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. XI. VVhat is to be observed in the Inspection of Vrines.

SInce all these things are spoken of Vrines for that end that from thence diseases & the causes of diseases maybe known, and the events foretold, that this may be rightly done, we are to admonish you what things are to be observed in the In∣spection of Vrine.

First the time in making water is to be observed, those V∣rines which are made presently after eating and drinking, * 1.1 sig∣nifie nothing certainly, especially if much drink be taken, since the decoction is not performed, Vrine is rather to be lookt up∣on after a perfect concoction, and about the morning. In Fevers regard is to be had of the fits, because in time of the Paroxism the morbifique matter is expelled another way.

Secondly, it is to be weighed whether any meat, drink, or medicine, be taken which may change the Vrine.

Thirdly, * 1.2 the whole Urine made at once is to be be taken, not to be mingled with waters made at several times.

Fourthly, judgment is not to be given of Urine before it hath setled, and the Contents enjoy their proper place.

Fifthly, you must beware least the Urine by cold air, or winds especially in an open vessel, being exposed thereunto, should be changed, or corrupted, yet it may be changed no less by too much heat then by too much cold.

Sixthly if the Urines are troubled they are to be setled by the heat of fire, or rather warm water, that they may return to their former state; yet it is convenient to look upon troubled Urines before they become clear again, since often times in troubled Vrines the substance of the Vrine is more manifest then in clear, and often times Vrines which be not troubled seem to be alike, when troubled they differ exceedingly; and in troubled Vrines oftentimes that matter of the Vrine shews it self, which scarce any one could believe had been contained in it when 'twas clear.

Seventhly the Vrinal in Inspection ought to be quiet, and not to be stirred, only after Inspection it may be lawful to stir the contents.

Eighthly, the Glass wherein the Vrine is to be viewed ought to be clear, perspicuous and void of all colour.

Ninthly, the Urine is to be cast neither in a place too shady nor too light, yet the colours in a small shade, so not too dark, may be discerned best, but the Contents in a lighter place.

Notes

• * 1.1

  When V∣rine is to be received.
• * 1.2

  The whole Vrine to be taken. It should first settle. In what place should be kept. Inspection of troubled Vrines.