The touchstone, or, Trial of tobacco whether it be good for all constitutions : with a word of advice against immoderate drinking and smoaking : likewise examples of some that have drunk their lives away, and died suddenly : with King Jame's [sic] opinion of tobacco, and how it came first into England : also the first original of coffee : to which is added, witty poems about tobacco and coffe [sic] : something about tobacco, written by George Withers, the late famous poet ...

A COUNTERBLAST TO TOBACCO.

THat the manifold abuses of this vile custome of Tobacco-taking, may the better be espi∣ed; It is fit, That first you enter into Con∣sideration both of the first Original thereof, and likewise of the Reasons of the first entry thereof into this Countrey; for certainly as such Customs that have their first Institution, either from a godly; necessary, or honourable ground, and are first brought in by the means of some worthy, vertuous, and great Personage; are ever, and most justly holden in great and reverent estimation and account by all wise, vertuous and temperate Spirits: So should it by the contrary, justly bring a great Disgrace into that sort of Customs, which having their Original from base Corruption and Barbarity, do, in like sort, make their first entry into a Country, by an inconsiderate and childish affecta∣tion of Novelty, as is the true case of the first Invention of Tobac∣co-taking, and of the first entry thereof amongst us. For Tobacco being a common Herb, which (though under divers Names) grows

almost every where, was first found out by some of the Barbarous Indians to be a Preservative, or Antidote against the Pox, a filthy Disease, whereunto these Barbarous People are (as all men know) very much subject, what through the uncleanly and adust constitu∣tion of their Bodies, and what through the intemperate heat of their Climate. So that as from them, was first brought into Chri∣stendome, that most detestable Disease: So from the likewise was brought this use of Tobacco, as a stinking and unsavory Anti∣dote, for so corrupted and execrable a Malady; the stinking suffu∣migation whereof they yet use against that Disease, making so one Canker or Vermine to eat out another.

And now, good Country-men, let us (I pray you) consider what Honour or Policy can move us to imitate the barbarous and beastly Manners of the wild, godless and slavish Indians, especially in so vile and stinking a Custome. Shall we that disdain to imitate the Man∣ners of our Neighbour France, (having the stile of the great Christi∣an Kingdome) and that cannot endure the Spirit of the Spaniards (their King being now comparable in largeness of Dominions, to the greatest Emperour of Turky;) Shall we, I say, that have been so long civil and wealthy in Peace, famous and invincible in War, fortunate in both; We that have been ever able to Aid any of our Neighbours (but never deafed any of their Ears with any of our Supplications for assistance;) Shall we, I say, without blushing, abase our selves so far, as to imitate these beastly Indians, Slaves to the Spaniards, Refuse to the World, and as yet Aliens from the holy Covenant of God? Why do we not as well imitate them in walk∣ing naked, as they do, in preferring Glasses, Feathers, and such toys, to Gold and precious Stones, as they do? Yea, why do we not deny God, and adore the Devil, as they do.

Now to the corrupted baseness of the first use of this Tobacco, doth very well agree the foolish and groundless first Entry thereof into this Kingdom: It is not long since the first entry of this abuse amongst us here, as this present Age cannot yet very well re∣member, both the first Author, and the form of the first Introducti∣on of it against us. It was neither brought in by King, great Con∣queror, nor learned Doctor of Physick.

With the Report of a great Discovery for a Conquest, some two or three Savage men were brought in, together with this Savage Custome: But the pity is, the poor, wild, barbarous men died; but that vile barbarous Custome is yet alive, yea in fresh vigour, so as

it seems a miracle to me, how a Custome springing from so vile a Ground, and brought in by a Father so generally hated, should be welcomed upon so slender a warrant: For if they that first put it in practice here, had remembred for what respect it was used by them from whence it came; I am sure they would have been loath to have taken so far the Imputation of that Disease upon them as they did, by using the Cure thereof; for Sanis non est opus medice, and Counter-Poysons are never used, but where Poyson is thought to proceed.

But since it is true, that divers Customs slightly grounded, and with no better warrant entred in a Common-wealth, may yet in the use of them thereafter, prove both necessary and profitable; it is therefore next to be examined, if there be not a ful sympathy and true proportion between the base ground and foolish en∣try, and the loathsome and hurtful use of this stinking Anti∣dote.

I am now therefore heartily to pray you to consider, first upon what false and erroneous grounds you have first built the general good liking thereof; and next, what Sins towards God, and foolish Vanities before the World, you commit in the detestable use of it.

As for those deceitful grounds, that have specially moved you to take a good and great conceit thereof: I shall content my self to examine here onely four of the Principals of them, two founded upon the Theorick of a deceivable appearance of Reason, and two of them upon the mistaken practick of general Experience.

First, It is thought by you a sure Aphorisme in the Physick; That the brains of all men being naturally cold and wet, all dry and hot things should be good for them, of which nature this stink∣ing suffumigation is, and therefore of good use to them. Of this Argument both the Proposition and Assumption are false, and so the Conclusion cannot but be void of it self: For as to the Propo∣sition, That because the Brains are cold and moist, therefore things that are hot and dry are best for them; it is an inept Consequence: For man being compounded of the four Complexions (whose Fa∣thers are the four Elements) although there be a mixture of them all, in all the parts of his body, yet must the divers parts of our Microcosme, or little World within our selves, be diversly more inclined, some to one, some to another Complexion, accord∣ing to the diversity of their uses; that of these Discords a perfect

Harmony may be made up for the maintenance of the whole Body.

The application then of a thing of a contrary nature to any of these parts, is to interrupt them of their due function, and by con∣sequence hurtful to the health of the whole Body; as if a man, be∣cause the Liver is as the fountain of Bloud, and, as it were, an Oven to the Stomach, would therefore apply and wear close upon his Liver and Stomach a Cake of Lead, he might within a very short time (I hope) be sustained very good cheap at an Ordinary, besides the clearing of his Conscience from that deadly fin of Gluttony: And as if because the Heart is full of vital Spirits, and in perpetual motion; a man would therefore lay a heavy pound stone on his Breast, for staying and holding down that wanton Palpitation; I doubt not but his Breast would be more bruised with the weight thereof, then the Heart would be comforted with such a disagree∣able and contrarious Cure. And even so is it with the Brains; for if a man because the Brains are cold and humide, would there∣fore use inwardly by smells, or outwardly by application, things of hot and dry quality; all the gain that he could make thereof, would onely be to put himself in great forwardness for running mad, by over-watching himself; the coldness and moisture of our Brains being the onely ordinary means that procure our Sleep and Rest. Indeed, I do not deny, that when it falls out that any of these, or any part of our Body, grows to be distempered, and to tend to an extremity beyond the compass of Natures temperate mixture, that in that case Cures of contrary qualities to the Intemperate inclina∣tion of that part being wisely prepared, and discreetly ministred, may be both necessary and helpful for strengthening and assisting Nature in the expulsion of her Enemies; for this is the true defini∣tion of all profitable Physick.

But first, These Cures ought not to be used, but where there is need of them; the contrary whereof is daily practiced in this ge∣neral use of Tobacco, by all sorts and Complexions of people.

And next, I deny the minor of this Argument, as I have already said, in regard that this Tobacco is not simply of a dry and hot quality, but rather hath a certain venomous faculty joyned with the heat thereof, which makes it have an Antipathy against Nature, as by the hateful smell thereof doth well appear; for the Nose being the proper Organ and Convoy of the sence of smelling to the Brains, which are the onely fountain of that sence, doth ever serve

us for an infallible witness, whether that Odour which we smell be healthful or hurtful to the Brain, (except when it falls out that the sence it self is corrupted and abused, through some infirmity and distemper in the Brain:) And that the suffumigation thereof can∣not have a drying quality, it needs no further probation, then that it is a smoke, all smoke and vapour being of it self Humide, as draw∣ing near to the nature of the Air, and easie to be resolved again into water, whereof there needs no other proof but the meteors, which being bred of nothing else but of the vapors and exhalations sucked up by the Sun out of the Earth, the Sea and Waters; yet are the same smoky vapors turned and transformed into Rains, Snows, Dews, Hoar-Frosts, and such like watry meteors; as by the con∣trary, the rainy Clouds are often transformed and evaporated in blustering Winds.

The second Argument grounded on a shew of Reason, is, That this filthy Smoke, as well through the heat and strength thereof, as by a natural force and quality, is able and fit to purge both the Head and Stomach of Rheumes and Distillations, as experience teacheth by the spitting, and avoiding Flegm, immediately after the taking of it. But the fallacy of this Argument may easily appear, by my late proceeding Description of the meteors; for even as the smoky vapours sucked by the Sun, and stayed in the lowest and cold Region of the Air, are there contracted into Clouds, and turned into Rain, and such other watry meteors; So this stinking Smoke being sucked up by the Nose; and imprisoned in the cold and moist Brains, is by their cold and wet faculty turned and cast forth again in watry Distillations, and so are you made free, and purged of nothing, but that wherewith you wilfully burdened your selves; and therefore are you no wiser in taking Tobacco for purging you of Distillations, then if for preventing the Cholick, you would take all kind of windy Meats and Drinks; and for pre∣venting of the Stone, you would take all kind of Meats and Drinks that would breed gravel in the Kidneys; and then when you were forced to avoid much wind out of your Stomach, and much gravel in your Urine, that you should attribute the thank thereof to such nourishments as breed those within you, that behoved either to be expelled by the force of Nature, or you to have burst at the broad side, as the Proverb is.

As for the other two Reasons founded upon Experience; The first of which is, That the whole people would not have taken so

general a good liking thereof, if they had not by experience found it very soveraign and good for them: For answer thereunto, How easily the minds of any people, wherewith God hath replenished this World, may be drawn to the foolish affectation of any Novelty, I leave it to the discreet Judgment of any man that is reason∣able.

Do we not daily see, that a man can no sooner bring over from beyond the Seas any new form of Apparel, but that he cannot be thought a man of Spirit, that would not presently imitate the same; and so from hand to hand it spreads, till it be practised by all; not for any commodity that is in it, but only because it is come to be the Fashion; for such is the force of that natural self-love in every one of us, and such is the corruption of envy bred in the Breast of every one, as we cannot be content, unless we imitate every thing that our Fellows do, and so prove our selves capable of every thing whereof they are capable, like Apes, counterfeiting the Manners of others to our own destruction. For let one or two of the great∣est Masters of Mathematicks in any of the two famous Universities, but constantly affirm any clear day, that they see some strange Ap∣parition in the Skies; They will, I warrant you, be seconded by the greatest part of the Students in that Profession; So loath will they be, to be thought inferiour to their Fellows either in depth of Knowledge or sharpness of Sight: and therefore the general good liking, and embracing of this foolish Custome, doth but onely proceed from that affectation of Novelty and popular Error, where∣of I have already spoken.

And the other Argument drawn from a mistaken experience, is but the more particular probation of this general, because it is al∣ledge to be found true by proof, That by the taking of Tobacco, divers, and very many, do find themselves cured of divers Diseases, as on the other part no man ever received harm thereby. In this Argument, there is first a great mistaking, and next a monstrous ab∣surdity; for is not a very great mistaking, to take non causam pro¦eausa; as they say in the Logicks; because peradventure when a sick man hath had his Disease at the heighth, he hath at that instant taken Tabacco, and afterward his Disease taking the natural course of Declining, and consequently the Patient of recovering his health, O then the Tobacco forsooth was the worker of that Miracle! be∣side that, it is a thing well known to all Physicians, That the ap∣prehension and conceit of the Patient hath by wakening and

uniting the vital Spirits, and so strengthening Nature, a great power and vertue to cure divers Diseases: For an evident Proof of mista∣king in the like case, I pray what foolish Boy, what silly Wench, what old doting Wife, or ignorant Country Clown, is not Physi∣cian for the Tooth-ach, for the Cholick, and divers such common Diseases; yea, will not every man you meet withall teach you a sun∣dry Cure for the fame, and swear by that mean, either himself, or some of his nearest Kindsmen and Friends was cured; and yet, I hope, no man is so foolish as to believe them: And all these toys do onely proceed from the mistaking non causam pro causa, as I have already said; and so if a man chance to recover one of any Disease after he hath taken Tobacco, that must have the thanks of all: But by the contrary, if a man smoke himself to death with it (as many have done) O then some other Disease must bear the blame for that fault! So do old Harlots thank their Harlotry for their many years, that Custom being healthful (say they) ad purgandos renes, but never have mind how many die of the Pox in the flower of their Youth: And so do old Drunkards think they prolong their days by their Swine-like Diet, but never remember how many die drowned in Drink before they be half old.

And what greater absurdity can there be then to say, that one Cure shall serve for divers, nay contrarious sorts of Diseases. It is an undoubted ground among all Physicians, That there is almost no sort, either of Nourishment or Medicine, that hath not some thing in it disagreeable to some part of mans body, because, as I have already said, the nature of the temperature of every part is so different from another, that according to the old Proverb, That which is good for the Head is evil for the Neck and the Shoulders: For even as a strong Enemy that invades a Town or Fortress, al∣though in his Siege thereof he do belay and compass it round about, yet he makes his Breach and Entry at some one or few spe∣cial parts thereof, which he hath tryed and found to be weakest and least able to resist: So sickness doth make her particular assault upon such part or parts of our Body as are weakest and easiest to be overcome by that sort of Disease which then doth assail us, al∣though all the rest of the Body, by sympathy, feel it self to be as it were belaid and besieged by the affliction of that special part, the grief and smart thereof being by the sence of feeling dispersed through all the rest of the members; and therefore the skilful Physician presses by such Cures to purge and strengthen that part

which is afflicted, as are onely fit for that sort of Disease, and do best agree with the nature of that infirm part; which being abu∣sed to a Disease of another nature, would prove as hurtful to the one, as helpful for the other; yea, not onely will a skilful and wary Physician be careful to use no Cure, but that which is fit for that sort of Disease; but he will also consider all other circumstances, and make the Remedies sutable thereunto, as the temperature of the Clime, where the Patient is, the Constitution of the Planets, the time of the Moon, the season of the Year, the Age and Complexi∣on of the Patient, the present state of his Body in strength or weakness: For one Cure must not ever be used for the self same Di∣sease but according to the varying of any of the aforesaid Circum∣stances, that sort of Remedy must be used which is fittest for the same: where by the contrary in this case, such is the miraculous Omnipotency of our strong-tasted Tobacco, as it cures all sorts of Diseases (which never any Drug could do before) in all Persons, and at all times. It cures all manner of Distillations, either in Head or Stomach (if you believe their Axioms) although in very deed is do both corrupt the Brain, and, by causing over quick digestion, fill the Stomach full of Crudities. It cures the Gout in the Feet, and (which is miraculous) in that very instant when the smoke thereof, as light, flyes up into the Head, the vertue thereof, as heavy, runs down to the little Toe: It helps all sorts of Agues; it makes a man sober, that was Drunk; it refreshes a weary man, and yet makes a man hungry; being taken when they go to Bed, it makes one sleep soundly; and yet being taken when a man is sleepy and drowsie, it will, as they say, awaken his Brain, and quicken his Un∣derstanding; As for curing of the Pox, it serves for that use, but among the Pocky Indian Slaves. Here in England it is refined, and will not deign to cure here any other then cleanly and gentlemanly Diseases. O omnipotent power of Tobacco! And if it could by the smoke thereof chase out Devils, as he smoke of Tobias Fish did (which, I am sure, could smell no stronger) it would serve for a precious Relict, both for the superstitious Priests, and the insolent Puritans, to cast out Devils withall.

Admitting then, and not confessing, that the use thereof were healthful for some sorts of Diseases, should it be used for all Sick∣nesses? should it be used by all men? should it be used at all times? yea, should it be used by able, young, strong, healthful men? Medicine hath that vertue, that it never leaves a man in that state

wherein it finds him; it makes a sick man whole, but a whole man sick: And as Medicine helps Nature, being taken at time of ne∣cessity; so being ever and continually used, it doth but weaken, weary, and wear Nature. What speak I of Medicine? Nay, let a man every hour of the day, or as oft as many in this Country use to take Tobacco; let a man, I say, but take as oft the best sorts of Nourishments, in Meat and Drink, that can be devised, he shall, with the continual use thereof, weaken both his Head and his Sto∣mach, all his members shall become feeble, his Spirits dull, and in the end, as a drowsie, lasie Belly-god, he shall ••vanish in a Le∣thargy.

And from this weakness it preceeds, that many in this Kingdom have had such a continual use of taking this unsavory Smoke, as now they are not able to forbear the same, no more then an old Drunkard can abide to be long sober, without falling into an incu∣rable Weakness, and evil Constitution; for their continual custom hath made to them habitum, alteram naturam: So to those that, from their Birth, have been continually nourished upon Poyson, and things venemous, wholesome Meats are onely poyson∣able.

Thus having, as I trust, sufficiently answered the most principal Arguments that are used in defence of this vile custome. It rests onely to inform you, what Sins and Vanities you commit in the filthy abuse thereof: First, Are you not guilty of sinful and shameful lust, (for lust may be as well in any of the Sences as in feeling) that although you be troubled with no Disease, but in perfect health, yet can you neither be merry at an Ordinary, nor lascivious in the Stews, if you lack Tobacco to provoke your Apetite to any of those sorts of Recreation; lusting after it as the Children of Israel did in the Wilderness after Quails. Secondly, It is as you use, or ra∣ther abuse it, a branch of the sin of Drunkenness, which is the root of all Sins; for as the onely delight that Drunkards take in Wine, is in the strength of the tast, and the force of the some thereof that mounts up to the Brain; for no Drunkards love any weak or sweet Drink; So are not those (I mean the strong heat and fume) the only qualities that make Tobacco so delectable to all the Lovers of it? And as no man likes strong heady Drink the first day (because nemo repente fit turpissimus) but by custom is piece and piece allured, while, in the end, a Drunkard will have as great a thrist to be drunk, as a sober man to quench his thirst with a

draught, when he hath need of it. So is not this the very case of all the great takers of Tobacco, which therefore they themselves do attribute to a bewitching quality in it? Thirdly, Is it not the greatest sin of all, that you, the people of all sorts of this Kingdom, who are created and ordained by God, to bestow both your Persons and Goods for the maintainance both of the honour and safety of your King and Common-wealth, should disable your selves in both? In your Persons, having by this continual vile Custom brought your selves to this shameful imbecillity, that you are not able to ride or walk the Journey of a Jews Sabbath, but you must have reeky coal brought you from the next poor House to kindle your Tobac∣co with; whereas he cannot be thought able for any Service in the Wars, that cannot endure oftentimes the want of Meat, Drink and Sleep, much more then must he endure the want of Tobacco: In the times of the many glorious and victorious Battles fought by this Nation, there was no word of Tobacco; but now if it were time of Wars, and that you were to make some sudden Cavalcado upon your Enemies; if any of you should seek leisure to stay behind his Fellow for taking of Tobacco, for my part, I should never be sorry for any evil chance that might befall him: To take a Custome in any thing that cannot be left again, is most harmful to the people of any Land. Mollities and delicacy were the rack and over∣throw, first of the Persian, and next of the Roman Empire. And this very custom of taking Tobacco (whereof our present purpose is) is even at this day accompted so effeminate among the Indians themselves, as in the Market they will offer no price for a Slave to be sold, whom they find to be a great Tobacco-taker.

Now how you are by this Custome disabed in your Goods, let the Gentry of this Land bear witness, some of them bestowing three, some four hundred pounds a year upon this precious Stink, which, I am sure, might be bestowed upon many far better Uses. I read indeed of a Knavish Courtier, who for abusing the favour of the Emperour Alexander Severus, his Master, by taking Bribes to inter∣cede for sundry Persons in his Masters Ear (for whom he never once opened his mouth) was justly choked with smoke, with this doom, Fumo pereat quifummum vendidit. But of so many Smoke-Buyers as are at this present in this Kingdom, I never read nor heard.

And for the Vanities committed in this filthy Custome, is it not both great Vanity and Uncleanness, that at the Table, a place of

Respect, of Cleanliness, of Modesty, men should not be ashamed to sit tossing of Tobacco-Pipes, and puffing of the smoke of Tobacco one to another, making the filthy smoke and stink thereof to ex∣hale athwart the Dishes, and infect the Air, when very often men that abhor it are at their Repast: Surely smoke becomes a Kitchin far better then a Dining-Chamber, and yet it makes a Kitchin also oftentimes in the inward parts of men, soyling and infecting them with an unctious and oylie kind of soot, as hath been found in some great Tobacco-Takers, that after their Death were opened: And not onely meat-time, but no other time nor action is exempted from the publique use of this uncivil trick; so as if the Wives of Diep list to contest with this Nation for good Manners, their worst Manners would in all reason be found at least not so dishonest (as ours are) in this point, the publick use whereof at all times, and in all places, hath now so far prevailed, as divers men very sound both in Judgment and Complexion, have been at last forced to take it also, without desire, partly because they were ashamed to seem singular, (like the two Philosophers that were forced to duck themselves in that Rain-water, and so became Fools as well as the rest of the people) and partly to be as one that was content to eat Garlick (which he did not love) that he might not be troubled with the smell of it in the breath of his Fellows. And is it not a great vanity that a man cannot heartily welcome his Friend now, but straight they must be in hand with Tobacco: No, it is become in place of a Cure, a point of good Fellowship; and he that will refuse to take a Pipe of Tobacco among his Fellows (though by his own election he would rather smell the savor of a sink) is accompted peevish, and no good company; even as they do with tipling in the cold Eastern-Countries, yea the Mistriss cannot in a more mannerly kind entertain her Servant, then by giving him out of her fair hand a pipe of Tobacco; but herein is not only a great vanity, but a great contempt of God's good Gifts, that the sweetness of mans breath being a good gift of God, should be wilfully corrupted by this stinking smoke, wherein I must confess it hath too strong of vertue, and so that which is an Ornament of Nature, and can neither by any artifice be at the first acquired, nor once lost be recovered again, shall be filthily corrupted with an incurable stink, which vile quality is as directly contrary to that wrong Opinion which is holden of the wholesomeness thereof, as the venome of putrifacti∣on is contrary to the vertue preservative.

Moreover, which is a great iniquity, and against all humanity, the Husband shall not be ashamed to reduce thereby his delicate, wholesome, and clean-complexion'd Wife to that extremity, that either she must also corrupt her sweet Breath therewith, or else re∣solve to live in a perpetual stinking torment.

Have you not reason then to be ashamed, and to forbear this filthy Novelty, so basely grounded, so foolishly received, and so grosly mistaken in the right use thereof: In your abuse thereof sinning against God, harming your selves both in Persons and Goods, and raking also thereby the marks and notes of Vanity up∣on you; by the Custome thereof, making your selves to be wonder∣ed at by all forreign civil Nations, and by all Strangers that come among you, to be scorned and contempted; a custome loathsome to the Eye, hateful to the Nose, harmful to the Brain, dangerous to the Lungs, and in the black stinking fume thereof, nearest re∣sembling the horrible stigian smoke of the Pit that is bottom∣less.

Dr. Maynwaring's serious Cautions against Tobacco, collect∣ed out of his Treatise of the Scurvy, Page 70.

ANother grand procuring and promoting cause of the Scurvy is, Tobacco; not taken notice of by any I meet with in print. And here we may charge much of the frequency, and the unwonted Phaenomena, or symptomatical appearance of this Disease, upon the late custome of taking Tobacco. Many wonder that the Scurvy should so much abound now in most places, and become so common and obvious now to every Eye, that was so rarely taken notice of in former times, notwithstanding some of its procuring causes were very Antique. But we need not wonder so much, if we consider the manner of living in former Ages, compared with our own; new Customes and Diets beget new Diseases, or modifie the old so, as they seem to be new, in their unwonted manner, or frequency of appearance.

The Scurvy being altered and differenced now from what it was in ancient times; that the Phaenomena or symptomes of the Disease

in the Syndrome and Concurrence, is not exact alike with the description of the Ancients; which hath caused a doubt, and it is held by some Physicians, That the Scurvy is a new Disease: But it is the old Scurvy dressed in a new garb, which by new pro∣curing causes, and additional complications, is become more depra∣vel, more frequent, and more enlarged: few persons but harbour this unwelcome Guest.

As an additional procurer of the Scurvy, Tobacco comes now to be examined, since whose general use the Scurvy hath much in∣creased, and is become the most Epidemical. That this Plant is in∣jurious and destructive to Nature, and consequently an introducer of the Scurvy will appear, if we consider the effects that supervene and follow the taking of it. The Consequents or Effects may be divided into two sorts; First, Such as accompany or supervene the first use of it. Secondly, Such as follow the long and constant use of it.

Symptoms arising upon the first and unaccustomed use of smok∣ing it, are Vomiting, Giddiness, Fainting, Drunkenness Sleepiness, depravation of the Sences, and such like as follow upon the taking of some kind of Poysons.

Effects upon the accustomed familiar use of it, are, Salivation, drawing a Flux of moisture to the mouth, and drayning the Body; heat, dryness, lassitude and weariness of the Spirits, a dulness and indisposition of mind after; apt to sleep, a filthy unsavory tast in the mouth, a check to to the Stomach or Appetite.

The latent and more secret Effects wrought in the Body by the constant smoking of Tobacco, are; the inducing a Scorbutick dis∣position, and promoting it where it is already radicated. And this is procured these wayes: First, By depressing the Spirits, and ali∣enating them from their genuine propriety and purity. Secondly, By vitiating the Stomach, and depraving the Palate. Thirdly, By exhausting the dulcid good juyce of the Body, leaving behind and procuring the remainder more viscous, acrid and sharpe. Fourthly, By prejudicing and weakening the Lungs and vital Parts.

That it hath a property to depress and clog the Spirits, is appa∣rent by its narcotick vertue, causing a dulness, heaviness, lassitude, and disposing to sleep after the use of it. That it alienates the Spi∣rits, is concluded from its virulent nature, and discord with our nature, and that is argued from the symptoms that attend the first use.

That it is noxious to the Stomach (the first grand Laboratory of the Body) is rational to assert; For as Tobacco affects the mouth with an ill stinking tast, so the Stomach also goes not free, but is tainted with it, which is communicated to the Food received. Now considering the nature of Tobacco, as it is hot and dry, acrid, salt, biting, Purgative, or rather virulent, altogether medicinal, and not alimental; and this constantly to impregnate and tincture our nutimental success with these properties and qualities, we can∣not otherwise expect by length of time and daily use, but that it will shew its power and vertue to change and alter our Bodies; since it is not nutritive, but medicinal, estranged, and at a great distance from the nature of our Bodies, not fit to nourish, but to alter and produce some notable effects.

So great a sympathy there is between the Stomach and Mouth, that the one is not affected, but the other is drawn into consent; if the Stomach be foul, the Mouth hath an ill relish; and if the Mouth distasts any thing, the Stomach nauseates at it. Now this great Harmony and consent between these two, ariseth upon this accompt; the Mouth is appointed by nature the Stomachs taster, to judge and discern what is fit and agreeable for the Stomach to re∣ceive; and therefore the same membrane which invests the Mouth, and is the instrument of tasting, does also line the Stomach, so that hereby what is pleasant and acceptable in the Mouth, is gratefully received into the Stomach; now by this affinity and sympathy, you may rationally conclude, that vitiating of the tast by Tobacco and tainting the Mouth with its stinking scent, must of necessity com∣municate the same to the Stomach, which takes Physick every time you take Tobacco, does mix with and infect the chile of the Sto∣mach, and is conveyed with it into all parts of the Body; and ha∣ving so great a medicinal power, must needs alter and change the Body, according to the properties it is endowed with, by the con∣stant use, and daily reception of it.

Now Tobacco being of an accrimonious, hot, dry, &c. nature, does pervert and change the Balsamick juyces of the Body into a more sharpe and fiery temper, and alienate them, whereby they are not so amicable and fit for nutrition, as many scorbutick Tobacco∣nists do evidence upon examination, and their constitution changed by the evil use of this Plant; and it is very reasonable to expect it, and impute such alterations to the use thereof, since they are the proper effects of such a Cause; the more remarkable discovery,

and frequency of the Scurvy, may well and justly be imputed to Tobacco, since of latter years that Tobacco hath been in use, and in those Countries where Tobacco is much taken, it doth abound most.

Although I discommend the use of Tobacco by smoking it, as an injurious Custome, yet I highly applaud it, as very medicinal, be∣ing rightly used. I remember about fifteen years since, a Patient of mine in Derby-shire fell into a great Paroxysm of an Asthma, al∣most to suffocation, I exhibited a Dose of the Sirrup of Tobacco, which gave him present help, and within a few hours was relieved, that he could draw his Breath with much ease and freedome: And about a year after, at Maxfield in Cheshire, I cured a Gentlewoman of an Ulcer in Ano of seven years standing, chiefly with the Oint∣ment of Tobacco; and although other things were used, yet I ascribe most of the Cure to that Unguent. And in many other cases Tobacco is of good use, which I have experienced; but smok∣ing of it I find to be hurtful, if it be customary. I shall not be so strict and severe against the use of it, as to forbid all persons the smoking it upon any score whatever; for that which may be used at certain times as medicinal, upon just occasions requiring in some persons, may prove very bad and pernicious upon the constant and general use; and this is the case of Tobacco.

Tobacconists, whom custome hath ensnared, and brought them to delight in it, are willing to be perswaded and deluded, that it is good and wholesome, at least harmless; the pretences which they urge in defence of it, are such as these: Some plead for it, and use it after Meat, as a help to Digestion, and therefore take it as a good remedy against a bad Stomach and weak Digestion.

To this I answer, They are much mistaken herein, not distin∣guishing between digestion, and precipitation of meat out of the Stomach; digestion is not performed but in due time, by retexture, alteration, fermentation, and volatization of Meat, and till then, is not fit to pass out of the Digestive-Office, which requires some hours more or less, according to the nature of the Food received, of facil or difficil digestion; now that which provokes the Stomach to a distribution of semi-digested Chyle, and unloading it self be∣fore digestion be finished and perfected, offers great injury to the Body; and this is the case of Tobacco (by its lavative stimulating properties) which error committed in the first Digestive-Office is not corrected, nor the damage recompenced by the accuteness and

strong elaborations of the subsequent digestions;* 1.1 and for this rea∣son in part, the Scurvy is procured hereby. Some take Tobacco for refreshment after labour, and divertise∣ment of serious thoughts, being tired with business, study and mu∣sing. True it is, Tobacco puts a suspension upon serious thoughts, and gives a relaxation for a time in some persons; others contem∣plate, and run over their business with more delight, by the help and during the taking of a Pipe: But both these persons though seemingly delighted and refreshed for a short time, yet afterwards the Spirits are lassated and tired, and are more flat, dull and somno∣lent, when the Pipe is out; this was but a cheat, the Spirits were not truly refreshed, invigorated and reinforced; as Wine does enliven and make brisk the Spirits, by affording and communicating an additional supply; but by the fume of Tobacco the Spirits are a little inebriated and agitated by an other motion then their own, which is a seeming refreshment, and short, not real, substantial and lasting.

Others plead for Tobacco, and take it as a Remedy against Rheume, because a great dryer and exhauster of superfluous Moi∣sture. To evince the Error of this Opinion, consider what is the cause whereby Rheumes and crude moisture in the Body do abound; and then you will plainly see, whether smoking Tobacco be a pro∣per or likely Remedy to prevent or oppose it. Phlegm and superflu∣ous moisture does arise and abound in the Body, from a deficiency and debility of the Digestions, as also impediment or impotency of the expulsive faculty, that the remainders after digestion be not transmitted by the common ductures. Now this fume of To∣bacco gives no Roboration, adds no strength to the digestive facul∣ties, having no symbolical qualities to comply with, and assist them, is very plain. Also that separation and expulsion of super∣fluous moisture by this fume, is not promoted and transmitted through the more commodious ductures and passages appointed by nature for emission; onely a salivation by the mouth is procured, which brings no advantage, but detriment; for this Flux of moi∣sture doth not arise as critical, from the impulsion of Nature, sepa∣rating and protruding; but from a promiscuous attraction of fluid moisture, (by vertue of its acrimonious heat) as well the landable, util succus, as the degenerated and superfluous; so that constant∣ly draining the Body of this dulcid serosity, must cause many in∣conveniencies through the want of it, in as much as it is very

serviceable to the Body, in the integrity of its nature, but being alienated, is then reduced or vented by better means, nature concur∣ring with the medicine: But admit this did attract only excrementi∣tious moisture (which it does not) yet considering it Vitiates the Stomach, and Impregnates the Chyle, with its evil properties, 'tis much better to forbear then to use it; that benefit would not recom∣pence this injury. And further, that which is a preventing or curative remedy of superfluous Moisture, Rheume, or Phlegma∣tique matter, applies à Priori to the Digestions, the Springs from whence such Effects do arise; not à Posteriori to the producted mat∣ter, which this fume seems to pump out, but does not stop the Leak, is therefore no radical Medicine; and they that smoke To∣bacco upon this accompt as a great dryer, and exhauster of superflu∣ous moisture, are much deceived in the expected benefit; it onely brings a current of moisture, which ought to be expended other∣wise, but it abates nothing in the Fountain or Springs; rather augments, and makes an overflow, (for the Reasons aforesaid) as Tobacconists do evidence by their much spitting.

[Object.] Some may say, I never took Tobacco, and yet I have the symp∣tomes of the Scurvy as bad as any that have taken it.

[Answ.] This may be so, from other great procuring causes; and yet Tobacco notwithstanding may be one great procurer in other per∣sons. The Scurvy does not require all the procuring causes to con∣cur in its production, but sometimes one, and sometimes another is able to do it; and although you take no Tobacco, yet perhaps your Parents did, or theirs; and it is sufficient to make you fare the worse; bad customes and abusive living extends farther then the person so offending: it is transmitted to their Off-spring, as in another Work I have noted in these words.* 1.2 But yet the Crime were less, if onely to themselves the prejudice did extend, but also to Posterity their Diseases are propagated; the Children having im∣pressed upon them, and radicated in the principals of their nature, the seminal power and productive vertue of inordinate and intem∣perate living of their Genitors and Progenitors, that the Children may bear witness to the following Age, the vice and folly of their Parents and Predecessors, recorded and characterised in them, &c.

Hereby you may understand, that evil customes (as of smoking Tobacco) do not injure onely the person doing so, but the Gene∣ration after them are prejudiced: And, here by the way, we may

take notice of the many Rickity Children in this latter Age, since the use of Tobacco, which Disease was not known, before the frequent use of it. Tobacco does enervate and debilitate the fa∣culties, that we may rationally expect the Children from this Ge∣neration to be Scorbutick, Rickity, and more feeble then for∣merly.

Amurath the Fourth of that Name,* 1.3 Grand Seignior of the Turkish Empire, put forth his Edict againgst the smoking of Tobacco, and made it a Capital Crime for any that should so use it; the Reason of this severe Prohibition was, that it did render his People infertile: I shall not urge the inconvenience of. Tobacco so far, but this I may assext, that it causeth an infirm Generation, by debilitating the Parents, and rendering them Scorbutick, which Impressions are carried in semine to their Children, and makes a diseased Issue. And I observed in Virginia, being some time in that Colony, that the Planters who had lived long there, being great Smokers, were of a withered decayed Countenance, and very Scorbutick, being ex∣hausted by this imoderate fume; nor are they long-lived, but do shorten their dayes by the intemperate use of Tobacco and Brandy.

King James, that learned Philosophical Prince of this Nation, wisely considering the nature of this Plant, and having a good Stoxastick Head to foresee the inconveniencies that would arise to his People, by the ill custome of smoking it, he being the great Phy∣scian of the Body Politick, does excellently dehort his Subjects (being tender of their future welfare) from this noxious fume,* 1.4 and writes an Invective against it; whose Oratory and solid Argu∣ments were enough to have broken the neck of this Custome, had they any regard to his kindness, or sense of their own good, and of their Posterity.

I might have enlarged my self upon this Subject, and run over most Scorbutick symptomes, shewing how they are either first pro∣cured or aggravated by this fume: But from what hath been said already, it plainly appears, that Tobacco is a great procurer and promoter of the Scurvy, in as much as many Scorbutick symptomes are the proper effects of smoking Tobacco, as lassitude, dulness, somnolency, spitting, ill tast in the mouth, &c. And although some few persons either by the strength of nature, do strongly resist the bad impressions it sets upon several parts of the Body, or by the peculiarity of nature is less offensive and hurtful to some, or brings

some particular benefit (amongst its many ill properties) that makes it seemingly good; yet insensibly and by time it damageth all; and those few good effects in some few persons are not of validity to give it a general approbation and use, and free it from the cen∣sure of a great procurer of the Scurvy, but may be justly reckoned in that Catalogue.

Preservation of Health in the choice of Drinks, and Regular Drinking.

DRink for necessity, not for bad fellowship; especially soon after meat, which hinders the due fermentation of the Stomach, and washeth down before digestion be finished: but after the first concoction, if you have a hot Stomach, a dry or costive Body, you may drink more freely then others: or if thirst importunes you at any time, to satisfie with a moderate draught is better then to for∣bear.

Accustom youth and strong Stomachs to small drink, but stronger drink, and Wine, to the infirm and aged: it chears the Spirits, quickens the Appetite, and helps Digestion, moderately taken: but being used in excess, disturbs the course of Nature, and procures many Diseases: for corpulent gross and fat Bodies, thin, hungry, abstersive penetrating Wines are best, as White-Wine, Rhenish, and such like.

For lean thin Bodies; black, red and yellow Wines, sweet, full bodied and fragrant, are more fit and agreeable; as Malaga, Mus∣cadel, Tent, Alicant and such like.

For Drink, whether it be wholsomer warmed than cold, is much controverted; some stifly contending for the one, and some for the other: I shall rather chuse the middle way, with limitation and distinction, then impose it upon all as a rule to be observed under the penalty of forfeiting their health, the observations of the one or the other.

There are three sorts of persons, one cannot drink cold Beer, the other cannot drink warm, the third, either: You that cannot drink cold Beer, to you it is hurtful, cools the Stomach, and checks

it much: therefore keep to warm drink as a wholsome custome: you that cannot drink warm Beer, that is, find no refreshment, nor thirst satified by it, you may drink it cold, nor is it injurious to you: you that are indifferent and can drink either, drink yours cold, or warmed, as the company does, since your Stomach makes no choice.

That warm drink is no bad custom, but agreeable to Nature in the generality; First, Because it comes the nearest to the natu∣ral temper of the Body, and similia similibus conservantur, every thing is preserved by its like, and destroyed by its contrary. Se∣condly, Though I do not hold it the principal Agent in digestion, yet it does excite, is auxiliary, and a necessary concomitant of a good digestion, ut signum & causa. Thirdly, Omne frigus per se, & proviribus destruit; Cold in its own nature, and according to the graduation of its power, extinguisheth natural heat, and is destructive; but per accidens, and as it is in gradu remisso, it may contemperate, allay, and refresh, where heat abounds, and is exalted.

Therefore as there is variety of Palates and Stomachs liking and agreeing best with such kind of Meats and Drinks, which to others are utterly disgustful, disagreeing and injurious, though good in themselves: so is it in Drink warmed or cold; what one finds a benefit in, the other receives a prejudice; at least does not find that satisfaction and refreshment, under such a qualification; because of the various natures, particular appetitions, and idiosyncratical pro∣perties of several bodies, one thing will not agree with all: There∣fore he that cannot drink warm, let him take it cold, and it is well to him; but he that drinks it warm, does better. And this is to be understood in Winter, when the extremity of cold hath congelated and fixed the spirits of the Liquor in a torpid inactivity; which by a gentle warmth are unfettered,* 1.5 volatile and brisk; whereby the drink is more agreeable and grateful to the Stomachs fermenting heat being so prepared, then to be made so by it.

There are three sorts of Drinkers: one drinks to satisfie Nature, and to support his body; without which he cannot well subsist, and requires it as recessary to his Being. Another drinks a degree be∣yond this man, and takes a larger dose, with this intention, to ex∣hilarate and chear his mind, to banish cares and trouble, and help him to sleep the better; and these two are lawful Drinkers. A third drinks neither for the good of the body, or the mind, but to

stupifie and drown both; by exceeding the former bounds, and running into excess, frustrating those ends for which drink was appointed by Nature; converting this support of life and health, making it a procurer of sickness and untimely death.

Many such there are, who drink not to satifie Nature, but force it down many times contrary to natural inclination; and when there is a reluctancy against it: as Drunkards, that pour in Liquor, not for love of the drink, or that Nature requires it by thirst, but onely to maintain the mad frollick, and keep the Company from breaking up. Some to excuse this intemperance, hold it as good Physick to be drunk once a moneth, and plead for that liberty as a wholsome custome, and quote the authority of a famous Physician for it. Whether this Opinion be allowable, and to be admitted in the due Regiment for preservation of Health, is fit to be exa∣mined.

It is a Canon established upon good reason;* 1.6 That every thing ex∣ceeding its just bounds, and golden mediocrity, is hurtful to Nature. The best of things are not excepted in this general rule; but are restrained and limited here to a due proportion. The supports of life may prove the procurers of death, if not qualified and made wholsome by this corrective.

Meat and drink is no longer sustenance, but a load and over∣charge, if they exceed the quantum due to each particular person; and then they are not, what they are properly in themselves, and by the appointment of Nature, the preservatives of life and health; but the causes of sickness, and consequently of death.

Drink was not appointed man, to discompose and disorder him in all his faculties, but to supply, nourish, and strengthen them. Drink exceeding its measure, is no longer a refreshment, to irri∣gate and water the thirsty body, but makes an inundation to drown and suffocate the vital powers. It puts a man out of the state of health, and represents him in such a degenerate condition both in respect of body and mind, that we may look upon the man, as go∣ing out of the World, because he is already gone out of himself, and strangely metamorphosed from what he was.

I never knew sickness or a Disease, to be good preventing Physick; and to be drunk, is no other then an unsound state, and the whole body out of frame by this great change. What difference is there between sickness and drunkenness? Truly I cannot distinguish them otherwise then as genus and species: Drunkenness being a raging

Disease, denominated and distinguished from other sicknesses, by its procatarctick or procuring cause, Drink.

That Drunkenness is a Disease or sickness, will appear in that it hath all the requisites to constitute a Disease, and is far distant from a state of health: for as health is the free and regular discharge of all the functions of the body and mind; and sickness, when the functions are not performed, or weakly and depravedly: then Ebrie∣ty may properly be said to be a Disease or sickness, because it hath the symptoms and diagnostick signs, of an acute and great Disease: for, during the time of drunkenness, and some time after, few of the faculties perform rightly, but very depravedly and preternatually: if we examine the intellectual faculties, we shall find the reason gone, the memory lost or much abated, and the will strangely per∣verted: if we look into the sensitive faculties, they are disordered, and their functions impedited, or performed very deficiently: the eyes do not see well, nor the ears hear well, nor the palate reMifh, &c. The speech faulters and is imperfect; the stomach perhaps vo∣mits or nauseates; his legs fail: Indeed if we look through the whole man, we shall see all the faculties depraved, and their functi∣ons either not executed, or very disorderly and with much defici∣ency.

Now according to these symptoms in other sicknesses, we judge a man not likely to live long; and that it is very hard he should re∣cover; the danger is so great from the many threatning symptoms that attend this sickness, and prognosticate a bad event: here is no∣thing appears salutary; but from head to foot, the Disease is preva∣lent in every part; which being collated, the syndrom is lethal, and judgment to be given so.

Surely then Drunkenness is a very great Disease for the time, but because it is not usually mortal, nor lasts long; therefore it it slight∣ed, and look't upon as a trivial matter that will cure it self. But now the question may be asked; Why is not Drunkenness usually mortal? since the same signs in other Diseases are accounted mortal, and the event proves if so. To which I answer; All the hopes we have that a man drunk should live, is; first, From common experi∣ence that it is not deadly: Secondly, From the nature of the primi∣tive or procuring Cause, strong Drink or Wine; which although it rage, and strangely discompose the man for a time, yet it lasts not long, nor is mortal. The inebriating spirits of the liquor, flowing in so fast, and joyning with the spirits of mans body, make so high

a tide, that overflows all the banks and bounds of order: For, the spirits of mans body, those agents in each faculty, act smoothly, regularly and constantly, with a moderate supply; but being over∣charged, and forced out of their natural course, and exercise of their duty, by the large addition of furious spirits; spurs the functi∣ons into strange disorders, as if nature were conflicting with death and dissolution; but yet it proves not mortal.

And this, first, because these adventitious spirits are amicable and friendly to our bodies in their own nature, and therefore not so deadly injurious, as that which is not so familiar or noxious.

Secondly, Because they are very volatile, light, and active; Na∣ture therefore does much sooner recover her self, transpires and sends forth the overplus received; then if the morbifick matter were more ponderous and fixed; the gravamen from thence would be much worse and longer in removing: as an over-charge of Meat, Bread, Fruit, or such like substances not spirituous; but dull and heavy (comparativè) is of more difficult digestion, and layes a greater and more dangerous load upon the faculties, having not such volatile brisk spirits to assist Nature, nor of so liquid a fine substance, of quicker and easier digestion: So that the symptoms from thence are much more dangerous, then those peracute distem∣pers arising from Liquors. So likewise those bad symptoms in other Diseases are more to be feared and accounted mortal (then the like arising from drunkenness) because those perhaps depend upon malig∣nant causes; or such as by time are radicated in the body; or from the defection of some principal part: but the storm and discompo∣sure arising from drunkenness, as it is suddenly raised, so common∣ly it soon falls, depending upon benign causes, and a spiritucus mat∣ter, that layes not so great an oppression; but inebriates the spirits, that they act very disorderly and unwontedly; or by the soporife∣rous vertue, stupefies them for a time, untill they recover their agility again.

But all this while, I do not see, that to be drunk once a moneth, should prove good Physick: all I think that can be said in this behalf, is; that by overcharging the Stomach, vomiting is procured; and so carries off something that was lodged there, which might breed Diseases.

This is a bad excuse for good Fellows, and a poor plea for drun∣kenness: for the gaining of one supposed benefit (which might be obtained otherwise) you introduce twenty inconveniences by it. I

do not like the preventing of one Disease that may be, by procuring of one at the present certainly, and many hereafter most probably: and if the Disease feared, or may be, could be prevented no other∣wise, but by this drunken means; then that might tollerate and al∣low it: but there are other wayes better and safer to cleanse the body either upwards or downwards, then by overcharging with strong drink, and making the man to unman himself; the evil con∣sequents of which are many, the benefit hoped for, but pretended; or if any, but very small and inconsiderable.

And although, as I said before, the drunken fit is not mortal, and the danger perhaps not great for the present; yet those drunken bouts being repeated; the relicts do accumulate, debilitate Nature, and lay the foundation of many chronick Diseases. Nor can it be expected otherwise; but you may justly conclude from the mani∣fest irregular actions which appear to us externally, that the functi∣ons within also, and their motions are strangely disordered: for, the outward madness and unwonted actions, proceed from the in∣ternal impulses, and disordered motions of the faculties: which general disturbance and discomposure (being frequent) must needs subvert the oeconomy and government of humance Nature; and con∣sequently ruine the Fabrick of mans body.

The ill effects, and more eminent products of ebriety, are; first, A changing of the natural tone of the Stomach, and alienating the di∣gestive faculty; That instead of a good transmutation of food, a degenerate Chyle is produced. Common experience tells, that af∣ter a drunken debauch, the stomach loseth its appetite, and acuteness of digestion; as belching, thirst, disrelish, nauseating, do certainly testifie: yet to support nature, and continue the custom of eat∣ing, some-food is received; but we cannot expect from such a Stomach that a good digestion should follow: and it is some dayes before the Stomach recover its eucrasy, and perform its office well: and if these miscarriages happen but seldom, the injury is the less, and sooner recompenced; but by the frequent repetition of these rui∣nous practices, the Stomach is overthrown and alienated from its integrity.

Secondly, An unwholsome corpulency and cachectick plenitude of body does follow: or a degenerate macilency, and a decayed consumptive constitution.* 1.7 Great Drinkers that continue it long, few of them escape, but fall into one of these conditions and habit of body: for, if the Stomach discharge not its office aright; the subsequent

digestions will also be defective. So great a consent and depen∣dance is there upon the Stomach; that other parts cannot perform their duty, if this leading principal Part be perverted and debauch∣ed: nor can it be expected otherwise; for, from this Laboratory and prime office of digestion, all the parts must receive their supply; which being not suteable, but depraved, are drawn into debauchery also, and a degenerate state; and the whole Body fed with a vitious alimentary succus.

Now that different products or habits of body should arise from the same kind of debauchery, happens upon this score. As there are different properties and conditions of bodies;* 1.8 so the result from the same procuring causes shall be much different and various: one puffs up, fills, and grows hydropical; another pines away, and falls Consumptive, from excess in drinking; and this proceeds from the different disposition of parts: for, in some persons, although the stomach be vitiated, yet the strength of the subsequent digestions is so great, from the integrity and vigor of those parts destinated to such offices; that they act strenuously, though their object matter be transmitted to them imperfect and degenerate; and therefore do keep the body plump and full, although the juyces be foul, and of a depraved nature. Others è contra, whose parts are not so firm and vigorous; that will not act upon any score, but with their proper object; does not endeavour a transmutation of such aliene matter, but receiving it with a nice reluctance, transmits it to be evacuated and sent forth by the next convenient ducture, or emunctory: and from hence the body is frustrated of nutrition, and falls away: So that the pouring in of much liquor (although it be good in sua na∣tura) does not beget much aliment, but washeth through the body, and is not assimilated.

But here some may object and think; That washing of the body through with good Liquor, should cleanse the body, and make it fit for nourishment, and be like good Physick for a foul body. But the effect proves the contrary; and it is but reason it should be so: for, sup∣pose the Liquor (whether Wine, or other) be pure and good; yet when the spirit is drawn off from it, the remainder is but dead, flat, thick, and a muddy flegm. As we find in the destillation of Wine, or other Liquors; so it is in mans body: the spirit is drawn off first, and all the parts of mans body are ready Receivers, and do imbibe that limpid congenerous enlivener, freely and readily: but the re∣mainder, of greatest proportion; that heavy, dull, phlegmy part,

and of a narcotick quality; lies long fluctuating upon the digestions, and passeth but slowly; turns sowr, and vitiates the Crases of the parts: So that this great inundation, and supposed washing of the body, does but drown the Faculties, stupefie or choak the Spirits, and defile all the Parts; not purifie and cleanse. And although the more subtile and thinner portion, passeth away in some persons pretty freely by Ʋrine; yet the grosser and worse part stayes behind, and clogs in the percolation.

A third injury, and common, manifest prejudice from intempe∣rate drinking, is; An imbecillity of the Nerves; which is procured from the disorderly motions of the Animal Spirits; being impulsed and agitated preternaturally by the inebriating spirits of strong Li∣quors: which vibration being frequent, begets a habit, and causeth a trepidation of Members.

Transcribed verbatim out of Doctor Maynwaring's Treatise Of long Life.

That it may not be said to be onely one Doctors Opinion, here is added another Collection against Tobacco-smoking, written by the learned Doctor George Thompson, in his Book Of Preservation of the Bloud.

A Bove all, I much condemn the common abuse of Tobacco; out of which, no other symptomes, than a scorbutical Venome is accidentally sucked. Agreeable to which Judgment of mine, is that of the Legitimate Artist Doctor Maynwaring, who marks where Tobacco is much taken, the Scurvy doth most abound: I wish those who are too forward to condemn Chymical Preparations, or∣dered by true Philosophers, would reflect upon themselves and others, as yet ignorant of Pyrotomy, how that they are too forward in rushing into this Science; Indirectly making use of a Retort with a receiver, I mean a Pipe, and the mouth for the reduction of this Plant into Salt and Sulphur, proving not a little injurious to them. If they were conscious how subtil an enemy it is, how hardly to be dealt withall, in a moderate sense; how insinuating, tempting, deluding; how disagreeing to nature, as is manifest at first taking it, pretending an evacuation onely of a superfluous moisture, when

it also generates the same; how it wrongs the Ventricle; by reason of a continuity of its membrane, with that of the mouth; how it taints the nutricious Juyce; how it dozes the Brain, impairing its Faculties, especially the memory: They would quickly commit this Herb to the hand of those that know what belongs to the right management and improvement thereof.

I confess it hath a Dowry bestowed upon it, which may make it very acceptable to all ingenious Artists, for inward and outward uses; yet as the matter is handled indiscreetly, I know nothing introduced into this Nation hath discovered it self more apparently hurtful, in aggravating and graduating this scorbutical evil among us then Tobacco.

I am not ignorant what some Object, That there are those who taking an extraordinary quantity of Tobacco, have lived a to great age, as Sixty or Seventy Years. 2. That multitudes not taking this fume, are yet notwithstanding over run with the Scurvy. 3. That some have protested, they have received certain benefit by this Plant, when other Remedies prescribed by able Physitians have been invalid to relieve them. 4. That there are places where Man, Woman and Child, take in this Smoke, none of these sad effects appearing.

As to the first, I answer, One Swallow makes no Summer; I reckon this among raro contingentia: I have known one very in∣temperate in Dier, live to the fore-mentioned age; but doubtless had he Regulated himself according to the Rules of Mediocrity, he might have doubled that age. Innate Strength of Body doth carry a man sometimes through that, without any great damage, which destroys another.

2. I do not affirm, that this Vegetable is the sole Co-adjuvant cause of the Scurvy, it being certain there are many Promoters thereof. Besides, yet granted that your great Compotators, Ven∣tricolae, Gormandizers, who have as the Grecians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Lazy panches, little else to do but to take Tobacco, to pass away the time; filling Pipe after Pipe, as fast as possible they can ex∣haust it, are commonly incident to this feral Malady. Hereupon this very same specifick Disease may be diffused and communicated to others, by expiration or ffluvium, sent out of a Body infected therewith; so that it seems rare to me, that the Wife should be ex∣empted from this Cacoettick Sickness, if the Husband be afflicted therewith; or the Husband be free, if the Wife be vexed: Doubt∣less

some Peoples Breath doth exceedingly taint the Air, to the great annoyance of others.

3. I condemn not medicinal appropriation and application of this Drug, for I knòw it to be of excellent Vertue: There is great difference, Inter dictum secundum quid & dictum simpliciter, between the censure of any thing as absolutely evil, and the indirect practise of it: Moreover, what is one man's Meat, may be anothers Poyson.

4. The generality of smoking it in some places, without those ill effects we find, doth not at all frustrate my assertion: For I have observed a more moderate course of life in Diet, the goodness of the Air, with an hereditary Custome, hath in great measure bal∣lanced the nocument or inconveniences, which otherwise they would have contracted by excess thereof; neither are these nume∣rous Tobacconists acquitted from this evil, as it appears by those frequent eruptions in the skin, whereby a greater mischief is pre∣vented within, they being only efflorescences of a scorbutical pra∣vity.

There are, as I apprehend, two principal Reasons to be given, why this Weed hath captivated so many Thousands in such sort, that they become meer Slaves to it.

One is, the seeming delight it affords in the present taking there∣of, inducing a pleasing bewitching melancholy, exceedingly affect∣ing their Fancies, so that they could wish with him in the Poet, Hic furor, ô superi, sit mihi perpetuus, O that I might alwayes thus melancholize; not considering though the Prologue be chearful, the Epilogue is often sad; though the Spirits are as it were titilla∣ted, and charmed into a sweet complacency for a short space; yet afterward a dulness, gloominess, seizes upon them; indeed, how can it be otherwise, seeing they are but forcibly lulled into this secure placid Condition, by that which is as far remote from the Vitals, as the Beams of the Sun are from a black Cloud.

I find in this Smoke, a stinking, retunding, condensing Opiate∣like Sulphur, and an acrid Salt, profligating, extimulating, so that by the bridling much of the one, and the excessive spurring of the other; the spirits, like a free metalsome Horse, are quite tired out at last: It is impossible that the frequent insinuations of this sub∣til fume, making shew of affinity, but quite of another tribe with the animals, should not at length (let a body be never so strong, and custom how ever prevalent) either pervert or subvert his well con∣stituted frame.

Another Reason (observable only by those that are true Gnosticks of themselves) why Tobacco is so highly set by, and hath so many Followers; is its meretricious kisses, given to those that embrace it: oftentimes secretly wounding them mortally, yet are they not throughly sensible who gave them the stroke. I have taken notice of very temperate Persons in other things, who, for diversion, have indulged their genious, ad Hilaritatem, continuing for urbanity∣sake in Company they liked, longer then ordinary, have so closely pursued this pernicious Art of sucking in the smoke of this Herb, that never any Chymist was more solicitous, in greater hast to fetch his matters over the Helm by Distillation: Behold what the event was! the next morning I have heard complaints come from them, that their Brains were something stupid, dozed, their Stomach nau∣seous, being thirsty, also feaverish: All this they attribute to their transgressing limits of Sobriety in drinking, or to the sophisticated adulterated Liquors, not finding the least fault with the extrava∣gant use of Tobacco, which above all did them the most hurt pri∣vately: Something I can speak experimentally to this purpose, for having been wedded to it many years past, supposing I had got an Antidote against Hypochondriack melancholy with an Apophleg∣matism, to discharge crude matter; I applauded it in all Company, without advertency at that time, how false and treacherous it was, which afterward perceiving, I withdrew my self from the use there∣of by degrees, at length was altogether divorced from it.

Praevisa spicula levius feriunt; Could we see the poysoned Ar∣rows that are shot from this Plant, questionless we would indeavour to avoid them, that they might less intoxicate us.

Latet anguis in Herba; We are suddenly surprized by this Serpen∣tine Plant, before we are aware; thus that which we take for an Antidote, becomes meer Poyson to us, supplanting and clancularly confounding the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or good government of this Republick, consisting in the strength and goodness of a seminal Archeus, vigo∣rous ferments, the just constitution and harmony of every part. Needs must then Indigestions, Crudities, Degeneration and Illegi∣timation of the nutricious juyce follow, promoting Causes and products of the great Poyson of the Scurvy.

My advice therefore to any immoderate 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Fume∣sucker, is, That he would, as he tenders the Salvation of Body and Soul, wean himself by degrees from excess herein; If so, doubtless he will find if the Scurvy infest him much, an abatement of the te∣dious symptoms therefore.

Such as are so accustomed to Tobacco, that they cannot forbear it, let what can be said against it; So that neither the good and solid Perswasions of a great, wise, and learned King, nor the whol∣some and rational Arguments of two able and skilful Physicians, will be of force to prevail with them:

My Advice to such is, while they take it, To meditate on this Poem following, by which they may be able to make this double spiritual use of it, Viz.

• I. To see the Vanity of the World.
• II. The Mortality of Mankind.

Which, I think, is the best use can be made of it and the Pipe, &c.

The Indian Weed withered quite, Green at Noon, cut down at Night; Shews Thy decay, all Flesh is hay: Thus think, then drink Tobacco.

The Pipe that is so lilly-white, Shews Thee to be a mortal Wight, And even such gone with a touch: Thus think, then drink Tobacco.

And when the Smoke ascends on high, Think thou behold'st the Vanity Of worldly stuff, gone with a puff: Thus think, then drink Tobacco.

And when the Pipe grows foul within, Think on thy Souldefil'd with Sin, And then the Fire it doth require: Thus think, then drink Tobacco.

The Ashes that are left behind May serve to put thee still in mind, That unto Dust return thou must: Thus think, then drink Tobacco.

Answered by George Withers thus, Thus think, drink no Tobacco.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Aphorism.
• * 1.2

  Tutela sa∣nitatis.
• * 1.3

  Amurath
• * 1.4

  His Coun∣ter blast to Tobacco.
• * 1.5

  'Primum crater ad sitim per∣tinere, se∣cundum ad hilarita∣tem, terti∣um ad vo∣luptatem, quartum ad insaniam dixit Apuleius.
• * 1.6

  Omne ni∣miun na∣turae est inimicum.
• * 1.7

  A Caco∣trophy, or Atrophy.
• * 1.8

  Quicquid recipitur, recipitur per modum recipientis. Ax.