CHAP. III. Of buying to profit again by the sale thereof.
DOst not thou know there are many men make a Trade of buying Commo∣dities, and selling them again to their best advantage? yet there are many again confess they have often sold their Wares at disadvantage; the reason was, they bought them at hap-hazard, without respect to any peculiar or particular time (as our ignorant Physitians prescribe Vomits, Purges and Phlebotomie, at any time,* 1.1 procuring thereby much mischief to their Patients (as I have by several known) so that they had need again (the remedy being or proving (by the ignorance of the prescriber) worse then the disease) to take Physick to expel that Physick they have already taken; and this sometimes cannot but indanger the Patients life; for that nature being far spent before, must needs by this rash act of the unskilfull Physitian (who is rather (as Galen and Hippocrates say) to be termed a Fool, then to be ho∣noured with that noble term of Physitian) in prescribing their remedies at such im∣proper times that they work contrary effects (as Purges vomet,* 1.2 and Vomets purge) be more weakened and prejudiced; nay and it doth often fall out so, that nature to∣gether with the life is wholly extinguished; wherefore anon in its due place more shall be said hereon, and the true & real times for administring of physick be cordially deli∣vered unto you; but to the busines in hand) wherefore let them observe what followeth.
* 1.3In buying therefore any thing to make advantage or gain of the sail thereof, for∣tifie the Moon especially, for that she hath most power of any of the Planets in the ordinary course of the life of man; Fortifie also Mercury who hath also much in∣fluence in such matters; also the Lord of the second, and (if possible) the Lord of the Ascendent: let the Moon also be joyned to Mercury by body or a benevolent aspect, free from impediment, either accidental or essential, as also from the affliction of Mars as much as you can.
But if you cannot fortifie Mercury, fortifie the Moon, the eleventh house and the Lord thereof; but yet let Mercury be free from the body or Aspect of Mars; and if you can by any means, let him be in Conjunction or good aspect of Venus, or the Lord of the eleventh or both. Now be sure you observe these rules well; for by how much the more you fortifie Mercury (next to the Moon being to be regarded) by so much the more may you be confident and assured of benefit and profit; for Mer∣cury, the Moon, the second and the eleventh are chief significators herein, and they still cause gain, if well dignified or disposed; but then be sure they be free from the body or aspect good or bad of Mars.