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 those things which are to be observed by all for the preservation of health.

AFter we have explayned those things which are ne∣cessary for the Preservation of health, now we must shew a Method how all those things are to be used for the safty thereof; but their are some certain common precepts which are to be observed by all; some peculiar precepts to be observed according to ages, sex, and other Circumstances. The most common Precept here is this, that what ever is according to nature is to be kept, but since that in some health exactly such, in others difference from hence, which is called a newtrall constitution; the former is to be exactly preserved with its likes, and nothing contrary to be admitted, whereby the body may be put out of that naturall state; but a Newtrall constitution requires some change, yet that ought to be small, and by degrees, if the course of life will admit thereof.

Yet that most generall rule is to be observed by all, * 1.1 namely that mediocrity is to be ever accompted safest according to that of Hippo. 2. Apho. 52. to much of every thing is good for nothing, or all excesse is hurtfull to nature. As also that 2. Apho. 50, those things that we are long accustomed unto al∣though they are worse, yet are they less troublesome to us, then those things that we are not accustomed to.

Moreover, we are to endeavour, that the naturall consti∣tution of our bodies, consisting in a good moderation of cold and heate, occult qualities, due conformation of the Orga∣nick parts, and unity may be preserved by those things which are fitly borne to preserve it, namely by their likes, in case the body bee throughly well constituted, or somwhat with contraries, if the body decline from the best state. But all things are to be avoided which may destroy it.

Likewise causes of health sometimes require things plainly alike, sometimes a little contrary, * 1.2 and therefore the Physitian shall appoint the right use of those things which necessarily happen to the body, namely aire that is temperate is the best for those that are temperate, and hurtfull to no constitution of body. Moreover let the purest bee chosen, cold aire when the fire is kindled is changed, hot aire is tempered by water that is cold, being poured out of one vessell into another, or sprinkled on the floare, or by cloaths moistened in water and hung in the bed-chamber, or Roses strowed in the house, or the leaves of Vines, Willowes, Wa∣ter Lillies and other cooling Herbes; moysture in excesse may be corrected by the kindling of fires, and burning of suf∣fumigations of ••••••t things; drinesse is corrected with the moystnings of waters & sprinklings or strowings of moistning Herbes.

As for Meat, meats of little juice are offensive to all, * 1.3 and profitable to none, nay even the dayly use of thick, viscide, tenacious, cold, hard, flat, and acrid meats are to bee avoy∣ded by all, since they cannot bee well concocted, nor afford good nourishment: yet some regard is here to bee had of the appetite according to that of Hippocrates, 2. Apho. 38. a litter worse meate and drinke that is more pleasant, is to be preferd before that which is better and ungratefull, as also of custome according to that 2. Aphor. 50 those things that we are long accustomed unto, although they are evill, are wont to trouble us lesse then those things which we are not used unto. Moreover meates are to be taken onely in that quantity whereby our strength may bee refreshed not oppressed, that which hath beene spoken of meat is also to be understood of drinke.

Of the passions of the mind, * 1.4 this in generall may be spo∣ken, that overmuch of all them are to be avoyded, and quiet∣nesse of mind and moderate joy is to be cherished.

The excrements of the belly twice a day or at least once ought to be ejected, * 1.5 urine likewise ought to be expelled as often as their is need.

We are to take heed likewise of that of Celsus, least in our best health we take things adverse thereunto, and there∣fore we ought not rashly to trouble or molest our bodies with purges or other medicines, but tis better to exercise our bo∣dyes moderately every day, least excrements should be ga∣thered together, and if any disease seeme to be comming up∣pon us, to follow this counsell, that is by quietnesse and ab∣stinence many great diseases are cured.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The most generall rule to de∣send health.
• * 1.2

  Most health full aire.
• * 1.3

  Meate and drinke.
• * 1.4

  Passions of the mind.
• * 1.5

  Excre∣ments.