A key to Helmont, or, A short introduction to the better understanding of the theory and method of the most profound chymical physicians

CHAP. VI. Whether there may be an Ʋniversal Medicine, or no.

I Know that it's held negatively in the Schools; and truly, according to their Principles, it seems impossible: for allowing so many formal causes of diseases as they do, it's not to be suppos'd, that one and the same thing should be an adequate removal of them all: but according to my Hypothesis, I conceive there may: for if there be but one formal cause of diseases, and that that cause in it self be homogeneal, and an enemy to diseases, and is forc'd into this disorder through affronts without, or dis∣easie matter within, and still whilst curable, inclining to return to his regular, wonted, and due composure and government, why may not the Spots and Idea's which de∣prave the same, be (though of different colours) oblite∣rated by one Medicine, which is truly adapted to assist its homogeneity, and natural addiction, and thereby enable it to cast off its enemy, of what Nature soever, as a wea∣pon that defends, and maketh a man victorious, though to be us'd in several manners, and to several purposes, as the Combatant's exigency shall require, all tending to the main end of self-preservation and victory. I would not be here understood that I mean by a Panacea, a Medicine that infallibly cureth all diseases (for to such I presume there was no sober man ever pretended to, though our adver∣saries would so construe it, and thereby impose on the ig∣norant and credulous), but such a one that will cure all diseases curable. We see sometimes diseases of the mild∣est

denominations to be so circumstantiated, as to admit of no remedy; and on the other hand, many of the most feral, that are listed among the incurable, to be conquer'd. It sometimes, though rarely falls out, that the vital Spi∣rits are so subjugated, that Art cannot raise them again. Now there are Medicines of universal tendency, and of universal potency. By universal tendency, I understand, a Medicine that adjuvates Nature to do in some cases for the best; and, as I formerly said, so strengthen the vitals an particular cases, as to supply the exigencies of the Pa∣tient, though by contrary effects, and is universally good, though specifically potent: as for instance, the same Me∣dicine that preventeth miscarriage, even when the wisest Midwives think it impossible, being given in equal Dose and same Vehicle when labour cometh, expediteth it; nay, it impowers Nature to turn the Child in the Womb, and bring it away, even when hopes are almost past, and without a hand, saving half the pains, making the after∣pains as nothing, suffering neither Fever, or any other ill accident to happen, invigorating the person, and promo∣ting all things for the best; insomuch, that I never saw the least danger in any Woman lying-in, that us'd it; and the like contrary effects it will produce in other feminine ca∣ses. A Medicine that generally very gently purgeth, yet of it self, without purging, safely cures venereous or cru∣entous dissenteries. The like I may say, in some cases or other, of all others I prize 'em. Such as these are so neces∣sary, that I wonder how men can practise untouch'd in conscience, without them. Were it to gain the World, I would not give a Medicine, but is so endowed. But for those of universal potency, I fear there are none now in being; though I doubt not, but that I have seen such a thing, and that within this Twenty years; and therefore I do the rather believe the Ancients assertions, that it's at∣tainable.

And truly I have a Medicine of my own, and have seen others of other mens, that will speak fair for Panaceas, and do well deserve the name of Polyaceas. As far as I have experienc'd mine, which hath been now these Sixteen years, it seldom or never fail'd in any case where there was a probability of Cure; nay, many times be∣yond. I could never see any Specifick yet, though of universal tendency, as abovesaid, to exceed it: Nay, when I have been call'd in desperate cases, when the noblest Spe∣cifick, I knew, would not do it, it hath done, except in case of madness, wherein, though I have found it an ex∣cellent Medicine, and very conducible to the Cure, yet I prefer to it a Specifick drawn from Venus, of an Hermo∣phroditical texture and effect also; for it raiseth the droop∣ing and dejected, and reclaimeth the transported Spirits. Yet these Polyceas of others and mine, fall mighty short of those of the Ancients: for theirs, it seems, would cure the stubbornest Chronick diseases in One, Two or Three Doses, and those almost incredibly small. Now ours must be taken in large quantities, in respect of theirs, and the Dose very often repeated in such cases. They would give theirs exactly in one Dose for all diseases; we must give ours with some care and modification; for by how much the worse and weaker the Patient is, by so much the more we ought to give. Indeed it would do no hurt if we gave as much to every one. But these Medicines are not easily obtain'd, and frustra fit perplura, &c. I could here produce many other Arguments, to enfortiate the pro∣bability of obtaining Panaceacal Medicines; but for bre∣vity sake, which I assiduously aim at, I shall only add, That if we can produce Medicines, and that not a few of universal tendency, as above asserted, why should we despair of purchasing Medicines by our indefatigated la∣bours, of so noble purity, tecture, and extraction, as to

enable Nature to perform all things possible for its preser∣vation, and that in few and small Doses?