Secrets disclosed of consumptions shewing [h]ow to distinguish between scurvy and venereal disease : also, how to prevent and cure the fistula by chymical drops without cutting, also piles, hæmorrhoids, and other diseases / by John Archer.

CHAP. XIV. Of Tobacco its use and great strength. Of prepared To∣bacco. (Book 14)

TObacco being a Drug now ge∣nerally used, especially by Me∣lancholians, and Consumptive People, and many are so accustomed to it, that it is become a second nature; there∣fore I think it but necessary to acquaint all for whom it is good, and that o∣thers may forbear it, if hurtful to their Constitutions before it be too late. I know many Authors have writ of it, have multiplied the Vertues of To∣bacco, ad infinitum, but always re∣member the old Proverb (what is one

mans meat is another mans poison) which is very truly verified in this thing Tobacco; yet it certainly is a good vulnerary Herb as can be used to Wounds in Ointment, or the Leaf it self applied, and especially good a∣gainst scab or itch in Man or Beast; but it is so forcible a worker upon the Brain, as it may be prepared and used, though but only outwardly applied; it is of that force in its nature, that it can kill some Beasts (as I have seen the Experiment of twice) and for ought I know it may do it to others; but I forbear to divulge it, lest evil disposed persons may do mischief by it. Tobacco in its nature is hot and dry, very penetrating, digesting and cleansing, forceably purging the up∣per Ventricle, viz. the Head and Brain, and this it performs by its hot, pene∣trative, attractive quality; and this it doth, as the custom is, by smoaking in a Pipe, to the benefit of some, and great damage of many others: now I

shall acquaint you who may profita∣bly smoak Tobacco, and others may forbear; I say if any persons can take it without too great disturbance to their Constitutions (for I know many can∣not) it is most proper for cold, moist, phlegmatick Constitutions, especially if they have Catarrhs and Distillations, because it draws forth by heat to the mouth those Rheums, and sharp distil∣lations which distill (especially by Night) upon the Lungs, and often ulcerate them, and brings the Body to Consumption and Death, for that is the worst symptom of a Catarrh when it falls upon the Lungs, which by drawing it forth it may be preven∣ted, especially if other good things are added to Tobacco, it may then be a proper Vehicle to strengthen the Brain, and Cure Catarrhs, Distillati∣ons, and prevent and Cure Consump∣tions; which that it may the better do, I have composed a prepared To∣bacco, which hath been much appro∣ved

of, and none beside my self ever published or imparted.