CHAP. XII. Of things Not-natural.
THe things which we must now treat of,* 1.1 have by the later Physitians been termed Not-natu∣ral; because they are not of the number of those which enter into the constitution or com∣posure of mans body; as the Elements, Humors, and all such things which we formerly compre∣hended under the name of Natural: although they be such as are necessary to preserve and de∣fend the body already made and composed. Wherefore they were called by Galen Preservers; because by the due use of them the body is preserved in health. Also, they may be called Doubtful, and Neuters; for that rightly and fitly used, they keep the body healthful, but inconsideratly, they cause diseases. Whereby it comes to pass, that they may be thought to pertain to that part of Physick which is of preserving health; not because some of these things should be absolutely and of their own nature wholsom, and others unwholsom; but only by this, that they are, or prove so by their convenient, or preposterous use. Therefore we consider the use of such like things from four conditions, Quantity, Quality, Occasion, and Manner of using: If thou shalt observe these, thou shalt attain and effect this,* 1.2 That those things which of them∣selves, are, as it were, doubtful, shall bring certain and undoubted health. For these four Cir∣cumstances do so far extend, that in them, as in the perfection of Art, the Rules which may be prescribed to preserve health, are contained. But Galen in another place, hath in four words comprehended these things Not-natural; as, things Taken, Applyed, Expelled, and to be Done. Things Taken, are those which are put into the body, either by the mouth, or any other way;* 1.3 as the air, meat and drink. Things applyed, are those which must touch the body, as the Air now mentioned, affecting the body with a diverse touch of its qualities of heat, cold, moisture, or dri∣ness. Expelled, are what things soever being unprofitable are generated in the body, and require to be expelled. To be Done, are labour, rest, sleep, watching, and the like. We may more di∣stinctly, and by expression of proper Names, revoke all these things to six:
Which are
- ...Air.
- Meat and Drink.
- Labour and Rest.
- Sleep and Watching.
- Repletion and Inanition; or things to be expelled, or retained and kept.
- Perturbations of the Mind.