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

CHAP. IX. A Character of a true Medicine.

IT hath been oftentimes objected to me, You pretend to good Medicines, and so do all other professors; but how shall we know to distinguish betwixt the good and bad, truth and falshood, in matters we are not seen in? Wherefore once for all I think fit to present these ingenious Gentlemen with as many hints to distinguish by, as at present occur to my memory.

First then, Discourse the Physician, and see whether he can give a satisfactory Reason on the foregoing Princi∣ples, for what he is about to do; if so, and he be a la∣bourer in the fire for his own practice, and not for com∣mon sale; for such men (though they take several methods in their operations) seldom or never fail of good and safe Medicine; but if either of these circumstances be want∣ing, you have good cause to suspect him: if the former, because if he hath it, it's not of his own acquest; and it's a rare and an unwarrantable thing, for true Artists to im∣part such secrets to men unacquainted with their Theory and method of curing: if the latter (though it's not im∣possible, that good Medicines may be put into mens hands that know them not), yet these men have, and can manage them but as Empericks.

Secondly, Enquire of the ground, or the matter from whence the Medicine was made; if from Narcoticks, see that it be divested from all stupefactive qualities; which you may do, either by the first tryal on your self, or on others

experience: If from Emetick or Cathartick drugs, see they be divested of those crude and poysonous qualities, and become only Cordial. But of this you cannot judg on your selves; for it's possible your bodies may require purging or vomiting; if so, a true Cordial that power∣fully assisteth the Vitals, will cause either; so that the same thing in quantity and vehicle, vomiteth one, and purgeth another, doth both with another, sweats one, composes another, and purgeth another by Urine only; in short, hath all the operations of Physick in it on the sick, as the Disease requireth, to each one's greatest be∣nefit; yet to the perfectly well, signifieth no more than a large draught of liberal Wine, which heightneth a man to pleasantness, not transport; if from acids, be sure they be made sweet; if from Volatiles, see they are in due mea∣sure fix'd; if from fix'd, see they are in like measure vola∣taliz'd.; but if from the dangerous Proteus Mercury, see it be perfectly fix'd and unalterable; for if acids or Alcalies will reduce it into Mercury again, it's an unsafe thing.

Thirdly, See on the experience of others and your selves, that it will act much differently at least, if not contrarily.

Fourthly, Let it be such, as the weaker the person is, the greater quantities ought to be administred.

Fifthly, Let it be such, as though never so often ta∣ken, shall not grow so familiar or habitual (as all di∣gestible things do) as not to produce its wonted ef∣fect.

Sixthly, That the Patient being recover'd, shall not at all desire or long after it.

Seventhly, Whether it be a volatile or fix'd, or both, let them be so truly purified, as to be incorruptible, and consequently indigestible.

Eightly, Adventure not on that which is given with caution to avoid sleeping, eating, drinking, or the like; taking cold only excepted.

Ninthly, Avoid such things as cause gripes or convulsi∣ons in the working.

Tenthly, It ought to strengthen the weakest to go through its operation, and give a sensible relief presently after it is ended, if the person be capable of recovery.

Eleventhly and lastly, It ought to be so safe, as to be given to women with child, or in child-bed.