The haven of health Chiefly gathered for the comfort of students, and consequently of all those that have a care of their health, amplified upon five words of Hippocrates, written Epid. 6. Labour, cibus, potio, somnus, Venus. Hereunto is added a preservation from the pestilence, with a short censure of the late sicknes at Oxford. By Thomas Coghan Master of Arts, and Batcheler of Physicke.

CHAP. 1. What labour is, the commoditie thereof, the diffe∣rence of labours, the preparation to labour, the time, the measure of labour.

THE first word in order of that golden sentence proposed by Hippocrates, is labour,* 1.1 which in this place signifieth exercise. For so is the word Labour cōmonly taken of Hippocrates, as Galen witnesseth, saying:* 1.2 Hoc nomen labor sae∣pius consuevit Hipp. pro exercitatione accipere. Labor then,* 1.3 or exercise, is a vehement moving, the end whereof is alteration of the breath or winde of man. Of exercise doe proceed many commodities, but especially three.* 1.4 The first is hardnesse and strength of the members, whereby labour shall the lesse grieve, and the body be more strong to labor. And that exercise or labour doth strengthen the body, beside the witnes of Galen, where he saith,* 1.5 Exercitationibus etiam firmitas quaedam membris accidit, cum & naturalis ipse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 accenditur, & ex parti∣um inter se attritu duritia quaedam indolentia{que} comparatur, it is proved by experience in labourers, who for the more part be stronger than learned men, and can en∣dure

greater toyle. Whereof we have a notable exam∣ple in Milo Crotoniates,* 1.6 who by the use of carrying a Calfe everyday certaine furlongs, was able to carrie [ 2] the same being a Bull. The second commodity of la∣bor is increase of heat. Whereby happeneth the more alteration of things to be digested, also more quick [ 3] alteration and better nourishing. The third is more violence of the breath or winde, whereby the Pores are cleansed, and the filth of the body naturally expel∣led. These things are so necessary to the preservation of health, that without them, no man may bee long without sicknesse. For as the flowing water doth not lightly corrupt, but that which standeth still: Even so bodies exercised, are for the more part more health∣full, and such as bee idle, more subject to sicknesse. According to that saying of the Poet Ovid:

C••rnis ut ignavum corrum pantotia corpus▪ * 1.7Vt ••apiant vitium ni moveantur aquae.

* 1.8Which also is affirmed by Cornelius Celsus, saying: Ignavia corpus hebetat, labor firmat. Illa maturam senectu∣tem, hic longam adolescentiam reddit. Yea Galen himselfe is of the same minde, for thus he saith: Siculi quies cor∣poris deses prorsus maximum est ad tuendam sanitatem incommodum,* 1.9 sic plane maximus fuerit in medio••ri motione usus.* 1.10 But there is great difference of exercises. For some are swift, as running, playing with weapons, throwing of the Ball. Some are strong or violent, as wrastling, casting the barre. Some are vehement, as dancing, leaping, football play. Againe, some are exercises only, as those now rehearsed, and other mentioned of Galen, not used among us. Some are not onely exercises, but workes also, as to digge or delve, to eare or plow land, or to doe any other work appertaining to husbandrie,

or whatsoever Crafts men of any occupation are wont▪ to doe for the use and commoditie of mans life. For these as they are labours, so are they exercises, and make a good state or liking of the body,* 1.11 as Galen de∣clareth, and is found true by common experience in England. For Husbandmen and Craftesmen,* 1.12 for the more part doe live longer and in better health, than Gentlemen and learned men, and such as live in bodi∣ly rest. Wherefore Galen himselfe sometime used ru∣sticall labors, especially in winter: as to cleaue wood,* 1.13 to punne Barly, and such like. Againe,* 1.14 some exercises are appropriated to the parts of the body, as running, and going are the proper exercises of the Legges, Moving of the armes up and downe, or stretching them out, as in shooting and playing with weapons, serveth most for the armes and shoulders. Stooping and rising oftentimes, as playing at the Bowles, as lifting great waights, taking up of Plummets or other like poyses on the end of staves, these doe ex∣ercise the back and loynes. Of the bulke and lungs the proper exercise is moving of the breath in singing, reading, or crying. The Muscles and together wi••h them the sinewes, veines, arteries, bones, are exercised consequently, by the moving of the parts aforesaid. The stomacke and entrals, and thighs, and reines of the backe are chiefly exercised by riding. As for sit∣ting in a boat or barge which is rowed, riding in a horse Litter, Coach or Waggen, is a kind of exercise which is called gestation: and is mixt with moving and rest, and is convenient for them that be weake and impo∣tent, or in long and continuall sicknesse.* 1.15 But above all other kindes of exercises, Galen most commendeth the play with the little ball, which we call Tenise, in so

much that he hath written a peculiar book of this ex∣ercise, and preferreth it before hunting, and all other pastimes. Because it may be easily used of all estates, as being of little cost. But chiefly for that it doth exercise all parts of the body alike, as the legges, armes, neck, head, eyes, backe and loynes, and delighteth great∣ly the minde, making it lusty and cheerfull. All which commodities may be found in none other kinde of ex∣ercise. For they strein more one part of the body than an other, as shooting the armes, running the legs, &c. wherefore those Founders of Colledges are highly to be praised, that have erected Tenis-courts, for the ex∣ercise of their Schollers: and I counsell all Students as much as they may to use that pastime. Notwith∣standing I restraine no man from his naturall inclina∣tion,* 1.16 for I know that to be true which Virgil writeth, Trahit sua quemque voluptas. And as Horace saith,

Castor gaudet equis ••vo prognatus eodem Pugnis▪ quot vivunt capitum totidem studiorum Millia—

* 1.17For in the Mount Olympus in Greece where the most principall playes and exercises of all the World, were solemnlie kept and used every fift yeare, first or∣dained by Hercules the Champion (as it is thought) all men did not practise one onely kinde of activitie, but every man as he was minded so hee applyed him∣selfe. There was wrastling, running with Horses, and on foot, turning, leaping, coarsing with Charriots, contentions of Poets, Rhetoricians, Musicians, dis∣putations of Philosophers and others. So I restraine no man from his naturall inclination, but I shew what exercise is best by the judgement of Galen. But least that by the violence of heate kindled by exercise,* 1.18

any of the excrements should hastily bee received into the habit of the body, also least some thing which is whole should by heavinesse of excrements or vio∣lent motion bee broken or pulled out of place, or that the excrements by violence of the breath should stop the Pores or Conduits of the bodie, the old Greekes and Romanes were wont to use fricacies or rubbings before exercise, in this manner. First,* 1.19 to rubb the body with a course linnen cloth softly and easily, and after to increase more and more to a hard and swift rubbing, untill the flesh doe swell and bee somewhat ruddie: then to annoint it with sweet Oyle, stroking it eve∣ry way gently with bare hands.* 1.20 And of fricacies they have made generally three sorts, first hard rub∣bing to bind or consolidate, then soft rubbing to loose or mollifie, and lastly meane rubbing to augment and increas•• flesh. But this kinde of preparation whereof Galen hath written abundantly in his second Booke De Sa. Tuen. is not used in England, and therefore I will end it with a merry tale of Augustus the Empe∣rour, and an old Souldier. On a time as the Noble Emperour Augustus came to a Bath,* 1.21 hee beheld an old man that had done good service in the Warres rubbing himselfe against a Marble Piller, for lacke of one to helpe him. The Emperour moved with pity gave an annuity, to finde him a servant to waite upon him. When this was knowne, a great sort of old souldiers drew themselves together & stood where as the Emperour should passe by every one of them rub∣bing his backe against the stones; the Emperour de∣manded why they did so, because Noble Emperour say they, we be not able to keepe servants to doe it. Why (quoth the Emperour) one of you might clawe

and rub anothers backe well enough. So wisely did hee delude the practise of Parasites, according to the old Proverb, ••••li ••ut••um scabunt. Notwithstan∣ding Master Eliote reporteth of himselfe, that hee found great commodity in one kind of fricacie, which is thus:* 1.22 In the morning after we have beene at the stoole, with our shirt sleeves or bare hands, (if our flesh be tender) first softly, and afterward faster to rub the breasts and sides downward and overtwhart, not touching the stomacke and belly, and after to cause our servant sembably to rub overtwhart the shoulders and backe, beginning at the necke bone, not touching the reines of the backe, except wee doe there feele much cold and wind and afterward the legges from the knee to the ankle, last, the armes from the elbow to the hand-wrest. And for those that can∣not exercise their bodies at convenient times, either because they are letted with necessary businesse, or else by reason of utter weaknesse, this kinde of rubbing may well bee used in stead of exercise. Supplet enim fricatio exercitium, as Georgius Pectorius writeth. But leaving all kinde of fricacies to such as have leasure,* 1.23 I prescribe none other preparation to bee used be∣fore exercise, but onely evacuation of excrements from all such parts as nature hath appointed thereun∣to. That is, when you are risen from sleepe, to walke a little up and downe, that so the superfluitie of the stomacke, guts, and liver, may the more speedily de∣scend, and the more easily bee expelled. That done, to wash your face and hands with cleane cold wa∣ter,* 1.24 and especially to bath and plunge the eyes there∣in: For that not onely cleanseth away the filth, but also comforteth, and greatly preserveth the sight,

(as Avice•• writeth) whereof Students should have a speciall care. Moreover to extend and stretch out your hands, and feet, and other limbes, that the vi∣tall spirits may come to the utter parts of the bodie. Also to combe your head,* 1.25 that the pores may bee opened to avoid such vapours as yet by sleepe are not consumed. Then to rubbe and cleanse the teeth. For the filthinesse of the teeth is noisome to the Braine, to the breath, and to the stomacke. They may bee clensed (as Cornelius Celsus teacheth) by washing the mouth with cold water,* 1.26 putting thereto a little Vine∣ger. And with the same (if you list) you may gargarize or guddle in your throate, and after rubbe them hard with a drie cloth. Some use to rubbe their teeth and gummes when they wash, with a Sage Leafe or two, which is good to preserve them from corruption and abateth the rank savour of the mouth. All these things (which are sixe in number) are briefely comprehen∣ded in Schola Salerni, as followeth▪

Lumina mane, manus surgens gelida lavetunda, Hac illac modicum pergat,* 1.27 modicum sua membra Extendat, ••rines pectat, dentes fricet, ista Confortant cerebrum confortant caetera membra.

After this preparation, as occasion shall serve, you may fall to exercise▪ yet first you must diligently con∣sider where and when (that is to say) the place and time.* 1.28 The place where exercise is to bee used doth chiefly concerne the aire, which among all things, not naturall, as in habitation, so in exercise is greatly to bee regarded, for as much as it doth both enclose us about, and also enter into our bodies,* 1.29 especially the most noble member which is the heart, and wee cannot be separate one houre from it for the necessity

of breathing.* 1.30 Wherefore exercise must bee used in a good and wholesome aire, which consisteth in foure [ 1] points, first that it be faire and cleare without vapours and mists. Secondly, that it bee lightsome and open, [ 2] not darke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and close. Thirdly, that it be not [ 3] infected with darraine lying long above ground. [ 4] Fourthly, that it be not stinking or corrupted with ill vapours, as being neare to draughts, Sinks, Dunghils, Gutters, Channels, Ki••chings, Churchyards, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 waters. For the aire so corrupted, being drawne into our bodies, must of necessitie corrupt our bodies also. These foure properties are briefly contained in two verses in Schola Saler••i:

Lucid•••• & 〈…〉〈…〉 habitabilis der, Infectus neque sit, nec deus faetore cloa••••.

* 1.31Now for the time when you should exercise, that Divine Physitian Hippocrates teacheth us plainly say∣ing, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Whose authority Galen follow∣ing saith; Sanitatis tutelam •• labore est auspicandum, quem excipere debe••t,* 1.32 cibus, potio, deinde somnus, mox venus, in iis videlicet quibus venere est utendum. We must beginne the preservation of health with labour, after that take meat, drinke, and so forth. The time then most con∣venient for exercise, is when both the first and second digestion is compleat, as well in the stomacke, as in the veines, and that the time approacheth to eat againe. For if you doe exercise sooner or later, you shall ei∣ther fill the body with raw humours, or else augment yellow choller.* 1.33 The knowledge of this time is per∣ceived by the colour of the urine; for that which re∣sembleth unto cleare water, betokeneth that the juice which commeth from the stomacke i•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the veins, that which is well colored not too high or base,

betokeneth that the second digestion is now perfect. Where the colour is very high or red, it signifieth that the concoction is more than sufficient: where∣fore when the urine appeareth in a temperate colour, not red nor pale, but as it were gilt, then should ex∣ercise have his beginning. By this meanes doth Galen trie out the time most fit for exercise. But because every man hath not skill to judge of urine, or hath not leasure or opportunity to view his water in a glasse as often as he would or should exercise, for the time most convenient, it shall be sufficient to remem∣ber that golden sentence of Hippocrates,* 1.34 Labores cibos antecedant. Let exercise be used before meat. Which rule (as that famous Physitian Fuchsius noteth) is un∣advisedly neglected in the Schooles of Germany. For there the Schollers never exercise,* 1.35 but forthwith af∣ter meat either leaping, or running, or playing at the ball, or coyting, or such like. And the same abuse is ripe among us here in England, both in Universities, and in the Grammer Schooles. Wherefore it is no marvell if Schollers oftentimes bee troubled with scabs, and other infirmities, growing of corrupt hu∣mours, because by that meanes great store of raw hu∣mours are ingendred and brought forth to the skinne: (according to the saying of Hippocrates) Si impurgatus laboraverit, ulcera crumpent. Wherefore I counsell all Students not to exercise immediately af∣ter meat,* 1.36 for by that meanes the meat is conveyed into all the members, before it be concocted or boyled sufficiently. Yet to rise up after meat, and to stand upright for a while,* 1.37 or to walke softly a little is very wholsome: that so the meat may descend to the bot∣tome of the stomack, where (as Avicenna writeth) resteth

the vertue of concoction, and is one of the first lessons in Schola Salerni, Surgere post epulas. But hasty moving driveth the naturall heat from the inward parts, and causeth ill digestion. As for craftsmen, and labourers, if any demand the question, how they can have their health, and fall to work straight after they have eaten, I answer with Virgil;* 1.38 Labor omnia vincit improbus. And as Galen writeth; Nos neque Germanis, neque aliis agresti∣bus, aut Barbaris hominibus haec prodimus, non magis equi∣dem quàm Vrsis, Apris, aut Leonibus aut aliis id genus: sed Graecis, & iis qui tametsi genere sunt Barbari, Graecorum tamen aemulantur studia. So I write not these precepts for laboring men, but for students, and such, as though they be no students, doe yet follow the order and diet of students.* 1.39 Antoninus the Roman Emperour, who lived in Galens time, and had a speciall care of his health, was wont to come to the wrestling place about Sunne-setting when dayes were at the shortest, and about nine or ten of the clocke when they were at the longest.* 1.40 Whose example if any list to follow (as Georgius Pictorius doth interpret) hee should ex∣ercise in Summer six houres before noone, and in the Winter, in the after-noone at Sunne going down, and in the Spring time neare by noone. But I restraine no man to the houre, so it bee done accor∣ding to the rules aforesaid,* 1.41 that is, briefly to conclude, Excrementis expulsis, In aere salubri, & Ante comeden∣dum. Yet it is not sufficient in exercise to observe the time, the place, the things proceeding▪ except wee keepe a measure therein: which also is taught by Hip∣pocrates in the word (mediocria.) And although every man doth know (as Cicero saith) that In omnibus rebus mediocritas est optima,* 1.42 that measure is a merry meane,

yet few can hit that meane, as well in other things, as in this, unlesse they bee directed by a certaine rule. Wherefore Galen, who leaveth nothing un∣perfect,* 1.43 setteth downe foure notes by the which wee may know how long wee should exercise, and when wee should give over. The first is, to ex∣ercise untill the flesh doe swell. The second is, un∣till [ 1] the flesh bee somewhat ruddie. The third, untill [ 2] the body bee nimble, active, and ready to all moti∣ons. [ 3] The fourth is, untill sweat and hot vapours burst forth. For when any of these doe alter, we must [ 4] give over exercise. First, if the swelling of the flesh shall seeme to abate, we must give over forthwith. For if wee should proceed, some of the good juyce also would bee brought forth▪ and by that meanes the bo∣dy should become more slender and drier, and lesse able to increase. Secondly, if the lively colour stirred up by exercise shall vanish away, wee must leave off, for by continuance the body would wax colder. Thirdly, when agility of the limbs shall beginne to faile, we must give over, lest wearinesse and feeblenesse doe ensue. Fourthly, when the quality or quantity of the sweat is changed, wee must cease, lest by conti∣nuance, the sweat be greater or hotter, and so the bo∣dy become colder and drier. But of these foure notes, sweat and swelling of the flesh, are the chiefest to bee marked in exercise, as Hippocrates sheweth; In exerci∣tationibus signum extenuationis est sudor, guttatim emanans,* 1.44 qu••que tanquam à rivulis egreditur, aut à tumore contra∣ctio. As who should say▪ sweat and abating of the flesh, are two of the chiefest signes to know when wee should give over exercise. This measure Pythagoras, that was first named a Philosopher, though no Phy∣sitian

hath yet defined in his golden verses.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Thus Latined by Vit•••• Amerlachius:

Corporis & debes non intermittere curam, Inqu••cibo p••••••que modus sit, gymnastisque. Hoc ••ie•• lass•••• si te non illa gravabunt.

The same in effect is uttered by the excellent Greek Oratour Isocrates, in his Oration ad Demonicum. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Thus Latined by V••ol••••••, Eas corporis exercitationes am∣pl••ctere, quae valetudini potius quàmquae ad rob•••• pro••unt: quod ita consequere, s••la••orare de••ina••, dum adhuc laborare quea••.* 1.45 Now as I have shewed what time we should give over exercise, so here I will end my treatise of exercise, if first I shall declare what remedy is to bee used against wearinesse which commeth by immode∣rate labour, either voluntary or necessary, for wee cannot alwayes keepe the meane, but wee must doe as cause requireth. Wearinesse, as all other infirmi∣ties of the body, is cured by the contrary: that is to say,* 1.46 by rest. According to the saying of Hipp. In omni corporis motu, quum fatigari coeperit, quies confestim lassitu∣dinis est remedium. For when the body is tired through over-much labour, and the strength faileth, and na∣turall moisture decayeth, then rest for a time recove∣reth the strength, reviveth the spirits, and maketh the limmes able to endure labour, whereas otherwise they would soone languish and pine away. Which thing Ovid well perceived, as appeareth where hee saith;

Quod car•••• alterna requie, durabile non est.* 1.47 Haec revocat vires, fessaque membra levat.

Where the Poet hath worthily added the word (A••••erna) that is to say (done by course) for as it is not convenient alwayes to labor, so is it not good alwayes to rest. For that were idlenesse or slothfulnesse, which corrupteth both the body and soule. For in the body through immoderate rest, i•• ingendred cruditie, and great store of noysome humors.* 1.48 VVherfore Galen rec∣koneth Idlenes or immoderate rest, among the causes of cold diseases. And what inconvenience doth grow to the soule thereby, Christ himselfe doth teach in his Gospell, where he saith▪ It is better for a man to rip his Coate and sow it againe, than to be idle. But moderate rest doth comfort both the body and minde,* 1.49 as Ovid writeth:

〈◊〉〈◊〉 corpus alu•••• animus quoque pascitur illis: Immodicus contra, carpit utrumque labor.

VVherefore I will conclude with that notable sen∣tence of Galen▪* 1.50 as sluggish rest of the body is a very great discommoditie to the preserving of health, so no doubt in moderate motion there is very great com∣moditie.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Epid. ••.
• * 1.2

  Epid. 6. com. 6.
• * 1.3

  What labor is.
• * 1.4

  The benefit of Exercise.
• * 1.5

  Li. 1. de Sa. tuen▪
• * 1.6

  Milo Crotoni∣ates.
• * 1.7

  Lib. de ponto.
• * 1.8

  Cor. C••l. lib. 1.
• * 1.9

  Lib. de Suc. ••on. & vitio. cap. 3.
• * 1.10

  Difference of exercise.
• * 1.11

  1. Aphoris. com. 3.
• * 1.12

  Labourers more healthfull than learned men.
• * 1.13

  Lib. 2. de Sa. Tuen. cap. 8.
• * 1.14

  The proper ex∣ercises of all parts of the body.
• * 1.15

  Tenis play is the best exercise of all other. Galen de pravae pilae exercitatione.
• * 1.16

  Eglo. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2. Ser. Sa. 1.
• * 1.17

  ••he games of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.18

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 preparati∣•••• to exercise.
• * 1.19

  Frications.
• * 1.20

  Three sorts of rubbings.
• * 1.21

  A merry tale of rubbing.
• * 1.22

  A kinde of rub∣bing good for all men.
• * 1.23

  Exercitatio 〈…〉〈…〉 praere∣quirit.
• * 1.24

  Washing of the face, and ba∣thing of the eyes.
• * 1.25

  Caput pe••tore a front•• cervicem versus optimum est.

  Rubbing of the teeth.
• * 1.26

  Lib. 1. cap. 2.
• * 1.27

  Cap. 2.
• * 1.28

  The place and time of exer∣cise.
• * 1.29

  Aire.
• * 1.30

  Foure proper∣ties of whole∣some aire.
• * 1.31

  The fittest time of exer∣cise. Epid. 6. Sect. 4.
• * 1.32

  Lib. 2. de Sa. Tuen. cap. 2.
• * 1.33

  The colour of the Vrine sheweth when we should exercise.
• * 1.34

  Inst lib. 2. cap. ••.
• * 1.35

  An abuse of exercise tou∣ching the time.
• * 1.36

  Epid. 6. Sect. 5. Apho. 33.
• * 1.37

  Rise up after meat.
• * 1.38

  G••••r. 1. De San. Tu. lib. 1.
• * 1.39

  The exercise of the Empe∣rour Antoni••••.
• * 1.40

  Palestra.
• * 1.41

  Three things to be observed touching the time of exer∣cise.
• * 1.42

  Offic. 1.
• * 1.43

  Lib. 1. de San. Tuen. cap. 12. The measure of exercise.
• * 1.44

  Epi 6. Sect. 3: Aphoris. 4.
• * 1.45

  The remedy of immoderate exercise.
• * 1.46

  Lib. 2. Apho. 42.
• * 1.47

  Lib. 2. Epist. ••.
• * 1.48

  Lib. de morb. cau. ca. 3.
• * 1.49

  Li. 1. de pont▪
• * 1.50

  De Suc. bo. & vi. ca. 3.