrines onely, is vncertaine, and full of fraud and deceit, and not in it selfe sufficient to giue vs notice of the whole nature and estate of the disease, we will now at greater length declare and lay open the same: this being discussed, it will euidently appeare that we haue need of other signes for the better attaining to the full knowledge of the same. The which being confirmed, it shall be much more easie afterward to amend such abuses as haue since crept in and incroached vpon this iudgement by vrines.

CHAP. V. That the vrine and the iudgement of diseases by the same, is not in it selfe sufficient to giue vs full notice, and satisfaction of the whole estate and nature of diseases.

NOw, to the end we may the better conceiue this matter, wee must fetch some things from afarre, and repeat the same more par­ticularly concerning the differences of the parts of a mans body: by this meanes we shall the more easily vnfold the question we haue in hand. Let vs heare therefore Galen himselfe speaking, as follow­eth:Galen in arte medic. cap. 9. Now of the parts of a mans body there are in the whole foure differences; some of them being principall, and some againe hauing their originall and beginning from them: Diuision of the parts of a mans body. some haue neither the rule and gouernment of others, neither yet are they gouerned and ruled by others, as hauing from nature inbred powers, by vertue whereof they are gouerned: and lastly, some haue both inbred powers, as also some flowing from others. Now the principall parts are the braine, The principall and more noble parts. the heart, the liuer, and the stones. Now from these haue others originall and be­ginning, and minister vnto them: first from the braine are deriued the sinewes and marrow of the backe, which doe [Page 23] also minister vnto the same;Parts hauing their begin­nings from the same, and mini­string vnto thē. likewise the arteries vnto the heart; the veines to the liuer; the seed vessels to the stones: the first three being so absolutely necessary, as without any of them the life of a man is not able to subsist; howso­euer our idle vrine-mongers doe prate strange things to the ignorant and rude multitude, as namely that these princi­pall members may be diminished, or quite wasted away, without preiudice to the life:A bold and im­pudent beast. And thus did a Braggadosho cozening knaue make his bragges, that hee had cured a wound in the head, out of the which he had taken in a spoone a great portion of the patients braines, (and good reason, for I thinke he needed some himselfe) who did notwithstanding recouer. These lying prophets will also perswade you that they can see by the vrine, that the Liuer is wasted away to the bignesse of a beane, or else quite con­sumed away, without any portion thereof remaining.

As for the stones, Answer to an Obiection. howbeit they bee not absolutely ne­cessary for the subsisting of the life of man (witnesse these lusty and insatiable in lust, gallants, who haue payed deare for their pleasure, hauing many of them both them and their yard quite rotted away with the French pox, and yet liued.) yet because they are a meanes of preseruing man­kind, therefore doth Galen reckon them vp among the noble parts.

The braine then is the fountaine and well-spring of sense and motion, imparting the same to the whole body,The proper & peculiar vse of each of the noble parts. by meanes of the sinewes: the heart the treasure of life, of naturall heat, and strength it selfe, which by meanes of the arteries it doth communicate to the whole body: the liuer the originall and well-spring of nutrition or nourish­ment, and containing in it selfe some part of the naturall heat which floweth from the heart, and hath againe a par­ticipation with the whole body by meanes of the hollow veine: the same is the spring and fountain of all the veines, and an instrument framed by the first founder Nature, (as we haue already said) for the better furtherance of the blood-making power. The stones containe in themselues an [Page 24] engendring power; they haue certaine vessels annexed vnto them, which likewise minister vnto the same, called by our Anatomists, Praeparantia testium, the which doe cleaue fast vnto them by crooked turnings and windings. Now the particles which are gouerned by themselues,Parts or parti­cles gouerned by themselues. such as are the cartilages or gristles, the bones, ligaments, membranes, kernels, the fat, and the flesh it selfe, haue from Nature inbred powers, by vertue of the which they go­uerne themselues. Now to gouerne the selfe, is (as well hath obserued Ammonius Agricola) to retaine and keepe fast the powers,Ammonius Agri­cola in comment. in art. Gal. by vertue of which the nourishment is concocted, for to them it doth belong to draw the nou­rishment, to retaine and keepe, to alter and change, to ioyne, vnite, and assimilate and make the same like to the substance of our bodies, as also to expell the superfluities: the which faculties and powers they receiue, not from any other, but are inbred with themselues.

The parts which both haue inbred powers, and some againe which doe flow and spring from others,Parts which haue both in­bred powers, & some againe which doe flow & spring from others. are these: the lungs, the stomacke, the mother or womb, kidneyes, spleen, and such others. And thus the lungs both receiue in and expell forth the ayre; the wombe draweth vnto it selfe the seed of generation, as also retaineth the same, and it doth also retaine the birth for a time, and in due and conuenient time againe expelleth the same; the stomacke likewise di­gesteth and concocteth the food, the Kidneyes draw vnto themselues the Vrine, the spleene, the melancholicke humour, & therefore is defined, The organ or instrument appointed for the clensing & refining of the melancholy blood. Besides these they haue yet some powers flowing from other parts, for they had need of the arteries, that by means of the same the influence of life from the heart by vertue of naturall heat and the spirits might bee conueyed vnto them: they had likewise need of the Veines to conuey nourishment vnto them from the Liuer: and of the Sinewes, that by the same, sense and motion might bee deriued vnto them. The Heart, which by the common consent as well of Physiti­ans [Page 25] as Philosophers, is holden to be the beginning and ori­ginall of the Arteries, had need of no Artery for it selfe, but for the benefit of others; for from the left ventricle or hollow part thereof, there spring two Arteries called Ar­teria venosa, or Ʋein-like Artery, and Aorta. Arteria venosa. The for­mer is conueyed into the Lungs, furnishing them with some of the purest refined blood, and expelling fuligini­ous excrements from thence: it hath obtained the sub­stance of a Veine, to the end it might more easily suffer di­latation with the Lungs, as likewise because in the birth yet being in the wombe, it supplyeth the place of a Veine for the nourishment of the Lungs. The Artery called Aorta, Aorta. doth plentifully furnish and supply with vitall spi­rits the whole body: as soone as it hath passed out of the Heart, it produceth in the vppermost Circle of the same the Artery called Coronaria, which sometimes is double: immediately after, the trunke of this Aorta is diuided in­to two branches of vnequall bignesse, the vppermost be­ing the lesser and the nethermost the bigger, &c. On which diuisions with many moe subdiuisions we will not here insist, nor yet on the seuerall diuisions of Veines, pro­ceeding from the Liuer, and Sinewes proceeding from the Braine, referring the Reader desirous of the knowledge of the same, to the great and many volumes of our ancient and later Anatomists.

Now all these members doe communicate one with a­nother, and by a certaine Sympathy or fellow-feeling, as by a certaine harmony and accord amongst themselues are mutually affected one by another. As concerning the haire and nailes, they are not properly parts of the Body,The hayre and nayles properly no parts of the body. as being depriued of life; (for the soule doth not gouerne these parts, but engendreth onely the matter of the same, expelling it out of the body, as being superfluous) yet doth the haire adorne and couer some parts of the same: the nailes likewise doe take hold of the smallest things, they scratch and take away the filth from the body. And be­sides, both Hippocrates and Galen doe in many places wit­nesse of diuers Predictions taken from the nailes and [Page 26] haire in some dangerous and desperate diseases,Forrest. obseruat. medic. lib. de fe­bre Hectica. as in a Consumption of the Lungs by vlcer, or other putrefaction, &c. as wee haue at length set forth else-where by liuely ex­amples.

Since therefore there is not one and the same difference of all the members or parts of a mans body, and there be­ing likewise diuers receptacles of these superfluities, it must of necessity follow that there must needs bee like­wise a diuers and seuerall manner of iudging of the diseases of the aforesaid parts. As since the Arteries, (a [...] wee haue already said) haue their originall and beginning from the heart; so likewise by their perpetuall and restl [...]sse motion, which wee commonly call the Pulse, the diseases of the Heart from whatsoeuer cause they arise, are laid open vnto vs. The which is at great length and most learnedly set downe vnto vs in those worthy bookes written by that famous Galen concerning this subiect.Gal. lib. de pulsib

The diseases also of the blood, and namely such as come by putrefaction of the same, the vrine hauing taken her o­riginall from the masse of blood, and that againe from the liuer, it may declare the quantity and quality of the hu­mours, as also the chiefe infirmities both in the liuer and blood. So in like manner the vtterance and deliue [...]ance of our speech doth witnesse the action of the reasonable power, and by the weaknesse of the senses and motion, the defects of the braine are knowne; and yet not by these on­ly, but also by the spittle and excrements which proceed both out of nose and eares; these being two notable passa­ges in the palate of the mouth, that by these meanes the braines might the better be clensed from those oppressing excrements, &c.

Diseases of the head, eares, eyes, &c can­not bee discer­ned by the Wa­ter.Now from the Premises it may easily bee collected and deducted, that neither the diseases of the eyes, eares, giddi­nesse of the braine, memory lost, a Lethargie, Apoplexie, falling-sicknesse, madnesse, and other infirmities of the braine, can properly by the vrine be discerned: howsoeuer ignorant Empiricks and such like would faine perswade vs the con­trary. [Page 27] To attaine therefore to the right knowledge of the issue of the disease are many moe things to bee considered of, yea euen in some such diseases oftentimes, in the which the vrine may seeme most to bee trusted to. And for this cause the famous Hippocrates doth not alwayes build his iudgement vpon the vrines onely; but before all (as is to bee seene in his Predictions) taketh information from the face it selfe, considering whether the nostrils bee sharpe, Many things carefully to be considered of in diseases be­sides the Vrine, which require the personall presence of the Physitian. the eyes hollow, the temples fallen flat, the eares cold and drawne to­gether, the skin of the browes hard, stretched out, or dry, the colour of his whole face blacke, pale or lead-coloured, or like vn­to it. The same Author draweth also and collecteth some signes and tokens from the eyes themselues, the eye-lids, the nose and lips; so doth hee in like sort from the manner of lying, from the teeth, the mouth and sleepe, from the expiration and inspiration or breathing, from vlcers, and the carriage of the hands, as to snatch and pull the naps of the couerlid, motes and strawes, all which are vsually seene in acute diseases, being for the most part dangerous, if not deadly signes. He taketh also notice of the sweat, the sides of the belly, tumours, and suppu­ration. And againe in another place he is very circum­spect in obseruing the state of the belly, loynes, and flanckes, swellings of the feet, the cold and heat of the vtmost parts, the waight of the hands, feet, and the whole body, the nayles and stones, manner of sleeping, the fecall excrements; and final­ly, the vrines, casting and spitting it selfe, suppurations and ab­scesses. And in his third Booke of Predictions he obser­ueth many things in feuers, the which are to be conceiued of by the eye and presence of the Physitian, and not by the vrine sent to his house. And what doth he else in his books called Porrheticks. Many other things yet hee giueth in charge in another booke De probitate, which for breuities sake we will here omit. Neither yet is any disease of the body knowne absolutely and solely by [...]y one kind of ex­crement: but also by the place affected, the nature and property of the paine, together with such proper and pe­culiar accidents as are incident thereunto. And we may [Page 28] plainly perceiue that in the members of a mans body there is not one onely passage appointed for the vnburdening the selfe of such superfluities as doe annoy it, but moe: for some diseases are discerned, as likewise ended and brought to a happy and hopefull issue by hawking and spit­ting vp, some by vomits, stooles, vrine; and some by bleeding at the nose, by the hemorrhoides or pyles, as in men: and some by their monthly flux, as in women: some againe by sweat, by breakings forth in the skinne, by pimpels, whelkes, blisters, and the like: and some yet after another manner. Hence also well said our foresaid most renowned Hippocrates else­where;Hippoc. aphor. 12 lib. 1. & Gal. 1. de crisp. cap. 7. As well the seasons of the yeare, as the successiue en­creasing of the fits, whether they come daily, euery other day, or by longer distance of time, shall declare vnto thee the approa­ching of the fits, together with the nature and state of the di­sease also, &c. In the which places both of them make mention of diuers other signes besides the vrine, which the learned Reader may there see at great length.

It is then apparent by the premisses, that euery seuerall part of the body hath the owne proper and peculiar con­duits, pipes, and passages, not onely for this end and pur­pose, that by these excrements and superfluities which do superabound in them, wee may giue iudgement of the nature of the disease: but also to the end that the same mat­ter (whensoeuer need requireth) may by those passages more commodiously and conueniently be conueyed and expelled out of the body, as is at length to be seene both in Hippocrates and Galen, Hippoc. lib. de vict. acut. Gal. lib. 11. meth. whose words for breuity I will not rehearse. The conclusion will then be easie to be de­duced from the premisses, that since there are so many se­uerall parts of the body which haue their seuerall passages to vnburden their seuerall superfluities and excrements; all diseases canno [...] s [...]fficiently be discerned not taken no­tice of by the inspection of the vrine onely: and therefore whosoeuer doe boldly and peremptorily maintaine and auouch the same (as commonly do vrine-monger-empiricks, and a number of other such cogging knaues, women-phy­sitians, [Page 29] &c.) are, as most dangerous and pernicious mem­bers, to bee suffered in no well ordered Common­wealth.

Now since it is so hard a thing to giue sure and setled iudgement by the vrine, let vs proceed to declare the sun­dry causes of the alterations and changes in vrines, which are the chiefe occasions of the vncertainty of this signe.

THE ARRAIGNMENT of VRINES. CHAP. I. Of the diuers and sundry causes which doe hinder the iudge­ment by Ʋrine.

NOw to the end that this matter may be the more iudiciously handled, many things are of vs duly and deliberately to be considered, or else we may easily goe besides the marke, as doe these ignorant asses, who giue their perem­ptory iudgement of any vrine that commeth at them. In the first place then we will beginne with the Vrinall it selfe,The substance and colour of the Vrinall. in the which we are to behold the vrine, whereof we are to giue forth our iudgement. As concerning therefore the colour and substance thereof, the Ʋrinall ought to be of a very thin, white, cleane and cleare glasse, to the end that the colours and contents of the vrine may the more exactly bee discerned and seene therein. And this is the opinion of Actuarius also,Actuar. lib. de iudiciis vr. n [...] ­rum. cap. 1 de dif. matularum. and likewise of Auicenna. Such therefore as are of a greenish, yellowish, or yet of any other colour, as also such as haue any rough spots or prints in them, how cleere or thin so­euer the vrinall it selfe be, are altogether to be reiected, for all the aforesaid defects may bee a meanes to alter and [Page 32] change, as well the colour, as the contents of the vrine. Of no lesse moment, is the shape, fashion or forme of the Ʋrinall, Of the diuers shapes and fashions of Vrinals. the which doe much differ and vary, and there­fore the iudgement of the vrine is also by the same in some sort hindred. For in Vrinals which are very wide, and the quantity of vrine but small, the same by reason of the wide­nesse of the Vrinall, is so dispersed that we cannot well di­scerne what height the contents doe take vp, the whole vrine it selfe with all the contents being so little eleuated in the same. Ʋrinals also too long, narrow at the top and wide at the bottome, are not to be allowed of. Some again are vsed in some parts of France plaine and flat bottomed, without any sphericall roundnesse, but rise vp all alike, not vnlike to some wine cups which we vse to drinke in, and such are altogether vnfit for this end and purpose. The best then and most commodious,The best fashiō of Vrinals. and fit for this purpose, are (according to Actuarius) such as haue narrow and not flat bottomes, rising vp wider and wider, much like the fashion of a pine apple turned vpside downe: and of this fashion as being most commodious euery way, doe the Italian Physitians for the most part vse. And of this same opinion is Michael Savonarola, following in this also the authority of Avicenna. As for Empiricks, women-phy­sitians, and such other, they little regard the forme or fa­shion, colour, or any thing else which concerneth the vrinall, their aduice being all one whether the vrinall bee thicke or thinne, greene, red, or yellow, or yet of any other colour.

Now from the vrinall let vs come to the houre, proper and fit time for the inspection of the vrine. The fit & pro­per time of in­spection of vrines. According to the vncontrolled custome therefore of all Physitians, that vrine is to be viewed which was made in the night time, after the first sleepe: for then ordinarily and in most peo­ple, is the first concoction, which is performed in the sto­macke and liuer, accomplished; the which in the most part of people vseth most commonly to be finished in six or seuen houres after the houre of supper, howbeit in some [Page 23] sooner, as in children and such as are lusty, and in the prime of their age; but in old men and the weaker sort, later. The vrine then made about this time doth com­monly retaine its owne proper vigour and force, for if it be longer kept, it is parched vp and dried with heat, from whence it commeth to passe that the liuely colour of the same is changed. Besides, in the night time the conco­ction is much better performed then in the day, the body being then freed from immoderate and violent exercises, as also the mind more free from cares and all manner of perturbations. Hence also it commeth to passe that wee may more easily and euidently know either security or danger by that vrine which is made in the morning then by that which was made either after or yet a long time before. We may notwithstanding reserue and keepe each vrine made in the night by it selfe in seuerall vrinals, and so looke vpon each of them seuerally, to the end we may the more easily discerne the changes and alterations of each one from the other.The custome of the Italian Physitians. This the Italian Physitians doe for the most part obserue in their common practice with their patients: neither yet doe they view those onely made in the night and in the morning, but also such as are made in the day time: and that by reason as well feuers as other diseases doe trouble and molest vs sometimes more in the day, and sometimes more in the night time: and this cu­stome I could wish all other Physitians to imitate and fol­low, to the intent they might see all the alterations and changes incident therein.

Notwithstanding, as well in sicknesse as in health, make choice chiefly of such as are made towards the morning,Actuar. lib. de iudiciis vrinae. Cap. 3. Auicen. lib. 1. Fen. 2. cap. 1. de vrinis. Gordonius cap. 3. tr [...]ctatu de vri­nis. as Avicenna also willeth. Of this matter Actuarius giueth vs large and ample instructions, whose words for breuity I will here omit. Now the time of inspection of an vrine, (according to Avicenna) ought to be within the space of an houre or little more after it is made. Of this opinion also was G [...]rdonius, who wished that as soone as the vrine was made it should presently be put into a glasse vrinall, [Page 34] and in the patients owne house shewed vnto the Physitian, as also that after a little while he should againe view the same, to see whether it had setled any residence or not: and not yet with this content, reuiew the same the third time, or oftner if need be, and that the better to obserue and discerne the diuision of the regions and contents thereof. All these things likewise would hee haue done within the space of an houre, for after the aforesaid space, euen according to Avicenna himselfe, scarce can one giue any certaine iudgement thereby, by reason that common­ly in a little time the colour is somewhat changed, and the substance thereof more thickned, for the heat of it being changed, the residence is disioyned and dissolued, which maketh the substance thicker.

This vulgar & base manner of inspection of vrines vn­knowne to the ancients.This vulgar & ordinary manner of inspection of vrines is not at all therefore to be regarded, the which none of those ancient Physitians, Hippocrates, Galen, & the rest did vse and practise. The best and most iudicious and ingenious Phy­sitians of our time also, howsoeuer custome like a tyrant hath so preuailed, that sometimes euen against their wils they are forced thereunto: yet it is much displeasing to them, and doe ingenuously acknowledge that they can better discern of the state of their Patient by once viewing of him then by ten or twenty seuerall inspections of his vrine. The powring forth of one vessell into ano­ther are harder to be iudged. The powring forth of the vrine from one vessell into another, may alter and marre the iudgement thereof, if the vrinall or pot our of the which it is powred, were neuer so cleane, which is yet but seldome.

The reason of this vncertainty is, because the contents, bubbles, or spume and residence, are so shuffled out of their owne proper places, and so confounded, that they cannot well be discerned. If moreouer a thicke vrine shall be of­fered to thy consideration, which shall need to be dissol­ued by the heat of the fire or warme water, thou must not pronounce thy iudgement thereon, vntill such time as it be setled againe: and besides, being once changed or al­tered by the fire, the iudgement by the same becommeth [Page 35] then much more suspected. Moreouer, such powred out vrines, although they were not thicke, but very thin, yet cannot on a sudden be considered of, vntill such time as the residence be gathered together againe, hauing also en­dured some dammage by meanes of the powring forth.

Againe,The place pro­per for the in­spection of Vrine. we must well consider of the nature of the place, wherein we are to passe our iudgement of vrines, for neither must the light be too great, as where the Sun shineth with his bright beames, for this might make the colour of the vrine seeme more remisse then it is indeed; as also too darke a place may produce the contrary effect: wherefore the surest and safest is, to make choice of a place neither too darke nor yet too light.

Some things there are also from the which the vrine must be kept,The Vrine must be kept from shaking and motion, as also from cold. to the end thou mayest giue the more assu­red and setled iudgement concerning the same. In the first place, it must bee carefully kept from great motion, shaking, or agitation, as hath beene already touched. In the next place, it must be also well kept from cold, especi­ally from frost, which causeth the same sooner to thicken, destroying in such sort the naturall heat thereof, that how­soeuer it bee dissolued by the heat of the fire, yet neuer commeth againe to the owne perfect nature and consi­stence which first it had. Alike carefull must we be (wit­nesse Avicenna, and diuers other Physitians) in keeping it from the heat,It must be kept from heat. as being a like inconuenience procured by the same, in that it hindreth the gathering together of the residence, making a great disturbance and halfe ebullition therein, for the which cause it ought to be kept from the fire. Hence also is euinced the error of such as dissol­uing a thicke, muddy, and corrupt vrine by the heat of the fire or warme water, doe immediatel [...] giue iudgement thereof before it be fully setled.Euery thicke vrine is not to be dissolued by the heat of the fire or warme water. And oftentimes it com­meth to passe, that such vrines rather bubble vp then are truly indeed dissolued. But if thou wilt let them without warming settle to the bottome, thou shalt there see a cer­taine thickish matter like vnto ashes settle downe, which [Page 36] yet notwithstanding is no proper residence, and in the vpper part of the Vrinall all will be cleare.

Such Ʋrines therefore as at the first making are thicke and muddy, it were best to let settle of themselues; for sel­dome are such Vrines dissolued with the fire, or at least ve­ry hardly, as we haue already said.

Now such againe as when they are first made are thin, and after a little space by meanes of the cold ayre doe a­gaine thicken and congeale, such I say it were farre better to view before they thicken; yet if this cannot bee so con­ueniently effected, then may the same againe be dissolued, and yet this inspection will neuer be freed from suspition, as wee haue lately said. Not onely ought the Ʋrines care­fully to be kept from the Premises, but euen from the windFrom the winde. also, lest they bee troubled, and the residence seuered and dispersed &c.

Besides the former Caueats, wee must likewise looke that the Ʋrine we are to giue iudgement vpon bee whole.It must bee whole. This argueth the error of such, as making a great quantity of Ʋrine doe not shew it all to the Physitian, but a part of the same onely, which often commeth to passe in such as are troubled with the disease called Diabete. Neither yet are they without blame, who doe offer vnto the view of the Physitian diuers Vrines in stead of one and the same, made a little space one after another, as especially our Countrey people are accustomed sometimes to doe, and such especially as make but a little quantity at seuerall times: for their opinion is, that the greater quantity of Vrine there is, the more setled and assured iudgement may bee giuen thereby. The vrinal must in like manner bee clearedThe Vrinall must be cleane. & wel s [...]red from all ordure and filth, and not as the custome of the Country people is, to put their Vrines in old stincking bottles, lying it may be in the dust or smoake a twelue-month, and in the which haue beene contained oyle, incke, vinegar, veruice, neuer so much as once wash­ed out of them.

There bee yet many moe causes as well inward as out­ward, [Page 37] which make the iudgement of the Vrines vncertaine, which may be a sufficient proofe and witnesse of the vn­certainty thereof, as being subiect euery houre and mo­ment to so many changes and alterations.The quantity of dyet alte [...]e: the iudgemen [...] of the Vrine. The Ʋrine then is very much altered and changed by the excessiue quantity of food which wee vse: for if any one shall with too great a quantity of meate or drinke ouercharge his sto­macke, naturall heat being oppressed, and crude and raw humours engendred, such a ones Vrine shall bee white and pale-coloured. If againe one shall content himselfe with a small portion of meate and drinke, naturall heat shall bee more liuely and quicke, by which meanes also it commeth to passe that some small quantity of that which shall nou­rish the body, is turned to Choler, and so coloureth the Ʋrine: and for this cause the Ʋrine of such as fast is of a fiery saffron-colour, thin withall, hauing but a small resi­dence.

The vrine of such as are oppressed with famine, accor­ding to Actuarius, is thin, white, and without residence, and may withall be seene a certaine bright shining in the same. No lesse doth the quality of the food alter and change it; for hot things inflame the same, making it ap­peare of a high colour; cold things on the contrary doe abate and diminish it, which may most manifestly be seene in those who drinke water abundantly. The like alte­ra [...]ion commeth to passe by taking inwardly any sub­stance which dyeth or coloureth the vrine; and thus doe Rhubarb and Saffron dye the same of a yellowish colour, Cassia with a blackish, Sallets with a greenish colour; salt meates make it also of a blackish. Auicenna therefore giues vs warning that wee giue no iudgement of the Vrine of one that drinketh water, vseth long abstinence, that in his meate or drinke vseth any colour ng medicine, or yet that had taken any attractiue medicine, as purging choler, phlegme or melancholy; for those doe in like manner colour the vrine: but such Physicke especially as doth purge and clense by the vrine. It may then easily appeare that hot [Page 38] things, such as are Garlicke, Onions, Pepper, Ginger, and the like spices, as also Aqua-vitae, and other such strong waters, as Wine also, doe somewhat alter and change the colour of of the vrine: Hot or cold things doe change and al­ter the Vrine. cold things againe, as Lettice, Purcelane, Fish, &c. doe abate the colour of the same. Dantzicke Beere will engender so high and intense a darke yellow colour in the Vrine, that any one ignorant of their drink­ing thereof, would easily bee induced to beleeue the party were mightily oppressed with the Iaundise. It is therefore very requisite, diligently to enquire out the causes of this change and alteration in the Vrine, or else wee may easily bee deceiued in our iudgement.

I haue knowne some who in their perfect health had naturally their vrine so red and high coloured, that any man would haue iudged them to haue beene vexed with a Feuer. It were best therefore, if it were possible, that the Physitian should before in the time of thy health be ac­quainted with thy ordinary Vrine; so should hee bee more able in time of sicknesse to iudge of the fayling and decli­ning thereof from that it was wont to bee in health. And for this cause it is not amisse that one should bee well skil­led and exercised in the seuerall Constitutions, which doe produce diuers and differing Vrines. The seuerall Constitutions produce seue­rall sorts of Vrines. Cholericke persons and Sanguine therfore, haue their vrines of a high, but the phleg­maticke and Melancholicke of a paler colour. For if in a cold complexion the Ʋrine bee high coloured, it may sig­nifie a Feuer, by reason it differeth much from that which is ordinary at other times, when as in a hotter Constituti­on it might signifie no such swaruing or failing from the naturall course.Strong and vi­olent exercises, watching, pas­sions of the minde, repleti­on and inaniti­on doe alter both the colour and substance of the Vrine. In like manner also, if with a hot Consti­tution a Feuer bee conioyned, and the Vrine bee pale co­loured, it is a signe that the disease is like to be long, as al­so it scarce proues to be a good signe, in regard the Vrine doth so farre swarue and decline from the own proper and naturall colour.

Besides all the premisses, strong and violent exercises doe inflame the humours and spirits, and by that meanes [Page 39] colour the Ʋrine, making by consequence the iudgement of it more hard and difficult. Watchings, passions of the minde, repletion and inanition doe alter also as well the colour as the substance thereof. The Ʋrine is also al­tered according to the profession or course of life,The Profession or course of life. vnto the which a man betaketh himselfe. And thus Scriueners, Shoo-makers, Taylors, Fishermen, and such as lead a sitting life, haue for the most part their vrine of a lighter and paler colour then others. On the contrary, Smiths, Husband­men, Day-labourers, Wrestlers, & the like, haue it most com­monly of a higher colour.

The Sexe likewise doth produce no lesse alteration and change:The Sexe can­not be by the Vrine discer­ned. for a mans Ʋrine is for the most part of a higher colour, and the womans of a paler, with a more compact and better gathered together residence then a mans. And howsoeuer some haue laboured to teach how a womans Vrine may bee discerned from a mans, and on the contrary a mans from a womans; yet in regard of the mutability and manifold hinderances which may occurre, it is a very hard and difficult matter, (whatsoeuer ignorant Empiricks, Women-Physitians, and the rest of the like rabble would seeme to perswade) to bring to passe: but that he shall of­ten bewray his error and ignorance.

The Vrine is no lesse altered in regard of the age,The Vrine dif­fereth accor­ding to age. a young sucking childs vrine being of all others most incon­stant, by reason that naturall heat in that age is almost drowned vp with superabundant moysture: but when they grow to riper yeares then doth the vrine still alter ac­cording to their age, each age often differing somewhat from another both in colour and contents. And in gene­rall, the neerer one growes to his consisting age, the high­er in colour is the vrine, vntill it attaine vnto a perfect and bright golden colour, and the fewer contents it hath: a­gaine, after that time beginneth it to decline towards the white colour, the contents also increasing as the party go­eth backwards towards old age.

And therefore it is requisite to know the proper vrine [Page 40] of euery age, to the end wee may the better know in sick­nesse how farre it doth differ from that it was in health: for if a childe hauing an ague, hath with the same a wa­trish vrine, it is dangerous, especially if the concocting power bee strong. In an old man an high coloured v­rine is very dangerous, in regard it argueth an excessiue heat,The seasons of the yeare. which so much moisture cannot quench. The sea­sons of the yeare also carry with them some stroke in the alteration of the vrine; for in Summer the vrines are high coloured, and in Winter againe lower; in other seasons of the yeare more temperate.Lib de Iud. Vri. Cap 8. Of this doth Actuarius dis­course at great length.

The like may be said of the Country or ClimateThe Country and Climate. where­in one liueth; for such as dwell in hot Countries, haue commonly high-coloured vrines, in cold Countries con­trariwise. The dyetThe Dyet. likewise according to the quality of the same, hot or cold, moist or dry, may breed some altera­tion in the vrine. And thus meats of a good and laudable substance and easie of digestion, doe engender such vrines as a temperate complexion vseth to produce: and on the contrary, meates of euill quality and hard of digestion doe engender vrines of diuers colours, and thin, with strange contents, &c.

And finally, the structure and composition of the bodyThe structure and compositi­on of the body. breedeth some alteration in this businesse: for such as are thicke, fat, and corpulent, haue most commonly very pale and low-coloured vrines, such almost as they who are pampered vp and liue in pleasure and idlenesse: But such as are leane and slender haue it high coloured.

All the Premises then being duely obserued, wee may the more easily conclude that the iudgement had by the vrine is very inconstant, and oftentimes also very vncer­taine: but rightly to obserue the former conditions doth require a Physitian of excellent wit and extraordinary iudgement. If the case stand thus, what shall wee say not onely of Empiricks, Women-Physitians, but also of many o­thers, who were neuer trained vp in this skill, and there­fore [Page 41] must of necessity faile farre more then the former, as walking without any guide in a great wildernesse: and therefore whatsoeuer such people performe is but onely casuall, not proceeding from eyther skill or knowledge. But leauing a little while, these cogging and cozening Im­postors, vntill such time as we meet with them againe, and talke with them at more length; let vs proceed to de­clare how that oftentimes the best skilled Physitians may be by the vrine deceiued, if they shall chance too much to relye vpon the same.

CHAP. II. After what manner it commeth to passe that sometimes famous Physitians, not a little skilled in their profession, may in the iudgement of vrines be deceiued.

THat the most expert and skilfull Physitians may be easily deceiued in the iudgement of an vrine, may easily appeare in the Plague or Pestilence; in the which the vrine often offe­reth it selfe to the eye, like a faire painted strumpet, where no danger at all is to be discerned, if all the eyes of Argus, or of the sharp-sighted Linceus, Vrine may de­ceiue the best Physitian in the Plague. were loo­king on, when notwithstanding, often in an instant, the poore patient payeth that debt which the greatest Mo­narchs must in their owne persons satisfie, whensoeuer it shall please the creditor to call for the same. The ignorant Empiricke and the like, will be straight confounded, as making no question of the parties recouery, whereas the learned Physitian may haue as yet recourse to the Pulse, as a more certaine signe (if hee dare aduenture his person, especially in diseases of the like nature and kinde) whereas the other is not able to giue any iudgement thereby.

The Pulse therefore, as well here, as in many other dis­eases, hath a greater prerogatiue then the vrine, especially in all such diseases, wherein the vitall powers are endama­ged, [Page 42] giuing vs perfect notice of the strength or weaknes of the Patient, the which the vrine will neuer performe. Hence this verse,

The Pulse in [...]any diseases of [...]reater momēt then the vrine.The Pulse then doth more certainly informe our iudge­ment concerning the nature and state of some diseases: the vrine againe of some others; yet so as both ought to con­curre together, as also diuers other signes, whereof wee haue said somewhat already.

Now to our purpose: the vncertainty of the Vrine did plainly appeare to my selfe,History. the other day in a Patient I went to visit at the Hage. At my comming thither, and entring into the Hall, before I came at himselfe, I viewed his water, and found it to be very thin, white, and cleare like well-water: Insomuch as I would neuer haue drea­med of any burning Feuer, of the which neuerthelesse they told me he lay sicke. Comming afterwards within the roome wherein he lay, hauing also touched his Pulse, as likewise well viewed his face and euery part of the same, and after narrow inquiry of all that passed about the sicke, by meanes of the other Physitian then present, and the rest of his friends: I did there declare vnto them, that not onely he was sicke of a burning Feuer, but that likewise on the same day, being the seuenth and criticall, he would fall into a deliration; then considering againe his strength, I foretold them, that not onely would he fall into a delira­tion and rauing, but that also on the next day following he would dye rauing, and that by reason of his thinne and crude vrine, Aphor. 72. lib. 4. according to the prediction of Hippocrates. All the which accordingly came to passe, which purchased me no small praise and credit in that place and Countrey round about. Now had I trusted to the vrine onely, I should haue iudged nothing else, same some indigestion [Page 43] or cruditie in the stomach, which such an vrine may also signifie; but my personall presence, by meanes of the pulse and other signes, discouered that vnto mee which no v­rine could euer haue reuealed.

Beasts also make sometimes vrines not vnlike vnto a mans, witnesse the famous Hippocrates, in these words,Aphor. 70. lib. Whosoeuer maketh a troubled and thicke vrine, like vnto a horse, mare, &c. such eyther are, or shortly shall be troubled with head-ach. If any then would be so malitious or per­verse (as sometime it hath beene obserued) as to offer the same to a Physitian to passe his opinion vpon the same in stead of a mans or womans, this might indeed redound to the confusion of an impostorious Empiricke, woman-physitian, or such ordinary vrine-mongers, as doe peremp­torily pronounce that they are able to discerne any thing by the vrine: but I see not how this can impeach the cre­dit and reputation of the learned and iudicious Physitian, who doth not leane vpon this broken Reed, but compa­ring all the signes together, giueth sure and solid iudge­ment concerning the state and nature of the disease.

But if these ignorant Idiots were narrowly pryed into, one might take them often tripping after as grosse a man­ner as was a certaine woman in Holland. Imposture of a woman-physi­tian. A certaine man dwelling in Saint Eliges village fell sicke, vpon which oc­casion his wife posted away her maid to a woman physitian forsooth, dwelling a little way from thence; the maid mistaking, for the vrine carryeth with her some fayre wa­ter to this famous Physitian. Shee to play her part hand­somely, with a sober cariage, and stayed countenance tels wonders by this water: but the good woman the sicke-mans wife, perceiuing the maid mist [...]en, followes after her apace; but all too late, this wise-woman hauing already giuen out her verdict, and passed her opinion vpon this supposed vrine: and now seeing the true vrine arriue, all confounded and ashamed (for she might well enough) she most earnestly entreated this woman that shee would not discouer this her so notorious imposture and cozenage.

But as concerning beasts vrines, we haue no intent here to discourse of them: but who so would see more of that matter,Gordon. de vrinis, cap. 2. & cap 5. Avicen lib. 1. fen. 2. cap. 11. 12. Bertrut. in com­pend. Medic. cap. 2. de Inform. me­dic. &c. let him looke Gordonius, and there he may see som­thing of that subiect; as also concerning honey, syrops, and such other liquors mingled with the vrine, and that onely with a purpose and intent to deceiue: but these peo­ple thinking to deceiue others, are often deceiued them­selues, the harme returning homewards vpon their owne heads.

If any one would yet obiect, that the inspection of V­rines is then of no vse at all: let it be answered such a one, that the abuse doth not take away the totall and right vse there­of, being especially practised as we haue said. But whoso­euer would well be skilled in the true contemplation of vrines, together with the predictions belonging thereun­to, setting aside all fraud and imposture, I thinke it very requisite for h [...]m to reade ouer such Authors as haue lear­nedly written of this subiect, the which are not a few. A­mongst the rest,Actuar. lib. 7. de vrinis. Ambrosius, Leo, Nolanus latinita­te denavit. Iaco­bus Gopylus re­cognovit. in my opinion, Actuarius in regard of Greeke Writers, hath done so worthily in this point, that few sure haue exceeded him, and many since haue secon­ded him, who all were here too tedious to relate. Of the which knowledge these people of whom we haue lately spoken, being altogether ignorant, as also of the seuerall signes of diseases, together with their proper significa­tions, hauing neuer beene trained vp in the nurseries of good learning, vnder learned and iudicious Physitians (in this case absolutely necessary) it followeth of necessity, that their pretended inspection of vrines, and iudgement: thereby, is nothing else but impostorious coniecture, and their seeming knowledge nothing else but notorious ig­norance masked with this vizard.

A sharpe sight requisite to iudg well of vrines.Now besides all the premisses, he that will excell in this skill and knowledge, must be endued with a good sharpe sight, to the end he may be the better able to discerne as well the seuerall colours as contents thereof. The generall and maine conclusion therefore abideth firme, stedfast, [Page 45] and vnmouable, that the iudgement and skill of the na­ture of diseases attained vnto by the sole inspection of Ʋ­rines, (especially as it is now generally vsed or rather abu­sed) is of no force or validity at all, but the occasion ra­ther of innumerable dangers and inconueniences.

CHAP. III. That Empiricke-Vrine-mongers, Mountebankes, Quackesal­uers, Women-Physitians, and rest of that rabble, by their inspections of Ʋrines, doe rather tell lies then truth, the which notwithstanding they perswade the too-too credulous, and simple, vnlearned and ignorant people, to bee as true as sacred Oracles.

NOw hauing hitherto declared the vncer­tainty of this Signe, and that especially such are deceiued in the iudgement of Ʋ­rines, as doe not marke and obserue, or at least slightly passe ouer such rules as wee haue declared already, which learned and iudicious Physi­tians haue set down to be obserued; It is now requisite that wee insist a little vpon the cozenage, cogging and im­posture of our ordinary Empirickes, and such others as be­long to that fellowship and society.

This scumme and off-scouring of people,The cunning knaueries of impostorious Empiricall Wa­termongers. without conscience and honesty, yet seeking by all craft and cun­ning as well to attaine to some credit and reputation a­mongst the people, as to conuey vnto themselues some part of [...]heir wealth and riches, and that vnder some faire counterfeit colour of skill in the Profession of Physicke, being withall conscious to themselues of their owne in­sufficiency, and ignorant of the signes, causes, and conse­quently of the right cure of diseases, to the attaining of the which the most learned Physitians bestow no small la­bour and paines, then haue they recourse to the Sanctuary [Page 46] of vnlearned fooles, to wit, the iudgement or rather im­posture by Ʋrines.

This cozenage costs them but little labour, and easily become they maisters in this Mystery; for if they can but by their tricks and cunning iuggling imposture fish out any thing of these poore Country ignorant Asses, they will like Parrats prate of the same againe at great length, perswading by this meanes the silly and simple ignorant multitude (apt euer to bee carried away more with sha­dowes and shewes then substances) that they farre exceed the most learned and experienced Physitians, all their skill notwithstanding being nothing else but meer coniectures & impostorious deluding of the simpler sort. One of this crew the other day perswaded a woman a neighbour of ours vpon the sight of her vrine, that her heart was al ouer­growne with certaine small wheales like the small Poxe, the impostor pointing notwithstanding to the place of the stomach or maw, (so ignorant was hee of Anatomy) which hee pretended to be the sole and onely cause of her paine and misery. And yet it is well knowne to the learned and iudicious Physitian, that the heart can endure and suf­fer neither wheales, tumours, vlceration, abscesse nor impo­stume, but presently procureth the dissolution of the crea­ture; so noble and necessary a member is this Princely part.Gal. lib. 5. cap. 1. de locis affectis. Galen indeed did obserue in an Ape which died of a Consumption, that in the pericardium or skin which enuironeth and compasseth the heart round about, was a certaine rising or tumour, containing in the same such a watrish humour, as the wheales doe commonly containe, the sole and onely cause which procured this languish­ing disease and death to this vnreasonable creature. Nei­ther yet was this in the body and substance of the heart it selfe, the which also as other such diseases, no Vrine was euer able to lay open vnto thee. The goodman Wood­cocke this womans husband hauing had the opinion of an honest and learned Physitian concerning her disease, and the true cause of it, as being a crudity & indigestion of [Page 47] her stomack, yet gaue more credit to this notable impostor, who giuing her a violent medicine to scoure vpwards and downwards (as is their vsuall manner) left her in a worse case then he found her.

This sort of sottish people are not content to abound in their owne ignorance,Sottish and ig­norant people are not able to iudge aright of the truth. and willingly walke in blindnesse and error, but are also ready for the most part to blame and disgrace the best and most learned Physitians, who if they had the hundreth eyes of Argus, could see no such matter in the Vrine, as they sottishly imagine. Such a one was that Countrey Lob,Cap. 1. de Vri­nis. of whom speakes Michael Sauonaro­la, who hauing fallen off his Cart and bruised his body, did much reproach a skilfull and very learned Physitian, Blockish stupi­dity of a Coun­try Lob. because hee could see neither Cart nor Oxen in his Ʋrine. So blockish and so sottish is this vulgar sort of people,Quid distent aera Lupinis. Horat. that (as Horace saith) they scarse know chalke from cheese, not a­ble to discerne truth from falshood, or to distinguish be­twixt that which is vpright, and that which is sophisticate and adulterate: they still delight like Swine to lye wal­lowing in the mire; their common custome being to fa­uour Impostors, Empiricks, and cozening knaues, pray­sing and extolling them aboue the skyes, how be it often and most commonly deluded & grosly abused by them: on the other side debasing and contemning the skilfull and learned Physitian who sticks to the truth, and that as seemeth, for no other reason but because hee will not alone relye vpon the vncertaine signe of Ʋrine, being desirous to compare all the signes together, and from thence deli­uer certaine and sure iudgement concerning the future e­uent of the disease.

And what dare not these fool-hardy iuggling knaues babble out in the presence of the ignorant and vnlearned people? For if perhaps in giuing of their graue aduice forsooth concerning the vrine, they shall haue forgotten any thing, or haue not hit the naile on the head, then straight haue they recourse to their cogging and lying, essentiall properties belonging vnto them. Then mayest [Page 48] thou heare them tell wonders by the Water: The wonders which Empi­ricks see by the Vrine. sometimes that the stomach is fallen out of the owne place, which they will make no doubt to restore againe into the same: somtimes againe that there are certaine little wheals full of water growne vpon the body or substance of the Liuer, or else some little stones about the bignesse of beanes growne within the same, or the substance thereof to bee quite wa­sted away with Venery or too much drinking. Some­times thou maist heare them prate that the braines are fal­len close together; that the pipes of the lungs are stuffed vp, and that hence it commeth to passe that they are able to vtter no sound; that the heart likewise is full of watrish wheales; that the spleene is wasted away to nothing; that the kidneyes wast apace and are voyded by vrine; that the bladder is burst, so that it can no more containe the vrine; and finally that the guts are burst, which causeth the voyd­ing of the excrements vpwards. And who can reckon vp all their Lies?

All these former defects notwithstanding, will they promise to repaire with great facility, new braines, hearts; liuers, lungs, (O noble and famous, infamous I had al­most said, Physitians) and what not.

But of all these faire flourishes and golden promises, what findeth the poore Patient but scarce leaden effects? To make this more plainly appeare to the ingenuous and iudicious Reader,History of the Imposture of an vnskilfull Physitian, affir­ming that the Liuer was wa­sted to the big­nes of a beane. it shall not be amisse here to insert some certaine stories which haue hapned here of late among our neighbours.

Not long since came to mee a maid-seruant bringing to mee her Mistrisses vrine, the which was thicke, troubled and muddy, enclining to the colour of wine, of a reddish colour, being also in a small quantity; the which hauing a [Page 49] little viewed, I demanded of the maid, whether the wo­man were loose in her body or bound? she answered that for many dayes together she had beene very loose. The which hauing heard, I iudged straight that this flux came by reason of the weaknesse of the liuer. And because such an vrine (according to the opinion of Actuarius) doth of­ten signifie blood mingled with choler, Actuar. lib. de praeuid. ex vrin. cap. 7. I told that shee was troubled with a bloody flux proceeding from the liuer: Not that I would peremptorily maintaine that such an Hepaticall flux, or yet of any other sort or kind, can or may bee assuredly knowne by the vrine onely, it being so deceitfull and vncertaine a signe. But first the small quantity, as also the colour of the same, made mee more confident, yet not certaine and assured, vntill such time as I enquired first of the flux, and then of the conti­nuance thereof: The maid then admiring my iudgement, did confesse that the case stood iust as I had declared vnto her: and that moreouer another Physitian (whom she cal­led a Doctor, and that not without cause, for he gaue him­selfe forth for no lesse, both in his beard, apparell, and fa­shion of cariage, hauing liued a long time in the Vniuer­sity of Cologue, and now being returned home, practised Physicke apace) had hitherto, but all in vaine, laboured to cure her of her disease, but that in her iudgement since she had refrained from his Physicke, shee found her selfe much better, howbeit the former flux were not as yet quite stopped. This Physitian moreouer (saith she) affir­med that her liuer was already wasted away to the big­nesse of a beane, and that now it groweth againe. The which when I heard I could not refraine from laughing, answering her after this manner: It is an easie matter for this famous Physitian to perswade thee, and thy mistresse also, but not so mee: for if thy mistresses liuer were thus wasted, she could neuer haue liued vntill this time.A priest water-prophet per­swaded one that his Liuer was wasted away.

The like did a certaine Priest, a famous water-prophet, (who is here in so great account for his supposed iudge­ment of Ʋrines) perswade one of my acquaintance, that [Page 50] his liuer was quite wasted away with excessiue drinking: the vulgar sort holding a certaine opinion, that great drunkards waste away both their liuer and lungs. A woman-phy­sitian perswa­ding a Gentle­man that his Liuer was wa­sted away. No lesse ridiculous and absurd then the former, was that which Ʋalerius Cordus relateth concerning a woman-physitian; I know (saith he) a certaine infamous iugling witch, which per­swaded a certaine Gentleman that his liuer had beene by too much lechery exceedingly decayed, and at last quite wasted away by little and little, and in conclusion wrested out of this Gentleman 80. Florins, Neere 10. li. sterling. for the which she promised to make him a new Liuer againe. These and the like are very ordinary and vsuall amongst them; the which notwithstanding, any that is iudicious may know to be farre otherwise. For neither can the liuer nor the lungs bee wanting in the body of man, the one being the instrument of sanguifica­tion, wherein the blood is prepared, and from thence di­stributed ouer the whole body; the other also as with a bellowes refreshing the feruent heat of the heart; and both being so necessary and needfull, as without them we can scarce liue a minute of an houre.Seuerer punish­ment due vnto such people then to coun­terfeiters of the Princes coyne. Such as counter­feit or clip the Kings coyne, are (and that most worthily) punished after a most seuere and exemplary manner: And yet these vile and wicked wretches commit a more hey­nous crime in defacing, yea and often in quite marring the image of that great and mighty Monarch, the blessed God himselfe, marryring and torturing the sicke bodies with their violent, dangerous, and imprepared drugs, such as are Colocynthis, Scammonec, Stibium, Hellebore, or sneesing powder, (the which altogether vnprepared they doe most commonly vse) that oftentimes after the bare sight of an vrine onely, hauing administred the same vnto them, they shortly after change this crasie life for a better. And yet so farre are they from punishment, that the multitude admire them, yea oftentimes such cozeners are in no small account (the greater pitty) amongst some great men, who ough [...] rather to detest and reiect out of their companie such var­lets. And yet giue they not ouer so, but doe yet continue [Page 51] and deuise grosser lies then the former, affirming that trees grow in peoples bellies, and that by inspection of the vrine onely. I will therefore relate something of mine owne knowledge concerning this matter.

When as I practised physicke in the Towne of Alcmar in Holland, I was sent for into Thessaly, an Iland in Holland, to a Gentleman there diseased: and amongst other vrines which were then (according to the old inueterate cu­stome) brought vnto mee to behold, a certaine woman brought me an vrine also. This vrine was white and thin,Notable impo­sture of a cog­ging knaue, perswading people that trees grew in their bellies. transparent and cleere, crude, and without any residence: all which doe euidently demonstrate crudity, and euill digestion and concoction of the stomacke, together with great obstructions of the liuer: the belly being also withall exceedingly swelled, it was no hard matter to discerne that her disease was a Dropsie. I demanded therefore whether she had beene long thus or no? Who answered me that she had beene of a long time troubled therewith, as also that certaine yeares agoe she sent her vrine to a very skil­full Physitian, as they commonly reputed him: this cog­ging knaue (after he had heard of the swelling of her bel­ly) told her that a great tree was growne in her belly, the which now did so swell it vp that she was scarce able to stirre vp and downe: yea and moreouer, that there was no small danger lest very shortly her belly should burst by the extraordinary encrease of the same: this villane withall did brag of a medicine hee had, by the which hee could quite rid her of this tree, and restore her to her former health againe: the which if this potion did not performe, the Rascall did constantly auouch, that the best and skil­fullest Physitians in all the Country could neuer cure her: This pretious potion which cost 4. Florins,Neere 10. shil­lings sterling. being swal­lowed downe, came farre short of this Rascals promise, but yet did answer their vsuall performance, that is, did no good at all, if not hurt. But after a few moneths her [...]uell burst of it owne accord, and by that meanes great store of water was voyded out of her belly, and shee, as [Page 52] was her conceit, perfectly cured. But after a certaine time, the cause not being remoued, she fell againe in a relapse, and now the disease being inueterate, and shee carelesse, and perhaps somewhat neere and too couetous withall, made at length exchange of this life with another. This woman if she had obserued that golden rule, that occasion and opportunity (according to Hippocrates) is swift and spee­dy: when as Nature it selfe opened a passage, might per­haps haue found helpe: as likewise if she had been as boun­tifull to a learned and skilfull Physitian as to her Empirick. The like opinion of a tree was likewise had of a Printers wife in the Towne of Delfe, A Printers wife of Delfe thought to haue a tree in her belly, cured. and that not by the more common sort, but euen by many of those who were thought to be of better vnderstanding. There being di­uers opinions concerning her disease, I was of opinion that shee was not with child (as a certaine Midwife and some others were) neither yet that she had either trees or shrubs in her belly, but rather that shee had conceiued a confused lumpe of flesh, conioyned with some wind, the which my opinion was by the issue and successe confir­med, she being by my meanes throughly cured. Now be­fore we depart out of this thicket of trees, let vs yet adde one story more touching this matter.

A woman of Alemare in Holland suppo­sed to haue a tree in her bellie.A certaine woman dwelling in the Towne of Alcmare in Holland, was both with child and troubled with a drop­sie. But fiue dayes after this woman was brought to bed, she died, her belly being not at all fallen. Hence arose this rumour of some ignorant sots, altogether ignorant of our Art, auouching that yet a tree remained behind; o­thers that there was yet another child behind; others, a false conception; and finally some others perswaded the friends that some watrish wheales like pox were growne vpon the liuer, and that from thence this water had distil­led into the belly. As for my selfe I maintained that shee was with child, & withal her belly swelled vp with wate [...] the which the issue afterwards made manifest, when as t [...] dead corps being opened, there issued forth of the same di­uers [Page 53] gallons of water: But as for either tree or wheales, as falsly was supposed, was there none to be seene, howbeit both liuer & spleen were become schirrous & hard as stones. But these ignorant asses wil not here yet giue ouer,The ridiculous iudgement of an old Nunne concerning a woman with child. but cō­fidently affirme that they are able to tell thee by the vrine, whether a woman be with child or no. Thus of late a cer­taine old Gran-dame (whom I know well) perswaded some of her neighbours, that she did euidently see in an vrine brought to her, a woman with child: and yet was this good gossip her selfe so old and blind, that she could scarce know him that brought her the vrine, he being notwith­standing one of her old acquaintance. This good old woman was neuer a whit ashamed, howbeit a Nunne, and a religious person by profession, to broach so grosse and palpable lies.Another ridi­culous conie­cture by vrine. This same renowned and worthy woman bragged often that she could see the coffins wherein the dead are laid, swimming in the vrine of such as were like­ly to dye. But these are but trifles in comparison of such peoples rare and admirable skill in discerning by the vrine the age of the patient, the time when he fell sicke, and how long hee hath thus continued, what he hath eaten and drunke, what hath beene the occasion of his disease, what is done about him, both at that instant and at other times: and to conclude, euery outward thing, (the which accor­ding to Galen are infinite) as the barking of dogs, noyses, cryings, and great clamours; and to be briefe, all externall and outward diseases, as the French pox, and many others. Now further,Auicen. lib. 2. fen. 2. howsoeuer Auicenna and some others seeme to be of opinion that a mans vrine may be discerned from a womans: yet it is a thing altogether impossible, assured­ly without failing to discerne the one from the other:The sexe can­not alwayes & absolutely be discerned by the vrine. for as well may a womans vrine sometimes be thin and of a good & laudable colour, proceeding of some other cause, as a mans; and againe on the contrary, a man may some­ [...]es haue a thicke, white, and not so faire an vrine to looke vpon, as a woman; but especially if he bee seased with any disease. And for this cause the Physitians of best [Page 52] [...] [Page 53] [...] [Page 54] note and fame, being wholly addicted vnto the truth, are not ashamed to confesse as much, to wit, that such con­iectures are oftentimes idle and vncertaine, and therefore not to be trusted vnto. That casually and by chance they may sometimes hit home, as the blind man throwes his staffe, I doe not deny: but that any can assuredly and without all faile declare the one from the other, shall ne­uer be proued. But such coniectures proue often such as was that of a certaine impostor, who deluded his Host ve­ry cunningly, which came thus to passe.

An Apothecary cunningly delu­ded by an Em­piricke.A certainc Empiricke of Groningen was lately receiued and entertained in an Apothecaries house, on condition that hee would after a while teach him by what Art and skill he could discerne the sexe, whether a mans or a wo­mans vrine. After that this cunning knaue had liued a long while at the Apothecaries cost, and fared as well as his Host, the Hostesse beganne to grumble seeing so vnprofi­table a guest haue so long entertainment at her house with­out any profit to their purses; and was very earnest with her husband, to giue him his pasport, and send him pack­ing. The poore Apothecary beganne at length to hearken vnto his wiues request, and now at his guests departure intreated him that he would performe his promise long since made vnto him, expecting at his guests hands a full reward of his so liberall and long hospitalitie. This cun­ning Cheater answered him thus: Take good heed when­soeuer any one bringeth thee an vrine, for if entring into thy chamber he or she set the right foot formost, then is it a mans vrine; if the left first, then is it a womans. The poore woodcocke all ashamed of himselfe, was forced to sit downe with the losse: yet did his wife so bestirre her tongue against her deluded husband (and some cause she had) that he was forced to put vp a petition to her for a quiet life.

As the vrine onely cannot giue vs sure and vndoub [...] knowledge of the sexe, no more certainty doth it affo [...] vs concerning a womans being with childe. And howso­euer [Page 55] Avicenna in the afore alledged place seemes to say o­therwise:That a woman is with childe, cannot be dis­cerned by the vrine onely. yet Savonarola explaining this text in his Booke of Ʋrines, giues vs warning not to relye too much on these vncertaine signes onely, the which may as well ap­peare in a womans vrine that is not with childe, as name­ly in the retention of their monethly disease, and in a false conception, insomuch that in such cases the most learned, and of the best note and reputation, haue beene deceiued, and so exposed themselues to ignominy and disgrace.

Thus it hapned to two of the most famous Physitians of that time, both of them belonging to the Vniuersity of Parye, to wit, Marsilius de sancta Sophia, and Petrus Tu­signanus, who both being too-too confident in so vncer­taine a signe (howsoeuer otherwise endued with singular skill and learning, as their learned workes doe yet beare witnesse to the world) in this point did erre and were de­ceiued. Their error should make vs looke better about vs, and not rest vpon this so vncertaine a signe alone, but to consider likewise of all such signes as doe commonly ac­company women with childe, at great length described in the large volumes of ancient and later Physitians. And for this cause the most iudicious and learned Physitians are most sparing in this point: but the ignorant Empiricke, woman-physitians, and such, are most confident and assu­red in this so vncertaine and deceitfull a signe, which of­tentimes turnes to the great preiudice and hurt of many a one: as of late the sonne of a Iew being an Empiricke, ha­uing sent to him the vrine of a womans in the towne of Delfe, and not so much as once suspecting the woman to be with child, so farre was this runnagate from the true knowledge of the same, that hee administred vnto her a most violent purge, which wrought so violently both vp­ward and downward, that in a short time not onely was she deliuered of two dead children, but shee also her selfe immediately after went the way of all flesh. But wee will prosecute this argument at greater length hereafter, and therefore we will here breathe a little.

CHAP. IIII. Of the imposture, fraud, deceit, and cunning trickes which wandring water-mongers, roguing Empirickes, and such like cogging cozeners doe vse in deliuering their opinions concerning vrines.

HOwbeit heretofore we haue in some sort laid open some of these impostures and deceits of such as doe abuse the world in this kind: yet will wee now in this Chapter proceed to lay open some more (for all, it were hard for any one) and that more fully then here­tofore. This kinde of people seemeth to haue cast off not onely all honesty, and sold themselues to worke all man­ner of wickednesse with greedinesse: but euen to haue de­nyed all Diuinity and diuine prouidence. For they are not content to vse some ordinary slights and trickes to en­trap and ensnare the more meane and simple sort of peo­ple,Diuers actions of Vrin [...]mōgers whereby they a­buse the more simple sort. as viewing their vrines at a looking-glasse; sometimes running to and fro with the same, sometimes lightning a candle at the noonetide of the day, powring out now and then some drops of the same, and againe sometimes sha­king it in the vrinall, smelling now and then to it (and I could wish they would taste it to) setting sometimes their vrinals, their cases, or both, before, or at the entry of their doores, to the view of the world, and all to the end they may, like cozening raskals, draw more water to their mils, and custome to their shops: But yet (which is most wic­ked and abhominable both before GOD and man) these imps of Satan doe to their former impostures, when they will not serue their turnes, adde such vnlawfull and dam­nable practices, as the Enemy of mankinde, that old Ser­pent hath taught them.

And thus are they not onely iniurious to themselues, and their owne soules, but doe endanger many a silly soule also, which commeth vnto them for this Diabolicall [Page 57] counsell. This some of them doe performe by meanes of a ring,Coniecture of vrines by meanes of a ring applied to the care. holding neere to their eare their finger with this ring vpon it, as though the Diuell did first round them in the eare the opinion and coniecture, which afterwards they deliuer to such as come to them to that end and pur­pose. And to the end more credit may be giuen to them, they doe openly professe, that such rings are in Venice o­penly to be sold. It was told me also that an Empiricke-Surgeon had such a Ring, who told wonders by the water, to the great wonder and amazement of many: to him I once also my selfe went with a water, who holding his Ring neere his eare, told me strangely in order the cir­cumstance of the disease.

And yet this manner of coniecturing by vrines is flatly forbidden vs in the Law of Moses, where it is said,All manner of commerce or c [...]mpact with familiar spirits forbidden in Gods word. Leuit. 20.27. Deut. 18.10.11.12. A man or woman that hath a familiar Spirit, or is a wizzard, shall surely dye, &c. So likewise in Deuteronomy: There shall not be found among you one that vseth diuination, or an ob­seruer of times, or an inchanter, or witch, or charmer, or con­sulter with familiar Spirits, or wizzard, or Necromancer. For all that doe these things are an abhomination to the Lord. Therefore dyed Ahaziah King of Israel, 2 King. 1. because in his sicknesse, contemning GOD and good meanes, to wit, true Physitians, he sent to consult with Beelzebub the god of Accaron. And Saint Ierome vpon Ieremiah, Ier. cap. 11. 1 [...]am. witness [...]th the same. The like cariage furthered King Saul to that most miserable end.

Hence therefore wee learne this, that howsoeuer the LORD doe not presently hearken vnto our prayers, and grant our requests, yet ought we not to haue recourse vn­to the deuill, who can neuer minister true helpe to those that worship him: but rather still instantly wee ought to implore and beg for the help of our most gracious GOD.

The deuill likewise being a most cunning craftsmaster,What people are most vsually employed in such impo­stures. makes choice of such vncleane and wicked persons, recei­uing them into his seruice, to the end hee may by their meanes more easily deceiue and intrap others: as namely, [Page 56] [...] [Page 57] [...] [Page 58] [...] [Page 59] [...] [Page 60] [...] [Page 61] [...] [Page 62] [...] [Page 63] [...] [Page 58] a perfidious Iew, an apostate and runnagate Monke, an igno­rant Parish-priest, Ʋagabonds, cheating and cogging Knaues, busie bodies, charming old wiues, with all the rest of such rake­hels: being inticed and induced (rather seduced) here­unto eyther by a certaine selfe-loue, that they may be by this meanes more esteemed of: or else by their owne ma­lice and wickednesse, that by such meanes they may de­fraud and cozen others: or finally, by couetousnesse and auarice the mother of all mischiefe.Poysoning and witchcraft can­not be discer­ned by the vrine. And some of these Villaines are yet fraught so full of this wickednesse, and brazen-faced impudency, that they dare goe yet further, by the vrine to promise to detect such as are guilty of theft or any other grieuous crime: yea, and of witchcraft it selfe.

I my selfe also know such vrine-mongers (I thinke he ra­ther deserued to be an Iron-monger) and conterfeit Physi­tian, who would tell very confidently by the vrine, that the diseased were eyther poysoned or bewitched: and to the end that by his cogging and iugling hee might get a double reward, he would promise without any doubt to cure him. And if by any meanes, eyther from the messen­ger that bringeth the same, or yet otherwise, they can once learne that the diseased hath of a long time beene visited by sicknesse, then straight will they discerne in the vrine that the party is bewitched, making no question to cure the same.Another stra­tagem. And often also they will confidently affirme, that there are some strange things, perhaps some liuing creatures, as frogs, &c. within their bodies, and if it shall happen that these Cheaters be sent for to the Patient, they will presently giue him some violent medicine, as Stibium, Colocynthis, &c. the which working excessiuely vpwards and downewards, they secretly shuffle and conuey into the vrine such things as before they affirmed to haue been within the body: the which this so cunningly cozened Patient beholding, admireth the skill of this new Aescu­lapius, who deserued rather to haue beene whipt for his paines, and his eares nailed to the Pillory. Of many other [Page 59] trickes besides the former, these impudent Rogues are not ignorant.

And thus it was reported vnto me concerning a cer­taine Empiricke, Notable sleight of an Empirick. who had an artificiall Looking-glasse made, containing within it fayre water: in the which were liuing frogs swimming vp and downe, as though they had beene little deuils suggesting to the knaue what hee should say concerning the vrines which were brought vn­to him, as also concerning things stollen.

Some likewise there are,Iudgement of vrines by Geo­manticall points. who onely by Geomanticall prickes, hauing looked vpon the vrine, will giue out their verdict of the disease, as also concerning the life or death of the party, the which impious diuination wee referre to witchcraft.

And some there be againe, who by erecting the figureBy erecting o [...] the Figure. of the Heauen, as they call it, will seeme to performe the same, which would seeme to be great Physitian-astrologers,

Some againe I know liuing at this day,Geometricall measuring of the vrine. who doe of set purpose apishly imitate Geometers, first measuring the v­rine with a compasse, and then deliuering, I know not what oracles concerning the same. But whosoeuer doth vse any of the aforesaid Diabolicall, Geomanticall, or Geo­metricall coniectures, besides the heinous fault hee com­mitteth, he maketh moreouer this Semioticall part of Phy­sicke, concerning the signes of diseases, to depend altoge­ther vpon coniecture.

But some yet vse a farre fayrer shew and colour to cloak their knauery,Coniectures of Vrine by the colour painted on papers. hauing certaine papers or bookes before their eyes, in the which are liuely represented all the seue­rall colours of vrines, hold their vrinall neere vnto the same, and then not without great admiration and sterne countenance, like some learned clerkes (being notwith­standing but ignorant asses) pronounce their Ʋrinall-oracles.

Some also haue their Studies in some corners fitted for imposture, performing their coniectures by cunning sug­gestion, or such like sleight. This kinde of imposture [Page 60] practised a certaine old trot,Notable sleight and cozenage of an old wo­man-physitian. who for her cunning in cast­ing of vrines (as they call it) was esteemed not to haue her fellow in all that Country. This goodly gran-dame fa [...]e in her chamber hard by the street doore, when any came to call for her, the daughter questioning in the meane time with the party, (and that with so loud a voice that her mother might easily heare all their talke) and learning of them as well the disease it selfe, as also all the accident▪ thereof: the daughter runneth afterwards to a doore in another corner of the house and calleth out this wise wo­man, she then like some Sibyllaes Oracle, declares and tels on with great confidence that which before she had heard from her daughter.

Most of these villaines to aduance themselues, doe most commonly contemne and backbite the most learned and skilfull Physitians, extolling and aduancing themselues and those of their owne society. And to get yet more fame and reputation among the vulgar sort, they delight in the name of trauelling Physitians, as also to be called Iewes, Mahometans, and Turke-physitians: bragging also that they had great Doctors for their fathers, and yet perhaps are they Coblers or Tinkers sonnes, or else it may bee of some bastardly breed, hauing fled their owne Country for some infamous crimes.

Suborning of old women vsu­all to Empi­ricks.These cozening knaues haue a custome when they come to any Towne or Village, to suborne and hire some poore old woman, who knowing well where sicke folkes lie, resort to their houses, and tell them that there is lately come to towne some worthy and famous Physitian (a Do­ctor at least) Iew or Turke out of Turky, bringing with him most rare and exquisite remedies, yea and such as the best furnished Apothecaries shop in the best City of the Land cannot afford the like: and that besides all this there are none like them in the Land for iudgement of an vrine. The patient thus abused, sendeth his vrine by this trusty old trot to this new come Aesculapius, and returning back againe from him, aduanceth his skill aboue the skies, affir­ming [Page 61] with great asseuerations that hee hath hit the naile on the head, and not onely hit right on the disease, but on euery circumstance thereof. Then mayest thou see the people flocke apace to the Impostor, vntill such time as his skill waxe stale, and his knauery be discouered: then the gallant remoues the Campe, trussing vp bag and bag­gage, and goeth to some other place, where he practiseth the like imposture. And when it commeth to passe, (as too often it doth) that their patients dye vnder their hands, then are these foresaid women ready to plead their cause, affirming that it was no want of skill in them, but that their time was now come: that in the Hospitals where learned Physitians practise their best skill, there sicke and diseased doe likewise die. But on the contrary, if any pa­tient shall happen to dye vnder the hand of the most skil­full Physitian, they will not faile to exclaime vpon him, that he hath killed him, to make him more odious among the vulgar sort. Now to the end their knauery may the better be laid open to the view of the world, I will here set downe the story of two notable cozening knaues, who liued not long since in Dordrecke a famous towne in Holland.

These two lusty gallants hauing both of them spent that small stocke left them by their parents legacy,Notorious im­postu [...]e of two coz [...]ning kn [...]ues in Hol­land. began to bethinke themselues of a new inuention to gather to­gether some money. At length one of them, who was the master contriuer of the new tricke, speaketh to his fellow after this manner: I will play the Physitian and will hang out an vrinall to draw on the people, thou in the meane time get thee into some Al [...]house where there be good store of company drinking, play the good fellow with them, drinking thy pot to theirs; now when as thou shalt see them merry, and per­ceiue them well wet within, take thou occasion to brag and boast of the comming to towne of one of the rarest and most cunning Physitians that euer they knew, who can tell the most secret and hidden things by the vrine, yea and that so farre doth his skill and cunning extend, that if diuers persons should make water in [Page 62] one pot, he is able to tell t [...] same: and further thou maiest al­so lay a wager, that vnlesse he be able to performe it thou wilt pay for all that hath beene spent amongst them that day: but if he shall happen to hit the mark, that thou thy selfe shalt then goe scot-free: but mark narrowly, I pray thee, how many there be that make water into the pewter pot, and make thou so many small scores vnder the side of the same, that I may perfectly know the number. These his pot companions accept of the wager, being altogether ignorant of the collusion of these two cogging knaues, and so deliuer the pot to the Hostesse, who carrieth the same to this other impostor, being alto­gether ignorant of the whole businesse. The cozener knowing perfectly all the premisses, hauing powred it forth into a great vrinall, lookes vpon it; then with a sterne, awfull, and disdainfull countenance, turnes him­selfe to the Hostesse, saying: What is the cause that thou shouldest after this manner come to vndermine me, and thus to trie and sift out my skill? thou malepert woman, what a mis­chiefe brought thee hither? what base rogue hath suborned thee thus to cozen and deceiue me? Looking againe on the vrine with a certaine counterfeit grauity, they were sixe in num­ber (saith the Impostor) who pissed in the pot, (the which he had secretly learned by the aforesaid scores) and for them all thou must pay me ere thou departest hence. This woman at the hearing hereof, as being ignorant of the whole mat­ter, was not a little amazed, but yet spake to him mildly after this manner: I know not what you meane by these words, but, my friend, if the case stand thus as you say, I pray you pardon me, for they deliuered me the pot, as you see, I being al­together ignorant of any such matter. At length after many words, she payed him for all the sixe vrines, and at her re­turne she told her guests the whole circumstance of the matter. They admiring his so great skill and cunning, praised this his imposture aboue the skies: & after they had payed the Hostesse their shot, they repayed her also that which she had layed out for their vrines. The fame of this was so noysed abroad, that the people came flocking to [Page 63] this Impostor, as it had beene to some Fayre or Mart: but yet within a few dayes, for feare of being discouered, they both remoued their Campe to another place, where they might more cunningly and safely practise their impo­sture and cozenage. But we see how farre imposture ta­keth place, and how hard it is to beat reason into the blockish braines of the vulgar sort, which giueth some­times occasion to some learned Physitians to betake them to their sleights and shifts, seeing this kind of dealing best welcomed of the vulgar.

Thus at my first returne out of Italy, I came into France, and practised for a little space in the Towne of Pithi­ers: the Apothecary of the Towne told mee that there dyed there lately a Physitian, who was for his supposed skill in the inspection of vrines, of no small account and fame;A Physitian tel­ling of nothing but Rheumes by the Vrine. and yet hee told euery one most commonly that they were troubled with the Rheume, the which hee some times affirmed to be fallen downe vpon the lungs, some­times on the stomacke, liuer, spleene, the mother, kidneyes, bladder, or the whole body: But this is but a trifle in com­parison of their greater errors.

It is yet a great deale grosser, that if they can by any meanes hearken out that any one is troubled with mad­nesse, deliration, or melancholy, they straight iudge by their vrines that they are possessed, and so proue often an occa­sion of hauing recourse to Coniurers, Witches and Wi­zards, forsaking by this meanes the true and euer-liuing GOD, and good meanes.

All long and lingring diseases likewise, as also all such as are accompanied with any strange or vncouth accidents, and such as are not obuious to the meane and shallow ca­pacity of the more rude and ignorant sort of people, doe they by the inspection of the vrine, referre to Witchcraft, or the illusion of the Diuell: such bee besides the former the Epilepsie or falling sicknesse, the Apoplexie, Incubus or night-mare, convulsions, especially the turning awry of the mouth or necke, the disease called Catalepsis, the Lethar­gie, [Page 64] or such like sleepy diseases, together also with consump­ti [...]ns, dropsies, la [...]ks, bloody-fluxes, hystericall passion, common­ly called the mother, &c.

A lamentable thing it is to see the world so oppressed with these Impostors; but the greatest mischiefe, is that some yet colour their knauery with the cloake of Religion, the which I will instance in a liuely example.

Notable Impo­sture of a con­iuring rrest, af­fi ming a wo­man with child to bee bewitch­ed.My wiues Brothers wife dwelling at Amsterdam, and liuing at this instant, was vpon a certaine time much op­pressed with a great fit of sicknesse, and so farre as I could collect, Melancholy hypochondriacke. This woman hauing beene not very long married, was in doubt whether shee was with child or no, and by reason of her extremity, incli­ning rather to beleeue that she was not. For this cause shee sent vp and downe to diuers places of the Countrey (as is the common custome, especially in long and lingring dis­eases, howbeit a very bad one) to know of Physitians their opinion concerning her Vrine, thinking this sufficient to free her from her disease. Now lately was come to the Towne a notable new cozener being a wandring Priest, giuing himselfe out for some great Doctor (as these knaues most commonly doe) especially amongst the vulgar sort. This womans Vrine then amongst many others was carri­ed to him: after hee had a little looked there on, he asked the maid that brought it certaine questions, by the which he had learned that she had been sicke a long time, as also that she had had the opinion & aduice of diuers Physitians, who all notwithstanding had giuen her no ease. Hence the cunnicatching knaue takes occasion to promise wonders of himselfe, and that moreouer there was neuer a Doctor of them all able to cure this woman, the Impostor adding yet moreouer that she was bewitched. The maid asked moreouer whether shee were not with childe? He answe­red her, that she was not at all so much as conceiued with childe, but that for certaine she was bewitched, and that by such a one, as hee would haue sworne would neuer haue committed so wic­ked a fact: and did moreouer protest with great Oathes, that [Page 65] none besides himselfe was able to cure her. In the Cure he was very desirous to haue ioyned with himselfe a certaine Coniurer, who should daily mumble and mutter I know not what ouer the sicke womans head. Then would he himselfe administer vnto her certaine Physicall Potions, after the vse whereof shee should so perfectly recouer, that there should not the least remainder of her disease after­wards appeare: And if thou wilt (saith the Villaine) I will goe with thee to see thy Mistrisse. The maid hauing her wits about her, said, that this was beyond her commissi­on, but that shee would first know her Mistrisses pleasure. The sicke woman being seasoned with true Religion and piety, would in no wise admit of any Coniurer, resol­uing rather to commit her selfe vnto the hands of God & good Physitians, then to haue any dealing with such iug­ling knaues, and yet some of her friends were very instant with her to vse the counsell of this cozener. A few dayes after her Husband my Cousin commeth to mee to Alc­mare, where I then practised Physicke, bringing with him his wiues vrine, and withall acquainted mee with the whole manner of her disease, together with all the acci­dents and circumstances thereof vntill that present time. After I had well viewed the Water, perceiuing it to bee thin and cleare, with a leaden coloured circle, and small residence, I was of opinion there was great crudity in the stomacke, occasioning bad concoction therein; for such an vrine doth most commonly argue some obstructi­on of the spleene, giuing notice also of melancholy: for this cause I did so much the more suspect that shee was oppres­sed with melancholy, hearing especially that shee had in her all the signes which Galen writes to accompany this hypo­chondriacke melancholy. Gal. lib. de locis affect. cap. 5. & 6 So both by the vrine and Hus­bands narration, I did collect that shee was troubled with this disease.

After many words to and fro betwixt vs, hee asked of mee whether I thought it meete they should follow the Empiricks counsaile or no: I answered, that in any case [Page 66] they should beware of the same, and did further by many strong and forcible arguments and reasons, disswade him from suffering his wife to vse any such strong violent pur­ging Physicke, prescribed either by Empiricke or yet any other, how skilfull and learned soeuer he were, there being especially some suspition of being with childe. Where­fore my counsell vvas that shee should for a certaine time abstain likewise from any thing which might prouoke any loathing or distast to her stomacke, and to bee very cir­cumspect for feare of procuring aborsion. But in case she was troubled with the violence of any fierce and sharpe accidents, I wished him to aske the opinion of some lear­ned and iudicious Physitian, and yet to beware of offering any violence to Nature. I appointed her therefore a good and wholsome forme of Dyet, as also some milde and gen­tle remedies fitted well for the purpose notwithstanding, and without any feare of offending her childe, with the which I sent her husband home.

Not very long after his returne homewards, shee was brought to bed of a faire daughter, and immediately after was wholly freed from her former infirmity. Where was now I pray you this bewitching vvhich this vvretched iugling Priest did prognosticate by the vrine? What if this vvoman had vsed his desperate remedies? had not this Rakehell killed as vvell the Mother as the Childe? vvhich now through God his goodnesse haue escaped this bloudy Butchers hands.

Many more examples could I produce concerning the grosse errors in this kinde committed by these Sycophant-water-prophets; but this for the present shall suffice, lest the Booke should grow to an excessiue bignesse, if stusted too full of such trash. But still this holdeth firme and vn­answerable, that the water-guessing vvhich Empiricks and such others vse, is nothing else but meere imposture and cozenage.

CHAP. V. Of the peruerse, preposterous, and too-too credulous simplicity of Countrey people, ignorant idiots, and diuers others of that stampe, together with their too great trust and foolish confi­dence which they repose in this diuining and coniecturing by Ʋrines.

NOw who I pray you can but laugh to scorne this foolish and simple sort of people, who being by these cozening knaues quite be­sotted, or rather (as I thinke) bewitched, are certainly perswaded that there is no­thing in a mans body so secret and hid vvhich may not by the vrine be discouered. Wherefore they thinke they haue sufficiently played their parts, when as they haue sent their vrines to diuers Physi [...]ians, whether they be learned or vnlearned, roguing Empirickes, or toothlesse old-wiues, and whosoeuer amongst these can guesse or coniecture best, him or her doe they preferre, and relye vpon aboue all others. And this is the tryall whereby they vse to finde out the sufficiency and learning of a Physitian, being al­together ignorant what is to be performed by a true and learned Physitian. But it is hard to tell whether these Im­postors themselues be more blame-worthy, or the simple & too-too credulous people, who do repose such trust & confid [...]nce in these lying and cogging Coniecturers by the same. If there were no such people to be found, then would these villaines also vanish away.

It is a wonder that the blockish stupidity of people should be such,Finding out of the age by the vrine after a strange maner History. as to beleeue that any thing whatsoeuer may be coniectured by meanes of a stinking water thrust to our noses. Thus of late a foolish woman came to mee, and vvas very earnest with me to tell by the inspection of the vrine the sicke parties age: but after I had told her plainly that no such matter could by the vrine be discer­ned, she replyed, that she had beene otherwise perswaded [Page 66] [...] [Page 67] [...] [Page 68] by a very learned wandring Physitian; and that there were to be seene swimming in the vrine as many crosses as the party was tens of yeares old. I turning againe to this silly vvoman, told her, that I could perceiue no crosse at all in the vrine, and therefore by this reason thy husband as yet should not be tenne yeares old; but if thy sight be better then mine, put on thy spectacles, and see whether the crosses be swimming aboue, or fallen downe to the bottome of it. Shee gaping and staring a pretty vvhile thereon, was at length forced to confesse that she could see none at all.

These people are so bewitched with these iugling and lying knaues, that oftentimes they will confesse to see that which they see not at all,Blockish assen­tation. as I haue heard them tell of Ʋ­lispiegle, who at a certaine time perswaded a many people gathered together, that the wals of the house were all painted, when as yet there was no such matter, and yet none of all the company contradicted him saue one silly simple woman reputed for a foole. So blockish shalt thou sometimes finde this sort of people, that they will not bee ashamed to enquire of you whether you can see by the vrine, that the diseased hath falne off his horse, or off a cart; and whether hurt of a pistoll or other weapon.

Now to make this more plainly appeare, I will here re­late a ridiculous, but yet true story which was told mee by an Apothecary in France. A pretty merry story of a coun­try Clowne de­manding to know by the vrine how ma­ny rounds his wife had falne off a ladder. A Country Clowne at a cer­taine time brought to a Physitian, an vrine to looke vpon, and it being then winter and hard frost, he first dissolued it at the heat of the fire. The Physitian obseruing the fel­lowes simplicity, demanded of him whether it were not his wiues water. The fellow answered that it was so in­deed, but yet wished him to take a narrow view, and to tell him what he could further see in the same. The Phy­sitian looking narrowly, obseruing it to be of a reasonable good colour, beganne to suspect some outward paine or ache. The Country Lob hearing of a paine, applauded the Physitians iudgement for the same. But from whence [Page 69] proceedeth (said he) this great paine of a leaden and blac­kish colour, which doth so vncessantly torment her sides? The Physitian hearing mention made of a leaden blackish colour, it was no hard matter for him to coniecture that it came eyther by some fall or blow: wherefore he asked the fellow whether his vvife had not fallen off some height. The woodcocke wonders at the Physitians cunning con­iecture, and turning to him againe, saith; Master, i [...] you can tell mee where she fell, I will euer esteeme you for the best Physitian in all the Countrey. The Physitian perceiuing the exceeding blockishnesse of this Clowne, and withall cal­ling to mind the manner of their country cottages, did coniecture that his wife was fallen off some beame or lad­der. The Asse sweares a great oath, and (saith he) if you can tell me how many rounds high she is fallen, I will thinke you a craftsmaster indeed, and will extoll you aboue all others. At this the Physitian had much adoe to forbeare laughter, yet biting all in, he began to consider with himselfe that the roomes in such houses are not very high, it may be (quoth he) she fell twelue rounds high. The Clowne bids him looke againe on the water, for sure there must needs bee some more. The Physitian looking downe towards the ground, bethought himselfe of some new stratagem; then with a stayed countenance turning to the Clowne, saith thus; The way is very slippery by reason of the great frost, hast thou not fallen by the way and spilt some part of the vrine vpon the ground? I fell indeed (quoth the fellow) and spilt part of it by the way. The Physitian hauing fished this out of him, with a graue and awfull countenance answereth him thus: My friend, looke for the rest of the rounds of the ladder in the place where thou spilt thy vrine, for I can find no more then I told thee. This simple sot did admire and wonder at this Physitian, as some great Prophet, and was rauished with an admiration of his extraordinary skill and experience, and giuing him exceeding great thankes for his paines, retur­ning home to his cottage with some few remedies, did at length, and that not without great wonder and admira­tion, [Page 70] relate and tell the whole circumstance of the matter as it fell out, among his fellowes and companions.

This sort of people is so full of blockish stupidity, that they will require to know by the vrine, not onely such things as we haue lately mentioned, but will moreouer be inquisitiue to know thereby whether the vrine which they carry be a Citizens or Strangers, as also where the party dwelleth: concerning the which I can tell yet as pretty a story as the former.

History.There dwelt once at Bruxels a certaine Physitian of no small account and fame for his supposed vromanticall skill: to the which Physitian at a certaine time a country-woman carrying her husbands vrine, goes in by the way to a Gentlewoman, whose tenant the country-fellow her hus­band was. This Gentlewoman seeing now so fit an op­portunity (which she had hitherto expected) offered her to deceiue this Physitian, desired this country-woman, that she might carry the vrine her selfe to him. The woman yeelding, she did as she desired. The Physitian narrowly marking the pot wherein the vrine was brought to him, and withall obseruing that it was stopt with a certaine hearbe which he knew grew no where but in one place, looking stedfastly on the Gentlewoman, whom he knew to be full of craft, did suspect some cozenage; wherefore studying to preuent the same, when the vrine was powred forth into the vrinall, with mature deliberation hee said thus; This is neither the vrine of a Gentleman or Townesman, but rather of some country Farmer, and further it was brought in at such a Gate. The Gentlewoman hearing this speech was not a little amazed, and of her owne free accord did lay open to him the poore Farmers case, and could not wonder enough at the Physitians skill and iudgement: for this foolish woman did certainly perswade her selfe that he had found out all this by the vrine onely.

This vaine babbling and coniecturing by vrines is so pleasing to the people, that they giue commonly most credit to him that lyeth and prateth most. It was told me [Page 71] once that Gissibertus Longolius of Colen, A worthy speech of G [...]ssi­bertus Long [...]lius of Co [...]en. a most learned and famous Physitian, at a certaine time was so vexed with the curious questions of a clown concerning his vrine, that he threw vrine and vrinall both at once out at the window, v­sing these words; I am a Physitian appointed to cure diseases, & not a water-prophet to tell lies by an vrine. That famous Phy­sitian also, Helideus Paduanus of Forly in Italy, And of Helideus Paduanus of Fo [...]ly in I [...]aly. my much respected Master, with whom (when I liued at the Vni­uersity of Bologue) I was wont to visit the sicke; was wont to reproue such country people as came to him with their vrines at a certaine houre to the Hospitall called of life, ouer the which he was set as their ordinary Physitian; he would I say checke these Country people when as they stood like blockes without answering his demands, expecting onely his oracle concerning their vrines, saying; that he was not within the sicke parties body, but that it was fit for them like­wise to declare and lay open their owne infirmities, and then for him to consider of the vrine; and lastly, hauing thoroughly at­tained to the full knowledge of the disease, to cure it accordingly. And therefore would he not alwayes giue credit to their owne report (being but poore people that came thus with their vrines to the Hospitall, as not being the custome in Italy to carry the vrine to the Physitians house, neither yet will they then vouchsafe so much as once to looke vpon it;) but sent vs his Scholers oftentimes vnto them, that wee might obserue and marke diligently, as well the disease, as the Symptomes and circumstances thereof, and relate them to him againe: which being done, then did hee appoint them such phy­sicke as he thought fit.

But at my comming home into mine owne Country againe, I found this foolish fashion of inspection of vrine in the Physitians owne house to bee euery where practised, and found moreouer the people so peruerse and froward, that when as I asked them concerning the manner of their diseases, with the accidents thereof, they would reply, That is the thing we desire to know of thee.

This foolish and vnaduised popular applause which [Page 72] the vulgar sort yeeld to these vnskilfull and vnlearned Physitians (for the more learned and honester sort of Physitians they most commonly contemne) giues occasion to them to kill the simple people without any punishment. It is a thing worth the wondring at to see what care the poore reason­lesse creatures haue of preseruing their liues, and on the o­ther side the small account man (appointed Lord and Ruler ouer all the rest of the creatures) maketh of it, while as hee committeth it to euery idle Empiricke, some of which haue beene trained vp in the mechanicall trades of shoo-maker, mason, &c. and such like, and in three or foure dayes ma­king profession of this new trade of water-monging, are afterwards accounted famous and good Physitians, to whom thou shalt see the people flocke as to some Fayre or Market. Would we not account such a one for a very foole and idiot, who being now ready to dye of thirst, would refuse to drinke of a cleere sweet spring running hard by him, and would rather make choice of a foule stinking slimy puddle, it may be also further infected like­wise with some noysome venemous vermine? And are they not to be reputed as foolish, who hauing skilfull Phy­sitians hard at hand, seeke to such as haue neuer learned scarce their A. B. C? Is it not a great madnesse to seeke for helpe at the hands of women,Women alto­gether vnfit to practise phy­sicke. who are for the most part altogether vncapable of any serious businesse, they boasting onely of some certaine remedies which they haue had perhaps from their husbands, or some body else, and tryed rather by experience in diuers particulars, then by any art or reason.

Some may here, it may be, reply and say, that howso­euer it may be that they doe no good, yet are their reme­dies sometimes so mild and gentle, that they may safely be administred. But is not this more then madnesse thus to trifle away the time, and to neglect that golden opportu­nity of doing good, which perhaps may neuer againe bee recalled? Is it not better then at the first to haue recourse to the skilfull and learned Physitian? If thy shooes be torne [Page 73] wilt thou send them to a Carpenter to mend? If thy house bee cracked and like to fall, whether is a shooe-maker or a Carpenter the fittest man to vnderprop the same? And yet the life of a man farre exceedeth either of them. If a house be not well vnderpropt and fall, it may be built againe; and if a payre of shooes be spoiled, it is but the losse of the lea­ther and the labour: but in the curing of a man, a small errour may send him to his graue. Neither is this noble Science attained vnto in a yeare or two, (manie of the me­chanicall trades of farre inferiour note and condition, of­ten requiring a longer time) bur requireth a longer time to the attaining vnto the perfection thereof.

But the vulgar sort are so blinded, that they cannot see the truth, the old prouerbe being true, that the blinde can­not iudge of col [...]urs: and yet doe these people sometimes falsifie the very literall sense thereof. And to this purpose I remember that Euretius Cordus maketh mention of a perfi­dious and blinde Iew,A blind Iew iudging of vrines. who not without the great admi­ration and wondring of many people (fooles sure they were, according to the prouerbe, Stultorum plena sunt om­nia,) all ouer richly ar [...]yed (like a silken Iack-an-apes) in silkes and S [...]tan, I would say satten, sitting in his chaire, de­liuered his graue oracles concerning the vrines: his maid sitting by him, and suggesting diuers things vnto him. And howbeit they finde themselues d [...]ily gulled by such cozening knaues, yet do they daily wittingly and willing­ly rush into the snares of these Impostors. And in this are they (as wee haue said) farre inferiour to vnreasonable creatures, both in the knowledge and prouidence of that which is good, and likewise hurtfull for themselues, being also well acquainted both by what meanes their aduersary may doe them harme, as in like sort not being ignorant of all the occasions and aduantages they may finde out against them. And thus doth the Lizzard being deadly wounded by the venemous Ʋiper, recouer the former strength againe, by eating of a certaine hearbe called a­mongst the Italians Graliga, or Gralega, the which was [Page 74] first found out by meere hazard and chance, as was related to me when I was a student at Bologue, the which because I thinke it will bring some delight to the Reader, I will here set downe.

A certaine old man vpon a time perceiuing a Viper figh­ting with a Lizzard, The cruel com­bate betwixt a Viper & a Liz­zard. laid himselfe down vpon the ground, to the end he might the better without their perceiuing of him, behold this battell. The Lizzard as being farre infe­riour in force to the Viper, receiues from the same a most dangerous and deadly wound, insomuch that the poore creature, being scarce able to stand on the feeble legs, was almost ready to fall downe dead, but comming a little againe to it selfe, it beginnes to creepe along by the Riuer side through long grasse, (the Ʋiper in the meane time not at all perceiuing the secret retrait) to a certaine herbe grow­ing not farre from thence, of the which hauing eaten a little, returning againe to this cruell aduersary, maketh againe a new onset vpon him as before. But this poore creature fared no better then before, receiuing as dange­rous a wound for welcome as at the first, but yet hath a­gaine the second time recourse to the former, and so well approued remedy, and with like successe as before. This old Father did much admire as well this cruell combat, as this rare and strange herbe, with the vertue thereof, and yet to the end hee might more assuredly know whether this herbe had in it such secret and hidden vertues, as hee beganne now to conceiue, in the meane time that this poore Lizzard went to reuew the combat againe with the old aduersary, he pulled this herbe vp by the very rootes. The which when this desolate creature (hauing now the third time receiued the foile from this venomous vermine) missed,Galega vulgo, seu ruta Capra­ria, de qua vide Matthioli com­ment. in Dioscor. cum addit. Casp. Baul. cap. 46. lib. 3 & cap. 136. lib. 4. & alios. as her onely Antidote, being all bathed in blood, by her death makes an end of their quarrell. The old man hauing had this tryall of this herbe, relateth the same to the Physitians, with all that hee had seene. This herbe is now well knowne, not in Bologue alone, but in most shoppes in Italy, being ordinarily vsed against all man­ner [Page 75] of poysons, the Plague, and wormes.

By many other stories could I proue the like care and industry of beasts, which might also conuince and re­proue the carelesnesse of men for their safety and securitie: but that fearing to tyre out the Reader, I labour to bee briefe. It resteth now to declare, that it is neither fit nor expedient to carry the vrine to the Physitians house, and farre lesse for him then by the bare inspection thereof, rashly to prescribe remedies without the sight of the party: but because this will require a more large and ample Dis­course, we will referre the same to the next booke, toge­ther with all the dependances vpon the same. Let it suf­fice vs therefore, that hitherto it remaineth firme and sure, That the sole inspection of the vrine is very deceitfull, and for this cause not at all to be trusted to.

THE ARRAIGNMENT of VRINES. CHAP. I. How, and by what meanes this error of inspection of vrines in the Physitians house hath had the first beginning, being notwithstanding nothing else but an vncertaine coniecture, and by the which doth redound more damage and danger then profit to the Patient, and hath made this so noble an Art, base and contemptible in the eyes of most men.

SO farre ought an honest, learned, and iudicious Physitian The duty of a learned and ho­nest Physitian. be from patroni­zing of any errour, how old and inue­terate soeuer it be, that it is his part ra­ther to reproue by all meanes possible, according to his power, and labour to suppresse the same, at which when they winke, they not onely inuolue the more simple sort (al­wayes apt to be deluded) into manifold dangers and mi­sery: but doe in like sort incourage these cozening knaues to continue in their wickednesse. Therefore I hold it is the duty of all honest, and conscionable Physitians, not to winke any longer at thi [...] most erronious and dangerous vromanticall diuination, so grosly abused vntill this present, to the great preiudice of a many. Of the which hauing dis­coursed at large already, it is now time to beginne to lay open to the world by what meanes this Monster at first crept into this noble Profession.

The vulgar sort doth ordinarily ayme at an Apish imi­tation [Page 78] of their betters,By what means this abuse crept first into the Profession of Physicke. and being destitute of true vnder­standing, doe too much for the most part relye vpon the outward senses: and hence came it to passe, that seeing Physitians view the vrine in the Patients owne house, who hauing likewise by diuers interrogatories, together with the sight of their Patients, collected the nature and essence of the disease, from whence the cure as it were of it selfe, did voluntarily follow: the vulgar I say did presently be­leeue that the euent of such a cure was to bee ascribed vn­to the inspection of the vrine: thus being too-too much carried away by the outward sense, they began to adhere to this manner of inspection of vrines. Vnto this also were ioyned as great helps and furtherers, the prescription of re­medies, and the description of Vrines in the vulgar tongue. Boldnesse did incourage them in their attempts, it being seconded by impunity; for all men by too great liberty (as saith the Comicall Poet) doe waxe worse and worse. Omnes licentia deteriores sumus. Terent. After­wards they were so confirmed therein, that they thought they had performed their parts, if at any time being amisse they sent their vrines to the Physitian, as being of opinion that he could by the same know both the disease and the place affected, the strength of the Patient; and finally, all that which belongeth to the Art of Physicke: and that moreouer hee was able to prescribe by the sight thereof, such fit and wholsome remedies as the state and nature of the disease did require.

They were further conceited, that whosoeuer had read any Booke of Ʋrines in the vulgar tongue, or yet scraped together any remedies euer vsed by any, were hee or shee the most wicked villaine, a runnagate rogue, a drunken Midwife, a stewes Strumpet, or of the like stampe, might safely and to good purpose practise this Profession, begin­ning euer with the inspection of the vrine, a thing so de­ceitfull, onely to be trusted to, that oftentimes in stead of health it hath beene the occasion of the death of many. Thus hath this peruerse and wicked custome (a most cruell Tyrant) so incroached vpon this noble Profession, that [Page 79] now wee feare it is become like the Law of the Medes and Persians, which could not be reuoked.

This custome so preuailing that cogging knaues & euery Rascal that could prate of an vrine, began to be praised and extolled aboue the most skilfull Physitian; not by the vul­gar sort onely, but euen amongst some of the better sort; gaue first occasion to some of the better sort of Physitians to imbrace this grosse abuse; some of them being hereto induced lest they should bee in lesse account then these Impostors.

Others no doubt were hereto induced by Coue­tousnes the mother of all mischiefe, Couetousnes a great & chiefe occasion of this Abuse. both to practise this man­ner of inspection of Vrines at home, and to prescribe reme­dies also for the sicke. But this was not all, for some were not content with this, but to giue further content to the vulgar sort, some of them, and that not of the meanest ranke, wrote Bookes concerning the wiles and Caueats which are to be obserued in deliuering their iudgement by vrines, called of them by a faire and plausible word, cau­teles, or caueats: so that by these meanes not onely mini­stred they matter of cozening and deceiuing to all such as would imploy their wits that way, but did moreouer con­firme the more simple sort in this so foule and detestable errour: some likewise yet blowing these bellowes by tran­slating such bookes in the vulgar tongues to the great mis­chiefe of Mankind. And that this error is very ancient, doth plainly appeare, in that wee haue yet extant some­thing written concerning this subiect by Gordonius, who liued about 300. yeares agoe. But more praise-worthy had it beene for these famous Physitians to haue stood in the gap, and in the beginning, like that renowned Hercu­les, to haue cut off this Hydra's heads. But Auarice, ene­mie to all goodnesse, what will it not doe? or rather make men doe?Great gaine which a certain Physitian got by inspection of vrines. This made a famous Physitian of my acquain­tance, dead a few yeares agoe, howbeit trained vp in the Ʋniuersity, and skilfull in his Pofession, so much to addict himselfe to the practising of this Imposture, that hee got [Page 80] most mornings (as was reported to mee by one of good worth) for the inspection of Vrines brought to his Chamber sixe Florins.About 15. shil­lings sterling, much in that Countrey, and in that time.

This so sordid and base lucre and gaine, made Vrines to yeeld a most sweet and fragrant smell to that mighty Em­perour Ʋespasian. But such Physitians are much more to bee blamed then Empiricks, or any others who haue nei­ther conscience nor honesty. This was not practised in the dayes of Hippocrates and Galen, neither is yet vntill this day in vse amongst the Physitians of best note in Italy; howbeit as Poggius maketh mention, it hath beene vsed a­mongst Empiricks and such Impostors:Notable impo­sture of an Ita­lian Empiricke. Such a one I know my selfe there, who sate vp oftentimes very late, writing out billes or receits for diuers and sundry diseases, the which afterwards hee put all in a bagge together, and in the morning when as people brought him their Vrines, and withall demanded his counsell, hee would thrust his had into the bagge to take out such a bill as by chance did first offer it selfe, saying in the meane time in the Italian tongue, Prega Dio telamandi bona, Pray to God thou mayst draw good lucke. Miserable and vnhappy was then their estate and condition, to whom in their need, not right, reason, and iudicious vnderstanding, but blind chance and fortune did minister aid and succour. The like haue I heard of a certaine water-guessing Empiricke, who had alwaies written in a readinesse three seuerall formes of Receits, and gaue vnto such as came to him for coun­sell, sometimes one of them, sometimes two, and somtimes all three, (and that after hee had told them wonders by the Water,) which were afterwards carried to the Apo­thecary, and there prepared for the Patient. But to re­turne to our purpose againe,The Physitians of best note & fame in Italy, contemne this manner of con­iecturing by Vrines. the Physitians of any note in Italy do contemne still this manner of inspection of Vrines in their owne houses, as I haue my selfe seene in the two famous Vniuersities of Padua and Bologne, whereas neither would the Doctors of the Chayre themselues, nor yet any other Physitian of note or credit, vouchsafe once to looke [Page 81] vpon any Vrine brought to their owne lodgings, in this maintaining still their ancient authority, and prerogatiue; the which also the learned Langius Langius. doth witnesse. And would to God our Physitians had also retained the like au­thority; then had not these cozening knaues, ignorant Em­piricks, women-Physitians, and the like, crept in so audacious­ly without any sufficiency into this Profession. Sed venter non habet aures. The belly is a cunning craftsman. And as Couetousnes was the cause that Physitians at first gaue way to this preposterous and peruerse custome; so the same Couetousnesse hath beene and is still the cause of continu­ance thereof vntill this day. Hence also commeth it to passe that such people doe so euery where abound, and are also so much accounted of in euery place, who being altogether ignorant of the Arts and all manner of litera­ture, vphold their credit onely by this so vncertaine and deceitfull a signe. And so ignorant are they of the signes and causes of diseases, that if they heare of any paine in the side, it must needs in their opinion be a Pleurisie, whether the grieuance be in the externall parts or in the Muscles, whether also fixed about the liuer, spleene or kidneyes: and thus is it an easie matter for any ignorant Idiot or old wife to become a Physitian.

Now howsoeuer this old, inueterate and tyrannicall custome hath hitherto so preuailed, that euen the most fa­mous and learned Physitians by reason of the Peoples im­portunity are often forced to giue way to this inspection of Vrines in their owne houses; yet doth it very much dif­fer from others manner of dealing, both in that they re­fraine from these fooleries, lyes, pratling and babbling, which these Impostors doe practise, as also they will som­times confesse that it were a great deale better to see the Patient, then thus by the sole and vncertaine inspection of the vrine to giue forth a doubtfull Oracle. And yet fur­ther, the most carefull and diligent Physitians are not asha­med to inquire into the state and nature of the disease be­fore they will giue out their iudgement concerning the [Page 82] same. And if at any time they shall happen to meet with some folkes more nice then wise, who will not accordingly answere their demands, they will bee the more sparing in prescribing them any remedies, vntill such time as they be better acquainted with the state and nature of the disease. The most of them also and the honestest would willingly that this so wicked and peruerse custome were quite abo­lished, to the end they might more readily and assuredly proceed in their cures. The Impostors on the other part trusting to their Vrinary coniecture only, and catching at that they can lay hold on from the mouth of another, thus dallying with the precious life of man, doe administer to the silly people their most dangerous and deadly poysons, making tryall of their most dangerous remedies vpon so noble and worthy a Subiect. And to such doth proper­ly belong that Picture of a water-prophet, or water-guesser, which thou mayst see set downe by the aforesaid Langius, whose Goddesse may well bee Moria, [...]angius Epistol. lib. 2. Epist. 41. or foolishnes, as is there to be seene. These rude and ignorant sots therefore are in no case to bee compared with our learned Physitians, as being altogether ignorant as well of the causes and signes, as of the seuerall symptomes, and so consequent­ly of the right cure of the disease: whatsoeuer disease is in the belly, is vnto them the Chollicke; whatsoeuer dis­ease in children, to them must needs bee the Wormes; and whatsoeuer disease troubleth a woman, it must needs bee the Mother. If the sicke bee troubled with a Cough, then must it needs bee of some great cold congealed in­wardly; howbeit it may often proue a Pleurisie, inflamation of the lungs, or a Consumption. If any complaine of a paine in the ioynts, by the vrine they will guesse that the party is plagued with the French-Poxe, as most Women who take now vpon them both Physicke it selfe, and that part thereof which is called Surgery, call an Vlcer a Canker: as of late a certaine Impostor being asked of what disease his Patient lay sicke; answered, hee was not able to ex­presse it in the vulgar tongue; and yet the villaine had not [Page 83] so much as one mouth-full of Latine. It is therefore the part and duty of all honest, ingenuous, and conscionable Physitians, to aduance and set forward the truth, and to la­bour and indeauour our selues, that not onely this part of Physicke, but also all the rest may be freed from all manner of fraud and imposture.

Now vntill such time as this foolish and water-monging Trade (which maketh the Art of Physicke coniecturall, contemned and exposed to the mockage of the most) be amended, Physicke I doubt will neuer bee restored to her ancient grace and dignity.

I confesse indeed, that Old Dogs are hardly brought to the tye; yet must wee not cease to do our best to purge our Profession from all errors crept thereinto, and namely this: and if wee cannot preuaile, yet I am perswaded that all honest people will take this our paines in good part. But concerning this matter we will discourse more largely in the Chapter following.

CHAP. II. How necessary and needfull a thing it were, that the Ʋrines of such as be sicke, be no more carried to the Physitians house, but that rather they are to view them, and giue out their iudgement vpon them in the Patients owne house, and that onely.

NOw, by that which hath beene spoken al­ready, it is more then manifest, that it is not possible to declare or finde out euery seue­rall disease in a man or woman by the sole inspection of the vrine: for what else is this vaine coniecturing by vrine, then to commit the whole Art of Physicke to bare hazard and fortune? the which being carried as with the winde, doth encline som­times to one side and sometimes to the other, floating vp [Page 84] and downe vpon the deepe Sea, in danger euery way of drowning.

Causes mouing this abuse still to bee maintai­ned and conti­nued.One chiefe and principall motiue of this is Coue­tousnes and Auarice, together with a sottish ignorance. For when as these people did once perceiue that for a small trifle they might haue their vrines viewed, and some remedies appointed them, they were certainly perswaded there was no more to be done, being especially vnwilling to be at any further charges: by which meanes it often commeth to passe, that neglecting the fit and conuenient time and opportunity of doing themselues good, they wish (but alas too late) they had been wiser. And others a­gaine are so obstinate in their idle opinion, and high con­ceit they haue conceiued of the vrine, that thou canst ne­uer driue this fond and foolish conceit out of their muddy braines, not if thou wouldest bray them with Salomons foole, in a morter.

As for our own Physitians (howsoeuer I am perswaded it be sore against many of their willes) yet can I not alto­gether excuse them for conniuing and winking at so grosse an error,Good and lear­ned Physitians ought not to winke at com­mon errors. it being a meanes of maintaining the mul­titude in their erroneous opinion. Neither yet is this suf­ficient that in their assemblies and meetings they raile a­gainst Empiricks, and these Water-mongers, since this their speech keepes within doores, and breakes no further forth.

And howbeit it bee not in our power to punish the de­linquents in this kind, yet is it our part and duty to lay o­pen to the view of the world the errors and grosse abuses committed by these deceiuers. I doe not indeed deny but vpon sight of the vrine carried to some discreet and learned Physitian, the Patient hath now and then attained to his former health againe; yet hath this beene when the Physitian hath by his seuerall interrogatories learned the whole nature and circumstances of the disease:Casuall euents not to be trust­ed to. for other­wise they were but casuall, and not to be attributed to the meanes so vnaduisedly prescribed: but nature it selfe being [Page 85] in good plight, was able of it selfe to encoūter with the dis­ease, as also to ouercome the same; the victory whereof, this vnaduised and rash remedy at that same time and instant exhibited to the Patient, doth appropriate vnto it selfe. And yet the same Physitians if thou shouldest aske them, would ingeniously confesse that it were farre better for them once to see the Patient himselfe,The bare inspe­ction of the V­rine only is to small purpose. then his vrine twen­ty times brought to him, and would willingly wish that this manner of viewing Waters were quite banished out of the common-wealth, which I make no question hath cost many a man and woman their liues.

But it may bee some will reply that wee plead for our owne profit,Obiection. and that by this meanes our Fees grow the greater.

To these people I answere,Answere. that if they make so small account of their health, which is to bee prized farre aboue Pearles or Precious-stones, they deserue to smart for their sordid and base niggardly Couetousnes: howbeit the ho­nest and conscionable Physitian doth alwayes ayme chief­ly and principally at the health of his Patient, preferring it before any sordid lucre or gaine.

But put yet the case that the intention were such as they most falsly lay to their charge; yet would this neuer ouer­throw the necessity of the presence of the Physitian with his Patient, or yet giue any more strength or authority to this Water-prophesying Profession.The vulgar sort ordinarily more liberall to Impostors and cozeners, then to honest and learned Physitians. Most of those people notwithstanding thou shalt see so liberall & open-handed to any runnagate Raggamuffin, that will prate of his owne sufficiencie in this Profession; who would grudge to be­stow a Fee on an honest Physitian, who besides that hee would giue them good and fit remedies according to the state and nature of the disease, not omitting or letting passe ouer the fit and proper opportunity of doing good; they might often also saue some charges in their purses, which they first bestow vpon such cozeners, and are forced after­wards to bee at a new charge againe with a learned and honest Physitian, when perhaps it is too late, and yet [Page 86] might easily haue beene effected at the first.

Story of a rich Miser sending his vrine to the Physitian, and smarting for his couetousnesse.The same may also come to passe in sending the vrine to a learned and skilfull Physitian, yet ignorant of the state and disease, as it hapned of late to a rich man here in the Towne of Delfe, who being assaulted with an intermittent tertian ague, sent his vrine to a Physitian, otherwise of suffi­cient skill and learning, who immediately appointed to him a purge, which he tooke in his fit, and vpon the ta­king thereof fell into great extremity, whereupon he sent presently for another skilful Physitian from the Hage. Being come, the sicke begins to raile on the other Physitian, and physicke he had giuen him. Anthony Harwer (for so was he called who came from the Hage,) desired to see the bill wherein the others remedy was set downe, the which ha­uing seene, he commended it, and withall asked whether the Physitian had beene with him or no. Hee answered, that he had not beene with him. The other smiling, repli­ed; Blame not your Physitian (learned enough as appeareth) neither yet his physicke, which was by him to good purpose ap­pointed; but thou thy selfe art to be blamed, who didst not take it in due and conuenient time. It is well, thou hast counsell accor­ding to thy pay, for if thou hadst called thy Physitian to thee, hee would easily haue ouercome a Feuer so easie to bee cured, and would on thy good day being free from thy fit, haue giuen thee thy physicke, and so shouldest thou not haue needed for so small an accident to haue beene at this cost to haue sent for me, the which is occasioned by thine owne fault and ouersight.

Another obie­ction.But I heare some say, Admit that it is fit that the richer sort, and such as are of meanes and ability, send for the Physitian, to haue his counsell and presence; what if the Physitian, by reason of distance of place, or otherwise of his manifold employments, and losse which it might be to him, cannot conueniently afford the sicke his personall presence?

Answer.In this case it is the part of the country and neighbours about them, to conuey such poore people, before the dis­ease grow strong vpon them, to some Towne or City [Page 87] whereas good Physitians make their abode, to the end they may be daily visited and cured as well as the richer sort: and in this case I thinke no honest and religious Physiti­an will deny them his aduice. If this cannot bee effected, they ought to be sent to the Hospitals, whereas are ap­pointed Physitians of purpose freely to cure such silly poore sicke people. Or yet if such Hospitals bee not al­wayes to be found, or if they haue no friends in a Towne, nor any acquaintance, at least it is to bee hoped they will find some compassionate people, who will extend the bowels of compassion, in prouiding lodging, with other things necessary for them. And no doubt but they shall likewise find some honest Physitians, who in such cases will afford them their counsaile, as Hippocrates commands in his precepts.Laudable cu­stome of such places as main­taine publike Hospitals, where also Physitians are entertained to looke to the poore when they are sicke For this cause and purpose such Cities and Common-wealthes are much to bee commended, which haue in them such publike Hospitalls, vnto the which in time of need, as vnto some place of succour and refuge, the sicke and distressed people may haue their refuge and recourse. No lesse praise-worthy is such a City or Common-wealth, which doth maintaine at their owne cost and charges some Physitians, to the end they may in time of need more easily be helpfull to the poore, sicke, and diseased people.

But it may bee yet further demanded, what if none of the former can bee performed, the disease perhaps being so hot and acute, that neither will it admit transpor­tation to the place of the Physitians abode, neither yet is it safe to delay the matter any longer?When and with what caueat the vrine may be sent to the Physitian. In such a case I confesse, if no better may be, the vrine may be sent to the Physitian, prouiding it be sent by a discreet messenger▪ de­claring by him the whole circumstances of the disease, both the beginning and encreasing, together with the time of the continuance, and all the accidents thereof, and then it might bee perhaps to some purpose. And thus might the Physitian rather vse some remedy then none at all: Howbeit yet, as we haue said, it were much better [Page 88] we did see the patient himselfe, and then to consider both of his vrine and all other circumstances of the disease.

The vncertainty of this coniecturing by vrine hath beene often obserued, not by my selfe alone, but by many other honest Physitians also, so that when as I had well viewed the vrine, as also afterwards appointed such reme­dies as in my iudgement were then fitting for the disease: that being immediatly after called to some of the same pa­tients, I haue found the same remedies to be quite contrary to the disease, and haue beene hereupon forced to alter and change againe the said formes of remedies; and this I dare sweare, that a number of other Physitians are of the same opinion with me, if they beare any loue to the truth.

The foolish cu­stome of some people to try the Physitians skill by the vrine.Some are also of this foolish and idle humour, that they will come with their water to the Physitian, and that onely to heare what he will say concerning the same, not demanding any remedy for their disease: now this is the highest degree of folly; for what is this else, but as if one should say, I would willingly know my disease, and yet it is not my purpose to part from it; euen as if a man which hath receiued some dangerous wound, would shew the same to the Surgeon, and yet would not haue it cured. But let such people beware, lest thus dallying with their dis­eases, the time and opportunity of doing themselues good passe not away.

It may be yet perhaps demanded, but what if one be amisse, yet not so extreamly sicke, but that yet he is able to trauell abroad; In such a case, I say, may not such a one carry his vrine to the Physitians? I doe not deny it, if hee obserue such cautions as are in this case to bee obserued, and that withall he acquaint the Physitian with the whole circumstances of his disease. And how I pray thee can the Physitian giue thee sound and good counsaile for thy disease, vnlesse he vnderstand throughly the originall and ground of it, together with all that concerneth it; for bet­ter it is to deny thy helpe to the sicke, then by thy teme­rity and rashnesse to precipitate him into extreame dan­ger, [Page 89] or yet (as Empirickes, women-physitians, and such like) to cure him casually and by meere chance and hazard. This is then the summe of that which hath beene said, that if any shall bee so sicke that they are not able to come in their owne person to the Physitian,The Physitian ought to see his Patient. they shall not send their vrines to the Physitians houses, much lesse to these cogging and cheating Empiricks, &c. but shall with all speed and diligence send for a Physitian both learned and well skilled in his profession, who shall not then onely view their vrines, but shall in like manner well weigh and consider of all the rest of the signes, being present him­selfe with the patient, and so shall be more able to cure the disease. This seemeth the Wiseman to command in these words: Giue place to the Physitian, Eccles. 38.12. for the Lord hath created him: let him not goe from thee, for thou hast need of him. He saith not, Send thy water to the Physitian. Let vs not then like the Physitians of Alexandria, followers of Erasistatus (who attained to all their skill in curing diseases by the onely reading of bookes,Against booke-physitians. and were so idle loytering lub­bards, that they were perswaded they might attaine to the perfect knowledge of herbes by the pictures of them onely) by the sole coniecture of vrine brought to our stu­dies, aduenture on the practice of this so noble a professi­on, & our Galen very fitly calleth such [...],A pretty com­parison. that is, Saylers by their booke only; who learning all their Art of Nauigation by some Geographicall Cards, doe sudden­ly with their ship rush vpon some Rocke, vnto themselues altogether before vnknowne: euen iust so fareth it not onely with our cozening Empirickes, but with all such Physitians also as doe too much relie vpon this so vncer­taine coniecture by vrines.

And for this cause also did Heraclides Tarentinus not vn­fitly compare such counterfeit Physitians to Praetors pub­like Cryers,Another. who in the Market-place among the great p [...]ease of people did liuely set forth any fugitiue slaue, both in his apparell, stature, feature, colour of haire, &c. whom notwithstanding if he had beene sitting hard by their el­bow, [Page 90] they could hardly discerne. After the same manner doe our water-mongers also, who not hauing seene the par­ty, yet will they by the vrine liuely set him forth in his co­lours: yea so Lynceus-like cleere-sighted are these Impo­stors, that not onely doe they presume to take vpon them to discerne by it the temperature and state of his body, but the disease it selfe also, or whatsoeuer is amisse within him, although they neuer haue seene the party: yea and if they should meet him in their way yet would they neuer know him, much lesse his disease, and that for very good reason, in regard they would find the case farre otherwise, then they had by the deceitfull vrine heretofore iudged. But howsoeuer it will proue a hard matter, and full of difficulty totally to abrogate this so inueterate error, yet shall the danger of this manner of coniecturing by vrines plainly appeare to the eyes of the most iudicious. And if this abuse were reformed, then would no more trust be giuen to these malepert, iugling, and cheating knaues. But we will now proceed to lay open and declare how dangerous a thing it is by the sole inspection of the vrine, without the sight of the patient, rashly to prescribe any remedies, espe­cially such as be most generous, to wit, purging and blee­ding, the which wee vvill proue as vvell by reasons as examples.

CHAP. III. That vpon the sole inspection of the vrine, Remedies ought not to be prescribed to the sicke, except the Physitian being pre­sent by them, doe first obserue all the rest of the signes, which doe in like manner belong to the perfect knowledge of the disease.

OF the vncertainty of this signe of vrine, in diseases, together with the manifold errors committed by Empirickes and others, as al­so the beginning and occasion of the same, we haue said sufficiently already: Now let [Page 91] vs yet proceed & declare how vnfit a thing it is, vpon the sole sight thereof, without weiging the rest of the signes by the sight of the Patient himselfe, to proceed to the cure of the disease: let it not therfore seem strange, if we instruct the ignorant, and discouer the fraud and imposture of couetous and cozening knaues, vsurping to themselues (but falsly) the name of Physitians. Neyther yet doe we find fault with their impostures and cozenages, for any hatred or ill will we beare them, as being of the same profession with vs, according to the common prouerbe, Figulus figulum odit: One begger is woe, when another doth by the doore goe: the which I thinke no honest vpright hearted man will iudge. For, this we doe onely out of that feruent affection wee beare to our neighbour whom wee see so to be gulled.

Is it not fit to cleanse the Wheate from the Tares?Errors ought to be reproued & banished out of the Common­wealth. Is it vnseemly to defend and maintaine honest and simple peo­ple from the impostures of cozeners and deceiuers? When the Iudge punisheth offenders, is it not to maintaine ho­nest men in their right, and that not for any grudge or ma­lice he beareth to the party, but to defend the innocent, the widow and orphanes from oppression. The Father in like sort chastiseth his sonne, to reclaime him from his dis­orderly courses, and that when he commeth to yeares of discretion he may liue an honest man: wherefore while as wee see that errors and abuses haue crept in into this noble Profession, shall wee not be thought to haue betrayed our profession, and with it mens liues, if wee giue no warning of the same? Is it not our parts, when we see a stumbling blocke, or a stone, laid in our blinde neighbours way, to re­moue, or at least to doe our best to remoue them out of his way.

As for our selues, if all things were well weighed, it may be,Great gaine commeth often to good Physi­tians by the er­rours of Empi­ricks & others. our gaine would not proue so great as thou ima­ginest, in regard there commeth often to vs no small profit by the errors of Empirickes, and such like scumme and off­scowrings. As for my selfe, I may boldly auouch, that I haue reaped as much or more gaine and commodity by [Page 92] them which haue at the first beene preposterously cured by those abusers, then by them to whom I was my selfe at first called. This will many moe besides my selfe, I thinke, confesse. Now if we had beene called to them at first, then might they haue beene more speedily, with lesse danger, and paine to their purses, cured at first.

And wheras it may be obiected, that some of our learned, iudicious, and as they call them, dogmaticall Physitians, do still vse this coniecturing by vrine after the manner wee haue declared, prescribing likewise some Remedies, which if they help not the Patient; yet doe they doe him no hurt, and that onely lest they should seeme to doe nothing: such I say doe in this as absurdly as the Mariner, who in the greatest storme and tempest committeth his ship to the discretion of the boysterous windes and raging waues of the Sea. Neyther ought the Physitian to entertaine this base and beggarly custome, fearing lest if they goe from him, they should carry the same to some Empiricke: but this should rather be a motiue to make them warne the Pa­tients to beware of being bewitched with this so dange­rous and tyrannicall a custome.

It is the part of the Patient to send for the Physitian, who shall then best be able to obserue his disease, with all the signes and circumstances thereof: Now if any will come to vs, and not lay open their disease, it were better to send such Asses home without any counsell; for sending Physicke to parties whose diseases thou knowest not, thou maist be a meanes of furthering them to their end, being vnprepared, and so likewise endanger their soules.

But admit the Physitian be present, yet is it not suffici­ent that he play his part, but likewise the sicke, and such as assist, and minister vnto him, as also other outward things, which might much hinder the cure, as our renowned Hippocrates doth teach vs,Hipp. aph. 1. lib. 1 the which things the vrine will neuer be able to shew vs. The danger which may ensue vpon the vnaduised prescribing of remedies vpon the sole sight of the vrine, we haue already declared by the exam­ple [Page 93] of a white vrine in a phrensie. Instances in some cases, wherein the v­rine may de­ceiue vs. If also the choler be carried vpwards, and by casting and reaching voyded away, it will come to passe that the vrine will be crude, and of a whitish coloor: and yet if in this case thou shouldest ap­point hot remedies in this hot disease, it is apparent into what danger thou castest thy Patient. In like sort if the sicke shall lye long languishing of a Dropsie, proceeding of a cold and weake Liuer, the vrine being for this reason of a reddish colour, and shall send his vrine to the Physitian, and he thereupon shall presently prescribe Phlebotomy, shal he not by the same meanes hasten this crazy carkeis to the graue? No man of vnderstanding, I thinke, will deny it. Now of the disposition of such a liuer (howsoeuer the bo­dy was not swolne) I will here relate a true story.

At my first comming out of Italy, Of a Priest sick of a Feuer he­cticke, with a long continued loosnesse, killed by misskilfulnes and too much trusting to th [...] vrine. I came to the towne of Pithiers in France, whereas I practised Physicke for a while, and among diuers other Patients whose cure I had vndertaken, there was brought to me the vrine of a cer­taine Priest, who had now a long time lyen very weake, all naturall strength and vigor almost fayling him: now the vrine was very red coloured and thicke withall, insomuch as I had no small suspition that the sicke was diseased of some hot acute disease proceeding from an extreame heate and ebullition of the blood. I enquired therefore of him that brought the vrine, whether his Master had been long sicke or no? He answered that he had kept his bed these three moneths at least. The which hauing heard, I could not but wonder at the vrine, and the strangenesse of the same. Wherefore I enquired of him againe, whether he felt not some paine, and as it were some weight vnder his right side? The Seruant auouching that it was so, I enquired whether hee was not troubled with some loosnesse, as likewise if his feet were swollen? The Seruant answered, That hee voyded by stoole great abundance of bloody excrements, that his belly was very lancke and flat, his body dry and withered, and that his feet were not at all swollen. Hauing vnderstood all the pre­misses, I said I thought it fittest to see the sicke before I [Page] [Page 90] [...] [Page 91] [...] [Page 92] [...] [Page 93] [...] [Page 94] should administer any Physicke to him, lest trusting too much to the false flattering vrine, I should let him blood, which might perhaps be an occasion of great mischiefe to the sicke. The Seruant acquainted his Master with my message, and vpon that occasion the next day being sent for, when as I came to him, I found death written in his face already,Facies Hippocra­tica. Hippocr. prognost. lib. 1. hauing such a face as is commonly called Hip­pocraticall, described by the famous Hippocrates in his pre­dictions, to wit, a sharp nose, his temples fallen, hollow eyes, &c. and withall, his excrements were bloody, like the washing of raw bloody flesh, the which doe most vsually come to passe by meanes of the imbecility and weaknesse of the liuer. The Pulse was small, weake, and somewhat quicke, such as doth most commonly accompany a Feuer hecticke, or Con­sumption. I enquired of him what had beene the originall cause thereof, and how long he had beene troubled with it. He told me among many other things, That at first hee had vsed the counsell of a certaine Empiricke, who had most grieuously tortured and tormented his poore carkeis with most strong and violent remedies, The Impostor goeth about to cure him as sick of the French-pox. confidently maintaining that his disease was the French pox. He said moreouer, that he had la­boured to cure him (rather kill him) with such remedies as doe violently loosen the belly, from whence hath procee­ded this extraordinary fluxe, continuing with me now these two moneths at least: neyther yet haue I sent this fellow away, howbeit, as I am now much afraid, the Au­thor of my mischiefe: and for any thing I can as yet per­ceiue, I waxe daily worse and worse, my whole strength being now almost quite decayed, wherfore I am now pur­posed to send him away packing. Moreouer, as concerning the signes of the pox, I found none at all, and so farre as I could collect by his owne relation, there were neuer any at all.

In the meane time while we were thus talking our Em­piricke came in. This worthy Knight (call him knaue if you please) was a Baker by profession. This saucy Iack, like some proud Thraso, did maruellously expostulate with the [Page 95] Patient for sending for me: a great cause indeed to chide poor Pamphilus. Some certaine big words did this Braggadochio breathe out, as is the manner of these men, howbeit to small purpose: adding moreouer, that none could cure him besides himselfe. Sometimes he said he was sicke of the pox, prating of many other idle things not worth the rehearsall: and presently againe would he affirme, that hee had a stone in his bladder as big as an egge, and that hee would be content to be hanged if it were not according to his words. Wherefore perceiuing it would be to small purpose to vse reasons against one, who could be little bet­tered by the same, or by any sharpe reproofe, I only answe­red him thus briefly, My Friend, I came not hither of mine owne accord, but being sent for: and now so farre as I can per­ceiue, the patient hath need of present help; wherefore I thinke it fittest to administer vnto him such things as may by little and little stop the flux, or else in a very short time his vigor and strength will quickly perish and decay. As for any signes eyther of the stone, or of the French pox, I find none at all.

Whiles I was thus talking, he betaketh him to his heels in a great chafe and rage. After I had appointed his dyet, and such gentle remedies as I thought fittest, I departed homewards. The third day after, the seruant came to me a­gaine, acquainting me that his Master was now much bet­ter then heretofore, I still wishing him to continue in that course I had appointed him.Phlebotomy prescribed without the sight of the party, by the vrine only, hast­neth the sicke to his end. But yet not resting content with my counsell, sends yet his vrine to another Physitian, who vpon the sole sight thereof, without any further, ap­pointeth Phlebotomy. These blockish people, (notwith­standing I had strictly charged the contrary, & disswaded from bleeding, whatsoeuer incouragement they might seeme to haue from the vrine) did with speed put the same in execution. Whereupon hee was like to haue yeelded vp the ghost. Of which being aduertised by the seruant sent againe vnto me, I told him that the vrine had deceiued the Physitian, & withall vndone the patient, wishing they had better followed my directions, & that now his only course [Page 96] was to prouide himselfe for another world. The seruant was scarce come within the doores, when his master veri­fied my prediction. The friends desirous to know whe­ther the varlets words concerning a stone in the bladder, would proue true, caused him after his death to bee ope­ned, but no such matter was found, howbeit this Rogue had pledged his necke on the same.

Not safe al­waies to let blood when the vrine is red.Wherefore here we may learne, that it is not safe vpon the sole inspection of a red vrine, presently to appoint blee­ding, since the same may proceed sometimes of a crudity and weaknesse of the liuer: and in this Priest was such an imbecillity conioyned with a Feuer Hecticke, and there­fore his bleeding proued to bee his bane. And that wee ought not rashly vpon the sight of a red and thicke vrine, prescribe Phlebotomy (whatsoeuer Auicen and the Arabian Physitians do hold) it is a thing not to be doubted of. It is then apparant how dangerous it is to prescribe remedies vpon the sight of the vrine onely, as also how deceitfull a signe this is.

And to this purpose is not impertinent a pretty Story which Langius relateth in his Epistles, where hee maketh mention of a certain Apothecary being a Iew, hauing at the very entry of his shop set a carued Image of a foole, apparelled with a party-coloured coate, A pretty de­scription of a water-prophet. and a red hat on his head, who holding out an Ʋrinall in his hand, fleering as fooles vse to doe, seemed to shew the same to the beholders. A Phy­sitian being there by with Langius, maruelling what this might meane, entring within the shop asked the Iew con­cerning the meaning of this matter.Ingenious con­fession of a Iew The Iew answered, that he had heard both from his Father and Grand-father ha­uing both beene Physitians, that such Physitians as by the falla­cious iudgement of Ʋrine doe attempt to know and discerne the disease together with the causes of it, and the place affected, are fooles like vnto him, who did mocke and laugh to scorne their rash iudgement of the same, whom for this cause hee had set for a Signe before his shop dore. So free and ingenuous a con­fession of the truth in this matter, may one seldome heare [Page 97] among our Christian Water-prophets, before whose doores such Signes were very fit to be set vp.

It is not then sufficient to content our selues with the bare inspection of the vrine sent to vs; but it is our part to visite the Patient, yea often if it bee possible,Lib. de Praecept. and Hippo­crates himselfe giueth vs warning of the same, as also to inquire of the most ignorant Idiot such things as may helpe forward the Cure. The same Author in another place saith thus: Come often at the sicke, visite diligently, Lib. de centi. [...]or­natu. with­standing such things as might be done ignorantly, and changing them if they be already done. And thus thou shalt more easily attaine to the knowledge of the same, and shalt bee the readier for euery occurrent, &c. Now yet further if the inspection of the vrine only were sufficient to giue vs ful notice as wel of the disease as of the signes and symptomes thereof, what needed Physitians to haue written so many volumes with so great labour and toyle concerning other signes and to­kens whereby they are discerned. And we read that Ga­len himselfe findeth out diseases, and distinguisheth them by the pulse, which requireth of necessity the presence of the Physitian, as well to iudge of it by the touching, as of diuers other excretions by the sight.

Hence also commeth it to passe,Galen hath writ­ten of set pur­pose diuers bookes concer­ning the pulse, not so concer­ning vrines. that neither Hippocrates nor Galen haue of set purpose so curiously set downe this Doctrine of vrines; howbeit they haue here and there as occasion serued made mention of the same, as willing vs not too much to rely vpon it, but to conioyne all the rest of the signes, which he shall neuer be able to doe without the sight of his Patient.Iohannes Dama­scenus & Rhases in Aphorismis. This is also the opinion of Iohan­nes Damascenus, in his Aphorismes, and Rhases doth like­wise confirme the same. And it cannot bee denyed but many by reason of the inconstancie of this signe (which often deceiueth the Physitian) haue had their dayes much shortened, whom it had beene perhaps an easie matter to haue saued, if they had had a skilful Physitian by them. And of this I will set downe as lamentable an example as was the former. Vpon a time an honest man being troubled with a [Page 98] carnosity, Story of an vn­skilfull Surgeon, who pierced a carnosity in the passage of the Yard, procu ing by this meanes the death of the Patient. growne in the passage of the vrine, at the bottome of his Yard, a certaine fool-hardy Barbar giuing himselfe forth for some skilfull Surgeon, thrusting vp a Catheter into his Yard, burst through the passage, thinking there had beene some stone in the bladder; whence it came to passe that a fluxe of blood en­suing, together with an inflamation and burning feuer, the dis­eased through the vnskilfulnes of this wicked wretch was cast a­way. When death was now knocking at the doore, and ready to breake it open in her Soueraignes name, they send his vrine to me, this being the custome of the common peo­ple, and of some others also. The vrine was thin and cleere, with a small residence, (for the Fluxe of blood had ceased but a little before) of a golden colour, inclining somewhat to Saffron, insomuch that neither could any haue discerned any inflamation, nor acute Feuer by the same; howbeit it was somwhat coloured: but vnderstanding by the seruant that his stones were exceeding swollen (the which no man by the vrine could euer haue discerned) I went to him my selfe, and found that his priuy members and stones were so exceedingly swollen, that scarce had I at any time knowne the like; and at length the vrine was quite stopt, that not so much as one drop could come forth. There was this braue Barbar stifly maintaining that this was nothing else but the stone in the bladder, and was resolued to haue cut him, the breath being now ready to depart out of his body if I had not disswaded him. He had also administred vn­to him very hot and sharpe medicines for breaking of the stone, which had increased as well the Feuer as the inflama­tion, and consequently killed him before wee could be­thinke vs of any fit remedies. His dead body being ope­ned to see if they could finde any stone, they could finde none, neither in the kidneyes, pipes of the vrine, nor yet in the bladder; so that then they gaue credit to my speeches.

I could relate a many like Stories of such as haue beene diseased of Pleurisies, inflammation of the lungs, and the like, deluded to their great dammage by this so deceitfull a signe: but these shall now suffice to proue that which we haue [Page 99] vndertaken. Now since it hath beene lately declared that the Physitian can by the inspection of the vrine onely, nei­ther finde out the infirmity nor yet the place affected, much lesse the causes and symptomes of them: now it rest­eth to declare that the vrine cannot indicate or demon­strate the cure it selfe; but that besides the vrine there are certaine scopes and ends, from which the indications of cu­ring are deriued, which doe no lesse require the Presence of the Physitian then the former, the which also in the next place wee will set downe;In libris obseruat. Medicinal. de fe­bribus. howbeit I haue elsewhere hand­led the same as occasion was offered.

CHAP. IIII. That there is a certaine Method and order of signes and causes, as also of diseases, together with the accidents of the same: that there are also certaine scopes and ends from the which againe the indications of curing are deriued, by meanes whereof, and not of the bare inspection of the Vrine onely, the cure it selfe is performed: by all which as well the vtility as the necessity of the presence of the Physitian with his Pati­ent is proued.

NOw as concerning the signes of disea­ses, and the finding out of the same, our learned Physitians haue laboured nor a little. And as concerning the fountaine and spring from whence they doe proceed, our Physitians haue set downe diuers; the which first of all that euer-praise-worthy Hippocrates found out, who layd also the first foundation of this rationall Physicall Professi­on, as it is now practised,Rationalis sectae Author Hippo­crates. worthy the admiring in this one poynt, that hee proceeded so farre in this Profession, that hee hath beene euer highly esteemed, not onely by those who li­ued in his time: but euen in the succeeding ages also. This ra­tionall sect, as wee may call it, doth proceed from the na­ture [Page 100] of the thing it selfe, to finde out the signes, the causes, and remedies. Hence also commeth it to passe that a Physitian professing the same, must vnderstand the tempe­rature and constitution of mens bodies, as also to be well exercised in finding out the seuerall infirmities of the parts of the body.After Hippocra­tes Galen, and af­ter him many learned men haue handled this Method. After many other famous and learned men succeeded Galen, who hath herein gotten himselfe so much glory, that hee hath left but little for his Successors to gleane after him. Of late diuers learned men haue well manured this Method, as namely Montanus. Fernelius also refined this faculty, publishing it to the view of the world. The same hath lately beene illustrated with a new and easie Method by Heurnius, and Argenterius hath also attemp­ted the same; and many others haue taken no small paines in this matter. Now howsoeuer they may seeme some­what to vary and differ in the enumeration of the particu­lars; yet they are all deriued from a true and sound Method. And thus Donatus with Galen, Donatus ab alto mari. search out first of all the place affected and grieued: to wit, whether it be so of it selfe, or by consent of some other part: the which notwithstanding without the knowledge of Anatomy, no man can euer finde out. The place affected or grieued therefore hee searcheth and inquireth into, from fiue seuerall springs and fountaines: from the hurt the action hath receiued, from the manner of the excretions, the position or situation of the part, the nature or manner of the paine, together with the propriety of the accidents. So in like manner doth hee finde out the dis­ease it selfe, from the excretions, the propriety of the paine, the propriety of the accidents, the nature of the part it selfe, and from such things as haue preceded and gone before; such as are the manner of dyet, custome, age, the constitution of the Ayre, or the Heauens, together with the disposition of the whole body.Leonhardus. Iac­chinus cap. 1. in 9. Rhas. ad Al­mans. Montanus Met. vniuersa. cap. 56. & 57 And besides this, such a disease as properly pertaineth to the part, doth continue without in­termission, but that which cōmeth by consent hath some intermission. After this manner also proceedeth Leonhardus Iacchinus. Montanus collecteth all his from two fountaines or springs, to wit, from the actions & passions of the whole body. [Page 101] Hee doth therefore obserue whether the action vitall, na­turall, or animall bee quite decayed and perished, or any wayes depraued or marred. The naturall actions are con­sidered from the change of excretions of the said parts: the animall actions from the excretions or superfluities of the braine, the vitall from the pulse. After the same man­ner doe we consider of the passions as we haue done of the actions. Thus doe wee first of all consider the passions of the braine, such as are watching, sleepe and deliration. The vitall are distrust, feare and shamefastnesse; the last whereof being once lost, that party seldome recouereth the health. The naturall passions are pleasure & delight, hunger, thirst, and the like, being referred to the stomacke. There maist thou see a many mo things concerning this Subiect, which of purpose I passe by, & that for feare of being too tedious.Argenterius lib duobus de offici Medici, praeser­tim. cap. 18. lib. 2 Argenterius also hath a large field tending to this same purpose, which I will also here omit. All which do intimate so much vnto vs, that the vrine only cannot bring all this to passe. Now next let vs proceed to the causes of diseases.

Briefly therefore of the causes, some are internall, called [...], being bred within the body of man, such as are blood, phlegme, yellow and blacke choler, exceeding their owne bounds and limits. Other causes are externall, cal­led primitiue, and by the Greeks [...], being with­out the body of man, as heat, cold, poyson, with innumera­ble others, &c. Now of these, some againe be necessary, as the ambient ayre, our meate, drinke, rest, sleepe, watching, perturbations of the minde; as feare, sadnesse, anger, &c. O­thers againe are not so necessary but that wee may well a­uoid the same: such are hot stewes, bathes, vnctions, appa­rell, smels, carnall copulation, externall motions, whether by horse, waggon, as also falles, with a number of other things, which doe suddenly assault vs: all or any of which, who so would seeke for in the vrine, deserued to be begged for a foole, or to be allowed vrine for his ordinary drinke. The internall causes haue their originall and being from the primitiue, euident, or externall, concerning which thou [Page 96] maist see many famous auncient and later writers.Gal. de caus. morb. &. sympt. Fernel de causis morber. &c. As for the finall cause it is not to be obserued in the Art of Phy­sicke. The efficient cause is that which altereth and chan­geth the state of the body from an equality and good tem­per, to an inequalitie and distemper: the same is againe ei­ther internall, externall, or primitiue, within the body do alter it, the meate, drinke, and medicines: without the bo­die, the affections of the mind, anger, motions, carnall co­pulation, sleepe, and watching. The materiall cause may also become the efficient cause of the disease, being also two-fold; the one, the matter of which, as are the hu­mours; the other, the matter in the which, as are the members of the body, receiuing the diseases and infir­mities of the same. The formall cause, as in a Feuer, an externall and outward heate. Now how be it much more might be said concerning the causes, yet will wee not insist any longer vpon them, but referre the curious Reader to the aforesaid authors with many others.

Now as neither the signes nor causes of diseases can be discerned by the vrine, it followeth now in order that the indications of curing, or that part of Physicke called Thera­peutica, can no more be found out by the vrine, but it is to be found out by certaine scopes or ends, from whence are afterwards deriued certaine indications of curing. But to the end wee may more easily attaine to our purpose, wee will first of all declare what is meant by these foure, Indi­catio, coindicatio, contra indicatio, correpugnatio, beginning first to tell what is meant by this word Scope. A Scope what it is. A Scope then is the tearme, or end whereunto the action is directed. Indication Indication. is the reason or Motiue of doing such a thing, which looking vpon the Scope, doth point out to vs: or thus, Indication is the knowledge of that which may either help or hurt: Coindication Coindication. is that which sheweth vs the same that the Indication, but not primarily of it selfe, but by accident, and as it were in another place. Thus the strength of the patient is said to indicate Phlebotomy, or a proper diet, but the temperature of the body, the age, the [Page 93] sexe, the custome do coindicate the same, because they de­clare in what state the strength of the body standeth, and consequently doe declare and point out the dyet, not of themselues, but by others mediation and comming betwixt them. Contraindication Contraindica­tion. is that which primarily and princi­pally doth hinder that which was suggested by the indi­cant: as the abundance of humours do indicate a plenti­full euacuation; the Contraindicant is the want of vigour and strength, hindering this worke, and opposing the selfe against it, as being more by the same ouerthrowen then any thing else within the body of man according to the course of nature. Correpugnation Correpugna­tion. (if so I may say) or Cor­repugnantia, are such things as doe secondarily oppose themselues to the Indication, and as one might say oppo­sing themselues together, or ioyning with the other in opposition, such as are in euacuation, the age, the sexe, the temperature of the body, and the rest of this nature and kinde: all which when they shew the imbecillitie and weakenesse of naturall strength, doe either not admit any euacuation at all, or else do insinuate the apt and due mo­deration of the same. Now such things as do neither indi­cate nor contra indicate, neither perswading, nor disswa­ding; such I say as if they were not at all, are not of vs considered, or taken notice of, but of these things see at great length Donatus, Argenterius, and Montanus, with many others, the which the learned, if they be desirous, may there see set downe at great length, and so it doth plainely appeare that the indications of curing are not ta­ken from the inspection of the vrine, as many most falsely haue hitherto conceiued, but yet we will set downe in the next Chapter the chiefe Scopes from whence Indica­tions are taken, and so shall the vncertaintie and deceit­fulnesse of this signe of Vrine be made more manifest.

CHAP. V. That remedies ought to be sought from certaine scopes and indi­cations, for the which cause such Physitians are to be bla­med, who doe vnaduisedly vpon the sole sight of the vrine prescribe their remedies.

NOw then to acquit my selfe of my former promise, and to the end this matter may more manifestly appeare, I will out of the former famous Physitians briefly set down the chiefe scopes from whence the indica­tions of curing are taken.1 Scope. Whether wee are to vnder­take the Cure or no. The first scope of all therefore shall be, whether that wee would take in hand ought to be vn­dertaken; for if it be possible, then may wee boldly goe a­bout it; if impossible, then not to attempt it. Now to the end the Physitian may vndertake or not vndertake a cure, two things are to be considered, the efficient, and the mat­ter or instrument on the which the Physitian is to worke. Then come wee next to the manner of curing. Now then if wee meane to proceed in it, two things must concurre, the power, and the matter; if either bee wanting wee can doe nothing to any purpose; as if any member of the bo­dy be deficient, eye, nose, &c.

The Physitian himselfe may in like manner be deficient, in regard of his ignorance and insufficiencie, such as be Empiricks, women-physitians, &c. who are fitter for baser imployments then for so weighty a calling. The skilfull and learned Physitian may yet be deficient also in regard of some operations set downe by some famous auncient Physitians, as being in those dayes vsuall, now disused and discontinued; as for example, the incision of the diseased of a Dropsy, the which perhaps may be either in regard of the difficultie thereof, or in regard of the decaying of the strength, it not beeing then safe to administer the same. Sometimes also it commeth to passe that although as well the matter as the instrument be fitted for the operation, that [Page 105] yet notwithstanding it is not safe to goe about the cure, in consideration of some other circumstances which doe internally or externally happen and befall the subiect wee are to deale withall. The internall may bee the temperature of the body, perturbations of the mind, age, and sometimes the self-wilfulnesse of the sicke. For if we should appoint a strict and thin sparing dyet, the temperature of the body not beeing able to beare the same (as commonly wee see in cholericke bodyes) then may it rather doe harme &c. So must wee be sparing with Phlebotomy either in yong chil­dren, or yet in women with child, especially towards the beginning and later end of their time, the like circumspe­ction is to be vsed in purging remedies. Neither yet are wee to neglect the perturbations of the mind, as in faint har­ted people wee are to vse these remedies sparingly, as also in Laskes, and in the menstruous flux of women, and in the Piles or Hemorrhoids. Such things as doe externally befall vs, are first the ayre, and therefore in soft and foggy bo­dies, in any great excesse of Summers heat or Winters cold the same ought to bee restrained if not wholly inhibited: the like being vnderstood of an exceeding hot or cold re­gion. Custome also must not be contemned, for some ac­customing themselues to feed 3. or 4. times a day, falling sicke must be more liberally dyeted; and such as are accu­stomed to purging and bleeding, sustaine lesse hurt by the same. In like sort we are to consider whether we are to at­tempt any thing at all, or to commit the whole worke to natures wise disposing, according to the opinion of Argen­terius: or yet if we see the disease so farre gone that there is no good to be done, not to attempt to do any thing, but to foretell the dangerous issue of the same.Second scope choyce of that which is fittest to be done. The second scope followeth vpon the first, for hauing in the first place consi­dered whether we are to go in hand with the cure or no, in the next place we are to consider what is to be done, for being many things to bee done, it is not a thing of small moment to vnderstand what he is to doe, whether to vse euacuation or repletion, digestion, nutrition, alteration, refrige­ration, [Page 106] with infinite other things more; or whether some thing besides all these yet is to be done, of the wh [...]ch who­soeuer is ignorant going about one thing in stead of ano­ther, must needs bee the author of great mischiefe. The cause then doth indicate and declare vnto vs what wee are to doe, (as Montanus well obserueth) but the efficient cause doth especially indicate preseruation from future infirmi­ties: the materiall cause being corporeall or incorporeall, be­longeth properly to the curing or curer of the said infirmi­ties. Now these two sorts of materiall causes doe differ, the materiall corporeall cause ascribing vnto it selfe euacuation; the other being incorporeall only alteration. Or yet this in­dication (according to the opinion of Argenterius) is taken from the number and difference of the infirmities, &c. Ga­len defumeth the same from the dignity of the part or mem­ber, the nature of the action, from the substance and scituation thereof, whom other Writers do also imitate. So doth Iac­chinus defume and take the indication of this scope from the temperature of the part, the excellency of it, the seat or sci­tuation, & the connexion or knitting therof with some other. Do­natus in like manner draweth the first indication from the temperature of the part it selfe, affirming that the substance together with the infirmity it selfe doe both demonstrate this, (as 5. Meth [...]. Meth.) and the manner how to vse the same is taken from the forme and scituation. And thus doth Galen appoint to preserue and keepe the naturall temperature, with things alike in quality to the same, as to appoint dry remedies to dry parts, and moyst to the moyster, &c. Se­condly, Donatus taketh his indication after Galens minde, from the action, and therefore willeth vs to purgc the liuer, and stomacke with great caution and circumspection, by reason of the noblenesse of their actions, and the necessary vse of them to the whole body: thirdly, from the shape and figure of the part affected. By this meanes are we warned by which way and passage we are to euacuate, to wit, the sto­macke by vomit and stoole, the guts by stoole only, as also the hollow parts of the liuer, the kidneyes, the backe-part of the [Page 107] liuer, and the bladder by the passages of the vrine, &c. The fourth indication he takes from the scituation of the part. Thus are wee to apply to outward distempers remedies iust of the same degree of contrary qualities, and such as the distemper requireth. But againe the inward and farre remote parts of the body being distempered require reme­dies a great deale stronger then the distemper in its owne nature, and that in regard of the remotenesse of the part, the Physicke losing some of the force in the passage, &c. The fift indication he taketh from the sensiblenesse of the part, such as be of an obtuse and dull feeling contemning for the most part the most effectuall meanes, although they were of a corroding and eating quality. Such parts againe as be very sensible their strength is quickly ouerthrowne. It is very meete and expedient therefore to remedy the same not all at once in one instant with strong and forci­ble meanes, but for the more safety by degrees: but where the feeling is duller thou maist safely vse such remedies as thou shalt finde fitting all at one time. And thus it now appeareth plainly that this second scope is not to bee taken from the viewing of the water, as these ignorant Ʋrine-mongers doe most falsly suppose, who vpon the bare inspe­ction of it appoint their most dangerous and strong medi­cines, yea rather most deadly Poysons, as doe in like man­ner our Alchymists with their most dangerous metall-medicines, they being both alike ignorant in the Principles and rules of Art. The third scope is by what meanes Third scope by what meanes. wee ought to bring that to passe which we intend. This scope then requi­reth the furniture of such stuffe as Physicke is able to afford vs, the which either the disease or the cause of the same doth indicate. If the disease, then it cannot be sufficiently knowne without the Physitians presence, much lesse cured vnlesse he be either alwaies present, or at least doe often vi­site his Patient. This scope then is indicated from the disease, the cause, together with the accidents of the same. And there­fore old inueterate obstructions doe indicate strong and forcible medicines for the opening of them: the abun­dance [Page 108] of humors, such Physicke as may be fit for the euacu­ation of the same. The disease which yet is crude admit­teth no euacuation before the concoction thereof. They are not therefore without blame who presently vpon the sight of the vrine onely, appoint the Patient strong and violent Purgations, whether there bee concoctions or none at all, and that quite contrary to the minde of Hippo­crates and other learned Physitians.

And thus doth euery one of these indicate the owne proper remedy, whether the cause, disease, or accidents of them. Distemper doth indicate alteration; the multitude of humours euacuation; crudity, concoction; paine, mitigation of the same; any violent Fluxe, astringent and binding reme­dies, &c. The fourth scope considereth the quality of the matter, that is, a choyce of the fittest meanes, especially when they are many, together with the quantity of the same.The fourth scope the selecti­on and choyce of the fittest meanes, and the quality of the same. And therefore it is not sufficient for vs to know what doth euacuate choler or any other humour, but what effecteth it to best purpose, The quality of the remedy is taken accor­ding to Galen, from the action which it bringeth forth, ta­king the name from the part to the which it is appropri­ate, and the infirmity which it helpeth. The first qualities such as are heat, cold, drought and moysture, are the Authors of the action, and such as are deriued from them, as those which do soften, harden, loosen, extend or stretch; and such likewise as doe follow the solidity of the substance, to wit, those that doe attenuate, that doe cut, and such as doe thicken and stuffe vp the passages, and are called properly enplasticae, as in like sort such as are engendred of the two former sorts of qualities, as are astringent, repelling, digesting, opening, thick­ning, clensing, together with others of the same nature and kinde. Secondly, the quality of remedies is taken accor­ding to Galen, from the similitude or likenesse of the whole substance, from whence doth proceed the purging quality, which doth draw the humours of the body, some purging one humour some another. Thirdly, it is taken from the infirmity and the part affected; as for example, Bechica bee [Page 109] such remedies as are appropriate for the cough; Stomachica, hepatica, such as befit the stomacke and liuer. Now the in­firmity it selfe doth indicate the applications of the first qualities, thus; the heat that which is cold, and the cold a­gaine that which is hot, &c. The temperature againe doth indicate the application of the like, as a cold temperature requireth a cold quality, &c. The same may bee said of all the aforesaid qualities.

Now which of the qualities, that take their names from the place and the infirmity of the same, ought to be apply­ed vnto it, is indicated or declared as well by the nature of the part it selfe, as of the disease also. And for this cause the stomacke & liuer do require such medicines as may streng­then them, as wormewood, &c. Each part also doth craue her proper and peculiar remedy: and so also are some dis­eases thought to be helped by some peculiar remedies; as the falling sicknesse by Peonie, &c. The fift generall scope is the quantity of the remedie: The fift scope the quantity of the remedy. and in nothing whatsoeuer doe Empiricks and ignorant Physitians erre more then in this poynt, it being notwithstanding so dangerous. It is not then sufficient to know that the disease is to bee cured by contraries; but the exact quantity of the remedy is also to be found out: for if we shall happen to ouer-coole a hot disease, we may cast the sicke into a cold disease, the which to preuent we ought to be acquainted both with the state of the body of the sicke, the disease it selfe, together with the nature and faculties of the remedies. Now that I insist not vpon the opinions of Montanus Argenterius, and o­thers, I will shew onely from whence Galen taketh his in­dications of the quantity of the remedies, whom Akakia also (my sometimes kind and louing friend, when as I practi­sed Physicke in France) doth imitate. Hee taketh his indi­cation of the quantity; first from the greatnesse of the infir­mity, vnder which name I comprehend both the disease, the cause, and accidents of the same. A great infirmity ther­fore doth not only require a great quantity of the remedy, but also a competent power and force in the same: the [Page 110] smaller infirmity, smaller in quantity, and remisser in force: and finally the excesse of nature is to bee driuen away by the like excesse of the remedy. In the next place Galen ta­keth his indications from the obstinacie and stubbornnes of the disease; for when the same may easily bee remoued, then are we to exhibite our remedies seldomer and more sparingly: but if they be hard and vneasie to be remoued, then may we more freely, more copiously, and oftner ex­hibite our remedies. Thirdly, from the strength, for if it decay and wast, then must we exhibite our remedies spa­ringly and seldome: but if the case bee otherwise, then may wee oftner and frequently vse the same. Fourthly, from the proper and peculiar nature of the Patient: for ac­cording as they differ, so must the remedies in like manner vary. Some constitutions there are to whom any Physicke will presently turne into nourishment, and such may take the same more liberally. Others there are againe who are annoyed with any Physicke whatsoeuer, so that oftentimes the very smell of it will incite them to casting; and to such thou oughtest to giue the same more sparingly. Fiftly, from the nature and condition of the part: & this doth compre­hend also vnder it the exquisite sense and feeling, together with the dulnesse thereof, the solidity, the office, &c. And therefore an acute sense and feeling doth reiect a strong and copious medicine, which a more obtuse and dull sense admitteth willingly. Likewise a thin and spongious part requireth much milder then that which is thick, hard and compact. So in like manner the noble parts, and such as performe a common duty to the whole body, (such as are the stomacke, liuer, heart, and braine) require the same more mild, and withall sparingly. On the contrary such as be obscure, ignoble, and performe no such publike and common office, may easily indure it somewhat quicker and in greater quantity. Sixtly, Galen taketh the indicati­on of the quantity of the remedy from the shape or fashion of the part. And therefore such parts as haue within and without large and wide passages, through the which the [Page 111] medicine may be easily conueyed to the place affected, and the matter of the disease digested, require the same more gentle and more sparing: but such againe as are de­stitute of the same, or haue their passages narrower, re­quire it both more copious and more quicke. Seauenthly, from the situation and connexion of the part with others; for such as bee outward hauing any society with the sto­macke and guts, require the same both gentle and little in quantity: but such as bee more remote from the former, demand it in greater abundance and stronger withall.

The sixt generall scope is the limitation of the quantity, The sixt scope. The manner or limitation of the quantity. or the manner of administring it according to the seuerall oc­currents and occasions. And therefore it is not without cause that Montanus saith, wee are well to consider how and after what manner we go about that we take in hand: for we proceed after one manner when it is a maligne dis­ease, and otherwise when it is secure and void of danger: as also many dangerous accidents require a course farre differing from that disease where there is no such thing to be seene. Now the materiall cause also, or the subiect in the which the disease is inherent doth indicate the same, as that the cure must proceed after one manner in the braine, & after another in the liuer. Vale Gal. ad Glam. Monta­num. And to the former may be also added the sicke parties custome, state of life or calling, the time of the yeare, age, temperature, or constitution of body; the mo­tion of the disease, or the resting or staying of the same, and the nature of the place affected.

A number of other indications for breuities sake I of purpose passe by, howbeit these may sufficiently declare vnto vs that which the stinking vrine will neuer doe. Now notwithstanding all the premises, we shall yet remaine in great doubt and suspence, vnlesse things bee done conue­niently and in due time. And therefore the seauenth scope considereth the due & conuenient time The seuenth scope. The fit & con­uenient time. for that we take in hand. Thus the motion of the disease doth indicate when to doe or not to doe, and the time likewise of the disease. And therfore if the motion of the disease be quick & speedy, we [Page 112] must with all speed helpe and succour the same: where­fore we must helpe very acute and sharpe diseases on the very selfe same day they begin vpon, enioyning a most ex­quisite and sparing dyet withall, delay being here most dan­gerous. If the disease goe on slowly, the matter of the same not swelling, nor yet in very great abundance, but still and quiet, then are wee to expect the concoction of the same. The time of the disease doth indicate that we ought not to attempt any euacuation at the beginning, but in the increase, when as the signes of concoction do manifestly appeare. In the beginning of inflamations we are to abstaine from such medicines as doe digest and discusse. In the increase, and when it is now come to a stand and stay, we are to vse the same. So according to the minde of Galen the fit and con­uenient time is taken from the times of the disease, the vi­olence of the accidents, and from the concoctions. So like­wise the sicke parties proper and peculiar disposition, as also the remedies which haue gone before or ought to fol­low, as also the preceding or following infirmities, do of­ten further or hinder the exhibiting of any more Physicke. And for this cause if the nature of the infirmity require Phlebotomy, and yet the selfe same day the sicke haue taken a purging potion, we must of necessity deferre the remedy howbeit in it selfe very necessary. Now such things as doe commonly indicate, are the infirmities themselues, together with the state and condition of the body. Such things againe as doe hinder, are sometimes the disorder and vnrulinesse of the sicke, the frowardnesse of the Physitian, the perturbations of the minde, as also the manners and disposition of the sicke. The particular occasion hath in like manner the own pro­per and peculiar indications: but such as in regard they are conuersant about particulars, are rather to be learned by experience then by reason.

Now these seuen foresaid scopes being common to other actions, we will yet adde two more, to wit, the eighth and ninth, concerning the place and order, the which are more peculiarly appropriated to this Profession. The eighth [Page 115] scope teacheth vs to apply our remedies to the proper place. The eight scope The proper place. And therefore the great guts demand glisters, as fit reme­dies; the small guts, some purge taken at the mouth; the sto­macke or maw, a vomit, and sometimes a purge; the backe-parts of the liuer, by such means as prouoke vrine, as hath been said already, and so in many others, &c.

But as in other the former scopes, so in this also, some things do sometimes occurre, which doe often hinder that wee cannot hansomely bring to passe that which is by the indications suggested vnto vs. As for example, the mouth of the stomacke being much perplexed by reason of hot distemper, and demaunding some actually cooling reme­dy to bee applyed thereunto, the scituation of the midriffe doth prohibite vs from applying any such outward reme­dy. The ninth scope is the order.The ninth scope. The order. For when as in a disease there be diuers things to be done, it concerneth vs not a little to know what is to be done in the first place, what in the second, and so consequently in order. Thus are we for­ced sometimes in burning feuers, first of all to coole the whole body, then next we remoue the obstructions. As also when the strength of the body is almost quite wasted away, and the spirits neere spent, before we either set vp­on the disease or the cause thereof, wee are constrained to administer some such comfortable nourishment and other meanes as may best nourish and comfort feeble & distres­sed nature. In like manner we doe first clense a distempe­red vlcer from the matter and corruption of it, before wee attempt to cure the distemper of the same. And therefore I thinke this axiome worthy the remembring, which may also direct vs what to doe, to wit,Vide Argent. lib. 2. de offic. Medici. cap. 18. Donat. 1. part. de febr. Heurn. Meth. ad praxin. lib. 3. &c. that wee are to begin with that which most presseth and vrgeth vs, to wit, that first of all we remoue the same, and in the next place that which sup­plyeth the place of the efficient cause: Lastly, wee are to come to such things, without the which the rest cannot be accomplished. But of these things thou maist at great length see the learned volumes of diuers famous Physi­tians.

And now I hope it is apparant to the eyes of euery one, that such Physitians proue fooles who doe from the inspe­ction of the vrine, affirme that they are able to finde out any one, much lesse all these foresaid scopes, which is as impossible, as if they would containe all the water of the Sea in a few spoones. Whence it commeth to passe that these water-prophets plunge themselues in a world of er­rors, if omitting and passing by these scopes and indicati­ons vpon the bare sight of the vrine they shall happen to prescribe Physicke for their Patients: when as these for­mer indications do more then sufficiently declare, that the presence of the Physitian is also required to assist his Pati­ent. And some are not content rashly and boldly vpon the bare sight of the vrine, (as is said) to prescribe their re­medies, but doe withall, publishing the same in their vul­gar tongue to the great damage of many, prostitute the same to euery ones idle braine and fancie, to abuse them at his pleasure. But of this wee will now speake at greater length in this next Chapter.

CHAP. VI. Against such as do prescribe and appoint remedies in their owne vulgar tongue, making the same common to euery one.

NOw as we haue hitherto sufficiently con­uinced the errors of such as vpon the bare sight of the Ʋrines, without any other in­dications, doe prescribe their remedies to the sicke without any sight of them: so must wee yet say somthing of another error depending vpon the former. And this is the prescription of remedies in the vulgar tongue. And therefore the renowned Hippocrates leaueth vs this instruction, that high and great mysteries are not to be communicated to the ignorant multitude, but onely to such as are initiate & trained vp in the grounds & principles of the same. And it doth manifestly appeare, that if the myste­ries [Page 117] and secrets of nature be laid open to wicked people, to Impostors and deceiuers, or yet to the vnlearned, they doe exceedingly abuse the same. And therefore the foresaid Hippocrates, vpon the admission of such as he found wor­thy to enter into this profession; tyed them to the oath of obseruing such precepts & ordinances as are set downe in that science, most prouidently foreseeing what great cala­mity and vnexpected mischiefe might befall men, if the se­crets and mysteries of this Art were made common to knaues and ignorant people. But this cursed custome is growne so common, that the vulgar sort of people seeme to haue this noble Art of Physicke to sell and dispose of at their pleasures.This disorder occasioned by the sordid co­uetousnes of the patient. Now this commeth to passe in part by means of the sordid and base niggardlinesse of many, who either do obtaine through importunity or otherwise, the prescription of their remedies in the vulgar tongue, to the end they may againe if need so require, vse the same in the like case, or yet communicate the same to their friends or acquaintance; and sometimes also after the seruing of their bill, get the same againe from the Apothecary to serue for the same purpose, not considering with themselues the manifold alterations and changes which may fall out in a short time, insomuch that that which before proued to be a most soueraigne remedy for thy health, may now by rea­son of some circumstances, be the cause of thy vtter ouer­throw and ruine. And thus haue I sometimes seene the billes of a Physitian dead twelue yeares before, carried to the Apothecaries shop to be made againe. And moreouer now of late I met with a bill wherein was set downe the description of a purging Potion, being communicated from house to house, and so sent to the Apothecaries shop to be prepared, and was indifferently exhibited to euery one which demanded it, and that without any regard ei­ther of age, sexe, temperature of body, or season of the yeare, &c. Againe in the next place,As also by meanes of the Apothecary. this commeth also to passe, by reason of the couetousnesse and auarice of the A­pothecary, who is ready (ayming onely at his owne gaine [Page 118] and profit) at all times, and to all sorts of persons, to pre­pare and make ready such billes as are prescribed either in the Latine, or yet in the vulgar tongue: the which neuer­thelesse ought not to be done, vnlesse the Physitian out of his discretion, shall thinke it fit for that indiuiduall party. This the Poet Sophocles wittily reprehended in these words

And this was the song of that sordid Emperour Ʋespasi­an, The smell of gaine is alwayes good from whence soeuer it doth come, &c. Now howbeit at my first comming out of Italy, finding this peruerse custome to haue crept in a­mongst my Countreymen, and therefore at first I also, howbeit against my will, gaue way for a season to this in­ueterate custome; yet after a while well weighing with my selfe the manifold abuses and inconueniences of this so per­uerse a custome, I began to shake this burthen off my shoulders, refusing to write any billes at all either in the Latine or vulgar tongue.A laudable cu­stome of the Italian Physiti­ans, in writing all their billes in paper-books, kept by the A­pothecary. And therefore I gaue the Apo­thecary a paper-booke to keepe by him, in the which I wrote downe all my notes and receipts, as is the laudable custome of the Italian Physitians: this booke I charged him to keepe, and to suffer none to write out any receipt or note out of it; nor yet to prepare any of them without my knowledge and priuity.

But if any will yet obiect that this is for our owne pri­uate commodity, let him know that the honest, carefull, and conscionable Physitian doth not so gape after gaine as doe the multitude of these mercenary counterfeit Physitians, being such in name onely; but aboue all things aymeth chiefly at the health of his Patient, preferring it euen before his owne priuate gaine and commodity, rea­dy to redeeme their health, if it were with dammage and detriment to himselfe. The which what other profession I pray thee will thus put in practice. And yet ought not the Patient to be so miserable and base-minded as to bee vnthankfull to his Physitian: howbeit when he hath been [Page 119] most bountifull in this kind,The Physitian can neuer bee sufficiently re­compenced for his paines. yet is he neuer able to requite him for so worthy a thing as is the health of the body: for whatsoeuer is giuen in this kinde is nothing else but a signe and token of a thankfull minde for so great and ine­stimable a benefit receiued. And this may plainly appeare if wee shall but consider the equall intercourse and com­merce amongst men, on the which the whole streame of Iustice and equity is founded; for then it will plainly ap­peare, that howsoeuer money and wealth may counter­poyse and match things of their owne ranke and nature; yet will it neuer bee able (as being of a farre inferiour and baser ranke and degree) condignly to recompence or re­ward the same. And in this may the difference bee seene betwixt this noble Profession and other inferiour mecha­nicall Arts, in the which it is apparant that the labourer may sufficiently be recompenced for his bodily labour and paines, as equity, long custome, or yet mutuall couenant shall agree vpon. And put yet the c [...]se that health doe not en­sue (as it often pleaseth the Almighty otherwise to dispose) who can giue the Physitian a sufficient competent recom­pence for all his toyle, labour and paines;Whatsoeuer is bestowed vpon the Physitian for his paines, is but a token of the Patients thankfulnesse, called properly honorarium not salarium, as in the mechani­call Arts. but especially for his anxiety of minde, his great solicitude and care which hee day and night vndergoeth, for the misery, calamity, and perplexed estate of his distressed Patients? Can any man of vnderstanding think that a small summe of money can sufficiently requite the same? No; if thou wert as rich as Craesus all thy wealth were not sufficient to recompence them condignly.

But to returne to our purpose againe, I hope that ho­nest and ingenuous Physitians will not follow this vulgar and corrupt custome: but will not onely themselues ab­staine from divulgating abroad their billes or bookes in the vulgar tongue, as also from this preposterous and per­uerse manner of inspection of vrines in their owne Cham­bers; but will also as much as in them lyeth, labour to re­claime others from this error. And if yet they shall per­haps not attaine to their intended end and purpose; yet [Page 120] shall they in this poynt performe the part of honest and carefull Physitians. If any will yet further obiect, that if the vrine doe neither demonstrate and shew forth the in­firmities nor yet the indications of the same, to what end and purpose haue you heretofore referred the inspection thereof to so necessary and profitable a part of Physicke, as that which the Physitians call commonly semeioticall, or handling the signes of diseases? To this I answer, that none of our best Physitians doe deny the necessary and lawfull vse thereof; but yet after a farre other manner then most men haue hitherto conceiued. My minde and pur­pose therefore is not, nor euer was, to take away the right vse, but to reforme the abuse of the same, and taking away that which hath beene by it vsurped, and now for a long time vniustly detained, to make knowne to the world what of right and due belongeth to the same, as hath been at great length declared already. And thus I thinke it fit­ting that the Physitian bee present with his Patient there, not onely to view his vrine, but also narrowly to consider of all other such signes as do offer themselues to his view. For if wee thinke the presence of the Surgeon necessary for the curing of any outward wound receiued in the body, if hee will cure the same according to Art as he ought: much more is it requisite that the Physitian be present with his Patient, being sicke of any internall disease, to the end that both hee may consider of all such things as we haue heretofore spoken of, as also that hee may obserue and marke all such things as may further or yet hin­der the cure of the same, as hath beene already at great length declared and set downe. Now it may perhaps be replyed, this is not a thing like to be reformed, since it is not vnlikely that the greatest part will still retaine their old inueterate custome, and will not free themselues from imposture and cozenage. To them I answere, that I be­leeue this to be true, all men are not of one minde, neither yet can wee alone amend all errors which are crept into this noble profession; diuers others hauing before our [Page 121] times (although not with the expected issue) attempted the like. In the meane time this shall giue the world a sufficient testimony of our diligence and care, in that wee haue here opposed our selues against some such errors, as haue somewhat darkened the bright splendour of this Profession, and for the benefit of the sicke, laboured and indeuoured to remoue out of the society of the best appro­ued Physitians, this vaine babbling and coniecturing by the Ʋrine: and some I hope there will be not onely ready to approue and think well of these our endeuours, but will also translate the same in their vulgar tongues, to the end that the most simple and ignorant may by this meanes, if they will, free themselues from the imposture and coze­nage of these deceiuing Water-mongers. For this cause also are we to pray to the great and mighty God of heauen, that he would touch the ignorant consciences of these Sy­cophants, iuggling and cozening Empirickes, woman-Physitians, and all the rest of that rabble, that yet at length they may repent them of their cozenages and impostures. I doe in like manner most earnestly intreat and request all learned Physitians that they would ioyne with mee and others of my minde in these our so honest endeauours; and wee a­gaine will not be wanting on our parts: and further if at any time by meanes of the importunity of some wee shall bee forced to giue way to this inspection of vrine in our owne Chambers, we shall neuerthelesse giue warning to euery one who shall thus come to aske counsell at our hands, that it were a great deale better that we were con­ducted to the place where the sicke party lyeth, that so both more easily and more safely we might doe our best for the restoring of him againe to his former health. But if on the other side they will not hearken to this our whol­some admonition, the fault shall lye vpon themselues.

Now at length to draw this our Discourse to an end, I hope it doth plainly appeare, that the generall conclusion whereabout we haue so much bestirred our selues in this whole Discourse, as being the maine subiect thereof, to [Page 122] wit, that the iudgement of the nature and essence of diseases by the sole inspection of the Vrine, is very full of danger and deceit, is plainely and conspicuously laid open to the view of euery one that will not shut vp his eyes that hee may not behold manifest truth. And certainly the very loue we ought to beare vnto our neighbours might bee a sufficient motiue to induce vs to lay open to the view of the world all such errors whereby our neighbour might be any wayes indangered or indammaged, to the end hee may auoid and shun the same.

Now GOD of his great goodnesse grant that this la­bour and paines which I haue so willingly vnderta­ken for this end and purpose bee not frustrate of the due effect.

CHAP. I. The introduction, where some thing concerning the antiquitie, excel­lencie, and eminencie of physicke, and of the lawlesse intrusion of some ignorant persons vpon this profession, with the absurditie of the same.

OVr most great and omnipotent God, of his great goodnesse, hauing first created and fra­med these glorious globes and orbes of the vniuerse, together with the earth and all the ornaments and furniture of the same, at last made man, that microcosme, or little world, as it were an epitome or abridgment of this great vniuersall world: and that according to his owne likenesse, and placed him in earthly paradise. But not long after being by the serpent that old inueterate enemie of mankind, seduced to sinne, he became a map of miserie, obnoxious to death and eternall dam­nation; and euen in this life subiect to innumerable sicknesses. So farre notwithstanding, did his makers bountie abound, that not onely sent be him a Sauiour to redeeme him from damna­tion, but furnished him with innumerable remedies against his manifold infirmities.Ioseph. antiquit. Iudaic. l. 1. cap. 4. Zonaras annal. lib. 1. These Adam taught his sonne Seth; and he againe (lest water or fire should destroy them) wrote the principles of physicke in hieroglyphicke letters, vpon two pil­lars; one of stone, against the rage of the water, the other on bricke against the furie of the fire. Thus came the art to be propagated to posteritie: and Abrahams seed soiourning in Aegypt that vnthankfull nation, yet for their hospitalitie to Gods people reaped this benefit, that they were by them in­structed in the principles of this profession, and many moe be­sides. The Greeks gained this knowledge of the Aegyptians, who were not idle, but improuing the same, would willingly haue assumed all the honour to themselues.High account of physicke a­mongst the Graecians. In great honour and reputation was it amongst this nation for many yeares, and the professors of the same in great credit and account with the mightiest Monarches: witnesse the honour exhibited to Hippo­crates and his posteritie, by the Athenians in particular. And the [Page 3] account the Persians made of it, may from hence euidently ap­peare,Amongst the Persians. Hippocr. in epist. that the great Artaxerxes sendeth to Histanes gouernour of the Hellespont this message. The fame and renowne of the noble Hippocrates, of the race & linage of Aesculapius, borne in the Ile of Cos, together with his great skill and sufficiencie, are come to mine eares: bestow thou therefore vpon him as much gold as he shall demand of thee, and whatsoeuer he shall haue need of, bestow it vpon him in most plentifull manner, and haue a care to send him to me: for he shall be equall in honour and dignitie with the greatest Princes of Persia. And moreo­uer, if there be any other wise learned man in Europe, let him be enrolled amongst the Kings domesticke & familiar friends, not sparing for any cost whatsoeuer: for such men are not euery where easily to be found. After many yeares,Vide Sabell en­nead. 9. lib. 2. Zonar. annal. tomo. 3. aliosque neoter. the Turkish ty­rannie like a violent inundation ouerflowing the most part of Asia, together with no small part of Europe, this profession be­ing now banished out of Greece its owne naturall soile, toge­ther with the rest of the Muses, it sought for shelter and succour amongst the rude Arabians,Entertainment amongst the A­rabians. where it was welcomed with such entertainment, as such a countrey could affoord it: where how­beit it was enlarged by many such simples as India and Arabia would yeeld, yet haue their bookes bene so branded by barba­rous translators, that they are not euen vntill this day freed from the same. Amongst the RomansAmongst the Romans. likewise it was not a little re­spected, where that worthy Emperour Augustus hauing among many others, some intelligence of the great abuses committed by ignorant intruders vpon this profession, together with the great dammage redounding to the subiect, by meanes of this l [...]wlesse libertie, made a law as followeth. That no person, The law of Au­gustus Caesar a­gainst ignorant and vnskilfull practisers of physicke. of what estate or degree soeuer, within the Romane Empire, should either teach or practise physicke, vndertaking the cure of any sicke persons, vnlesse he were first licensed and authorised by the Emperor himselfe, or by such as should by him be deputed or appointed for this purpose. This law was long inuiolably kept by the succeeding Caesars, vntill such time as the barbarousVide supra, & inter neoter. Chronic. Carion. aedit. 1608, in 8. Saracens & Turks, vnder the conduct of that monster of mankind Mahomet, did with fire & sword waste and destroy a great part of Asia, especially Syria, [Page 4] together with Greece and the countrey about Constantinople: the Goths, Huns, & Vandals omitting no kind of crueltie in the other parts of Europe,Mars enemie to Minerua. Italie in particular. These, besides many other miseries, did also subuert and destroy most of the Vniuer­sities and schooles of good learning, burning the bookes they could come by, and bringing in by this meanes meere barba­rousnesse and ignorance. This great inundation and deluge gaue no small encouragement to all manner of cozeners to practise their imposture, sparing neither the persons nor the pur­ses of the oppressed people. This wofull calamitie continued vntill Lotharius Duke of Saxonie was crowned Emperour at Rome.Lotharius first Emperour of the house of Saxony restored learning and learned men in the west. De his vide ora­tionem doctoris Beniamin Lob­schuts impressam cum obseruat. medic. Diomedis Cornarij medici­nae Doctoris. This worthy Emperour both erected a number of new nurseries of good learning, and repaired such as were founded before his time, adding and increasing meanes for the mainte­nance of these new erected schooles and Vniuersities. Moreo­uer, he caused to be sent for out of euery countrey and king­dome, the most famous and learned men that were to be found, and such as did most excell in euery art and science. And for the better furtherance of this his purpose, he granted many priui­ledges and immunities to the aforesaid Vniuersities & schooles, the whole Professors and Students in the same. And thus phy­sicke with the rest reuiued againe; and being healed of her for­mer wounds, was drawne out of the darke dungeon and prison wherin she had so long lien in thraldome and captiuitie, and by meanes of this noble Emperour restored to her former dignitie and libertie againe. Now to adde more grace and dignitie to this noble profession, he renewed againe that worthy law of Augustus, inhibiting and discharging any person whatsoeuer, either to practise or professe this or any other art or science, vnlesse he were first licensed from the Emperours court. But well foreseeing the inconueniences which might from hence arise, if all such businesses should depend vpon his court; for this cause he granted this priuiledge and authoritie to the a­foresaid Vniuersities throughout the whole Empire. This so wholesome constitution of Lotharius all the succeeding Empe­rours to this day haue continued.First originall of Doctors and o­ther degrees in the Vniuersities. And thus came first in these titles of Doctor, Master, &c. not by the appointment of any [Page 5] priuate man, but by the lawes of Emperours and Kings of Christendome. Now besides the premisses, I would easily e­uince both the eminencie and excellencie of this profession from the vtilitie and necessitie,Vtilitie and ne­cessitie of this profession. as being of necessarie vse for euery age, estate and degree; as also the worthy subiect there­of, to wit, the body of man, so farre foorth as diseases are ex­pelled, and health preserued; it being also the shrine of the soule, & the costly coffer wherein it is contained, do conciliate no small authoritie vnto the same. Neither yet is the skill in this profession so easily attained vnto, as many ignorant people do perswade thēselues. But that there are many things required in him who is to be called natures darling, and great Secretarie of state, at all times to helpe and assist her, when oftentimes she cannot helpe her selfe (vnto which this confused multitude ne­uer hath attained, and therefore vnworthy to be admitted vnto such mysteries) hath euer bene receiued for an vncontrolled truth. The causes of the disease must be exactly knowne be­fore the cure, and many other things besides. And thus it is re­corded of Aristotle, that at a certaine time falling sicke, his Phy­sitian there by him prating apace, answered very wittily after this manner. [...]. Aelian. lib. 9. cap. 23. Polib. lib. hist. 2. & 3. inde­que Lang. epist. medicin. lib. 2. epist. 48. Hippoc. lib. 2. de lege. Neither cure me like a cowheard, nor yet like a plow­man; but first of all let me know the cause, then shalt thou find me ob­sequious to thy prescriptions.

The euer praise worthy Hippocrates, howbeit in few, yet in effectuall words, setteth downe such things as are requisite in a true Physitian. Whosoeuer will exactly and diligently purchase to himselfe a firme knowledge in this profession, must of necessitie be fur­nished with these which follow. Nature (that is, a potentiall apt­nesse, wit and vnderstanding, with a certaine pronenesse and inclination to this profession) precepts of art, a fit and conuenient place for studie; instruction in the same from younger yeares; diligent and painefull studie, together with a competent and conuenient time. This likewise did the ancients paint foorth vnto vs in the armes or enseignes of Aesculapius, The armes or enseignes of Aesculapius. to whom were attributed all the badges and enseignes which do of right belong to a true Physi­tian, and do all argue assiduitie and painfull industrie.

The first was an Owle, to giue him warning of the watchfull [Page 6] paines and care the learned Physitian ought to take in finding out the seuerall signes and circumstances of the disease, to the end he may be the more able to foretell the seuerall issues and euents of the same. A crooked staffe A crooked staffe. in his hand; which intima­teth vnto vs, that he ought with great care and diligence be­stirre himselfe, to attaine to the right and perfect knowledge, not onely of the structure of mans bodie, and euerie part of the same, as well inward as outward: but also the seuerall qualities and vertues of all manner of remedies appropriated for the vse of mankinde; whether they be aboue the earth, enclosed in the intrals thereof; or yet contained in the vast dominions of the endlesse ocean: as also with carefull circumspection, to obserue and marke the strength of his patients, and their seuerall natures and constitutions; applying to each and euery one of them in due and conuenient time, such proper and peculiar remedies, as may best befit them▪ and that alwayes hauing a watchfull eye vpon the seuerall indications in such cases required. In his right hand he held a Dragons head, A dragons head in his right hand and a dog hard by him. coming from the Greeke word [...], signifying a sharpe and cleare sight: and next vn­to the same was a watchfull dog; both of them declaring vnto vs, that the Physitian ought with a certaine promptnesse of dex­teritie of vnderstanding foresee the issue and euent of diseases, and then with as great ease and facilitie as is possible, and without sparing any paines, ease the patients griefe; preseruing likewise and maintaining, as much as in him lyeth, his present healthfull state of bodie, and preuenting to the vttermost of his power, the imminent danger of dolefull diseases. In his left hand a pine apple, A pine apple in his left hand. thereby letting vs to vnderstand, that the out­ward shell of this profession is very hard, the inward fruite and marrow, notwithstanding, being most pleasant, delectable and profitable. At his right side was the winged picture of health, with a pullet in her hand: The winged pi­cture of health with a pullet in her hand. & that to the end the Physitian might know, that he ought to aime at the health and happie estate of his pa­tient principally, and not to become the slaue of base and filthie lucre and gaine: in like manner manifesting vnto vs, that by the paines and industrious skill of the learned Physitian, health is oftentimes maintained; as by his carelesse negligence, igno­rance, [Page 7] & insufficiencie it is easily ouerthrowne. A pullet, to shew foorth the Physitians care, in prescribing fit and conuenient diet, according to his patients nature and constitution, as also the qualitie and motion of the disease.How carefull the Physitian ought to be in prescribing diet according to the nature of the disease and dis­eased. For in acute diseases, and such as are of a sudden and speedie motion, as the remedies must be speedie, so must the diet be sparing, answering both to the strength of the patient, and nature of the disease; not being in the meane time vnmindfull of his former custome, countrey or place wherein he liues, with many more circumstances in such cases required. In diseases againe of a long and lingring nature, we must not be so close fisted, but allow them more li­berall allowance; yet keeping alwayes in mind the former ca­ueats and cautions. In the end he must be armed against all oc­casions and sudden occurrents, not forgetting to gratifie the sicke, so farre foorth as may stand with conueniencie. And lastly this Aesculapian pourtraict was pictured with a beard: Aesculapius bearded. signi­fying hereby, that such as medled with such abstruse mysteries, hauing first bene trained vp in the grounds and principles of this profession, ought to be of a reasonable mature iudgement and vnderstanding, to the end they may proue so much the fit­ter to mannage such weightie matters.

But to what end and purpose (will some perhaps say) tendeth this long discourse? Euen to the end it may more euidently ap­peare, into what disgrace and contempt this noble profession is now growne, and that by meanes of the lawlesse and vncon­trolled intrusion of ignorant and vnsufficient persons. Let the Reader iudge ingenuously, whether the offenders be furnished with any such sufficiencie, and let this touch-stone trie them all. Professions farre inferiour to this, haue a number of yeares allowed them to serue and learne, before any be suffered to ex­ercise the same. But here,Liberty allowed ignorant Physi­tians, cause of great mischiefe. howsoeuer the Vniuersities be not depriued of their priuiledges, in granting the degrees to the well deseruing: yet is there no restraint of the most ignorant and vnsufficient persons, of whatsoeuer sexe or calling. An ig­norant Empiricke that knoweth scarce the propertie of pepper, whether it be hote or cold, yet may practise publickly. Now that I say nothing of ignorant Apothecaries, Surgeons, &c. [Page 8] the other sexe will needs haue a share in these businesses also: and yet in holy writ they are tyed to their houswiuerie.Prouerb. 31, Terent. in Andr. And the heathen Poet bringeth in women medling with their spinning and carding. Their fraile sexe is both vnfit and vnfur­nished with sufficiencie for managing of so great matters. It is no wayes sutable to the modestie which ought to be seene in that sexe, to meddle with so publicke a profession. And besides, there being no small commerce betwixt the Physitian and his patient,Hippocr. lib. de medico. Women alto­gether vnfit to practise physick. as witnesseth the worthy Hippocrates, who seeth not the absurditie of this their practise? And as for their suffici­encie, it may easily, by that which hath bene said alreadie, ap­peare. My purpose is not to dwell vpon this subiect, nor yet to vrge many arguments against it, the thing being so absurd in it selfe. I will relate but one tragicall storie out of a late writer, of a mother who made away her owne child, with an intent, as she thought to cure him.A tragicall sto­rie. Alexand. Bened. de curand. morb. lib. 15. cap. 25. A countrey woman (saith mine author) hauing a young sonne of cacheoticall disposition, and now entring into a dropsie, by the aduice of her women-gossips, thrust him, sore against his will, his head foremost, into an ouen, immediatly after the drawing of the bread, stopping vp againe immediatly the mouth of her ouen. Her gabling gossips were officiously attending a better euent then they found, as also helping her to bring to passe this braue exploit. He be­ing once in, was presently suffocated with the smoke for want of fresh aire. The mother within a little space calleth to her sonne oftener then once in an audible voyce, enquiring what benefit he found; who an­swered her no more then Baal did his Priests. 1. King. 18.26 27.28. These pratling gos­sips perswaded this simple woman, that his silence was an assured signe of the benefit he thereby receiued: the which this credulous woman, still hoping where no hope was, easily beleeued: but at length found that which she least looked for; drawing out of the ouen her dead sonne, cured not onely of this, but of all other diseases also; and then (but all too late) blameth as well her owne too too credulous simplici­tie, as the malapert boldnesse of the she-physitians, inducing her to vse a remedie farre worse then the disease it selfe. As for you, Ladyes and Gentlewomen (with your good leaues let me be so bold as to tell you my mind in a word or two) howsoeuer I cannot but much commend your great charitie and loue, in affoording [Page 9] both your paines and your purses for the relieuing of sicke di­stressed people: yet let me intreate you, not to be too officious­ly busie, the life of a man being no matter of small importance, and which being once lost,Soles occidere & redire possunt: nobis cum semel occidit breuis lux, Nox est per­petua vna dor­mienda. Catull. can neuer till the resurrection be recouered. And remember, that there may be an ouersight as well in neglecting a fit and conuenient remedie in due time, as in exhibiting a dangerous and desperate remedie. And whereas often it cometh to passe, that either your necessitie or importu­nitie doth extort from the learned Physitian good and whole­some remedies either for your owne or others infirmities: yet I intreate you, not to be so indiscreete, as to make one salue serue for euery sore. The remedie indeed may be good, but (as often cometh to passe) ill vsed, or rather abused.A good remedy ignorantly or out of season ex­hibited, may yet proue dange­rous to the dis­eased. And that which you haue sometimes tried to be a soueraigne medicine for your selues; yet another time, by reason of a number of new occur­rents, the same remedie may produce an effect farre differing from the former: how much more then in another? The consti­tution of the partie should be considered, the sexe, age, time of yeare, yea and of the disease it selfe; as whether it be in the be­ginning, in the increase, in the height, or declining, with many moe circumstances are here to be considered. But put yet the case the remedie be good against such a disease; yet may many other circumstances crosse this iudication in any indiuiduall person, which were here too tedious to relate. It may then easi­ly appeare, that this is a businesse of an higher straine then many do well consider: but of this matter no more. Now howbeit this fretting canker (I meane of vnsufficient, vnlearned, and vn­skilfull Phisitians) hath crept ouer the whole Christian world, yet the inconuenience is not in all alike. For howbeit in Ger­manie Empiricks do so abound that they haue begun of late yeares (supposing it may be that we are here vnfurnished) to come and visit vs here in this Iland,The laudable custome of the Germane natiō in prouiding fit and learned Physitians, and allowing them good mainte­nance. yet can I not but much commend and praise their care and industrie in prouiding for the maintenance of the honest and learned Physitian. There each seuerall Citie, towne, or corporation, hath certaine Physi­tians entertained by stipends out of the chamber stockes (which there by reason of their admirable industrie, as being [Page 10] much addicted to the publicke good are very rich) a dwelling house being likewise allowed them for their liues: and each Citie or towne according to the proportionable bignesse, hath moe or fewer of those stipendiarie Physitians: and none among them admitted, but such as for their sufficiencie, and long time spent in the studie of that profession, haue taken their degrees in some famous Vniuersitie. All the Apothecaries and Surgeons within the place where they liue are subiect to their censures, and by them to be controlled; and the midwiues likewise by them must be admitted.They often visit the Apotheca­ries shops, and take a suruey of his drugs. And of all the Apothecaries drugs, as well simples as compounds, they take a narrow suruey twice a yeare; to wit, euery Spring and fall: besides the viewing of their drugs immediatly after the buying of them (which com­meth most commonly to passe twice a yeare, at Lerpzig or Franckfort faire) not being lawfull for them to make vse of any of them vntill such time as they be first visited and allowed by the aforesaid Physitians. At the viewing and visiting of their wares, is appointed one frō the chiefe Magistrate of the Citie, commonly called the Burger maister, to sit in commission with the Physitians. If the Apothecarie shall be found faultie, or his drugs any wayes vnsufficient, the aforesaid persons fine him at their pleasures; as also set a reasonable rate or taxe vpon all his drugs and compositions, and that according to the rising or fal­ling of the prizes of the drugs. Neither yet may the Apothe­carie of himselfe make, mixe, or compound any great composi­tion of many seuerall ingredients, vnlesse the Physitians, one or more being present, first see all the seuerall ingredients, and then allow of the same. He can likewise take no apprentice into his seruice, but such as first shall be sworne faithfully to make and compound according to the Physitians prescriptions, not alte­ring any thing in his bill without his knowledge and allow­ance: the which oath the Physitians haue power to exact of the aforesaid apprentices.The great com­moditie of this so laudable a custome. Of this so laudable and praise-worthy a constitution this benefit they reape, that first of all, the inha­bitants are neuer vnfurnished of fit and sufficient Physitians, to whom in time of need they may haue recourse for good and wholesome counsell: as also that the inhabitants in their ex­tremitie [Page 11] are preferred before strangers. The moderation of fees likewise, in regard of their standing stipends, is some ease to the purses of priuate men, but especially to the poorer sort, to whom by this meanes they are the betrer enabled to affoord their counsell for little or nothing. The countrey round about findeth likewise euery where learned Physitians to aduise with, as also good and sufficient stuffe, neither fustie nor sophisticate, and that at a reasonable rate. Now how farre we come short of this so laudable and worthie pollicie, those that know any thing are not ignorant. We are apt enough to imitate that which is naught in our neighbour nations, and why make we not vse of such things as deserue praise and commendation? From the a­forenamed nation we haue so well learned quaffing and car­rousing, together with their vnhappy healths, indeed hinderers of all health, that it seemeth now to be naturalized amongst vs: and why are we not as forward for this an [...] such other lau­dable constitutions as tend to the benefit of the common­wealth? But now to our purpose.

One thing which doth principally encourage all manner of cozeners, and euery ignorant and vnsufficient person,The idle inspe­ction of vrine, as it is at this day practised, ope­neth a gap to e­uery cozener & impostor. to aduen­ture vpon this profession, is the vaine and idle inspection of Vrines, as it is at this day euery where practised; by meanes whereof most people are perswaded that the Physitian is able to find out, not onely the disease in generall, but euen euery signe and circumstance of the same. I my selfe haue often bene im­portuned to tell that by this signe, which the wits of all the wisest Physitians in the world could neuer assuredly and cer­tainly find out. To instance but in one thing, to wit, the discer­ning of the conception, whether a woman be with child or no: there is not an Empiricke or quack-saluer in the countrey, that will not make thee beleeue he can tell thee that assuredly. Our she-physitians (for such monsters now this countrey yeeldeth) will say no lesse.Iohann. le bon. de therap. puerp. But heare the iudgement of a learned French Physitian concerning this point: To abuse the inspection of vrine, to know whether a woman be with child, or no, belongeth to a coze­ning impostor, and not to an honest Physitian; howsoeuer some haue not bene ashamed to vent such vanities. But of this at more length [Page 12] hereafter: now let vs proceed to the maine matter, to wit, to handle this subiect in order.

CHAP. II. Of the vncertaine iudgement affoorded vs by Ʋrines in generall, to­gether with their limitation to certaine diseases, and that out of many learned writers.

IT is growne now adayes a common custome, by the sole and bare inspection of the vrine to vndertake to declare and lay open the whole disease,It is impossible to iudge of the disease, & what concerneth the same, by the in­spection of the vrine onely. together with the state and constitution of euery part of the body, without any regard had to such things as the most wise and cir­cumspect Physitians haue left vs in this case to be considered: the which notwithstanding, is as impossible to bring to passe, as by the heat or cold of an house to iudge of the perfection of the same, together with the soundnesse of the walles and tim­ber thereof: or yet by the rubbish of any house carried to some other place, to find out the statelinesse of the former building. To this end and purpose besides the authorities produced in the former Discourse, I will yet bring in a cloud of witnesses to con­firme this mine opinion. And in the first place, I will set downe some famous authors condemning this vromantical coniecture, and limiting and confining it within its lawfull lists and limits. Afterwards also shall appeare how our iudgement may erre and mistake, euen in some such diseases as may sometimes by the same be discerned: proceeding afterwards to instance in some particular diseases: where shall not be omitted the confutation of the erronious opinion of the vrines of women with child, as also of finding out of the sexe thereby. Then will we proceed to a particular confutation of all the parts of vrine; whereby shall be set downe the true vse of the same. Now the first author that shall march in the auantgard of this batallion shall be the learned Langius; and that both in regard of his great worth and [Page 13] learning, as also because our former author (Forest I meane) had singled out these two following Epistles, as making for the same purpose to set downe at the end of his discourse of vrines, which I haue thought good with some other authorities to in­sert into this place.

CHAP. III. That euen in diseases of the Liuer, and within the veines, the vrine doth often deceiue the most skilfull Physitian.

NOw it may seeme a small matter to instance in diuerse diseases without the veines, the vncer­taintie of iudgement in diseases by the vrine onely; but it will, perhaps, seeme more perti­nent to declare, that the like vncertaintie some­times is found in some such diseases as seeme to affoord vs greater certaintie, as in feauers, &c. Now that the vrine is not alwayes a certaine signe in euery feauer, may from [Page 33] hence appeare,Leo Rogan. lib. 3. de prouid. ex vrin. cap. vlt. that often in that feauer commonly called Syno­chus cum vel sine putredine, that is, that kind of continuall feauer which proceedeth from the abundance of bloud, with or with­out putrefaction, the vrine differeth little or nothing from the vrines of such as liue in perfect health,Paulus Aegineta lib. 2. cap. 27. as witnesseth Paulus Ae­gineta. The reason why such vrines proceeding of so hote a cause, yet do not appeare of so high a colour, is because of the same immoderate and excessiue heare, which being increased by meanes of the feauer, conuerteth the bloud it selfe into the nature of choler: and thus are such vrines not of so high intense a colour, as those which proceed of choler. Hence also may the error of such Physitians easily appeare,Dangerous er­rors. who neuer admit of Phlebotomie, but when the vrine is of high and intense red colour; thinking that this doth alwayes argue abundance of bloud, which neuerthelesse is most false, as hath bene said. And besides, in that the vrines affoord vs but some generall notice of the cruditie and concoction of the disease, they can neuer informe our iudgement, whether the feauer be primarie or a principall guest, or symptomaticall accompanying the disease as the shadow doth the bodie, as is to be seene in Pleuresies and diuers other internall inflammations: which is, notwith­standing of no small moment for the methodicall curing of the disease. And yet moreouer, how canst thou euer tell whether it be an intermittent or continuall feauer by this vncertaine signe? Neither Hippocrates nor Galen did euer presume to know so much; howsoeuer Actuarius in this, as in many other things concerning this point, hath troubled himselfe more then he needed. But againe, what if the feauer be composed of di­uers humours, melancholy being one, which will not alwayes colour the vrine?Galen lib. 2. de cris. cap. 3. & 6. Galen himselfe instructing vs what vrines ac­companie a Quartane in the beginning of the same, saith, they are thin, white, and waterish: and a little after, he ascribes the like vrines to the beginning of a Quotidian. And I know for certaine, that sometimes in the beginning of a Quartane, the vrine cannot be discerned from a sound and healthfull mans. And handling hereafter the colours of vrines, I shall make it ap­peare, that these thin, white, waterish vrines, do often accom­panie [Page 34] other diseases. It is also worth the obseruation, that Ga­len himselfe, where as of set purpose he handleth both the diffe­rences and signes of feauers, maketh so small account of the vrine, that he neither nameth it among the signes of the Quo­tidian, Tertian, Quartane, nor yet of such as are continuall or without intermission.Timoth. Brichius Cantabrig. lib. de med. the. 1. aph. pag. 94. And a learned Physitian borne in this kingdome, setting downe all the signes of a Tertian, not omit­ting the pulse, yet maketh no mention of the vrine. But what if any malignitie be ioyned with a feauer, may it not marre thy iudgement? It hath euer bene so agreed vpon by the learned, and daily experience teacheth vs this truth, that when greatest danger is nearest, it is then there least of all to be discerned. But concerning this point, heare yet the authoritie of a learned man borne within this land,Iohannes Caius Britannus de Ephemera Bri­tannica, pag. 136. speaking of that fearefull and terrible feauer, called commonly the sweating sicknesse.

The vrine in this disease was somewhat coloured, thicke in sub­stance, variable and inconstant in the swimme and sublimation (for nature kept no certaine rule or order by reason of the violence of the venome) and in all other parts kept within compasse.

Now to any vulgar eye, so great danger in the like vrine could neuer haue appeared. I my selfe haue viewed many more dangerous to the outward appearance, and yet neither death nor danger was to be feared. The vrines in maligne and pestilent feauers The vrines in maligne and pe­stilent feauers very deceitfull. are very variable and hard to lay hold on. In some the vrine differeth nothing from a healthfull mans: sometimes a­gaine but a little, as in this last instance. Againe, in others it fol­loweth the nature of the humour, shewing onely the abun­dance and putrefaction of the humours; as I my selfe obserued 1610. at London in a lustie young fellow, seruant to a Gentle­man a friend of mine, and dwelling in the Strand neare to Cha­ring-crosse.

Historie. This fellowes vrine was very high coloured, with a copious resi­dence of red and some yellow contents: and the feauer kept the pe­riod of an intermittent Tertian ague, as was related vnto me; and was accompanied with a painefull swelling in the throate: his bodie plethoricke and cacochymicke, and of a strong constitution, and in the Aprill of his age. For this cause I prescribed both phlebotomie and [Page 35] other euacuations. But the noise of the neighbours about, affirming it to be the Plague (as it proued indeed, many of them dying shortly of the same disease) was the cause that meanes were by his friends neglected, and he after a few dayes dyed of this disease.

But before we go out of our owne Iland,Iohannes Angli­cus, vulgo Gates­den, in epere pra­ctico communi­ter Rosa Anglica nuncupato. What the vrines do here de­clare vnto vs. let vs yet heare the authoritie of another learned Physitian, who liued in this land aboue 300. yeares ago. Heare therefore his owne words con­cerning Quartanes and other diseases.

Now because the Quartane ague is engendred of diuers humors, therefore the vrine is many wayes changed. And thus saith Richar­dus concerning the predictions by vrines: I take God and all the Saints in heauen to witnesse, that neither by skill and art, nor yet by vse and long experience in practise, I could euer attaine to any cer­taine knowledge of the vrine, either in the conception, a Quartane ague, the Falling sickenesse, &c.

Now although I might be a great deale larger in this point, yet will I content my selfe with that which hath bene alreadie said. Let it then not any more be doubted, that the vrine is not alwayes a certaine and infallible signe of the estate of dis­eases contained in the vrine, as feauers, &c. But what then (may one reply) doth it declare? The cruditie or concoction of these diseases, together with the length or shortnesse of the same, ac­cording to the appearance, and the early or late appearing of the signes of the one or of the other (I meane cruditie or concoction) in the vrine. Now omitting also many things which might be said concerning diseases proceeding from the same, I will instance onely in one, to wit, that loathsome disease of Leprosie. Now as our senses do teach vs, that in all the sorts of the same, the [...], id est, vi­tiligo, [...] siue pruritus aut prurigo, [...], id est, impetigo, [...], nomina sunt af­fectionū, in qui­bus omnibus ma­le afficitur cutis, à vinoso aliquo succo, qui nescit assimulari, &c. Holler. schol. ad cap. 64. lib. 1. de morb. intern. skin is euer infected: so whether thou vn­derstandest that which the Greekes or yet the Arabians so cal­led,In quouis ho­rum affectuum (lepra scilicet & morbo Gallico) membra nutri­mentalia (praeci­pue recur, à quo omnes corporis partes suum reci­piunt alimen­tum) fere habi­tualiter labo­rant. Mercat. oper. praedict. tom. 2. pag. 126. it is agreed among all our Physitians, that as well the Li­uer, which is the fountaine and roote, as the masse of bloud, which is as the branches or streames proceeding from the same, are much interessed and endammaged in this disease: and therefore by right the vrine here should carrie a great stroke, it being also the opinion of diuers Physitians, that as well the bloud as the vrine of such as are infected with this loathsome [Page 36] disease do much differ from other mens. And yet heare I pray thee what a learned late writer of no small experience witnes­seth concerning this matter.

Felix Plater. oper. pract. tract. 3. cap. 4. But as for my selfe, who haue these thirtie yeares and vpwards, most diligently viewed, and carefully obserued and marked the bloud of a great number of such as were infected with this loathsome plague of Leprosie, I do most constantly and assuredly auouch, that neither I my selfe, nor yet such Surgeons as assisted me, could euer in the bloud find out any assured marke or infallible token of Leprosie: but in euery respect like vnto the bloud of such as enioyed their per­fect health: or if at any time it hapned to swerue from the foresaid perfection, that it then appeared no more corrupted or infected then ordinarily we do behold it in the Iaundise, feauer, or any such like disease. The like also I may truly pronounce of the vrine, on the which the vulgar sort doth so much dote. In the same ranke may I also with good right place the pulse, whose change and alteration to enquire after, were to search for a knot in a rush, &c.

But now let vs proceed to a point surpassing vulgar capa­citie, and which will seeme to many a strange Paradox, or a tale of Robin Hood: my meaning is concerning women with child, whether by the vrine onely conception may be discer­ned: the which point, howbeit it hath bene touched in our former discourse; yet because this is so inueterate an error that hardly can it be expelled out of the minds of many, I will insist a little the longer vpon the same, intreating a little thy patience (gentle Reader) and I hope thou shalt not afterwards repent thee of this paines.

CHAP. IIII. That by the vrine onely, it cannot absolutely be told, whether a woman be with child or no, contrary to the vulgar opinion.

AS in many other things, so in this point also con­cerning the conception, ignorance and error haue so farre preuailed, that he who cannot vpon [...]he bare inspection of the vrine onely, tell whe­ther a woman be with child or no, and whether of a male or female, is thought by many not to merit the name of a learned and skilfull Physitian. The which hath made many, lest they should be discredited among the vulgar, cunningly sometimes to learne what they could concerning other signes of conception, and vpon the sight of the vrine, make them be­leeue they had found out the whole truth by meanes thereof: and others againe, when as they could learne nothing, haue vpon some presumptions and probabilities put all to the ven­ture, and told them that which they most longed after: and if the prediction happened right, then was this person admired as more then a mortall man: but if otherwise, then might he looke for a mocke or flout for his paines, besides the imputa­tion of ignorance and insufficiencie. Howbeit some are yet more cunning then others, to impute the fault to some other accident, by this meanes still maintaining the ignorant in their former error. This hath bene a great meanes that hitherto the people hath bene gulled, hauing conceiued a sinister and wrong opiniō of the honest & learned Physitian, who would not sooth them vp in the same errour. For the better confutation of this point, my purpose is,Arguments e­uincing that by the sole inspe­ction of the v­rine, it cannot be discerned whether a wo­man be with child or no. first to propound some reasons against the same: and in the next place shall march some authorities of the learned: and in the last place something shall be added out of mine owne experience. Now in the first place, according to the common rule set downe, and confirmed by a number of learned writers, That the vrine ordinarily giueth vs notice of such diseases as are contained within the veines, as also of such places [Page 38] through which it passeth, it is apparent, that the conception par­ticipateth of neither. For in the first place, it is apparent and manifest, that the matrix or wombe is none of those parts con­tained within the veines: neither yet in the next place, doth the vrine passe through the same. How then is it possible to per­ceiue any infirmitie of this part by the vrine? Now besides, the bladder and the wombe are two distinct and seuerall parts, appropriated to seuerall ends and vses. And put yet the case that sometimes something might be, by reason of the neare­nesse of the two orifices, conueyed through the common pas­sage, yet this would but seldome come to passe. And moreouer in women with child this conueyance could not be granted, in regard of the exact shutting vp of the aforesaid passage during the whole time of this burden, insomuch that the least super­fluitie can then haue no passage,In aphor. 51. & 54. lib. 6 & 3. de natur. facult. cap. 3. 6. de locis af­fect. cap. 5. 15. de vsu part. as witnesseth Galen in diuers places. Now if any will deny the truth of this point, in the first place I answer, that as I grant that sometimes there may be, notwithstanding that which hath bene said, some euacuation during that time, and that some part of the same matter might be conueyed into the bladder, yet this cometh to passe but ve­ry seldome, and in a few. And againe, this would make more against them: for all that is by the learned at the most granted in this case is, that the vrine may sometimes declare a retention and stopping of the menstruous fluxe, whereof if any part du­ring their being with child is voyded foorth (as sometimes some women haue some to spare) the vrine can no more de­clare any stoppage of this fluxe, and by consequent nothing concerning the conception, vnlesse thou wouldest imagine that there be certaine ideas or shapes and pictures of young children conueyed at that time into the vrines of women with child. And yet if this were true, who told these vrine-mongers that the wombe daunced attendance on the bladder, to voyde their seuerall excretions at one and the same time? But put yet the case that some part of this menstruous fluxe, now and then issuing out at the common conduit with the vrine, might shew vs something, yet could it not follow, but that a number of o­ther signes were also necessarie, as hereafter shall appeare. [Page 39] Their chiefe ring-leader Actuarius himselfe, confesseth that the vrine alone is not able to leade vs vnto this truth. Moreo­uer Aristotle acknowledgeth,Arist. 4. de gener. anim. cap. 6. that the vrines of women with child do differ according to the time that is past since the con­ception; so that there is not one certaine vrine whereon to re­pose our iudgement. And according to the opinion of diuerse others, the vrines of women with child alter almost euery day. One of these vrines therefore shall neuer giue notice of the con­ception, although it might be sometimes discerned by the v­rine. And is not this absurditie, to presume to know that by one signe, which many ioyned together can hardly declare vnto vs? Diuerse contents are set downe by some authors following Auicenna, which are said to be found in such vrines, which ne­uerthelesse, haue bene often obserued as well in the vrines of citizens as countrey people of the malekinde, who I am sure, were neuer so much as suspected to be with child. A certain pra­cticall Professor of the vniuersity of Pisa in Italie (saith Scribonius) a graue ancient Physitian, was wont to say, Guil. Adolph. Scribon. lib. de vrin. inspect. that such as trusted most to this prediction, were most of all deceiued; and yet he neuer yet in his life time had obserued any such vrines in women with child, as Aui­cenna describeth: and that moreouer he had often obserued such contents in mens vrines. Adde yet this argument to the former, that the conception, as also the further growth of the child in the wombe, is properly a naturall action, and no disease at all: for this cause their vrines ought to differ little or nothing from other healthfull womans waters, especially in the first moneths, as I haue my selfe often obserued. Againe what if a woman with child be surprised with some acute disease, as commeth often to passe, will this then thinke you, make no alteration in the v­rine? And if there were any certainty in this signe alone, what needed our Physitians trouble themselues with so many? and oftentimes all will not serue the turne. Let it therefore re­maine firme and stable, that no certainty can be collected by the sole obseruation of this signe, and that to maintaine the same, is nothing else but meere imposture and cozenage. But that this is not mine owne priuate opinion onely, I will now make it appeare: heare therefore some of our learned Physiti­ans [Page 40] deliuer their owne minds, that out of the mouth of many witnesses this truth may be confirmed. Let Rondeletius first speake.

Rondel. lib. de v­rin. cap. 40. de v­rina praegnan­tium. It would seeme (saith he) iustifiable, as well by reason as by expe­rience, that the vrine may giue vs certaine and assured notice of a wo­mans being with child. And D. Gabride said, he knew it as assuredly as if he had seene a child in the vrine. But of another opinion are all the ancient Physitians, who haue left vs no signes of the same in the vrine: as also reason it selfe teacheth vs no lesse. For since the birth or conception is without the veines, and the vrine chiefly giueth vs no­tice of such diseases as are contained within the veines, it can giue vs no certaine assurance of this matter, vnlesse we ioyne therewith all o­ther signes, as the retention of her monethly disease, swelling of her bellie, she, notwithstanding enioying her perfect health. &c.

Heare now the opinion of some of our Italian Physitians, and first of all let the learned Mercuriall vtter his mind.

Mercur. lib. de vrin. cap. 7. Be it knowne, notwithstanding, that I am not altogether of the Arabian Physitians mind, who haue deuised certaine contents which are not to be found in vrines, to wit, certaine grounds like vnto carded wooll, little motes, &c. No more am I of that opinion, that a Physi­tian may assuredly know by the vrine whether a woman be with child or no; by reason that of all the signes which Hippocrates hath in diuers places set downe, there is not one that we can certainly trust to.

The same opinion is by his countrey man Sauonarola yet se­conded.

Sauonarola libr. de vrin. cap. 2. rubr. 0. de vrin. praegnantium. But here we must be very circumspect, in regard that all these signes of conception may sometimes be without the same, as in the stop­page of her monethly course, ioyned with a false conception; in which case many famous Physitians haue bene deceiued, and their too for­wardnesse hath turned to their great disgrace and infamie: as it befell two learned and skilfull Physitians in the Ʋniuersitie of Pauie, Mar­silius de sancta Sophia, and Petrus de Tussignano, both in my time. Let yong Physitians therefore be carefull, that with the vrine th [...]y ioyne all the other signes belonging to conception; amongst which one is chiefe, which belongeth to the midwife to find out, &c.

And Leo Roganus, a learned Romane Physitian, is of no other opinion.

The vrines of women with child (saith he) differ nothing but by accident from other womens, to wit, that then in such women, Leo Roganus lib. 2. de caus. vrin. cap. 15. de vrin. vtero gerentium. as well the action of the stomacke, as the appetite and concoction vse ordina­rily to be troubled. And yet such is the blockishnesse and stupiditie of some Physitians, that they are perswaded women with child make vrines differing from other womens. It is true, that in women with child, that bloud which was wont to be voyded monethly, is now stayed and kept in, wherefore because the same in the first moneths especial­ly, not being wholly spent on the nourishment of the child, as being then but small, it commeth to passe that the action of the stomacke, as like­wise the appetite, together with the concoction are not a litle troubled. And therefore being often, by reason of their longing desires, carried away with a desire of such things as engender little good nourishment, they engender great store of crudities, which may plainly be seene by their vrines, the which are also common to all such as abound in cru­dities.

To the former we will adde yet a late writer of the same na­tion, because he speaketh so plainly and to the purpose.Iean Marinello de Formie lib. 3. chap. 5. de mala­die des femmes. The booke was first written in the Italian tongue, and since transla­ted into French, out of the which I haue translated this parcell.

Truth it is, that we must not altogether relie vpon the vrine, to know whether a woman be with child or no. For the vrine can giue thee no further assurance of the same, then by the retention of her ac­customed monethly course, and by the which we do commonly collect some presumption of conception. Now it may easily come to passe, that a woman may be surprised with many infirmities, which may hide and darken the principall signe of conception (if any there were) in the v­rine: such as be headach, any cold, especially being accompanied with a cough, cruditie, or indigestion of the stomacke, great paine in the kidneyes, &c. And which is yet more, the eating of raw fruite, sallets, milke, porke, pease, sperage, cabbage, artichocks, mushromes, and many other such kind of food, not being ordinarie or vsuall to the par­tie, are sufficient to alter and change, not the colour onely, but the contents of the vrine also. Moreouer the vrine doth most properly and assuredly declare vnto vs, the infirmities of the parts from whence it commeth, and through the which at length it passeth. For the which cause it is more then manifest, that there is no assured knowledge to be [Page 42] had by the vrine concerning the conception, no more then by the re­tention of her monethly course, since that without conception the fore­said retention and stopping is found, as well in maides as in married women. The last and most certaine signe of conception is, when as the child beginneth to stirre and moue.

2. Mercat. tomo. 3. lib. 3. pag. 669. Mercatus a learned Spaniard, after he hath set downe a num­ber of other signes, at length addeth these words.

As concerning the vrine, howbeit in this case it doth affoord vs but a very vncertaine iudgement, yet may we sometimes draw some cer­tainty out of the same. But how I pray thee? By obseruing her se­uerall vrines at diuerse times, beginning with the first moneth of sup­posed conception, and so obseruing the seuerall alterations vntill the time of her deliuery approach. Then withall setteth he downe all the seuerall trials which the famous Hippocrates hath left vnto vs, all which were needlesse and superfluous, if the vrine of it selfe were sufficient for this purpose. Now let vs adde yet one storie of the deceitfulnesse of this signe in conception, recorded by a learned Germane Physitian.

Historie. Diomedes Corna­rius in lib. consil. medicin. inter hi­storias admiran­das, historia ter­tia, & prima de peruerso vrin. iudicio. Franciscus Emericus Doctor in Physicke, and of the chaire in the Vniuersitie of Vienna, in his discourse entituled, whether the obserua­tion of the pulse or of the vrine doth affoord vnto the Physitian more certaine and assured foreknowledge of the life or death of the patient, and printed anno 1557. relateth, that in the yeare 1555. in the Citie of Ʋienna, a certaine friend of mine (saith he) called Georgius Ritha­merus, a man of singular learning, being very desirous of issue, came to one of the Physitians of the Colledge of best note, bringing with him his wiues vrine, to know whether she were with child, as he dee­med, or no. The Physitian vpon the bare sight of the vrine onely, did peremptorily affirme, that she was for certaine with child, and that of a boy. After the which time Rithamerus began quite to distaste me; and that onely by reason that vpon the sight of her vrine, together with diuers other signes and circumstances thereto belonging, I had deliuered my opinion, that she was not at all with child. And besides, he prouided with all expedition both midwife, nurse, and all other things belonging to that businesse. It was afterwards constantly and confidently euery where noysed abroad, that she was with child. The women her attendants, by reason of some accidents wherewith she was [Page 43] now and then troubled, appointed her diuerse baths, by meanes where­of being surprised with the falling sicknesse, she was in a very short time freed from all the miseries of this mortall life. Of whose death being aduertised, I did very earnestly intreate the aforesaid Ritha­merus, that both in regard of that ancient bond of loue and amitie be­twixt him and me, as likewise to finde out the whole truth of this matter, he would be pleased to giue way to the opening of the dead corps. The which at length, being ouercome, as well by my earnest suing vnto him, as for the great and earnest desire he had to be resol­ued of the truth of the matter, he did willingly yeeld vnto. In making the incision, we began first with the muscles of the neather bellie, disco­uering such parts as before were hid, & afterwards ripping vp the pe­ritonaeum, we proceeded to the place where the wombe was situate; and although we did perceiue it to be but very small, and to containe no­thing within it; yet to the end we might the more clearly see the truth with our eyes, we ript it vp also, and found it cleane, and empty of any thing within it. Now in her life time she was of a whitish bleake colour, and of a cachecticall disposition, and had neuer in all her life time borne any child: from whence I did by very probable coniecture collect, that she was troubled with some other infirmitie. For the which cause we proceed still in our incision towards the stomacke; whereas betwixt the peritonaeum, and the guts we found good store of water, which did ac­cording to the motion of the body, fall sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left side; and from hence arose this erronius opinion of the supposed motion of a liue child. This being after this manner finished, I spake after this manner, My good friend George, you see now after what manner your wife proueth with child. And he, seeing the case so plaine, did ingenuously acknowledge, that he had wrong­fully and vndeseruedly bene offended with me, and withall did freely acknowledge his errour. Witnesses with me at this incision, were Do­ctor Iacobus Walch, companion with me in my Italian studies; as al­so Andreas Perlachius, a great Mathematician, being also the onely man who had so stedfastly maintained that she was with child.

Now with two instances of mine owne experience I will fi­nish this point.Historie of a wo­man with child in the first moneths.

A Gentlewoman dwelling neere Northampton some yeares ago, sent me her vrine, which in euery respect, as well in colour as contents, [Page 44] resembled the vrine of an healthfull yong man. Hauing found out by some circumstances that it was a womans, I began to suspect that which afterwards proued true, that she was with child. The mes­senger demanding whether she was not entred into a Dropsie: I repli­ed, I rather enclined to the opinion that she was with child, the which proued to be true. The seruant confessed, another Physitian had be­fore put her in needlesse feare of a Dropsie. The Gentlewoman after­wards conceiued a better opinion of my skill in this point, then I con­fesse it deserued.

Another of one in the latter moneths. The same Haruest, within seuen miles of this towne of Northamp­ton, a Lady great with child, being now within two moneths at most of her deliuerie, sent me first her vrine, and then desired mine owne personall presence for fome infirmitie whereof she then complained. The vrine sent resembled, as the former, the vrine of a lustie young man in the Aprill of his age: I obserued it very narrowly, and yet could I discerne none of those Arabian contents, neither carded wooll, flaxe, nor huswiues cloth. Being afterwards with her, I found no alte­ration in her vrine, saue that it was paler coloured which was made in the night, and higher coloured which was made in the day timc, contrarie to that which we commonly obserue; and yet neither of them exceeding the colour of a cholericke mans vrine. The Gentlewoman had bene for a long time, euen before her being with child, much troubled with a hote and feauer-like distemper.

This point then being cleared, we proceed now to the sexe, where we shall find no lesse vncertaintie then in the former.

CHAP. V. That the sexe cannot be discerned by the Ʋrine.

Absurditie of this opinion proued. NO lesse absurd an opinion then the former, is it to hold that the sexe may absolutely by the vrine be discerned. As for the sexe in the wombe, the same reasons which were brought against the discerning of the concep­tion by the vrine, will here take hold also. As for the discerning of the sexe in those of riper yeares, the rea­son [Page 45] would seeme to be more fauourable. The chiefe and prin­cipall reason alledged for this is, because men are commonly of an hoter constitution then women, which is the cause that their vrines are dyed of an higher colour; and moreouer, that the contents in womens vrines, in regard of their idle and seden­tarie life, do often exceed mens in quantitie. But this must not simply be considered, but as we commonly say, caeteris paribus: that is, a man of a good and laudable constitution of body, v­sing diet answerable both in quantitie and qualitie, and auoi­ding idlenesse: a woman likewise of a colder complexion, as often they are, vsing moderate diet, a sedentary and lazie life, auoyding hote diet. If, I say, one should bring thee two such vrines, demanding to know which were the mans and which the womans, then without great difficultie mightest thou giue out a right verdict. But if one shold bring vnto thee two vrines, the one of a man, the other of a woman, the one not differing from the other, and the womans perhaps higher in colour and thinner in substance, (which may by diuerse meanes come to passe) thou shouldest giue wrong sentence, then being thus gulled, thou mightest be made a gazing stocke to thy neigh­bours, by reason of thy peremptorie opinion. Now that some women are of an hoter constitution of bodie then some men,Some women of an hoter con­stitution then men. I thinke who so denieth, deserueth rather to haue his pate purged, then to be dealt with with by any reason. I my selfe haue also knowne many a man make paler vrines, with greater quantitie of contents, then women: which may easily come to passe, by reason of great quaffing, daintie fare, and abundance of ease and idlenesse, the engendrers of all manner of crudities. Haue we not now adayes more then a good many whose God is their guts, Fruges consumere nati, on whose vrines thou mightest long looke, before thou couldst discerne any thing materiall or to the purpose? As for our women, what if their Liuer and Kid­neyes be hote, as I haue not seldome obserued, may not this bring forth an high water? and will not obstructions easily de­priue it of contents. But especially if these women be well ac­quainted with a pipe of Tobacco, a cup of good sherry Sacke, Malago, or Canary, or yet a cup of good nappy Ale well brewed [Page 46] with sugar, nutmegge and ginger, may it not now and then not onely colour the vrines, but make their faces flourish with some orientall carbuncles and rubies? Besides the former reasons, will not fasting, watching, perturbations of the mind, diet in quantitie and qualitie, with diuerse other things moe, alter the vrine as well in man as in woman? It were, perhaps, an easier matter to obserue this difference in some hoter climat then our owne, to wit, in France, Spaine, or Italy, where women drinke more water then with vs; especially in Italie, where the women are caged vp like linnets to sing, and are not so busie with the fruite of the grape, nor with the strong barley water as our Bri­tish women. If I should instance also in our virgins, more man-like then many men, how were any able to contradict it? But if I should send to the cunningest pisse-prophet in this king­dome the vrine of some Hermaphrodite or man-woman, what would or could they say? and to which of the sexes would they ascribe the vrine? Now that some such are to be found, cannot be denied. It hath bene holden for a truth in all ages: and of late yeares a learned Physitian hath written a booke concerning that subiect,Gaspar. Bauhi­nus de Herma­phroditis. where he bringeth in a number of histories of an­cient and later times. I haue bene also credibly informed of some such who haue liued here in these parts of the countrey. But if the woman shall be surprised with any hote and acute disease (as the vrine is seldome sent to the Physitian but in sick­nesse) will not these confound thy iudgement? Now if the sexe cannot be discerned by the vrine in persons of yeares, what ab­surditie is it to demand the knowledge hereof in a woman with child, where the conception it selfe cannot be thereby discer­ned? as also where there are so many rubs in the way. It is also worth the obseruation, that whereas that learned. Mercatus discourseth of all the signes whereby one may know whether a woman be with child of a male or female, where he omitteth not so much as the blowing of the wind, yet speaketh he not so much as one word concerning the vrine: no more do many o­ther authors of best note.

Iean Marinello among many moe, setteth downe many signes to discerne the sexe in the wombe, yet speaketh he not so much [Page 47] as one word of the vrine. Other authors for breuitie I will passe by. I cannot but wonder what should moue our vrine-mon­gers to be so peremptory in this their opinion of discerning the sexe by the vrines, as though there were some specificall diffe­rence alwayes to be obserued in these vrines: are not the hu­mours alike, and the parts as well semilare as organicall alike in both these sexes? But I will acquaint thee with one historie concerning the prediction of a Parson-physitian, who would certifie a Gentlewoman with child of what sexe it was.

A Gentlewoman dwelling within a few miles of Northampton, Historie. Of a perempto­ry Parson deter­mining of the sexe in the wombe. left with child of her late deceassed husband, was very desirous to be certified of the sexe if it were possible. The reason was, because that if a sonne, then was he to be heire to great lands and possessions, which otherwise were entailed to the next heires male. This Parson being by many reputed famous in vromancie, this Gentlewoman had re­course to his oracle. The Parson is peremptorie that she is with child of a sonne. The Gentlewoman and her friends reioyce not a little. But the worst is yet behind: the Parsons prediction proues false, and he a lying Prophet: she is brought to bed of a daughter, and her mirth tur­ned into mourning. If he had euer learned his Phylosophie, he might haue learned that, De futuris contingentibus non est determina­ta veritas: Of future things not yet come to passe, being contin­gent, no man can assuredly foretell the issue and euent. But thou mayest here see ex vnguibus Leonem: what manner of men these be.

The yeare 1622. a patient of mine of good account dwelling in Northampton, Historie. Of a womans v­rine higher in colour and con­tents then a mans. purposing (according to his vsuall custome) to take some preuenting Physicke in the Spring of the yeare, wished his vrine to be sent to me. The vrine which was sent was of an high and deepe dyed red colour, of a meane substance, a copius red residence. Meeting with him the same day, I asked him whether he complained not of some heate: who replyed, he felt no manner of distemper at all. I wished him yet once againe to send me his vrine, which if it should so continue, I doubted Phlebolomie would be requisite. The next vrine was of a pale st [...]aw coloured yellow, with some whitish residents, such as some­times accompanie crudities. Enquiring afterwards into the cause of this diuersitie of vrines in so short a space, his wife told me, that her vrine had the first day bene sent in stead of her husbands. I required [Page 48] of her, whether she did not complaine of any inward distemper of heate; who replyed, that she complained of no distemper at all. But within a few dayes she found that distemper in such a measure, as she was glad to admit both of Phlebotomie and other fit and necessarie remedies. The constitution of her bodie is hote, and her vrine answe­rably high coloured, vnlesse it be accidentally hindered. And this I dare boldly affirme, that during her husbands sicknesse, being a long and tedious, first Tertian, then double Tertian feauer, yet neuer saw I his vrine of so high and intense a colour as that of hers lately mentioned.

And now I hope it doth plainly appeare, that neither the conception, nor sexe can be by the vrine onely dis­cerned. Let vs now proceed to the exami­nation and Anatomie of the vrine it selfe, together with the seue­rall parts of the same.

CHAP. I. That the regions of the vrine are not answerable to the regions of the body of man; as also concerning the substance of vrines, thicke and thinne, their manifold significations, and vncertaintie of iudgement by the same.

Actuarius the first inuenter of these regions, &c. IT hath bene an inueterate opinion, and which hath taken deepe roote in the minds of many, and first brought in by Actuarius, that the seue­rall regions of the vrine, are answerable to the principall regions or parts of a mans body. Of these regions in the vrine some make three, the highest part answering in proportion to the highest part of the body, to wit, the head and such other parts as adioyne to it: the middle region representing the middle parts of man, as the breast, the bowels, and the parts about them: the neather region of the vrine, the lowest parts from the bowels downewards. Others againe make foure, appropriating the circle in the vppermost part of the vrine, called otherwise a crowne or garland, to the animall parts contained in the head: the ouermost part or su­perficies to the pectorall parts, heart, lungs, &c. the middle re­gion to the parts seruing for nutrition or nourishment, to wit, the stomach or maw, the liuer, spleene, guts, &c. the lowest or [Page 51] neathermost part in the bottome of the vrinall, to the parts ap­propriate to generation.Iodochus Willi­chius de probat. vrin. part. 4. c. 1. But this opinion (saith one) is more curious and superstitious then true. Meaning of the foure regions of the vrine, &c. And yet the same Author maintaineth the three regions of the vrine to be answerable to the three princi­pall regions of the bodie, which I will here confute as most false and erronious. Now to this purpose I thinke it will not be amisse, to set downe the words of his interpreter,Hieron. Reus. schol. ad cap. prae­dict. prope finem. which may serue sufficiently to ouerthrow this error: Hence may it euidently appeare, in how great an error those Physitians are inuolued, who hold a proportion betwixt the height of the vrine and of a mans bo­die. Hence also cometh it to passe, that they affirme that the con­tents of the vppermost region do declare and lay open the griefes of the head, &c. Did those men euer see fat fall to the bottome or mid­dle region of the vrinall? Doth not oyle and any fat thing commonly and of its owne accord swim vpon the top of the vrine? Neither yet doth it therefore necessarily follow, that the head is principally affe­cted; but doth declare and shew foorth, either the wasting of the whole bodie, or some diseases of the kidneyes. Let them shew vs the residence called hypostasis, in the garland or vppermost part of the vrine. The like may be said concerning the bubbles which do alwayes stay vpon the top of the vrine, Aphor. 34. lib. 4. and according to the doctrine of Hip­pocrates, do Prognosticate some long and lingring disease of the kid­neyes. To what end and purpose then keepe they such a prating, that the bubbles which do in order compasse the whole crowne or garland about, do declare some great paine in the whole head: and if they compasse and enuiron but the halfe of the circle or garland, then do they argue a paine but in one side of the head? How often are such people pained with the wind Colicke or Hypochondriacke melan­choly? In which case howsoeuer some wind may ascend vp into the head; yet is not this axiome alwayes of vndoubted truth. The like iudgement may we pronounce concerning other things of the like na­ture, which most commonly follow the condition of their owne natu­rall inclination and matter, and not the altitude or situation of this or that part of a mans bodie. Thus farre our Author. And the trou­bled vrine so continuing, of the which shall be spoken in the next Chapter, may serue to ouerthrow the supposed proportion [Page 52] betwixt the regions of the vrine and the body of man; this headach being discerned by the whole body of the vrine, and neither by the circle or garland, nor yet by any bubbles, spume, or froth in the top of the same. But concerning the vncertainty of these particulars, as also concerning the crowne and gar­land, hereafter when we shall speake of the contents of vrines, I purpose to discourse at greater length. It is now time we come to the substance of vrines, and then to all the parts of the same.

Diuision of the vrine.I will with the learned Mercuriall, diuide the whole vrine into three parts, the substance, the accidents, and the contents. In the substance againe we are to consider, whether the vrine be thicke or thinne,Of the substance of vrines. and whether cleare, or troubled and muddie. And this we vnderstand of the whole bodie of the vrine. Thin vrines according to Ʋasseus haue manifold significations.Diuerse signifi­cations of thin vrines. Iohannes Vasseus Meldens. lib. de vrin. iudicijs. pag. 30. &c. First a failing of naturall heate. Secondly, a stoppage of the Liuer, kidneyes, and the vrinarie vessels. Thirdly, weaknesse of nature. Fourthly, that the attractiue power of the passage or pipes of the vrine is endamaged. Fiftly, extreame coldnesse ioyned with drought. In acute diseases it argueth: First the weaknesse of the concocting facultie. Secondly, the cruditie of the disease, and of the humours contained in the veines. Thirdly, if it thus con­tinue for a long time, death, if nature be not able to hold out: & if strength continue, some abscesse or Impostume in the nea­ther parts. And in a Crisis threateneth a relapse, as in Hermo­crates 3. Epid. Hippocr. 3. Epid. Now how shall any by the bare inspection of these vrines, be able to know whether it hath long thus conti­nued or no, which neuerthelesse maketh much for a true pre­diction? The partie seldome taketh notice of it, vntill such time it be sent to the Physitian. The messenger employed, oftentimes hath not seene the partie since the beginning of his sicknesse, much lesse his vrine. Thinne vrines which afterwards turne thicke in an acute disease,Sauonar. lib. de vrin. cap. 3. saith Sauonarola, without any ease or alleuiation ensuing, signifieth a wasting away of the whole bo­die, &c. But concerning thinne vrines, which afterwards turne thicke, something shall be further said, when we shall speake of thicke vrines. And concerning thinne vrines in generall, be­cause [Page 53] I shall haue some further occasion to speake hereafter when I shall handle the colours, I will not dwell so long vpon this point. But now come we to the thicke vrines.

The same Vasseus giues vs fiue seuerall significations of thicke vrines in generall.Of thicke vrines Idem Vasseus ibidem. First the combat or fight betwixt nature and the humour. Secondly, abundance of humors. Thirdly, the thic­kening slime and the other parts next vnto it, by reason of cold, if thinne vrine went before. Fourthly,Significations of thicke vrines. the beginning of conco­ction, such in the fit of an Ague so continuing. Fiftly, the weak­nesse of the strength, and no small store of humours. The same Author againe diuideth these thicke vrines into two sorts:Diuision of thicke vrines. into thicke transparent, pellucide, and troubled, called by him turbida. This first sort signifieth (saith he) a dissoluing or melting os glassie phlegme, as we see in the vrines of Epilepticke persons proceeding of phlegme. If it be of a citrine or yellowish co­lour, it signifieth choller, like the yolkes of egges.Of thicke trou­bled vrines. But because the other sort of thicke vrines called turbida, or troubled and muddie, is more obuious to the eye, and easilier discerned, I will insist a little the longer vpon the same.Their seuerall significations. The same Author assigneth three significations to such vrines. First, a great agita­tion and stirring of crude and vnconcoct humours, together with no small store of windinesse. Secondly, abundance of hu­mours, which neuerthelesse are by nature expelled. Thirdly, the great trouble and encombrance nature hath in the expelling and sequestring such humours.Diuisiō of thick troubled vrines. But these troubled thicke vrines are yet diuided into three seuerall sorts. First, some being thinne at the first making, do afterwards thicken: others are made thicke, and after a while settle: and finally, some are made thick, and do so continue, being like vnto horse-pisse. Such vrines (saith Ranzouius) as are made thinne,Henricus Ranzo­nius lib. de con­seruanda vale­tud. cap. 19. sometimes suddenly thic­ken and grow troubled: this in health cometh often to passe after exercise, and to others after sicknesse. And after I haue drunke hard (saith the same Author) I make a cleare vrine, which in a very short time groweth thicke, and so setleth to a great resi­dence. Others hold that it signifieth, that nature now beginneth to set vpon the humor, and to concoct it. I haue often obserued such an vrine, both in perfect health and before and after sick­nesse. [Page 54] Cold winter weather also often altereth thinne vrines in­to thicke. Such as are made thicke at first, and after settle to a thicke residence, and become cleare, signifie and declare vnto vs, that the disease wasteth away; as declaring nature now to make a separation, after which it expelleth at a place conue­nient. Vrines made thicke at the first, and so persisting, are ge­nerally accounted,Aph. 10. lib. 4. and that not without cause, the worst of the three: which according to Hippocrates, argue great headach, ei­ther present or imminent, being especially ioyned with a feauer. But this is not perpetuall, In lib. 1. Prorrh. comment. 1. (saith Galen) for a troubled vrine gene­rally is an accident of the abundance of raw humours, either conco­cted or turned into wind, and not of a phrensie; and yet such an vrine may both accompanie a phrensie, and be without it, as all other such accidents as neither are contrarie to phrensie, nor yet proper there­unto. Leo Roganus de prouid. ex vrin. lib. 3. cap. 2. Of these vrines which do not settle (saith a learned Author) but yet much more of such as being at first made thinne do after­wards thicken, we can giue no certaine prediction: for such vrines do sometimes onely signifie cruditie, and sometimes againe they are very bad. But the diligent and carefull Physitian may by other signes di­stinguish the same. Hieron. Reusn. in cap. 6. part. 1. Iodochi Willich. de probat. vrin. Another Author maketh vrines so persisting to be alwayes very dangerous. Such an vrine (saith he) doth de­clare vnto vs, that naturall heate is so weake, that it cannot separate the good from the bad. But yet must not this be absolutely vnder­stood, but with a caution and limitation, common to many such other speeches: to wit, that with strength persisting, they signifie that the disease is like to be of long continuance, and without the same to signifie death. In such thicke vrines there­fore (saith Roganus) we must not alwayes be afrayed, Loco nuper cita­to. as some ordi­narie Physitians are, but must likewise obserue some other signes. In young children (saith Reusner) if these vrines be exceeding thicke, Loco iam citato. (which oftentimes cometh to passe, howsoeuer seldome obserued) be­sides the head-ach proceeding of windinesse, they do also signifie the paine of the heart, (as they call it commonly) that is, of the mouth of the stomach. Such an vrine may proceed also from the windinesse of the passages. Thinne vrines afterwards becoming thicke and troubled, if strength decay, it is an infallible token of death: and that by rea­son of the agitation and motion of the matter within the bodie, and [Page 55] the abundance of windie vapours from thence, which nature is not a­ble to ouercome. But before I proceed any further,Confutation of an erroneous o­pinion of the vulgar sort con­cerning the stai­ning of the vri­nall. I cannot passe by a common error, which many as well in towne as countrey do hold, to wit, that when they see such a thicke vrine staine the vrinall, they are incontinent conceited all the danger of the disease is past. But this to be most false, I haue often my selfe obserued, and no doubt so haue a many moe besides my selfe. Reusner maketh this one of his signes to know whether the vrine were thinne at the first making or no: for if it were so, then when it thickeneth, it commonly staineth the vrinall. Now when the strength holdeth out, the patient may recouer, and not otherwise. I will instance in one onely, in whom I ob­serued the vanitie of this opinion, and shall serue in stead of a many to iustifie my assertion.

Some nine or ten yeares ago, Historie. I was sollicited to affoord my presence and best counsell to a Parson, dwelling within some foure miles of the towne of Northampton, surprised with a burning feauer. Hauing diligently enquired what remedies he had hitherto vsed (for if I re­member right, it was the tenth day of his disease) and by whose pre­scription, I learned that no lesse then three at least, if not foure Par­son-Physitians had administred to him, and then the most famous for Ʋromancie of all the countrey about: howbeit since that time some others are also crept into that societie. I enquired moreouer whether Phlebotomie had bene as yet vsed. They replyed that Phlebotomie had not bene so much as once mentioned by any of them, but that they had purged him, as I thinke with Diaprunum, and I remember not what else, and appointed him some cooling drinkes. His wife added moreouer, that one of them thinking to purchase himselfe some praise beyond his fellowes, would haue bribed Death with foue pounds worth of Aurum Potabile, which she willingly payed for, in hope of her hus­bands recouerie. But this importunate suter would haue no nay; This Parson a chiefe proctor for aurum pota­bile in North­amptonshire. but vrged still the payment of the debt he came to demand. I told them that Phlebotomie, in due and conuenient time administred, had proued a more soueraigne medicine for this disease, then all the gold of Ophir and both the Indies. I being by them much importuned to let him bloud, absolutely refused, his strength being now well nigh spent, and some ill signes (the vndoubted harbingers of death) offering them­selues [Page 56] to my eyes, administring onely some cordials. The next mor­ning I find all waxe worse and worse; howbeit his wife, shewing me his vrine, which before had bene thinne, and now setled to a thicke resi­dence, a part whereof did sticke to the sides of the vrinall and staine the same, which she, beleeuing her neighbours, began to conceiue some better hope of his recouerie, and that onely vpon this false ground. I assured her of the contrary, which shortly afterwards pro­ued too true, and the same day, being Saturday I departed. The Monday after comes one of his former Physitians (not the Parson who ministred Aurum Potabile; for after the same he had no moe ar­rowes left in his quiuer) who, if faire buttered speeches and perempto­rie promises could cure diseases, he might cure more then euer did the Apostles: who then all too late letteth his patient bloud, who surui­ued not long after the losse of this liquor of life, but dyed either that night, or the next morning very early, being about the fourteenth day from the beginning of his disease. One thing I must yet adde con­cerning the signification of thicke vrines, which deserueth re­prehension:Absurd opinion of a Physitian, affirming one to be bewitched by the vrine onely. to wit, That a Physitian maintained, that he could know by the vrine that any were bewitched: to wit, that such a ones vrine was thicke and muddie, and could not by any heate be turned, as they terme it. To whom it was no lesse learnedly then truly replyed, Did you neuer reade in Hippocrates of vrina confusa? I cannot but much maruell, that any man that had euer suckt in the principles and grounds of Physicke, should be so farre ouerseene, this being a peculiar propertie of such vrines, that they will not be turned by any heate whatsoeuer. It is then apparent, how little certaintie is to be collected concerning the iudgement of diseases, by the sole inspection either of thick or thinne vrines: to wit, that after many cautions and diuers interrogations, if thou meete with an vnderstanding messenger, and the vrine sent at a conuenient time, and all other circum­stances obserued (which neuerthelesse, seldome or neuer con­curre altogether) and thou thy selfe being wise and vnderstan­ding, mayest perhaps, learne something concerning the state of the disease, as cruditie and concoction; and it may be, some moe circumstances, and yet the strength of the patient (which is most materiall, and the vulgar neuer able to iudge of the [Page 57] same) together with many other circumstances, not to be neg­lected shall be concealed from thee: many of our countrey peo­ple, being so ignorant that they thinke their neighbour not a whit amended, vnlesse he be able, as at other times, to fill his bellie with bag-pudding & bacon. And moreouer the ordinary sort of people are seldome able to lay open either their owne or their neighbours infirmitie, they taking chiefly notice either of some accident common to many others, or else of some griefe most affecting them. But besides the premisses,Many things alter the iudge­ment of the v­rine. may not the thicknesse of the vrinall, the dimnesse of thy sight, the ex­cesse or defect of light, or yet if it be brought to thee at candle light (so sottish and absurd is the vulgar sometimes) make thee to faile in thy iudgement? That I say nothing of the time of the yeare, according to the which as well the substance as the acci­dents do often alter in one and the same indiuiduall partie. O­thers adde also the sexe, the age and many moe, which I here o­mitting, will hasten to the accidents of vrine.

CHAP. II. Of the accidents of vrine, the quantitie, smell, &c. and that no certaine and assured truth can by them be presaged or knowne.

THe accidents of vrine are all reduced to two ge­nerall heads, the quantitie and the qualitie.Accidents of v­rine twofold. The quantitie is either great, small, or meane, which is the best.Diuerse signifi­cations of great abundance of v­rine in health. Abundance of vrine in health signi­fieth, 1. that the partie hath drunke store of Rhenish or other searching wine. 2. abundance of moist meats. 3. little euacuation by stoole. 4. too liberall vse of diuretickes, or such things as prouoke vrine. 5. the concoction of crude and vndigested food. 6. the retention of sweat, menstruous fluxe, or other moisture detained within the chest or stomacke, vnburthening themselues this way. Concerning the retention of the like humidities, it may not seeme so strange that they [Page 58] may be turned towards the passages of the vrine, but it may seeme stranger that the faecall excrements should produce this effect;A [...]hor. vltimo lib 4. [...]b. 4. de genera­t [...]one an [...]m cap. 4. and yet Hippocrates witnesseth the truth hereof: and be­sides, Aristotle relateth, that in Pirinthus there was a cow, which neuer had the passage for her excrements open, but that the same were conuerted into a flatuous or windie substance, and then into vrine, and so expelled. In sicknesseIn sicknesse. this abundance is likewise diuers wayes produced. 1. By meanes of the excessiue heate of the kidneyes, which draw abundantly such humidities, as in the Diabeticall disease, called by some a Pot-dropsie. 2. Great euacuation of superfluous moisture. 3. The wasting away of the whole bodie, which commeth to passe in burning feauers, and which was obserued by that famous Physitian Marcus Gati­naria in that maide of Milla [...] about some eighteene yeares of age, Historie. Mercur. lib. de vrin [...] cap 6. ex Marco Gatina ria. who voyded euery day for fortie dayes together, fifteene pounds of vrine, whereas the quantitie of euery dayes meate and drinke ioyntly did neuer exceed the weight of foure pounds. 4. The ending of the disease. And in acute diseases, the abundance of vrine is procu­red sometimes, 1 by meanes of the feauers relenting. 2. By the change thereof into an Hecticke. 3. By a Conuulsion. And be­sides the premisses, it may be yet procured by diuerse other meanes: as I remember a yong woman then vnmarried, who in the disease called the mother, voyded abundance of vrine, espe­cially during the time of her fits, b [...]ing in the afternoones, and that for the space of foure dayes together, as hereafter shall ap­peare when we shall speake of the colours of vrines. And often in the crises of acute diseases the vrine is multiplied.G [...]il. Adolph. Scribon. de vrin. inspect. pag. 41. 42. Another. A man of Sena (saith Scribonius) euery day did pisse foure or fiue iugs of v­rine, who scarce dranke halfe an English pint all the said space: what could a Physitian haue iudged by this quantitie? Thus then when thou seest so many causes of one and the same effect, to which of them canst thou ascribe it, vnlesse thou be well acquainted with the particular circumstances from the patients owne mouth? Small quantitie of vrineSmall quantitie of vrine by di­uers meanes. is likewise procured, 1. By dry diet. 2. By the vse of tough and slimie meates. 3. By rea­son of obstructions. 4. By reason of plentifull euacuation. 5. By meanes of a violent feauer. 6. By some hurt of the vrinarie [Page 59] vessels, as commeth sometimes to passe by reason of the cold distemper of the bladder, procuring a palsie to that part. 7. By the decay of naturall heate, as commeth sometimes to passe in such as are readie to dye. 8. Because the moisture is detained in some other part, as commeth to passe in a Dropsie. 9 By reason of some impostume in the fundament, the necke of the bladder, or in the wombe, which may straiten the said passage, that the vrine cannot come away in any great quan­titie. 10. The abundance of crude and raw humours may be a meanes of this so small a quantitie. But I will yet adde some more out of the aforenamed Scribonius, Idem ibidem. because his words are so sutable for our purpose, The like verdict may we also giue forth (saith he) concerning the small quantitie of vrine, taking often its originall cause from the defect or scarcitie of meate and drinke; as also by meanes of some other euacuations: such as are sweat, excretions by stoole, and such like, which carrying the matter of the vrine ano­ther way, hinder the passage thereof into the bladder, and by conse­quent the expulsion from thence. For this same cause such as be trou­bled with any laskes or fluxes do voide but a small quantitie of vrine, as Galen himselfe declareth. Againe a little after,Aphor. 83. lib. 4. he addeth these words: In the obstruction of the Liuer and mesaraicke veines, ex­perience it selfe doth often teach vs, that a very small quantitie of v­rine is voyded. Now if any ones seruant should bring vnto thee such an vrine, not acquainting thee with any other circumstance, why wouldest thou giue sentence for an obstruction rather then a laske? or for a laske rather then an obstruction? Besides the premisses, in the Stone, the Dropsie, and such other diseases which hinder the genera­tion of v [...]ine, no certaine iudgement can be collected from the small quantitie of the same. Another. And that thou mayest yet be more rauished with admiration, Rufus Ephesus in his booke of the infirmitie of the reines, maketh mention of one, who (as saith Praxagozas) aboue the space of twelue yeares voyded all his vrine by the bellie, and not by the ordinarie passage. What then could a man haue iudged concerning this mans bladder, and the other parts depending thereupon? And this shall suffice for the quantitie of vrines, with the vncertaintie of the same: now come we to the qualities obserueable in them.

The next accident of vrine is the qualitie: and the qualities, [Page 60] as witnesseth Mercuriale, Mercur. l [...]b. de vrin. cap. 6. Of the smell of vrines. Vrines without smell. according to the doctrine of the Ara­bian Physitians, are fiue: the smell, the tast, the sound, the touch, and the colour. As for the smell, vrines haue little or no smell, or else a sweet and pleasing smell, or finally a stinking smell. No smell, saith Mercuriall, proceedeth from no other cause then from the extinguishing of naturall heate: howbeit it may sometimes pro­ceed from drinke of a cold qualitie, like as we see in cold countries, and the like complexions, the smell of the vrine is not so much to be discer­ned. Ʋrines smell well, Vrines smelling well. either in regard of diet or drugs: but especially by meanes of a temperate heate concocting well. Stinking vrines come by foure seuerall meanes. Stinking vrines with their seue­rall significatiōs. 1. By meanes of cruditie and indigestion of the food. 2. By reason of putrefaction. Galen witnesseth, that whatsoeuer thing is putrified hath an euill fauoured smell. Ga [...]en lib. 5. de simplic. med. facult. Wherefore in Pestilentiall feauers the vrines are most commonly of a stinking smell. As also if the vrines passe through any place oppressed with pu­trid vlcers; or yet if any purulent matter be mingled with them, they become stinking. 3. The too long retention of vrine in the bladder may make it to stinke. 4. The qualitie either of diet or drugs, (as hath bene said of the good smell of vrines) may likewise procure vnto it an euill smell. Lib. de vrin. cap. 3. rub. 1. Looke at large what Sauonarola saith of this point, if thou be disposed to see further. But what certaintie doth the smell of the vrine affoord vs? whosoeuer shall thinke to helpe his vncertaine coniectures by the same, should leape out of the frying pan (as the prouerbe saith) into the fire. In the first place it is to be obserued, that as well in sicknesse as in health, vrines may offer no pleasing smell to the nose, and yet the party may be free from any danger at al. But because healthfull folkes seldome send their vrines to the Physitian, we will let them passe,Loco prius cita­to. and come to the sicke. I will let Scribonius speake for me. Concerning the sicks vrine (saith he) most do teach vs that stinking vrines signifie putrefaction of humours, in so much that by the diffe­rence of the smels, they take vpon them to iudge of the seuerall hu­mours so putrified. O wise woodcockes! I willingly yeeld to them, that stinke or strong smell doth argue putrefaction in such vrines: but of which parts shall this putrefaction be? whether of the bladder onely, or of the Liuer also, of the chest, or other members? Nay so farre off is the stinking smell from giuing vs any particular notice of the disease, [Page 61] that it cannot so much as affoord vs any certaine generall knowledge of the same. For many sweet smelling simples (saith Montanus) may cause a most stinking vrine. Cholericke and hote complexioned men void often very strong smelling vrines, howsoeuer free frō any disease, as I haue often obserued in my selfe. And by what meanes, I pray thee, shouldst thou from the stinking smell of the vrine know putrefaction? or how can this putrefaction procure this stinking smell? If this were so, then would it necessarily follow, that whosoeuer were seised with a feauer proceeding from putrefaction of humours, should voyd stinking vrines, the which is most false. The truth of this assumption may from hence appeare, that for the most part among an hundred sicke of such feauers, scarce shalt thou find one of their vrines so to smell, nor yet their bloud at the opening of a veine. And for this cause well said Sauonarola in his treatise of Vrines, that there are other signes also to be obserued in the annoying of putrified members, if we purpose well and orderly to examine, trie and finde out any skill concerning vrines. And indeed a thousand causes there are which may alter and change their smell. By the smell then onely there can neuer be any certaintie collected to informe our iudgements concerning any disease. But I am afraid the Reader will take it ill, that I so long detaine him a­mong so vnpleasing smels;Medici certe de hac iudicandi ra­tione scribentes digni essent, qui in dies lotium potare cogeren­tur. Vpuparū po­tius quam Medi­corum haec tra­ctatio erit. Idem ibidem. and my selfe begin to waxe wearie of so vnworthie a thing, and as I neuer tooke any pleasure in the same, so here I leaue it to them that like it better. But if I should yet enter vpon the tast, I feare I should be worse taxed. I can tell no man their tast by mine owne experience. Salt they haue alwayes bene counted, as the teares likewise: If any be incredulous I will not hinder him. If our vrinemongers had no better beere allowed them, they would not so much adore the pissepot as some of them do. But yet if any purpose to practise this point, I wish him to go to the Arabians, who haue written so curiously concerning this point; and it may be, in regard of their aromaticall drugs, their vrines may be of better taste then those of our Europaeans, who feed on grosser food. As for the o­ther two qualities, the sound and touch, we will send them all in one ship to Arabia with their fellowes: and now we come to the colours.

CAAP. III. Of the colours of Ʋrines, how deceitfull they proue, and first of the colour commonly called palew or light saffron.

Vrina meretrix. IF euer vrine proued a strumpet, it is of all other parts of the vrine most apparently to be seene in the colour. For as sometimes some of the most infamous stewes strumpets, infected it may be, with the poxe, do most curiously decke and a­dorne, by curious painting, sumptuous apparell, and such other enticing trickes, their lothsome and filthie carkasses, to the end they may more easily deceiue such as will be caught in their snares: doth it not often fare euen so with the colour of the v­rine? For oftentimes when they make the fairest shew, doth not euen death knocke at the doore? My purpose is not here to make any phylosophicall discourse concerning the causes of co­lours in generall, and then to apply the same to vrines in parti­cular, and so to insist vpon each seuerall colour: for this might proue too tedious, and perhaps, not so pertinent to the purpose we haue in hand. And yet, notwithstanding, I will say some­thing of each of the chiefe and principall colours; by the which it may more easily be conceiued, that the like deceit may be seene in the others like vnto them.Palew and light saffron colour. Now my purpose is to begin with that colour which is the best of all others, being as it were the rule and square whereby we do discerne and iudge of the failings and defects of all the rest. This colour is called in Latin Subrufus, subaureus, or subcroceus: and in English, palew, or light saffron. This colour our Physitians do generally account the best of all others, and that it best betokeneth exact conco­ction. Neither yet must this first and best colour arguing good concoction, be simply and in it selfe so considered, but restrai­ned to flourishing age. For in old men, women and children, (whose vrines, especially childrens, do commonly decline to­wards white and pale) it doth betoken that their bodies are too hote, either by reason of diet, exercise or some other meanes. But if one should bring vnto thee such an vrine, how couldst [Page 63] thou tell whether it were an old or a yong mans, a womans or a childs, the messenger not acquainting thee with the particular circumstances? It may be thou wilt say, the contents will make the case cleare. I answer, that many causes may depriue them of contents in part or altogether, as hereafter shall appeare in the contents: and how the substance may alter, hath bene said alrea­die. The common opinion is, the higher the colour is, the grea­ter heat is argued; which opinion to be most false & erronious, shall hereafter in other colours appeare. Besides, may not a little extraordinarie watching, fasting, rheubarb, saffron, madder roots, or such like, colour the vrine without any excesse of heat? And will the seuerall seasons of the yeare produce no alteration in the vrine? that I say nothing of an infinite number of other cau­ses, which may in like manner alter them. But one signification of such a coloured vrine I cannot here passe by, which I remem­ber I once read in an English vrine booke: to wit,Called the key of vnknowne knowledge, or a shop of fiue windowes. that a maide which maketh an vrine of this colour, desireth the companie of a man. Doth not our maister vrine-monger now diue into the depth of the matter? But good man, I know what, I can assure thee that Tom and Dicke in the countrey can tell as well, that Maud the dairy maide would be married, by the reflected rayes and benigne aspects of her superiour orbs vpon their hemi­sphaers, and the suffering some syllibubs and some other com­modities committed to her custodie, now and then to come into their possession; by this meanes hindering her mistresse to further her selfe in her suite: as the most cunning pisse-prophet in all the countrie shall do by the vrine, if he had as many eyes as euer had that watchfull Argus, or his nose weighed downe with spectacles. The sanguine and best complexioned (which by consequence should produce the best vrines) are not alwayes the most amorous. Many as ill coloured drabs as euer any hath seene, haue not sometimes bene behind the best complexioned Gentlewoman in the land in such a case. And it is held by many that such are for the most part solaces. But now let vs proceed to some instances of these outward glorious appearances of v­rines of the best note,Leuinus Lemnius de occultis natu­re mirac. lib. 2. cap. 37. which neuerthelesse falsified the trust re­posed in them. And first I will instance in one taken out of a [Page 64] learned Germane author,Historie. Ia [...]ob. Douinetus apol. lib. 1. cap. 8. and then I will adde one of mine own experience.

The iudgement of diseases by the sole inspection of the vrine, is hard to attaine vnto, and of great difficultie: for sometimes it commeth to passe that the vrine, as well in colour as in all other points, doth shew it selfe of a very laudable conditiō to the view of any iudicious eye, when, notwithstanding, death standeth at the doore: the reason of this be­ing, that all diseases are not easily discerned, nor yet the dangers of them perceiued by the vrine alone; but such especially as haue their being in the bladder, veines, kidneyes and Liuer. As it came to passe anno 1581. in a yong man about 24. yeares of age newly married. This yong mans vrine being, as well in colour as contents, most like vn­to an healthfull vrine, he being neither depriued of his accustomed appetite, either to meate or drinke, neither troubled with excessiue headeach, thirst, watching, anxiety and tossing of his body too and fro; nor yet distempered with any noysome heate which might by fee­ling be discerned. The pulse notwithstanding, being weake, frequent and swift with great inequalitie and feeblenesse, gaue vs some coniectures of I know not what kinde of feauer, the which now and then was not without some exacerbations. Hence was I of opinion, that the vitall facultie did then by little and little decay; the vse and necessitie whereof in euery action of this life is, not without great cause, thought to be of such weight and moment, that not onely doth it suffice as matter for the rest, but doth also stirre vp and perfect the same, in cherishing them after a most kinde and effectuall manner, in so much as no part of the body can enioy the benefit of nourishment without the influence of this vitall facultie. This yong man therefore, b [...]ing now wholly depriued of the said spirits, it was no maruell if nature now de­caying, and wine, by the counsell of a certaine Physitian, being denied him now for certaine dayes, he did vpon the eight day make an ex­change of this cottage of clay for a farre better and happier inheri­tance,

But to omit many other stories by my selfe and others ob­serued,In the yeare 1617. many dangerous ma­ligne feauers. which would yet most pregnantly prooue and confirme the same, yet especially in the yeare 1617. did this most mani­festly and plainly appeare. In the foresaid yeare, being generally moist for the most part; the Winter not Winter like, furnished [Page 65] with such frosts and tempestuous stormes, as are not vnseaso­nable for that time of the yeare: it came to passe that besides the small poxe, measels, and diuers other diseases, there reig­ned not onely in Northamptonshire, but in many other places of the kingdome, a certaine kind of maligne, if not pestilen­tiall feauer, the which, by reason it sweept away the lustiest people of either sexe, we may, and that not without good rea­son, call it Stoup gallant. In this disease, as cometh often also to passe in others of the like nature, the vrines of some, such as liued not long after, did appeare to the eye, both for colour and contents, of as laudable a condition as the vrine of the soundest and healthfullest man in this kingdome. But among many I will mention but one, whereof I my selfe was an eye-witnesse.

These foresaid feauers in the towne of Northampton, Another. and places adioyning, in the Spring of the yeare were very frequent, fierce and furious: towards Sommer they began somewhat to relent, reassu­ming their former fiercenesse towards the Haruest quarter. In the aboue named yeare and quarter, about the latter end of September, a married woman of good account and reputation, liuing within this towne of Northampton, was surprised with the foresaid feauer: of the which, because at the first it assaulted her after the manner of an intermittent Tertian ague, she made but small reckoning but after the space of three or foure dayes, fearing that which afterwards came to passe, being also hereunto perswaded by some of her friends, she vsed the aduise of another Physitian and my selfe. In a few dayes were by vs administred all such meames, as either in reason or our daily experience we thought fittest to expell the cause of her disease, and restore her to her former health againe. But contra vim mor­tis, non est medicamen in hortis. Wherefore at length dischar­ging that debt which all the sonnes of Adam owe, she was freed from the miseries of this mortall life, and entred into the possession of a bet­ter. Two or three dayes before her death, her vrine might both for colour and contents, haue giuen such satisfaction and content to the most eagle-eyed Physitian, that none by the sight of the same could euer haue suspected any imminent danger. In like manner if any one had felt her pulse, without due consideration of the former dangerous [Page 66] accidents, which could not be concealed from a iudicious eye, obser­uing withall sensibly approach the dissolution of this crasie cottage, he would no doubt with old Agag haue concluded: 1. Sam. 15.32. Surely the bitter­nesse of death is past.

CHAP. IIII. Of red vrines, and how easily one may thereby be deceiued, and of pissing bloud.

PAssing by many other colours of vrine which Authors do here mention, attributing to each of them a seuerall signification; of all which, it were too much this short Treatise should take vpon it to discourse; considering also that the vncertaintie of the same may be partly colle­cted from that which hath bene said alreadie, and partly by some things yet to be handled hereafter: now I will cleare this point concerning red vrines. This colour of vrine, howbeit it hath many degrees, some being of an higher, and some againe of a lower coloured red: yet (saith Galen) all are coloured with a greater or smaller portion of bloud therewith mingled. Ne­uerthelesse, that this same colour of vrine is procured by the mixture, more or lesse, not of bloud alone, but also of an high co­loured choller, ioyntly or seuerally according to the greater or smaller quantitie thereof, is not by a small number of learned Physitians maintained: as also that this same colour of vrine is often and vsually seene in hote and acute diseases, is not vn­knowne to the very vulgar and vnlearned sort of people. Now a many causes may bring foorth this effect: this colour of vrine higher or lower appearing in a many hote and acute diseases; which would puzzle a good Physitian, by the bare sight of such an vrine,Dangerous to let bloud vpon the bare sight of an high red coloured vrine. to know what disease it were. But yet is not this rule so infallibly true, that it admitt [...]th of no exception, as is the o­pinion of many. And therefore most erroneous and dangerous is the practise of such, as vpon the bare sight of an high colou­red [Page 67] vrine, presently without any further deliberation or enquiry of circumstances, both prescribe Phlebotomie, and administer all maner of cooling medicines, to the great & ineuitable dan­ger and preiudice of the patient: from the which errour also the learned Arabian Auicenna is not free, as our learned late writers haue well obserued. And as I deny not but that this may often prooue true; so on the other side, it is most certaine, that the vrine may be of such a colour, and yet either proceed from a cold cause, or else from some imbecillitie and weake­nesse, as cometh somtimes to passe in Dropsies, &c. But lest this should seeme stuffe of mine owne braine, and hatched at home, heare from the mouth of a worthie Author,Rhemb. Dod. ob­seruat. medic. cap. 32. something con­cerning the same purpose. It is not seldome obserued, that the vrine, by reason of a commixtion of bloud with it, doth appeare of a red co­lour: but by reason that it is either thicke or clotted, it is no great difficultie to discerne the same. But that so thinne a bloud should be mingled with it, that not the substance of the vrine, but the colour onely should be altered, is but seldome seene. Such a case befell a young man of 28. yeares of age or neare by.

This young man voided an vrine of an high red colour, Historie. and thinne substance for many dayes together, being very like to the vrines made in hote acute feauers. The aforesaid patient had vsed the aduice of diuers ancient learned Physitians, who had appointed him such meanes as are vsed for the cooling of hote Liuers. At length he re­paired to my selfe, at that time but a young Physitian. Looking on his vrine, and withall seeing it of so high a red colour, as also percei­uing him, who was there present, free from any feauer, I asked him whether heretofore he had complained of any: which he denyed, ad­ding moreouer, that for some moneths by-past he had felt a chilnesse and coldnesse, together with a great extenuation or leannesse, and shortnesse of breath, ioyned with a generall decay of strength; as also that hitherto he had found no benefit by such meanes as he had vsed. All which hauing attentiuely heard, I thought good to keepe by me the said vrine vntill the next day, and then to view the residence thereof, the which was of a colour like vnto bloud, as being indeed no­thing else but bloud, the vrine aboue it, being but very little, dyed with a pale yellow colour; shewing no signe or token at all of any feauer. [Page 68] For the which cause I did then collect, that there was no exorbitant heate in his Liuer, but a great weakenesse in the kidneyes, by reason whereof the ends of the small veines being opened and loosened, let some part of the bloud passe away. And therefore I tooke a new course for curing of the same, by vsing such meanes as were fit for the corro­borating and strengthening of the kidneyes and veines, not omitting fit And conuenient diet, and among other things, goats milke. And so at length the vrine came to its owne naturall colour againe, his bodie also enioying the benefit of nourishment as it was wont informer times: and thus in a short time recouered his vigour, strength, and former perfect health againe.

Idem Dod. in schol.Such an excretion of bloud, which cometh thus to passe by reason of the loosenesse and widenesse of the mouthes of the small veines, or yet of the thinnesse of bloud, is commonly cal­led Diapedesis: that is, as much as a streining through. It cometh also to passe, that some bloud is voyded by vrine many other wayes: sometimes some great stone fre [...]ting the passages be­twixt the kidneyes and the bladder, called Vreteres, bloud doth also accompanie the vrine, but withall it is blacke and clotted. The stone continuing for some certaine space in the bladder, prooueth likewise sometimes the cause of this inconuenience, and that especially after riding, or some other violent motion of the bodie. In women also some part of their menstruous fluxe is sometimes intermingled with it. Sometimes againe the bloud issuing out of the gummes, being suddenly stopt, doth search for it selfe a passage through the bladder. The kidneyes being wounded, first doth bloud issue out by the vrines, and afterwards matter mingled with it: as it befell that woman which was stabbed in the loynes with a dagger, first voyding blouddie vrines, then afterwards mingled with matter, vntill such time as both the wound and the kidneyes were cured. And that this was a wound in the kidneyes, did plainly appeare, by some portion of the same taken out of the wound. The exulce­ration of the kidneyes is also accompanied with bloudie vrine, after the which (vnlesse remedie be in due and conuenient time procured) matter doth follow. It is likewise sometimes seene, that decrepit old men do voyd vrines mingled with bloud, [Page 69] which are of a blackish colour, accompanied with some red, the which doth declare, that the vigour and power of the kidneyes is almost quite abolished.

But I wish thee yet to lend thine eare a little to the same Au­thor, yet againe in a storie or two more,Idem obseruat. medicin. cap. 31. which will adde not a little light to this matter.

The vrine doth appeare of a reddish colour, not onely when the Liuer is surprised with a Gangrene, or the bodie with any hote or acute disease, such as are Tertian agues, burning fea­uers inflammation of the internall parts: but often also in the debilitie, weakenesse, and coldnesse of the Liuer or stomach, proceeding from long and lingring diseases. The like tincture it receiueth now and then in the extreame pinching Collicke passion, when as some tough and clammie humours possessing the guts, do hinder the passage of the faecall excrements.

A Gentleman of account (saith he) voyded vrine of a very high red colour, howbeit free from any feauer: Historie. being at the same time much tormented with the Collicke, accompanied with a retention of the faecall excrements. After the iniection of an anodine, or mitigating glister, the paine was much eased, and withall the vrine became of a remisse and light colour, such as it was wont to be in his former health. After a short space his vrine reassumed againe its former high colour, vntill such time as by frequent reiteration of glisters, the vrine at length persisted in that laudable state and condition once before be­gun, the bodie also without any artificiall meanes performed its ordi­narie functions.

A Citizen of good account, about fiftie yeares of age, Another. Idem Ibidem. being freed from a Quartane ague, which had held him for the space of foure or fiue moneths, fell into that kind of laske which we commonly call Li­enteria. His excretions by stoole were very liquid and crude, and no remainder of the heate of the Ague to be discerned. His vrines also were of as high a red colour, as is at any time to be seene in the most violent burning feauers, or inflammations of the inward parts. But yet did I not build vpon any so rotten a foundation, but hauing a more watchfull eye on other matters, I thought it necessarie in the first place to haue a care of the stomach, and in the next place of the Liuer, both being by meanes of the former Quarterne ague, not a little [Page 70] weakened. For this end and purpose I prescribed his diet in qualitie hote and drie, allowing him for his drinke the best and strongest wines, such as are Sacke and Canarie. Physicall meanes were Diagalanga, Diatrion-pipereon, and such like. By continuance of which meanes, this much at length was obtained, that the faecall excrements did now shew forth good concoctiō, the vrines also as in his former perfect health. After all the premisses the aforementioned patient assuring himselfe of perfect health, did secretly fall againe to the too liberall drinking of beere. Immediatly after this disorder, the colour of his vrine was againe altred into an high deepe red, vndoubtedly declaring vnto vs, that sometimes the vrines receiue an high and deepe colour, by reason of the cruditie and coldnesse of the stomach. Vrine some­times red by reason of the cruditie of the stomach. After that time therefore he refrained againe from beere, vpon the which his vrine returned to its former laudable condition, neither did he after that vse any beere, vntill such time as he had perfectly recouered his for­mer health againe.

These things haue I related, because of the ignorance and error of many, who are perswaded, that the vrine cannot be died with so high a colour, any other way then by heate, who whensoeuer they see such an vrine brought to them, the patient being tormented with the Collicke, they very vnaduisedly and rashly haue recourse to the cure of a feauer, neglecting the cure of the Collicke, which by these meanes they are so farre from curing, that they do rather much increase the paine of the same. But if these men had read Galen to Glauco, Lib. 1. cap. de sig­nis quotidianae intermitt. they could not be ignorant y^t vrines sometimes do appeare of a reddish colour in cold diseases, or at least such as are not very much distempered with heate. For writing of the Quotidian ague, which hath for materiall cause, crude and raw humours, thus he writeth: In Quotidian agues the vrines are either white, or thicke and muddie, or else of a red colour. In comment. in praedict. locum. Martinus Akakia in his Commentarie addeth, that the vrines then become of a reddish colour, when as by weaknesse of the Liuer or the veines, the red waterish substance issueth out with the vrine.Hieron. Reusner. in schol. ad cap. 22. Ioh. Willich. de prob. vrin. Fernelius also, lib. 6. pathol. cap. 13. writeth that they are not a little deceiued, who do as­cribe bloudie vrine, or that which is of a red windie colour, resembling the washings of raw bloudie flesh, vnto the imbe­cillitie [Page 71] and weaknesse of the Liuer: for he cannot conceiue how that bloud can come from any other part of the bodie without some indisposition of the kidneys. But yet (by the leaue of so learned a man) many things there be which make against this assertion. For oftentimes by experience we see ma­ny plethoricke young men, feeding on abundance of daintie dishes, & liuing in ease and idlenesse, to pisse bloud by meanes of a relaxation of some veine,Per [...]. who by the onely meanes of Phlebotomie, together with the application of some Empla­sticke remedie to the region of the Liuer, (about the which place they say, they find some weight ioyned with some disten­tion, reaching vp to the right shoulder) are perfectly cured. And who can here I pray thee, accuse the kidneyes, there be­ing no paine nor trouble at all felt in the making of his vrine?

And thus may the deceit and vncertaine iudgement had by the varietie of these red vrines in hote or cold diseases easily be conceiued, for the which cause I will here surceasse from in­sisting any more vpon them: but now, because mention hath bene made of some small quantity of bloud issuing foorth with the vrines, we will say something of the abundant pissing of bloud, illustrating it by some authorities, as heretofore we haue done.

Now as these vrines of an high and intense red colour,Of pissing of bloud. do strike a terrour often in the beholders, much more doth this li­quor of life (the bloud it selfe I meane) issuing out of the vrina­rie pipes and passages, cause no small amazement to the eyes of the ignorant, and sometimes of the more iudicious beholder of it. And yet doth not this alwayes portend so infallible and vndoubted danger, as by many is deemed. Sometimes indeed the danger is so great, that not onely a meane and ordinarie vnderstanding, but a more refined iudgement, may iustly feare the future danger: as in the rupture of some great veine neare the Liuer, or the kidneyes, after which doth an vlcer often en­sue, and after a long torturing and tormenting paine, Death most commonly maketh an end of their so miserable and pain­full life. Sometimes againe this fluxe prooueth very safe and [Page 72] secure, as in criticall and periodicall excretions. But heare, I pray thee,Aretaeus Cappa­dox. lib. 4. cap. 3. diuturn. morb. an ancient Author deliuer his opinion concerning this point.

Some men there are, who by certaine turnes, and at certaine times do pisse bloud abundantly, being a disease not vnlike to the haemorrhoides or piles. The state and constitution of their bodie also is not vnlike: for they are very pale, dull, sluggish, and lumpish: they loath their food, and after this excretion of bloud, there followeth a certaine resolution and faintnesse of their ioynts, their head notwithstanding becometh much lighter and better. But if at this accustomed and wonted pe­riod of time, there shall happen a suppression or stoppage of the aforesaid fluxe, they are presently surprised with a great head-ach, their eye-sight waxing dim, seconded with a giddi­nesse and swimming in the head. Vpon which occasion it com­meth to passe, that many of them fall into the falling sicknesse: some of them againe being puffed vp and swollen, with their eye-sight somewhat darkened, do resemble Hydropicke per­sons: others are oppressed with melancholicke diseases, and some againe with Paralyticke passions. All these inconueni­ences do follow vpon the suppression of any former fluxe of bloud.

Holler. Schol. ad cap. 52. lib. 1. de morb. Vde ibidem plu­ra, vt & apud Schenck. obser­uat. medicin. lib. 3. tit. de sang. mictu. Sometimes pissing of bloud (saith Hollerius) is criticall, and com­meth by certaine turnes and set times: and with such a one was trou­bled a certaine Nun mentioned by Musa, who euery moneth vpon the suppression of her monethly disease, did pisse bloud in abun­dance. Archembault the Counseller, by turnes did sometimes cast vp by the mouth, and sometimes did voyd it downewards by stoole, and againe at other times by the yard. Some at the passing away of the Spring do pisse bloud; and this I find written by Archigenes, that some do by certaine turnes voyd great store of bloud by the yard, being first collected in and about the kidneyes, and that they find themselues much eased thereby.

Historie. Marcell. Donat. lib. 4. cap. 29. hist. med. I am very familiarly acquainted with one Donatus Arrigonius, a merchant of our towne, who in his iourney to the faire of Bohan, which is held three or foure times a yeare, in his iourney obserued, that he was surprised with the Iaundise. Afterwards as he was [Page 73] vpon his iourney homewards to Mantua, and fast asleepe in his Inne, being accompanied with another friend, who lay in the same bed with him, vpon the sudden there issued out at his yard, of its owne accord, great store of blackish bloud; inso much that his companion being all wet with the bloud wakened him, being almost halfe dead; and with much ado, at length brought him home to Mantua againe; but with­all quite freed from his Iaundise.

A certaine yong man, after the eating of great store of garlicke, Another. pissed afterwards great abundance of bloud; and after a little while signes of an impostume in the kidneyes might be obserued: to wit, some matter issuing forth from the same: from whence I did collect, that the sharpnesse of the humour had caused an excoriation in these parts, by meanes of the opening of some veine.

I did see at Mothon a man who with a fall off a ladder filled halfe a chamber pot with the bloud he pissed; Another. who immediatly after the taking of a little Lemnian earth did recouer: the bloud came without any vrine; and that, perhaps, because the contusion was not farre di­stant from his yard.

About some nine or ten yeares ago, Another. an Inne-keeper of Northamp­ton, a fat and corpulent man, hauing now and then voyded some small quantitie of bloud with his vrine did, notwithstanding but little re­gard the same; vntill such time as he fell into a totall suppression of v­rine; the paine whereof made him cast forth such pitifull cries and complaints, that his sorrowfull neighbours did much commiserate his distressed estate. His wife no lesse perplexed then amazed, at this so sudden and vnexpected accident, at his desire sent to intreat my ayde and counsell in this his so great extremitie. Some halfe an houre or lesse after the administration of a diureticke drinke inwardly, and a Cataplasme outwardly applyed to his share, he filled almost a chamber pot with bloud, some small quantitie of vrine being mingled with the same: whereupon followed immediatly ease and alleuiation of all his former annoyance. The same night, about an houre after, he sent me a little wooden dish almost halfe full of gobbets of congealed and clot­ted bloud, resembling the substance of the Liuerie selfe. The next morning againe he sent me an vrinall almost full of bloud voyded at the same place, no vrine to the iudgement of the eye at the first to be discerned mingled with the same I caused him bleed oftner then once, [Page 74] besides other fit and conuenient remedies, as well in diet as otherwise; and yet this fluxe continued lesse or more for some few dayes after. In the space of one weeke he lost in all aboue a gallon of bloud. For pre­uention I wished him, besides good diet (hard to be obserued by people of that profession) with corroboratiue and other medicines fit for that purpose, with speciall regard to the Liuer, not to neglect Phlehotomie, at least euery Spring and Fall, which he duely put in practise for the first yeare: and, for any thing I could euer heare, was litle or nothing troubled after that time with this infirmitie. After this he liued at least three yeares, and then dyed suddenly; of the cause whereof here to discourse, were besides my present purpose. Diuerse others haue now and then by me bene obserued, troubled with the like eua­cuation, without any great hurt or hinderance to their health; whom to auoide prolixitie and tediousnesse, I here willingly passe by: onely one I will touch but in two words.

Another. A little child aboue fiue yeares of age, vsed at diuerse times to pisse pure bloud, not keeping any certaine times or turnes. This the Gentlewoman her selfe the childs grandmother, dwelling not farre from the towne of Northampton told me; who did likewise affirme, that she had not discerned any hurt he had sustained by the same: yet notwithstanding for feare of some future inconuenience, and after en­suing danger, was desirous to vse some meanes for preuention: which being by some occasions then deferred, the child afterwards departed out of these quarters into another countrey, where what since befell him I cannot tell.

But now let vs proceed to some other colours of vrines; for here I thinke hath bene found as small certaintie as in the for­mer.

CHAP. V. Of blacke vrines, and that they are not alwayes so dangerous as they are deemed: as also of blew, ash-coloured, or leaden and greene coloured vrines, together with their seue­rall significations and vncertainties.

THe highest and intensest of all other colours, [...]. is the blacke; the which when it presenteth it selfe to the view of the eye in any vrine, it striketh no small feare and terror in the minds of most men; yea and sometimes of those of no ordinarie vn­derstanding. That this feare was not altogether without some ground,Hippoc. prognosi. lib. 2. aph. 29. [...]. Idem in coac. sect. 27. aph. 16. 1. de cris. cap. 12. & alibi. Comm. 3. in lib. 3. epid. may be seene by some passages of our old father Hippo­crates, who doth peremptorily affirme, that as well in men as in women, blacke vrines are alwayes dangerous. And of the like opinion and iudgement was once his trustie interpreter Galen, confidently auouching that he neuer knew any one re­couer whose vrine was altogether blacke; howbeit the danger was the lesser if the residence onely were blacke: lesse againe if the middle part or swimme, and least of all if the cloud onely were of this colour. Howbeit the same Galen in another place affirmeth, That if there be a retention of a womans monethly fluxe of melancholicke bloud, there is no cause of feare, if in such a case the vrine appeare blacke to the eye. And againe,Comm. 3. in lib. 1. epid. in the storie of that woman who being surprised with sicknesse the second day after she was brought to bed, the third day she voyded thinne blackish vrines. Galen speaketh of no further inconuenience to ensue vp­pon the same, but maketh onely mention of a certaine commo­tion and agitation of the humours of the body, ioyned with a a certaine conflict: and yet of all sorts of blacke vrines this thin blacke is counted the best.Of blacke v­rines. Historie. Iohann. Bel. fort. comm in lib. de vrin. Gal. attrib. pag. 72. Blacke vrines may be voyded both in health and also in sicknesse, especially by way of criticall ex­cretion. And first in health let this ensuing historie speake.

I cannot well approue of the opinion of Christophorus a Ʋega, who maintaineth that it is altogether impossible that any liuing in perfect health should voyd a blacke vrine: his reason is, because so great a [Page 76] quantitie of that humour as may thus colour the vrine, can hardly be collected within the veines of an healthfull man. But howsoeuer in a laudable and healthfull constitution of body, it doth not so much abound in the veines as do the other humours, yet is it on the other side most cer [...]aine, that this humour doth abound in that temperature of body which is cold and drie, since that from thence the cold and dry constitution taketh its name. And this did I my selfe obserue in a cer­taine Monke of the order of the Carmes, and Spaniard by nation, of the coldest and driest constitution of body that euer I did yet know, who for the space of sixe whole yeares, during his abode here with vs, and that in perfect good health, made alwayes a blacke vrine: and be­ing yet further demanded of vs concerning the continuance of it, did confidently affirme vnto vs, that so had he done the whole course of his life. And why not? May not a blacke and melancholicke bloud, supplying the place of the haemorrhoides or piles, being expelled by v­rine, dye the same with the aforesaid colour? As also the like excretion of vrine so colored hath bene obserued in one Tardanellus an Italian, who did all his life time (liuing notwithstanding in perfect health) continually voyd such an vrine. Neither yet is it without reason, that the noysome humour is so scoured away, to the end that the state and constitution of the body, composed of, and cherished by such an humor, may be preserued sound and in perfect health.

Another. Guil. Adolph. Scriben. lib. de vrinar, inspect. I did once see a Knights vrine of a very blacke colour, who not­withstanding, was not sicke at all, and much lesse in danger of death. Againe a little after. There was also a yong scholler, who being free from any disease, voyded sometimes vrine of so blacke a colour, that whosoeuer did see it, did suppose it to be inke.

Actuar. lib. 2. cap. 20. de iudic. vrin.The storie of Actuarius his seruant, doth also confirme, that in perfect health the vrine may be died with a blacke inkie colour without any further danger, as it came to passe in this partie, whose vrine after the drinking of a medicine against melan­cholie, at first was of a blackish colour like vnto inke comming afterwards to a blewish, and at last to its owne naturall colour againe.

Another. I was my selfe very familiarly acquainted with a reuerend and graue Diuine, who liued sometime in this towne of Northampton, who did at diuers times, yet liuing in perfect health, voyde great abun­dance [Page 77] of blacke vrine. And yet a long time before his death, nor yet during the time of his sicknesse, I neuer knew him voyd any of that co­lour.

That this blacke vrine may prooue a criticall excretion,Blacke vrines critical in diuers diseases. not in acute diseases, but euen in such as are not partakers of that violence; as in diseases of the spleene and kidneyes, cannot be de­nied, &c. But I produce my authorities.Thomas a Vega comm. ad lib. 6. Gal. de loc. af­fect. pag. 342. We must not vnadui­sedly and without any limitation, iump with the iudgement of Galen in condemning of blacke vrines. For howsoeuer he did neuer perhaps see any saued after the voyding of such an vrine, yet haue diuerse other of no small note and fame since his time seene and obserued the same: for the which cause it ought not so much to be condemned; nay not if thou wouldest euen tye thine assertion to acute diseases: yea though thou shouldest yet further suppose many other bad and dangerous signes to con­curre with the same. For besides Rhases, Auicenna, and Actu­arius, Hippocrates himselfe, in his epidemicall histories, did ob­serue, that some with such vrines did recouer. The vrine there­fore may be often of that colour without any imminent dan­ger to the patient, and that vpon the taking of any meate, drinke, or medicine, of a blacke colour, & perhaps indued with a diureticall qualitie; concerning which there is a prettie storie in Actuarius. It proueth also often a criticall excretion in Quar­tane agues, in diseases of the spleene, as also in the suppression of womens menstruous fluxes, and of the Hemorrhoides or piles in both sexes. And yet moreouer according to the minde of Auicenna, it cureth sometimes feauers of long continuance, whether they take their denomination from the day or from the night. And yet further, in some infirmities of the kidneyes,Nocturnae vel diurnae febres. or yet a stone congealed in the bladder, the vrine sometimes presenteth it selfe in the foresaid habit and colour. And finally, it doth sometimes presage the happie issue and euent of feauers by bleeding at the nose or sweating. Since therefore sometimes it is a forerunner of extreme danger, to wit, when it doth pro­ceed from extreme heat or cold, and sometimes againe secure and without any danger at all, Rhases and Auicenna do thus ac­cord them. If the foresaid vrine be voyded in a great quantitie [Page 78] and thinne, succeeding a cleare and waterish vrine, as also if ease and all [...]uiation do follow vpon the voyding thereof, it doth presage nothing but good: and on the contrarie, without the foresaid circumstances, a blacke vrine is very dangerous; and in the stoppage of womens monethly disease, it is an vsuall and accustomed, howbeit not a perpetuall and certaine signe. But now I will instance in some histories the proofe of these criticall euacuations.

Another. Anton. Valet ex­ercit. 40 ad Hol­ler. de morb. in­tern. I am very familiarly acquainted with a Church man, who ordi­narily three or foure times a yeare complaineth of the swelling of his spleene to an excessiue bignesse, especially towards the Spring and Fall: and vpon the approaching of the foresaid disease, then doth he com­plaine of great griefe and paine in his sides, his bodie becomming all ouer of a leaden colour, and in this case daily waxing worse and worse, vntill at length by voyding abundance of vrine blacke like vnto inke, and that during the space of sixe or seuen dayes, the foresaid swelling, as also his great paine vanishing quite away, he recouered againe his wonted and accustomed health. It is now twelue, if not fifteene yeares since he was first acquainted with this criticall excretion by vrine, ha­uing before that time bene troubled with the piles or hemorrhoides, which notwithstanding did yeeld but little matter.

Another. Andr. Laurent. anat. lib. 1. quaest. 38. I haue of mine owne experience obserued (saith the learned Lau­rentius) such as haue bene troubled with the Spleene, by meanes of a plentifull euacuation by blacke vrine to haue bene cured. Now it is also to be obserued, that such vrines were blacke, not by generation, by reason that such vrines in Hippocrates his Prognost. Praedict. and Aphorism. are alwayes deadly. For such vrines do shew forth and de­clare, either an extraordinarie great parching heate, or else a totall extinction or ouerthrowing of naturall heate. But these vrines were blacke by permixtion of a melancholicke humor, the which the Spleene did send forth through the kidneyes into the bladder.

Francisc. Valer. comm. ad libr. Gal. de constit. art. med. pag. 355 Howbeit blacke vrines be by Hippocrates condemned as deadly (saith Ʋaleriola) or at least very dangerous, especially in acute dis­eases; yet doth experience teach vs, that this manner of vrine may proue criticall in some diseases; as namely, in inflammations, or inue­terate obstructions of the Spleene: as I did my selfe obserue in a yong youth called Iohn Ruffus, Another. sonne to our Apothecary Anthonie Ruffus, [Page 79] who being once (as was supposed) readie to yeeld vp the ghost, by rea­son of an inflammation of the Spleene, did vpon the twentieth day, by way of a crisis, voide aboue twelue wine pints of vrine as blacke as inke, the which I haue often also obserued in Quartane agues.

But now I will instance in some agues, and some other infir­mities.

Vpon a time I went to a Canon who lay sicke of a triple Quartane ague, Another. Iacob Douinet. apol. lib. 3. cap. vlt. being troubled also with a scirrhus or hardnesse both of his Liuer and Spleene, who neuerthelesse did recouer of the foresaid infir­mities, and that by meanes of thicke blacke vrine, together with such fit and proper remedies as are appropriated to the Spleene, exhibited and applyed both outwardly and inwardly. Syluius hath seene diuers who haue had euery yeare such fluxes of vrine, and that without any griefe or molestation whatsoeuer.

But I will instance in a Tertian ague, such vrines being more seldome obserued in this disease then in Quartanes and the like: in the which my selfe being the patient, I cannot much be mi­staken.

After I had continued about the space of two yeares in France, Another. Of a bastard Tertian in my selfe. and liuing at that instant in the towne of Fontenay le compte, in the Pro­uince of Poictou, about the latter end of Iuly, I was surprised with a bastard Tertian ague, which thus continuing for the space of three weekes, yet without any violent accidents, I did at the first contemne. After the foresaid space, the enemie assaulting me more fiercely then at first, and that by redoubling of the former fits, being now of a single Tertian become a double, I armed my selfe with such weapons as were fit to encounter with so furious an aduersarie. After the vse of diuers fit and proper remedies for the extirpation of the foresaid infirmitie, I voyded for the space of three or foure dayes together great store of thicke blackish vrine like vnto inke, at the first sight whereof (ha­uing read something before in Hippocrates, concerning the danger of such vrines) I was something afraid; but after more mature delibe­ration I rested better satisfied. I remember I had for certaine dayes together drunke of an infusion wherein was some quantitie of Sene leaues, which as it seemeth by the attraction of the humour of that colour did dye the vrine therewith. Ʋnto this criticall excretion was shortly after added another: to wit, a violent taske, not without the [Page 80] mixture of some bloud, which lasted at least for the space of a full forthnight, and which did at length wast away the m [...]teer of the dis­ease before the approching of Winter; howbeit the imbecillitie of my bodie was such that I recouered not my full former strength againe vntill the Spring following.

Another. Iohann. Crato consil. medicin. col. 446. aedit. Hanou. in fol. 1612. I gaue vpon a time to a patient of mine (saith Crato) much trou­bled with the blacke Iaundise, some Bezoar stone, and after a little while he voided great store of vrine as blacke as inke; by which meanes the patient found great ease.

Rhases reporteth an historie of a woman that came to him, who voyded blacke vrines, and withall complained much of a paine in her loynes, and alwayes vpon the voyding of such an vrine she found im­mediatly ease. But after a while she fell into a night feauer accom­panied with some shiuering. This woman was of a melancholicke complexion, whom I perfectly cured by such meanes as prouoke v­rine.

Another. Amatus Lusi­tanus centa [...]. 5. turat. 54. The sonne of Angelus borne at Ancona (as relateth Amatus) being but fiue yeares of age, somewhat fat of body, being, as his pa­rents supposed, carefully looked vnto both for diet and other things called not naturall; became notwithstanding full of hard scabs, accom­panied with an vlcer-like matter all ouer his head and necke, and for diuerse dayes did runne great store of this putrid matter from the foresaid sores. But after a moneths space, this child voyded abundance of thicke blacke vrine for the space of three dayes together, not with­out some acrimonie and sharpnesse, accompanied with a paine in his yard, yet without any feauer. This child did in a very short time af­ter recouer; neither would I suffer any thing to be applyed to his head for curing of his scabs, which did very shortly heale of it selfe. Now this vrine proued to be in this child criticall for the remouall of this infirmitie.

It may then plainly appeare, how little trust we are to repose in these vrines more then any other, either in sicknesse or in health; and how easily the Physitian may be deceiued, who shall giue too much credit thereunto. And who can tell by the sight of such a blacke vrine onely, whether it be criticall as we say, or symptomaticall, denouncing danger in an acute disease? This the other circumstances, especially the sight of the patient, [Page 81] (whereby thou mayest more easily consider of his strength then by the sight of a thousand vrines) must bring to thy con­sideration. And besides all the premisses.Mercur. lib. de vrin. cap. 6. Mercuriall mentio­neth out of Rhases and Auicenna, that if any annoint his bodie with the iuyce of the berries of the hearbe Halcana, he shall vn­doubtly voyd blacke vrines. The same Author affirmeth, that blacke vrine after great trauell and exercise, doth prognosticate a conuulsion, and that a glister made of the decoction onely of high coloured red wine, hath produced a blacke vrine. And againe, out of Rufus Ephesius, who liued about the time of the Emperour Traian, that blacke vrine, voyded for a long time to­gether in the time of health, prognosticateth the ingendring of a stone in the kidneyes. But I proceed now to some other colours of vrines, which by our Authors are all referred to the former colour, and not much also disagreeing in signi­fication.

Blew vrines, called commonly veneta & caerulea, Of blew vrines. being as it were a more remisse blacke, and not dyed with so great a quan­titie of that humour, hath also diuerse significations. For being thicke withall, it signifieth that blacke choller, proceeding first from yellow choller very adust, doth colour the vrine: or else so great cold of the inward parts, that they are almost quite mortified. It signifieth moreouer, extraordinarie exercise of the bodie by running. In such as do recouer out of any disease, it is a signe of a laudable crise, especially if it come in any great quantitie: for by this meanes the adust parts are voyded foorth. In old men, if such an vrine persist long, it argueth that the na­turall constitution of the bladder is altered and changed by bad and corrupt humours. In such as are subiect to the stone, it is a signe of the approching of the Strangurie. The same vrine is also sometimes obserued to be thinne, then signifying the mel­ting of melancholy, which doth but a little colour the vrine. And sometimes also it signifieth blowes and stripes, howbeit not in any violent or excessiue manner, and in such a case it is a laudable and good signe.

As concerning greene vrines,Of greene v­rines. of them our Physitians com­monly make two sorts: one properly so called, and the other [Page 82] called greene oylie vrines. As for the first, it signifieth accor­ding to our writers, abundance of choler adust, and of a ma­ligne qualitie, and almost readie to be turned into blacke, be­ing daily more and more parched and burnt vp. And com­monly in the best signification it signifieth adustion of the hu­mours, long continuance and perseuerance of the same. And sometimes cold in extreamest degree, as was said before of blacke, and then is mortall: especially if leaden colour and blacke follow successiuely at diuers times, pulse feeble, with thirst or short breath. Sometimes againe a Quotidian ague and yellow Iaundise, especially with an ague. And howbeit these vrines often proue dangerous, yet is not the case alwayes alike: for sometimes this colour may be also seene in sound & health­full bodies.3. de rat. vict. acut. Galen doth willingly confesse the same. Cholericke people (saith he) which fast long, do oftentimes make greene and fie­rie coloured vrines. And that feeding vpon certaine kinds of foode, may produce such an vrine, this ensuing historie may easily declare.

Historie. Guil. Adolph. Scribon. de in­spect. vrin. propefinem. There was a certaine Physitian, who hauing fed on some nourish­ment of that colour, did afterwards voyd an vrine of the same colour, which he sent to another Physitian, to fish out his opinion concerning the same. This other Physitian gaue out his verdict concerning the great danger this vrine did threaten the owner. But the other sen­ding him backe word againe, that vpon the feeding on such and such food it was no vncouth thing for him to voyd such an vrine: and withall aduised him not to pronounce his opinion so peremptorily vpon the colour of the vrine onely.

Of popiniay greene, oylie vrine.The other sort of greene vrines is a light popiniay greene, called also an oylie vrine: that is, such whose substance is clam­mie and thicke, as oyle or fat molten. It commonly signifieth colliquation, and wasting of the fat within man or woman, as proceeding from excessiue heate. And yet such vrines, if blacke vrines went before, signifieth health at hand. If it come sud­denly and in a short time, it argueth the colliquation or wa­sting of the kidneyes only. The higher this colour is, the worse they commonly hold it. But I will dwell no longer vpon this colour, since the vncertaintie thereof may be collected by that [Page 83] which hath bene said alreadie.

As for ash-coloured or leaden coloured vrines,Of ash-colou­red, or leaden coloured vrines. they haue not alwayes one and the same signification more then the former. If an vrine of this colour be thicke, and greene coloured vrine went before, it signifieth extreame heate and burning: if pale coloured vrine went before, it doth portend extreame cold and mortification. This kind of vrine may also proceed from the affluxe of melancholicke humours, or else by reason of great blowes or stripes: and then it may prooue a good signe, the ex­pulsiue power expelling such residence towards the bottome. In feauers an vrine of this colour without any setling or resi­dence, is a signe of death. But in a burning feauer it doth por­tend a Strangurie. The same causes which did produce blew vrines, do also bring foorth this colour, but that in this all things are more violent. Sometimes such an vrine is a signe of the blacke Iaundise proceeding from melancholy. But then it portends health, especially if it be voyded in any great quan­titie and thicke in substance, by reason of the euacuation of such thicke humours. It is then apparent that these colours signifie not alwayes one certaine thing, but sometimes quite contrary. For the which cause it is no maruell if a Physitian who should settle his iudgement solely thereupon, might easily be deceiued.

CHAP. VI. The manifold significations of white vrines, as also the great vncertaintie of iudgement by the same.

WHite vrines,Of thin white vrines. as also all other colours, are either very thinne and cleare, or else thicke in sub­stance, and accompanied often with a copious residence. Thinne white cleare vrines like vnto faire spring water, haue diuers significations, as witnesseth the learned Rondeletius, Rondelet. lib. de vrin. cap. 15. with whom are ioyned in iudgement the rest of our learned Physitians. And [Page 84] first of all this vrine is sometimes seene in indifferent good health,Their diuers significations. and doth now and then signifie some cruditie of the sto­mach. Sometimes againe it signifieth obstructions of the Liuer, Spleene, and Kidneys, which must be discerned by other signes also: to wit, such as be proper and peculiar to each part. In old age, as also in long lingring diseases, it argueth weakenesse of the naturall faculties. Some likewise who do voyde such vrines, are from their very cradles of a weake and crasie constitution. A thinne and cleare vrine, made often, and in great abundance, doth accompanie the disease called Diabete. In an obscure lur­king or lingring feauer, it signifieth either the Iaundise, or a re­solution or dissolution of the strength. A thinne white vrine accompanied with other good signes, doth declare the decay­ing and decreasing of a Quotidian ague, and if it do long per­sist, being depriued of any smell, especially if strength be much decayed, it portendeth either death, or else the long conti­nuance of the disease. And finally with a burning feauer and phrensie,Forest. obseruat. medic. tomo. 1. lib. 2. schol. ad obseruat. 25. [...]. Hippocrat. prog­nost. lib. 2. aph. 30 it is a most deadly signe, as may be seene elsewhere. As concerning the ages, as they are accounted dangerous in many, so especially in little children, as may be seene in seuerall places of the workes of the famous Hippocrates. Wherefore we had need to consider many things before we proceed to deliuer our iudgement concerning such vrines. If therefore such an v­rine were brought to the Physitian, whether would he thereby pronounce a weakenesse of the stomach, or obstruction of the Liuer, Spleene or Kidneys? And why not a phrensie in a feauer? And howsoeuer Hippocrates pronounceth this to be a most dangerous vrine; yet haue I my selfe often obserued the same without any danger to the party, as I doubt not but so haue ma­ny moe besides my selfe.

Historie. About some eight or nine yeares ago, there came to me a yeoman of Northampton shire, bringing with him his vrine which well nigh filled the vrinall, being as cleare as any crystall, without any contents at all, except some few motes, such as they say are found in the vrines of women with child. And because I did see so great ods betwixt his complexion and his vrine (he being indifferent well coloured in regard of the vrine, howbeit neare fiftie yeares of age) not suspecting this [Page 85] vrine to be his owne, began to enquire some circumstances concerning the same, as namely the time of continuance. At length he freely and of his owne accord confessed, that the vrine was his owne, and that aboue the space of sixe yeares by-past his vrine had not altered nor changed from that I did now see it. He added moreouer, that he felt neither griefe nor trouble in his bodie, as being able to go about his ordinarie employments and workes of his calling; that he was now and then troubled with some wind in his stomach, and that he himselfe wondered not a little at the long continuance of his vrine after this manner. I gaue him directions against obstructions and crudities, with some things for the strengthening of his stomach, and neuer since heard any more newes of him.

The like vrine haue I often obserued in many other cases, and will instance but in one: to wit, an hystericall passion, com­monly called the mother.

Some ten yeares ago I had in cure a young maid, Another. much molested with that disease which is commonly called the Mother. For foure dayes together, from twelue of the clocke at noone till night, her fits were so violent and tedious, and the intermissions so short, that both her father and other friends tooke (as they thought) their last leaue of her. In her time of intermission, or rather remission, when she was most sensible of her selfe, she voyded almost a chamber pot full at a time of thinne cleare vrine, like vnto spring-water, without any manner of contents discernable to the sharpest eye-sight, and this commonly foure or fiue times in an afternoone, and that during the dayes of the foure­said fits. But being afterwards freed from this infirmitie, she was likewise freed from the aforementioned accident. Neither did I euer since that time know her troubled with this disease, saue once since she was married, and yet was nothing in regard of the former ex­tremitie.

If any Argus had bene there with his hundreth eyes, or yet the sharpe sighted Lynceus himselfe, where such vrines had bene brought in two seuerall vrinals (I meane the mans last mentio­ned, and this womans) they had neuer bene able to discerne any difference betwixt these two vrines: much lesse then the igno­rant Empiricke, the peticoate or woman-physitian, or the cun­ningest pisse-prophet among them all: and if thout wilt, put in [Page 86] master Parson-practiser to make better weight. And if any had brought such an vrine, so often, in so great quantity, to any Phy­sitian, was there any reason why he should not rather haue con­iectured a Diabete, or pissing euill, then any other infirmitie? And this I thinke may suffice to prooue the vncertaintie of iudgement by thinne white vrines: now something of thicke white vrines.

Of thicke white vrines. Hippocrates, in the late alledged place, doth include very thicke vrines, of whatsoeuer colour they be, within the same de­gree of danger. And Galen himselfe seemeth to second this o­pinion, auerring that the thicker an vrine is, the more danger hath he most commonly obserued in the same. Rondeletius af­firmeth, that white vrines which are not transparent, but thicke almost like vnto milke, do signifie abundance of phlegme, and secondarily wormes, the falling-sicknesse, head-ach, palsie, conuulsions, great coldnesse of the naturall parts: and finally, all manner of diseases proceeding from phlegme. If such an v­rine then were offered to thy view and consideration, good master vrine-monger, for which of these diseases wouldest thou giue out sentence? There being many moe phlegmaticke dis­eases besides the last rehearsed; and many of them proceeding from other causes, must by consequent be accompanied with other vrines: yea and in the same cause the vrine may by diuers meanes not be the same. And these thicke vrines sometimes ac­companied with a copious residence, and sometimes againe without the same. I will now proceed to some instances of both, where it shall appeare that sometimes some such vrines are not so dangerous as they are deemed.

Historie. Nichol. Florent. serm. 3. tract. 10. cap. 21. I did see in the Castle of Itrum in the Countie of Sundoz, a young man about thirtie yeares of age, who did euery day make an vrine in great abundance, wherein did settle a white residence, like vnto curd­led milke, filling the vrinall halfe full, howbeit aboue the same did swim a small quantitie of whitish vrine like vnto whey. This young man notwithstanding felt no inconuenience by the same, but still en­ioyed his perfect health.

But a woman voyding the like vrine, yet was not blessed with so great a benefit, which notwithstanding for the strange­nesse [Page 87] I thought good here to mention.

In the yeare (as I remember) 1613. a woman of middle age, Another. dwelling in the South suburbe of Northampton, commonly called Cottonend, sent me an vrine, if so it might be called, which was no­thing else, as one would haue iudged by the eye, but thicke curdled milke, which did very neare fill the vrinall, onely on the top of it did swim a little liquor like vnto white posset drinke, being not halfe an inch thicke aboue the foresaid contents. And howbeit I did twice or thrice see her vrine afterwards, yet could I neuer againe see these curdled contents, it being onely like the aforesaid white posset drinke, howbeit she had sometimes before voyded such an vrine, as I was in­formed. She died about two moneths after: and as it seemeth, of a consumption and wasting of the kidneyes and other vrinary passages, as by some signes did appeare. And what if the spermaticall parts did participate with the former? The woman had lyen long languishing, neither was I euer called to see her, and for any thing I know, had few or no meanes administred vnto her, being but of poore and meane estate.

A thicke and milkie vrine hath also by others bene obserued in the exulceration of the kidneys,A Petro Sphaere­rio medico refe­rente Schenck. lib. 3. obseruat. medicin. lib de vrin. namely in a certaine Polo­nian in the Hospitall of the holy Ghost, the which (saith the Author) I often beheld. There are yet other white vrines, the which howsoeuer they are to the eye somewhat transparent, some more and some lesse, some of them being of a more bright & shining colour, drawing neare to the color of molten glasse, and some againe more darke, and not so transparent a colour, yet may they all most iustly be reckoned among the number of thicke white vrines, and that in regard of their tough and slimie substance, which may easily be both felt and seene to be such. This sort of vrine doth often argue great store of cru­dities, and tough phlegmaticke matter, with such diseases as are engendred of the same: but most commonly diseases of the bladder, as namely the Strangurie or the Stone, howsoeuer it cometh sometimes otherwise to passe.

I was these yeares by past (saith Schenckius) familiarly acquain­ted with a certaine Noble man, now dead, Another. Iohann. Schenck. ibidem. whose name was Vdalri­chus, and brother to George master of the order of the Knights of [Page 88] Germanie, called Ioannitae, being descended of the noble familie of H [...]henheimes, surnamed Bombest, who without any hinderance to his health, did oftentimes, yea during the greatest part of his life time, voyd a thicke muddie vrine, and so tough and ropie, that any might haue drawne it an ell long, as if it had bene some glue or bird­lime. He neuer in his life was troubled with the stone, and himselfe shewed me this vrine, offering the same to my triall.

Another. Holler. inter ra­ras obseruat. num. 2. Another voyded by vrine a certaine matter like vnto molten pearles being of a fine bright colour, of whom Hollerius maketh men­tion, the same partie againe voyding a matter of thicker substance much like vnto the white of an egge boyled.

Another. Idem schol. ad cap. 30. lib. 1. de morb. intern.The same Author maketh mention in another place of ano­ther, who voyded by vrine, not without great paine and torment, little peeces of phlegme, round like little bullets, cleare like vnto cry­stall, cleare glasse or fine gellie.

Another. An ancient Gentleman and acquaintance of mine dwelling in Lon­don, being at least threescore and ten yeares of age, at that time 1611. had for a long time voyded great store of such tough phlegmaticke matter, most like vnto birdlime or gellie, and on the top of the same some vrine was to be seene of a darke colour, not vnlike to transparent horne. His paine was exceeding great, prouoking him almost euery minute of an houre to this vntimely excretion of his vrine. The coun­sels of the best Physitians were not wanting, some being of opinion it was a stone in the bladder, others iudging otherwise. My opinion being demanded, I told him I was not of their opinion, who held that there was a stone in the bladder, moued hereunto by some probable coniectares. But seeing him much macerated and weakened by much Physicke, exhibited both by the learned Physitian, and by the igno­rant Empiricke also, my aduice was, that he should abstaine from all manner of laxatiue medicines, except it were now and then some gentle glister or lenitiue to procure the benefit of nature. I appointed him also fit and conuenient diet: and all his Physicke was nothing saue some certaine Emulsions, as also some Iuleps composed of some syrupes and distilled waters, most proper and conuenient for his disease, and that not for a weeke or a moneth, but for three or foure moneths to­gether. After two moneths were past he found sensible ease and alle­uiation, but yet much more the next Spring, this being towards the [Page 89] beginning of Winter: and hath since that time scarce euer complained at all of this so tedious and tormenting infirmitie. And this last Spring his strength spent, and the oyle in the lampe failing, being full of dayes, payed that debt which admitteth no baile nor suretiship. This then may appeare that the vrine here could giue vs no assured know­ledge of the certaintie of the disease, whether the Stone or strangurie. And thus the vncertaintie of this colour, as well as of the rest, cannot be concealed from the iudicious and vnder­standing Reader: whose patience I must yet intreat to giue eare to some things yet to be said concerning the contents of vrine: concerning the which, howbeit here and there, and namely in this last colour, something hath bene said, yet was not this my principall purpose and intent; but is as it were thrust in by head and shoulders. Now shall something be said of set purpose, whereas I will forbeare to repeate any thing which hath bene said alreadie.

CHAP. VII. Of the circle or garland, spume and froth, bubbles, smoke or vapor, and fat in the ouermost region of the vrine, and what cer­taintie from thence can be collected.

THese contents are most cōmonly distinguished according to the three regions of the vrine. The ouermost vrine, as it claimeth the first place in the vrinall, so shall it haue here the prehemi­nence aboue the other two Now as concerning the circle, ring or garland,Of the circle, ring or garland. Not mentioned by the ancients. Lib. de vrin. cap. 31. de circulo. The originall of it. it hath bene well obserued by some of our late writers, that neither Hippocrates nor yet Galen euer made any mention of them, as being in their iudgements a thing not worth the consideration. Rondeletius maketh Aui­cenna and Isaac Arabian Physitians, the first founders thereof: howbeit (saith he) some do attribute the first inuention of it to the Vniuersitie of Salerna, either perhaps, because since Actua­rius his time they had tried some conclusions by the same, or [Page 90] else did repose much trust and confidence in this circle or crowne.It is twofold. Two sorts of these circles or garlands find we mentio­ned by Actuarius, which notwithstanding few authors that I haue read do remember. The first is that commonly so called, being nothing else but a certaine circle or round line in the ou [...]r­most part of the vrine, enuironing it round about like a ring; and is so called by reason of the roundnesse of the vrinall, the like whereof may be likewise seene in any other liquor. The other circles or garlands are no such round rings or circles as haue bene mentioned,Le [...] Roganus de differ. vrin. lib. 1. cap. vlt. but onely some ouermost parts of the vrine which swimme in the liquor of the same, and for the same rea­son, of the roundnesse of the vrinall, called crownes or garlands. Of the former of the two do our Physitians most commonly make mention, and many things do many men prognosticate by the same,Posteriores eius­dem (coronae) iuditia subiece­runt veteribus non vsitata, & in quibus iustae saepe causae desideran­tur: verum vt scenae inseruia­mus eadem iudi­cia subdere pla­cet. Villich. de probat vrin. part. 4. cap. 39. which neuerthelesse some of their chiefe ringlea­ders and vpholders do in a manner confesse to be but a nouelty, not practised by the learned ancient Physitians: and yet lest they should seeme to controll the inueterate and common re­ceiued custome, they must needs say something as well as their neighbours. Hence haue we the proportion betwixt the regions of the bodie of man, and the regions of the vrine violently thrust vpon vs; and as they will haue the other parts of the vrine answerable to the rest of the parts of the body; so must the crowne or garland answer proportionably to the head, or some part of it at least. And not with this content, they ascribe seueral colours of these circles, not to seuerall humours onely, but to seuerall parts of the head also; sometimes to the right, some­times to the left: and againe sometimes to the hinder part, and sometimes to the fore part; diuing sometimes into the verie ventricles or inward concauities thereof. And yet to discerne these circles or garlands aright, a sharpe and very quicke sight is very requisite. Moreouer, may not thine owne sight, together with the qualitie or quantitie of the light, the diuers manners of situation of the vrinall, one or all of these, easily alter the co­lour of this thy circle, making it appeare sometimes of one, sometimes of another colour? Besides, these circles or garlands are supposed to be seene in such vrines onely as are not of one [Page 91] colour, and the ouermost part thinner then the other. On the se­uerall significations of the supposed seuerall colours thereof, with their proportions to the humours of the head, if I should particularly insist, and confute them, as some might perhaps ex­pect, I thinke it would prooue but a needlesse and superfluous labour, the thing being so idle in it selfe, and of so small ac­count. The learned Rondeletius, I am sure, made but small ac­count of them, and where he mentions them,Loco proxime citato. whatsoeuer he saith is but the relation of the opinions of others, most of which he doth afterwards confute. His manner of speech intimateth no lesse vnto vs in these words following.

Wherefore we shall pronounce that a red circle (if it signifie any thing at all) doth signifie abundance of bloud in the whole head, &c. Another learned author lately mentioned,Idem Roganus de prouid. ex v­rinis lib. 3. cap. 8. would also willingly haue them banished out of all the Hippocraticall common­wealth, in these words following: But perhaps in vaine do I la­bour to roote out this so inueterate and inbred opinion (meaning con­cerning froth, spume and bubbles) out of the minds of our ordinarie Physitians. The like may I say concerning the crownes or garlands in vrines, the opinion whereof hath now almost so deeply possessed euery mans mind. It is most certaine that Actuarius himselfe neuer did prognosticate any such thing by this circle or line compassing round a­bout the ouermost part of the vrine, hauing onely brought it in, to the end he might prognosticate by the bubbles when as they do appeare in it. And who is so blind, that doth not see how ridiculous a thing it is to prognosticate by a certaine circle or roundring, which may be as well obserued in any other round vessell filled with any liquor, as in an vrinall? Idem lib. 2. de caus. vrin. cap. 9. As concerning that crowne or garland which is the super­ficies or ouermost part of the vrine, which Actuarius seemeth to haue borrowed from Hippocrates, we haue by the authoritie of Galen, al­readie reiected. Wherefore in my opinion these crownes and garlands shall be banished farre from vrines. So farre our author. It is not also vnlikely, that if they had bene of such vse and necessitie, but Hirpocrates or Galen would haue mentioned them, together with their seuerall vses in Physicke, they both being so curious in searching out the seuerall significations of this signe. If any will yet obiect, that our moderne Physitians haue added many [Page 92] things to former inuentions; I could reply, it is true indeed, and might well come to passe in such things as neuer did present themselues to their senses, or else in such things whereof they had no experimentall knowledge: but I suppose they were as eagle eyed in Asia and other parts, and could see as farre into a milstone as any of our late Europaean Physitians. And this shall now suffice concerning circles or garlands, we now proceed to the rest.

Bubbles, spume, or froth, Of bubbles, spume or froth. are all accounted to proceed from one and the same cause, differing in some circumstances onely. Now if we shall narrowly obserue and marke what can be said of them, we shall find no lesse vncertaintie in the predictions by them,Idem lib. 2. de caus. vrin. cap. 9. then in the former. Actuarius (saith our aboue named au­thor) maketh mention of many things concerning this matter which neither Galen nor Hippocrates haue obserued, and that in my opinion (saith he) because they were not worth the obser­uing. And againe a little after: Such things as Actuarius hath set downe concerning the spumes and bubbles, are nothing to be regarded. For who seeth not, that as well the spume as the bubbles stay longer in the crowne or garland of the vrine, and in the middle part of the su­perficies or ouermost part they are sooner dissolued. For the case is not here alike as in the garland, where the solid body of the vrinall is an occasion that they sticke longer and more firmely to the same. And this not in vrine onely, but in any other liquor in like manner may easily be obserued, to wit, that such froth and bubbles do longer per­sist in the circle ioyning to the vessell then in the rest of the ouermost part of the same, &c. This foundation then being rotten, the rest of the building must needs fall to the ground. They tell vs in the first place that bubbles which stand round about ouer the garland onely, and continue without parting, if they be of the same colour the vrine is of, they declare that there is great paine in all the parts of the head. But if they occupie onely the one halfe of the garland, then is that paine in one halfe of the head. But I assure thee, such bubbles may be seene, and thou not able to discerne whether the wind be in the head or taile. And be­sides thou mayest sometimes finde a good fellow who could quickly fill a baggepipe with his bum, and yet in his vrine see [Page 93] neither bubble nor any other such babble.See before in the beginning. But concerning the vncertaintie of these things, something hath bene said alreadie in another place, whereas mention was made of the regions of the vrine answering to the parts of mans body, which was pro­ued most false. It is granted, that sometimes these bubbles do not appeare at the first in the beginning of the disease, howbeit after a while they begin to shew themselues: and then is it an argument that nature waxeth strong to concoct and ouercome the bad humours. In feauers therefore such do signifie the de­clining or decaying of the same. But if they haue bene from the beginning still so continuing, then is the danger greater, how­beit better with a thicke then with a thinne vrine. Now put the case that in an vrine brought to thee from afarre thou mightest discerne some such bubble or froth, yet how shalt thou be able to discerne whether any were in the vrine at the beginning of the disease, or no? The messenger for the most part can tell thee no more then the ground he goeth on: and it may be, that neither the patient nor any about him are able to obserue such nice curiosities, as often not obseruing matters of greater mo­ment. But put yet the case thou couldst discerne some headach by the aforesaid contents, how shalt thou euer be able to dis­cerne whether it come, as we say, per sympathiam, by consent from the neather parts (which is most common) or per idiepa­thiam: that is, be primarily seated in the head? And if thou knowest not this, thy knowledge is to small purpose, the cure differing according to the seuerall causes. Of this the patient will giue thee better satisfaction then a thousand vrines. If bub­bles do appeare in the vrine (saith Reusner) together with the signes of defluxion or distillation of humours, Schol. in cap. 30. part. 4. Iodoci Willich. de probat vrinar. especially if a feauer be there­with conioyned, they do portend a Pleuresie, as also the Gout: and great store of spume or froth appearing in the vrine without the sha­king of it, besides wind in generall, it doth presage that the wind col­licke threatneth such a partie. The same Reusner affirmeth, that Rhases writeth, that round bubbles do prognosticate bleeding at the nose; and that such as be of a colour yellow like saffron with a little whitenesse, do portend some infirmitie of the Lungs. But I beleeue he were a cunning Physitian, that could tell or name the disease by [Page 94] the vrine onely.Comment. 3. libri prorrh. Againe these frothie vrines according to Galen, do signifie a certaine melting or wasting away of the bodie, or an vnequall perturbation of the same by reason of some windi­nesse: the first of these being dangerous, but not so the other, but rather prognosticating the long continuance of the disease. Such frothie vrines with some bubbles are to be seene in feuers proceeding from the abundance of crude or raw humours. And not so onely, but in the infirmities of the kidneyes also; Hippo­crates in his Aphorismes affirming,Aph. 34. sect. 7. that such vrines do both sig­nifie infirmities of the kidneyes, and the long continuance of the disease. But from the froth we come to the smoke or vapor in the vrine,Sauonarola de vrin. cap. 3. rubr. 17. of the which an Italian Physitian maketh mention; and is forced to be beholden to the Arabians for the same.

Smoke or vapor (saith he) is sometimes to be seene in the vrine, Of smoke or vapour in the v­rine. and cannot be by euery one conceiued. It is engendred, sometimes of a thicke adust matter; and then with the continuance of strength signi­fieth the long continuance of the disease: sometimes of an hote adust matter, and with the decaying of strength prognosticateth death: sometimes also of raw phlegme somewhat adust, and signifieth the prolonging of the disease. And if it continue all the time of the disease, it portendeth death, or raw phlegme; which may be discerned from matter by the stinking smell. But because our sight is not so sharpe in this Iland, we will leaue these smokie vrines to the sharpe sighted Italians and Arabians. But if any such smokie stuffe be found in any English vrines, it must needs be best obserued in our cōmon Tobacconists, whose vrines it is a maruell that they are not wholly conuerted into smoke. But of this frothie and smokie stuffe sufficient, this being likewise so idle an opinion, that of its owne accord it vanisheth away into smoke: howbeit I thought good to acquaint the Reader with all the hid myste­rie of the imposture, and abuses concerning vrines. But now something concerning the fat swimming on the top of vrines.

Such vrines haue this fat swimming on the top,Of fat swim­ming on the top of vrines. sometimes in a greater, and sometimes in a smaller quantitie: and some­times againe like oyle, and sometimes also couering all the o­uermost part of the vrine, like a spiders web. These fat vrines also signifie sometimes a wasting of the whole bodie, if there be [Page 95] a feauer ioyned with the same; or of the kidneyes onely, if with­out it.Gai. Comm. 3. in lib. 3. epid. This feauer is sometimes very speedy and swift in opera­tion, wasting suddenly not the fat onely, but the solid substance of the body also; called therefore by our Physitians, Febris col­liquans; and such are often Pestilentiall feauers. It is againe some­times an Hecticke, which endeth in a Marasme, vnlesse it be first preuented. But how shall one be able by the bare sight of the vrine onely, to discerne all these seuerall circumstances and dif­ferences?De prouid. ex v­rinis lib. 3. cap. 6. But this is yet worth the obseruing (saith Roganus) that when as these wasting or consuming feauers haue wel­nigh wasted away the whole bodie, then are no more such wa­sting excretions, which he calleth syntectica excrementa, either fat vrines or faecall excrements to be seene. For the fleshie parts being hardned and dried vp, that which melteth and wasteth a­way falleth now no more into the guts or the passages of the vrine, but passeth away like a vapour.Lib. 1. meth. med. cap. vlt. This Galen setteth downe by a very prettie and pertinent comparison, taken from flesh broyled on a gridiron. Now if any one should conceiue some better hope by reason that this fat matter did no more ap­peare, should he not misse the marke, the case being now farre more dangerous then before?Guil. Adolph. Scrib. de inspect. vrinar. prope fi­nem. The words of Scribonius make not a little to cleare this point in hand. By these fat vrines (saith he) some do teach vs that we may easily discerne and know all the kinds of a feauer Hecticke, by reason it signifieth a wasting and mel­ting of the parts of the bodie. 3. de praesagit. ex puls. But whatsoeuer reason we render of the same, Galen notwithstanding in expresse words affirmeth, that the v­rine of such as are surprised with a feauer Hecticke hath no certaine signification. Experience also doth teach vs, that some being of a cho­lericke constitution of body, as also such as haue eaten fat meates, or haue fat kidneyes, vse often to make fat vrines. What reason is there then to pronounce either a feauer Hecticke, or yet any wasting or con­sumption thereby? This is not erronious onely, but full of temeritie al­so. The truth of this assertion may also in this more plainly appeare, that many haue dyed of such consumption and wasting, who neuer, not­withstanding had any fat swimme on their vrines. Sometimes it hath bene also obserued, that the vessell wherein the vrine hath bene car­ryed to the Physitian, hath before contained either oyle or some other [Page 96] fat matter, which ha [...]h by this meanes bene communicated to the v­rine. It is therefore the Physitians part diligently to enquire concer­ning all the circumstances of the disease, and not by the inspection of the vrine onely peremptorily to pronounce any thing. Thus farre our author. Many of my friends and patients haue voyded vrines with this far like a spiders web floting on the top for diuerse yeares together, and yet were neuer subiect to any consump­tion or wasting, either in the whole bodie or their kidneyes. And how easily one may be deceiued in these fat vrines, may by this which followeth appeare.

Historie. It is not yet full three yeares since I had vnder my cure in North­ampton towne a countrey woman diseased of that infirmitie which we call Lienteria, or the fluxe of the stomacke, whom one day visiting, and viewing her vrine, I perceiued some fat like vnto some drops of oyle swimme on the top of it, which was againe the next day after to be seene after the same manner: she then seeing me narrowly view the same, told me that the vrine was vnaduisedly made both the dayes in a vessell wherein some oyle had before bene contained. What then if such an vrine had bene brought out of the countrey, either to my selfe, or yet to any other Physitian, without any further in­formation? But we proceed now to the rest.

CHAP. VIII. Of the cloud, swimme or sublimation, together with diuerse sorts of grounds or residences, and the vncertaintie of their significations.

IN the first place we are to obserue, that all vrines are not accompanied with contents,All vrines are not accompani­ed with con­tents. but many depriued of them; which may proceed from di­uerse causes. As namely, in case of cruditie, and the concoction being good, yet may some ob­struction hinder any contents to passe.And may pro­ceed from di­uers causes. The like may be by fa­sting procured, and want of food, which may also make the vrine of an higher colour. The inflammation of any part of the [Page 97] bodie, by drawing of the humours thither, may produce the like effect. In lasks also or fluxes of the bellie, as the vrine shall be the lesser, so shall the contents be few or none at all. Some certaine constitutions also gather no setlings in their vrines: and such as are in present health, and eate much, haue a more copious residence, and in Winter it doth more abound then in Sommer. Laborious and very painfull people may also haue lit­tle or no contents at all in their vrines. The time of the sicknesse in which this cometh to passe, is also narrowly to be obserued: for in the beginning and increase of acute diseases, then this want of contents argueth great defect of naturall strength and vigour. In the declining of the disease it is not a messenger of so bad newes, yea although it were in the vigour and strength of it. And moreouer that many diseases are brought to a hap­pie and expected issue without any contents at all, is no vncouth thing. What certaintie then can be collected, either by the pre­sence or yet by the absence of the contents? Now howbeit heretofore some contents on the top of the vrine haue bene mentioned, yet are these last mentioned, most commonly and constantly to be seene ordinarily in vrines; and therefore are more properly called contents, and so to be vnderstood by that name. Now all these three, cloud, swimme, and grounds, haue one and the same materiall cause, and their generation is also alike, differing onely in place and situation, according to the weight of the matter and the concoction of the disease. When the disease is yet crude and not concocted, yet in some for­wardnesse thereunto, then appeareth that which is commonly called a cloud,The cloud. for the proportion and analogie it seemeth to haue with the clouds of the aire. When the disease is yet in a better forwardnesse, then is to be seene in the vrine, that which is commonly called the swimThe swimme. or sublimation, hanging as it were betwixt the ouermost and neathermost region of the v­rine. But when nature hath now gotten the vpper hand of the disease, then doth this which we call ground,The ground. settle to the bot­tome of the vrinall. My purpose is not here to enter into a large discourse concerning the engendring of this substance, and farre lesse yet the controuersies about the same, which I leaue [Page 98] to be discussed in the schooles, my intent here being onely to discouer the vncertaintie of iudgement which these contents do affoord vs. Now when thou seest the cloud, swim, or resi­dence, what canst thou pronounce but some generall and inde­finite verdict concerning the cruditie or concoction of the dis­ease? but what this thy disease is, thy vrine will neuer reueale vnto thee, nor any of the rest of the signes and circumstances to be obserued in diseases. And howsoeuer the materiall cause of all these three be one and the same, differing onely in cir­cumstances, yet may sometimes the one be without the other. Whersoeuer there is a swim (saith Scribonius) there is also a ground or residence, Loco proxime ci­tato. which may also be vnderstood of a cloud: howbeit the ground may be without the former: to wit, if it do not containe such a flatuous matter as raiseth the same vp, according to the testimonie of Galen. Moreouer, the best and most healthfull vrine is accoun­ted such as hath no such cloud nor swim in it, as witnesseth the same Galen.2. Prorrh. 1. & 2. in 6. epid. 37. And moreouer, if they be present, the iudgement by them is yet vncertaine. For who can tell whether this cometh to passe by way of crisis or otherwise, vnlesse he weigh in the ballance diuers other circumstances, according to the which criticall dayes are accustomed to be tried. Seuerall times to be assigned for the setling of vrine. And besides the premisses, all vrines do not suddenly set­tle, and they assigne vs seuerall times for the vrine to settle in: some assigne vs halfe an houre, some the sixt part of an houre, &c. But bet­ter it were when they are setled, then to giue out our iudgement of them. For I haue often let vrines stand by me, and could see no set­ling till the next day. Now what couldest thou haue iudged of such an vrine the first day, especially if the messenger, according to the com­mon custome, had hyed him home? What couldest thou haue said con­cerning the same? And yet is this a case which cometh not seldome to passe. Moreouer, these contents do sometimes suddenly vanish away, and that after an houre or two after the voyding of the vrine. It may then plainly, Et ex his proinde vniuersis optime facillime{que} intel­ligi posse opinor, quantus f [...]cus, quanta deceptio, quanta denique malignitas, sit omnium illorum qui absque alijs coiudicantibus vllus nude & simpliciter ex al­lata sibi vrinae aliquas corporis male affecti cau­sas & originem, subiecta, adiun­cta & sic dein­ceps, vel explo­ratissime se cog­noscere posse aeu­tumant. Idem. Seribon. ibid. Of yellow con­tents or grounds by the premisses, appeare (saith the same Au­thor) what counterfetting iuggling and deceit they vse, and how wicked their practise is, who without any other coiudicant signes, do by the vrines onely, giue out sentence concerning the infirmities of the bodie of man, their causes and beginning, their subiects, adiuncts, &c. Now something concerning the seuerall sorts of grounds [Page 99] or contents in the vrine, must likewise be said, that the errours and impostures in this point, as well as in other parts of the vrine, may be layd open to the capacitie of the most ignorant.

As in the colours, therefore so in the contents, we will be­gin with the best of all others. That then is accounted the best sediment, setling, or ground, which is white, duly knit and sta­ble, and that continually all the time of the sicknesse: and that which declineth from the foresaid laudable conditions, is ac­counted worse, and that so much the more as it doth decline from them. It is generally agreed vpon among Physitians, that great store of yellow grounds argueth great store of yellow choler in the bodie; and the lighter coloured it be, it argueth the lesse, the higher coloured the greater excesse. Now besides that thou canst not tell what particular disease proceeding from choler (there being diuers) it may signifie, as whether an Ague, or some other disease: and againe, if an Ague, of what sort or kind, continuall or intermittent: so much lesse art thou able to tell the time of it, which notwithstanding maketh not a little to informe thy iudgement concerning the vrine. For if at the first there be either small quantitie of choler, or yet none at all, and then it after increase abundantly, which is knowne by changing from a white thin to a saffron coloured ground) it is a signe and token that nature doth vnburden it selfe of this heauie ballast of choler, and so consequently that health is like shortly to ensue. But if after a saffron colour it change to a white, it is a bad signe, especially without signes of concoction: for the which cause it will be requisite that thou obserue the se­uerall alterations of the vrine, and then be well acquainted with the state and nature of the disease of the patient. The like may be said of red residence,Red residence. the which in the beginning of diseases doth not portend any good, and that by reason it argueth great store of cruditie, which hindereth the concoction of the bloud; and such are commonly seene in bastard Tertian & Quotidian Agues. But yet such Feuers as are incident to Plethoricall and Catechymicall constitutions, oppressed with abundance of bloud and bad humors, if they attaine to their expected issue, must needs be accompanied with such or the like residence. [Page 100] The bare inspection of the vrine onely will neuer acquaint thee with the particular. Sometimes both the afore-mentioned contents are to be seene in one and the same vrine, which is sometimes deadly, and sometimes againe proueth a fore-runner of safetie and securitie: I will instance in two examples of mine owne experience, to make the truth of this appeare.

Historie. About some three yeares ago, or a little aboue, a young Gentle­man in the countrey, to mine owne knowledge, voyded such an vrine for a quarter of a yeare together, and by appearance had so continued long before my sight of the same: and yet notwithstanding all the eua­cuations were vsed, it continued so more or lesse vntill his dying day. His disease was a Dropsie, and with the same was ioyned the yellow Iaundise, which did outwardly shew it selfe to the view of the eye. His Liuer hote, and the whole constitution of his bodie participating of the same distemper.

Another. But in the yeare 1613. a woman of Northampton of good ac­count, being with child, voyded an vrine with the like residence, and that for as long a time at least, and yet did their diseases farre differ. For besides her being with a liue child (for vntill that time was not my counsell craued) she was for a many weekes together neuer free from a Tertian, Quotidian, or both agues conioyned: the which were accompanied with a continuall cough, proceeding from a thinne salt rheume, with spitting of bloud, reaching and casting, as also a great laske, all which accidents, or the most of them, did not forsake her till neare the time of her deliuerie. Phlebotomie for diuerse considerations I durst not then attempt. Other euacuations, both vpwards and downewards, came in greater abundance then was wished. It was now deepely imprinted, not in her owne onely, but in the conceits of her neighbours and others also of good vnderstanding, that (in regard of her spitting of bloud) she was now farre spent in an irrecouerable con­sumption. Vpon the relation of others I inclined to the same opinion. But at my first sight of her, together with the sight of the bloud she spat vp, I changed my opinion. And so, God adding his blessing to the meanes she vsed by my directions, she brought foorth at the time ap­pointed, a liue manchild, which neuerthelesse liued not aboue the space of a moneth. The mother two or three dayes after her deliuerie was surprised with the Measels, and afterwards recouered her health a­gaine, [Page 101] the which at this present day she yet enioyeth.

Here was no Dropsie at all, nor yet could I euer perceiue any signe of a hote Liuer, and the matter of the laundise was voy­ded both by stoole and vrine. It may then plainly appeare, how farre the diseases may sometimes differ, the residence being still alike in two seuerall bodies, sexes, &c.

As concerning bloudy residence,Bloudie resi­dence, and the seuerall causes of the same. as was before said of bloudy vrine, it may come either of abundance of bloud in a plethoricall body, or else by weaknesse of the retentiue power, and of the Liuer; the which rightly to discerne, wee must be acquainted with diuers other circumstances, which the vrine can neuer make knowen. It hath beene likewise already related, that sometimes great quantitie of bloud it selfe hath beene voyded without any danger: and sometimes againe af­ter the voyding of a very small quantitie thereof, death hath not long deferred his approaches.

In the yeere 1614. about the beginning of Ianuary, Historie. my counsell was demanded for a Gentleman dwelling neare Northampton, a­bout fiftie yeares of age or vpwards. In his vrine at my first com­ming at him, was to be seene great store of yellowish contents, clea­uing to the bottome of the vrinall, wherewith were intermingled some red streakes of bloud. And howbeit I often earnestly intrea­ted him to admit of Phlebotomie, as the onely remedy to preuent a greater inconuenience, yet could I not preuaile, vntill such time as bloud now issuing out in great abundance, both vpwards and downe­wards, his strength now decaying, and hairy irrecouerable occasion ouer past, with a too late repentance, he would willingly haue paied a good fine for the renewing of the lease of his life, but all too late.

As concerning white, blacke, leaden, or ash-coloured;See somewhat in the colours heretofore. as also greene and blew contents, the vncertaintie of these may be in some sort collected from that we haue already said of such vrines, and many other matters I willingly passe by, and hasten to the rest: to wit, diuers other sorts of residences or strange contents, called by some, difforme contents.

Purulent or mattery residence,Purulent or matterie resi­dence. doth much resemble a white residence or ground, which is so much commended for the best of all others; and therefore requireth some iudgement to [Page 102] discerne the one from the o [...]her: and yet is there a crude and vnconcocted residence not vnlike this purulent matter to bee seene, as well in whole as in sicke bodies. This purulent or mattery residence, againe proceedeth either from the kidneyes or the bladder, as is most commonly receiued. But heare what the learned Hollerius saith concerning the same.Schol. ad cap. 50. lib. 1. de morb. in­tern.

Neither yet doth this mattery stuffe alwaies proceed from the kidneys or bladder. For it proccedeth almost from euery part of the vpper region of the body, by the great and admirable industry of nature, and by meanes of the body euery where made passable for such a purpose, doth disburden it selfe sometimes into the guts, and some­times againe into the bladder. Historie. A certaine woman voyded, not with­out great paine and torment, such purulent and mattery vrines, who foure moneths after dyed, and the dead corps being opened, two stones were found in her heart, with many little impostumes, the kidneyes, together with the other vrinary passages, being free from any other hurt.

Lib. de vrin. cap. 38. Galen (saith Rondeletius) did see an impostume of the Lungs purged by vrine, by meanes of the emulgent or sucking arte­ries. The gibbons or backe part of the Liuer, the kidneyes, bladder and yard, make vse of the same passage. Now which of these places are affected, the griefe and tumor of the part giueth vs notice, and not the vrine onely.

Red vetches or fitches.Now red Vetches or Fitches in the residence, called there­fore Hypostasis orobea, or eruarea, are recorded by our Authors, to signifie either great inflammation of the Liuer, or colliqua­tion of the whole body, or of the kidneyes onely. And so branny contents,Brannie and sca­lie contents. signifie sometimes consumption of the whole body, or of the bladder onely with concoction, no Ague; and great heat wasting the substance of the Liuer, and burning the bloud if it be red. So do fine branny contents signifie a colle­quation or wasting of the solid parts: sharpe sicknesse, and for the most part mortall, and some adde yet that it is some­times seene in the vrines of women with child. And if this residence be red, they attribute it to extreame adustion of the bloud. Scales,Scales. called Lamine, Squame, differ not much in sig­nification.

To Haires or small filaments in the vrine,Haires in the vrine. are attributed also diuers significations: as namely, a consumption of the whole body, a Feuer then being ioyned therewith, or else of the kid­neyes onely, and then is no Feuer to be seene.Comm. 1. ad aph. 76. sect. 4. They are accor­ding to Galen, engendered of a tough Phlegme, proceeding from the vse of grosse diet. Sometimes also they are said to signifie exulceration of the reines or bladder: and sometimes also fluxe of seed from seuerall causes. And finally, womens white fluxe, from the matrixe or wombe. Galen is of opinion, that such contents come neuer without a thicke vrine. But ex­perience hath taught vs the contrary, saith Hollerius. Loco proxime su­pra citato. Historie.

A certaine man voyded such hairy excrements, with a golden coloured vrine, aboue the space of twenty yeares, it not being thicke, but keeping a meane: and howbeit his constitution and state of body inclined to choler, yet was he of a reasonable square and corpulent body. The like commeth also to passe in many others, howbeit to others a thicke vrine is more frequent.

If the Reader please,Schenck obser­uat. medic. lib. 3. tit. de vrina. he may yet reade a strange Story in Schenckius of a great quantitie of true and naturall haire, voy­ded by a woman with her vrine for a long time, the which the Author tried, by burning a parcell of it in the fire.

Sand or grauell in the vrine affoordeth vs yet no greater cer­taintie. It is recorded by that famous Hippocrates, Sandie or gra­uelly residence. Aph. 79. sect. 4. that in what­soeuer vrine a grauelly matter setleth to the bottome, it betokeneth a stone either in the kidneys, or in the bladder. It is likely he had most commonly obserued it so in the place where he liued: but we find often the contrary in our climate. I haue my selfe often ob­serued, both in old age and younger yeeres, such grauelly vrines without any stone. The widenesse of the vrinary pas­sages, as also diureticall expelling medicines, may be a meanes of expelling such contents. And this disease may sometimes be accompanied with a thinne vrine without any grauell at all, as in the obstruction of the aforesaid passages. The Physitian being present, is often encombred, notwithstanding the con­currence of all the signes together, to discerne a stone from some other disease, as hath heretofore appeared: what cer­taintie then can be expected from the sole deceitfull signe of the vrine?

Historie. Ibidem. The Admirall Annebault (saith Hollerius) being much tormen­ted in making his vrine for the space of eight moneths together, both Physitians and Surgeons being in doubt whether there were a stone in the bladder or no, at length it was concluded to m [...]ke incision for the stone. No stone notwithstanding was found, but a lumpe of flesh growne to the necke of the bladder, hindering the free passage of the vrine, which was cured by conuenient remedies, and the pattent re­stored to his former health againe.

Flesher.Some also are of opinion, it signifieth adustion of humours, as in diseases coming of choler, such as be burning Agues, Ter­tian Agues, single and compound, and sometim [...]s in diseases of melancholie, as Quartaine agues long continuing. Likewise the Gout, paine of the ioynts and reines, Leprosie, French poxe confirmed, Emeraudes, costiuenesse, and heate of the Liuer: if there be no paine nor heauinesse about the reines.

Worms reie­cted by vrine.But besides all the former contents, wormes haue sometimes bene voyded by the vrine, the which because it may seeme some thing strange, therefore I will walke with my guides. Ronde­letius maketh it plaine.Rondel. de vrinis, cap. 38. Gilbert Griphon first of all shewed me worms in the vrine when I was but yet young, who was also the chiefe inciter of me to this profession. The wormes might be seene to mooue without any motion of the vrine. Montuus. Idem Rondel. lib. de morb. cognos. cap. 17. Historia Didymi Obrechti ad fi­nem libri Ron­del. de vrinus ad­iecta. Loco iam supra citato. Againe. I haue seene wormes in the vrine as large as Gourd seedes, flat and aliue. Argenterius hath seene the forme of a winged 'Dragon come foorth with the vrine. The histo­rie also annexed to the foresaid Rondeletius his Tractate of v­rines, of foure wormes voyded by vrine at two seuerall times, do plainly witnesse the same. His countreyman Hollerius maketh also mention of one Beaucler a Counseller, who after great paine in the kidneys, voyded a great worme. And of another, who after the voyding of some stones and grauelly matter, voyded two euill fauoured wormes.

Ibidem.The same Author againe. One demanded counsell of a Spaniard by letters, and helpe for one that was troubled with grauell, who ha­uing voyded some stones and much sand, did also put foorth at his yard two little wormes, hauing pointed beckes, two hornes vpon the head like a snaile, the backe and bellie was as it were couered with scales, blacke like a Tortoise, but vnder the bellie which was red.

I haue wondered to see (saith another Author) in mine owne v­rine a great number of wormes, short and little, like vnto small lice. H [...]eron. Cardan. comm. in aph. 76 lib. 4. Ambros. Par. Chirurg. lib. 19. cap. 3. Monsieur Duret a Physitian hath assured me (saith Ambrose Pare) that he did voyd at his yard, after a long and grieuous sicknesse, a little beast aliue, very strange and wonderfull to behold, which was of a reddish colour. Charles Earle of Mansfield being very sicke of a continuall Feauer, cast foorth at his yard a worme of the very forme of a blacke Pye.

Leuinus Lemnius reporteth that he hath seene in the vrines of diuerse that haue bene sicke of the French poxe, De occult. nat. mirac. lib. 2. cap. 40. wormes like vnto Antes.

One being troubled with difficultie of making water (saith Schen­cleius) voyded by his yard a little liue Scorpion. Obseruat. medi­cin. l. 3. sect. 312.

And as another author affirmeth,Alexand. Bened. anat. lib. 2. c. 22. in the bladder of some persons wormes do breed, and little beasts like to Cockles of the sea.

But now would I willingly demand of the cunningest pisse-prophet in the countrey, what would or could he presage by such a wormie vrine? Putrefaction thou wilt say, it may be. But of what part, I pray thee? whether in the bloud or the bladder, the stomacke or maw, or in the guts? I haue often administred meanes both to yong and old against this disease, euen against all the sorts of wormes commonly recorded by our Physitians, yet could I neuer perceiue any in such persons vrines. And in how many young childrens vrines haue they found any such creatures? But what if such creatures were conueyed from the stomacke through the mesaraicke veines into the great porter veine, and from thence into the great hollow veine, and so from thence distributed into the rest of the bloud, or else by the kid­neyes into the bladder? If thou wilt denie this long and tedious iourney, I will againe demand of thee,Iohann. Reno­daeus de mat. med. lib. 3 cap. 33. & antidot. lib. 1. sect. 1. cap. 20. circa finem. Motes in the v­rine, together with their seue­rall significa­tions. how come wormes into the bloud, as may appeare by this which followeth.

In a certaine citizen at Paris, the basilica or Liuer veine being o­pened, in mine owne sight and presence came forth a worme about a spanne long. Thus then thou seest what certaintie may be col­lected by the sight of wormes in the vrine. There are yet some­times motes to be seene in the vrine, which according to our writers signifie diuerse things: as namely, putrefaction, as in the [Page 106] Plague and French poxe, being accompanied with stinch. Againe great agitation and commotion of the humours, as in the small poxe and measels. They are said likewise to signifie rhewme, the gout, diseases of the mother, and finally conception. Let the vn­partiall Reader iudge what assurance one can learne from such an vrine, concerning the particular circumstances of the disease.

Of dust in the vrine.But we must not yet omit the very dust, which they will haue to signifie diuerse and sundrie matters; and that according to the seuerall colours of the same, vpon the which I will not long dwell, but yet say something of the blacke, which may seeme to threaten greatest danger. Such dust falling to the bottome, either blacke or of a leaden colour, proceeding of melancholie, is thought to signifie fluxe of the Emeraudes, present, or shortly to follow: and sometimes vomiting of bloud. As also some­times paine in the reines, loynes, &c. and stopping of the Flo­wers, and at other times paine and diseases of the Spleene, &c.

Historie. In the beginning of the yeare 1623. my counsell and personall pre­sence was craued for a Ladie in Northampton-shire of good account. In the bottome of the vrinall wherein her vrine was put, for certaine dayes together, some such blacke dust might be seene; which a graue Diuine there present thought to be so dangerous, that he told me he had seldome seene them liue many dayes after the sight of such cōtents in their vrines. And howbeit some strange and troublesome accidents did terrifie the spectators who beheld her with vulgar eyes, yet did her pulse put me in better hope, which was shortly seconded by a happie and prosperous issue, the Ladie recouering her former health againe. Neither heard I any complaint of such things as these contents are said to signifie.

But hauing now finished both colours and contents, with other things belonging to this subiect, it is perhaps now ex­spected I should say something of the manner of pissing, as concerning not a little the matter in hand.

CHAP. IX. Of the manner of pissing: the retention or stoppage of vrine, totall or in part, as also of inuoluntarie passing, both in sicknesse and in health.

THe manner of pissing, is either hard and vneasie, or else inuoluntarie. As for the first, the action is interessed three manner of wayes, as witnesseth Hollerius and others. First, there is a great desire to pisse, but cannot be effected without force and hard straining, & sometimes not without paine. Secondly, there is the like desire, but the vrine passeth away but by drops. Thirdly, there is a stoppage or obstruction of the vrine, that it is not voyded at all, or else so little that it is to small purpose. Painefull and vneasie pissing, may come to passe,Of painfull and vneasie pissing. either by the acrimonie and sharpnesse of the humour, or by the imbecillitie or weakenesse of the retentiue facultie, proceeding for the most part from cold: the which painfulnesse may in like manner be procured by reason of some inflammation, clotted or congea­led bloud, an vlcer, a stone, &c. Suppression of vrineSuppression of vrine. procee­deth from diuerse causes: sometimes by meanes of the obstru­ction or stoppage of the guts, and sometimes againe by meanes of the emulgent or sucking veines: and that againe two man­ner of wayes: to wit, either by reason of the weakenesse of the drawing or sucking qualitie, or else by obstruction.The seuerall causes of the same. This sup­pression is likewise procured by the obstruction or stoppage of the Kidneys and Vrine-pipes, and by meanes of the weake­nesse thereof. By reason of the obstruction of the aforesaid pas­sages, it cometh also diuerse wayes to passe: as either by meanes of an inflammation, knob or bunch of either of these parts, or others adioyning: or else by reason of a stone, clotted or con­gealed bloud, or some tough phlegme impacted and cleauing fast to the place: as also sometimes, howbeit seldome, by rea­son of some holes in the kidneyes,De internor. morb. curat. tomo. 3. lib. 4. cap. 12. and that after the voyding of some stones, as Mercatus hath obserued. Suppression of vrine [Page 108] is likewise sometimes caused by meanes of the bladder or parts thereto adioyning,Suppression of vrine by meanes of the bladd [...]r diuerse wayes procured. it being also thereby interessed. And in the first place, by reason of the want of the sense of feeling, the si­new descending from the loynes and the hucklebone being loosened. Secondly, by reason of the failing of the expelling power of the bladder, &c. Thirdly, the exceeding great quan­titie of vrine distending and stretching out of the bladder, de­tained longer then is conuenient, may bring this sometimes to passe. Fourthly, the resolution or loosenesse of the muscles of the neather bellie, which haue likewise some interest in the fur­therance of this excretion. Fiftly, by the totall ouerthrow of the expelling facultie: as we see sometimes come to passe in burning Feauers, as witnesseth Hippocrates. Sixtly, by the de­fect and fault of the vrine-pipes, and that diuerse manner of wayes: for sometimes the muscle which shutteth vp the blad­der is clinged together by a conuulsion: the passage is likewise stopt, either by the meanes of some tough clammie humours, some clotted bloud, matter, knob or bunch, or any tumour, the outgrowing of some peece of flesh, some wart or scarre, and finally, by reason of a stone stopping vp the passage by the neck of the bladder. Seuenthly, by the consent of the places adioy­ning, the bladder and the vrine-pipes are sometimes so shut vp, that they cannot freely deliuer the vrine, which cometh often to passe in women, by reason of the nearenesse of the wombe. Eightly, by meanes of a Palsie or resolution of the bladder. The vncertaintie therefore of the vrine in diseases of this nature and kind, may as euidently appeare as in any of the premisses. And there being so many causes producing paine and difficultie in making of vrine, to which of them wilt thou ascribe it? A­gaine, if there be a retention of the vrine, what wilt thou send to the Physitian? And if such an accident come to the cure of some Empiricke or vnskilfull Physitian, his conceit will straightway leade him to some stone, and so, according to their ignorance in this art, exhibite strong diuretickes, or medicines prouoking vrine, as I haue sometimes obserued:Calculus renum rare aut nun. quam diuretica huius aut illius sortis citra dam­num admittit, &c. which are so farre from procuring the intended good, that they produce ra­ther a contrary effect. Of a suppression of vrine by meanes of [Page 109] clotted bloud I haue instanced alreadie.

This last Spring a young Gentleman of Leicestershire, Mercat. Tomo. 1. lib. 3. par. 3. class. 3. quaest. 217. Historie. of good worth, trauailing towards London thorow this Towne of Northamp­ton, was suddenly surprised with a suppression of vrine. Being a­fraid of a stone in his bladder (howbeit he had neuer heretofore complained of this infirmity) yet tried he what the art of Surgerie could doe, by meanes of a Catheter thrust vp thorow his yard to­wards the necke of his bladder, together with some other meanes, which notwithstanding tooke no effect. The next morning, about eight of the clocke, I was sent for to the patient, whose belly began to swell, and some fumes to ascend into his head. By meanes of a gentle opening iulep, together with a Cataplasme applied to his share, it pleased God to accomplish his desires: howbeit a messenger had bene already sent away to bring with him an expert Surgeon to make in­cision. He voyded that day abundance of vrine of a laudable colour, and answerable contents, so that none could find any fault in the same, and the next day he went forward in his intended iourney towards London.

The passage of the vrine in this patient was somewhat nar­row, as seemeth, and that by reason of some former infirmity; and perhaps some wind gathered in the great gut might make some compression of the necke of the bladder. Now that sup­pression of vrine in acute diseases is dangerous,Aphor. 62. lib. 4. Hippocrates doth not deny; other Physitians also haue obserued it, and my selfe not long since, in one who died not long agoe. And be­cause this History for diuers reasons is worth the relating, I will intreate the courteous Reader that he would be pleased a while to lend his eyes and eares.

This last yeere 1623.Another. August the 28. an Alderman of Nor­thampton, a man of good account in this Corporation, neare fiftie yeares of age, subiect of late yeares to a great paine in his head, and sometimes my patient: riding abroad in his corne-field, about some three miles off this Towne, was suddenly surprised with a chilnesse in his legges, and shortly after complained of the like in his backe, bones, and vpper parts of his body: vpon which occasion he hyed him home, and im [...]gining it to be some cold, continued ill that night, and the next day and night following. The Satterday after, and the [Page 110] third day of his disease, by perswasion of some of his friends, his vrine with a letter was carried to a Parson-practiser, dwelling about a dozen of miles hence, one of our chiefe Calculators of Natiuities in all the countrey. The Parson sent backe word, it was a blind Ague, and withall sends him a vomit, and prescribes Phlebotomie. The Surgeon being sent for, perceiues a Iaundise, and the patient com­plaines of some faintnesse; vpon which occasion he refuses to let him bloud, wishing his friends to acquaint the Parson with these occur­rents. The Parson repeales his former sentence, and commends the Surgeon for being so sparing. And indeed he dealt honestlier then the Parson: for he trusted none but his owne eyes, and so told his mind freely to his friend: but the Parson both saw with other mens eyes, and heard with other mens eares; and building vpon this sandy foundation, sent his Oracle to the absent, which he as easily recalled againe vpon the first information, and sends him another Oracle written now in a peece of paper, and withall sends him an Electuary and Iulep for his laundise, and some directions for a drinke. But let vs heare the laudable effects of this vomit. It wrought vpwards effectually, and something downewards: and while the patient was able to take any sustenance, it returned backe by the same way it went in. And besides, after the operation of this vomit, the Iaundise appeared, a suppression of vrine and ordure, together with a troublesome and tedious Hicket, which neither day nor night forsooke our patient. To the former accidents was shortly added a difficulty in swallowing, with an extreame sorenesse in his mouth, which like a Canker spread it selfe ouer all the parts of the same, with an vlcer (as appeared) in the Almonds or parts adioyning, which yeelded such abundance of white corrupted matter at first, and afterwards coloured, as I neuer did obserue the like in euery re­spect. The Parson being earnestly intreated to affoord his patient his presence in this his so great extremity, no prayers would preuaile; but sent him backe word, that the Iaundise now appearing, he hoped the worst was past. The patient seeing himselfe forsaken now in his greatest need, hauing learned by a too late repentance, that his Par­son proued not so trusty a friend as he supposed; Cum nemini ob­trudi potest itur ad me. On the Thursday after, about two a clocke in the morning, and the beginning of the eight day since the begin­ning [Page 111] of his disease, he sent for me, most earnestly intreating me that I would be pleased to affoord him my presence with what speed I could. I preferring Christian charitie and loue of my old friend before any late ingratitude, repaire presently to his house, where I find him in that case I haue alreadie related. Hauing acquainted his wife and friend [...] [...]th the extreame [...]anger I then found him in, yet being both by him [...]elfe, his wife and all his friends earnestly intreated to do my vtt [...]most endeauour to helpe him in this extremitie, and at least to ease him of [...]hese troublesome accidents; so much by glisters and o­ther mild meanes in two dayes space I preuailed, that most of the a­boue-named accidents vanished quite away: his vrine also came in great abundance, of a laudable colour, without any bad contents, and the other egestion obserued now a good and orderly course: the hicket came but seldome, and with small annoyance. But the pulse played not his part so well as I wished, and the sorenesse of his mouth increased so fast, that it began to get ground vpon his lips. The which I then perceiuing, as likewise that he was not as yet free from his Feauer, willing to trie if Phlebotomie would any thing auaile, I gaue way to the vsing of this remedie. About sixe ounces of very corrupt bloud were taken from him on Saturday morning, (his nose hauing made some offer twice or thrice before, and once after his Phleboto­mie) not without alleuiation, whereupon ensued reasonable good rest the night following. On Sonday morning was little alteration to be discerned, but that he complained much of faintnesse, and yet was bet­ter able to swallow then before: the sorenesse of his mouth began like­wise to amend, being duly dressed diuerse times of the day: his hicket also was no more to be heard. Not full two houres after our departure, Death sends him new summons by some change and alteration to the worse, which could not be concealed from the most vulgar eye. In the afternoone visiting him, I found no further hope or encouragement to proceed, and yet farre lesse on Monday morning, saue that I wished them still to continue the giuing of him a Cordiall Iulep there in a readinesse, and so left visiting him any more, and he ere nine of the clocke at night, obeying Deaths last summons, discharged that debt which we haue yet to pay.

But now Master Parson, our patient resting in peace, I would willingly expostulate a little concerning your carelesse (and as I [Page 112] thinke) irregular and ignorant proceeding in this businesse, which concerned no lesse then a mans life: the life, I say, not of an ordinary man, but of a magistrate, whom this corporation could not so well at this time haue spared; besides the interest his wife and children and other friends had in him. In the first place your Oracle being asked, it answered, His disease was a blind Ague.Raro aut nun­quam eisdem accidentibus & conditionibus in­signata apparet huiusmodi febris, sed pro varietate corporei appara­tus & aliarum rerum, quae cor­pus humanam mutare habent, variari subinde ipsam contingit. Mercat. tom. 2. lib. 7. cap. 2. Of maligne Feauers I haue both read, and knowne them possesse now and then some of my patients; but as for blind Agues, we leaue them to Parsons that cannot see. And what be the Pathognomonicke signes of a blind Ague, and what Authors write of it? The vrine told you no such matter, and I dare say, the messenger was much amazed at so blind an Ora­cle. But this is no new practise of your selfe and others of your cloth, lest you should seem to be ignorant of any thing, to coyne new names for diseases, whereof you are altogether ignorant. And thus another of your double profession, some few yeares ago, his iudgement by a Gentleman concerning his disease be­ing demanded, answered, It was a disease in his spirits. The Gentleman died within a few dayes after of a Feauer, which tooke possession of the whole bodie; and a Physitian that came afterwards to him, thought it to be a Squinancie, and that the Parson had wronged him in deferring Phlebotomie too long, by the which he gaue the patient some ease for the present. If this Parson had euer learned the grounds of Physicke, he could haue told that that Feauer which we call Ephemera, Gal. 1. de differ. febr. cap. 1. not excee­ding foure and twentie houres, is properly said to be in the spi­rits, being commonly free from danger: but if it exceed this terme, then turneth it to some other Feauer, and so loseth the former name. But what remedies were by you appointed for this patients blind Ague, as it pleaseth you to call it? If a blind Ague, it had as blind a remedie, a vomit was exhibited, Phle­botomie prescribed. As for your vomit, although I neuer did see it, yet I am not ignorant of the matter and nature of it. But be what it would, that it was then vnseasonable, I thinke any of common sense cannot deny. For in the first place he had not long bene sicke, neither yet came his sicknesse by any surfet, to induce you at first dash to prescribe him such a vomit before [Page 113] any other remedie. Againe, you ought not to be ignorant, that in most diseases (acute especially) the appetite faileth at first, and yet vse we not alwayes to begin with strong stibiate vo­mits. But what were the effects of your vomit we haue heard, and the patient fared the worse for it. He was subiect to an old paine in his head, and with this vnseasonable vomit the torrent of those sharpe and maligne cholericke humours wherewith his bodie abounded, were drawne vp towards the throate, and other parts adioyning: hence had he that exulceration in his throate and mouth, the hicket, &c. I know your grauitie would disdaine the name of an Empiricke, but pardon me good master Parson, this course was too Empiricall, I wish both your selfe and some of your brethren to be more circumspect in exhibi­ting your vomits. It is too well knowne in the countrey,Strong stibiate vomits ordina­rily vsed by our Parson-practi­sers in most dis­eases, and for the most part with­out the sight of their patient. that strong stibiate vomits are vsed by many of you, almost in euery disease, as some famous Panacaea or Aurum Potabile, falsly sup­posed good against all diseases. The other Parson lately men­tioned, within these few yeares gaue two vomits in one day, the one to a woman dwelling seauen miles off this towne, who died presently: the other to a woman of this towne of good ac­count, and since my patient, at that time being big with child, and the vomit wrought with great violence from seauen a clocke in the morning till foure a clocke in the afternoone, and hardly escaped she the like danger, or abortion at least.

Some few yeares ago my presence was required for a Gentle­woman at a Knights house within seauen miles of Northampton. Historie. Her disease was a Squinancie, and had bene before my com­ming, by the aduice of a neighbour Parson (for such are in most corners of the countrey to be found) at least twice Phleboto­mised, howbeit without any successe, and then had this cunning Aesculapius left her a stibiat vomit, as his last anchor of hope, At my coming I found her not able to swallow any thing at all, the drinke which she assayed to swallow coming out at her no­strils againe. The Ladie asking me whether she might take the Parsons vomit or no, I replyed, it was absurd both inSi igitur valē­ter etiamnum fluxio irruat, ad contraria reuel­lere studebimus: vtique si in su­perioribus vicus consistat, per in­ferna purgantes: sin autem in in­ferioribus sit, su­periorem ven­trem p [...]gantes. Gal. Meth. med. lib. 4. reason and common sense, and that both in regard it could not de­scend into the stomach, as also for feare of attraction of the hu­mour [Page 114] towards the place affected. In three dayes space, by meanes of attractiue glisters, which the Parson had omit­ted, and some other meanes I vsed, the patient, by Gods helpe recouered againe her former health. But to our purpose againe. The next remedie by you prescribed was Phlebotomie. I denie not the necessitie thereof, howsoeuer your prescription was but by ayme, as being ignorant of his strength, wherein the messenger might easily be mistaken, as it often cometh to passe. Within these two yeares past, I tooke aboue fiftie ounces of bloud from a man of middle age in this same towne, being seised with a burning Feauer, accompanied with a strong de­liration, whom his friends supposed to be so weake, that after I had seene him, & acquainted them with the truth, scarce could I perswade them to yeeld to this remedie. And this was perfor­med in a weekes space, the patient taking nothing in the meane while but a little drinke, or milke and water, being both then and a long time after depriued of his naturall rest, by his owne vnrulinesse, and his friends carelesnesse, and yet recouered he his health. But why was not this remedie administred to our patient? Because the Parson was informed of the appearing of the Iaundise. But did the Iaundise crosse the former indication of bleeding TheIcte [...]us triplex est, selleus, hepa­ticus & criticus. Felleus si [...] vel ab immodica pleni tudine vesiculae fellis, vel par­uitate eius, aut ab imbecillitate facultatis attra­ctricis eiusdem, aut à m [...]atuum obstructione; siue corum sit per quos bilis al­licitur, siue eo­rum per quos pel­litur ad intesti­na, quo regurgitat ad venas bi­lis, & praedictū gignit affectum. Hepaticus effici­tur icterus ab hepatis obstru­ctione, scirrho, inflammatione, aut calida di­stemperie: ad quod etiam mem­brum reducitur venarum calidi­tas exurens, & totius etiam cor­poris, siue etiam corrumpatur in venis & vniuer­so corpore san­guis ob earum intemperamentum citra hepatis affectum, aut à veneno assumpto, aut eiaculato à fera, vel assumptis cathar [...]ticis non purgantibus. Criticus duplex existit: salutaris vnus, qui rursus sit dum sano existente homine molestatur natura, aut in morborum iudicationibus, quae septimo die aut post septem, diebus criticus incidit, antegressis coctionis fignis, &c. Alter verò est criticus à motu ma­ligni morbi, quem etiam symptomaticum dicere possumus, qui semper antè septimum incidit, &c. Mercatus de intern. morb. curat. tomo. 3. lib. 4. cap. 5. Iaundise proccedeth of diuerse causes, and therefore the cure is accordingly to be accommodated. It cometh sometimes solely and of it selfe, without any other dis­ease, and sometimes prooueth nothing else saue a symptome or accident of some other disease, as of a Scirrhus, or inflammation of the Liuer, &c. It is also sometimes occasioned by poyson, and sometimes by meanes of someAliam adhuc addit causam Hol­lerius, calculum vnum, vel plures in vesica fell-a saepe concretes De morb. intern. lib. 1. cap. 37. stone or stones growne within this gall-bagge. And againe, the learned are not ignorant that it is sometimes a criticall excretion: safest after the seuenth [Page 115] day in acute diseases, more dangerous, or at least doubtfull be­fore the same. Our patients Iaundise appeared in an acute dis­ease, before the seauenth day. That Phlebotomie in thisMultis ratio­nibu [...] sanguis in hac affectione v­tiliter mitti po­test, primo qui­dem malo incipi­ente retractionis gratia: ob id Paulus statuit consilium esse ve­nam in dextro cubito secare, vbi meatus vesicae bilis vtrique sunt obstipati, vel al­ter duntaxat. Item si simul sanguis abundet, aut sit praecipua obstructionis oc­casio: quapropter dixit Aetius duo maxima esse in hoc affectu reme­dia, nimirum, venae sectionem, & purgationem, &c. & paulo post. Si ex morbo acuto ante septi­mum prodeat sanguinem mit­tes, &c. Idem Mercatus ibi­dem. case is required, our Authors do witnesse, and in many other sorts of the same: yea euen when the Iaundise is but a begin­ning, saith a learned Spaniard, and that according to the opi­nion of Paulus Aegineta and Aetius, two famous ancient Greeke Physitians: especially in the abundance of bloud, with a concourse of choler, which was manifest to the eye-sight in this our patient. And this same Author approoues of it in this disease, euen after it hath continued a long time, and that by meanes of inueterate obstructions, as also in the suppression of any wonted euacuation. This then was no contrarie indication to dehort or hinder you from so methodicall a course. And as for some faintnesse, it is not vnusuall in this disease, where there is neither Feauer nor danger of death. The vomit was a great deale worse then the opening of a veine. Fiue dayes after, when by reason of hote and sharpe humors towards his throate, pro­cured by your vnseasonable vomit, this remedie brought alle­uiation, with some rest after ensuing. What then might it in probabilitie haue procured, if at the first, and in due time ad­ministred? And why was there no mention of a purge or glister for this Iaundise? It had bene but according to theVerum si sus­pitio aliqua est excrementi in ventre & primis venis Cassiae aut Catholici ℥ j. ex sero lactis imperabis. Et quia in hoc morbo aluus fere astricta est, vtilissimus est clyster, cuius materia sit ex ijs quae stercus durius emolliunt, &c. Sic enim placuisse veteribus Aphrodisaeus scriptum reli­quit. Holler, loco nuper citato. rules of reason and precepts of art. And those who artended him can testifie that one glister by me prescribed, gaue him more ease then all your Physicke. But let vs come to your Prognosticke: you hoped the worst was past. Vpon what ground? Because now the Iaundise came foorth. Cuius contrarium verum est. The case is quite contrarie: you ought therefore to haue deemed some danger. Fie master Parson, such a Rabbi as you thinke your selfe, whom the vulgar adore like theActs 19.35. Image of Diana, which the foolish Ephesians thought came downe from Iupiter. OldAphor. 62. lib. 4. Hippocrates could haue told you, that such a Iaundise seldome [Page 116] portended securitie. And howsoeuer he and some others make mention of some who in such a case haue recouered: yet do all our Authors hold the case to be very dangerous.Medicum ar­bitror operae prae­tium esse proui­dentiam conse­ctari [...]praesentiens enim atque prae­dicens apud ae­gros res praesen­tes, praeteritas atque futuras, & etiam quas ipsi aegri praetermit­tunt explicans, existimabitur facile percepisse notitiam singu­larem rerum ad aegros pertinen­tium: eoque fiet vt confidentius credant homines seipsos Medico Medicinam au­tem optime fa­ciet Medicus, si ante praesenserit quid euenturum sit cuique affe­ctui. Hippocr. Prognost. lib. 1. aph. 1. At my first coming to our patient I found apparent danger, not onely by reason of this accident, but of diuerse other dangerous and deadly signes, wherewith I at that instant acquainted his friends. And if you please to reply, that your absence could not see so much as my presence might discouer, I do not denie it: yet was not this Iaundise concealed from you, nor that it succeeded or came after a blind Ague, as you call it, and that before the seauenth day, as hath bene prooued. And the messen­ger was an vnderstanding young man, able to relate some o­ther dangerous accidents, and besides he had no small interest in our patient. But what was wanting by information, might haue bene supplyed by your owne presence: the which how­beit earnestly desired, yet could not be obtained, saying, that your directions were sufficient. And yet it was told me, that coming to his house to speake with some at the Assises, you pro­mised him great kindnesse. Now is the time of triall: your friend in danger of his life, requesteth and earnestly intreateth your ayde and best assistance, with your personall presence: he entrusts you with his life, and yet will you not affoord him your presence? Your golden promises produce scarce leaden effects. 2. Sam. 16.17. Is this the kindnesse to your friend? Why vndertooke ye the cure of him, whom you had no purpose to see if intreated? Be­sides, the patient was of sufficient abilitie to giue you satisfa­ction. If there be hope of a good bootie, your presence will not be wanting: witnesse your voyage into Leicestershire in Som­mer 1623. to a patient of yours, who howbeit he died before your coming, yet were your sees more then doubled: and yet master Parson must not be called couetous. Now besides the Iaundise, theSingultus in febre periculosus nisi sit criticus & signa coctionis manifestae appa­reant. A vomitu quoque malum: cum enim vomi­tus qui remed [...]ū esse debet singultum gignit, ab inflammatione cerebri vel stoma [...]hi metuendum. Holler. lib. 1. de morb. intern. cap. 33. Hicket in acute diseases, euen in the iudgement of the vulgar and most ignorant, but especially after so vnsea­sonable a vomit, must needs presage some great euill to ensue. [Page 117] And suppression of vrine concurring withS [...]gna saeg [...]s mem [...]rand [...] & obserua [...]da in aegrotantibus. Nam ex conti­nua inspect [...]ne, exquisitam eorū potestatis habe­mus notitiam. Semper mente reuoluere opor­tet, ac considera­re quaenam signa sunt optima quae pessima, & quae in medio confin [...]o horum veluti gradus quosdam habentia, non­nulla quidem op­timis, nonnulla vtro deterr [...]mis proximiora, & quae quidem mi­nus, quae vero sunt magis proximiora vel remotiora, & quaenam exqui­site media po­nenda sint inter bona & mala signa. Deinde considerandum quaenam semper mala sunt, & quae continuo bo­na, &c. Gal. 1. de cris. cap 13. other dangerous signes, maketh the danger yet apparent. And yet the Parson ho­peth the worst is past But how came it to passe, that all your twelue houses in the heauens forgot you at this time, and made you become a lying Prophet? Where were all your maligne aspects?Terent. in Andr. Luno Lucinafer opem. Will neither Mercurie nor the Moone, who are nearest, come to your aide? And where was old frostie father gray-beard (Saturne I meane) and angrie Mars? I adhere to none of your iuggling Genethliacks, and yet besides the former signes, I could reade death in our patients eyes, yea and in some motions of his hands, &c. better then the vrine and all the caelestiall Orbes could tell you.Sexcenta licet eiusmodi pro­ferre. But many other such pranks are played by your selfe, and others that are partakers with you in the same offence, wherewith I would be loth to enlarge this Treatise. But master Parson, make more ac­count of mens liues, and discharge more conscionably that cal­ling from which you take the denomination, and yet busie your selfe too little about it. I haue neuer heard much com­mendation of your diligent preaching; not so much as in sea­son, farre lesse yet out of season: And as for your care in this other profession, this our Patients friends, and this whole Cor­poration haue no great cause to magnifie it. But it is not much to bee maruelled at, that he who setteth so light by the soule, makes as small account of the body, but for his owne benefit. And how many of yours and others such beneficed mensQuot Themison aegros a [...]tumno occiderat vno. Iuuen. er­rors are buried in the bosome of the earth; howsoeuer your adherents may cry out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Let the iudicious Reader iudge then, whether all Physicks sufficiency be couered vnder a Clergy mans Cassocke. But we hope the Reuerend Fathers of the Church will confine you within your owne Orbes; or at the least enforce you to resigne the one wholly, and betake your selues to the other. A Prelate of prime note of late yeares (as I am informed) and yet liuing (and long may he liue) gaue one of these Pragmaticall Ministers his choice, to which of the two he would betake himselfe: and he hauing found in his owne experience this to be true, Dat Gale­nus [Page 118] opes, being forced, forsooke his Pastorall charge, which affoorded him not aboue fiftie pounds yearely comming in. But now to the maine matter in hand againe.

Of inuoluntarie pissing.The second branch of the manner of pissing, is inuoluntary pissing, which commeth to passe either in sicknes or in health. And in sicknesse it commeth to passe, by reason of the hurt, weaknesse, or decay of the retentiue facultie of the passages of the vrine; as kidneyes, bladder, &c. as commeth to passe in the Palsie,It is produced by diuerse cau­ses. Apoplexy, and Falling sicknesse. And in the pissing euill, called Diabete, this commeth likewise to passe. And againe, when the Muscle Sphincter shutting the necke of the bladder or sinewes helping thereto, are hurt, either by a fall, a wound, or some such other occasion: and sometimes againe in reasonable good health, they are weakned by meanes of some cold distemper, or too much moisture; as commeth to passe in children, and moist constitutions. Drinesse sometimes is likewise said to produce the like effect in old age. And some perturbations of the mind, as great and sudden feare and asto­nishment make men often void, not the vrine onely, but other excrements also against their will. And yet were our Pisse-Prophets neuer able by any such vrine onely to finde out the true cause of any such infirmitie.Dangerous in acute diseases. That this proueth also often a dangerous, if not deadly signe in acute diseases, I could by many instances both of my owne and other mens obseruations make it appeare, but that now I feare I haue too much abused thy patience courteous Reader; and therefore I hasten to the conclusion, if thou wilt giue me leaue to talke a word or two by the way with Master Alchymist.

CHAP. X. Of the fond and foolish opinion, concerning the distillation of Ʋrines: of the water of separation, together with the vncertaintie of iudgement by such meanes.

THE Alchymists well perceiuing this vecertain­tie affoorded vs by this signe, haue set their wits a worke another way. One of their great Ma­sters,Lib. de disti [...] ­lat. vrinar. Thuenheuserus by name, to the end that Paracelsus and his Disciples might be thought to surpasse all other Physitians, deuised a new way to iudge of diseases by Vrines: to wit, by diuiding it into three seuerall principles, Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt: and so by distillation to finde out that which we demanded.Est aqua qua­dam que dicitur ALKALI secre­ta [...] cuius vsus ad febres, ad foe­tum mortuum & alia. Inter haec est etiam separatio succorum. Nam si tantum vna gutta proij [...]iatur in vrinam agro­ti, statim fieri dicitur elemente­rum separatio, adeo vt praedomi­nans elementum aperte inconspe­ctum prodeat, & causam mortifi­cum manifestet. Liban. in Alch. pharmac. cap. 8. ex Penoto. Libanius mentioneth a certaine water of separation, which besides diuers other effects hath this also, that one onely drop of it being mingled with the Patients vrine, it maketh a present separation of the aforesaid Elements, insomuch that the predominant Element shall appa­rently lay it selfe open to the sight of the eye, and shall withall declare and lay open the cause of the disease. Parturient mon­tes nascetur ridiculus mus. Great cry and little wooll. Our Pa­racelcists would faine feed vs with many such smoaky promi­ses. Then come they to weigh the vrine, which they will ordi­narily in a healthfull and sound man, not to exceed eight oun­ces and a halfe: If it exceed this weight, they thinke it argueth great abundance of a tartareous or terrestrious substance: es­specially if this be to be seene after the separation; from whence they do inferre a great number of such tartareous dis­eases, as they call them: and yet the wisest of them cannot tell which. But let vs heareCap. de Spagi­ricorum noua prorsus vrinae prolat. Reusner speake. After the separation of the aforesaid Elements (saith he) the vapors ascending sticke to some part of the Still, answering in situation to that part of the body of man in the which lyeth hid the very foun­taine and spring of the disease, and doth withall so plainly and [Page 120] clearely represent vnto vs, both the kind and the nature of the disease, that it may easily appeare to what element and princi­pall part it is to be referred. So farre Reusner. But let vs now see whether there be any hold to be taken of these more then hy­perbolicall promises. If we shall narrowly pry into this point, I doubt we shall find the old Prouerbe true, Out of the frying pan into the fire. But heare the cōfutation out of the mouth of a lear­ned Physitian, often quoted in this Discourse. This doctrine of Thurnheusers (saithGuil. Adolph. Scribon. de in­spect. vrin. sub finem. he) cannot by any sound argument be de­monstrated. For admit that the vrine be separated into seue­rall elements, according to the seuerall parts thereof, yet can nothing but the elementarie qualities (as they call them) heat, cold, &c. be discerned by the same. And by this meanes shall we onely be able to iudge of the diseases of the solid parts; as of obstructions, exulcerations, and the like. And is not the vrine an excrement of the bloud contained in the veines, that is of one body? What vtilitie or profit therefore can come by this separation into seuerall parts? Thou shalt thus onely ob­serue the number of the parts which are in the substance of the bloud, and of what nature and kind it is. Thou mayest per­haps perceiue it either to bee caused of Mercurie, Sulphur, or Salt. But wilt thou straight-waies maintaine, that all Mercu­riall diseases are seated in the head onely? &c. If this bee true, then will it follow, contrary to that which thou and Paracelsus maintaine, that these three grounds or elements are not com­mon to all diseases. For I am of opinion, that if we will needs vse the names of these three; as well such diseases as haue their originall from this Sulphureous and salt matter, as any that proceed from a Mercuriall cause, haue their root and originall from the head,Absurditie of this opinion. &c. Thus farre our Author. And may not this opinion seeme so absurd in it selfe, that it needeth no further confutation? For if when thou hadst vsed all thy art and cun­ning, a countrey-man should aske thine opinion concerning his vrine, and thou shouldst tell him hee were troubled with some sulphureous, Mercuriall, or saltish and tartareous disease, would he not laugh thee to scorne, and thinke, it may be, thou hadst beene that day too well acquainted with some pots and [Page 121] pipes of Tobacco? And if hee should desire to know what were his particular disease, and where or what particular part of the body it had taken vp for its abode; would it seeme strange if he looked for some extraordinary skill after so great an outward oftentation? And if he should go home and tell his wife of a Tartareous, Sulphureous, or Mercuriall disease, who knowes but she might call him Good-man Wood cocke for telling her such a tale of Robin-hood? But put the case thou mightest yet see some Sulphureous disease (as they terme it) by meanes of this separation and distillation; yet amongst ma­ny such Sulphureous diseases, vpon which of them wouldst thou fasten thy coniecture? As if a Feauer might be found out, how may the kind be knowne, whether a continuall or in­mittent; and whether symptomaticall or dependant vpon some other disease; or else be it selfe a principall guest, with many moe circumstances? The like may be said of the other two principles. So that it may euidently appeare, there is greater vncertaintie in this then the other way. But if they will be so skilfoole, I wish they would distill the other excre­ment also; for I am sure they may learne of both alike. But yet wish I them to take this Prouiso with them, that the ioy­nings of their stils and Alembicks be well luted with lutum moschatum, or ambarinum, that none of this fragrant smell be carried away with the wind, and so some part of this precious liquor lost. But it may be, when the patient had cast vp his ac­count, he would find this manner of casting of waters, as they terme it, more costly then the ordinary. But for my part, I wish our vrine-mongers would vse it: for by this meanes this great abuse might the better be suppressed. But this opinion being so absurd in it selfe, needeth no further confutation. But fearing some infection, or at least annoyance to my nose by such Mer­curiall and Sulphureous smels, I thinke it is more then time to withdraw my selfe out of so stinking a place. The like libertie is allowed thee, kind Reader, to whom I am afraid I haue now bene too tedious; but yet I must once againe intreat thy pati­ence to heare the conclusion, and then mayest thou quietly de­part in peace.

CHAP. XI. The Conclusion of this whole Discourse, where something concerning issue and euent, and casuall cures.

BY the premisses then, I hope, doth plainly ap­peare the absurditie of this erroneous and in­ueterate opinion of magnifying the vrine, and the iudgement concerning diseases which may from hence be collected. And therefore I hope the iudicious and vnpartiall Reader will with me subscribe to the generall conclusion; to wit, that there is no certaintie or assurance to be collected for the information of the iudgement, either concerning the dis­ease it selfe, together with the particular symptomes and se­uerall circumstances; and yet farre lesse for the cure of the same, by the bare inspection of the vrine onely. And therefore I cannot see any iust cause why it should not bee pronounced guiltie of man-slaughter at the least, if not of murther; and therefore is not a thing so slightly to be passed ouer, as many may idlely imagine.Obiection. But me thinkes I heare some of the vulgar sort, who thinke it a prettie thing to heare one prate ouer an vrine, obiect, That our censure seemeth too sharpe, since that daily experience doth not deny, that some haue from the in­spection of the vrine, often attained to the knowledge of that they desired.Answer. Now as I denie not, but that sometimes one may through hap (as we say) hit the naile on the head: so on the o­ther part, that this manner of casuall coniecture hath euer bene allowed of by the learned and more iudicious, I do vtterly de­nie. If Christians would hold their peace, yet will the heathen pleade on my side.Careat successi­bus opto quisquis ab euentu facta notanda putat. Ouid. in epist. The Poet wished them a bad successe, who­soeuer iudged of an action according to the issue or euent. Be­sides, that it is often a fallacie, a non causa pro causa, making the ignorant beleeue, they see that in or by an vrine, which neuer had allowance of any learned authoritie. And may not any ig­norant Empiricke, a cozening Quacksaluer, or any old woman, now and then guesse aright at an vrine, and by cunning inter­rogatories [Page 123] and some other shifts, learne of the vnwarie messen­ger, as well the substance as the circumstances of the disease, at least as farre as they are able to relate? And this to be true, hath bene sufficiently prooued alreadie. Besides, that oftentimes the messenger himselfe cannot sufficiently informe the Physitian concerning the particular circumstances of the disease: and a­gaine, his owne ocular inspection often bringeth that to the eyes of his vnderstanding, which neither the messenger nor yet the patient himselfe were euer able to relate, and farre lesse the vrine make knowne. What hast thou then gained, when one of these vnsufficient persons hath told thee some truth by the vrine? To wit, that then thy conceit carrieth thee (howbeit most erroniously and falsly) to apprehend some extraordinarie sufficiencie in that person, as being best able to free thee from thine infirmitie. Thus then we see, Ʋno dato absurdo multa se­quuntur: One errour draweth on another. The prospe [...]ous e­uent sometimes seconding their bold attempts, inuolueth the vulgar daily in this dangerous errour.Arguments ta­ken from issue or euent, not to be trusted to. But arguments taken from euent haue neuer had allowance, where the rules of rea­son might take place. And if this argument from euent may take place, then will this absurditie thereon ensue, that we shall be forced to allow of many vnlawfull things. Many Witches and Wizards haue sometimes performed such cures as haue often astonished some of great vnderstanding: that I say no­thing of our Spelmongers, curing by characte [...], figure-casting, with a world of other forbidden trash. Are we therefore war­ranted by these actions to turne our backe vpon God, and make a couenant with his enemie? The diuell himselfe no doubt, as well in the ancient Oracles as of later dayes, hath sometimes told truth. I should be too tedious to instance in examples. But did not that counterfeit Samuel, to wit, the diuell himselfe,1. Sam. 28.18. tell Saul the whole truth, both concerning the euent of the battell and his owne wofull and wretched end? But who will not­withstanding maintaine the lawfulnesse of asking counsell at the diuels Oracles, but he who meaneth to haue his habitation with him in hell?L H. Howard of blind Pro­phets. Far [...]e sounder was the opinion of a Noble man of this kingdome, in these words. Examples which fall out [Page 124] by chance were neuer currant where the cause is to be iustifyed by reason. And therefore till a man can as readily produce a certaine ground to make his guesses good, as score vp a register of blind euents, we may rather commend his lucke then his learning. Argumentis & rationibus opor­tet quare quic­quam it a sit do­cere non ruentis. Cicer. de diuin. lib. 2. Reasons and arguments (saith a Heathen) must be produced for the confirma­tion of mens courses, and not examples of euents both casuall and vncertaine. So farre were the ancient Aegyptians from main­taining this opinion, and so carefull of mens liues, reiecting this coniecturall, casuall, and Empiricall manner of curing dis­eases, and iudging of the sufficiency of the Physitian by the euent or issue of the disease;Medici ex pub­lico victum su­munt, aegros se­cundum legem curant, ab anti­quis medicis comprobatisque scriptoribus tra­ditam. Si quis normam libri sequutus infir­mum sanare ne­quiuerit omni caret crimine. Si praeter ea quae libris continen­tur, curauerit illum, morte pu­nitur. Lang. epist medi­cin. l [...]b. 1. epist 80 ex Diodoro Si­culo. That at their owne cost and char­ges they maintained many sufficient and skilfull Physitians: and moreouer, set downe an inuiolable law and ordinance, That if any Physitian following the precepts and rules of art, recorded in the bookes of the learned in that profession, yet could not attaine to the height of his hopes; the Patient through the violence of the dis­ease yeelding to fatall necessitie, he was then freed from all danger of law. On the other part, if he recouered his Patient, yet neglecting the aforesaid rules and meanes, his punishment was no lesse then the losse of his life. What if (saith mine Author) this wholesome law were brought in amongst vs (as it were good reason it should) where could we find so many executioners condignely to punish such Impo­stors, Empiricks, Women-Physitians, busie-bodies, &c. Thus farre our Author. Now as concerning such remedies thus casually and vnskilfully [...]dministred, howsoeuer at sometimes they may either doe, or at least seeme to doe some good, which I will not deny: yet I am sure they do often more hurt then good; & more hurt then on the sudden is perceiued, many often praising them for the Authors of their health, who haue bene the instruments of their vtter ouerthrow & ruine: for howbeit the Patient reape some present ease, yet is his body by meanes of such medicines vnskilfully exhibited, left more infirme, and becommeth after­wards more crasie: their cure being imperfect, accidentall, vn­certaine, and voyd of rule and reason. And howbeit I could make this small Tractate swell vp into a big and voluminous booke, if I should instance in a many of these casuall cures, per­formed [Page 125] by Empiricks, and such others, which for feare of te­diousnesse and prolixitie I am loth to go about: yet before I make an end, I will offer to the Readers view, two or three Sto­ries. During my abode at Paris, one Master Robin, ouer-seer of the Garden of Simples, related vnto me this which follow­eth. A few yeares agoe (saith he) the plague of Pestilence preuai­ling daily more and more in this famous Cittie of Paris, Historie. whereof no small numbers, especially of the meaner sort, died daily: the lear­ned Physitians did their best endeuours when their counsell was cra­ued, and the ignorant Empiricks also were not idle. Amongst the rest was a certaine countrey Clowne carried on the wings of Fame, for his extraordinarie supposed skill in curing this disease, who was said to haue cured more then some of the most expert Physitians. The Duchesse of Longueuille being acquainted with these occurrents, sendeth for her Physitian, desirous to know the cause of so happie suc­cesses by so meane a person performed: which howbeit alwayes aymed at, yet are not alwayes attained vnto by men of greater merit. The Physitian well knowing the insufficiencie of this fellow, yet not fully ac­quainted with the particulars and withall knowing how much is com­monly attributed to these casuall euents, answered onely in generall at that instant, that many things seeme often otherwise then they are indeed: and false fame maketh some men famous, whose names de­serue rather to be buried in obliuion: and after some further dis­course concerning that subiect (all which notwithstanding, would not satisfie her more then nice curiositie) he taketh his leaue for the pre­sent. A few dayes after, causing carefully to watch and obserue the actions of this Aesculapius, he was obserued to go to a certaine place within two little leagues of Paris, called Bois de Vincennes, that is, Vincence wood, and there to dig vp certaine rootes. The Physitian therewith acquainted, resorteth thither with speed, and finds that it was nothing else but a certaine kind of Spurge (whereof there grew in that place and about no small store) whereof this Clowne had at seuerall times digged vp great store, easily discerned by the holes there round about that place, some being but new digged. After a narrow search, he found that most of those whom this new Aesculapius was said to haue cured, either died after a certaine time of a bloudie Fluxe, this violent medicine hauing procured an excoriation in their [Page 126] guts, being especially exhibited without any preparation of the ill qualitie, or obseruation of the due dose or quantitie: or else that they liued a languishing life, worse then a speedie dispatch by a sudden death, from whose mercilesse clawes notwithstanding this former Purgatorie was not able to free some of them. The Physitian repai­ring againe to the Duchesse, acquainteth her Grace with these seue­rall circumstances: as also that it seemed most of those people were able, strong, and cacochymicall bodies, who would preferre the coun­sell of this Clowne, before that of the learned and indicious Physitian. The issue notwithstanding did make it appeare, that if any did recouer, it came not to passe through his skill or sufficiencie, which as seemeth, was none at all, but by the strength of nature, able to expell both the Plague and the poyson of the medicine. The learned and iudicious Physitians againe met for the most part with thin and tender bodies, brought vp in ease and idle­nesse, and for this cause aptest to receiue the poysoned impres­sions of the pestilentiall aire, and therefore the disease prouing greater then the meanes were able to ouercome, the patients were often forced to faint vnder the burthen. Neither were such dangerous, or rather desperate meanes, as this Empiricke vsed, in their opinions to be administred to any, much lesse to persons of qualitie and weake constitution. The Noble woman hauing heard the Physitians apologie, was afterwards better pleased with her Physitian, and after that time conceiued a bet­ter opinion. both of the Art and the professors of the same. I was likewise informed during my abode at Leua in Germanie,Dangerous me­dicines exhibi­ted by Paracel­sists. of many rare cures seemed to be performed by that medicine which they call the Philosophers stone, Aurum potabile, and many other such hyperbolicall medicines, exhibited by the Paracel­sists of those parts. And yet most of them to whom they were exhibited, before the full period of a twelue moneth, went to visite their friends in another world: and little better successe for the most part had their maister Paracelsus himselfe.

Another. Some few yeares before my coming to this towne of Northampton, a certaine Empiricke, and Irish by nation, was accounted one of the most famous vrine-mongers in all the countrey about, but especially in telling whether women were with child or no. And yet his skill in [Page 127] Physicke was confined to one forme of purge, composed of a certaine portion of the Electuarie Diaphoe [...]icō, mingled with so much powder of Diagridium as he could take vp betweene his finger & his thomb, which were his ordinary weights and sca [...]es, as I was since by our A­pothecarie informed: by which his butcherlike boldnesse he cast many into most dangerous laskes, accompanyed sometimes with diuerse other euill accidents, as I haue heard since from some of themselues: and this chiefly was then to be seene, when this medicine was exhibi­ted to thinne and weake bodies.

Now howbeit I could instance in a number of other exam­ples, all tending to the same purpose, yet fearing too much to offend the Readers patience, referring them to some other op­portunitie, I thinke it is now high time to turne my sailes to­wards the shore, and to cast anchor for the present. And the as­sembling of so many sage Senators, according to the ancient and laudable custome of this kingdome, to apply fit salues to the festered sores of the same, putteth me in good hope of some redresse, as well of the abuses here complained of, as of diuers other disorders. I am not indeed ignorant, that affaires of high consequence, are to be handled in this honorable assemblie. And yet I hope the life of man is not a matter of smallest mo­ment. Agitur de corio humano. Skinne for skinne,Iob 2.16. and all that a man hath will he giue for his life. Let this Gangrene there­fore in time be looked to, lest it grow to a greater euill. Since therefore errors of this kind are so full of danger, as hath bene both in the precedent, & now in this present discourse plainly prooued, both by a great and smaller enquest, of such persons with whose worth the delinquents I am sure dare not compare, I wish it may not be forgotten. Sed verbum sat sapienti. A word, yea a nod, is enough to a wise man. And therefore I leaue it to your Honourable considerations. CONSIDER THE MATTER, CONSVLT, AND GIVE SENTENCE.