The historie of the vvorld: commonly called, The naturall historie of C. Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland Doctor of Physicke. The first [-second] tome

CHAP. I.

¶ The Originall of Physicke. When Physitians began to visit the sicke in their houses. When came vp first * 1.1 The manner of * 1.2 curing diseases by outward application of Ointments and by frications. Of Chrysip∣pus [unspec C] and Erasistratus. Of the * 1.3 Empirick practise of Physicke. Of Herophilus and other famous Phy∣sitians. How many times the order of Physick hath bin changed. Who was the first profess•…•…d Physitian in Rome, and when he began to practise. What opinion or conceit the antient Romanes had of Physitians. Finally, the imperfections and defaults in this art of Physicke.

THe admirable nature of a number of medicines, as wel those which I haue alrea∣dy shewed, as those which remain as yet to be handled, forceth me to write yet more of Physicke, and to sound to the very depth and bottome: albeit I know full well, that there is not a Latine writer who hath trauelled hitherto in this argument; and am not ignorant how ticklish and dangerous a point it is at first to set abroch any new matters, especially such, whereby a man is sure to reape [unspec D] but small thanks, and in deliuerie whereof, is to make account of a world of difficulties. But for∣asmuch as it is very like that those who are well acquainted with this study, will muse how it is come about, that the remedies drawn from simples, so easie to be found and so accommodat to maladies, are cast behind and grown out of vse in the practise of physick; it cannot be, but with∣all they must maruell much, and think it a great indignity, that no science and profession in the world hath had lesse solidity in it and bin more vnconstant, yea, and how it daily changeth still, notwithstanding there is not any other more profitable and gainfull than it.

But to enter into the discourse thereof, First and formost, the inuention of this Art hath been fathered vpon the * 1.4 gods, such I mean as are canonized gods in heauen: yea, and euen at this day we haue recourse stil vnto diuine Oracles for many medicines. Moreouer, the fabulous tales de∣uised [unspec E] by Poets haue giuen a greater name and reputation thereto, in regard of the offence com∣mitted by Aesculapius in raising prince * 1.5 Hippolytus again to life: for which bold part of his, Iupi∣ter being highly displeased, smote him dead with lightning. And yet for al this, Antiquity hath not staid there, but made relation of others, who were reuiued by the means of the said Aescula∣pius or his art: which during the * 1.6 Trojan war, whereof the fame and bruit is more certain, grew into much request and estimation: and yet in those daies there was no other part of Physicke professed and practised, but Chirurgery; and that in the cure of wounds only. But in the age in∣suing, and for many a yeare after, wonderful it is, in what obscurity this noble science lay dead, and as it were buried in darknesse and obliuion, euen vntill the famous Peloponesiacke war: for then arose Hippocrates, who reuiued and set on foot againe the antient practise of Aesculapius, so [unspec F] long forelet: and being borne in Coos, a renowned and wealthie Island altogether deuote and consecrated to Aesculapius, he made an extract of al the receits, which were found written in the temple of the said god (for the maner was in that Island, that whosoeuer were cured and deliue∣red of any disease, registred there vpon record, the experiments of medicines whereby they had

remedie, to the end, that afterward they might haue help again by the same in like cases) & ther∣upon [unspec G] (as our countreyman Varro is persuaded) after that the said temple was burned, hee profes∣sed that course of Physick which is called * 1.7 Clinice. Wherby Physitians found such sweetnes, that afterwards there was no measure nor end of fees: insomuch, as Prodicus, a disciple of Hippo∣crates, and borne in Silymbria, erecting that kind of practise in Physicke, which is called * 1.8 Iatra∣liptice, opened by that meanes the way to inrich euen those, who vnder Physitians were employ∣ed in rubbing and annointing mens bodies, yea, and brought gaine to other base and seruile mi∣nisters atending vpon their cures. After them came Chrysippus in place: who through his much babble and pratling, wherewith he was well furnished, altered the Theoricke and speculatiue Physicke of * 1.9 Hippocrates and Prodicus, with all their principles: whom succeeded Erasistratus, Aristotles sisters son, and he chaunged also many of Chrysippus his rules and receits, notwithstan∣ding [unspec H] he was a scholler of his and brought vp vnder him. This Erasistratus for curing king An∣tiochus, receiued of his sonne Ptolomaeus (king after him) one hundred talents: which to beginne withall, I note by the way, that you may see how (euen in those daies) Physitians were well re∣warded for their pains and skill. But in processe of time one Acro, a citizen of Agrigentum in Sicilie, much commended by the authority of Empedocles the famous naturall Philosopher, be∣gan in that Island to institute another faction and sect of Physitians, who grounding altogether their worke and operation vpon experience, called themselues Empiriques. Thus there beeing diuers schooles of Physick, the professors in euery one of them entred into contention and vari∣ance, some siding this way and others taking the contrary; vntill at length Herophilus entred the stage, who reproued and condemned as well the one as the other: and reduced the pulses or bea∣ting [unspec I] of the arteries vnto the times and measures in Musicke, according to the degrees of euery age. Long after it was not, but this Philosophicall subtilty of his sect was giuen ouer and aban∣doned, because the profession t•…•…ereof required of necessitie so much learning and literature: and albeit that Asclepiades when he began to professe Physick, brought with him an alteration of all that was before, yet (as I haue already related) his Physick continued no longer than others: for Themison (a scholler and auditor of his) so soon as euer his master was departed this life, altered quite all that hee wrote and noted at first from his mouth, and betooke himselfe to a new pra∣ctise, according to his owne head and fantasie. But what became of it? Surely within a while af∣ter, Antonius Musa, Physitian to Augustus the Emperour, put downe that which Themison had set vp: and that by the authority and warrant of the said Emperor his patient, whom he deliuered [unspec K] from a dangerous disease, * 1.10 vsin•…•… directly a contrary cure to that which had bin practised be∣foretime. Many other Physitians there were of great name, whom I ouerpasse: but the princi∣pall and most renowned of them all, were the Casij, Calpitani, Aruntij, Albutij, and Rubrij, who in their time might dispend in fees allowed them out of the Princes and Emperours Exchequer, vnder whom they liued, 250,000 S•…•…es apeece, by the yeare. And as for Q. Stertinius the Physitian, he complained of the E•…•…s whom hee serued, and challenged them for that hee had no greater reuenues than 50000•…•… S•…•…sterces by the yeare from them: whereas he was able to make account, that by his practise i•…•… •…•…e city he gained yearely 600,000 Sesterces, being re∣tained Physitian to certain houses, which he could readily name at his fingers ends. A brother of his receiued no lesse in fees from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Caesar the emperor. And albeit these brethren spent [unspec L] a great part of their wealth & substa•…•…e in •…•…uilding sumptuously at Naples, wherby they ador∣ned and beautified that city, yet they left behind them in goods vnto their heires after them, to the worth of * 1.11 thirty millions; which was such an estate, that vnlesse it were Aruntius only, there was neuer any known before those daies to haue died so wealthy. After these men, there arose one Vectius Valens, who ouer & besides his profession of Physicke and Rhetorick, which hee ear∣nestly followed, grew into a greater name, by reason of the familiar acquaintance hee had with Messalina the Empresse, wife to Claudius Caesar. This minion of hers taking his time, and seeing how mighty he was, followed his fortunes and erected a new sect and practise of Physicke. But within the compasse of that age, and namely in the daies of the Emperour Nero, in commeth * 1.12 Thessalus, who woon the name from all the Physitians of former times, and ouerthrew the pre∣cepts [unspec M] and doctrine of his predecessors; raging and faring as if he were mad, in open inuectiues against all the professors of Physicke that euer were: and with what spirit, policie, wit, and dex∣terity he performed this, it may be gathered sufficiently by this one argument (if there were no more) that vpon his sepulchre or tomb, which remaineth at this day to be seen in the high way

or causey Appia, he triumphed ouer them all, and intituled himself by the name of * 1.13 Iatronices. [unspec A] And in very truth, neuer marched there player to the stage, or coachdriuer to the publick cirque for to run a race, better attended and with a greater traine of followers, than hee when he passed along the streets: and yet Crinas of Marsiles put him down and outwent him far in credit and au∣thoritie: and that by the means of a twofold skill and knowledge wherein he was seen: For be∣sides his ordinary profession of Physicke, he shewed himselfe more warie and ceremonious in all his practise than any other before him, by reason of the deepe insight that he had in the Ma∣thematicks; obseruing the course of the starrs, chusing good daies and houres, and going euer by his Almanakes and Ephemerides, whensoeuer he ministred vnto his patients, insomuch, as in their very diet he was so precise, that he would not allow them to eat or drink but with great regard of times and seasons. Whereby he grew to such wealth, that of late he bequeathed by his [unspec B] last will & testament * 1.14 ten millions of Sesterces vnto his natiue citie Marsils toward the fortifi∣cations therof, besides the walls that he caused to be built and emmanteled about other towns, which cost him little vnder the foresaid summe. Whiles this Crinas, with such other as himself, seemed with their astrologie to command the course of the destinies, and to haue mens liues at their own disposition, all on a suddain one M. Charmis, a Marsilian likewise, put himself forward and entred the citie of Rome, who not onely condemned the former proceedings of the ancient Physitians, but also put downe the baines and hot houses: hee brought in the bathing in cold water, and persuaded folke to vse the same euen in the middest of Winter: nay, he feared not to giue direction vnto his sicke patients for to sit in tubs of cold water. And I assure you, my selfe haue seen ancient Senatours, such as had been Consuls of Rome, all chilling and quaking, yea [unspec C] and starke againe for cold, in these kind of baths: and yet they would seeme to endure the same, to shew how hardy they were. And verily, there is a Treatise extant of Annaeus * 1.15 Seneca, wherein he approues highly of this course. Neither is it to be doubted, but such Physicians as these, who hauing won credit and estimation once by such nouelties and strange deuises, shoot at no other marke but to make merchandise and enrich themselues euen with the hazard of our liues. And hereupon come these lamentable and wofull consultations of their about their patients, wher∣in you shall see them ordinarily to argue and disagree in opinion, whiles one cannot abide that another mans iudgment should take place, and seem to carry away the credit of the cure. From hence also arose that Epitaph of his (whosoeuer he was) that caused these words to be engrauen vpon his vnhappy tombe, Turba medicorum perij, i. The variance of a sort of Physitians about me, [unspec D] were the cause of my death. Thus you see how often this art from time to time hath been alte∣red, and daily still it is turned like a garment new dressed and translated: insomuch, as wee are carried away with the vain humor of the Greeks, & make sail as it were with the puffes of their proud spirit: For euer as any of these new commers can venditat and vaunt his owne cunning with braue words, straitwaies we put our selues into his hands, and giue him power to dispose of our life and death at his pleasure; and without further regard, are as obedient to him as a souldiour to his captaine and Generall of the field. A strang matter that we should so do, con∣sidering how many thousands of nations there be that liue in health wel ynough without these Physicians, and yet I canot say altogether without Physicke. Like as the people of Rome also (notwithstanding the Romanes were euer knowne to be forward ynough to entertaine all good [unspec E] arts and disciplines) continued for the space of six hundred yeares and aboue, after the founda∣tion of their citie, and knew not what a Physician meant, but afterwards they did cast a great fancie to Physick also: howbeit vpon some little experience thereof, they were as ready to loath and condemne it, as they were desirous before to haue a tast and triall of it. And here I thinke it not amisse in this corrupt age of ours wherein we liue, to discouer and relate certain principall examples of our ancestours, worthy to be noted in this behalfe.

And to begin withall, Cassius Haemina, an ancient Historiographer, doth report, That the first Physician that euer came to Rome, was one Archagathus, the sonne of Lysanias, from out of Peloponnesus, which was when L. Aemylius and M. Livius were Consuls, and in the yeare after the foundation of the citie of Rome 535. And this mine Author saith, that he was enfraunchi∣sed [unspec F] free denizen of Rome, and had a shop prouided for him, standing in the carrefour of Acilius, bought at the charges of the citie for to entertaine his patients, and therin to exercise his cun∣ning. Called he was (by report) The vulnerarie Physician or Chirurgion: wonderfull much see∣king & running there was after him, and none more wealthie than he at his first comming. But

soon after, when hee was knowne once to carry a cruell hand ouer his poore patients, in cutting, [unspec G] lancing, dismembring, and cauterizing their bodies, they quickly began to alter his name, and to terme him the bloudy Butcher or Slaughter-man: whereupon not onely all Physitians, but Physick also grew into a bad name and became odious; as may appeare euidently by the monu∣ments and books of M. Cato, a worthy personage, and in regard of whose vertues and commen∣dable parts, his triumph and Censorship, as famous & honorable as they were, deserue the least part of his authority and reputation; so much was there in himselfe, aboue the gifts and graces of Fortune. I will therefore insert in this place, word for word, an Epistle of his vnto his sonne Marcus, touching this matter, wherein he thus writeth: Concerning these Greckes (sonne Marcus) I will write in place and time conuenient, what I haue found out and knowne by them in Athens: and namely, that it were good to looke into their books and reade them (as it were) by the way, but in no wise to study vp∣on [unspec H] them much and learn them throughly. I haue already giuen the attempt, and intend to conuince and put downe the wickedest race and most peruerse and obstinat kind of them. And learne this of mee, as from the mouth of a true Prophet, That whensoeuer this Greekish Nation shall bring into Rome their Philosophie, they will corrupt and marre all: but let them send once their Physitians hither, you shall see a greater wrecke and confusion thereby. For I assure thee, they haue complotted and sworne one to another for to murder all * 1.16 Barbarians by means of their Physicke. And euen to effect and bring this about, they will be fed also and take money; to the end, that both we should trust them the rather, and they also haue the better meanes to worke the feat and dispatch folke with more facility. As for vs, it pleaseth them vsually to name vs Barbari∣ans; yea, and they giue vnto vs more filthy termes than any others, and mis-call vs * 1.17 Opiques. Well, remem∣ber thou once for all, that I haue giuen thee warning of their Physitians, and forbidden thee to be acquainted [unspec I] with them. Now Cato, who wrote this letter, died in the six hundred and fifth yere after the foun∣dation of our city, when himselfe was fourscore yeres old and fiue: whereby a man may see that he wanted not grounded knowledge when he deliuered this speech vnto his sonne; for hee had both the practise of former times in publicke affaires, and age sufficient of his owne to furnish him with experience of priuat examples. What say we then to this resolution of his? Are wee to judge and beleeue that hee hath condemned thereby a thing so necessary and profitable as Physicke is? God forbid: for himselfe setteth downe a little after, what Physick, and what me∣dicines both he and his wife were acquainted with, and by meanes whereof they came to be so aged as they were: and those were no other (verily) but the vse of simples, whereof wee now are in hand to treat. He saith moreouer and professeth, that he hath made one Treatise expressely, [unspec K] containing certaine receits for the cure of his son and seruants, and for the preseruation of their health: the which I haue not omitted, but dispersed here and there, according to the occurren∣ces of accidents and diseases of sundry sorts, whereof I haue had some occasion to speak of, and stil shall haue more: wherby it is plain, that our antient forefathers blamed not the thing it self, I meane, Physicke, and medicines, but the Art and cunning of Physitians, who had the hand∣ling thereof. And most of all, they held off and were afraid to entertaine those amongst them, who sought such exceeding gaines for their handie worke, especially where they indangered their liues withall. And that they made some account of Physicke, may appeare by this, that when they receiued Aesculapius as a canonized god into their Kalender, they built one temple * 1.18 for him without the city of Rome: yea, and the second which in his honour they erected, was [unspec L] scituate within the Island apart from other buildings. Also at what time as by vertue of an e∣dict all other Greeks were banished Italy, Physitians were excepted; and that was many a yeare after Cato his time. And here by the way, one word will I speake to the honour of our Romanes for their singular wisedome and prouidence; namely, That howsoeuer they are growne to good proofe and be accomplished in al other Arts and Professions of the Greeks, yet their grauity hi∣therto hath bin such, as they would not giue themselues to the practise of this only Science. And notwithstanding the exceeding wealth that accrueth by Physicke, yet very few or none of our naturall Roman citizens haue medled therewith. And those also that haue betaken them∣selues vnto it, presently haue forsaken their natiue language, and gone to the Greek tongue. For this opinion verily there is of this Art, That if the Professors thereof handle it in their vulgar [unspec M] and mother tongue, or otherwise in any other than Greeke, all the authoritie, grace, and credit thereof is lost, euen with those that be altogether vnlearned and know not so much as the Greek Al•…•…habet. See the nature and foolish propertie of our Countreymen, to haue lesse confidence and trust in those things which concerne their life and health, if they be intellegible and

deliuered to their capacity; than in others, which they vnderstand neuer a whit! And hereupon [unspec A] verily it is come to passe, that the art of Physicke hath this peculiar gift and priuiledge alone, That whosoeuer professeth himselfe a Physitian, is straightwaies beleeued, say what he wil: and yet to speak a truth, there are no lies dearer sold or more dangerous than those which proceed out of a Physitians mouth. Howbeit, we neuer once regard and looke to that, so blind we are in our deep persuasion of them, and feed our selues each one in a sweet hope and plausible conceit of our health by them. Moreouer, this mischiefe there is besides, That there is no law or statute to punish the ignorance of blinde Physitians, though a man lost his life by them: neither was there euer any man known, who had reuenge or recompence for the euill intreating or misusage vnder their hands. They learne their skil by indangering our liues: and to make proofe & expe∣riments of their medicines, they care not to kill vs. In a word, the Physitian only is dispensed [unspec B] withal, if he murder a man: so clear he goeth away without impunity, that none so hardy as once to twit or challenge him for it: but say that one be so bold as to charge them with any vntoward dealing; out they cry presently vpon the poor patients, at them they rail with open mouth, they are found fault with their vnrulinesse, distemperature, wilfulnesse, and I know notwhat: and thus the sillie soules that be dead and gone, are shent & bear away the blame. The decuries or bands at Rome of those knights which are deputed and called Iudges, are not chosen but by an ordi∣nary triall and examination of their estate, quality, and person; and the same by the principal of that order and degree, both taken and approued: streight inquisition there is made of their de∣meanor from house to house: of their parentage also, yea and true information giuen to the ele∣ctors before they can be chosen. Mint-masters, such as are to giue their judgement of mony, and [unspec C] the touch of coin, be not taken hand ouer head: but if any be more skilfull than others therein, they are sent for (rather than to faile) as far as from Calis and the straits of Gilbretar. And for to pronounce sentence as touching the banishment of a Roman citizen, the fiue deputed or ele∣cted delegats (named Quinqueviri) had no warrant or decree passed before 40 daies were expi∣red. But for these Physitians, who are the judges themselues to determine of our liues; and who many times are not long about it, but giue vs a quick dispatch & send vs to heauen or hel; what regard is there had, what inquiry and examination is made of their quality and worthines? But surely, wel enough are we serued, and we may thank none but our selues, if we come by a shrewd turn, so long as there is not one of vs hath any care or desire to know that which is good for his life and health. We loue to * 1.19 walk (forsooth) with other mens feet. * 1.20 We read, we looke by the [unspec D] eies of others: we trust the remembrance of another, when we salute any man and to conclude, in the very main point of all we commit our bodies and liues to the care and industry of others: No reckoning is there now made of the riches and treasure of Nature: but the most precious things indeed which serue for the maintenance and preseruation of health and life, are vtterly rejected and cast away: no account make we of any thing and think our owne, but to liue in plea∣sures and dainty delights. I will not leaue my hold of M. Cato, whom I haue opposed as a shield and buckler against the enuie and spight of this ambitious and vain-glorious Art: neither will I giue ouer the protection of that honorable Senat which hath judged no lesse: and that without catching aduantage of the sinfull pranks & lewd parts which are committed and practised vn∣der the pretence of this art, as some man haply would look that I should set them abroad: for to [unspec E] say a truth, is there any trade or occupation goeth beyond it for poisoning? what is the cause of more gaping and laying wait after wils and testaments, than this? What adulteries haue beene committed vnder the colour hereof, euen in Princes and Emperors palaces? as for example, Eu∣demus with Livia the Princesse, & wife to Drusus Caesar: Valens likewise with the Queen or Em∣presse aboue named, Messalina. But say that these crimes and odious offences are not to be im∣puted vnto the Art it selfe, but rather to be charged vpon the persons, I meane the corrupt and lewd professors thereof: yet surely I am of this beleefe, that in regard of these enormities, Cato was as much afraid of the entrance of Physicke, as of some Queene into the citie of Rome. For mine own part, I mean not to say ought of their extreme auarice; of the merchandise, spoile, and hauocke that they make when they see their patients in danger of death, and drawing to their [unspec F] end; nor how high they hold (as it were in open market) the easement and release of the sicke mans pains, whiles he is vnder their hands; ne yet what pawnes and pledges they take as earnest of the bargaine, to dispatch the poore Patient out of the way at once; and lastly, of their hid∣den secrets and paradoxes, which forsooth they will not divulge abroad, but for some round

summe of money. As for example, that a •…•…ataract or pearle in the eie is to be couched rather [unspec G] and driuen down by the needle, than quite to be plucked forth: wherby it is come to passe, that it is a very good turne & the best for vs (as the case standeth) that we haue so great a number of such murderers and theeues in the commonwealth: for I assure you it is not long of any shame and honesty (where of there is none in them) but their malicious aemulation, being so many as they are, that the market is well fallen, and the prices come down of their workmanship. Noto∣rious it is, that Charmis the abouenamed Physitian that came from Marsiles, bargainedwith one patient that he had, to haue 200,000 Sesterces for his cure, and yet hee was but a flranger and a prouinciall inhabitant. Also as well knowne it is, that Claudius Caesar vpon a condemnation and judgement, tooke at one time by way of confiscation, one hundred thousand sesterces from one Alcontes, who was no better than a Chirurgion or Wound-healer: who beeing confined into [unspec H] France, and afterwards restored, gathered vp his crums again & got as much within few yeares. I am content also, that these faults should be laid not vpon the art, but the men that professe it: Neither verily do I mean to shew and reproue the base, abject, and ignorant sort of that crew: nor how little order and regiment they obserue in the cure of diseases, or in the vse of bains and hot waters: how imperiously they prescribe otherwhiles to their patients most strait diet: and a∣gain, when they are ready many times to faint & die vnder their hands for want of sustenance, how they be forced to cram them as it were, and giue them meat vpon meat, oftentimes in one day, before they haue digested the former viands. Moreouer, how they do and vndo, altering the manner and course of their proceedings a thousand waies, misliking and bethinking themselues after they haue done a thing: making a mish mash and mingle mangle in the kitchin of those [unspec I] victuals which they ordain for their poore patients: besides a deal of mixtures and sophisticat compositions of drugs and ointments. For there is no superfluity tending vnto vain pleasures and wanton delights that hath ouerpassed their hands. And since I light vpon the mention of these drugs and spices, for mine owne part I am verily persuaded, that our ancestors and forefa∣thers were nothing well pleased with the bringing in of such forrain wares, which beare so high prices and are extream deare: and that Cato neuer thought of these drugs and mixture•…•…, •…•…or fore∣saw these corruptions by them occasioned, when he blamed so much and condemned this art of Physick. Yet see what account there is made of a composition called * 1.21 Theriace, deuised onely for excesse and superfluity: composed it is of diuers ingredients far fetcht and deare bought: whereas Nature hath bestowed vpon vs and presented to oureies so many wholesome simples, [unspec K] and euery one of them by it selfe medicinable and sufficient. Moreouer, another antidote and confection there is, consisting of no fewer than 54 sundrie sorts of drugs and ingredients, all of diuers weights, and some of them are prescribed to carrie the poyse precisely of the sixtieth part of one denarius or dram. Now would I gladly know what god he was (for surely it passeth the wit of man thus to dispense the ingredients, and calculat their vertues, to a single scruple) that taught first this subtil and intricat composition? By which it appeares manifestly, that this geere bewraieth onely a vaine ostentation, and all to giue a glorious and wonderful lustre to the art, for to make it better accepted and more vendible. And yet the very Artists themselues are not ywis so skilfull, as to know that whereof they make profession. For I my selfe haue seene these that goe for Physitians, put commonly into their medicines and receits quid pro quo, and [unspec L] namely, in stead of the Lidian * 1.22 Cinnabaris, * 1.23 Minium; which is no better than a very poyson, as I will proue and shew hereafter in my Treatise of Painters colours: which errour proceedeth only from this, that they are not wel seen in Grammar, nor in the proper signification of words. But these and such like errours touch and concerne the health of euery one in particular. As for those abuses in the art of Physick, which Cato feared, foresaw, and would haue preuented, they be such as are nothing so hurtfull and dangerous as the rest, and indeed small matters in the o∣pinion of man: and such as the principall Professors and Masters of this Art do auow and con∣fesse among themselues. Howbeit, euen those deuises, as harmlesse as they seem to be, haue been the ouerthrow of all vertue and good manners in our Romane State, I mean those things which we doe and suffer in our health: our exercise of wrestling, our greasing and annointing with oile [unspec M] for that purpose, brought in forsooth and ordayned by these Physitians for to preserue our health. And what should I speak of their drie stouves, hot houses, and ardent bayns, which they would beare men in hand tobe so good for digestion of meat in their stomackes? Yet could I neuer see any, when hecame forth of them vpon his own feet, but he was more heauy, & found

himselfe feebler than before he went in: and as for those who haue bin more obseruant of their [unspec A] rules than the rest, and wholly gouerned by them, I haue known many such caried out for dead, or else extream sicke. To say nothing moreouer of the potions and drinks ordained by them, to be taken in a morning fasting, for to vomit and scoure the stomack therby, and all to make way for to quaffe and carouse again vpon it more lustily. I forbeare also to write of their rosins and pitch-plaisters deuised by them for to pluck away and fetch off the haire where Nature hath or∣dained it to grow, wherby they would seem to effeminat our men. I bash also to speak how euen our women haue prostituted their nakednes and priuities vnto them, by occasion of these their wanton deuises. In sum, conclude we may, that considering these enormities and corruptions which haue crept into our life, by nothing more than by the meanes of Physick, Cato was a true prophet indeed, and his oracle is verified & fulfilled euery day, when he said, That it was suffici∣ent [unspec B] to look cursorily into the writings and witty deuises of the Greeks, without farther study∣ing therupon and learning them throughly. Thus much I thought good to speak in iustificati∣on of that Senat and people of Rome, who not without great reason continued 600 yeres with∣out the entertainment of Physicians; and against that Art which of all others is most dange∣rous and fullest of deceit: in regard wherof, it hath bleered the eies of good men, and they be those who haue giuen credit & authority thereto. And withall, thus much may suffice to meet with the fond opinion and foolish persuasion of those, who are rauished and caried away with a conceit, esteeming nothing good for the health of man, but that which is costly and pretious. For certes I doubt not, but some there be who will loath these receits taken from diuers beasts, wherof I shall haue occasion to speak hereafter. But I comfort my selfe again herein, That Vir∣gil [unspec C] disdained not to name the very pismires and the weevils; * 1.24 blind beetles also delighting in darknesse, and their nests wherein they keep; of which he wrote, notwithstanding he was not vr∣ged theretovpon necessitie. Neither did Homer think it improper, to * 1.25 mingle the description of a shrewd and vnhappie flie, euen with the heroicke battailes of the gods: ne yet dame Nature, who hath brought forth and made man, thought it any disparagement to her majestie for to engender also these sillie and small creatures. And therefore let euery man consider their ver∣tues, properties, and effects, and not regard so much themselues. To come then to those things that are most common and known, begin I will at sheeps wooll, and birds egs, to the end that by that means due honour may be yeelded to the chiefe and principall of all others, as it doth ap∣pertain. Howbeit, I must of necessitie speak of some other things by the way as occasion shall [unspec D] be offered, notwithstanding the place be not so proper & fit for them. Neither wanted I means sufficient to furnish this worke of mine with many gallant matters and pleasant discourses, if my delight and mind had been to looke after any thing else but a plaine and true narration, ac∣cording to my first desseine and intention: For well I wot, that I might haue inserted here and there, the rare receits which are reported to be of the ashes of the bird Phoenix, and her nest; but that I know all to be meere fabulous, howsoeuer they •…•…ie a pretence of truth Besides, I count it a very mockerie and no better, to deliuer vnto the world those medicins which are not to be but once in the reuolution of a thousand yeres.

Notes

• * 1.1

  This course in practise was called Clinice, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. à lecto, i. the bed or bed. chambe•…•….
• * 1.2

  Iatraleptice, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, vel 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 quasi med. cina vn∣g•…•…entaria.
• * 1.3

  Empi •…•…ce, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Exp•…•…a. When Physi∣tians cureby exp•…•…iments onl•…•… of medi∣cines, without regard of the c•…•…use of the disease or na∣ture of the pa∣tien.
• * 1.4

  to wit, Apollo & Aesculapius.
• * 1.5

  Tynda id•…•…n: but out of Plu∣tarch, & a ma∣nus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ol•…•… c•…•…py, sho•…•…ld be r•…•…ad 〈◊〉〈◊〉 t•…•… son of •…•…es us wh•…•… was Hippolytus
• * 1.6

  At 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…at time and w•…•…, his 2 sons, Po•…•…us and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. actised Chirurgerie.
• * 1.7

  i. Chamber-Physicke. So called, because hee visited his patients lying sicke in bed.
• * 1.8

  The manner of maintai∣ning of health and curing di∣seases by fr•…•…cti∣ons, and out∣ward applica∣tion of oiles & ointments.
• * 1.9

  Who wroght by reasons and rules, & there∣upon were cal∣led Rationales, and Dogmatici
• * 1.10

  Quia calida fomenta non proderāt, srigi∣dis curari coa∣ctus, auctore Antonio Musa. Sueton. in vita Octav. August.
• * 1.11

  Sestertium •…•…ecenties, as •…•…udaeus •…•…ea∣deth.
• * 1.12

  He reduced Physicke into a Method: and from him des∣cended the sect called Methodici.
• * 1.13

  i The master and conque∣ror of all Phy∣sitians.
• * 1.14

  Conties H. S.
• * 1.15

  Such as bath in cold water, be called by Seneca, Psy∣chrolouiae.
• * 1.16

  Thatis to say 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nations but themselues.
• * 1.17

  Op•…•…ci, were a certain people of Itali•…•…, infa∣mous for their vnhonest life and filthy lan∣guage. qua•…•… 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.18

  * Why the tē∣ple of Aescula∣pius stood without the city of Rome? See Plutark 94 Questionum •…•…manorum.
• * 1.19

  In this plac•…•… he casteth in the Romanes teeth, their L•…•…∣cticarij, Anag∣nostae, and No∣menclatores.
• * 1.20

  Agno•…•…cimus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.21

  i. Treacle.
• * 1.22

  Sanguis Dra∣conis. Sang∣dragon La∣chryma species, a kind of gum.
• * 1.23

  Metallicum, a minerall Ver∣milion.
• * 1.24

  Lucifugis congesta cubi∣lia blattis.
• * 1.25

  Iliados 〈◊〉〈◊〉.