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

CHAP. VIII. A word or two in defence of Chymical Medicines.

BEfore I conclude this short Introduction to the true way of curing Chymically, I find my self obliged to offer something in defence of true Spagyrick Medicines. I know, that partly through ignorance, partly through prejudice, partly interest, the never-to-be sufficiently en∣couraged endeavours of conscientious, ingenious and in∣dustrious Artists, are condemned, and the cry, Oh Chy∣mical, Chymical Medicines, take care, take care, is bel∣lowed out by the ignorant, and supported by the interes∣sed. But let us see what reason there is for this outcry; and let us examine, what the Spagyrick Art is, as it relates to Physick. It's not agreed from what Language the words Chymia or Chemia are deduc'd; and so men agree not in the meaning of the word. The word Spagyria seems to signifie the Art of dissolving and re-uniting of bodies, and is understood the same with Chemia, as it tends to Physick. But to leave words, and to the matter. Sure I am, it is an Art of dividing, purifying, and conjoyning bodies, to give them their greatest energy in Medicines, as well as to other ends. The division is necessary in or∣der to the purification. The design of purification, is to se∣parate nauseous, venomous, crude, and filthy matter from the more noble and pure parts, so as to render them in∣capable to be laid hold on, or alter'd by any ferment, that they may freely pass to assist the drooping Spirits; and then they ought to be conjoyn'd for the Reasons aforesaid.

I confess, the vain boasts of ignorant or unworthy Chy∣mists, hath done this necessary Art a world of hurt, who pretend great matters, when many of them cannot per∣form the two first parts well, very few the latter; yet such are the Chymical Medicines sold in Shops, and prescrib'd in most Bills; and indeed, which do what is done, but are very unsafe, as the common saying is, Either cure or kill speedily. But what are these in respect of noble Me∣dicines? A true Artist seldom troubleth himself to make them, but buyeth them at the Operators, or the Shops, and beginneth where they end. And truly, did these de∣claimers know what care, pains, and time after that, must be taken, before they become fit Medicines for the body of man, they must judg, that the Medicines were won∣derfully advanc'd in vertue and safety by it; or those that wrought on them, were not in their right Wits. Now what sort of Chymical Medicines ought to be condemn'd let the Reader judg; either those that are half dressed, or those that are perfectly ready; or either those that a∣bound with nasty excrements and crudities, or those that are so purified from their feculencies, that they are become incorruptible. See now how the Vulgar are deceived dai∣ly, taking such things as they justly condemn, and con∣temning these noble products to them unknown, which would be of wonderful advantage to them, if they could open their eyes to see it, and disentangle themselves from the idolatrous opinions they have entertain'd of such or such persons or methods. But now you would object, Why should not there be as good Medicines in the Shops, as in the private Laboratories? I answer, first, because there are no better publickly known and call'd for; and for the Apothecary to buy what he cannot sell, were impru∣dence. Again, Many, or most of these Operators, that prepare for the Shops, do nothing else, and know not

how to go farther; or if they did, would it be worth their labour. For what they aim at, is to make great quantities to serve many Customers; and such as will sell to the Shops with most profit, is fittest for their purpose; whereas a man that prepares for his own practice, is very tender and careful in his Operations, and always studying to advance them, both in energy and safety, for his Reputation (the ground of his profits) sake. And truly he that hath an ordinary practice, will find enough to do to procure such noble Medicines for it: I mean, diligently to oversee the preparation, though he hath Operators under him; They are things of difficult and tedious acquest. I know some∣thing that I could never rightly well obtain under Sixteen or Eighteen months time. But some will say, What need any Chymistry at all? They may as well say, what need we any Cookery at all? For if the things that God de∣signed for the necessary sustentation of our lives, do re∣quire a previous preparation, è fortiori, it will be that there ought to be the like in Physick. None will agree, that Wheat or Barley in its own nature, crude and unco∣cted, is wholesom; yet we see when it hath past the Cu∣linary Chymistry, how delicious and nutrimental it be∣comes, being then fitted for the digestive faculty of our stomacks. How much care ought there then, think you to be, to prepare such pure substances, as, when there is a necessity, may evade the alteration of a foul and depra∣ved stomack, and pass to the vitals in quantity, to bear up, and strengthen the Spirits, until they have obtain'd power enough to cast off the sordes, and repair the injur'd and weaken'd tunicles of the ventricle. And if crude Wheat and Barley be unwholesom, what may we expect from crude Rhubarb and Senna; nay, from Opium, Mer∣cury and Antimony?