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CHAP. XII. Ofthings not Naturall.
THe things which wee must now treate of, have by the latter Physitions * 1.1 beene termed, Not naturall; because they are not of the number of those which enter into the constitution, or composure of mans body; as the Elements, Humors, and all such things which we formerly comprehended vnder the name of Naturall: Although they be such as are necessary to preserue and defend the body already made and composed. Wherefore they were called by Galen Preservers, because by the due use of them the body is preserved in health. Also they may be called doubtfull; and Neuters, for that rightly and fitly used they keepe the body healthfull; but inconsiderately, they cause diseases. Whereby it comes to passe that they may be thought to pertaine to that part of Phi∣sicke which is of preserving health, not because some of these things should be absolutely and of their owne nature wholsome, and others unwholsome, but onely by this, that they are, or prove so by their convenient, or preposterous use. Therefore we consider the use of such like things from 4 conditions, quan∣titie, * 1.2 quality, occasion, and manner of using; if thou shalt observe these, thou shalt attaine and effect this, that those things which of themselves are as it were, doubtfull, shall bring certaine and undoubted health. For these 4. Circumstances doe so farre extend, that in them as in the perfection of Arte, the Rules which may be prescribed to preserve health are contained. But Galen in another place * 1.3 hath in 4. words comprehended these things not Naturall; as things Taken, Ap∣plyed, Expelled, and to be Done. Things Taken are those which are put into the body, either by the mouth or any other way, as the Aire, meate and drinke. Things Applyed are these which must touch the body, as the Aire now mentioned, affecting the body with a diverse touch of its qualityes of heat, cold, moysture or drynesse. Expelled are, what things soever being unprofitable are generated in the body and require to be expelled. To be Done are la∣bour, rest, sleepe, watching and the like. We may more distinctly and by expressi∣on of proper names revoke all these things to sixe; which are
- Aire,
- Meat and Drinke,
- Labour and Rest,
- Sleepe and Watching,
- Repletion and Inanition, or things to be expelled, or re∣tained and kept,
- Perturbations of the Minde.