Adenochoiradelogia, or, An anatomick-chirurgical treatise of glandules & strumaes or, Kings-evil-swellings : together with the royal gift of healing, or cure thereof by contact or imposition of hands, performed for above 640 years by our Kings of England continued with their admirable effects, and miraculous events, and concluded with many wonderful examples of cures by their sacred touch / all which are succinctly described by John Browne.

CHAP. IV. Several Causes of Strumaes, or Kings-Evil-Swellings.

* 1.1I Begin this with the Antecedent Causes hereof; and here we shall observe, That such Diseases which may be allowed a near relation and affinity with this, may also be granted to agree with the Essence thereof; as those which are of a cold intemperiety, or moist, or relating to both: for this temper is the proper Basis of this Dis∣ease, by which it produces such an in∣numerous off-spring of little soft Swel∣lings, the which afterwards are seen to run into Concretion, and at length becomes incrassate and indurate; whereby we may also presume to in∣troduce this Observation, That vio∣lent Diseases do not so easily and rea∣dily change into mild Distempers, as

these do, or may do into Diseases which are more forcible. Thus if a cold and dry intemperiety should happen in a Child, it would from its own temper speedily beget a change as to a cold and moist distemperiety; and hence is it that cold Digestions are made im∣perfect, and hence Crudities and crude Homours do succed, the which in this tender age of Infancy and Youth may well admit of a moist intemperiety to keep company with them, every Man knowing that the Sperm of Creatures, by how much it is more moist than the Creatures which are thereby produ∣ced, by so much also is it more slip∣pery, the Flesh of younger Creatures being more soft and slippery than that of Old age, and the like.

Another cause hereof also may be referred to an inequality of Nutriment;* 1.2 not an inequality of Nutriment ascri∣bed to it, for when we see one part thus excessively increase, and another wants its due and decent quantity, ther's a necessity of allowing a dispro∣portion and inequality of Nutriment, having some prae-existency in the Bo∣dy, where one part borrows and gets from another, whilst the other loses

and lessens in its mediocrity and true proportion: for uneven Swellings do declare sufficiently the Liberal Nourishment in their tumefied parts, which the extenuated parts do as readily shew in their loss and want thereof. But seeing this inequality of Nutriment is a depraved action, and does appear and shew its self as a cause of the Organical Vices, we hence ought not to allow these Organical Vices the first Radix of this Disease, whilst we shew agility and activity of Body to heat and warm, and the coldness and density thereof declaring themselves by their tardiness and slowness. Take this therefore as a plain Demonstration thereof, when and where we see these helps which do excite, increase and cherish heat in the outward parts, does in a plentiful measure add to the De∣scription of the Matter or Humour contained in these Swellings; the which being cast together in a Lump, hath power sufficient to discard and banish this Disease, whereas a cold Distemper in its own natural Consti∣tution being first herewith affected, may very well be granted the primary cause and essence of this Disease.

The Spirits also being defective in the affected parts,* 1.3 do also declare and demonstrate an evident sign of their Lubricity; and as their flaccidness doth comprehend a looseness, so they do arise both from one and the same cause; and as these two do include a certain vacuity or emptiness, its evi∣dent that from the Stupefaction of the inherent Spirits, the plenty and vigour thereof being augmented, the lank or flaccid member or part is easily hereby rendred turgid and tumefied.

Provident Nature as a Guard to this hath not excited Vital Spirits in the Arterial Blood for their own sake on∣ly, neither are they distributed to the parts, and joyn'd to them only for their own advantage, but rather that they might enliven and brisk up the inhe∣rent Constitution of the solid parts; and hereby actuate, invigorate, and promote their Faculties. Hence we see all Creatures, the more liberally they do feed, the fatter and more fleshy they grow, unless some impe∣diment does intervene: but if the due quantity of Nutriment be substracted, they grow lean and extenuated; when therefore any one part hath a more li∣beral

disproportion thereof than ano∣ther, reason must allow this to in∣crease, and grow into a Bulk, whilst the other becomes as it were starved, being robb'd and stript of its just and even measures. For when the attra∣ctive, retentive, and digestive Facul∣ties do recede from their first Vigour, and do unduly and ineffectually ex∣ecute their Offices and Functions, these may well enough be allowed also ano∣ther primary cause of this Disease; and for clearing hereof, where loose∣ness, softness, and lubricity of parts, as I have already mentioned, does appear, the expulsive Faculty here∣with becomes vitiated, and the brea∣thing is too easie and dissipative, and the Circulation of the Blood becomes slippery, the retentive Faculty also through weakness of parts loses its pri∣stine Vigour; and where the Expences do exceed the Incomes, there must consequently follow a decay of the publick Stock, the Exportation being found to exceed the Importation.

* 1.4Amongst the other antecedent cau∣ses also may be reckoned the purile age; for as Hipp. hath it in Coac. prae∣not. from the 42 year of Mans age,

even to the 60th year thereof, neither Strum, Stone, Gravel, Dorsal, or Renal Pains are generated, unless be∣gun before, and so still continued: but of this more when we treat of Here∣ditary Diseases.

These two following may appear as good causes of this Disease,* 1.5 as when the Matter out of which these Swel∣lings are made being thick and viscid, having a contumacy therewith adjoin∣ed, and here the best of skill may be shewn to eradicate these Strumaes, and extirpate both them and their Radix, by taking hence a new supply of Hu∣mour fitted for its purpose, there re∣maining here some Ashes (as Galen hath it speaking of Fevers, Agues, and the like) which are apt enough to blow up a new Fire, being already warm, corrupting the next Humours, and inflaming them, whence he sup∣poseth doth succeed the Renovations or Returns of Diseases which are daily seen to bear. A second may be the Folliculus, or Bag to which every of these little Tumours are so close adhe∣rent, that they are scarce thence di∣visible: whence it happens, that the Matter thus left in them, although

partly discharged, yet the remaining part behind does give a very great oc∣casion to the increase to a new Gene∣ration of Strumaes, bred from a de∣praved Humour: and were this Blad∣der by the Industry of Chyrurgery totally extirpated, yet there may be some Ramifications left behind like Li∣gaments which may give being to a fresh growth and increment of the same.

* 1.6But here may arise a Question, How it happens that sometimes these Stru∣maes shall be seen lodged in Bags, and other-whiles they shall be found free thereof?

* 1.7To which I shall give this Answer; These Folliculi, or little Bags, are no∣thing else than some small Membra∣nous Veficles, in which these various Humours are lodged, and that these Membranes (as Hipp. hath it in Libr. de Carnibus) are made of the dryer part of the Blood, and that part there∣of which is most glutinous and con∣gealed by cold, (he also writing that all Membranes are made from the be∣ginning of their Origination) while therefore this glutinous Matter there∣of is congealed by cold, we shall find

it covered with a thin Membrane, as we see the Blood is in Dissection of Humane Bodies, or in Phlebotomy, where the thinner part of the Blood flies out briskly, being hot and moist, the which when it is cold, we shall find the same as it were covered over with a thin Membranous Vail. Thus Stru∣mae, in which the Matter is void of vis∣cosity and glutinosity, although it may in time somewhat thicken and congeal, yet it does not make any of this Membranous Coat: But on the contrary, when as there is found a glutinous part therein, and when the Matter therein lodged is concreted, as Hail is out of Snow by Coagulation, this kind of Cutis is made about it as its proper Tegument, the which it pro∣perly takes to its self, and in it does frame and form its Incrassation.

Tumours also which do obscurely and by degrees fall into the Nervous parts by the Membranes from the ex∣ternal part of the head into the Glan∣dules,* 1.8 and once getting therein foot∣ing, may be well allowed great Pro∣moters of Strumaes, and when-ever adust Choler or Melancholy does in∣termix therewith, they do generally

beget a virulent and fierce Ulcer, which we commonly call Struma Carcinoma∣todes.

* 1.9Another efficient cause hereof also may be allowed Congestion of Hu∣mours in the Glandules; Now the cause of Congestion is Fluxion of Mat∣ter to a place, and attraction, expul∣sion, or concited Motion in Humours is the cause of Fluxion, the cause of all which is the Congestion of the same in the Body. Again, ill Diet, loose∣ness and weakness of parts, as I have already sufficiently made good, are great instrumental occasions of Con∣gestion; and hence is it that young Children are so frequently seen trou∣bled with those Swellings, and most subject to these Diseases, they neither using any regular method of Diet, much abounding with Crudities, and coacervated with many Excrements by want of Exercise.

Avicen calls them Melancholy Pro∣ducts,* 1.10 and Galen will have the efficient cause thereof to be Flegm, which is the Excrement of the first Concoction, the Liver in such being much better and sweeter than in such who have lived to a greater age. And the truth

is, whether Flegm be taken for the colder and moyster part of the Blood, or the Whayish part thereof, or for Spattle, or for the Mucous Substance which passeth from the Nostrils, or Jaws, or for the Pancreatick Juyce, take it for which you will, if this be long continued and contained in the Body, it hath a direct reference to this disease, and may well enough be allowed the cause thereof: for as it is cold and moyst, so it is slow and thick, benumming the parts, being but lit∣tle Spirituous, and affected with an Internal Lubricity; all which does evi∣dently demonstrate this as a primary essence of the same. Wherefore upon a superfluous Accumulation of this hu∣mour, managing a production of this affect, it in justice ought to be allowed a proper cause, and primary Agent there∣of. Thus far have I travelled upon the general ground of causes, where I have seen and shewn them as they have been allowed by the best of Autho∣rity.

But because I am well satisfied these may not please every Master, I shall take a Turn or two, and examine the Causes hereof nearer home, and trace

this Strumous Disease as to its Here∣ditariness from Parents to Children; wherein, that we may fully satisfie the World, we shall make this good by comparing Diseases which are proper∣ly, from those which are so improper∣ly called: wherein also the Parents faults are to be laid open in every re∣spect, as giving being thereto. Next we shall shew the Causes of this Dis∣ease, being so incident to Children: wherein we are to take notice of the five non-natural things in their use, as to the Air, Meat and Drink, Moti∣on and Rest, Sleeping and Waking; of the other five things praeternatu∣rally cast out and retained, and why this Disease happens more frequently in England, Scotland and Ireland, than in any other part of the World; and the reason of its natural inclination to them; and as a conclusion to the whole, I shall make good, That the POX and SCURVY are very great Clubbers towards its advance and growth, especially in this our Age, where Debauch is so frequent, and Venery become the common Har∣lot of the Times.

We begin with the first,* 1.11 of which I shall presume to offer, That before we shall or can satisfie this point ful∣ly, we must make good these two dif∣ferences of an Hereditary Disease; the one properly so called, the other im∣properly so termed. That which is to be allowed properly so, is ever sup∣posed to be pre-existant in both, or one of the Parents, and from thence derived to the Successors; whereas an improper Disease so called hath not the same kind of pre-existence in ei∣ther of the Parents: yet the same fault preceeds which imprints the like in the Children, which thence so readily fall into this improperly Hereditary Disease.

Again, A proper Hereditary Disease is two-fold, either in Conformation,* 1.12 as a lame Father begetting a lame Child, or a blind or deaf Parent acting in its like, or in the Similary Constitution, as when a Gouty, or Scurvy, or Stru∣mous Parent begets the like Children. An improper Disease so called, may also likewise appear in Conformation, or Similary Constitution: In Confor∣mation, when neither of the Parents are blind or lame, yet these have be∣gotten

a blind or lame Child, by the very fault of Formation. And in Si∣••…••…ary Constitution also there may lodge an Hereditary Disease so impro∣perly called, as when a Melancholy or intemperate Parent begets a Gouty Child, or a Strumous Brat, although the Parent never himself was ever troubled with either of them. And this we have apparently seen, that although neither of the Parents were in their Infancy or Childhood afflicted with this Strumous or Evil Disease, yet Symptomes thereof have suddenly shewn themselves, and their disposi∣tions thereto in their Infants and Chil∣dren; especially in such Parents who before Coition were evilly disposed by vitiosity of Body, or errour of Life, having enough in them to transmit and transplant the relation thereof to their issue: but of this more by and by, made good by Arguments preva∣lent enough.

Again, Children however they may borrow ill dispositions from their Parents, as we frequently find it hap∣pens, which may produce the like ef∣fects in them; yet they are seldom therewith troubled before they be

born; and when at any time they shew themselves therewith perplext, their effects are both violent and turbulent; and for proof hereof we do affirm, (as worthy Dr. Glisson does in another case) That this Disease does consist chiefly in a cold Distemper of the first affected parts, with an inequality an∣next thereto. And this inequal cold∣ness of the same parts is of so great mo∣ment in this Disease, and that also in relation to the inequality its self, that it does much advance the inequal di∣stribution of the Vital Blood to the parts thus affected. But in the Womb this inequality of Nutriment is much amended by an equal heat, the Womb equally in each side embracing and cherishing the Body of the Embryo, and hereby drives away a great part of this Disease, or at least does much hinder its invasion to it.

We come next to give some account of the Parents cause of this Disease,* 1.13 as being nearest in kin to them; and here may the faults of their Sperm enter as a great Agent thereof in relation to the Generation of the Embryo, others ha∣ving reference to the Embryo ready conceived, and carried in the Womb.

The faults of the first proceed either from the Man or the Woman, or from the whole Body, or some parts there∣of designed by Nature for Genera∣tion.

* 1.14The Parents faults depending upon the whole Body, must necessarily be allowed to have a powerful influence in the Child, transmitting such Matter to the Seed in its Generation, as may improperly be thought fit to have abode in those parts designed for this Office. And when we come to reckon up these parts, we shall find them re∣duced to four Classes.

* 1.15The first containing in it a cold and moist distemper of the Matter whereof the Seed is generated, and this is bred from a cold and moist distemper of the Parents, from whence unto which we also may refer a predominancy of ill Juyces, especially that which is moist and flegmatick. To this also may be referred the French Pox, Scurvy, Jaun∣dies, Rickets, and the like, in all which affects the Blood is polluted with filthy Excrementitious Humours, corrupt Exulcerations, and the like; all which are not easily to be changed into a laudable and fruitful Sperm.

The second shews the slenderness and paucity of Natural Spirits, which should be generated in good Seed; a good Seed never issuing from such a kind of Matter; and the Causes which hastens this impure Matter to the Ge∣nerative parts, are the extenuated Bo∣dies of the Parents, wasted or consu∣med either by abstinence, or some ve∣hement Evacuation of Hepatical Flux∣es, or Chronical Diseases, all which are powerful enough to spend the Ra∣dical Moisture, to create an indigesti∣on in the parts from an imperfect and defective Concoction: And since such a considerable part of the Disease con∣sists in the paucity of Natural Spirits, it cannot otherwise be, but the issue which thence proceeds, and is propa∣gated by such a crude and almost spi∣ritless Seed, should be tainted with such a Natural Propension to this af∣fect, the which is afterwards deduced into act.

A third shews the Stupor, or Dull∣ness of the Matter transmitted to the Generative parts, whereof the Seed is framed and produced; and hence is it that Physitians do produce these causes of Diseases, when they allow

the Blood and Humours being either too fluid, or moving disorderly, or that sometimes it is found unapt for motion, being less fluxile, and un∣active to answer expectation. But now as to Parents in this Strumous or Scrophulated concern, wherein as in a Glass the Childs soft, loose, and ef∣feminate Constitution, and its weak Disposition, or (as I may better say) its Indisposition to exercise, and then examine its great intemperiety of Diet and Epicurism, the two great products of Crudities and Flatulencies, where meeting with an easie and sedentary life, stript from perplexities, anxie∣ties, or vexations, as well as exercises, seldom or never accustomed to labour, care or danger, these being the never-failing Companions of peace, ease, and tranquility; all which does most clear∣ly demonstrate a laziness and effemi∣nacy in parts. And whereas the Blood in its Circulation and passages through these parts cannot readily pass thorow without borrowing somewhat of their nature and acquaintance, as well as cognizance of their temper, it must necessarily therefore bear a part there∣in, and carry some share thereof to the

Generative parts; and I hope where such Influences are derived in the Seed, it shall not need or require much trou∣ble to prove, that that Child who takes its Origination from such Prin∣ciples, must with it also take some of their Nature therewith, or at least some proportions conformable to this stupidity; and that this proportion after birth, when the aforesaid preser∣vation is lessened and taken away of its equal cherishing whilst it was in the Womb; this may as readily be redu∣ced into act; and since this stupidity, as I have already shewn, may be al∣lowed as a part of the primary essence of this Scrophulous Disease, there must consequently follow some vitiated principles, which may lurk in the Bo∣dy, ready to create and stamp the like effect derivative from one or both of the Parents.

The fourth shews a vitious disposi∣tion, if any such there be of the Pa∣rents, who themselves in their Child∣hood were thus affected: for these do properly indeed imprint a Continuan∣dum thereof, and transmit the same to their successive Generations. But be∣cause in our Discourse hitherto the

fault of the Parents may well enough be referred to any of these Classes, or all of them, let this suffice,

* 1.16And come we now to a nearer En∣quiry as touching their Genital parts, and oft-times we shall see these the on∣ly faults or framers of this Disease, they sometimes suffering a cold and moist intemperiety in them; and when ever an over-plenty of moisture does enter these parts, it doth create a looseness and weakness therein, wherein and whereby the Seed thus ejected becomes either no way fertile, or if so, it proves fruitful for Diseases. Again, we find these parts frequently affected and af∣flicted with Gonorrhaea's, French Pox, and the like, where the Seed thus thrown forth is either putrid, or not sufficiently elaborated, or no ways ca∣pable of producing a firm or sound Embryo.

* 1.17In Women also we shall as readily see them troubled with their Fluor al∣bus, as well as Menstrues, both which also can act a diversity of change in the composition of the Embryo, all which does carry, transmit, and di∣stribute of their own nature and kind to the Seed thus prepared in them,

and disposeth the same without any de∣lay to their Progeny or Stock; and this as readily receives the true effects thereof. And having traced thus far in our intended design, by opening the very Womb, to search out the first cause of this Disease from Parents, by examining their prolifique Seed, the great Production both of Patient and Disease, we proceed now in a more gradual manner, and open the Mo∣thers fault, Man alone not being the great Instrument hereof: And here we may begin with the time of her bearing this Embryo. Now where there happens a cold and moist Di∣stemper of the Womb it self, this may with ease I hope be allowed to com∣municate the same to the Embryo which is kept in it by contact, or where cold and moist Juyces do here arrive, these converted by Excrementitious and corrupt Humours, in stead of lau∣dable Aliment or Nutriment, pray what may hinder a cold and moist imperfect digestion, not being timely concern'd, and so sent and transmitted with the Mothers Blood for the Nutriment of the Embryo? And if a cold and moist intemperiety with this Matter does in∣vade

a Woman with Child after her Conception, no question but this im∣pure Nutriment which nourished and cherished the Seeds, or the Diseases, may easily be allowed transmission and dispensation to the Embryo. But hi∣therto we have been discoursing of the Embryo whilst it was framing, and dwelt in its Mothers Womb; now let us look upon it as it came into the World, and examine and trace its way of living, and getting this Disease of the Evil which our Discourse hath chiefly aimed at, and this also comes under the Names of Its Causes.

* 1.18Our subject Matter therefore now is to shew the Child as it appears in the World; where we may offer, That those Children which are prone to this Strumous Disease from their Nativity, are easily therewith affected: where∣as others free from distemperiety do not so readily fall thereinto, but upon more powerful Causes, and yet these Causes must have somewhat of affinity therewith, and do only differ in de∣gree.

* 1.19And here a Question may be offer∣ed, Whether Contagion may be ad∣mitted amongst the number of Causes of this Disease.

Indeed by its Circuits and Travels about the World, whereby it hath made it self so well known and com∣mon to the Sons of Men, and disperst it self through many Countries, any one at first view might think it carried a Contagion with it:* 1.20 But he who more closely looks into it, and its na∣ture, will find it far otherwise; for all Diseases conspire to change, and assi∣mulate those Bodies which are nearest to themselves, & yet this is not enough to make them be call'd contagious Dis∣eases: For to frame a contagious Dis∣ease, as Sennertus well observes, is to create a certain Seminal Fermentation of its self, the which secretly getting abode in our Bodies, may by degrees introduce a Disease of the like Species into our Bodies. But in this, here's no such Fermentation ever seen or found: for the first beginning of this Disease, (as I have already sufficiently made appear) does arise from a cold and moist distemper, where, not meet∣ing a sufficient inherent Spirit to invi∣gorate it, and this endeavours an As∣simulation in any parts of the Body, they do not only attempt, but enter the same with or by open violence:

For we have seen Children much of an age, brought up in the same House, whereof one or two perhaps have been troubled with this Strumous Disease, whilst we apparently find others there∣of no whit concerned therewith; and therefore if any Contagion went along therewith, or this were catch∣ing, as some people do fancy, this could no ways thus happen.

And if we examine this Disease a∣right, we shall find that the five non∣natural things in their use may be well allowed advancers hereof; and this was my next Task to make good ac∣cording to my Assertion.* 1.21 Air there∣fore may well enough be allowed a great Promoter and Procurer of these Strumous Diseases, as shall more appear when we come to speak of our Neigh∣bouring Nations as well as our own. A cold and moist Air therefore doth very much contribute to the begetting this Disease: for seeing it generally seiseth and enters the Circumferential parts, before it gets being in the fenced Bowels, it directly imprints in them this inequal and tumefying distempe∣riety. And whoever further traceth this Disease in its progress, shall find

that places near the Sea and Marish Grounds, where Rains most common∣ly do fall upon, and fed with a num∣ber of Springs, are very fertile and fruit∣ful Friends to this Disease, these crea∣ting a more or less looseness in the parts, and making the Circulation of the Blood too slippery; and hence is it that Chyrurgeons are never seen to apply any cold or moist Medicine to these Strumous Swellings.

As touching Meat and Drink also,* 1.22 whatsoever Diet is moist and cold, vis∣cous and obstructing does manifestly nourish and cherish this Disease, as Fish, Cheese, Curds, and the like plentiful∣ly fed on: Feeding too liberally also is a great advancer of this Disease, by choaking the heat, and thereby accu∣mulating many raw and crude Hu∣mours.

And for Motion and Rest,* 1.23 these two also ought to be well considered in these Strumous Effects: for as too much Motion and Exercise does speedily dis∣solve the Bodies of Children into great sweat, so want of Exercise does give a very great being to this Disease: for a stupidity of the parts is an occasion of their want of heat, being sufficiently

cherished, whence steals in this cold distemper, accompanied with its Excre∣mentitious and superfluous moistures, which ought to have been thrown forth by due transportation. And here it loosens and softens the parts where it enters, the Pulse hence and herein be∣coming stupid, the Blood also waxing slow, and less in quantity, and more slippery, the Vitals lessening of their Vigour, growing weak, all which do wonderfully evince the same an effica∣cious cause of this Disease.

* 1.24As to Childrens Order and Govern∣ment, they ought to sleep longer and oftner than Men, yet too much hereof gives a good essay to the growth of this Disease also.

* 1.25All our former causes may also in a great measure be reduced to this fol∣lowing: for whatsoever is contained in the Body, and praeternaturally al∣tered, as it is praeternatural, it requires ablation, and may so far be allowed to be thrown forth nevertheless of its being praeternaturally retained. And Nature hath provided so many and va∣rious ways of Excretion, or throwing forth into the Body, that scarce any Humour can be produced by altera∣tion

which does not relate to the se∣cretive or excretive faculty of some Bowels, or some other parts appoint∣ed for its evacuation. Thus the whole Mass of Blood being any ways prae∣ternaturally altered or infected with some Humour, the peccant Matter which cannot be overcome by altera∣tion, is quickly exterminated by ex∣cretion, made from some part or bo∣wel, unless therewith the expulsive fa∣culty thereof be some way or other obstructed.

We come next to shew why old Peo∣ple are not so subject to this Strumous Disease as Youth;* 1.26 and here we may take in Children from a year or two, to ten and upwards: then we take and make the difference between Young Men and Old, by calling the first Juniors, and naming the latter Seniors. And upon examination here∣of we shall find, that younger Chil∣dren are of a colder temper than el∣der, every day adding heat to their temperament even to Mans estate. And here it is thought to stand at a stay; and when it arrives at Old Age, here it is seen to decline daily, and lessen. And seeing younger Children

are more cold, no wonder if they be thus subject to cold Diseases: And this makes the difference between Youth and Old Age, the one being so fra∣med by Nature in temper, the other being robb'd and stript thereof by their continual expence of Spirits, which gave Man those warm sparks which formerly did both enliven and invigo∣rate his Faculties and Functions. As young Children therefore are more cold, so also are they more moist than elder; for the heat of the temperament is advanced from the time of the birth, even to Mans estate. Young Children also, because of their tenderness of parts, are much prone to dissipation, and colliquation of the inherent Spi∣rits, and therefore by consequence up∣on lesser and smaller causes they are the more ready Subjects and Objects of this Disease.

Again, Their composition and con∣sistance of parts makes them more sub∣ject to diseases, being form'd like young Twigs forc'd to yield to every blast of wind, they wanting that strength and confirmation which Old Age en∣joys. Again, young Childrens Exer∣cises are not to be named in the hour

with those of elder Age, who enjoy both a greater and larger degree of heat, which both nourishes and che∣rishes them; and so this cold and moist Distemper is seen with more ease to be got loose from them. And as a con∣clusion to the whole hereof as to their Nature and Temper, we shall ever∣more find younger Children as they are less capable to maintain the ground of this Disease, so also are they most ready to comply therewith, they not in their own Nature, Temper, and Con∣stitution, being either able to resist it, or defend themselves when it once seizeth them.

We come now to shew some Rea∣sons why this Strumous Disease is known to be so frequent with us in England, Scotland, and the like,* 1.27 and why it is so natural with the three Nations.

A common Disease therefore pro∣perly so called, is either Original,* 1.28 or Adventitious: That supposed Origi∣nal, which in the first Inhabitation of the place infested the Inhabitants thereof, of which kind perhaps was reckoned Bronchochele amongst the People who dwelt about the Alps;

a Calenture under the Torrid Zone; and Sphacelus near the Northern Poles by extremity of cold, with many others which I have named at the beginning of this Treatise. A new and Adven∣titious Disease is that which is brought into a Country by some common cause, and this is threefold, this arising either from faults of the Country prevailing over the health of its Inhabitants, or by some innovation or alteration hap∣pening to the Country it self, or some discongruity between the place, and the complexion of the Natives there∣of. As to the first, it possibly may be granted, that the strong and firm Bo∣dies of its first Inhabitants might pow∣erfully resist the unwholsome Influen∣ces of the Country, and yet the Po∣sterity afterwards may suffer a change therein both in Complexion and Na∣ture, and so made the Subjects of a common Disease. Thus Poland main∣tained both the Plica and the Scurvy, which are both common Diseases to the Samaritans, Polanders, and its Neighbouring parts; and yet these are thought no old Diseases. The se∣cond may happen by Innovations in Countries, or Inundations of Waters, or

some Malign Aspect, or bad Influence of the Stars. Those places also are mostly the occasions of Diseases which have power enough in them to trans∣plant and form a Disease, being quite of another temper and nature from that place wherein they formerly inha∣bited; and this is very oft seen the oc∣casion of Diseases more prevalent than others. Thus Ireland is known to be a fruitful place for producing the Dy∣sentery, or Bloody Flux,* 1.29 as also of this Evil; and the West-Indies thought to be the first ground of the French Pox; the first of these depending partly up∣on the constitution of the place, and their preposterous Diet; the other as readily annext to the Humours and Dispositions of the Inhabitants. The French we see commonly troubled with an Itch and Scabbiness from their Air; the Scotch troubled with the Scurvy and the Evil from their slug∣gish and lazie Dispositions. But to leave them, and travel a while in our own Country; herein also we shall find evidences enough to prove our Nati∣on as fertile as any of the former, and as common with the Evil as any of the former: Therefore I presume to offer,

That he who ever hath travelled over our English Island,* 1.30 must needs acknow∣ledge with me, that it is an Island which borrows a plentiful stock of moisture from the Neighbouring Sea, it being furnisht with an innumerable company of Fountains, sending forth from thence variety of Rivulets and Springs plen∣tifully fill'd with its Liquor, the Hea∣vens themselves being thought by ma∣ny to bestow more plentiful showres thereon than upon any other Nation whatsoever: all which does declare its coldness and moistness. And since a cold and moist Distemper is the great∣est part of this Strumous Disease, pray what can or may hinder its raging thus amongst us, more than in other hot Countries? And as a cold and moist Distemper is a common part of the es∣sence of this Disease, and yet not so much as that every cold and moist Distemper does produce the Evil, so we find England more readily dispo∣sing the Bodies of its Inhabitants here∣to than any dryer Regions whatsoever.

Again, Both strong and weak Peo∣ple are both very fertile in their Con∣ceptions, and not over subject to Abor∣tions: Now where infirm Parents be∣get

infirm Children, the succession is generally seen to bear the Nature as well as the Fortune of their Parents, as I have already made good.

Again, An idle sedentary life,* 1.31 and a loose kind of living, is a great in∣gredient of a moist and soft temper, and these every day filling themselves with Excrementitious Humours, their Children which they beget must ne∣cessarily be sharers thereof with them; and whosoever examines those troops of People which do yearly come to the King to be toucht for this Evil, must needs allow it hath made suffici∣ent remarks in the three Nations of its abode and being; where although it has given to some but its light touches, and gentle notices thereof, in others it hath to a wonder shewn it self ap∣parently to the World. And because I very well know that every Man's Breath will smell of his usual food, and those who pretend to any Novel∣ties can but Inventis addere: And al∣though my asserting the French Pox and Scurvy to be the two great Club∣bers towards the advancing and in∣creasing the Evil, may seem harsh to some People, who have a better opi∣nion

of themselves and their Ancestors than to think, and therefore much more unwilling to approve of the same; yet with their leave I shall with a Salvo to their Modesty shew the proof there∣of. Where we shall find the Pox and the Scurvy, Pari Passu, keeping equal pace therewith on Mankind by way of Seminal Traduction, from Father to Son, and so becomes Hereditary, as I have already shewn: And who∣soever does not observe the same in curing Diseases of this Age, (now the Families of Mankind are seen ge∣nerally tinged more or less) will mi∣stake of his aim. And although per∣haps in this following Part I have and shall recede from the common Opini∣on of the Ancients; yet I presume I am not the first that have swum against the vulgar stream thereof. And this makes me fall upon the two eminent Diseases of our Times, where if we examine their Nature, Existency, and Origination, we shall find them of longer continuance than our late Writers have been pleased to allow them.

I begin with the Pox,* 1.32 which al∣though it was formerly warmly treat∣ed at Naples, and had a plentiful en∣tertainment in the West-Indies, yet it had being in the World long before this, as History testifies.

The Scurvy also,* 1.33 although by some reckoned a Disease of late date, yet we shall prove this to be of longer be∣ing amongst the Sons of Men. And who-ever looks into the Old Testa∣ment shall find it more than once by its proper Name mentioned there: What may we think of the first, when we read in Levit. 13.2. When a Man shall have a Rising in his Skin, a Scab or bright Spot, or rather as it is in the Margent, a Swelling, then he shall be brought to Aaron the Priest, and to the Sons of the Priests. In this next you will meet them both together, Levit. 21.20. where it is written, That no Man shall offer Bread to his God that is either crook-backt, or dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his Eyes, or be Scurvy, or scabbed, or his Stones broken. And in the 23 Chapter of the same Levi∣ticus, Vers. 22. you meet all these three together, where we read that neither blind, or broken, or maimed, or

having the Wen, (or as I may well enough say, the Evil, this being ac∣counted one part thereof) or Scurvy, or scabbed, shall offer up unto the Lord. And Hosea shews the reason of the whole, in Hos. 4.2. when he tells us, that by committing of Adultery they break out. Thus much from sacred Scrip∣ture.

And for a more ready clearing up of which, because I well know that these Scabs here mentioned will be commonly taken as the marks of the Leprosie, I shall next take the whole a pieces by examining the near affinity and acquaintance there is between them both in their Nature and Es∣sence.

* 1.34The French Pox therefore is a prae∣ternatural disposition, by which the Body is sensibly hurt in its Operati∣ons, and disordered in its Functions: And Philosophy allows that so many ways as the Body is hurt by distemper praeternaturally, and so hindring its action, so many kind of Diseases it easily assumes. And this explains its self with all imaginable ease to such as

understand the natural action thereof, which is discovered by Complexion, Composition, and common unity of Body: for in this Disease, as well as in the Struma, many parts of the Body are extenuated, whilst others gain greater bulk thereby, as also thick∣ness, and these not only Similar, but Organick parts. Whence we may ra∣tionally conclude, that this is a Com∣positional Sickness; and this we do thus make good, the first kind of Com∣positional Nature we calling Plasma∣tick or formal: for the better perfor∣mance of which there is required a good Figure, and a convenient Tone, accompanied with a due Asperity, and decent Lenity. Now if any Member falls from hence, and gains a new qua∣lity, it frames a Disease in form, and hence we take both its signs and cog∣nizance. And that the Members are made gross by this Disease, is apparent by the Pustles and Pustulous Cutis, the Face oft-times seen swell'd, and the Body appearing Satyrick. Just as Ga∣len mentions of the Leprosie, where he writes that they are of that near kin each to other, that they are scarce to be distinguisht by their marks or

symptoms: for in the one, so in the other are many Pustles found in the Cutis, and these arising from abundance of black Melancholy, throwing it self outwards; of which kind also is the Leprosie; and in our days where we shall see the Pox most common and frequent, we shall as readily perceive the same, sometimes their Botches ap∣pearing white, sometimes red, with a kind of Livid colour admixt, both which do only represent the matter of which they are made, being framed either of Melancholy Blood, Adust Choler, or Viscid Flegm. And Ga∣len is of my Opinion, when as it grows populous, he writes it to be allowed an Elephantiasis; and in his Book de Atra Bile, he says there are many Pu∣stles in this Disease without Fever, thickning, drying, and crusting up the Cutis. And whereas the Blood of pale Women does generally look pale, so such as are black have a more Grumous and Melancholy Blood go along with them in their Constitution. The Fi∣gure of these Pustles also does make well for the knowing of their cause; and whoever desires further know∣ledge herein, let him but examine

Nicolas Massa De Morbo Gallico, Jaco∣bus Cataneus, Hieronimus Fracastorius, Petrus Maynardus Veronensis, Alphon∣sus Ferrius, Antonius Gallius, Casper Torr••ll••us, and several other excel∣lent Authors, who have well writ De Lue Venerea, and there they may be more fully satisfied both of the Pox, and its near relation to the Leprosie. Thus much of the first part.

We next proceed to the Scurvy,* 1.35 and shall shew it painted in its Co∣lours: And here we shall offer, that a bad Ferment is the general cause of most Diseases; and Sennertus saith, That the Blood of Persons toucht with a Scorbutick Tincture, becomes of the Nature of Vinegar; and such also is the Blood of Melancholy Per∣sons, whereas in its right state in sound Persons it is compared to Generous Wine; where also he writes, that the Scorbutick Humour is bred much after the same manner as Vinegar is out of Wine; where he says, that by casting a little leavened Bread there∣into, this brings the Wine into its own Acrimoneous Quality, and Acid Nature. Thus when an ill Scorbutick Ferment comes any way into the ge∣nerous

Liquor of the Blood, and turns it into an Acid Ichorous and Acrimo∣nious state; this will corrupt the whole Mass of Blood: and this he further affirms, that the main cause of the A∣cid state of this Blood ariseth from the abatement of its Sulphur and Spirit, the which he confirms by comparing it with good Wine, which soon turns Acid upon its Sulphurous part, being stript from its Saline by Evaporation or otherwise; and so that Salt which was formerly Volatile, becomes now fixt and Acid, which is the true cause of its thus turning into Vinegar, which is made good by putting Vinegar to a Candles Flame, and you'll not see it burn, it being robb'd of its Sulphur, and its Winey Spirit extinct, and the more this Sulphurous Matter and Spi∣rit is lost, the nearer it is drawn from its true Body and Substance.

Thus have I given you a short and general Discourse of the Scurvy also, of both which I may well enough offer, although our Region was not the first Mistress which they courted, nor the English the first Man that they greet∣ed; yet if I mistake not, we are here as well acquainted with these two Dis∣eases

in our days, as any other Nation or Country whatsoever; and since both of them have found the way to London, they have given sufficient re∣marques of their close affinity and con∣versation; and we have received the Faults as well as Fashions of our Neigh∣bouring Nations.

Now that the Pox hath a very near affinity with this Strumous Disease,* 1.36 is hence easily made good, by sending forth of its Venereal Venome into the Glandules, there tumefying them; and as other Symptomes by which we may know its Complication herewith, we shall find it either from the Parent or Nurse which were first infected; and thus therefore if Ulcers in the Head or Face, Mouth or Nostrils, or eminent Pustles, or crusty Tumours do hence arise, not giving way to or∣dinary Medicines; if hard or Nody Tumours keep company herewith, or carry a rottenness of Bones in the Head, Feet, Thighs or Legs, or any other parts; if Nocturnal Pains go along with the rest; if Inguinal Bu∣boes infest the Glandules with viru∣lent Matter, or keep them tumefied by Venereal Poyson, all these may be

accounted apparent Signs and Symp∣tomes of the Pox, as well as of the Evil.

If the Scurvy be herewith compli∣cated, frequent looseness attends the Scrophulated Patient, with difficulty of breathing, many Athritick pains go along with this Evil, they have a more frequent and inequal Pulse, and frequent Palpitations of their Hearts. And where we meet Stru∣maes untoward and unlucky, this gives us no slender suspition of some ill lurking inwards, especially where they meet with a curted Neck, a short and narrow Forehead, comprest Tem∣ples, and large Mandibles. Besides the former, we shall find the French Pox and Scurvy both of them so strangely altered from their first ap∣pearance, that we see them rather daily advance in their number, than in their nature, and almost creep in∣to acquaintance with every Disease as well as the Evil, and in some measure do bear their Colours, and describe their Descriptions and Symptomes, and are seen as often presented to the King under the disguise of the Kings-Evil, as if they were really nothing else, they

getting that familiarity and common dependance upon one another, that no mean Artist may pretend to be a true Judge between them: for as In∣temperance of Dyet, and Luxurious Debauch does as well procure a tain∣ted Fermentation, as an Ebullition of ill and vitiated Humours, by which a common intercourse and exchange of Symptoms is kept up and maintained; so when the Evil hath got either a Pocky or Scorbutick Ferment going along with it, bred from a vitious Habit of Body, this may as readily be granted to be a sharer of the whole; for these two Ferments do put on other Formalities, whether they pro∣ceed joyntly or separately, and do dis∣guise themselves under the Habits of several Diseases, according to the In∣clinations of such weakly Bodies on which they do make their entrance, they sometimes appearing like them∣selves when they march in the common road, but when these Ferments do propagate themselves, they seldom ap∣pear like branches of such a stock, but being tinctur'd in the Blood and Hu∣mours of the Body, they do assume such a shape of Distempers as the Bo∣dy

is able to afford and allow them. And whoever reads Zacutus Lusitanus Prax. Histor. Cap. de Morbo Gallico, will find that he saith, the Pox is an Universal Evil, and may be well enough complicated with any other Distemper: for Distempers do here∣with unite either through likeliness of matter, or some other the like viti∣ousness of Humour. And thus I sup∣pose I have in some measure made good my Assertion of the Pox and the Scur∣vy's being Clubbers to this Strumous Disease, or Scrophulated Evil, by their affording this Disease a taste of their tainted Ferments, and a vitiated tincture of their vitious and depraved Humours, by which they creep into its acquaintance.

Notes

• * 1.1

  ••. Antece∣dent cau∣ses of Strumaes.
• * 1.2

  2. This also may be al∣lowed to inequality and dis∣proporti∣on of Nu∣triment.
• * 1.3

  3. Another cause from defect of the Spi∣rits.
• * 1.4

  4 The pu∣rile age another cause hereof.
• * 1.5

  5. Two other causes.
• * 1.6

  Quest.
• * 1.7

  Resp.
• * 1.8

  6. Another cause.
• * 1.9

  Another cause is Congesti∣on of Hu∣mours.
• * 1.10

  7. Flegm another cause.
• * 1.11

  8. Whe∣ther this Disease be Heredi∣tary.
• * 1.12

  An Here∣ditary Dis∣ease two-fold.
• * 1.13

  10. Causes on the Pa∣rents side for beget∣ting this Disease.
• * 1.14

  The Pa∣rents faults de∣pending upon the whole Body.
• * 1.15

  Four Classes hereof.
• * 1.16

  The Geni∣tal parts allowed proper Agents of this Dis∣ease.
• * 1.17

  11. Fluor albus and Menstrues.
• * 1.18

  12. Causes of this Disease in∣cident to Children.
• * 1.19

  Quest.
• * 1.20

  Resp.
• * 1.21

  13. Air a main cause of this Disease.
• * 1.22

  14. Meat and Drink another cause hereof.
• * 1.23

  15. Moti∣on and rest others.
• * 1.24

  16. Sleep & waking others.
• * 1.25

  17. Ano∣ther cause.
• * 1.26

  19. Why Old Peo∣ple not so subject to this Dis∣ease as Youth.
• * 1.27

  20. Why this is seen so fre∣quently reigning in our three Kingdoms.
• * 1.28

  21. A common Disease either O∣riginal or Adventi∣tious.
• * 1.29

  Ireland a fruitful place for producing D••seases.
• * 1.30

  England as fruitfu••l as Ireland.
• * 1.31

  22. Ano∣ther cause a sedenta∣ry life.
• * 1.32

  23. The French Pox no new Dis∣ease.
• * 1.33

  24. The Scurvy proved a Disease of long con∣tinuance.
• * 1.34

  What the French Pox is.
• * 1.35

  What the Scurvy is.
• * 1.36

  How both agree with the Evil.