Nine books of physick and chirurgery written by that great and learned physitian, Dr Sennertus. The first five being his Institutions of the whole body of physick: the other four of fevers and agues: with their differences, signs, and cures.

CHAP. I. Of the necessity and benefit of the Method of Signs.

SInce we have hitherto explained what health is, * 1.1 and wherein it consists, and what is the diffe∣rence of things contrary to nature; we now rightly come to the Method of healing and pre∣serving health, and are to teach by what means health may

be preserved, and diseases taken away, * 1.2 but neverthelesse since arts are conversant about individuals, and a Physi∣tian doth not cure in general man, but Peter and Paul, &c. The Method and way is first to be explained whereby the present constitution of every man, both sick and well may be known, which now lies hid in indivi∣duals, they may be found out by the signs of a disease, and what may be known and hoped for, of the event and end of diseases, and the Method of signs are to go before. Moreover there is that benefit of this Method, that whilest the sick, see those things that may happen to them, being known to the Physitian, they may trust the more to him, and obey him; for the Physitian when he foresees those things which shall happen to the sick may have time to prevent them, and avoid the reproaches of the vulgar, whilest he foretells those things which shall come to passs, and that they may not rail against the best Medicines, being given to those that are desperately sick

By the name of Signs we do understand all those things which signifie any thing, * 1.3 or all evident things which lay open a hidden matter, or as the Author of Physical de∣finitions speaks, A sign is a manifestation of somewhat hidden, or every thing that shews any of those things which are in the Method of healing, and can demonstrate them, and make them manifest.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Necessity of the Se∣miotick Method.
• * 1.2

  The benefit of it.
• * 1.3

  A Sign what 'tis.