The method of curing vvounds made by gun-shot Also by arrowes and darts, with their accidents. Written by Ambrose Parie of Laual, counsellor and chiefe chirurgean to the French King. Faithfully done into English out of the French copie, by Walter Hamond chirurgean.

Another Discourse, be∣ing an Answere vnto a certaine De∣mand propounded by the victo∣rious Prince Charles the ninth, as touching the quality and Essence of Woundes made by Gun-shot at his Maiesties returne from the siedge, and taking of the Towne of Roan. (Book 2)

IT one day pleased your Maiesty,* 1.1 together with the Queene Mo∣ther, my Lorde the Prince of La Roche-sur Yon, and many other Princes and great Lords, to de∣mand of me how it came to passe that in these last Warres, the most part of such Gentlemen and Souldiers, who were wounded by Gun-shot, and other instruments of warre di∣ed, or were very hardly recouered from their di∣seases, although the wounds which they receiued were but of small apparance, and the Chirurgi∣ans which were employed for their cures, did per∣forme their duties according to Art; I haue bene

the bolder to publish this discourse, to satisfie in some measure the duty of my Ar••, and that my profession might not be spo••ted with the least dis∣honor, and that your Maiesty might vnderstand the reasons which might haue beene the cause of the death of so many valiant men; the most part of whom I haue seene (to my great greefe) to fi∣nish their daies pittifully, without any possibility in mee, or any other more experienced then my selfe to giue them remedy.

* 1.2I know that this following discourse will asto∣nish some, who reposing themselues vppon their owne particular opinions, and not examining the matter deepely, will finde the first front of my dis∣putation very strange, because that the contrarie hath beene so long imprinted in their fantasies. For I do hold, that the cause of the malignancy of wounds by Gun-shot, not to proceed from anie poison or venomous quality in the powder (as they imagine) or from the bullet it selfe, beeing rubbed or infused in any venomous mixture. Ne∣uerthelesse, if their meekenesse and patience will extend so far, as first to waigh the motiues which first mooued me to vndertake this subiect, which was a zeal of the publike good; towards the which the Law of Nature bindeth mee to shew the vt∣most of my power in such things which the singu∣lar prouidence of God hath reuealed vnto mee. And secondly, that they will examine with iudge∣ment the reasons which I shall vse in this present Treatise, then I shall bee sure, they will both ac∣cept

my labours thankefully, and free it from all future calumny; otherwise they will shew them∣selues to be so ••uill affectioned towards me, as if I should present my selfe before them, enriched with all the treasures of the ancient Philosophers, and they should place mee in the number of the poorest and ignorantest men in the worlde. To preuent therefore all the arguments of venome and poisoning, which the aduersaries here aboue mentioned may alledge, I will make it plaine vn∣to your Maiesty, that such as are wounded by gun-shot,* 1.3 I say the malignancie of such wounds not to proceed from the venom of the Powder, being of it selfe simply considered: and much lesse from the combustion or cauterization which the Bullet so heated by the fire of the powder can make in those parts, which it rendeth & dilacerateth tho∣rough the violence thereof: although neuerthe∣lesse some do striue to maintaine; alledging for all reasons, that a certaine Tower full of powder hath heeretofore bene seene ruinated in an instant, one∣ly by the meanes of a Cannon shotte. Also of a Thatcht house set on fire with a Musket shot. Moreouer, because that such woundes which are made by Gun-shot, we commonly beholde their Orifices and other circumiacent parts so black, as if an actuall Cauter had passed thereon. As also the fall of a certaine escarre, as they say. Al which arguments are so ill framed, that they deserue no authority being built on so slender a foundation: much lesse that the resolution of your demaund

should be taken from them, as I trust to giue you plainely to vnderstand in the disputation follow∣ing. The which (after I had seene a great num∣ber of those woundes, and diligently obserued them, handling them according to the Method) I haue collected from the ancient Philosophers, Physitians,* 1.4 and Chirurgians to present vnto your Maiesty, and to with-draw your minde from the admiration of the lamentable deaths of so manie braue Gentlemen and Soldiers.

Now to enter into the matter proposed, and to answer the arguments before alledged, we are first to examine whether there be any poison inclosed in the powder, or no: And if there be, whether it may infect by meanes of the pretended poyson thereof. Which that it may appeare plainly, wee must search into the composition of the said pou∣der; considering that it is not of substance simple, but compound: and so by examining the nature of such Simple which enter into the composition thereof; I meane their qualities, effects, and ope∣rations, wee shall the sooner attaine to the scope and intention pretended.

As for the Simples, it is a most assured thing that there are but three in al which make the com∣position thereof,* 1.5 that is to say, Coales of Wil∣low or Birch, Sulphure, and Salt-peter, & some∣times Aqua-vitae: the which ingredients seueral∣ly considered, are altogether exempt & free from poison, or any venomous quality. And first for the coales, there is not any thing considerable in

them, vnlesse it be a drying quality, of subtle sub∣stance, by meanes whereof it is apt to take fire, e∣uen as a Linnen cloth burnt into Tinder doth the sparkes that fall from a Flint stone. Sulphure is hot and dry, neuerthelesse not excessiue, and of a more oyly and viscuous substance, yet not so easie to inflame as coales, although it doth retaine the fire more forcibly when it is once inflamed, & is very hardly extinguished. As for the Salt-peter, it is such,* 1.6 that many make vse thereof insteede of salt. Now let vs examine whether there be any ve∣nenosity in the nature of these Simples, namely, in that of Sulphure, which is the most suspected. Dioscorides in his fift Booke, chap. 37. prescribeth it to be taken in an Egge, in the astmaticke passi∣on, coughes, and to such which spit matter, and those that haue the Iaundise. And Galen in the 9. Book of his Simples, Cap. 36. ordaineth it as a to∣picall remedy, vnto such who are bitten with ve∣nomous beasts; and in all malignant practises or itchings; as for the Aquavitae, it is a thing so sub∣tle, that it will euaporate if it be set in the aire, be∣sides it is vsed by most Chirurgians inwardlie in drinkes, and outwardly in embrocations as a most singular Medicines. These thinges considered, makes me to affirme, that the whole composition of pouder is altogether free from venome or poi∣son, seeing that the ingredients are altogether cleere from the least touch in that kinde. Moreo∣uer, I haue obserued it to bee the practise of the Hollanders being wounded by Gun-shot, to dis∣solue

two charges of pouder in wine, and to drink it off, hoping by that meanes to be freed from all future accidents which might happen vnto theyr wounds (although I do not approue thereof, be∣cause it is a most insufficient remedy.) Also, such Vlcers which are made through the combustion of powder, are of no other nature then those that are made by fire, or scalding water. But where∣fore should I alledge any forraigne example? Do we not see among our owne souldiers, I doe not know on what occasion, but onely to shew them∣selues braue fellowes, to emptie their charges of powder into their cups, and drinke it without any inconuenience at all; and others likewise beeing hurt on any part of their bodies, will apply of the same on their Vlcers to dry them, and finde much profit by it.* 1.7 As for those which do affirme that it is not in the powder, but the Bullet, which being subtilly pierced in many places, or filled vp with venome, or steeped, rubbed, or mixed with anie poyson, causeth the aforesaide dangerous acci∣dents? To such I answer without further trouble, that the fire set to the powder, is sufficient to pu∣rifie the poyson of the Bullet, if any there were▪ the which cānot be done by impoysoned swords, Pikes, Arrowes, and such like, because they passe not through the action of the fire. Briefly to con∣firme my opinion to be true, there is not anie one of those that were in your Maiesties Camp•• at Roan, that doeth not assuredly know, that those Bullets which were shot against those of the town

to be altogether free from poison. Neuerthelesse, the besiedged Townesmen affirmed, that all those Bullets were poysoned. Also the Souldiours of your Maiesties Campe had the same opinion of such Bullets which were shot at them out of the Towne, that they were all impoysoned by them; rather beleeuing and iudging of the quality of the wounds by their ill successe; then by the Causes whereby they were made.

True it is, that as in Physicke according to the sentence of Hippocrates in the Epidemies; as Ga∣le•• noteth on the 20. sentence, and the 71. of the 3 Sect. of the 3. Book, all diseases are cald Pestilenti∣all and venomous, being excited from common and generall causes of what kinde soeuer they be, and such kill many persons: so in the like manner, we may cal such wounds which are made by gun∣shot venomous, which are more difficult to heale then others; not because they do participate of a∣ny venonosity, but from some generall cause de∣pending either from the Cacochimie of the bo∣dy, putrification of the aire, or the corruption of the victuals, whereby those Vlcers are brought to be more malignant Cacoëthes, and rebellious to al Medicines.

To affirme that it is only the combustion of the Bullet which causeth the aforesaide danger,* 1.8 I can∣not conceiue their reasons, seeing that the Bullet is for the most part made but of Lead, and there∣fore vnable to indure any great heate, without be∣ing altogether dissolued, the which we neuerthe∣lesse

see to passe through a coate Armour, and to penetrate the body through and through, and yet to remaine whole. Moreouer, we doe obserue, that if a Bullet be shot against a stone, or against any solid matter, it may in the same instant bee handled of vs in our hands, without feeling anie notable heate, although the violent striking and colli••sion made against the stone, should in reason encrease the hea••e, if any there were. And which is more, if a Bullet be shot against a bagge full of powder, the fire will not endanger it. This I dare bee bolde to say and affirme moreouer, that if a quantity of powder should take fire being kepte in a Tower, or any other place, by the meanes of a Bullet shot, it was not the heate of the Bullet, but rather the violent striking of the Bullet against the stones of the saide Tower, which might cause sparkes of fire to fall among the powder, euen as the smiting of a steele against a flint stone. The like we may iudge of such Thatcht houses which haue bene set on fire by a Musket shot, to haue ra∣ther proceeded from some wad either of Tow or Paper, ram'd in with the powder, and so fired with it. But that which doth most confirme me in the assurance of my opinion, is, that if a bal of wax be shot out of a Muske••,* 1.9 it feeleth no force of fire at all, for then it would melt; neuerthelesse it wil pierce an inch boord. An argument of sufficient weight to proue that the Bullet cannot be so ex∣treamely heated by the force of the Powder, that they should cauterize and burne, as many haue e∣steemed.

And as for that blacknesse, which is or∣dinarily found to bee about the Orifices of such wounds, and other ad••acent parts. I say that this accident doeth not proceede from any qualitie of fire accompanying the Bullet, but because of the great contusion which it maketh.* 1.10 For it cannot enter into the body otherwise then by an extreme and incredible force, because it is of a rounde fi∣gure. Vpon this point, if the wounded persons themselues be demanded, I beleeue they will te∣stifie the truth of my saying; because they are no sooner strooke with the bullet, but they feel in the same instant, as if a club or some heauie burthen were fallen vpon the offended part, in the which they feele a heauy paine, with a benummed stupi∣faction of the part; which dissipateth and some∣times extinguisheth the naturall heate, together with the spirits contained therein: from whence there followeth oftentimes a Gangrene and mor∣tification of the part, yea sometimes of the whole body. And as for the Escarre which they affirme there to be, and fall away as they say, they doe a∣buse themselues: for it is onely some certain por∣tion of the Membranes and contused flesh, dila∣cerated by the Bullet, which becommeth corrup∣ted, and so separateth it selfe from the sound parts which are greatly contused.

Although that these Reasons do make it mani∣fest enough,* 1.11 that there is no venomous quality in the powder, nor action of fire carried with the Bullet, neuerthelesse many building their opini∣ons

vpon naturall Philosophy, doe maintaine the contrary, affirming that Cannon shot is like vnto the claps of Thunder which burst foorth of the clouds in the middle Region of the aire▪ and so fall violently on the earth. From the which similitude they would infer and conclude, that there is both fire, and a venomous quality in the Bullet, as it proceedeth out of the mouth of the Cannon. I know (I thanke God) that Thunder being ingen∣dered from a grosse and viscuous exhalation, by meanes of vapour conioyned with it, doth neuer breake foorth of the clouds to penetrate heere be∣low, but it draweth and bringeth immediatly with it a certaine fire, sometimes more subtle, some∣times more grosse, according to the diuersitie of the matter, whereof the exhalation is composed. For Seneca writeth in the second booke of his na∣turall questions,* 1.12 chapter 49. that there are three kinds of Thunders all differing the one from the other, according to the quantity and manner of their inflammation. The first, by reason of the matter thereof, it being most thinne and subtle, it doth pierce and penetrate suddenly the Obiectes which it toucheth. The second kinde, by reason of the violence thereof, breaketh and dissipateth the same thinges because that the matter thereof is more violent, and compact as a Tempest. The third sort being composed of a more earthy mat∣ter, burneth with manifest tokens of the heat ther∣of. I also know, that the Thunder is of nature Pe∣stilentiall and faetide, because of the grosse and sli∣mie

matter thereof; which being burned, leaueth behinde it such a stinking sauour, that all animals do so much auoide it, that if it do happen to fall into their dens, or other places of haunt, they wil vtterly abandon and forsake such places; so much do they hate the infectious stinke of that poyson. The same is noted by Olaus Mag••us, in his Sep∣tentrionall History, that in certaine places where Thunder hath falne, presently after the fall there∣of, the fields haue beene found afterwards to bee couered and strewed ouer with sulphure, neuer∣thelesse vnprofitable, and almost extinguished. For all these reasons, I must not confesse that the blowes of Gun-shot are accompanied with poy∣son and fire, as the claps of Thunder a••e.* 1.13 For al∣though they doe agree the one with the other, in some similitude, it is not therefore in theyr sub∣stance and matter, but rather in the maner which they haue to batter, te••re, and dissipate the ob∣iects which they meere with, that is to say, the claps of Thunder through the force of fire; & of the bolt or stone sometimes engendred therein: and the blowes of Gun-shot by the meanes of the aire forced away by impetuosity, and so conduc∣ting the Bullet causeth the like disaster. What if I should be conuicted by stronger arguments, so that I were inforced to anouch that▪ Thunder and the Cannon to be of like substance; yet I shoulde neuer be forced to say, that the shot of Cannons and Muskets do participate of a fiery quality. Pli∣ny saith in the second Book of his History, and the

51. chapter, that among Thunder one kinde is composed of a meruailous dry matter, dissipating all such thinges it meeteth withall, neuerthelesse without any signe of burning: others, of a more humid nature, which in like manner burneth not: but blacketh and discoloureth much more then the first. And others are composed of a very cleere and subtle matter: the nature wherof is most mer∣uailous, forsomuch that it is not to bee doubted (as Seneca hath well saide) that there is therein a certaine divine vertue:* 1.14 and it is in melting Golde or Siluer in a mans purse, the purse it selfe not be∣ing so much as touched therewith. Also in mel∣ting a sworde, the scabberd thereof remayning whole. Also in dissoluing into droppes the Iron head of a Pike, without burning, or so much as heating the woode. In shedding the wine out of a vessell, without burning or breaking of the caske. According to the aforesaid testimony I can assure you, and that without any preiudice, that those Thunders which onely breake and dissipate with∣out any burning; and such which leaue effects ful of great admiration, not to be much vnlike in sub∣stance to the Cannon shot, and not those which carry immediately with them the action of fire. To proue my saying, this one example shall suf∣fice.* 1.15 A certaine souldier receiued a wound in his Thigh with a Musket shot, from when I extracted a bullet; the which being wrapped in the Taffatie of his breeches, made a very deepe wound. Ne∣uerthelesse I drew it forth of the wound with the

same Taffatie, it being without any signe of bur∣ning.

And which is more, I haue seene many men, who not being shot, nor any thing touched there∣with, vnlesse it were in their apparrell onely, haue receiued such an astonishment by a Cannon shot that onely past neere them, that their members thereby haue become blacke and liuid; and short∣ly after haue falne into a Gangrene and mortifica∣tion, whereof in the end they haue died.

These effects are like vnto those of the thunder before spoken of. Neuerthelesse, there is not in them any fire or poison: which maketh mee con∣clude, that there is no poison in the common and ordinary pouder. Seeing therefore that this disa∣ster was common to all those which were hurt in these last warres, and yet neither by fire or poyson that so many valiant men died. To what cause may we impute this euill? I am so confident of the true cause my Liege, that I hope presently to make your Maiesty vnderstand the same, to the end that your demand may be fully satisfied.

Those which haue consumed their age and stu∣die in the secrets of naturall Philosophie, haue left vs this among other things for authentick and ap∣proued of all times. Which is, that the Elements do symbolize in such sort the one with the other, th••t they doe sometimes transforme and change themselues the one into the other in such sorte, that not onely their first qualities, which are heat, coldnesse, d••inesse and moisture: but also theyr

substances are chaunged by rarification or con∣densation of themselues; so the fire doth conuert it selfe ordinarily into aire, the aire into water, the water into earth; and contrarywise the earth into water, the water into aire, and the ai••e into fire. The which we may dayly behold and proue it by those bellowes of Copper which the Dutchman brings vs, being composed in the form of a Boll, the which being filled with water, and hauing but one hole in the midst of the Sphericall forme thereof, receiueth the transmutation of the water within it into aire through the action of the Fire, neere vnto the which the Boll must be placed; and so thrusteth the aire forth of it with violence, ma∣king a continuall noise or sound vntill all the ayre be gone forth of it. The like may bee knowne by Egges or Chestnuts: for either of them being put into the fire before they are crackt, or the Rindes broken, presently the watery humidity contained in them doth conuert it selfe into ayre, thorough the action of the fire: and the aire in making his passage bursteth the shell, beecause it occupyeth more place being in the forme of aire, into the which it was chaunged by rarification caused by the fire, then it did vnder the forme of water; and not finding passage is constrained to make one by violence, according to the proposition helde for most certaine among all Physitians; that is to say, of that one part of Earth is made tenne of water: and of one part of water is made ten of aire, as of one part of aire ten of fire. I do say and affirme so

much of the matters contained in the saide Gun-powder, which by meanes of the fire is conuerted into a great quantity of aire; the which because it cannot be contained in the place where the mat∣ter was before the tran••mutation thereof, is com∣pelled to yssue forth with an incredible violence: by meanes wherof, the Bullet breaketh, shiuereth and rendeth all that euer it meeteth with, yet doth not the fire accompany it. Euen as we see a Bow, or a Sling shoote forth an arrow or stone, without any aire at all. But the bullet driueth be∣fore it such a subtle winde, and so swiftly agitated that sometimes the very wind it selfe without the action of the bullet causeth strange and wonder∣full effects. For sometimes I haue known it make a fracture in the bones without any diuision of the flesh.* 1.16 And heerein it may be compared as we saide before vnto the effect of Thunder: euen so we see, that if the saide powder bee inclosed in Mines and Vaults of the earth, and being conuer∣ted into aire through the action of the fire set vn∣to it, how it doth ruinate and reuerse huge masses of earth almost as bigge as Mountaines. Also in this yeare, in your Maiesties Town of Paris, a cer∣taine quantity of powder, bur newly ma••e in the Arcenall, by taking fire caused such a great Tem∣pest, that the whole Town shooke at it: for with an horrible fury it leuelled with the Earth all the houses neere vnto that place, and discouered and battered downe the windowes of all those houses that stood within the fury of it. And to bee briefe

(euen as a ••lap of Thu••der) it did reuerse here & there many men halfe slaine; ta••ing ••way f••om some ••heir eyes▪ from o••hers thei•• hearing, and left others no lesse torne and mangled in their members, then if foure horses had drawne them in peeces: and all this by the only agitation of the aire, into which substance the powder was con∣uerted. The which, according to the quantity and quality of the matter thereof, and according to his motion, either mo••e or lesse violent, hath cau∣sed so many won••erfull accidents in our Prouin∣ces; altogether like vnto those which are caused through the inclosing of winds in the bowels and cauities of the earth not bein•• perspirable. The which st••••uing to haue vent, bloweth with such a strong and violent agitation, that they make the ear••h to tremble and quake thereat: thereby de∣bo••lishing Cities, and ruinating buildinges, and transporting them from one place to another. As the Townes of Megara & Egina, anciently much celebrated in the Countrey of Greece, perishing by Earth-quakes can witnes vnto vs.

I omit to discouer (as but little seruing to our purpose) how the wind inclosed in the Entrailes of the Earth, maketh a noise of d••uers sounds, & very strange according to the diuers forms of the conduits and passages through the which it yssu∣eth by, euen af••er the manner of Musicall Instru∣ments; the which being large, do giue a great and base sound, and being narrow do make high and sharpe notes, and being crooked or replied mak••

diuers sounds; as wee see by experience in the Huntsmans horne, and in Trumpets, the which also being moystened with water, do make a hol∣low gurguling sound.

In like manner, these noises, murmurings, and clamors are sundry wayes diuersified, according to the places whence they proceede▪ in such sort, that sometimes hath bene hard a clamorous crie, representing (as it seemed) the assault of a Citty, the cries and lowings of Buls, or the neighing of Horses, roaring of Lyons, sound of Trumpets re∣ports of Artillery & many other dreadful things; yea sometimes humane voices. As it is reported by one, who had heard a voice (as it were) of a woman a beating,* 1.17 which made (as he imagined) such a wofull and greeuous lamentation, where∣by he became so greatly affrighted, that hee had scarsely breath sufficient to make this report. But when he had well vnderstoode the cause of this plaintiue voice, he was presently deliuered from that fear••, which otherwise might haue killed him.

But some perhappes will say, that these things haue alwayes bene, and no lesse ordinarie in the times past, then they are at this present: and ther∣fore it is a great folly in mee to alledge them, for efficient causes of the death of so many men. The which imputation I should freely confesse, if I should present them for such: but seeing that by them I would o••ely paralel and compare the im∣petuosity of Artillery with that of Thunder, and

the motions of the earth; which beeing so, it will appear that it maketh nothing against my first in∣tention, as I hope to demonstrate cleerely, that I am slandered without a cause, if you please to giue care to the deduction following. In the which, I will plainly and briefely describe the true causes of the late mortality which happened among your Highnesse Soldiers.

Amongest the things necessary for our liues, there is nothing that can more alter our bodyes then the Aire;* 1.18 the which continually (willing or vnwilling) we inspire by those Cond••ites which Nature hath apointed for that end; as the mouth, the nose, and generally through all the pores of the skin and Arteries therein infixed, whether we ea••e, drinke, watch, or sleepe, or doe any other action, whether Naturall, Vitall, or Animal. From thence it commeth, that the aire inspir••d into the Lungs, the Hart, and the Braine, and vniuersally in all the parts of the body to refresh and in some measure to nourish the same, is the cause that a man cannot liue one minute without inspiration; according to the which wonderfull benefite, the excellent Physitian Hippocrates hath pronounced and that truly,* 1.19 that the Aire hath a kinde of Diui∣nity in it; because that in breathing and blowing ouer all parts of the world vniuersally, it doth cir∣cumuolue all things therein contained; nourish∣ing them myraculously, strengthning them firm∣ly, and maintaining them in an amiable Vnion, altogether symbolizing with the stars & Planets;

into the which the diuine prouidence is infused; which changeth the aire at his pleasure, & giueth it power not onely ouer the mutation of times & seasons, but also of the alteration of naturall bo∣dies. And therefore the Philosophers and Physi∣tians haue expresly commanded, that wee should haue a principall regarde vnto the situation and motions of the heauenly bodies, and constituti∣ons of the aire, when the preseruation of health, or the curation of diseases are in question: but especially the course and mutation of the Aire is of great power, as we may easily iudge by the 4. seasons of the yeare. For the Aire being hot and dry in Sommer,* 1.20 our bodies in like manner doeth thereby become heated and dried: and in winter the humidity and coldnesse of the aire doeth like∣wise fil our bodies with the samequailities; in such order neuerthelesse, and in so good a disposition of nature, that although our temperatures seeme to be changed according to the foure seasons of the yeere, wee neuerthelesse receyue no harme thereby, if those times do keepe their seasons and qualities f••ee from excesse. But to the contrarie, if the seasons be so peruerted that the Sommer is cold, and the Winter hot, and the other sea••ons in the like distemperature, this discord bringeth with it a great perturbation both in our bodyes, and in our spirits, constrained neuerthelesse to re∣ceiue the danger, by reason that the causes are ex∣treame, and do on euery side enco••passe vs; so that we are constrained to lodge it in vs by ••hose

Organes and Con••uits appointed by nature to that end;* 1.21 as par••ly, to expell the superfluous excre∣ments of our nourishment, and partly to receiue the saide externall causes, which is the ayre or wi••••e, producing in vs diuers effects, according to those parts of the world from whence they do proceed. For it being so that the Southerly winds are ••ot and moyst; that of the North cold & drie; the Easterly winds for the most part are clere and pure; and the Westerly cloudy, and subiect vnto rai••e; yet it is a most assured thing, that the Ayre which we do inspire continually, holdeth in all, and through all the quality that is most predomi∣nant. And therefore we should of necessity consi∣der in all diseases, and the inconueniences which happen therein, the quality of the windes and the power which they haue ouer our bodies; as Hip∣pocrates hath learnedly left vs by writing, in the 3. Booke of his Aphorismes, Chap. 5. and 17. say∣ing, That our bodies do receiue a great alteration through the vissitude of the times and seasons of the yeere. As by the South-wind our bodies are subiect to all diseases, because that moisture is their primitiue cause▪ it also weakeneth our natu∣rall heate, the which in the opposite case is much fortified through a cold and dry wind, which also maketh our spirits more quicke and subtill. The verity of which sentence, the inhabitantes of the territory of Narbonne doe too much experiment to their dammage. For being themselues between the lustiest and healthfullest people of all France;

yet neuerthelesse they themselues are very sickely for the most part, their bodies leane, their coun∣tenances sad and heauy; their faces tawny, or of an Oliue colour, do manifestly shew the same. Al∣so among other diseases, they are almost all sub∣iect to the white Leprosie; and ••he least Vlcers which they haue, which wee make no account of at Poictiers or Paris, do ordinarily continue with them a whole yeere together. Not for any other cause, as they themselues confesse, and as al stran∣gers k••ow that haue liued in their Country▪ but onely because they are for the most part, blasted and breathed vppon with a Southerly VVinde, which in their language they call A••tan, and ma∣keth the aire to be grosse and cloudy; causing in their bodies al the effects which are attributed by Hippocrates to the Southerly windes, in his thirde Booke and 5. Aphorisme, that is to say, when it reigneth it dulleth the hearing, ••immeth the sight, swelleth and aggrauateth the head, weakneth and abateth all the forces of the body.

Also,* 1.22 when Hippocrates compareth the tempe∣ratures of the one quality with the other, he resol∣ueth vpon this point; That the dry seasons are far more healthfull then the humid ••hat haue conti∣nued for a long succession of time, because exces∣siue humidity is the true matter of putrifaction, as experience telleth vs: For wee see, that in those places where the Marine or Sea-winds haue blo∣wed long, all kinds of flesh (though neuer so new & fresh) will corrupt in lesse then an houre. These

••hings being considered, that it is most necessary for the conseruation of our bodies in health; that the seasons should follow their naturall tempera∣tures, without any excesse or contrarietie, there is no doubt to be made but that our bodyes will fall into many vnnaturall diseases, when the natu∣ral qualities of the seasons are peruerted through the euil disposition of the aire, and wind that pre∣dominateth therein. It being so that for these 3. yeares space heere in France, the seasons of euerie yeare haue not kept their ordinary qualities. In the Sommer we haue had but little heate, in the Winter a little or no cold at all. Also the other seasons haue bene continually distempered with raine and moysture, together with much South∣erly windes, whose nature wee hau•• declared be∣fore; and this throughout all France.

I know no man so little seene in naturall Philo∣sophy, or in Astrologie, which will not finde the aire to bee the efficient cause of so many euilles, which for these three yeeres space haue happened in the kingdome of France. For from whence should proceede those contagious Pestilences, which happened indifferently to olde and young; to rich and poore, & in so many places, but from the corruption of the aire? From whence should proceede so many kinds of Feauers, Ple••risies, A∣posthumes, Catarres, defluctions of smal Pox & Meazels? So many kinds of venomous Beasts, as Frogges, Toades, Grashoppers, Caterpillers, Spiders, Flies, Waspes, Snailes, S••rpents, Vi∣pers,

Snakes, Lizards, Scorpions, and Aspickes; but onely from a purrifaction resulting from the humidity of the aire, accompanied with a langui∣shing heate. This is it (I say) that hath engende∣red in vs, and in a••l the Countrey of France, so many strange and vnknowne accidents. Beholde therefore how our naturall heate hath bene weak∣ned, how our blood and humors haue bene cor∣rupted through the malignity of the aire, which these Southerly winds hath caused thorough the hot and moist quality thereof.

Thus much I haue obserued, that where there hath bene neede of Phlebotomizing, there hath beene but little blood drawne from any, whether they were yong, or olde, wounded, or not of so good or euill temperature; but it hath bene cor∣rupted, & appeared of white or greenish colours. This I haue alwaies obserued in these last warres, and in other places where I haue beene called to cure the wounded: such as haue beene phleboto∣mized by the prescription of the Physitian, either for the preuention of accidents, or the furtherāce of the c••re. In all which, I say indifferently, I haue found the bloode putrified and corrupted. This being so, it must needs fol••ow that the fleshy parts of our bodies cannot bee otherwise then e∣uilly disposed: and all our bodies Cacochymate, seeing that their nourishment which is the blood is putrified, and the aire altogether corrupted. From whence it followeth, that those bodyes which were wounded in the fleshy parts were dif∣ficult

to cure, considering that there was in them a perdition of substance; the which hauing neede of the regeneration of the flesh, could not be ac∣complished nei••her by Medicines, nor a••y Art of the Chirurgian, such and so great was the Caco∣chimy or euill constitution of their bodies. Euen as in an Hydropticke person there can no flesh be regenerated,* 1.23 because the blood is too colde and watery: and in the Elephanticke or leaprous Di∣sease, the flesh and other parts do abide in putri∣faction, because of the corrupted bloode where∣by they are nourished. In like manner, in wounds of Cacochymed bodies, there can be no regene∣ration made of any good substance, because that to restore a lawdable flesh in the wounded part, it is required that the bloode should not offend neither in quantity nor quality, and that the of∣fended part be in its naturall temperature. All these things wer wanting in the times of these last warres: and therefore it is not to be wondred at, if the wounds which were then receiued (althogh they were but small and of little consequence in the noble or ignoble partes) haue brought with them so many tedious accidents, and in the end death; because that the air•• which doeth incom∣passe vs, maketh the wounds to bee corrupt and pu••rified, by reason of the inspiration and trans∣piration thereof, especially when it selfe is cor∣rupt and putrified by altering and corrupting the humors.

Of this point I haue had the experience of ma∣ny

woundes which I haue beene called to dresse that haue rendred a••most insupportable stinking fauour,* 1.24 as a certaine witnesse of corruption and infection, insomuch that the assistants coulde hardly endure to be present at their dressings. It neede not bee heere alledged, that this was for want of being cleanly kept, or often dressing, or for not administering vnto them things necessa∣ry: for this corruption was as common to Prin∣ces and great Lords, as vnto poore Souldiours; whose woundes (if by chance one day escaped wherin they were not drest, so great was the num∣ber of the hurt souldiers) you should find in them the morrow after, a great quantity of Wormes,* 1.25 with a meruailous stinking sauour. And more∣ouer there happened vnto them many Apost∣humes in diuers parts of their bodies opposite to their hurtes. For, if they were shot in the right shoulder, they should haue an Apostume on the left knee; and if the wound were in the right leg, the Apostume would arise in the left arme. As it hapned to the late King of Nauar, to Mounsieur de Neuers, and to Mounsieur de Rend••n, and al∣most to all others. So it seemeth, that Nature be∣ing so much oppressed with corrupted Humors, could not be sufficiently purged and discharged of them by woundes onely, but sent some part of the corruption to some other part either hidden or apparent. For if the Apostumes appeared not outwardly, they should be found in the inwarde parts, as in the Liuer, Lungs, or Spleene. From

those putrifactions were stirred vp certain vapors, which through their commination with the Har•• c••••s••••h continuall ••eauers; with the Liuer a let a••d hinderance of the generation of good blood; and with the Braine, swoonings, faintings, con∣vulsions, and consequently death.

Now because of those aforesaide accidents, it is vnpossible for any Chirurgian (were he neuer so expert) to correct the malignity of the aforesaid wounds: neuerthelesse ••hose that are emplo••ed therein ought not to be reprehended, because it is impossible for them to war against God, nor a∣gainst the aire, wherein oftentimes are hidden the rods of his Diuine Iustice. If therefore according to the sentence of ancient Hippocrates, who saith; That all contused wounds ought to bee b••ought to suppuration, the••eby to bee perfectly cured; which method we are sometimes constrained to change, because of the putrifactions Gangrenacs and Mortifications which doe accompan••e such wounds, through the corruption of the aire; and can any blame or accuse vs, because wee are con∣strained through necessity to change & alter that manner of curation, and instead of suppuratiue Medicines to vse other remedies, to resist such ac∣cidents which not onely happen in wounds made by Gun-shot, but also by swords or staues: which remedies shall bee described in this present Dis∣course. Besides humane causes, that man is ill ••n∣structed in the knowledge of Celestiall thing••s, which doeth not beleeue for certaine, that the

wrath of GOD hangeth ouer vs to punnish the faultes which ordinarily we commit against his Maiesty; his scourges are prepared readie, his rods and weapons haue their ministers alwaies at hand to execute the commandement of his Di∣uine Iustice, into whose secrets I dare enter no further; but will conclude with the opinion of the best aduised Practioners, that the principall occa∣sion of the aforesaid mortality, did proceed from the ••ure and determinate will of God, who by the temperature which he hath giuen to the ayre and winds (as the Heralds of his diuine Iustice) hath made vs apt to receiue the afore∣said inconueniences, which we haue incurred by our iniquities.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Occasion of this dis∣course.
• * 1.2

  ••••sinuation into the good accep∣t••nce of those who are of the contrary o∣pi••ion.
• * 1.3

  The Author proposeth two points, whi••h h••e wold refute. viz. the poy∣son of the powder and the Fire of the Bullet.
• * 1.4

  The prese••t disputation is taken frō Philoso∣phers, Phy∣sitians, and Chirurgians
• * 1.5

  The com∣position of the powder.
• * 1.6

  Salt-peter is salt of stones.
• * 1.7

  Refutation of those that affirme the Bullet to be impoisoned.
• * 1.8

  Refutation of those that affirme that the Bullet causeth cō∣bustion.
• * 1.9

  An example of a ball of wax.
• * 1.10

  Whence it p••o••e••deth▪ that wou••d•• m••de by Gunshot are ••••dina∣rily blacke.
• * 1.11

  Reasons of those of con¦tra••y opiniō
• * 1.12

  Seneca. 3. kindes of Thunders.
• * 1.13

  Answere to the contra∣ry Reasons.
• * 1.14

  A meruai∣lous effe••t of Thunder.
• * 1.15

  Example.
• * 1.16

  The effect ••f Artillerie like to the Thunder.
• * 1.17

  Diuers sounds yssu∣ing out of the veins of the earth.
• * 1.18

  The true ex∣plicauo•• of the questiō.
• * 1.19

  Hyp in the Prefa••e of ••is Prognest
• * 1.20

  Hyp. in the beginning of his booke de Aere locis et aquis.
• * 1.21

  The aliena∣ti••n of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cause of diseases.
• * 1.22

  Lib. 3. Ap••or 15.
• * 1.23

  A similitude
• * 1.24

  Intollerable stinke pro∣ceedi••g frō the woun∣ded parts of men.
• * 1.25

  Venomous. Wounds.