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CHAP. IV. Phlebotomy or Bloud-letting in Fevers, is examined.

1. One onely reason against humours, others elsewhere. 2. A universal proposition for Bloud-letting, Galen being the Author. 3. A Syllogisme against the same Galen. 4. A Logistical or rational proof. 5. That a Plethora or abounding fulnesse of good bloud, is impossible. 6. That corrupted bloud doth never sub∣sist in the veines. 7. That there cannot be said to be a Plethora, in a neutral state of the bloud. 8. That cutting of a vein is never betokened by the Positions of the Schooles. 9. What a Cachochymia or state of bad juyce in the veines may properly be. 10. That co-indications instead of a proper indication, and those opposite to a contrary indication or betokening, do square amisse. 11. A proposition of the Author against cutting of a veine in a Fever. 12. The Schooles disgrace their own laxative Medicines, by their tryals of the cutting of a veine. 13. The ends of co-betokenings. 14. A fore-warning of the Author. 15. After what man∣ner, the letting out of bloud cooleth. 16. A miserable History of a Cardinal In∣fanto. 17. We must take special notice against Physitians that are greedy of bloud. 18. A guilty mind, is a thousand witnesses. 19. An argument drawn from thence. 20. The essential state of Fevers. 21. An explaining of the foregoing argument, concerning cooling, and the privy shifts of the Schooles. 22. That there is not a pro∣ceeding from one extream unto another, is badly drawn from Science Mathematical into Medicine. 23. It is a faulty argument in healing. 24. The argument from the position of the Schooles is opposed. 25. The false paint of the Schooles, from stub∣born ignorance. 26. The faculties obtain the chiefdom of betokening. 27. Hippo∣crates, concerning great Wrestlers or Champions, is opposed: but being badly un∣derstood. 28. The differences of emptyings. 29. A Fever hurts lesse than the cut∣ting of a veine. 30. The obligement of Physitians. 31. A general intention in Fe∣vers, and the cutting of a veine opposite thereunto. 32. Science Mathematical proveth, that cutting of a veine, doth alwayes hurt. 33. The uncertainty of Physi∣tians proves a defect of Principles. 34. Cutting of a veine cannot diminish the cause of Fevers. 35. An argument from a sufficient enumeration: 36. Another from the quality of the bloud. 37. Whither the Schooles are driven. 38. Vain hope in the changes of bloud let out. 39. That the co-indication of Phlebotomy for Revulsion, is vain, as well in a Fever, as in the menstrues. 40. Derivation in local Diseases is sometimes profitable: but in Fevers impertinent. 41. Cutting of a vein is hurtfull in a Pleurisie. 42. The Schooles may learn from the Country Folk, that their Maximes are false. 43. Revulsion a Rule in Fevers. 44. What Physitians ought to learn by this Chapter.

BEfore I proceed unto further Scopes, I ought to repeat what things I have elsewhere demonstrated in a large Treatise: To wit, That there are not two Cholers, and phlegme in Nature, as the constitutive parts of the venal blood; but that the Treatise of Fevers required me to be more brief: especially, because those very things do of themselves go to ruine in this place; where there is no mention made of Humours, ex∣cept putrified ones, since an Animal or living Creature that is putrified, is no longer an Animal.

I will therefore examine onely the two universal Succours: To wit, Bloud-letting and [unspec 1] Purging, as the two pillars of Medicine; and the which being dashed in pieces, the whole Edifice falls down of its own accord, as it were into Rubbish: and these Suc∣cours being taken away, Physitians may forsake the sick, they not having Remedies, besides the Diminishers of the body and strength; all which I will peculiarly touch at.

For indeed according to the consent of Galen, in every Fever (a Hectick one except∣ed) [unspec 2] cutting of a vein is required. Therefore for the Schooles, and custome of this destru∣ctive Age, I state this Syllogisme.

Phlebotomy or Bloud-letting, is unprofitable wherefoever it is not shewn to be neces∣sary: or where a proper Indication is wanting unto it; But in Fevers it is not signified [unspec 3] to be necessary: Therefore Bloud letting in Fevers is unprofitable. The Major proposi∣tion is proved, because the end is the chief Directress of Causes, and the Disposer of the meanes unto it. Wheresoever therefore the end sheweth not a necessity of the meanes, things not requisite are in vain provided for that end, especially where from a contrary betokening, it is manifest that the bloud is not let out without a losse of the strength: such meanes therefore are rashly instituted, which the end shews to be vain, unprofitable, and to be done with a diminishment of the strength.

But the Minor proposition, Horatius Augenius de monte Sancto, profesly proveth in three Books; Teaching with the consent of the Vniversities, That a Plethora or a too much fullnesse of the veines alone, that is, the too much abounding of Bloud is the beto∣kener of Phlebotomy; nor that indeed directly for the curing of Fevers, but for the Eva∣cuation of a fullnesse: But a Plethora never subsisteth in Fevers, therefore Bloud-letting is never betokened in Fevers; and by consequence this is altogether unprofitable. The Conclusion is indeed new and Paradoxal, yet true, Which thing therefore for that cause shall be therefore to be proved by many Arguments.

Galen himself proves the Subsumption: Teaching, That at every fit of Fevers, more Choler is pufft away than is generated in two dayes. In the mean time, the other mem∣bers do not cease to be nourished with accustomed bloud: That is, besides the consuming Caused by the Fever, they also consume their own allotted quantity of wonted Bloud:

The which, in the foregoing Chapter, from the humour cast up by vomit, I have re∣duced into a Computation. But now that very thing is to be pressed with a greater con∣nivance: [unspec 4] Wherefore, if in him that is in good health, eight ounces of bloud are daily made, it must needs be, that as many also are daily spent for nourishment: or otherwise, that a man should soon swell up into an huge heap. What if therefore eight ounces of bloud do daily depart from him that is in good health: certainly, the Fever shall con∣sume no less. Therefore, seeing there is none, or but a little appetite and digestion of meats, and sanguification, of necessity also, too much abundance of blood, if there were any at the beginning, shall fail presently after two dayes, and the betokening thereof shall cease for the letting forth of bloud in him that hath a Fever. But that presently in Fe∣vers, there is no longer a Plethora; as many do see this, as do undergo ulcers by a Cautery: To wit, the which presently after Fevers are dryed up, nor do they afford their wonted pus.

But first of all we must take notice, that the Strength or Faculties can never offend through abundance, not so much as in Mathuselah: so neither doth good bloud offend [unspec 5] through a too much abounding; because the vital Faculties, and Bloud are Correlatives: Because according to the Scripture, the Soul or vital Spirit is in the blood.

By Consequence therefore, there can never be a Plethora in good blood. [unspec 6]

But on the other extream, I have demonstrated in a foregoing Chapter, That cor∣rupt blood is never conteined in the veines: therefore if there be ever any possible [unspec 7] plethora of the veines, that ought to consist in a middle state of the bloud, between a corrupted and very healthy one: whether we consider the same state of decay, and neutrality, or next, as it is mixed of both: at leastwise the Galenists may remember, that good proceeds from an entire cause, but evil from every defect. And so that this state of the blood is not called a Plethorical or abounding one, but a Cacochymical one or state of a bad juyce: Nor that it desires the cutting of a vein, but rather a Purgation, which may selectively draw forth the bad, but leave the good.

And so, that by their Positions it is not yet proved, That the cutting of a vein is in [unspec 8] any wise betokened: For according to the truth of the matter, I have already shewn be∣fore, That a state of ill juyce doth not consist in the veins, the which indeed is onely a di∣sturbing of the Bloud: for the easing whereof, an exhausting of the troubled bloud is not so much signified, as a taking away of the affect of the Disturber: Especially, because it is [unspec 9] the more pure bloud, which passing through the Center of the heart, hath obtained its own refinement: and therefore, that which is drawn out of the Elbow, and is first brought forth, shall be the more pure, but the more impure bloud shal be left with∣in.

Furthermore, since it is now manifest, that a Plethora is wanting in Fevers, which may a require a letting out of blood, and that thing the Schools have after some sort smelt out; they have instead of an indication or betokening sign, substituted some co∣indications or mutual betokenings, as if they were of an equal weight with a sutable indi∣cation

in nature, and out-weighing a contrary indication; the which, after another man∣ner, surely, seeing it is drawn from a conserving of the strength, ought wholly to obtain the Chief-dome altogether by that Title, that every Fever is quickly, safely, and perfect∣ly curable without cutting of a vein; For indeed, for all so divers putrefactions of re∣taining Humours, and Fevers issuing from thence, they presently make use of the one [unspec 11] only succour of cutting of a vein, because it abundantly (as they say) succours, and is stopped at pleasure: By which distinction at least, they after some sort defame their own laxative medicines: For they say, although the cutting of a vein by a natural, and one only indication of it self, seems to be required by reason of a Plethora: yea nor [unspec 12] that it doth properly take away putrified humours; yet it cooleth, it unloads the Fardle of the veins, reneweth, or refresheth the strength, takes away part of the bad Humour toge∣ther with the good, and by derivation, and revulsion, stops, pacifies, and calls away the [unspec 13] flux of humours made unto the nest of putrefaction: wherefore nature feeling refresh∣ment, is the more prosperously, and easily busied about the rest.

They are good words (saith the Sow) while she eats up the penitential Psalms, but they do not profit a hunger-starved swine.

Such indeed are co-indications, whereby they perswade the destruction of Mortals to be continued, and whereunto I will give satisfaction in order.

But before all, I will have it to be fore-admonished, that although in a more strong and full body, there is not a notable hurt by letting out the blood, yea although the sick [unspec 14] may oft-times seem presently to be eased, and also to be cured: yet cutting of a vein cannot but be disallowed, seeing that Feverish persons are more successfully cured with∣out the same: For however at the first, or repeated cuttings of a vein, the cruelty of Fevers shall oft-times slacken: Surely that doth no otherwise happen, than because the Archeus much abhorreth a sudden emptying of the strength, and an undue cooling, and so neglects to expell the Feverish matter, and to perform his office: But they who seem to be cured by blood-letting, surely they suffer a relapse, at least they ob∣tain a more lingering, and less firm health: which Assertion the Turks do prove, and a great part of the world, who with me are ignotant of the opening of a vein, because it is that which God is no where read to have instituted, or approved of, yea not so much as to have made mention thereof.

But as to what belongs unto the first scope of a co-betokeming sign, which is called, Cooling;

Truly the letting out of the blood, cooleth by no other title, than as it filcheth from the vital heat: But not that it obtains a coolifying, and positive power: In which re∣spect [unspec 15] at least, such a cooling ought to be hurtful. Why I pray in a Hectick Fever do they not open a vein? Doth not that Fever want cooling? or doth it cease to be a Fever? But blood is wanting in Hecttick Fevers; wherefore through defect of blood, and strength, there is an easie Judgement of hurt brought by Phlebotomy, which otherwise the more [unspec 16] strong faculties do cover.

In the year 1641. Novemb. 8. the body of Prince Ferdinand, brother to the King of Spain, and Cardinal of ••oledo, was dissected, who being molested with a Tertian ague for 89 dayes, dyed at 32. years of age: For his heart, liver, and lungs being lifted up, and so the veins, and arteries being dissected, scarce a spoonful of blood flowed into the hollow of his breast: Indeed he shewed a liver plainly bloodless, but a heart flaggy like a purse: For but two dayes before his death, he had eaten more if it had been granted unto him. He was indeed, by the cuttings of a vein, purges, and leeches so exhausted, as I have said, yet the Tertian ceased not to observe the order of its intention, and remission. What there∣fore [unspec 17] hath so great an evacuation of blood profited? or what hath that cooling plainly done, unless that those evacuaters were vain, which could not take away so much as a point of the Fevers.

Is that the method of healing which makes a Physitian, whom the Almighty hath [unspec 18] created, and commanded to be honoured, by reason of the necessity of him? If that me∣thod knows not how to cure a Tertian ague in a young man, to what end shall it conduce? Is that the art whereof the infirm and unhealthy person stands in need? I wish, and wish again, that that good Prince had not made use of it! who when the returning from Cor∣tracum, was saluted by the Senate of Bruxells, recovering from the agony of death, by reason of the diminishments of his blood, and strength, then walked in good health a∣bout his Chamber.

Physitians therefore abhor to expose their feverish persons to the encountring of cold things, to wit, whereby they might presently, and abundantly experience the vertue of

cooling things by a manifest token, because they put not much trust in their own rules of Heats and Coolers: For since it is already manifest, that the whole heat in a Fever is that of the very vital spirit it self; it follows also, that the cooling which is made by cut∣ting of a vein, is meerly that of the vital spirit, and together also an exhausting of the blood, and an impoverishment thereof: For if a Fever be to be cured as a distemper, by cutting of a vein as a cooling remedy: Alas, the contrary is manifest! by the exhaust∣ing of all the blood out of the Prince the Infanto of Spain: In whom as yet, but the day before his death, the Tertian Ague kept its fits: (••o great cooling not hindering it) and if others intens a curing even in a Quotidian, only by cold (which they writ to be kind∣led [unspec 19] of putrified Phlegm) at leastwise that cooling should be far more easily obtained by exposing the sick half naked unto the blowing of the North, or West wind, or by hang∣ing him up in water, or a deep well, until he should testifie that he were sufficiently cooled: For so they should prefently, and abundantly perfect a cure, if their conscious ignorance did not within condemn their own feverish essence of heat: Therefore a Fe∣ver is not a naked Tempest of heat, but an occasional vitiated matter is present; for the expelling whereof, the Archeus being as it were wroth, doth by accident inflame himself: [unspec 20] The which as long as it shall be neglected in the Schools, the curings of Fevers will be rash, destructive, and conj••ctural, therefore none shall owe any thing worthy of giv∣ing thanks unto Physitians, seeing they are cured by the voluntary goodness of nature: and I wish they were not put back by Physitians.

But unto the argument of curing by sudden cold, the Schools will answer, that there is a perilous departure from one extream unto another: By which excuse of their igno∣rance [unspec 21] they stop the mouth of the people, as if, they spake something worthy of credit: not taking notice, that they therein contradict themselves, while as they praise, and prefer the cutting of a vein before laxative medicines, chiefly for that end, because it presently and abundantly succours by cooling, and therefore they have given it the sur∣name of a speedy and universal succour: For they constrain their own impotency found∣ed in ignorance, unto the will of a Maxim badly understood, and worse applied.

For truly, it is not be doubted but that it is lawful presently to cut the halter of him that is hanged, that he who was deprived of air, may enjoy it as soon as may be: Like∣wise [unspec 22] that it is lawful presently to place him that is drowned, in a steep scituation, that he may cast back the water out of his lungs: That it is lawful, I say, to draw any one presently to the bank: and that it is lawful presently to free a wound from its indispo∣sition, and to close it with a scar: For so very many wounds are closed in one only day, because a solution of that which held together, wants nothing besides a re-uniting of it self: That it is lawful presently to repose a broken, or diplaced bone: Likewise that it is lawful in the Falling Sickness, Swooning, Fainting, Cramp, to recall the weak as soon as one can, presently to loosen the detainments of excrements, and presently to stop the excessive flux of womens issues: For neither must we think, that nature rejoyceth in her own destruction, and that from an healthy state, she indeed lets in sudden death, but refuseth a remedy, which may suddenly repell a disease; otherwise she should not do that which in things possible, is most exceeding good to be done, as neither should every thing desire to be, and be preserved.

In Science Mathematical indeed, it is determined as impossible to proceed from ex∣tream to extream without a mean, and that Medium wholly denyes all interruption: the which, if we shall grant in natural things with a certain latitude, we shall as yet be ac∣counted to have done it out of hand, and that in the best manner: And so that neither is it lawful to wrest that of Science Máthematical unto curings.

I confess indeed, that it is not lawful to draw out a dropfie abundantly by an incision of the Navil, at one only turn; as neither to allure forth all the corrupt pus out of a great Aposteme, nor to bring one that is frozen by reason of cold immediately to the Chim∣ney, nor abundantly to nourish him that is almost dead with hunger: Yet surely a slow and necessary progress of Mediocrity, as such, or a proceeding from one extream unto ano∣ther, [unspec 23] doth not conclude that thing, as if nature were averse unto a speedy help: Since this betokening is natural, nearly allyed, pithy, and intimately proper unto her self: But those things are forbidden, because a faintness of the strength depending thereupon, would not bear those speedy motions.

The Schools therefore by a faulty argument, of the cause, as not of the cause, drive the sick from a sudden aid which they have not, that they may vail their ignorance among the vulgar, with a certain Maxim being badly directed: For as often as a Cure can be

had without the loss of strength (for the faculties do always obtain a chiefdome in indi∣cations) by how much the more speedily that is done, it is also snatched with the grea∣ter Jubily or joy of nature: Even as also in Fevers, I have with a profitable admiration observed it to be done with much delight: Therefore (in the terms proposed) if a Fe∣ver be a meer heat besides nature, and all curing ought to be perfected by contrary sub∣duers; [unspec 24] Therefore it requires a cooling besides nature, to wit, that contraries may stand under the same general kind; That is, every Fever should of necessity be cured by much cold of the encompassing air, & especially, because the cold of the encompassing air collects the faculties, but doth not disperse them: But the consequence is false; Therefore also the Antecedent. Therefore the Schools do not intend by cutting of a vein, the cooling or heat, but chiefly a taking away of the blood it self, and a mitigation of accidents which follows the weakened powers, or they primarily intend a diminishment of the strength, and blood: It being that which with a large false paint, they call a more free breathing of the Arteries.

But I do alwayes greatly esteem of an indication which concerns a preserving of the strength, and which is opposite unto any emptying of the veins whatsoever, because the strength or powers being diminished, and prostrated, the Disease cannot neither be put to [unspec 25] flight, neither doth any thing remain to be done by the Physitian: Therefore Hippocra∣tes decreeth, That Natures themselves are the Physitianesses of Diseases; because the indica∣tion or betokening sign which is drawn from a preserving of the faculties, governs the whole scope of curing: As therefore Reason perswades, that the strength is to be pre∣served; [unspec 26] so also the blood, because this containeth that.

Hippocrates indeed in a Plethora of great Wrestlers or Champions, hath commanded blood to be presently, and heapingly let out; and that saying the Schools do every were thunder out in the behalf of the cutting of a vein: But that is ridiculously alledged for [unspec 27] the curing of Diseases, and Fevers: For he bad not that thing to be done for fear of a Plethora, however their veins may sufficiently abound with blood: but only, lest the ves∣sels being filled, they should burst, and cleave asunder in the exercises of strength: other∣wise, what interposeth as common between healthy Champions, and the curing of Fe∣vers: For there is no fear of a Plethora in him that hath a Fever, neither that a vein should be broken through exercises; and moreover we must note, that the emptyings of the blood are on this wise:

That the exhausting of the strength or faculties which is made by carnal lust, is unrepair∣able, because it takes away from the in-bred spirit of the heart: But the exhausting which is made by the cuttings of a vein, is nigh to this, because it readily filcheth away the in∣flowing [unspec 28] Archeus, and that abundantly. But a Disease, although it also directly op∣pose the strength, yet because it doth not effect that thing abundantly, but by degrees, therefore it rather shakes, and wears out the strength, than that it truly exhausteth it: Therefore the restoring of the faculties which are worn or battered by a Disease, is more easie than that of those which are exhausted by cutting of a vein.

For they who in Diseases are weakened by the cutting of a vein, are for the most part [unspec 29] destitute of a Crisis; and if they do revive from the disease, they recover by little and little, and being subject to be sick with many anguishes, in a long course of dayes, and not without the fear of Relapses. But they who lay by it with a Disease, without cut∣ting of a vein, are easily restored, and recovering, they soon attain unto their former state: But if they being destitute of remedies, shall also sometimes come unto an ex∣tremity; yet Nature attempts a Crisis, and refresheth them, because their strength, al∣though it was sore shaken by the Disease, yet it perished not, as not being abundantly exhausted by the lettings out of blood.

Wherefore a Physitian is out of conscience, and in charity bound to heal, not by a sudden lavishment of the faculties, as neither by dangers following from thence, nor also by a necessary abbreviation of life; according to the Psalm, My spirit shall be les∣sened, [unspec 30] therefore my days shall be shortened.

And seeing that according to the Holy Scriptures, the life glistens in the blood; however plentifully thou shalt dismiss this, thou shalt not let it forth but with the prejudice of life: For the perpetual intent of nature in curing of Fevers, is by sweats; And there∣fore the fits are for the most part ended by sweats: But the cutting of a vein is Diame∣trically opposed unto this intention.

For truly, this pulls the blood inwards, for to replenish the vessels that were emptied of blood; hut the motion of nature that is requisite for the curing of Fevers, [unspec 31] proceeds from the Center to without, from the noble parts, and bowels unto the skin: But that the cutting of a vein doth of necessity weaken, although the more strong and ple∣thorick

persons may seem to experience, and witness that thing to be otherwise. If the sacred Text, which admonisheth us, That the life inhabiteth in the blood; hath not sufficient weight in it; at leastwise that shall be made manifest, if thou shalt offend in a more libe∣ral emission of blood: For the strength and sick person do presently faint ot go to ruine: Therefore in Science Mathematical, if six do notably hurt, three cannot but hurt, although not so sensibly.

But it is not permitted him to hurt nature, who ought to heal and restore the same, if nature her self ought to be the Physitianesse to her self, and by so much the more pros∣perous, [unspec 32] by how much the more strong: For it is sufficient for a Physitian that the sick doth otherwise decay through the disease, with hungers, lack of appetites, disquietnesses, pains, anguishes, watchings, sweats, and with an unexcusable weakness; Neither there∣fore ought a faithful helper to add weakness unto weakness.

It is a deceitful succour which the cutting of a vein brings, and the remedy thereof is so uncertain, that no Physitian hath hitherto dared to promise a future cure from thence. Every Artificer doth what he promiseth: For a Statuary undoubtedly prepares an I∣mage, and a Shoomaker shooes: But the Physitian alone dares to promise nothing from his Art, because he is supported with uncertain foundations, being only by ac∣cident [unspec 33] now and then, and painfully profitable; Because however thou shalt interpret the matter, that is full of ignorance which would cure by procured weakness: For by a sudden emptying out of the blood made by heaps, nature for the most part neglects the expulsion of her enemy; which expulsion notwithstanding, I have demonstrated to con∣tain the whole Tragedy of Fevers, and Nature: Besides it is confessed, That the mat∣ter. [unspec 34] of a Fever doth not consist in a vein above the heart; and by consequence, that neither doth the cutting of a vein any way exhaust the occasional matter, or effectively cure by a direct intention of healing.

Again, If blood be to be let forth for a more easie transpiration of the Arteries, That al leastwise shall be in vain in the beginnings, and increases of Fevers, whenas the heat [unspec 35] is not yet vigorous.

And seeing that blood is not to be let out in the state, as neither in the declining there∣of; Therefore never: But that, not in their state or height it is proved, because a Cri∣sis or judicial sign is hindered; seeing Nature (as they write) being very greatly letted or cumbred, strives with the disease, and being for the most part the Conqueresse, doth then least of all endure the loss of strength, and a calling away from the Duel: But if nature be conquered in the state of the Fever, what other thing shall the cutting of a vein then be besides meer Murder? If therefore it is not convenient to open a vein in the height of Fevers, while as there is the greatest heat, perplexity, and a most especial breathing of the arteries is required: Surely much less shall it be convenient in their beginnings, and in∣creases; especially, because presently after the first days, the fear of a Plethora or too much fulness departs, and so there is a sufficiently easie Transpiration of the Arteries: But that diseases in their declining, do neither require, nor endure the cutting of a vein, it is so cleer, and testified by the voice of all; That none ever attemps the cutting of a vein at the declining of a Disease.

Let us consider further, That in Fevers the blood in the veins is either good, or evil, or neutral: If it be good, it shall be good to have the good detained, because it [unspec 36] addeth to the strength.

For as I have shewn elsewhere, the fear of a Plethora, if there were any, hath ceased, even presently after the beginning: But for that they will have good blood to be let out for cooling, and discussing of putrefaction; Truly both of them hath already been suffi∣ciently taken away, and the imaginary good which they suppose, brings a real and ne∣cessary loss of the strength or faculties.

But moreover, the Schools teach, That the cutting of a vein is not commanded in a Fever, by reason of the goodness of the blood, the which indeed, they suppose to be e∣vil, and putrefaction.

But I have sufficiently taught, That corrupted blood is not afforded in the veins as long as we live; and by consequence, that this scope of the Schools in cutting of a vein, falls to the ground: It behooves thererefore that they demonstrate unto me a naughti∣ness of the blood, which may be without the corruption of the same: And then, that that blood is detained in a vein from the heart unto the hand, if they will have the cut∣ting of a vein to be confirmed in as much as it is such, or as to revulsion: Let them teach I say, That bad blood is not in the first shops, and that blood being drawn out through the vein of the elbow, worse blood is not drawn to the heart, where the vena cava or hol∣low vein makes the right bosome of the heart.

Let them likewise instruct me, that the upper veines being emptyed, there is not a greater liberty, and impunity, whereby the hurtfull, and feverish matter may reach unto the heart, than before: So that instead of a discussing of the putrefaction (which in the truth of the matter, I have proved to be none) a free passage of putrified ayr unto the heart, is not rather occasioned: whither indeed the vacuity of the emptied veines attracteth the bloud from beneath. Let them shew I say, by what reason an afflux of bloud, and di∣minishment of the strength through the Elbow, may hinder putrefaction, or may import a Correction, and renewing of that which is putrified. Let them also explain themselves what they will have meant, that cutting of a vein should be made, whereby the Arteries may the more freely breath; since putrefaction (if there were any possible to be in the veines) doth not affect the arterial bloud, the Buttery of whole Nature.

And moreover, Let them prove, that the good bloud being diminished, and the strength proportionally, that there is a greater power in the impure bloud that is left, and which is defiled by corruption (as they suppose) of preserving it self from putrefaction hanging o∣ver its head.

Let them likewise teach, contrary to the sacred Text: That the Life and Soul are rather, and more willingly in the remaining defiled bloud, than in the more pure bloud which was taken away by the cutting of a vein. Otherwise regularly the drawing out of good bloud includes an increased proportion, and unbridled liberty of the bad bloud remaining.

What if at length in a Fever, and in the veines there be bad bloud, and they say it is good (as a sign, or effect) which in the letting out of bloud flowes forth as evil; and they think that so much bad bloud at least, is taken away: First let them prove the bloud which they account hurtfull to be truly hurtfull, even as I have already before proved it to be harm∣lesse.

And then, let them teach, that by such an hasty and full emission of bad bloud, nothing that is of prejudice is taken from the strength, and that the remaining bloud being defiled, and the Faculties being now diminished, the emptying out of bloud that is made, shall be for a cause; why a putrifying of the remaining bloud is the less able to proceed; and whether they hope that bloud being at sometime, after what manner soever once pu∣trified in the veines, there is aforded in Nature, a going back or return: To wit, from such a privation? For let them shew that it is not a contradiction, that it is proper to a Fe∣ver to defile the bloud it self, and for this property to be taken away by the effect, to wit, [unspec 38] by a removal of that which is putrified? For if the more impure bloud be at first drawn out of the vein, and they repeatingly open a vein, in the mean time they prostrate and disturb the Faculties: hence also they take away the hope of a Crisis: what if then the more red bloud shall flow forth; Surely they cry out as if the whole Troop of the Mala∣dy were taken away at the first turn, and as if the Seat of Fevers had been extended one∣ly from the Heart unto the Elbow; but that the good bloud resided about the Liver. But I have alwayes discerned evacuations of the last excrements to be fearfull in the Dropsie; and therefore, much more in a naked snatching away of the bloud, which withdrawes in a direct passage, the vital spirits from the Heart through the Wound, whether that bloud be accounted bad, or good, or neutral.

First of all, I have proved, that as well those things offend in begging of the principle, which are supposed concerning a putrified continual, and burning Fever, as those which are supposed concerning the emissions of putrified bloud. Wherefore, in speaking according to Numbers, I have alwayes found Succours that are made for the snatching away of the strength, to be full of deceit, as that for a very little ease, the Faculties the Porters of Dis∣eases, are weakened: For even so as drink at the beginning of Fevers seemeth to comfort Thirst for a little space: but who is so mad that he would then drink, if he knew that the drink would filch away his necessary powers? Therefore the ayd of cooling by cutting of a vein, is unfaithfull, deceitfull, and momentany.

At length, concerning neutral bloud, which in respect of cutting of a vein, is neither good, nor evil, it is not worth ones labour to speak any thing: seeing that which is denyed under a disjoyning, may also be denyed copulatively. For whether that be neutral bloud which consisteth of a co-mixture of the good with that which is depraved (by supposing that to be depraved which is not) or that wherein a neutral alteration is introduced, for both events, the particulars aforesaid do satisfie.

Lastly, That I may cut off the hope that is in Revulsion, and so equally take away all co-indications, as the wretched privy shifts of obstinacy. It is a mad [unspec 39] ayd to have cut a vein (for this end, they for the most part require a plenteous one) whether in Fevers, or next in the Menstrues for Revulsion: because a Feverish matter

swims not in the bloud, or floats in the veins as a Fish doth in the water: but it adheres or sticks fast within, to the vessel, even as in its own place, concerning the occasionall matter, I will declare: But for the Menstrues in like manner, because a separation there∣of is made from the whole, and that, not but by a separating hand of the Archeus. But Bloud-letting separates nothing of the separable things: because it acts without a fore∣knowledge of the end, and so without choyce: But presently after the vessel is opened, the more nigh and harmless bloud alway flowes forth: the which, because other afterwards followes by a continual thred for fear of a vacuum: therefore the Menstrues otherwise by the endeavour of Nature collected about the Womb, are by cutting of a vein drawn away from thence; and go back into the whole Body. But if Phlebotomy shall some∣times well succeed in a Woman that is plethorick, and full of juyce; yet surely in many others it hath given a miserable overthrow. For if the Menstrues should offend onely in its quantity (while as it is now collected, and separated in the veins about the Womb) I shall willingly admit of an individual betokening of Phlebotomy, and onely in the Case supposed. But the Menstrues, if it shall flow in a well-constituted Womb, it abundantly satisfies its own ends, and in this respect Revulsion is in vain, although the Supposition supposeth it to be even an impossible thing. For Bloud-letting is nothing but a meer, and undistinct emptying out of the bloud: But the veins being emptyed, they out of hand recall unto themselves any kind of bloud whatsoever from on every side: Because as they are the greedy sheaths of bloud, so also are they impatient of Vacuity or emptiness: And therefore the veins that are emptyed do allure the Menstrues designed for utterance; That is, being in this respect once enrouled by Nature in the Catalogue of Excrements,

But Derivation, because it is a sparing effusion of bloud, so it be made out of veines convenient, it hath often profited in many locall Diseases, and so in Fevers it is im∣pertinent. [unspec 40]

But they urge, that the cutting of a vein is so necessary in a Pleurisie, that it is enjoyn∣ed [unspec 41] under a Capital punishment. For truly they say, that unlesse the bloud flowing together unto the Ribs, be pulle•• back by the effusion of much bloud, there is danger least the Pleurisie do soon kill the man by choaking of him. Surely, I let out the bloud of no person that hath a Pleurisie, and such a cure is safe, certain, profitable, and sound: None of them pe∣risheth: whereas in the mean time, under Phlebotomy many do at length perish with a long or lingring Consumption, and experience a Relapse every Year: For according to Galen: Whosoever they be that are not perfectly cured on the fortieth day, become Consump∣tious: But I perfectly cure them within few dayes: neither do they feel a Relapse. Nei∣ther indeed have I alone my secrets for this purpose:

But moreover, I have seen a Country man curing all Pleuritical persons at the third [unspec 42] draught. For he used the dung of an Horse for a man, and of a Nag for a woman, which he dissolved in Ale, and gave the expressed strayning to drink. Such indeed is the igno∣rance of Physitians, and so great the obstinacy of the Schooles; That God gives knowledge to Rusticks, and Little ones, which he denyes to those that are blown up with Heathenish Learning.

We must now see, if there be any use of Revulsion in Fevers. For indeed, since the [unspec 43] work of Revulsion is not primarily any other thing than the cutting of a vein, where∣unto the succeeding bloud is by accident hoped to come, and that by the benefit of that thing, it should not flow unto the place affected: Upon this Position it fol∣lowes: That by such an Euacuation, the offensive Feverish bloud (so I connivingly speak) shall be drawn as dispersed into the veines, which otherwise lurking in its own Nest far from the Heart, could not so cruelly communicate the Ferment of its own hurt unto the Heart: which is to say, that it should be drawn from a more ignoble part, unto a more noble one. For the more crude, and dreggish bloud is in the Meseraick veins: but the more refined bloud is that which hath the more nearly approached unto the Court of the Heart. For otherwise, Nature as undiscreet, had placed the chief Weapons of Parricide nigh the Fountain of Life. Seeing therefore the matter of a Fever, floats not in the veins, nor sits nigh the Heart: Fat be it to believe, that that is fetch'd out, or moved from its place by the cuttings of a vein; however, divers coloured blood be sometimes wiped out by the repeated emissions of bloud, It is therefore a cruel Remedy, if unto the place of the bloud let forth, other bloud shall come from remote parts: For so the contagion of one place should be dispersed into the whole body, and unto the more noble parts; and other∣wise there is an easie co-defilement in things or parts that have a co-resemblance.

Lastly, if the Errours of the Heathens being once renounced, Modern Physitians would [unspec 44] have respect unto the Life of their Neighbour; verily they should know that the devices

of Revulsion are vain, that it is a pernicious wasting of the Treasure of bloud and strength; that no hurt doth insult from the bloud within the veins, but onely from hostile, and for∣reign excrements: that God also hath made sufficient Emunctories or avoyding places of any filths whatsoever, neither that there is need of a renting of the veins for a victo∣ry over Fevers.