The practise of chymicall, and hermeticall physicke, for the preseruation of health. Written in Latin by Iosephus Quersitanus, Doctor of Phisicke. And translated into English, by Thomas Timme, minister

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Title
The practise of chymicall, and hermeticall physicke, for the preseruation of health. Written in Latin by Iosephus Quersitanus, Doctor of Phisicke. And translated into English, by Thomas Timme, minister
Author
Du Chesne, Joseph, ca. 1544-1609.
Publication
London :: Printed by Thomas Creede,
1605.
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Subject terms
Alchemy -- Early works to 1800.
Medicine -- Early works to 1800.
Medicine, Magic, mystic, and spagiric -- Early works to 1800.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A20901.0001.001
Cite this Item
"The practise of chymicall, and hermeticall physicke, for the preseruation of health. Written in Latin by Iosephus Quersitanus, Doctor of Phisicke. And translated into English, by Thomas Timme, minister." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A20901.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 12, 2024.

Pages

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THE THIRD PART OF THIS Worke: wherein is contained a small Trea∣tise, concerning the Seales and Impressions of things, by Hermeticall Philosophers, with much care, and singular diligence, gathered and brought to light. (Book 3)

ALl men follow not one way to attaine to a generall knowledge of all things. The way of the Empericks is vncertaine, for that it is traced in the darkenesse of igno∣rance. These haue respect to the external impressions, and to some inset qualitites, especially to those which may be séen, tasted, and smelt. Furthermore, they haue great regard to the first qua∣lities, hote, cold, moyst and drie: which they haue made the beginnings and first foundations of these faculties or vertues.

But the Hermeticall Phylosophers and Chymists, leauing those bare qualities of the bodyes, sought the foundations of their actions, tastes, odours, and colours, else where. At the last by wittie inquisition they knew that there were thrée distinct sub∣stances in euery natural elemented body: that is to say, Salt, Sulphur, and Mercurie. And these internal beginnings of things, they called hypostatical vertual, and ordinatiue begin∣nings. For in these thrée hypostatical beginnings, thse fore∣said vertual and sensible qualities, are to be found, not by ima∣gination, analogie, or coniecture, but in very déede and in effect. That is to say, tastes in Salt, most chiefly: odours, in Sulphur: colours out of both, but most chiefely out of Mercurie: because

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Mercurie hath the volatile Salt of al things,* 1.1 ioyned vnto it.

For there are two kindes of salts,* 1.2 the one fixed, other vo∣latile, as shal be shewed anon.

Therefore salt is firme,* 1.3 fixed, and substantifying begin∣ning of al things: and therefore it is compared with the pure E∣lement of Earth.* 1.4 Because falt is not cold & dry by his owne na∣ture (as it is holden of some that the Earth is) the which quali∣ties are the death of things: but it is rather hote, and endued with an actiue qualitie, for that it is appointed to serue for the generation of all things.

Sulphur is compared to fire,* 1.5 for as fire, so sulphur doth quick∣ly take flame and burne: euen as also do al other things, which partake of the nature thereof, such as are Rosinie, fat, and oylie.

Mercurie by Analogie answereth the Ayre,* 1.6 and Water. For not only that dry minerall water, (which is also called Hy∣drargire and Quick-siluer) is called Mercurie: but also euery water or actiue liquor endued with any vertue, is also for the ex∣cellencie thereof called Mercurie. The which Mercurie, (as we haue said) may bée likened to either Element, that is to say, to Ayre, and to Water: to Ayre, because when it is put to the fire, it is found almost nothing but Ayre, or a vapour, which vani∣sheth away.* 1.7 This if you please you may call a moyst actiue.

And it may bée compared to water also, because it is running: and so long as it continueth in his owne nature, it is not con∣tained in his owne listes, but in the limmits of another: which according to Arictotle, is the definition of moyst.

These thrée beginnings, (I say) are found in all bodyes as internal and necessarie substances for the composition of a mixt body.

For seeing the foresaid Mercurial, volatile, and spirituall hu∣miditie, cannot easily be conioyned with the earthie, corporeat, and fixed part, by reason of that great difference and contrariety of either of them: it is necessarily required, that there should bée a meane, and indifferent partaking of either: that is, as wel of the spirituall as of the fixed, to conioyne both in one.

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And this indifferent meane is Sulphur or oile,* 1.8 which hol∣deth a meane betwéene that which is fixed, and that which is flying. For oyles, are neuer so quickly, so easily, and so wel di∣stilled, as are waters: because the substance of Sulphur, or of an oylie bodie is tenax and retentiue, and therefore most apt to combinde the other two, to effect a good, perfect and equal mix∣ture.

To make the matter more plaine by example. For as a man can neuer make good closing morter, of water and sand onely, without the mixture of lime, which bindeth the other two toge∣ther like oile and glue: so Sulphur or the oily substance, is the mediator of Salt and Mercurie, and coupleth them both toge∣ther: neither doth it onely couple them to death, but it doth also represse and contemperate the acrimonie of Salt, and the sharp∣nesse of Mercurie, which is found to bée very much therein. Much like to the coniunction which the Spirite and quickening moyst radical maketh betwéene the soule, and incorporeat sub∣stance, and the body, which very much differeth from the same.

Thus then it appeareth,* 1.9 after what manner these thrée na∣tures may consist in one, together, and so to be made a mixed and perfect bodie. For as salt by it selfe a lone cannot bring this thing to passe: euen so neither these two fluxible and mouing humors, cannot without Salt by their nature compose a firme, fixed, and solyd body.

Moreouer Sulphur most néedes bée had as a Glue with∣out the which the Mercurial liquor wil be swallowed vp by the drinesse of the terrestrial Salt, and through the violence of the heate of the fire, which by the Sulphur is contained. But the Mercurial humour, is as it were the chariot of the other two, seruing to penetrate, and to make the mixture easie and spéedy.

If there bée any man, which through obstinacie, or blockish∣nesse of wit, doth not well conceiue and vnderstand this: let him beholde and consider of the blood which is in mans body, how in the same, the whaye is as a chariot or mediator, and com∣biner of the other two beginnings together, as may appeare by the preparation and separation thereof.

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Very fitly wée may vse this example in this place. And here∣after, by infallable and euident demonstration, we wil shew af∣ter what manner, the other two beginnings, beside the whaye (which supplyeth the place of Mercuries) are in blood.* 1.10 When Salt is predominate and beareth the swaye, it produceth so ma∣ny kinds of diuers Vicers and many other diseases: beside that portion of salt which passeth through the reines and bladder, by Vrines. In like maner we haue already shewed how Sulphur, or the oilie part, is in the same blood. This sulphur being exalted, it causeth sulphurus exhalation, as inflamatiōs, from whence come so many kindes of Feauers. So, Mercurial sublimations raise Rheumes and Catarres, with other diseases Mercurial.

Chymistes determine, that there are sundry kindes of salt, which as they are found apart in nature, s also in all mixt bodyes.

That is to say, common salt (which the Sea by his secret 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pypes doth conuey through the earth:)* 1.11 Salt gemme al∣so, Allum (whereof there are diuers kindes) Vitriol, Salt-Ar∣moniac, and Salt-Niter, which men commonly call Salt peter.

Among these salts, two are flying, and are mixed with liquors after an insensible manner: that is to say, Niter, & Salt-Armoniac of nature. Niter doth participate of sulphur, and of the oylie liquor of things: Armoniac partaketh of Mercurie, or of the Mercurial humour of things.

And these foresaid salts, (which are found both in earthie, and metallick substances) are deriued through the benefite of rootes, into hearbs, plants, and trées: which because they are alwayes in the earth, they retaine the nature most chiefly of fixed salt.

And after the same manner, the nature of fixed salt, is to bée sought for in rootes. In flowers also and in leaues, there is great store of the other two flying Salts, which béeing such, they easily vanish away and come to nothing; when the flowers and leaues doe wyther and waxe dry. But those plants and hearbes which take their nourishment from fixed salt, are al∣wayes kept flowrishing and gréene: and therefore they doe the more strongly resist the fainting heate of Sommer, and the morifying cold of Winter.

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Moreouer, their Rootes standing déepe in the ground, they doe the more easily withstand all external iniuries. And when the Spring commeth, and the Sunne sendeth foorth his heate entring into the signe of Aries, piercing the earth with his quick∣ning beames, hée stirreth the same, and causeth her to open her bosome, out of the which at the last shée powreth foorth abun∣dantly those two liquid beginnings, whereof wée haue spo∣ken before.

The liquor, or Mercurial vapour, which is lifted vp through the Rootes with Salt Armoniac of a volatile nature (by a certaine wonderfull manner of nature distilling) and ascen∣ding into the trunke, vnder the barke, (at which time trées may easily bée disbarked) raiseth vp, quickeneth, and adorneth with gréene leaues, trees and plants, now hanging downe their heads, and halfe dead. And the other kinde of volatile salt. Ni∣tre-sulphurus, mixed with the more volatile sulphur, and oyle of nature, doth cloath and decke the whole earth euery wherewith sundry sorts of most beautiful flowers.

And yet wée must not thinke héereupon, that one vaporous liquor, which procéedeth out of the earth, is not partaker of the other, séeing the Mercurial liquor is not without his sulphurus, nor the sulphurus without his Mercurial. And this is the cause why in the vegetable nature, wée doe sée that some doe put out their leaues and flowers sooner than other some.

Nature therefore hath most wisely distributed those begin∣nings into all things. And experience doth teach, that somethings doe partake of this or that, more than some other things. For thou canst not easily draw an oyle out of leaues: but a mercu∣rial liquor plentifully out of al: and out of very fewe, some sul∣phurus, or oylie liquor. The reason is, because Mercurie doth car∣ry the rule in leaues, and is their chiefe nourishment, beginning and foundatiō as we haue already said.* 1.12 But the sulphurus liquor is the cause of the increase & plentie of flowers, but yet the same sulphur is not alone and pure, but mixed with some portion of Mercurial liquor, but with the least quantitie of salt.

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For this cause thou maiest extract out of flowers, both Sul∣phur or oyle, and also Mercurie, but that oyle more volatil: and of Salt, the least quantity. But out of séedes is extracted much of the more fixed Sulphur,* 1.13 but of Mercury and Salt almost nothing. The cause is, for that Sulphur hath gi∣uen beginning and the principal constitution, (not that vola∣til Nitrous and airey Sulphur, but that which is indéede oyle∣like and fat, and which holdeth a meane betwéene fixed and flying: both which lye hid in séedes, euen in those séedes which are in great Mercurial hearbes and fleshlike fruites, as in Ap∣ples,* 1.14 Peares, Goordes, and such like. But Salt is in all these, as the most fixed and necessarie beginning, for the constitution and compacting of all bodies. But this Salt doth most chiefely reide in the wood, and in the roote, not as in his center or proper seate fixed, (for his principal rooting is in the earth) but because it is first and most plentifully communicated to the wood and roote. From hence afterward much is deriued to the branches and leaues, and but little to the flowers and fruites.

Whereupon out of many leaues a sufficient quantity of salt may be extracted: but out of flowers and séedes a very smal quan∣titie in regard of the others.

Thus you sée after what maner these thrée beginnings doe order and determine all vegetables as hypostatical beginnings, and doe bring them forth, conserue, make them to sprout and florish, and doe giue vnto them diuers forces and vertues. It is also euident, that the saide thrée beginnings, are in all things, but in some more, and in other some lesse.

Therefore,* 1.15 none of those thrée beginnings is found simple, and alone, which doth not paticipate also with another. For Salt, through the benefite of the other two Saltes, Niter and Armoniac, containeth in it selfe an oylely and a Mer∣curiall substance: Sulphur containeth a Salte, and a Mer∣curial substance: and Mercurie a Sulphurus and Salt sub∣stance.

But euery one of these retaineth the name of that, where∣of

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〈◊〉〈◊〉 it doth most partake.

But yet, if we consider of the matter exactly, we shal finde that al the other doe spring from salt,* 1.16 as from the firme and con∣stant beginning. The nature whereof wil enforce vs to lift vp our eyes to heauen, seeing that from these inferiour and natural things, that admirable and venerable Trinitie in Vnitie, is so clearly and euidently to be séene.

And forasmuch as those thrée substancefying beginnings are, and commonly be found in al the things of nature, wée must not thinke that they are so in them, as without effect, or vtterly spoiled of al vertue: but wée must rather bée sure of the con∣trarie, namely, that from these chiefely, al the qualities, proper∣ties, and vertuals doe spring. For whatsoeuer hath taste, the same if it bée bitter commeth from Salt Gemme. And such haue vertue to clense,* 1.17 to euacuate, or purge. So others which haue in them bitternesse, are found to bée such, as haue the same from this kinde of Salt, and by the benefit there∣of, are reckoned among the number of clensing and purging medicines. Such are all bitter hearbes, and their Iuices. In like maner all gaules. For without these thrée, ther can be no due excretion or seprating in bodies, of superfluities and excrements. For nature by the conduit of her instrument, called Cholido∣••••n, casting out into the bowels some quantitie of gaule, stir∣reth vp the expulser, and prouoketh it to sende forth the ex∣crements, and also clenseth, purgeth, and emptieth it selfe, by it selfe. The which being vndone, the Expulser lyeth as it were buried, and ouerwhelmed, neither is there any good from thence to be looked for.

And that bitter Iuices, (as also the very gaule it selfe) are of the nature of Salt, it may easily bee gathered hereby, because the guale is oftentimes congealed as a fixed Salt into stones, in his owne bladder.

Also out of bitter hearbes,* 1.18 as out of Woorme-wood, out of the lesser Centaurie, (which some call the gaule of the earth) much Salt is extracted, as they that be workemen know.

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Moreouer out of the ••••ules of liuing creatures, there is a Salt to bee extracted very bitter, which purgeth wonderfully. So also there is Salt in vrine, which purgeth the blood by the vaines,* 1.19 which send it into the reines, and from thence by the water pipes into the bladder, and so through the conduit thereto appointed.

In bitter Opium, which all men affirme to be so notably stuperfectiue and cold, there is a bitter and Nitrous Salt, which if thou canst seperate from his stinking Sulphur (by the meanes whereof it is so stuperfectiue) thou shalt make it a notable pur∣ger.

So in like maner the skilfull know how to exiract out of Cen∣taury,* 1.20 Gentian, Rue, Fumitory, and all such like, very good purgers.

Salt which is alluminous, giueth a sower taste: Vitriol a stip∣tic or a stringent taste: Armoniac a sharpe taste. And a diuers mixture of the same Salts, procureth sundry tastes and relishes: and that most chiefely by the benefit of the two volatile Salts, which of all other wil be best mingled, by reason of their subtilty and spiritous substance. Armoniac, which is sharp, is more plen∣tiful in vitriol, and in things vitriolated, then in any other Salt substance or metallick. For that sharpe Salt, or that sharpenesse of nature, is the fermentation thereof, and the cause of coagulati∣ons, and of the dissolutions of all things: as we haue already touched before, and will in another place more manifestly de∣clare. Therefore it is certaine, that those things which are stip∣tick or stopping, and haue outwardly a gréene colour or vitriola∣ted with an inward sharpnesse and certaine rednes, (as is to be seene in Pomegranats, Barberies, and Limons) it is certaine that they haue it from vitriol, and from the sharp Salt Armoniac: for the vitriol of nature is outwardly gréene, and red within, if thou search it by skilful Anatomie.

So also thou maiest extract out of the barke of the said fruits, as of Granates, a substance comming most néere to the vertue of vitriol.* 1.21 And the liquor which is extracted out of their red graines, or out of the iuice of Limons, or fruite of Barberies, hath force to

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dissolue pearles, and corall, euen as the spirit of vitriol hath. And this commeth by the vertue of Salt Armoniac sharpe of nature, and by the nature of mixture: but so mixed, as by the industrie of the artificer it may be seperated, in such wife, that the same Salt Armoniac being extracted, the same liquor will be made swéete and potable, and the Salt remaine by it selfe: the which being againe mixed with spring water, or with any other liquor deuoid of taste, it wil make the same sharpe.

That same sharpnesse or Salt Armoniac spirituall, is not onely found in Vitriol, but also in common Salt, in Ni∣ter, yea in Sulphur also it selfe, as also in all things. For that sharpnesse is that very same, which coagulateth Sul∣phur, which is plentifully found therein. For without it, Sulphur will not cleane vnited, but would be running, as are other oyle-like liquors.

The same Salt Armoniac of nature, is manifested vnto vs, by that extraction of sharpe oyle, which is drawen out of Sul∣phur: whose nature is farre different from that of the said Sul∣phur. For it is so farre from taking fleame, that contrariwise, it is a hinderance to gun-poulder, not-suffering it to be infla∣med with the touch of fire,* 1.22 as is said already. The same liquor doth dissolue pearles and coral, no lesse then doth the iuice of Limons, of Barberies, or any other of that nature, the which power it hath by the dissoluing vertue of Salt Armoniac of na∣ture which is in it. The like, and by the same reason, doth Vineger performe. For Wine (as is saide afore) par∣taketh of the nature of Vitriol, more then any other ve∣getable, and containeth much of the foresaide sharpe Salt of nature.

He which doth exactly consider these things, shal readily, and out of true grounded reasons, dissolue the question, concerning the true and natural qualitie of Vineger, which question hath troubled many of the most learned Piysitians. For the dissoluing vertue which appeareth to be in Vineger, euen in this, that when clay or earth is put into it, it wil as it were boyle, argueth that the nature thereof is altogether hote.

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Others on the cotrary part, denying Vineger to be colde, appoint it as a chiefe remedy to extinguish and represse exter∣nal Inflamations. Also by the taste, which they affirme to bee the effect of coldnesse, they conclude that Vineger is colde. But they can very easily end this controuersie, which haue the perfect knowledge of the nature of Salt Armoniac, which Vineger containeth mat. For this Salt is the true cause of dissoluing vertue.

But because the ame Salt is of force to coagulate spirits, and to dissolue bodies, therefore it is effectual, and a singular re∣medy against both inward and outward inflamations. For it doth coagulate the Niter Sulphurus exhalations, which stirreth vp those inflamations. For such heates and feauerous passions, doe procéed out of the spirits onely, either Niterous, or Sulphu∣rus, arysing out of the SaltNiter Sulphurus or tartarus of our body, and lifted vp into euaporations, which cause such vnkind∣ly heates. The which cōmeth not so to passe when the same spi∣rits be as yet bound together, and lye as it they were buried in their proper bodies, or tartarous feces.

But if thou wilt yet knowe more manifestly the corrosiue force,* 1.23 and inflaming heate of the saide spirits, consider the strong waters, (which are nothing else but the spirits of Ni∣ter, and Vitriol) which thou shalt sée will dissolue siluer, or any hard metall. But if thou put but one onely ounce of siluer, to one hundred pound waight of Vitriol and Niter, as they are in their owne nature and body, yet they will neuer be able to dis∣solue it.

It is therefore manifest, that such violent forces and operati∣ons, are onely in the spirits, seperated, euaporated, and dis∣solued from their body: the which forces thou shalt by no safer meanes take away and suppresse, then if the same spirits bée a∣gaine incorporated, and coagulated. And this is performed by that Salt Armoniac sharpe of nature, which is in Vineger, as al∣so in other things which haue sharpnesse.

But peraduenture there are some, which now thinking that wee haue killed our selues with our owne swoord,* 1.24 will in∣ferre

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vpon the same example by vs alleaged, that such essences prepared by Chymists, are all for the most part spiritual, and ther∣fore by consequence, are more violent remedies then is fitting for nature to beare,* 1.25 and therefore cannot be giuen with safetie. I would haue those which make this obiection, to be in this wise answered. That the reason is not all one, and therefore the con∣clsion not good. For it we take the spirit of Vitriol, or of Salt-Péeter, which indéed are spirits partaking of the terrestrial fire, yet neuerthelesse they may bee so swéetened, and mingled with broathes or other conuenient liquor, that they wil be very fami∣liar to nature, grateful, sauory, and gentle, and not without great vertue and efficacie. The iuice of Limons giuen by it selfe alone into great plenty, can hurt the stomack. For the which cause our maner is, to mingle it with some liquor, or with sugar, and to bring it into a syrup or Iulep, no lesse profitable then pleasing to the stomack.

But the vertue of the spirit of vitriol is better knowne at this day,* 1.26 and commended of the most approued Physitians of diuers countries, then that the ignorant can detract any thing from the dignity and praise theref. It is reported very credibly, that in France it is much vsed and commended for the effects it hath to extinguish burning feauers. And not without iust cause: for it is a most singular remedy, not onely against feauers, but also a∣gainst many other contumacious sicknesses, as hereafter in due place, shal be shewed: but it is fit, that no other presume to admi∣nister it, then such as are expert Phisitians, not Emperikes, and such as try conclusions by killing men.

Furthermore, the sharpe spirit, drawen out of Niter alone, or Sulphur (among the metallick Salts) is of the same nature and property. For these doe auaile no lesse then the other, to extin∣guish feauers of what kind soeuer, by their coagulatie vertue, whereby they doe tame,* 1.27 subdue, and coagulate, those Sulphurs and burning spirits of our body.

Moreouer, there are other some, which iudge vs worthy of much reprehension, because we said afore, that one and the selfe∣same sharpe Salt Armoniar,* 1.28 hath both vertue to dissolue, and al∣so

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to congeale: which being effects contrary, cannot procéed from one and the same cause, according to the common opinion of Phylosophers.

To this we answere, that as we haue spoken it, so we will maintaine it. And therefore we say againe, that this Salt Armo∣niac sharpe of nature, whereof we speake, can both dissolue bo∣dies, and also (which is more to be maruailed at) congeale spi∣rits: yea and which is yet more wonderfull, euen in the middest of fire it can congeale.

And concerning dissolution, it shall not be necessary that we proue this, because it is well known to persons of very meane skill. And now to say somewhat for the ignorants sake: The spi∣rit of Vitriol or of Sulphur, or of sower Niter, wel prepared, and seperated from all terrestreitie, doth dissolue corall and pearles.

By which dissolution, an excellent remedy is made to stop the fluxes hepatic, Lienterie, and Dyssenterie, where the liuer hath néed of spéedy corroboration. But they must necessarily be prepa∣red according to Art.* 1.29

But now time and reason perswadeth vs, that we say some∣what concerning the contrarie faculty of this sharpnesse, which is contrary to the other coagulating effect. To doe this, little wit, and lesse labour wil serue. For they which are but meanely séene in the Spargerick Art, and haue bene Chymists a very short time, or if they be but common Apothecaries, they know this, and haue séene it in the preparation of quicksiluer: whose liquor and running nature, no exterior coldnesse, no Elementall frost, how great soeuer the same be,* 1.30 congeale or fixe. But if it be sublimed with Vitriol onely meanely calcined, it will come to passe, that Mercury or quick-siluer which desireth his coagulation as his perfection, by a certaine magnetical vertue, draweth into it selfe that Sulphur, or that Salt Armoniac sharpe of nature, by the be∣nefit whereof, of running it is made solid and firme, so as thou maiest easily handle it.

Being brought into this forme, it is commonly called Su∣blimate. But to make it yet more perfect, those which are care∣ful and skilfull workmen, reiterate their sublimations, ad∣ding

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to this new Vitriol, that by his Salt Armoniac of nature, it may be impregnated. And thus at the last it becommeth solid, and cleare as any Christal Venis-glasse.

Spargeric Phylosophers, can so dispoyle againe this Mer∣curie so prepared, of his coagulation, or of his sharpe Salt Armoniac of nature, that he shal returne to his former state, and of fixed shal become moueable and running. But he is now per∣fectly clened, and is now no more commō Mercury or Hydrar∣gyre,* 1.31 but the Phylosophers Mercury.

And now, if the foresaid water be exhaled or vapored, that there may remaine nothing but a sharpe liquor, like vnto the spirit of Vitriol, thou shalt haue a liquor more excellent then any Vitriola∣ted spirit, and truly spiritual. And so in stéede of a great poyson which was mixed with Mercurie (which was then nothing but a certaine terrestrial corrosiue fire) thou shalt now haue the true spirit of Vitriol: whose greater and better part vaporeth away, is consumed and lost, if it bee extracted according to the common manner, with that great and violent fire by Re∣tort.

This spirit prepared after the saide manner, excéeding good,* 1.32 and a special commaunder of the Epilepste, if it be ad∣ministred by a skilful Physitian, not by an Emperick, with pro∣per and conuenient liquor. And this is one tryal of the vertue of coagulating Mercury.

The same coagulating force of his doth manifestly appeare in those preparations which are called precipitations, which are made with the sharpe spirits of Vitriol and of Sulphur, by the meanes whereof it may be brought into a poulder, which cannot be easily done by fire.

But that it may appeare that this coagulating power of Ar∣moniac of nature, is not oely vppon Mercurie, (ouer whome it can exercise this power) but nothing at all vpon the spirits Niter.* 1.33 Sulphurus of our bodies, with the which quick-siluer hath no simpathy, or conuenience) we wil shew it by a cer∣taine other manifest demonstration, and the same most true: as shall appeare to them which will try it. And in the same

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experiment I wil also teach a very excellent remedy against Gangrena, and all sorts of cankerous Vlcers: if any bee loth to take it inwardly into the body, because of the vrine in∣gredient.

Take the vrine of a boy, betwéene the age of ten and sixtéene, which drinketh wine in good quantity: let it be depured according to Art: Adde hereunto of Romane, or Hungarian Vitriol (for by these the operation wil be the better) I say of the Vitriol, twise so much. Put it to digestion in Balneo Mar, which is moyst, by the space of fixe or eight dayes, in one, or in seueral glasse Allem∣bicks. For there is required much matter. This digestion be∣ing ended,* 1.34 thou shalt increase the fire of Balne til the water 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Presently set on a head with a receiuer, and distill the water.

And the same which first commeth forth, is an excellent Oph∣thalmick water for the eyes. The second something more sharp then the former,* 1.35 is excellent good to asswage the paines of the Gout.

Thus goe forward, brging the heate of the Balne, or else by hote ashes, vntill the matter in the bottom of the Alembic re∣maine like vnto hony. The which afterward thou shalt put into an yron vessel, and putting fire vnder it, stirre it continually with an yron spattle, that it cleane not too: & this thou shalt conti∣nue so long, vntil all the liquor is vapored away, and that there remaineth onely the Salt of Vitriol, and of the vrine dry in the bottome, and in a certaine masse. This being pouldred, put it in∣to a cornute, wel luted, hauing a wide receiuer, wel closed, that the spirits issue not forth. Then put to a vehement fire, such as is néedful for the making of strong water, or the spirit of Vitri∣oll.

But the fire must bee moderated by degrées, vntill it come to the highest degrée, as Art requireth. And then at the last you shall sée the receiuer filled euery where with white spirits, which in that great heate will be congealed as it were into Is-ickels, hauing all bout the body of the receiuer:

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much like vnto the hayse or white thréedes, which in time of frost are congealed out of foggy mistes, and doe hang vpon the trées. These are the spirits of the Salt, which through the vehe∣ment heate of the fire, are thus formed.

This Ise may be kept,* 1.36 after the maner of Salt Niter. Wher∣of if thou giue one scruple or halfe a scruple, in broath, wine, or o∣ther conuenient liquor, it will shewe it selfe an excellent remedy against all obstructions of the Liuer and of the spleene, it prouo∣keth vrines, and is also a special remedy against the Stone.

The same Ise being brought into water (for it will easily be dissolued) is a principal remedy for Inflamations and Gangre∣nas,* 1.37 which very sodainly it extinguisheth. Out of this so faire and noble experient, euery true Phylosopher and Physitian, will take occasion of séeking and searching further then the com∣mon sort are woont:* 1.38 and so he may more certainly finde out the causes of stones congealed, which are ingendred of the same salts or tartarous matter in diuers parts of our body.

He will also haue more quick insight into many other diseases which come by the coagulation of the foresaid sharp and Vitcio∣lated spirits, or else of the euaporations of other most sharpe spi∣rits, from whence Inflamations, and gouty paines with swel∣lings doe spring, by the inward vertue of the thickened spirits a∣foresaid. These things being thus knowne, a remedy wil easily be found to mittigate, and to dissolue such calculous and stony matter, if we marke and consider diligently, where that sharpe vertue lyeth hidden, and wherein also the coagulatiue propertie of the said spirits are.

Also the same contemplation, will giue occasion to prie in∣to the diuers and sundry meteors, which shewe themselues in man, the little world, out of those continual vapours and exha∣lations which are lifted vp from the lower belly (which we fitly cōpare with the earth) into the aire, that is to say, into the vpper∣most region of the body, the braine. So it shal appeare, that from the Mercurial vapours, thickened into cloudes through the coldnesse of the braine, and by the same not able to be dispressed, doe fall sometimes moderate showers, and simple in shewe,

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and sometime out of thicke clouds abundance of waters. Wher∣of come either gentle Rheumes, o violent catarres, which are called suffocatiue, because the matter rusheth after a certaine vio∣lent maner, vpon the vital partes. Furthermore, out of the same contemplations thou shalt finde the true original of windes, of haile, of snowe, whereof commeth the tingling in the eares, the Palsey, the Apoplexe, and such like deseases, stirred vp from the Mercurial thickened vapours. The which diseases come not (as some doth thinke) because of coldnesse onely: but the cause also thereof is the sharpenesse of Salt vitriolated, which being mixed with those Mercurial vapours, doth suddenly coagulate and con∣geale them: and this is the cause of Apoplexes and such like. For to take an example from our owne body, to manifest this thing, the vrine which we make, is so replenished with these mercurial humours, mixed with sharpe salt, that it hath force and power to coagulate. Wherefore this which wee haue saide must simply be granted vnto vs that Salt-Armoniac of natural sharpe,* 1.39 hath force to dissolue bodies, and to coagulate spirits, as wee haue plainely declared in the foresaid experiments.

But paraduenture some yong scoffing Scholler, which ne∣uer knew what Phylosophie ment, with great confidence and no shame (as of late one which shewed him selfe an Asse and Calfe, and yet of a ripe wit did) dare rise vp against vs and sa that in our body, no vitriolated nature can bée found, nor an thing like vnto it. But this fellowe and such like, wée w teach sufficiently and moderately (if they wil not refuse to learne in our booke concerning the hidden nature of things, and the per∣fection of art, where wée wil declare this thing, and many other profitable questions, necessary for a true Phisitian. But yet not to let the matter vtterly passe, without some thing spoken con∣cerning this point, I wil vtter my selfe in fewe words.

First of al I wish, that exact consideration bée had, which is that fire of nature, and which is the authour of the concoction of meate in our stomach, which dissolueth & chaungeth the same, and that in so short a time, as neither séething water, nor elementarie

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fire can doe, no not in long time. Let them also I pray you con∣sider what is the cause of that dog-like appetite which some men haue, by which they are woont so readily to consume all the meat in their stomach, that nature hath scarce lawful space to nourish her selfe: and from whence this insatiable hunger commeth. According to the common opinion, it befalleth some man to haue this appetite, by reason of a certaine sharpe and melancholick hu∣mour, which being thrust downe into his sides, doth sometimes boyle vp like most strong vinegar, or rather in déed like oile of vi∣triol, or like some such dissoluing and deuouring thing.* 1.40 For tru∣ly, if that sharpnesse were diligently considered, and throughly looked into by Phylosophical anatomie, it would easily be iudged by good and indifferent men, that it should not more vnfitly to bée sayde vitriolated, than melancholicke: nay more aptly and better: because melancholie, neither can, nor hath béen woont to worke such effects, except by the sowrenesse aforesaid. For by this manner of speaking, the dissoluing vertue, and al other properties, are in farre better sort expressed, which shal easily appeare in him which wil throughly sann and weigh al things.

And what doth let vs now, to call such faculties and humours vitriolated, when as al their properties and forces, doe come so néere to the nature of vitriol? Shal it bée frée and permitted to common Physitians,* 1.41 to cal choler, Aeruginus, Vitelline, & Pro∣racious, for the likenesse & affinitie of those things from whence the name is borrowed: and why then shal it not bée lawful for vs to doe the like, and to say that humors are vitriolated, be∣cause they partake of the nature of vitriole?

But let vs returne is our Meteors which are in our bodie: hauing already spoken of them which are raised vp by the va∣pours of mercurial liquors, which haue a similitude with the wa∣tery, and also with those which procéed out of the méere vapours of the earth of the great world. Now it remaineth that wée say something also of the others.

Therefore euen as as the vapours and exhalations sulphu∣rus, Nitrous, or Antimonial, carryed vp out of the eath into the

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Ayre and cloudes,* 1.42 doe cause fiery Meteors, Corrscations, Light∣nings, Thundrings, Comets, and such like: euen so also in our bodyes, from the fumes and smoakie euaporations procéeding from burnt and scorched blood, and from so manifold and diuers tartarous, sulphurus, and niterous fumes, with the which our bowels doe abound, the like Meteors are produced. For such fuming matter, lying burning in the sides, néere to the Liuer and the Spléen, hindered by windinesse, being thereof caused, or else stirred vp by an immoderate and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heate, being at the the last lifted vp and carried into the braine,* 1.43 and therin set an fire, stirre vp Meteors, long madnesses, burning phrenzies, setled melanchollies, dotings, paines of the head, falling sicknes∣ses, and many such like. Some of these continue long, by rea∣son of the clammie hardinesse or aboundance of the matter, as madnesse: other some are sooner gone, as Phrenzies: some doe more fearsely exercise a man, some more gently, according as the saide fuming matters bée more or lesse sharpe, abundant, cleauing, Salt, sulphurus, or of qualitie more or lesse inflame∣able, or by any manner of other meanes hurtfull. For there is great diuersitie of these fumie matters: no lesse than wée sée differences of fires and smoakes in combustible woods, whereof some are more clammie, some more salt, some sulphu∣rus, and such like diuersities.

The same diuersitie also is to bée séene in the separation of the spirits of Léese, of Ale, of Cider, of Wine, of Hydromel, and of such like drinkes, the diuersititie whereof doth manifestly appeare, by the odours which doe abundantly ascend into the nose.

Also in Saltes, Sulphurs and oyles, which are distilled, the diuersitie of vapoures, (which are nothing but the spirits pro∣duced out of many tartarous matters) doe manifestly de∣clare the same. For of these, some are sharpe, some sowre, some biting, some stinking, some odoriferous, some so pearcing, that the very odour doth strike the brayne, and doe cause extraordinary néesing, or else by some other

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meanes doe hurt the braine, dazeling, dulling, or troubling the spirits, or else by fumes which are sulphurus and stupefactiue.

The same differences are to be made in Antimonials, Arse∣nicals, and Mineral humours, or vapours, and that out of their effect, either seplic putrifying, or caustic burning, the which effects are in the said fumes, by the meanes of salt. Such pearcing fumes are too wel knowne, and felt of our eyes oftentimes, to which they bring by their sharpenesse, paines, inflamations, and flowing of teares. Héereupon out of this diuersitie of fumes, there arise diuers passions, in continuance, in maladie, and in ve∣mencie, more or lesse inuading and troubling, according to the nature, mineral, and condition of the qualitie or quantitie of the exhalations, and of their substances, which are lifted vp with them, as it were in a certaine chariot.

Moreouer, we sée in the bowels of the earth of the little world, man, no lesse then in the great worlds belly: in the bellies I say of both, almost the same effects are to bée seene of Meteors, as wel waterie as fierie. For example, the Tympanie, the swelling of the Coddes, windinesse of the stomach, and bellie: al which doe represent the windes, raynes, and Earth-quakes of the earth: and the waters within the body, and betwéene the skin and the flesh, doe represent the Sea, the Riuers and Springs of the earth.

Also there are in man diuers fierie Meteors, by reason of the exhalations, of the Niterous and Sulphurus spirits, which being set on fire, stirre vp such diuersities of Feauers and infla∣mations.

There are bred also in man, diuers metallic substances, as landes, and stones, which are commonly ingendered in diuers parts of his bodie, as in his bowels, stomach, gaule, spléene, ly∣uer, yea, in the lunges and braine: but more often in the reynes and bladder, which are the most fertile mines of al the rest.

There are also procreated in mans bodie, certaine concreate & congealed Iuices; as many kindes of Sulphurs, but of Saltes more differences, vitriolated, alluminous, niterous, and Gem∣meus. Salt-gemme, or common salt, is plentifull in Salt spittle:

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sower Salt-Armoniac, in sower flegme or spittle, and also in a certaine kinde of sower melancholy: salt vitriolated and of the colour of rustie metal, in choller that is of the same complexion: Salt aluminous, pricking and stiptick, in glassy fleame, of the same qualitie: Salt niterous and bitter, in bitter choller. More∣ouer, Vrines which are wholy niterous,* 1.44 doe represent a matter most like to Niter. There are also in this little worlde, as also in the greater world, found many differences of Salts: as a su∣gered salt, in swéete flegme: as also an Arsenical and corroding Salt, in malignant and pestilent humours. From the resoluti∣ons of the which Saltes, but most especially of the stiplick or cor∣roding salts, come certaine kindes of Chollickes, which after∣wards degenerate into contractions of the bowels: From the corrosiue Salts spring diuers kindes of disenterie fluxes: from the brinish salts, come the burnings of Vlrines: from the tart Salts, commeth the appetite of the Stomach: from the Arsenicall Salts, comes Carbuncles cankerous Vlcers, running pockes, & such like. And of the congelations of these salts, comes Goutes, Stones, Scirrhus hardnesse, and diuers kindes of ob∣structions, according to the diuersitie of tartars, and of Salts which are ingendred and procreate to nature, in our body. From these things, are the causes of diseases in mans body, to be truely and exactly learned and discerned: without the which wée shal in vaine séeke for remedies.

But to make al which, hath béene hitherto spoken more plaine, wée wil adde certayne manifest demonstrations, and playne to sense, but yet in as briefe manner as I can, séeing wée haue reserued a more ample and special Treatise of these things to our worke, concerning the hidden nature of things.

It is known and confessed of al, by the Edict of Hyppocrates, the chiefest Authour of Phisitians, that our body consisteth of things containing of things contained, and of things en∣forcing. The things containing, are the solide and more firme partes, as the bones, gristles, ligaments, flesh, which doe containe, and as it were restraine, the more soft and delicate parts.

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The contents are in a two-fold difference: some are violent breathing out, and enforcing: (as Physitians speake) other∣some moystening, and flowing out. The first sort, are the spi∣rits of our radical Balsam, which they call naturall spirits, whether they bée firmely fixed in any one part, or whether they haue scope and recourse throughout the whole body; gene∣rated of the most pure substance spiritual of the Sulphurus li∣quor, and of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the nourishments of our life. Further∣more, they diuide the spirits, into natural, vital, and animal.

All these, are either natural and pure, or else impure and se∣culent. The one are of a most pure nature, ethereal and conser∣uers of life: the other grosse and impure in comparison of them, subiect to alterations, for that they participate much of the secu∣lent impuritie of Mercurie, and of the liquors of Salt, and also of the aliments of Sulphur: of the which beginnings wée doe consist, as wée said before. The moystening parts are mercu∣curial liquors, or that which they commonly call humours, as well the natural, profiting and nourishing, which retaine some∣what of the spirit of life, as the vnprofitable and excremental.

The out-flowing and breathing foorth, are the breathes, vnder which name also wée comprehend the vapours, of the which we made mention before: which vapours are a distillation, and that moyst euaporation, taken from the more watery part of humo∣ral or mercurial things: or else a dry exhalation; of Sulphurus and tartarous things, and of Salts of our body.

And such exhalations also are no other thing, but fumes and spiritual smoakes, but yet excremental, and therefore superflu∣ous. For beside those first seperations, which nature maketh out of the more grosse part of nourishments, by the excretion and separation of the ordinarie impure feces: there are yet al∣so in the Chylus, or good Iuice, and in the very blood, which of all other humours are most noble, certaine super∣fluous impurities, which for the same cause Nature se∣perateth.

Therefore the more myst superfluities are separated by eua∣porations, and those onely which are seperated in the third con∣coction,

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which could not be made semblable or like to the nou∣rishing parts. For the which cause nature expelleth them by in¦sensible passages, euē through the pores of the skin, that our natu¦ral heate may the more fréely be winded by the ayre, and the bur∣ning of the heart comforted.

The breathing superfluities also, doe paticipate as much of the drie as of the moyst: that is to say, of those which are exhaled and euaporated out of the sulphurus salt matters, and mercurial liquors. Whereof the more thinne and breathie part, passe by insensible transpirations: the more waterie, by sweates: but the more foule, and that which is feculent, cleaueth to the out∣side of the skinne.

But now, if such vapouring exhalations be retained stil in our body, (the which sometime commeth to passe through the cold∣nesse of the ayre cōpassing vs about,* 1.45 by the shrinking of the skin, by occasion of place, or of age, by intemperate life, by a naturall disposition, by the thicknesse of the skinne, or by such like occasi∣ons) then it cannot be, but that such bodies shal be subiect to ma∣ny other diseases, than those whereof we haue spoken before.

It is also to bée remembred in this place, that in all these eua∣porations, & ordinarie exhalations, somewhat of our substance∣tying nectar of life, or of our radical Balsam, doth also breathe a∣way. The which breathing, if it be gently and sparingly, and without all manner violence and force, but by a certaine volun∣tarie continuance, and naturall, then our age is prolonged, in the meane time declining to extreame old age by little and little, vn∣till al our water of life, or radical oyle (which continueth the lampe of our life) be consumed.

But if the sayd exhalation or breathing bée violently and suddenly enforced, as it commeth to passe in burning fea∣uours, and in many other sicknesses, faintings, passions, and most vehement motions of the spirits of our body, then our life shall be preuented before age. Haereupon commeth the vntime∣ly, and in some sort, the violant death of many: and yet the cause of such violence comming from an internal occasion.

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And because it is very pertinent and necessarie, that wée rightly vnderstand those things which wée haue now spoken, concerning the natures of the contents in vs, that is to say, of the enforcings, moystenings, and out-flowings: and so much the rather, because by them wée come to the knowledge of our pirits, and of our radicial moysture, or nectar of life, and also to the causes of the conseruation, prolongation, destruction, and abreuiation of our life, I wil therefore now declare them all by an example, whereby euery one which wil giue eare, may come to the perfect knowledge of those things.

And yet wée doe not much estéeme presumptions, probable reasons, or authorities, but wée wil ground our demonstration vppon the very senses themselues, that those things which wée speake, may bée both séene and felt. And if so bée any bée so farre deuoyd of shame, that hée will yet obstinately contradict vs, we will say to him, as sometime Aerrho said: One experience, is more of value, than many reasons. Experience cannot bée without sense: & he which denieth sense, is worthy to haue no vse of sense.

And forasmuch as Aristotle sayd, that the foundation of all demonstration is in sense, Who is hee that dare gainesay it.

Therefore wée wil take Wine againe for an example, forsomuch as wée vsed the same before. In which wine how apparantly and manifestly doe such separations; and excrements appeare to bée made? And this it doth by his owne proper nature, that the more easily the nature of either of them, and of both, may manifestly bée knowen by this Ana∣logie and resemblance which it hath with our blood. For by the clensing of wine, wée know the vitall Anatomie of our blood: and by the same it will appeare which are our na∣tural spirits ethereal, as also which is our natiue heate, and ra∣dicall moysture, which two doe vphold our body, and defend our life, and of whose helpe either of them haue néede: forasmuch as that radicall moysture is the foode and nouri∣sher of heate, and this same heate subsisteth by the benefite of that moysture.

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Thus these two replenished with spirit, and as it were knit together, are spred and diffused through the whole body. By this same example, the difference betwéene nourishing vital humidi∣tie, and that which is vnprofitable and excremental, wil plainly appeare. Furthermore, it wil appeare which be moyst, and which be dry, in that kind of moystures which are outflowing: and which of them are hurtful to our nature, and which profitable. By which anatomie of blood, the reader willing to learne, shal profit more (as I thinke) because we referre those foure humors, (whereof they make blood one) to the very same, and doe by a certaine analogie and resemblance, compare it therewith. But to come to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Therefore when the wine is prepared, the clusters of grapes are crushed in the wine-presse first, and the skinnes and kernels with the stalkes are throwne away. Then the vnprofitable clen∣sings and excrements, being partly by mans industrie, and part∣ly by the nature of the wine it selfe being reiected, the wine is powred into caskes and vessels. In these, digestion being made, by his owne force, it seperateth and purgeth forth together those se∣culent and more grosse superfluities. This done, the wine is all most perfect, and fit for drinke and nourishment.

That first artificiall preperation of wine, (which is made by the expression and separation of the Vintners) doth after a cer∣taine manner represent vnto vs, the preparation of wheate, in the which separation, the chaffe and the branne being taken a∣way, the rest is groūd into meale, that it may be more fit for nou∣rishment. Euen so in like maner in our mouthes, first preparati∣on of the flesh is made from the bones, or such like: And the ex∣pression or grinding is made with the mouth and téeth, then af∣ter due chewing, the meate is sent down into the stomach. This is the first resembled preparation of our nourishment, with that first preparation of wine, and wheate, and that which is put into our stomach, answereth that wine, which at the first is put into vessels, & the meale which is ground. Therefore after this, there is another working in the stomach by nature. For whatsoeuer the stomach receiueth, it concocteth, and digesteth: yea all kind of

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meates mixed together, like wine in his cask, or any other kind of drinke, made of hony, fruites, barley, or of water wherein di∣uers things are sodden.

The stomach therefore is that vessell of nature, wherein not only the matter put into it is concocted and digested: but also it is the same which seperateth the tartarous feces, and whatsoeuer is excremental therein, by such passages and vents, as nature hath prouided to that end. At the length after much purifying, the blood is clensed, being the red fountaine, and the original of the spirits of our life: euen like as wine which throughly fined is pre∣ferred before all others, which serue for the nourishing and resto∣ring of our life. But let vs now procéede. 〈…〉〈…〉.

Out of this artificial wine, with the h••••pe of gentle fire, by circulatorie vessels (as they terme them) is extracted a fire of nature, which attendeth the radical moysture: namely, a water of life, wholy fiery and ethereal, a quintessence, altogether spiritual, and almost of an incorruptible nature.

After the very same manner, through the benefite of na∣ture, and by Circulation which is made by the heate of the Heart, and of the Liuer, there is generated and extracted in vs that quickening fire, accompanied and nourished with his proper vnctuous humour, and radical, which is the water of life, and true and quickening Nectar, the quintessence, and almost the ethereal spirit, the incorruptible vpholder and conseruer of our life.

This also here by the way commeth to be noted in the ope∣ratiō of the foresaid wine, which is also worthy the marking and admiration: namely, that two or thrée fiery coales and no moe, put vnder a large vessel or chaldrone,* 1.46 (which may containe sixe gallons, will heate the same wine, and will procure the spirit of wine to distill: when as by that small heate, a much lesse por∣tion of water, cannot bée made blood warme. But which is more to bée maruailed at and obserued, when the same spirit of wine, doth passe through the Colunrina (as they terme it) namely by very long cunduites and pipes of brasse reforsed, fit for this distillation, it doth so heate them, as also a whole

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pipeful of cold water-besid and far enough from fire, (in the which the saide pipes are moystened) that a man may scarce handle them. The which is to bee attributed to the great heate which the spirit of wine giueth to the colde water pas∣sing through the foresaide pipes. For when all the spirit of wine is distilled forth; although thou put vnder the saide ves∣sell a much more vehement fire, yet thou shalt féele the heate of that water in the vessel contained, to bée extinguished and cooled. The which should put vs in minde what is the next cause and original of natural or connatural heate in vs: for this heate is stirres vp in vs by the continual circulation of the quic∣kening spirit of our blood.

When all this water of life is at last distilled forth by a cer∣taine internal, external, and violent heate, or else vtterly wasted by progresse of time, then doth appeare the extinction of that quickening heate, and cold death insueth. But to returne to the matter.

After the extraction of the true Aqua-Vitae, or spirit of wine, (which is the whole purity of those thrée substantial beginnings) whole liquor representeth Mercury, whose flame, which it readily conceiueth, sheweth the Sulphurus nature, and the excéeding strong taste, declareth the spirit of Salt Armoniac) there remaineth great plenty of ••••eame, or of Mercurial wa∣ter, which as yet containeth some quantity of spirit of wine.

But the last remainder is no better then vnprofitable water, which soone corrupteth in like manner, after the extraction of the water of life, (which is truly spiritual,) from out of our blood, there remaineth in our body, that moyst and moy∣stening liquor, which is partly nourishing, and partly excre∣mentall, as is saide afore. Lastly, there remaine ouer and aboue the former, the Feces Tartarous residen∣ces, and Niterus Sulphurus matter, which containe many stinking Impurities, as also greate plentie of Salt.

The impurities, doe sufficiently shewe the impurities in

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the eyes, and filthy stinkes out of the nosthrils, where as diuers oyles are distilled out of the said feces by vehement fire. And out of the very feces there is extracted Salt, if they be calcined, and the same is also fixed with his proper fleame, as we haue shewed afore in the working of the same vegetable. This Salt is made Volatil, with Salt Armoniac, flying contained in his own spirit, or water of life, procéeding as we haue already shewed.

In like sort in blood, beside that spirit of life and Mercurial li∣quor, (which two may in very déede be seperated from blood it selfe, and shewed to the eye, after conuenient digestions, in the heate of Balne Mary, which resembleth the heate of nature, that it may the better and more easily appeare, how the same heate, and the same nature in vs, maketh the same seperations and o∣perations) I say, beside those two, a certaine soft consistence like liquor, wil reside in the bottome, wherein thou shalt finde many impurities, to be séene and smelt, if the same matter be dryed vp∣on a fire of ashes, proportionable to the heate of a feauer, and no greater.

This Niter-Sulphurus stinke is that, which manifestly cau∣seth in vs fiery meteors, as wel in the vpper, as in the inferiour part of the body, and which bringeth forth innumerable passions and paines beside, as is already shewed afore.

So also by the force of the fire, Sulphurs and oyles, thick and gluing like pitch, may be seperated out of the feces and tartar of blood, no lesse then out of wine, so offensiue with stinke, as thou art not able to abide the odour thereof: whereof, how many dis∣eases may arise in our bodies, euery man may easily coniecture.

This done, there wil remaine ashes, out of which a Salt is extracted, the which (by the vertue of the Salt Armoniac of na∣ture) may be made Volatil, and the very same which Lullie cal∣leth the greater Lunarie, for the imitation of the vegetable work. This worke is very admirable, by which the true Numie, the vniuersal Medicine, and the true Balsam conseruing and resto∣ring nature is made. And this is the true and vital anatomie of blood, which by manifest demonstration we haue shewed, that it hath a great analogie, proportion and resemblance with wine:

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when as a true Phylosopher, as wel out of the one as out of the other (sauing that the one requireth greater artifice) knoweth how to seperate waters of life méerely spirituall, which are saide to be very forcible and strong: and beside these, Mercuriall li∣quors, which are as wel profitable as hurtful, which are also moystening: and finally, which knoweth how to extract vapors, and exhalations fuming, which are called out-flowings.

Now therefore, if so be in wine, which we easily vse to nourish our bodies, and the same pure and cleare after the seperation of the spirit thereof, we sée and behold so many vnkindly things, and so impure; how many more grosse impurities I pray you shall we finde in the Lées of wines cleaning to the caskes, and in the grosse residence of the same?

They which knowe and vnderstand that great and excée∣ding blacknesse of wine lées (which is manifestly to be séene in the calcination thereof) and the sepreation of his spirit, and of his oyle, red, blacke and stinking, which is done by destillation, they (I say) can giue cleare testimony and credibly informe, what a great stinke there is in the Sulphur thereof: and how great the acrimony and byting sharpnesse is in the same tar∣tar or lées, by reason of the Salt which is extracted out of the same, and the oyle which is made by the resolution of the same Salt of tartar. And trust mée, in the feces of the same wine, there are found, beside the things already spoken, those matters which are more grosse, impure and stinking, as they wel knowe, who to calcine them into ashes (which they call clanelated) are compelled to goe out of the Cities into the fieldes, and places further off, by reason of their excéeding infecti∣on and stinke, with the which they are wont to infect the places néere adioyning.

What maruaile is it then, as is shewed afore, if in our blood, after the seperation of the true spirit, there are found so ma∣ny vnkindly, tartarous, stinking and Sulphurus impuri∣ties? But what maruaile I say, if more and greater impu∣rities and stinkes, are to bee found in diuers of the Hete∣rogeneal parts of the Chylus, or best matter digested in the

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stomach for nourishment, from whence blood draweth his first be∣ginning of his composition? That tartar or lées, is of the blood which cleaueth to the vessels of the bowels. Now the feces of the Chylus are nothing else, but that huge heape of excrements of diuers sorts, which are in that nourishment existing in diuers parts of the body. And when those Niter-Sulphurus and tar∣tarous impurities, cannot by nature be digested, ouercome and expelled, they stuffe the bowels, they are made the seminarie and store-house of most grieuous sicknesses: so that if we will con∣fesse ye truth, we must of necessity say with great Hipocrates, that sicknesses haue both their séedes, and also their rootes in our bo∣dies: the which most euidently appeareth by the foresaide com∣parison of wine and blood. The which standeth vpon apparant and sensible foundations, and not vpon doubtfull figments and Imaginations.

And as we sée in the spring times, when nature putteth forth her flowers, that the lées of wine, are mixed with the wine it selfe, and doe trouble it, and oftentimes corrupt it: and that as in the excéeding heate of the Sommer Sunne, the more hote Sulphurus part of the same wine, that is, the spirit, may and is woont to vapour away, whereof followeth the corruption of the same wine: euen so also, about the same seasons and times, the feces, and tartarous heape mixed with our blood, doth at the last peruert, and corrupt it: hereof commeth the occasion and multiplication of sicknesses. For the spirit of blood being disprearced and seperated, both by external and also by inter∣nal heate, it must needes bée corrupted, to the which corrup∣tion, arising of the said causes, the cause of many sicknesses is rather to be referred, then to those bare simple qualities, of hote and cold, dry and moyst.

As therefore we haue taught in the seperation of the true spi∣rit of wine (which resembleth the celestiall and spiritual Nectar of our life) many impurities thereof doe manifestly appeare: euen so, and after the very same sort, it fareth with wheate with fruits, and with meates and drinkes prepared of them, and generally with all other vegetable things, procéeding after the same maner

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as we haue said, concerning wine. For they haue no light propor∣tion with our blood; according to this saying: We are nourished with those things whereof we consist: which thou maiest aptly turne and say; we consist of those things, wherewith we are nou∣rished. But the one partaketh of the other, or of this or of that more then of the other: as for example, of the spirit, of the Mer∣curial liquor, of Salt, of the feces, & of the stinking & vnprofitable excremēts: which is the reason, that out of this or that more com∣mendable kinde of meate, the more worthy and commendable blood is generated.

Therefore to adde one example more in stéed of a surplussage of waight, let it not be forgotten, that out of Hydromel, Cider, Ale, or such like kind of drinkes, & out of their feces, the same pre∣parations and seperations, as wel of a commendable liquor, as of feces, may be made after the same maner, as we haue before shewed to be done concerning wine: and that the beginnings and heterogeneall and vnnaturall parts, may in the same sort be extracted out of these, as out of that other.

To conclude, thou maiest with better successe learne the be∣ginnings of sicknesses, by making a comparison betwéene the preparation and seperation of those things which giue nourish∣ment vnto man, and our blood, then if according to the cōmon maner thou haue recourse to the humours, & bare qualities, and so to séeke out and discerne the causes & originals of sicknesses, by a certaine witty contemplation, rather then by that which is more true and infallible.

Thus we haue thought good to set down these things by way of anticipation, concerning the exact, and internal anatomy of hu∣mours, & concerning also the artificiall examining of them: both that thereby it might appeare from whence the natural impres∣sions of things, & the infallible causes of diseases are to be sought, as also that the true Philosophers & Physitians may vnderstand thereby the way to cōpound prepare, and administer artificially medicines and remedies, which now we intend to shew, euen according to the order and method of the Dogmatickes. So as wée thinke it not good, vtterly to reiect the olde, nor wholy to followe the newe, but to restore the old forme of compositi∣on

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of Medicines increased and amended with many of our in∣uentions, experiments, and compositions, for the publique good, and for the health of the sicke, as also for the instruction of some ignorant Physitians.

An Elixir of our description. A wonderfull remedy to cure inueterate and almost de∣sperate diseases, and to conserue health, and to prolong life, as followeth.

TAke of the roote of Zedoary, of Angelica, of Gentian, of Va∣lerian, Tormentil, or Setfoyle, Goates beard, Galanga, the wood Aloes, and citrine or yeallow Sanders, of each thrée Ounces. Of Baume, of red Mint, Maioran, Basil, Hysope, Ger∣mander, Chamepithis, of each halfe a handfull: of Lawrell Ber∣ries & Iuniper, of the séedes Peony, of Seseli, or Comin, of Anis, of Mugwoort, of Cardus-Benedictus, of each two ounces: the barke of Citrine, of Missel of the oake, and of all the Mirabolans, of each one Ounce. Cloues, Cinamum, Mace, Ginger, Cubebs, Cardamony, Pepper, long and round, Spikenard, of each one ounce and a halfe. Aloes Hepat, Myrrhe, Olebanum, Mastic, of each sixe Drachmes. The flowers of Rosemary, of Sage, of Stechados, of Mary-golds, of Saint Ihons woort, of centaury the lesser, of Betonie, of the Linden tree, of each so many as yée can gripe with two fingers and the thumbe at twise: of the flowers of Chicory, commonly called Suckary, of red Roses, and of Bu∣glosse, of each one gripe in like sort onely, of gruat hony, and of white Suger, of each one pound. Of Aqua-Vitae after the best maner rectified ten pound. Cut that which is to be cut, and beate that which is to be beaten.

All these things being put into a large Matrat, and close stopt that no breath come forth, set in horse-dung meanely hote, by the space of eight or ten dayes, to putrifie.

Being putrified, let them be hard and well pressed or strained, and put the liquor distrained into an Allembic, and distill it by a Cornute, at aconuenient fire.

The first water which commeth forth from the distrained

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liquor wil be most cleare: kéepe it by it selfe for it is precious.

Thy Receiuer being of glasse must be of good receit, and must be passing wel closed with the Cornute by the necke, that the least vapour come not forth. And when the Receyuer begin∣neth to bée darkened, and to be filled with white spirits, thou shalt increase thy fire by degrées a little and a little, according to arte, vntil the said whited spirits appeare no more.* 1.47

Then take away the Receiuer, that thou mayst put by it self that water which commeth foorth the second time, and kéepe it wel: it is called the mother of Balsam, being very profitable to roote out many sicknesses, and to conserue health.

Then againe put to thy Receyuer,* 1.48 and increase thy fire by degrées,* 1.49 as thou didst before, so long vntil at the first, there distill foorth a yealow oyle:* 1.50 after that a red oyle, the matters in the Matrat remaining drie: and yet not throughly drie, least the li∣quor which shall distil foorth doe smel of burning.

These things done, take that most cléere water which came forth first of all in good plentie: powre it vpon the feces remay∣ning: and make them to digest together by the space of 6. or 7. dayes, at the heate of Baln-marie, vntil the water be coloured and waxe yellow:* 1.51 that is to say, vntill it hath attracted the more fierie and oylie portion of the matter:* 1.52 and the feces which shall remaine,* 1.53 when they haue yéelded their whole tincture to the fore∣said water, reserue and kéepe apart to such vse as herafter shal be declared.

(But if you think good, you may reserue a portion of euery of the said liquors to such medicinable vses as is before shewed, and vse the rest in the progresse of the foresaid worke, and in the subse∣quent.)

After you haue drawne the foresaid liquors, & that also which tooke last tincture from the feces, thou shalt mixe them together, that from thence thou mayest extract a farre more Elixir of life, than the former, and most precious: procéeding in manner fol∣lowing.

When thou haste mixed the foresaid thrée liquors together,* 1.54 thou shalt distil them by a Corrnute, or by a glasse Allembic, pre∣termitting

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al digestion, vsing in other than the sayd mixture: vse and follow the same way & order, which thou diddest before, se∣perating the Elements, and beginnings of liquors.

For thou shalt draw out of the first most cleare water, which thou shalt reserue by it selfe, namely, at such time as thou shalt perceiue the receiuer to be darkened with a cloudie fume: then chaunging the Receiuer, and putting too fire as thou didst be∣fore, thou shalt continue it so long, vntil thou sée the liquor to issue foorth of yealow colour, the which also thou shalt kéepe apart as thou diddest the former.

In the meane time while the foresaide distillations, or sepe∣rations of Elements, that is to say, of the two beginnings, Mercurie and Sulphur, are in hand, thou shalt calcine, at a Reuerberatorie fire, the Feces which thou reseruedst before: out of the which, being brought to ashes, thou shalt extract salt, according to Arte, with thy first most cleare water; the water seasoned with his Salt, shal be mingled with the other two li∣quors which were reserued, that so at the least out of a Try∣angle, thou mayest make a Circle O, as Philosophers speake: that is to say, that out of those thrée seueral waters, by circulati∣on (in a Pellican) made according to Arte, there may come foorth one essence: and so by that meanes that great Elixir of life, and admirable secret shal be made.

And not onely made, but also by so short a way, so easie, and so well knowen to true Philosophers, that they know there∣by, how, and in what order to make Elixirs out of all things.

The vertues of this Elixir are vnspeakable, both to the cu∣ring & also to the preuenting of giddinesses in the head, the Fal∣ling sickenesse, Apoplexies, Palsies, madnes, Melancholy, the Asthma, and diseases of the Lungs, faintings and soundings, traunces, weakenesse of the stomach, and of other parts, con∣sumptions procéeding of an euil disposition of the bodies, passi∣ons procéeding from the gaule, and such like heauie and lamen∣table griefes.

Certaine droppes onely of this, being giuen in some conue∣nient

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breath, and fitting for the sicknesse. As for example, against the Epilepsie, with water of Peonie; of Lillyes, Connally, or of flowers of the Linden trée. Against the palsie, with the water Mary goldes: against the pestilence with the water of Goates beard, or of water of Cardus Benedictus: against the Asthma or Tissick, with the water of Scabiose, or of Fole-foote, or such like.

Moreouer this Elixir, is of force to restore and conserue our radial Balsam, if fower or fiue droppes thereof, be giuen in broath, wine, or other conuenient liquor.

But peraduenture thou wilt say, that the preparation of this Elixir, requireth too much labour, & is too tedious. But it is much better and more necessarie to spend the time in things so admira∣ble and of so great importance, than about Medicines that are altogether vnprofitable. And yet to serue euery mans turne, I wil set downe the preparation of an other Eilxir, more easie, and peraduenture more pleasing, to conserue health, and to pro∣long life.

Another Elixir of life most easie to be made.

TAke the Rootes of Gentian slit in pieces, and dryed with a gentle heate, also the roote of the lesser Centaurie, of each thrée ounces. Galanga, Cinimon, Mace, Cloues, of each one ounce. Flowers of Sage, of S. Iohns woort, of each two grypes with two fingers and a thumbe. Of the best white wine 6. pound. Infuse these in a glasse Matrate, wel stopped, by the space of eight dayes, at a gentle fire of Balne-Marie. Then let them be wel streined, & so distilled by a glasse Allembic in ashes, til nothing remaine but drynesse.

Then powre the water distilled vppon the feces, that from them thou mayest drawe away the whole tincture, in a milke warme Balne-Mary:* 1.55 Bring the Feces (after the drawing a∣way of the tincture) into ashes, which thou shalt put into Hyppo∣crates bag, powring the said coloured water oftentimes vpon the ashes, that it may draw vnto it the proper salt.

Giue of this Elixir the fourth part of a spoonefull in some con∣uenient liquor. Vse it a long time. It is a special remedie for all consumptions, for the weaknesse of the stomache, which

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it purgeth from tough and slimy humours which cleane to the same: It stayeth the breeding of wormes, and kéepeth the body in health. Take of this twise in one wéeke and continue with it.

A Treacle-water for the head, helping all paines of the same, proper for the Apoplexie, Epilepsie, Palsey, and such like.

TAke of the rootes of Peony, of Misselto, of common A∣corns or Cane, of each thrée ounces. Of ripe Iunipar∣berryes, and of the séeds of Peony, of each, one ounce: Of Cloues and Maces, of each 6. drachmes. Of Castoreum, halfe an ounce: Of the flowers of Stechados, Mary-gold, Rose∣mary, Sage, Lillyes co••••ally, of the Linden trée, of each, two grypes with two fingers and the thumbe. Cut that which is to bee cut, and beate that which is to bée beaten: and infuse them by the space of 3. dayes, by the heat of a hote Balne, in white wine of the best, 2. pound: and with the waters of Peony, Sage, and of Mary-goldes, of each one pound.

Then straning them hard. To this liquor adde of Treacle of Alexandria, ounces 4. of Anacardine confectionem Meu, one ounce and a halfe, of Diamosch, and Aromatici Gabriel, of each halfe an ounce.

Stéepe or infuse these againe, by the space of two or thrée dayes, at the fire gentle of Blan▪ M. Then straine them againe, and distil them vpon ashes to drinesse: and thereof a Treacle-water will bée made.

A very smal spoonefull of this is sufficient to be giuen at once against the diseases before expressed.

Another Treacle-water cordiall, and comfortable for the heart, very good against al pestiferous effects therof vsed, with great profite.

TAke of the rootes of Angelica, of Cloues, of Goates beard, of Tormentil or Set-foyle, of Bifolium, or two-blades of

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Enula campans, of each two ounces. Of yealow Sanders, and of the barke of the same, of each one ounce and a halfe. Of white Diptani, of Scabiose, of Rus, of Goates beard, otherwise cal∣led Méedwoort, of each one handfull. Of the Flowers of the lesse Centaure, of S. Iohns-woort, of Broome, of Violets, of Borage, of Buglosse, of Water-Lyllie, of Red Roses, of each, a thrée fin∣ger gripe. Put these into 3. pound of Malmesie infused by the space of 4. dayes, set vpon the fire of Baln M. and the Iuice of Lemons, the water Melissa, Aeetouse, and of Roses mingled with the sayd Wine, of each one pound. Then strayne them.

In the liqnor distrained, put of Treacle ounces thrée, of the confection of Hiacinth, one ounce. Of the confection Alchermes, 6. drachmes. Of Diamargarit friged, Diatria Santali, of each 3. drachmes: of Diambre, and Diacoral, of each two drachmes, of Saffron, and Myrrhe, of each halfe a drachme.

Infuse them againe, by the space of two or thrée dayes, at the same fire of Baln. M. Then distil them to drinesse by fire of ashes: and it will be a Treacle water. But to make it the more effectu∣all, the Salt must be extracted out of the feces which remaine, ac∣cording to arte, and then mingeled with the foresaid water.

A water against Poysons, and against all pestilentiall effects.

TAke of the Rootes of Angelica, of the Carline-thistle, of Set-foyle, & of the Barke of the Olibian Trée, of each two ounces, of Cardus Benedictus, of Méede-woort, called Goates beard, of all the Sanders, of each halfe an ounce: the Treacles of Mythridate, and the confection of Hiacinth, of each 2, ounces: the speces of Diamarg. Frigid, Camphor, of each 2. Drachmes. Let these be grossely beaten or brused, & put into a glasse Allembic, powring thereon 3. pound of rectified Aqua vitae. Then let them be digested in a vessel wel closed, & so distilled by ashes, or a vaporous Baln. This water is wonderfull effectuall against poysonful and pestilential effects. The quantitie which must be giuen, is halfe a spoonfull.

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An excellent water to be giuen against Feuers, burning and pestilentiall.

TAke of the rootes of Angelica, Buglosse, of Scorzonerae A∣c••••y, one ounce: of the Treacle Alexandrine, 2 ounces: of the Iuice of Lemons clensed, of the waters Fumetarie, Gotes beard, and Cardui Benedictus, and of the lesser centaure, of each, ounces 4. Diamar••••. Frigid halfe an ounce. Let these lye infused by the space of thrée or 4. dayes: then let them be di∣strained and distilled Of the which let the sicke drinke 4. ounces: and then being well couered in his bed, he shal sweate more than ordinary.

Principall Remedies to ease the torments and extreame paines of the Goute.

TAke of the leaues of Missel, which groweth on the Apple-trée, cut or shred very smal, halfe a pound: the flowers of white Mulline, of Chamomil, of Lyllies, of Wallwoort, or Danewoort, all the kindes of Poppey, with their cases which containe the séed, new gathered, and before they be full ripe, of each one gripe of the 2. fingers and the thumbe, of gréene Frogs, or in stéed of them, the Ielly or sperme of Frogges, which is to be found in standing waters in the Moneth of March, one pound: the séed of white Poppey brused, 4. ounces: of Crabbes of Cra∣fishes shelles, and all beaten or crushed together, 20. in num∣ber: of red Snailes, and Earth-wormes, both wel washed in good white wine, of each 4. ounces: of Badgers grease xe ounces; of Sperma Ceti, 4. ounces: of the oyle of violets or wa∣ter Lilly, newly made, 6 pound: or if you wil, in steede of these oyles, take so much of oyle Oliue.

Put these into a glasse vessel, for that purpose conuenient, and close stopt set it in horse dung by the space of 7. or 8. dayes. But if néed require more haste, let them boyle in a Copper vessel ouer the fire, by the space of two houres, and then straine them strongly. The which also you shalt doe, if they stand in Horse dung to be digested.

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Thou then shalt seperate the oyle from the watery part there∣of according to arte: to the which oyle, thou shalt adde of Saf∣fron 2. ounces, of Camphyre, hale an ounce.

Put all these into a glasse vessel, and set them againe in Horse dung, or in Balneo, or in the Sunne, by the space of 5. dayes, and thou shalt haue a most excellent Balsam to asswage and qua∣lifie all paines of the Goute and in the ioynts.

I wish that all Apothecaries would prepare this, to be rea∣ry at al times for present vse: for that they cannot appoint them∣selues of any thing better than this, which my selfe haue found true by experience.

A plaister to helpe and easie all paines of the Goute.

TAke the marrow or pulpe of Cassia foure ounces, of new Treacle, the newer the better, halfe an ounce. The meale of Barley and Oates, of each three ounces. The crumbes of white bread foure ounces: of Cowe-milke, two or thrée pound.

Let al these be sodden in the forme of a Cataplasme; which thou shalt apply warme to the grieued parts. It thou shalt adde one ounce of vitriol calcined, and beaten into the pouder, thou shal make it much better.

Another Cataplasme.

TAke the distilled water of whyte Mulleyn, and of Ferne, of each halfe a pound: of calcined vitriol as before, one ounce and a halfe of Oate meale 4. ounces: Of Saffron two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make a Cataplasme.

A water against the paine of the Coute.

THis water following prepared in due time, wil much auaile against the greatest paines of the Gout, where there appea∣reth rednesse, and much heat.

Take of the distilled water of the sperme of Frogges, of Hightaper & of Ferne, of each one pound and a halfe. In these infuse Tuttie, and Lytharge of each two ounces: Vitriol calcined and Allum, of each one ounce. Let the grieued parts, be moyste∣ned with linnen clo••••es wet in the same, applyed warme, renuing the same diuers times.

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Another excellent water against the Goute.

TAke of the Sope of Genua, that which is white and good, one ounce. Of liquid Salt, made to runne at a strong fire, one ounce and a halfe: of Vitriol, one ounce: of Acatia, halfe an ounce. Let them all boyle together in a pinte of Rose vinegar, or of common vinegar. With this liquor wash both the greiued partes.

An excellent playster, which being layed vpon the knots and puffes of the Gout, dissolueth them.

TAke of the oyle of Apple Missel, of our description, one or two pound: warme it in a vessel at the fire: béeing made warme, put into it of shaued or scrapings of Sope 4. ounces, let them be well stirred together with a spattle, vntil the oyle and Sope bée wel incorporated together. After this put thereto Venis Ceruse, and Lytharge, of each 2. ounces, euer mingling and stirring them with a spattell▪ of Vitriol calci∣ned til it be red, and pouldred one ounce▪ Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 halfe an ounce. When any of the aforesaid things are put in, stirre it wel til it come to a conuenient thicknesse for a playster: which thou shalt apply to the knots: it helpeth not onely these▪ but also of cal∣lous, and hollow vlcers and pockes.

An excellent water to the same effect.

TAke Vnsickt-Lime, let it lye in Spring water fiue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sixe dayes, that thou mayest draw out the Salt, Let the water be foure or fiue fingers aboue the Lyme. Of this water take 3. pound: in the which thou shalt quench a red hote plate of Stéele, twelue times, and oftener.

After this, thou shalt put therein of burnt copper brought into pouder 3. ounces: of Cinabar, halfe and ounce. Let them stand by the space of foure or fiue dayes, in which time the water will be of a gréene colour, by meanes of the inward vitriol of the burnt copper. This water is an excellent remedy to qualifie and alay suddenly all manner aches and paines.

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A remedy to dissolue the Stone.

AFter some conuenient gentle purgation, let the patient grie∣ued with the Stone, take one little spoonefull of this poulder following, which not onely openeth the conduits prouoking vrine, but also diminisheth and hindereth the growing of the Stone.

Take of the kernels which are in Medlars, Gromel, called Milium Solis, the séedes of the great Burre, Saxifrage, Holly∣hock, Auis séedes, Fennel-séedes, of each thrée drammes: of Chri∣stall stones and of Tartar, fix drammes: of the stones which are called commonly Crabbes eyes, halfe an Ounce, of the Salt of ground Furze, one drachme: of Cinamon one Ounce and a halfe: of Violated Suger, two Ounces and a halfe: mingle these and make a poulder. This poulder being taken, let the partie drinke vpon it, a little wine Iuniperated, or of this water follow∣ing.

Take of the rootes of Eryngium, of ground Furze, and of the fiue rootes apertiue, of each one Ounce: of the barke of Lemons, one Ounce and a halfe: of the foure greater cold séedes, of the séedes of Mallowes, and Hollihock, of each thrée Ounces, of the séedes of Saxifrage, of Gromel, of the greater Radish, of the Bur∣dock, and of ripe Iunipar Berries, of each, Drachmes six: of As∣kakeng Berries, twenty in number, of Iuibes six couple, of Dictam, of the flowers of Broome, of Saint Iohns woort, of Be∣tonie of the greatest Mallow of each two gripes with the thomb and two fingers: of liquirice, two ounces and a halfe: of the wood of Caffia, one Ounce: beate and poulder that which is to be poul∣dered: and let them be stéeped or infused in water of siluer wéed, called wilde Tansey, and of Parietory of the wall, of each one pound and a halfe: of the best white wine two pound, and that by the space of foure daies, in Bal. M. hote: and then let it be strongly strained.

Into the liquor, put of the Species of Diatragaganthum Fri∣gidum, and of the Trochiscks of Alkakenge, without Opium,

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of each one Ounce. Let them be digested againe at the fire of Baln. Mar, by the space of one or two dayes: and let them be dis∣tilled by a glasse Allembic, according to Art. This water also ta∣ken by it selfe alone, c••••teth and thinneth grosse matters, and clenseth the raynes and sucking-vaines, and the bladder, from the stopping of sand and grauel, and freth them from grosse humours.

Of this water by it selfe alone, the dose to be giuen at one time is two Ounces, with some conuenient syrrup.

An other excellent water against the Stone.

TAke the Iuice of Radish, of L••••tns, of each one pound and a halfe, of the waters of Betonie, of wild Tansey, of Saxi∣frage, of Veruaine, of each one pound: of Hydromel, and of Malmesey, two pound. In these liquors mixed together, infuse by the space of foure or fiue dayes at a gentle fire of Baln. Mar, Iunipar Berries ripe and newe gathered, being bruised, thrée Ounces, of Gromel, of the séede of the Burdock, of the greater Radish, of Saxifrage, of Nettels, of Onions, of Anis, of Fenel, of each, one Ounce and a halfe, the foure cold séedes, the séedes of great mallowes, of each six drach••••es: the species of Lithontri, the Electuarie Duis & Iustini Nicolai, of each halfe one Ounce: the Calxe of Egge-shels, Cinamon, of each thrée Drachmes, of Camphore two Drachmes. Let all againe be well distrained and then distilled by ashes.

Two ounces of this water taken, doth wonderfully clense the Counduits, prouoke vrine, and wil breake and expell the Stone. To this if you adde his proper Salt, or one scruple of the extract of Betonie, it will be a more effectual remedy.

Notes

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