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.

THE FOURTH BOOK,

PART the I. Of things necessary for the pre∣servation of Health.

CHAP. I. What things appertaine to the Doctrine of the pre∣servation of Health, and how many kinds there are of necessary causes for the preservation and defence thereof.

HItherto we have explained three parts of Physick, which, as it were, prepare the way to those things which are proper to Medicine: Now the next is, that we explaine those principall parts of Physick, the Hygeeinall and Therapeuticall, or the preser∣vative and restorative; yet first of all we will place before hand certaine common Axioms and Maximes to be observed in the method of them both.

1. Nature doth nothing rashly.

2. Too much of any thing is an enemy to Nature, 2. A∣pho. 51.

3. Nature is the Physitian of Diseases, but the Physitian the Servant of Nature, and ought to imitate her, she acting aright:

4. Custome is a second Nature, and those things which

are accustomed along time, although they are worse, they are wont to be lesse troublesome, then those things which are not accustomed, or which men are not used unto.

Now concerning the Doctrineof the preservation of Health, it may conveniently be comprehended in two parts; the first is the knowledge of those things which are, as it were, the materialls of health, or the knowledge which is re∣quired of wholsome causes, and of things called Non-natu∣rall. Secondly, a method necessary for preservation of health, which teacheth how, or in what manner those non-naturall things are to be used to preserve health.

First, for the causes which are necessary for the maintain∣ing of health, they are comprehended under the notion of things called non-naturall, and are conveniently reduced in∣to foure ranks, into those things which are taken, those things which are carried, those which befall the body with∣out, and those things which are emitted and retained: First therefore we are to speak here of Aire, Meat and Drink, Pas∣sions of the Mind, motion, and exercise of body, and rest, sleep, and watchings, Venery, Bathes, Excretions, and reten∣tions.

CHAP. II. Of Aire.

THe Aire affects our bodies two waies; either as it incom∣passeth us extrinsically, and insinuates it self through the pores of the skin, or as it is attracted by inspiration, both waies it alters our bodies, and impresseth its force on them, but that Aire is the best which is temperate, as to the primary qualities, and is pure, and infected with no pollutions, but is serene, moved or stird with the winds, breathing sweatly with pleasant gales, and which is sometimes moistned with whol∣some showres: On the contrary, that Aire is vitious which is infected with exhalations and vitious vapours, breaking forth on every side, or is incompassed with Marish grounds, where are standing waters, or after what manner soever it be impure, and such as cannot be purified by the blowing of winds; that which is troubled, or too hot, too cold, too dry, or too moist.

But the constitution of the Aire may be polluted through divers causes; first, the constitution of the Aire depends on

the scituation and nature of places; for some Regions are hotter then others, others colder, for by how much the more any Regions receives the direct beames of the Sun, and by how much the longer the Sun remains above their Horizon, by so much the Country is the more hot; for the contrary reasons tis so much the colder.

Yet this cause only doth not suffice, neither is the same constitution of aire in all the inhabitants under the same paralell; secondly, the mould and proper nature of the earth conduceth to the constitution of the temperature of the aire, where in is to be observed what the nature of the ground is, fat, dirty, filthy, gravelly, stony, sandy, whither the place be high or low, what scituation there is of mountains, and val∣lies, what winds it often admits, and from what climates, whether the the sea, or any lakes be neere it, whether it brings forth mettalls from whence malignant aire may be exha∣led.

The mountains also change the constitution of aire, ac∣cording as the blowings of certain windes drive away, and admit it, and if the mountains drive away the North-wind, but admit the South, it comes to passe that the places are hotter and moister, but on the contrary if by scituation of the Mountains, the blowing of the South be hindred, and the North admitted the place is colder and dryer.

The winds bring forth great mutations, also the Orientall winds are more temperate, as also the Occidentall, but these are moister, the Notherne are cold and dry, and have power to bind and dry our bodyes, the Southerne are hot and moist, therefore as the Region or scituation is more or lesse disposed to this or that wind, so it obtains this or that constitution of Aire: Regions, and Countryes exposed to the Orientall Sun, are more wholesome then those which are exposed to the Septentrionall, and hot winds; as also then those which are exposed to the West.

The vicinity of the Sea also and lakes conduce much to the peculiar nature of Aire, unlesse interjected Mountains pro∣hibit, for from moist places of this nature many exhalations are drawn up, which mingles themselves with Aire and moisten it, and indeed the humidity will be increased if the Sea or a lake be scituated on the South, but if towards North, the frigidity increase; if a lake of the Sea be Orientall, and the rising Sun not far off, it drawes aboundance of moist ex∣halations to those places, but if the Sun be more remote, the

Vapours with the beams of the Sun wax hot and bring dry∣nesse to that place, but lesse moisture comes from lakes, and waters scituated to the West.

Metallick pits for the most part sends forth filthy malig∣nant Vapours, and communicates them to the neighbouring places; Dens do the same and Caves, exhaling venemous Aire; Woods that are too thick, take away the light of the Sun and Moone, and hinder the motion and agitation of the Aire.

Thirdly the seasons of the yeare change the Aire which in∣deed Astronomers constitute equall according to the motion of the Sun, and Zodiack being divided into foure parts, but Physitians principally regard these times, according to the temper of the Aire, and call that the Spring when the consti∣tution of the Aire is more temperate, when we neither grow stiffe with cold, nor sweat with heat; but the Summer when the same is hot and dry; Winter when it is cold and moist, neither do they appoint these seasons to be equall in all Re∣gions.

Hence the Spring as being the most temperate, or as Hippocrates calls it, hot and moist, that is, when calidity moderatly overcomes frigidity, and humidity moderatly ex∣ceeds drynesse, it is the most wholesome time of the yeare, and although diseases are generated in the Spring time, yet the Spring of its selfe doth not produce them, but the vitious humours which are gathered together in the Winter time are driven out by the heat of the Spring.

The Summer, because tis hot and dry makes bodies hotter and dryer, rarifies, dissolves, and renders them weaker, it at∣tenuates humours, and kindles them, from whence choler∣ick and sharpe humours are collected.

Autumne, because that in the same, Morning and Evening, the cold prevailes, about mid day heate, its constitution is mixed with cold and heat, and by reason of this inequality of Aire, it is very obnoxious to diseases, and the blood at this time of the year is diminished, and mellancholly abounds, bodyes are thickned, and pores shut.

In Winter as being cold and moist, phlegme is cheifly increased, and bodyes are rendred obnoxious to distillations.

All which neverthelesse are so to be received if you com∣pare one houre with another, or the times of the yeare ob∣serve their naturall constitution 3. Apho. 8. but if the sea∣sons of the year are unstable, divers diseases according to the

various constitutions of the year, arise, of which in the selfe same Apho. 6.11.12.13.

Out of all which it is manifest that those scituations of pla∣ces are more wholesome wherein the constitution of the Aire is temperate, the Spring temperate, the heat of Summer sufficient to ripen fruits, and graines, Autumne colder, Win∣ter cold, yet not offending our bodies with two much frigidity, where ther is also a fruitfull soile, men indued with a comely habit of body, well coloured in the face, laudable in their manners, ingenious, and rejoycing in their prosperous health.

CHAP. III. Of meate.

AS for what belongs to meate and drink, wherewith the substance of our bodyes is renewed and increased, it is aliment, which can increase the substance of our body, and it is either properly so called, because it nourisheth our bodyes only, or Medicinall, because it also doth alter our bodyes.

But aliments are taken from two kinds of things, either from plants growing out of the earth, or from living creatures; and those things which are taken from living creatures, are either the parts of animalls, or those things which proceed from them, as eggs, milke, and those which are made from these, as butter, cheese, hony, and such like.

The difference of food is great, for some meats are of a good, others of an ill nourishment and juice; some are easily, others with difficulty concocted, some are easily corrupted in the stomach, others not.

That is the best food which is easily concocted, nourish∣eth much, affords much aliment, is not easily corrupted, nor indued with any ill quality, and leaves few excrements, but that food is unwholesome, out of which an ill juice is ge∣nerated, and which easily putrifies.

That food is accounted firme which brings forth much nou∣rishment, but wants great strength of heate for concoction, but that is infirm which is easily concocted; and nourisheth, but affords but little nourishment, and such as is soone dis∣persed.

Meates from plants.

THe most ancient, and most familiar kind of aliment are plants, and those things which grow out of the earth, a∣mongst which in the first place are all sorts of Corne and grain, which the Greeks call by the name of fitou, and in the first place truly Corne is hot and moist, and beyond all the rest affords much nourishment and that firme and most wholesome, out of which although divers kinds of food are made, yet the best amongst them is bread, but that leavened, which agrees to every age, and is conveniently taken with all meats.

A sort of Barly which they commonly call spelt, is the next in nature to Corne, and is the middle as it were betwixt wheate and Barly, and it nourisheth more then Barly, but tis weaker then Wheate, out of this spelt is made a kind of frumenty, or Barly broath, of which Pliny 18. Booke 11. Chap.

Rye, of which bread is made for the most part in Germa∣ny, and other parts, is hotter then Barly, yet not so hot as Wheate, and the bread which is made of it hath more aliment then Barly bread, and that stronger, yet it is something more hard of concoction, then Wheaten bread.

The bread which is made of Barly is colder, and yeelds not so firme nourishment, of Barly also is made ptisan, which being taken after what manner soever, affords good nourish∣ment both to those that are sick, and those that are well, and is no way or clammy, or viscide, but easily passeth through and cleanseth the passages, yet the aliment which it affords is a little thinner,

Rice is hot and dry, or rather temperate, it nourisheth much, especially being boiled with milke it increaseth seed, it doth not easily putrify, stops the Loosenesse, it is hardly concocted, and yeelds nourishment somewhat thicker, and the frequent use of it may easily occasion obstruct∣ions.

Millet and the graine like it, called in Latine Panicum i. e. Indian Oates, are almost of the same nature, and are cold, and dry, and stop fluxes of the belly, neither do they afford much nourishment, nor very profitable, yet millet is the better: Oates are hot and afford nourishment of a better

account; Pottages and Broathes are made of them, which may be given to those that are sick or well, which stops Loosenesse of the belly.

The Corne called Saracenicum, of which Pottages are wont to be made, yeelds nourishment profitable for men that are given to dayly labour, and it is hard of concoction, it begets wind, and offends the eyes.

Beanes are cold and dry, and flatulent, hard of concoction and crude, and yeeld excrementicious nourishment, yet not visced, but have some cleansing power, they make the senses dul, and noises seeme troublesome.

Pease are cold, and dry, and flatulent, especially the greene, yet they yeeld better nourishment then Beanes, but not so plentifull.

Parsenips are hot, and dry, and have greater force of clean∣sing then Beanes, and therfore more usefull in Physick then dyer.

Lastly Lentils are the worst food, cold, and dry, thick, of evill and vitious juice, and hard of concoction, they fill the head with thick Vapours, they hurt the eyes, they ingen∣der thick blood, and are cheifly hurtfull to melancholy per∣sons.

After graines, instead of food, Pot-herbes are given, and the leaves of the Herbes, Branches, Roots, and the fruits of them, as also of Trees, which neverthelesse, yeeld not so good and profitable aliment as Corne, but many or them are too Medicinall; yet all of them are better boyled then raw.

Lettice that is sowen is esteemed the best of all Pot-herbs, and affords more nourishment then other Pot-herbs, yet tis cold, and moist, and Medicinall, and moreover, in a hot con∣stitution of Aire, tis conveniently given to young men, and those which abound with choler, and those which have hot stomaches, it provokes sleep, allayes the heat of the reines, yet too much use thereof diminisheth the naturall heate.

Cabbage is accounted by most to be cold, and dry, yet in the juice thereof a certain bitternesse and acrimony is perceived, which hath a force to stir the paunch, tis hard of concoction, affords little nourishment, and that thick and Melencholy; from whence fuliginous Vapours fly into the head, and produce turbulent sleep, and weaken the sight, its malignity is corrected if it be boyled with sat meates, the

staulks are worse then the broad leaves, and are to be eaten only by those which are used to much labour.

Spinnage cools and moistens, affords little nourishment, yet not so evill as Orach, or Blitum, which is a kind of Beet, it generates cold and serous humours in the stomach, unlesse it be corrected with pepper and, oyle, or butter, it is not laudable, and it begets wind.

Beets, Blitum, Orach, and Mallowes can scareely be used with profit, or benefit for aliment only, but are more benefi∣cially taken, when there is need to loosen, refrigerate, and moisten the belly; and Beet indeed is hot, and dry, and takes away obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and hath a different substance, the juice is detergent, wherefore it loos∣neth the belly, but the substance stops the same.

Blitum, Orach, and Mallowes loosen the belly only by hu∣mectation, they nourish little, they yeeld a watry juice, and have of themselves no pleasing savour unlesse they are dres∣sed, with Butter or Oyle, and other Sawces.

Asparagus, to which the young branches or tender sprigs of Hops are next like unto, neither heat, nor manifestly cool, they are gratefull to the tast, and cause appetite, yet afford little nourishment, and therefore do afford not so good nou∣rishment; they have a detergent faculty, and provoke U∣rine, they cleanse the Reines, and open obstructions of the Liver, and of the other Intralls.

Garden, or Water Cresses, and Mustard-seed may be used instead of Sawces, but not as nourishment, they are hot and dry, and of a biting tast, they attenuate crude meats, as also crude and thick humours.

Onions afford little nourishment, they are acrid and have a heating, cutting, and extenuating faculty, and inflame the blood, and together with the discussed thinner parts they leave behind them a thick juice, they irritate Venus, they are all hurtfull to the head, eyes, teeth, and gumms, they cause turbulent Dreams.

In raw Garlick there is almost no nourishment, in boyled very little, and that bad, but there is manifest heat and dri∣nesse in it, and a power of extenuating thick and viscide hu∣mours, and of cutting them, and taking away cold, and tis the best remedy to convert the pravity of waters, as also a∣gainst the Plague, and venemous aire: Leeks have almost the same power.

The Roots called Raddishes which we use being dipped in

Salt affords little nourishment, but are rather instead of me∣dicinall knacks, they heat beyond the second degree, and have a tart tast, they cut phlegme, attenuate, provoke Urine, and expell sand from the Veines.

Wild Raddishes have the same force, but are more power∣full, which are fit for sawce, but not of aliment.

Turnips, Rape-roots round are slowly concocted, and fill the belly with wind, especially when they are raw, but boyled they are easier digested, and afford aliment enough, and ther∣fore not so hurtfull, but are hot and moist.

Long Turnips are almost of the same nature, but of a bet∣ter tast, and yeeld lesse thick and flatulent juice, and afford strong nourishment, they stimulate Venus.

Parsley is hot and dry, provokes Urine and courses, opens obstructions, purges the Reines, and bowels, yet it afford lit∣tle nourishment.

Garden Parsnips yeild little, hot and dry, and not very good nourishment, they cause lust, provoke Urine, and bring down courses.

Red Beets which are pickled with Vinegar, the seed of Carawayes, and the roots of wild Raddishes are used rather instead of Sawces, then as food, since they nourish very little.

The fruit of Plants are various; Melons are pleasant to the tast, and send forth an Aromatick smell, but they are of a watry moist substance, not without coldnesse, whereby they quench thirst, and causes Urine, they cleanse the Reines, but they are easily corrupted, and being corrupted, become as it were of a venemous nature, and stir up choler, or gene∣rate Feavers, whereby many great men are killed, and ther∣fore they ought to be eaten at the first course, that they may the easier descend through the Paunch, and after the eating of them, some food of good juice is to be taken, and good Wine is to be drank, that the corruption of them may be hin∣dred.

Cucumbers, are also cold, but not so moist, and the juice not so hurtfull, nor are they so easily corrupted in the sto∣mach, they are most conveniently taken, before they are ripe being pickled in Vinegar, or Brine, and Pepper, and they are least offensive to those which have hot stomachs.

Artechocks heat and dry, to the second degree, they are hard of concoction, and afford not very good nourishment, they are windy, and stimulate Venus, unlesse this be rather to be attributed to the seasoning, or dressing of them.

Strawberies, are cold, and moist, they are profitable to those that are troubled with choler in the stomach, they coole the liver, they restraine the heate of the blood and cholerick humours, they allay thirst, and therefore are be∣neficiall in hot constitutions of bodyes, they have thin juice, purge the reines, cause urine, but are easily corrupted in the stomach, and therefore ought to be eate, the first.

Now followes the fruits of Trees, and frutices, first of peares there are divers kinds, nor are they all of the same faculty, the austere, and sharpe are astringent, and cooling, and hurtfull to the stomach, and Guts; sweete are more tempe∣rate, yet almost all are of a cold, and moist nature, only some are hot and moist. and moreover, more apt to cor∣ruption, they are not unpleasing to the stomach, in the first place being taken they stop a loosenesse, but being taken af∣ter other meate, they loosen the belly, and shut the mouth of the stomach, they are better boyled, then raw.

There are divers sorts of Apples which discover themselves by their taste, the sower are colder then the sweete, and of a thinner, and lesse flatulent substance; the austere and sharpe are yet colder, and of a thick substance, and descend more slowly through the paunch, and stay it, yet their vio∣lence is corrected by boyling; and sower, austere, and sharpe Apples are to be used rather instead of medicines then aliment, they all afford ill juice, but those are most hurtfull which are watry, and for the most part have no taste; the best are sweete ones, with an aromatick taste and smell, and such as afford an indifferent quantity of aliment, and that not evill, they strengthen the heart, exhilerate the minde, and are very beneficiall to those which are troubled with Melancholy.

Quinces are cold and dry, and have an astringent fa∣culty, they are harder of concoction, afford little nourish∣ment, and that thick, they strengthen the stomach, and stop vomiting, and if they are taken after meate, they hinder Vapours so that they cannot easily ascend to the head, and they loosen the belly, but being taken before meales, they stop a loosenesse; being taken raw they hurt the nerves, and often cause fits of the cholick

Peaches are cold, and moist, and are easily corrupted, and afford little nourishment, and therefore are to be eaten spa∣ringly, and warily, and indeed before meales, not after other meates, neither is water, nor any cold drink, to be drunke after them, but wine; being dryed they are lesse hurtfull, and especially being boyled in Wine, their pravity, if they had any, it is taken away.

Apricoks which are well known to the Persians, in goodness are beyond Peaches, and more pleasing to the stomach, and are not so easily corrupted.

Medlers are cold and dry, and are not eaten till they are rotten, they afford little nourishment and are slowly con∣cocted, they stop the belly and all fluxes, they stay vomit∣ting, and agrece well with a cholerick stomach.

Sowre Sherryes have a chooling faculty, are easily con∣cocted, and descend through the belly, they coole the sto∣mack, and liver, they quench thirst, and raise an appetite, and are not so easily corrupted, nor are they of so hurtfull a juice, but the sweet ones are far inferior to the sharpe ones in goodnesse, by reason of the moisture abounding, and are easly corrupted, and generated urred humours, and Wormes, in putred feavers.

There are divers kinds of Plumbs, all of them cold, and moist, the sweet ones are not so cold by nature, yet they mitigate the acrimony of choler, and therefore agree most with colerick persons, they are easily concocted, and passe through the belly, those that are fresh, alter most powerfully, they mollify the paunch, being taken before meate, but with their moisture they scatter abroad many excrements, and that crude, neither do they generate so good juice, yet some are softerthen others, those which abound most with a crude and moist iuce, they are the worst, the white, and waxen colour, or yellow, are the worst, and afford ill juice, but the best are Damask Prunes, and those which are neerest to these are green, but the dry are more fit for nou∣rishment, and afford better aliment for those which are weaker in stomach, Plumbs are not convenient; for they loosen itstone.

Mulburies moisten, coole, quench thirst, mitigare the heate of choler, they nourish little, they easily passe through the belly, but if they are retained, they easily are corrupted, and become putred, and acquire an ill nature, wherefore they are to be eaten when the stomach is empty only, and not

overspred with peccant humours; that they may on a sud∣den descend and passe through the paunch.

Figs are hot and moist, by nature they nourish more then other fruits, they easily descend and go through the belly, they have a penetrating, and abstergent faculty, yet too much use of them begets wind; dry Figs are hotter, and dryer, yet acquire a power of cleanseing, opening, and attenuating, yet they also loosen the belly, drive humours to the externall parts, being often taken and plentifully, they cause sweates, and generate blood, not very good, but such as is apt to putrify.

Sweete grapes are hotter, and for that reason cause thirst; sharpe, and austere are colder; those that are fit to make Wine, are betwixt these extreames; those that are fresh ga∣thered, afford little nourishment, and are flatulent, and if they are detained long in the stomach they are corrupted and dilate the belly, and stir up cholick fits, they cause the spleen to swell, and fill the stomach and liver with crude humours, and allwayes the fresh gathered serve rather for pleasure, then for health; the austere and sower Grapes, are colder, and strengthen and bind the belly, the sweete ones are hotter and afford more nou∣rishment; those which have a mixed taste, obtaine mixt faculties, but the sweet, which participate something of sharp∣nesse, are commended before the rest, they are pleasing to the stomach, gratefull to the liver, as also they are said, by a certain propriety, to be advantagious to the whole sub∣stance, they are helpfull to the brests, and strengthen all the naturall members; those which are without stones are called Corinthian, they loosen the belly more, but those which have seed strengthen the stomach.

Amongst Nuts, the best are sweet Almonds, they are tem∣perately hot and moist, and yeelds store of nourishment, and of good juice and moderate, they attenuate and cleanse, for which reason they are the best food for immaciated bodies, and they replenish the intrails, and the whole body with convenient nourishment, and such as is not apt to corruption, they purge the brest, open the passages of urin, and cause sleep, but they are not so convenient for a cholerick stomach, nor to be given in cholerick Feavers.

Walnuts are hot and dry, especially dryed, for your green ones are moister, and are not so hot, and therefore are eaten safer, but the dry generate choler, and offend the Orifice of the stomach, and hurt the Gullet and Wind-pipe, and cause a cough, and generate pain in the head, commonly the use of them is commended after Fish, because with their heat and drinesse they prevent the corruption of Fish.

Hasle-nuts afford more nourishment, then Walnuts, but they are colder, yet they are hot and dry, they are hardly di∣gested, and afford a thick juice, more earthly then Wal∣nuts.

Chestnuts are hot and dry, and Galen conceives they have no ill juice, as all the rest of the fruits of Trees, if they are well concocted in the stomach, yet they are harder of digesti∣on, and are distributed more slowly, yet they afford more du∣rable nourishment, they bind the belly, and if they are eaten in too great plenty, they cause wind.

Toadstools and Muskeroms for the most part are cold, they yeild a watry and thick nourishment; Toadstools are pre∣ferred before Musheroms: yet all of these are not to be taken without danger, because they do not only generate ill juice, but oftentimes there is poyson in them.

Lastly, Oyle drawn out of ripe Olives affords nourishment temperate, and for the most part agreeable to our nature, and can correct the pravity of other aliments, and amend the crudity of Herbes, it also mollifies and loosens the belly, is takes away all sharpnesse; it helps Ruptures, and such as are bursten, and mitigates pain.

Meates from living Creatures.

IN the second place many living Creatures supplies us with convenient nourishment agreeable to our nature, as being neerer and more familiar to our nature, and lesse exceed in the qualities, and afford better juice.

Either the parts of living Creatures are taken as food, or those things which are taken from them, yet are not the parts of living Creatures, and amongst the latter the first is Milk, which is of a cold and moist, or rather of a temperate and moist nature, and yeilds nourishment, the best by much if it be rightly concocted in the stomach, and be good in its self.

There are three parts of milk, the butirous, the serous, and the caseous; the butirous is of an oylely and hot substance, the serous is watry, yet having some mixture with saltnesse; but the caseous is cold and try, and indeed Cowes milk is the fattest and thickest, and contains more butter then the milk of other Animals, and therefore nourisheth more, and is most agreeable to us, and hath more of the caseous part then Ewes milk. Gotes milk is in the middest betwixt these. Sound A∣nimals only generates good milk, but sick generate vitious: Dry Herbs also cause the milk to be thick, but green, and such as are full of juice makes better, wherefore the milk at the latter end of the Spring is best, for by how much the thinner it be, and more serous, by so much it is the easier concocted, and sooner passeth through the belly, and obstructs lesse, but it nourisheth least; the best milk therefore is that which is of a good smell, and sweet to the tast, of a middle consistence, neither too thick, nor to thin, nor serous, nor caseous over∣much, of a white colour, which yeilds good aliment, and that plentifully and constantly enough, especially for lean bodies, as being that which is elaboured by so many concoctions, and is become familiar to our nature, that tis easily, truly concocted, as in unwholsome bodies tis casily corrupted, in a cold stomach it easily growes sowre, in a hot, it is turned in∣to an adust smell, and choler, and causeth pain in the head, wherefore it is hurtfull to those that are sick of putred Fea∣vers, and to such as have paines in the head, as also to those which are troubled with diseases of the eyes, or are obnoxi∣ous to breed gravell, those that are obstructed in the Liver, and inflamed in the Hypocondries, 5. Apho. 64. but the worst corruption thereof is, when it is coagulated, which may be prevented, if any Salt, Sugar, ot Honey be added to it: It is most conveniently taken on an empty stomach, nor are o∣ther meats to be eaten presently after, especially the use of Wine after milk is unwholsome.

As for the parts of milk, Butter is used in our Countries instead of food, and sawce, tis hot and moist, and almost of the same nature with Oyle, yet it nourisheth more, and is a sawce for many things, tis used more advantageously then Oyle, tis pleasant to the tast, tis easily concocted, and nou∣risheth much, yet it agreeth not with those that have a moist and slippery stomach, yet tis far better to be taken before o∣ther meats, then after; nor is it so agreeable to hot natures, tis most conveniently eaten with bread.

Sowre milk is colder, and agreeth not with colder stomachs, but with hotter, especially in the Summer, and in very hot weather.

Cheese is hardly concocted, and yeilds thick nourishment, and therefore stops the belly, opens the Pores, and affords matter fit for the generation of stones; but that which is old affords ill nourishment, the new yeilds better: the new and salt is as yet cold and moist, and of a flatulent nature, the worst is the oldest, that which is of a middle age, which is neither hard nor soft, and is moderatly sweat and fat, is the best, but whatsoever it be, tis alwaies to be eaten after other meats, and sparingly; but since there is great diffe∣rences of Cheeses, according to the nature of living Crea∣tures, and of place, and pasture: That of the Ewe is the best, tis easier concocted then others, and affords better nourishment: Cowes milk is next to this in goodnesse, the Goates is worst of all; yet that Cheese is better, when the buterous and caseous parts are not separated, but are made altogether into Cheese, but those Cheeses are worse which are made of the caseous part only of the milk.

The serous part of the milk nourisheth least, and is instead of Medicine rather then aliment, yet tis most fitly used for the evacuation of serous and adust humours; it consisteth of two parts, the one salt and participating of acrimony, and is altogether hot, which is the lesser part, the other is watry, and is the greater part, for which it is called cold and moist whey

Eggs, but especially of Hens, are food with us; an Egg consists of two parts, the Yolk, and the White, those are mo∣deratly hot, and moist, and of the best nourishment; these cold and dry which afford also much nourishment, and that lasting enough, but hard of concoction: The newest Eggs are the best, and nourish most, and soonest, and yeild good aliment; but the stalest are the worst, and the corruption of Eggs the worst: And they do not so well agree with those whose Liver or stomachs are filled with vitious humours, and in Cholerick and hot stomachs they are easily corrupted, and turned into choler; As for the dressing of them, they are best when they are soft, and to be supt, beeing boyled in seething water, but those which are roasted in ashes are not so good; those that are boyled till they are hard, although they afford more solid nourishment, yet they are worse, but the worst of all are those which are fryed in a Frying-pan, especially in Oyle.

Honey is of a hot and dry nature, in the second degree yet that which is whitest is not so hot, and is more commo∣dious for those that are sound, but all honey is medicinall aliment, convenient for old men and those of cold natures, but because it easily turnes into choler, tis not fit for hot na∣tures, nor for the Liver, but tis good for the Lungs, other∣wise it hath a cleansing faculty, and resists putrifaction.

Sugar, although it be not taken from living Creatures, but is made out of Reeds, hath a great agreement with ho∣ney, yet tis lesse hot and dry then honey, and therefore tis profitably mingled both with hot and cold things, yet in those that are very hot, it easily turnes into choler, otherwise it hath an abstersive faculty without sharpnesse.

Aliments which are taken from the parts of Animals are many, which both according to the kinds of living Crea∣tures, and according to their parts do vary. The feet of A∣nimals, of what kind soever, are cold and dry, they have little flesh, and scarce any blood, they yeild a cold juice, dull and glutinous, by reason whereof the broath of boyled feet is congealed.

The Heart is of a hard and dry nature, and fibrous, neither is it easily concocted, but if it be well concocted it yeilds neither ill juice, nor a little, and that stable and firme.

The Liver it self is hard to be concocted, and yeilds thick nourishment, which is slowly distributed, it is of good juice and firm, but there is great variety in this part, not only according to the kinds and ages of living Creatures, but also by reason of their food and full nourishment; for Animals which are not grown to their full state, and which use better and fuller feeding, have also a greater Liver, more delicate and fuller of juice.

The Spleen affords little nourishment, and that melan∣choly, tis hardly concocted, and slowly distributed.

The substance of the Lungs is light and thin, and nourish∣eth lesse, yet it is easier concocted, nor doth it afford ill nutri∣ment.

The Reines afford not very good but thick aliment, and the Reines of younger Quadrupeds, or Calves are of better juice, and are easier concocted.

The Tongue excels the other parts in pleasantnesse of tast and goodnesse of aliment, it is also easily concocted.

The brain yeilds pitutious and thick juice, and is not ea∣sily concocted, nor distributed, and causeth loathing.

The Stomach and Guts of Animals are of a harder sub∣stance, and of a colder and dryer nature, they are harder of concoction, and not to be concocted except it be by a strong stomach, and that they be well boyled, they yeild little blood, and that cold, and not very good.

Flesh that is full of Muscles, which is frequently taken instead of food, differs principally according to the kinds of living Creatures.

Swines flesh nourisheth very plentifully, and yeilds firme nutriment, and therefore is most profitable, for those that are in their flourishing age, sound, strong, and which are exercised with much labour, yet because too much humidi∣ty abounds in it, it yeilds a thick and slow juice, and many excrements, it agrees not with all men, especially with those that are sick, wherefore many other sorts of meat are prefer∣red before it.

Brawn, or the flesh of tame Bores, so that it be of youn∣ger Bores, is the best, because it hath not so much excre∣mentitious moisture.

A Lamb before tis a year old hath moist flesh, slimy and viscid, but when tis a yeare old, tis very good nourishment, consisting of good and plentifull juice, and indifferent lasting, and easie of concoction, but in those which are exercised with hard working, tis easie discussed, and aliment that is not solid is made thereof.

But because Lambs that are of a longer growth, become Sheep, and the flesh is then become ungratefull, and not of so good juice, their stones are cut out, and they are made Weathers, the younger whereof are the best meat, and tis easily concocted, and generates good blood, and therefore agrees both with those that are well, and those that are sick.

But Mutton of Ewes is evill, both by default of the tempera∣••and by frequenting of copulation, and of bringing forth young, tis hardly concocted, evill, and dull, and viscid juice is bred thereof.

Veale is temperate, render, and affords good juice, of a pleasant tast, yet it yeilds somewhat a thicker juice then Lamb or Mutton.

Beef is thick flesh, hard of concoction, and doth not ea∣sily passe through the Veines, it doth not participate of vi∣scidity and sliminesse, the frequent use thereof causeth dry and melancholly humours in the body, especially Cow-beef, or that of an Oxe, which with age and much working hath

contracted drinesse and hardnesse of flesh, or is hardned with salt and smoak.

Goates flesh affords good nourishment, and may easily be preferred before the rest of Sylvestrous Animalls, in good∣nesse of aliment, facility of concoction, pleasantnesse of tast, and paucity of excrements, yet they are something drier.

Venison is hard of concoction; and generates melancholy juice, especially if the Venison be grown to ripenesse of years, and doth obstruct the bowels.

Hares flesh is accounted a great dainty, yet by Physiti∣ans tis numbred amongst those aliments which yeild a me∣lancholy juice, and therefore are not so good for those who have dry bodies, yet if they are well concocted, they are thought to occasion a good colour in the face, if they are well boyled, the juice is not evill.

There are many kinds of Birds, amongst the which never∣thelesse, nay, amongst flesh, the Hens are accounted the chief, for they are temperate, easie of concoction, of good juice, and contain few excrements, and thence they pro∣create good blood, and yeild most profitable food for those which are not much exercised with labour, yet there is a certain difference amongst this kind of Fowl, the best is the flesh of a Capon; the next is that of Chickins, yet their flesh is moister, Hens are dryer, the flesh of Cocks is harder and dryer, the Hens flesh affords nourishment not firme e∣nough for those who are day-labourers.

A Turky-cock also yeilds much and laudable nourish∣ment, nor is it inferiour to Capons, neither in tast, or good∣nesse of juice, it is profitable food for those which are in health.

The flesh of Patridge is temperate, something inclining to drinesse, tis easie of concoction, it affords excellent juice and much nourishment, and few excrements, and is very good food for those that are in health, and those that are troubled with the French Pox.

A Phesant and a Quail, which are the best nourishment and most excellent food for such as are in health. There is no small variety of Doves, the better sort are those that are of the Mountains and Woods, yet the flesh of all of them affords a thick Melancholy and excrementious juice, and is not easily concocted; and tis hurtfull in putred Fea∣vers.

The flesh of tame Geese doth abound more with excre∣ments, then that of wild, yet the flesh of them both is hard of concoction, and yeild no good juice, but vitious, and ex∣crementitious, and such as is easily putrifyed, but if one have a strong stomach, and it be well concocted, it af∣fords plenty of nourishment, but the liver of Geese that are well fatted, are temperate meate, most plea∣sant, easey of concoction, of good juice, and much nourish∣ment.

A Thrush is easily concocted, yeelds good juice not ex∣crementitious, and affords nourishment firme enough.

A Lark also, generates excellent juice, and is easily con∣cocted, and by a peculiar faculty, it is reported not only to preserve one from the cholick, but also to cure it.

The flesh of Black-birds both for pleasantnesse and faci∣lity of concoction, and goodnesse of juice is somewhat inferi∣or to that of the Thrush.

A Quaile is hot and moist, hard of concoction, of ill nou∣rishment and full of excrements, and affords matter fit for the generation of feavers.

Fishes are colder and moister food, then the flesh of ter∣restiall Animalls, and scarce afford so good juice as Corne, and fruits, and other vegetables, they easily putrify also, and if they are corrupted, they acquire a quality most averse to our natures.

But there is a great variety of fishes, a Salmon in the first place, hath tender flesh, gratefull to the palate, tis easily concocted, affords good juice, and is the best amongst fishes; when they are pickled with salt, and hardned with smoake, they are much worse.

Troutes amongst fishes which are bred in fresh waters are the best, and are next in goodnesse to a Salmon, easy of con∣coction, full of much good, and thin juice, but the greater of them, have flesh not a little excrementitious, fat, and full of viscidity; those are commended before others, which have red flesh, and many red spots, and that have hard flesh and participate not of viscidity, and fat, those are easier concoct∣ed, descend sooner, and have lesse excrementitious juice.

Amongst Sea fishes, the sole is highly commended, which hath delicate flesh, and is easy of concoction.

Gudgeons properly so called are the best of taste amongst the

fishes, and very wholesome aliment, easie to be concocted, and such, as remaine not long in the stomach, and are profitable, both for pleasure, and health, and may safely be given to those that are sick, to which other little fish are alike, as dace and minners, and such like.

A pick, especially of the smaller growth, hath hard flesh, it is concocted easily, and easily distributed; and hath not many excrements, and may also be given to those that are sick.

A Perch also hath tender flesh, and such as will easily part asunder, and no fat, and glutinosity, tis easy to be di∣gested, the juice is not evill, yet it affords weaker aliment, and such as is easily discussed.

A Breame hath soft and moist flesh, and yeelds a juice very excrementicious, and is to be eaten as for the most part, all other fish are, not; tis not to be mixed with divers kinds of meates.

A Barbell, whose egs perchance gave an occasion to some to suppose, that he hears very bad, it causeth not onely paines of the belly, but also vomiting, and disturbes the paunch, and stirs up choler, from the use whereof we ought to abstaine, but the flesh thereof is very white, easy of concoction, and distri∣bution; and affords aliment of good juice.

The flesh of Eeles is sweete but glutinous with fat, and abounding with much moisture, it generates ill juice, and the use thereof is not safely granted to those that are sick, nor to those that are well, especially if they be taken plentifully.

A Lampry is meate of a gratefull and delicate taste, if it be rightly prepared, and sauced, yet it puts not away quite its slimynesse, and glutinosity by this meanes, and for that reason they are not numbred by Physitians, amongst fishes of the best sort.

A Tench is neither of a pleaseing taste, nor easy to be con∣cocted, nor good aliment; but yeelds a filthy slimy juice, and such as is easily corrupted, neither is it easily distributed, and it brings forth obstructions.

A Herring hath white flesh, apt to cleave into small peices, and hath a good taste, not hard of concoction, it affords good juice not thick, and glutinous, tis pickled with salt, and hard∣ned with the smoake, but then tis harder of digestion, and yeelds not so good juice.

Amia a fish which hath no English name, but is like a Thunny, hath soft flesh, yeelds good juice, but not much aliment.

A Sturgeon hath hard fat, and glutinous flesh, which yeelds thick juice, yet not hurtfull, and tis not easily concocted, yet the younger are more plesant to the taste, and easier concoct∣ed, and yeeld much nourishment.

A Sole, Plaice, and Turbet, are white fish, yeeld good juice, and plentifull nourishment, and such as is not easily corrupted, but being dryed, they become harder, and are harder of concoction.

Cod-fish, (or rather stock fish) although whilst it is fresh tis said to have friable flesh, and tender, of good juice, and easy of concoction, yet being dryed, it becomes so hard, that it is to be knocked with Hammers, and Clubs, and to be pul∣led into peeces in water before it be boyled, whence it af∣fords thick nourishment, and hard of concoction, and is to be eaten without dammage only by those who have very healthy stomachs, and are given to dayly labour.

Oysters have a soft juice, and therefore irritare the bel∣ly to dejection, and stimulate Venus, they nourish lesse, and are hard of concoction, and easily generate obstructions.

Terrestiall Cockels, or Snailes, are accounted for dain∣ties by many, yet the flesh of them is hard of concoction, and requires a healthy stomach and the addition of many sawces, yet they remaine hard, and generate thick, and black blood, but that part which is said to be given in broath for Hecticks is only in the hinder part of the snaile, which Aristotle in the fourth of the History of Animals Cap. the fourth, calls Mico∣na, that is poppey, as he pleased to call it, which hath in it a certaine glutinous, and caseous substance, easily dissolved, yeelding to the teeth, tender, the which is not hard of con∣coction, and nourisheth much.

Crab fish, which have no tailes, and Lobsters, and craw∣fish which have tailes, and are frequent in our Countries, seeme to have no great difference in their nature, all of them are hard of concoction, and are not well concocted, unlesse by a strong stomach, yet if they are well concocted they nourish much and beget good juice.

CHAP. IV. Of drinke.

DRinke whereby the moist substance is restored which is dayly consumed, and the naturall thirst allayed, the

fat, and thick moisture, carried through the narrow passages, and the meat in the stomach is mingled, concocted, and pow∣red forth, and an inflamation of that fat, which is destina∣ted by nature to nourish our bodies, is prohibited; there are divers kinds, Water, Wine, strong Beere, and water mingled with Hony, and certaine liquors made with Apples, Peares, and such like.

There is great variety of Waters, all which are cold, and moist, but the best is that which is found to be pure and fin∣cere, by the sight, taste, and smell, and offers the savour of nothing to the taste, neither odour to the smell, which soone growes hot, and suddenly grows cold, which is light, and wherein flesh, and fruit are soon boyled: some is Fountaine water other is River, some is Raine water, other lake, or Pond water, some Marish, other Snow water.

The Fountaine is the best which hath these notes of good water, that which spreds towards the East, and runs towards the rising of the Sun, and thrickles through sand, and gra∣vell, that carries no mud with it, that is hotter in Winter, and colder in Summer.

River water for the most part is Fountaine water, and a∣riseth from many Fountains flowing together, and therefore is of a mixt nature, and receives also a mixt nature from the earth through which it flowes, and somtimes also, they are mingled with Snow melted in the Mountaines, and great Showres of water collected together, yet its crudi∣ty is corrected by the beames of the Sun, whilst it runs through many parts of the Earth; before the use of it, it should stand, and setle, in water-tubs, that whatsoever it carries with it that is impure may settle in the bottome.

Rain water which falls in the Summer time with thunder is the thinnest, and lightest, but since many Vapours are lift up by the heate, and mingled with the Showres, these waters are not very pure, whence they are obnoxious to putrifact∣ion.

Well waters, since they are not raised above the Earth, and are lifted up on high, only by the benefit of Art, they are thick and heavy, whence they continue long in the bowels and offend them.

Lakes and marish waters are the worst, they easily become purred, they are thick, and crude, and often times, malig∣nant, and Pestilent, from whence the stomack is offended by them, the bowels obstructed, and humours corrupted and

often times putred, and malignant feavers and Pestilen∣tiall do thence arise,

Waters of Snow, and Ice, are condemned, for they are thick and hurt the stomach, and stirr up greivous diseases of the joynts, nerves, and bowels.

But the malignancy of waters are corrected, by boyling, whereby not only the crudity, and frigidity is amended, but also, the terrene, and vitious parts are separated, which af∣terwards when the heate vanisheth, settles in the bot∣tome.

Wine hath a heating, and drying power which even the Spirit which is drawn out of it teacheth, yet because it easi∣ly nourisheth, and increaseth moisture, and blood, fit to nourish the body, tis said to be moist, namely Wine is a me∣dicinall aliment, hot, and dry, some in the first, some in the second, and some in the third degree; for this reason, the use of it is forbidden boyes, and by reason of this drying faculty many use to mixe water therewith, yet there is not a little difference in heating, and drying, not only according to age, but also according to the nature of the Wine it selfe, for some is very little suffering, because in mixture it will indure but little water, but other Wine is called winy Wine, because it may indure more water to be mixt with it.

But Wines differ according to taste, smell, colour, and manner of subsistance: as for what belongs to the taste, sweet Wines properly so called, nourish best, and are not only most gratefull to the palate, but to the bowells, but because they are thicker, they easily produce obstructions in the Liver, and Spleen, inflame the Hipocondries, and are easily turned into choler, they are profitable for the Lungs, Chops, and Throate, nor do they so hurt the head, nor offend the nerves.

Austere or harsh wines have the weaker heat, tarry longer in the belly, nor doe they easily passe through the veines, and pe∣netrate through the passages of the urine, whence they are good for a loosenesse of the belly, but hurtfull in diseases of the brest and Lungs, for they detaine spittle; the best wines are the middle sort which are neither very sweet, nor sowre.

A fragrant smell is a token of the best Wine, because it can increase Spirits, restore decayed strength, and recreate, and suddenly refresh those that are languishing, even by its smell, and can exhilerate the mind, and strengthen the

whole body and all its faculties, and principally tis good for old men, only that it fills the head, and hurts the nerves, but Wines that have no smell are base, and neither received so greedily by the stomach, nor are they so easily concocted, nor do they afford matter, nor so fit aliment to engender Spirits, nor do they add so much strength to the heart, nor do they so much refresh the body, but those which have a strange smell, whencesoever contracted, are all nought.

White or pale Wines heate lesse, then full and yellow Wines, and are weaker, especially if besides their whitenesse they are of a thin substance, all black wines are of thicker sub∣stance, and for the most part sweete and nourish very much, yet they beget thick blood, and not so laudable, they cause obstructions, and continue long in the bowels, and fill the head with many Vapours; between the white, and red, there are middle colours, yellow, reddish yellow, a pale red, and perfect red; a pale red are necrest to the white, and if the substance be thin, are the best, such as are Rhenish Wines, the most apt to strengthen the heart, and to renew strength; Greek Wines also strengthen the heart, and are beneficiall to to those that are troubled with cholick paines, and with the flatus of the stomach; red Wines for the most part have not so great a force of heating, they generate good blood, and do not load the head, but if they are of a thicker substance, they are not so good for the Liver, and Spleen, by reason of the ob∣structions, which they occasion; between the white, and red, is a Wine of a mixt colour, which also doth not heat so much, nor offend the head.

As for the manner of subsistence, tenuity is in the first place in that which is watry, hence that which is of a pale red, and yellow; crassitude is in that which is black, red, sweet and sowre, and thin wines easily penetrate, and soon refresh the strength, they open passages, move sweates and urine, yet they nourish more sparingly, but the thick nourish more, and are longer detained in the parts, and heat and dry them more, and often times bring forth obstructions.

Wines also differ according to age, new Wine is thick and flatuous, begets the cholick, impeads excretion of urine, yet it loosens the belly, and unlesse it doth so, tis the more hurtfull, new Wine, and that which it as sweet, as Wine new prest, is not easily distributed into the body, but old Wine does work too much upon the nerves, and offend the head.

That which is middle aged is more commodious for all uses, in which thing neverthelesse there is a great difference according to the nature of the Wine, for some will indure age, others sooner loose their strength, and consume away, and loose all their Spirits.

In places towards the Septrentrionall, wherein there is not so great store of Wine, strong Beere, or Ale, is the familiar drinke, and indeed profitable enough, as experience shewes.

But the strong drinke is prepared, some of Wheate, some of Barly, others of them both, in Polonia it is made of Oates, and preserved with Hops, the manner of preparing is very different every where, the waters also differ, wherewith they are boyled, they are kept also in some places in pitched Vessels, in others not pitched.

Strong drinke made of Wheate nourisheth more then that of Barley, and also heats and moistens more, especially see∣ing the strong drink made of Wheate hath lesse Hops, then that which is made of Barly, but it generates more viscous juice, it causeth obstructions, it provokes urine, but it loosens the belly.

Barly Beere, because of the Barly, heateth lesse, but be∣cause more Hops for the most part are put into it, acquires no small force of heating, it nourisheth lesse, and yeelds a thinner juice, but is more diuretick, that which is mixt of Wheate and Barly is of a middle nature.

That drink which is made of Corne, no way dried but by the heate of the Sun, hath more excrementicious humours, and often times brings forth obstructions.

All new drink is more unwholesome, especially, if it be troubled, for it obstructs the passages, and breeds the stone, but that which is more cleansed is wholesomer, but princi∣pally, strong drinkes have their faculties, from various wa∣ters of severall natures.

Hony and water mingled, for the most part heate and dry more then Wine, especially if Aromatick things are ad∣ded, but it easily turnes into choler, by reason of the Hony and therefore is not so good a drink for cholerick per∣sons.

CHAP. V. Of the passions of the mind, and of the exercise and rest of the body.

THE perturbations of the mind, have great power in the preservation of health, for an Euthumie, or well setled mind, and such as is at quiet doth much conduce to the pre∣servation of health.

Next to that moderate joy is fitrest to preserve the health of body, and a naturall constitution, because it recreates the heart, spirits, and the whole body, but if it be overmuch, it dissipates, and diffuseth the Spirits.

Motion of the body, and exercise, first brings a certain solidity, and hardnesse to the parts, then it increaseth health, thirdly it moves and agitates the spirits from whence the heart is made strong, and can easily resist externall inju∣ries, and is fit to undergoe all actions, happy nourishment is made, and the excrementicious Vapours are discussed; on the contrary, those bodies which live idly, are soft and ten∣der, and unfit to performe labours; under the name of motion, are comprehended labours of every kind, dancing running, playing at ball, gesture, carrying, ryding, swim∣ming, walking, a stirrer up of the people, rubbing and such like, but divers exercises have different force, and some ex∣ercise some parts more then others; in running and walking, the legs are most exercised in handling of weapons; and lay∣ing them down, the armes; in singing, speaking with a loud voice and cleare reading, the face and brest; the whole body in playing with a little ball, which exercise therefore is most convenient, whereof a peculiar book of Galen is extant; there is also a certain diversity according to vio∣lence, and magnitude in motion, swift attenuates, and thickens; slow, rarifies and increaseth flesh; vehement extenu∣ates the body, and makes it leane, yet together hard, flou∣rishing, and firme; too much motion exhausteth and dissi∣pates the substance of the spirits, and solid parts, and cooles the whole body, it dissolves the strength of the nerves, and ligaments, it sometimes looseneth, and distendeth the mem∣brances, and breaks the lesser veines.

CHAP. VI. Of Sleeping, and waking.

MOderate watchings stirs up the Spirits, and senses, and render them more flowrishing, distribute the Spirits, and heate into all the parts of the body, they helpe distribu∣tion of aliment, and promote the protrusion of excrements, yet if watchings are immoderate, first they consume and dissipate the Animall Spirits, and dry the whole body, espe∣cially the braine, they increase choler, they whet and in∣flame, and lastly the heate being dissipated, they stir up cold diseases.

The strength being decayed is againe kindled a fresh with moderate sleep, the spirits, that are dissipated with diurnall labours, are restored, the heate is called back into the in∣ner parts, from whence a concoction of Aliments, and crude humours is happily performed in the whole body, the whole body and especially the bowells are sweetly moistned, the heate increased, and the whole body becomes stronger, cares are taken away, anger is allayed, and the mind en∣joyes more tranquility, immoderate evacuations besides sweate, are hindred, and sleep is especially beneficiall to old men; on the contrary immoderate sleep obscures the spirits, and renders them dull, and causeth an amazednesse in the understanding, and memory, it sends out the heate, being hindred with crude, and superfluous humours accumu∣lated, sleep also, which seizeth on our bodyes after what manner soever, when they are empty, drys and extenuates the body.

CHAP VII. Of Bathes.

EVery Bath of fresh water, moistneth, but in heating and cooling, there is not the same faculty every where, a temperate Bath of sweet water opens the pores of the skin, and softens, and rarifies the part, and discusseth the excre∣ments into the extreame parts, and corrects the drynesse of parts, and so takes away lassitude, but if it should continue long 'twould discusse that which is dissolved, and weaken the strength.

Luke-warme Bathes, if they incline to cold, something re∣frigerate the body, nor have they power of rarifying the parts and discussing excrements.

Cold water of it selfe cooles, yet by accident the pores being shut, and the heate penned in heateth, whence if through dissipation the native heat should be in danger, cold rhings being timely applyed, have power to recollect and pre∣serve it.

Bathes oftentimes do hurt, and especially to those that are not accustomed to them, and to Plethorick persons, and such as are filled with crude humours, as also to those which are obnoxious to Catarrhes, and inflamations, or an Erysipe∣las. The Romans often frequented Bathes, and they often bathed twice a day, the preparation whereof you may see Galen 10. of the method of healing Chap. the tenth; they used unctions also before and after bathing, whereof Galen the second of simple faculties of healing Chap. the twenty fourth; and the seventh.

CHAP. VIII. Of Excretions and Retentions, and of Venery.

THe body may be easily kept in its naturall State, if those things which are profitable for its nourishment, be re∣tained, and those things which are unprofitable, and ought to be cast out, are omitted, but if those things which ought to be retained, in the body, are cast out, and those things which ought to be protruded, are retained, the health is in danger.

The severall concoctions have their severall excrements; the excrements of the paunch, if they are not evacuated in due season, hinder concoction whilst putred Vapours exhale from thence to the stomach, and neighbouring parts, for the same reason they offend the head, stir up cholick paines, and other evills, but too sudden cleansing of the paunch oftentimes hurt nothing, whilst those things which are of∣fensive nature doth expell from the paunch of its owne ac∣cord, yet if any such thing happen too often or too lasting, it necessarily defrauds the body of nourishment, and the strength is weakned, and the guts are debilitated, and of∣fended.

Urine if it be made in due season, is commodious and pro∣fitable

for the body, but if it be made sooner then it ought, and especially, if it have bin retained longer then it ought, it brings no small dammage, for it oppresseth the bladder, and often times so fills it, that afterwards urine cannot be ex∣pelled, and sometimes an inflamation of the bladder, nay sudden death, followes; but if the reyns have not drawn whey as it were, it remains mixt with blood, and stirs up greivous Symptomes in the whole body.

Seed untimely retained causeth heavinesse, and dulnesse, of the body, and if it be corrupted stirs up greivous accidents, all which may be avoided by Venery, but let it be timely, and lawfull, neither is there any need to try any thing for the preservation of health, which is contrary to divine lawes, and the Creator of man is so much indulgent to him in this thing, as tis necessary for him to shun all things which may hinder his health; but too much Venery dissipates the naturall heate, cooles and debilitates the whole body, accumulates crudities, hurts the nerves, generates the running Gout, and brings the Palsie, and debility of the senses and understan∣ding.

THE FOURTH BOOK, PART II. Of the Method of the preservation of Health.

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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.

CHAP II. Of the cure of little ones not yet borne, and of the dyet of women with child,

THese things being premised in generall, what course of dyet may best agree to every degree of health (of which before, in the first Book and third Chap.) we will now ex∣plaine distinctly, and therefore we will handle good habit or the preserver of the best State, called under the generall name of the Hygeinall, which governs sufficent health in all our actions. The Prophylactick is that part which guides the neutrality of those that are falling away. The Analyptick is that which brings neuters to be healthy; And first a me∣thod of preserving of the health of such as are very well is to be explained; wherein notwithstanding some things may be delivered, which may be accommodated to the other degrees of health.

But in the first place it is to be noted that the foundation of our future health fully depends on the conception and seed of our parents, and therefore as Fernelius in his first Book of Pathology Chap. 1. writeth, If Husbandmen being to sow Corne choose the small and young seed, having found by experience, that ill fruite comes from that which is rot∣ten, how much more diligently ought we to observe the seed in the procreation of our Children.

Moreover when the Mother hath conceived a Child in the wombe, she ought to beware of all things which might bring

any detriment to the young; or rather, she ought to be care∣full, that she may strengthen, and preserve it safe; namely that she avoid foggy Aire, that she beware of the smell of candles newly put out, of brimstone, castor and such like, and of the smell of herbs that are too fragrant, she should shun meates of ill juice, and sharpe, and such as cause urine, or cause loathing, or provoake sneezing, she should not use many Aromatick things; if those that are great desire, any ill meates, they are not altogether to be denyed them, but if the food, which the woman desires cannot be obtained by her; least any inconveniencies should happen to the young, they use to give her some hony with nutmeg; or water dis∣tilled from the tender leaves of a Vine in the month of May; or of the barks of Citron, or the pills of Oranges, or of the Roote of Piony, being bruised and prepared in Spanish Wine, or Malmesy.

For the strengthening are exhibited, the precious Stones, called Pearles, Coralls, the shavings of Ivory, the barkes of Citron, Cinamon, Saffron, the wood of Aloes, Cloves, Quinces, Sugar of Roses, sweete Almonds, corrected with high Country Wine, Water, called the Balsome of Chil∣dren, the confection of Gems, Diamargariti calidi, Malmsy Wine applyed with Bread to the belly.

The same things may hinder an abortion which is night at hand, and moreover Ʋnguentum Comitissae, externally applyed, also those that are great should principally avoid hard labours and passions of the mind, yet to be altogether idle is not so convenient.

The opening of a vein eafter the fifth month for the most part is prohibited, but before the fifth moneth you may open a veine, in Plethorick bodies, nay some unlesse they are let blood, before the fifth month miscarry, of purgation Hippo∣crates writeth in the fifth Apho. 39. thou shalt purge those that are with child, any time within foure months, and some∣times untill the seventh month, but sparingly, and you are to use only lenitive medicines.

CHAP III. Of the Diet of Infants, and thence forward untill 21. yeares of Age.

WHen a Child is brought forth into the World, before the teats are given him, we ought to give him some pure honey, or Corall with Sugar, or the Sugar of pennidice, with: Oile of sweet Almonds, whereby the Dregs may be drawne through the Paunch, and an Epilepsie be prevented.

Afterwards let the Infant be nourished with Milke, and that from his Mothers Breast, as having most agreement with the Infant, and it is generated of the same blood, by which before the little one was formed, and nourished in the Wombe, unlesse perhaps the Mother be sick or ill disposed; the Infant is to bee nourished with Milke, untill it be two years old, or certainly till the eighteenth Month, & tis to be ac∣customed in the meane time to other meats by little & little; yet such as may be easily concocted, commonly their is prepared for them Papp made of Bread, and water or Milke, yet by rea∣son of its clamminesse, it seemes not to so good to many, and therefore more wholesome may bee made with crums of Bread, or certainly with bread first dried in an Oven.

Afterwards the Infant by degrees is to be accustomed to more solid meats, but the first three years, his food is to bee moister, and the Infant is to be nourished with good meats, and should use Bathes often, but not presently after eating and drinking; neare the end of seven years Age, the use of Bathes ought to be more seldome, Infants and Boyes should not drink Wine.

By how much the more a boy growes in yeares, by so much the more both the mind and body are to be imployed, yet the exercises ought not to bee immoderate, least that any member should be turned awry, or least the body should bee dryed too soone with two much motion, and the growth of the body should be hindred; of sleep, by how much the more Age increaseth, so by little and little we ought to abate it.

In the second and third Septinaries more solid meats are to be afforded, yet not over much drying: Exercise also ought to be somewhat lesse then the strength might tolerate, and in the third Septinary order of Diet convenient for every course of life is to be begun, for those which are given to a labori∣ous kind of life ought to seed more plentifully in the third

Septinary, and with those meates, which being taken in no great quantity, nourish much, and strengthen them for grea∣ter labours.

But those wich apply their mindes to learning at this age ought to be carefull of the animall spirits, and diligently to endeavour that they may be plentifully generated being pu∣re, and cleare, which may be if they live in a subtile Aire, pure thin, by dyet and meats that are not thick, but which may afford matter for pure and lauadble blood, and endea∣vour to evacuate all excrements in due time, not to accumu∣late crudities, nor weaken their bodies with untimely stu∣dies, nor is the use of Venery to be granted till the end of this Age.

CHAP. IV. Of the Diet of middle Age,

That Age which followes the third feaventh Yeare or from the twenty first to the fiftieth, is accounted the mid∣dle Age, and for the most part there is the same reason of Di∣et, unlesse that the former halfe part or the fourth septinary, and the latter halfe or the seaventh doth more agree with the diet of the Age, which he hath attained, then of that Age which is truly the middle.

First for what belongs to meate, in meate is to be obser∣ved quality, quantity, time of taking, manner, and such like circumstances; as to the quality of meats, those are to be chosen, which are most temperate, and most familiar to our nature, amongst which, Bread well baked obtaines the first place, hence the flesh of Animals, and those things which are taken from Animals, and alwaies they are to be chosen which are of good juice, and to be avoided, which have ill juice, yet somthing is here to be graunted to custome, 2. Apho. 56. and to the various constitutions of bodies, and Celsus admoni••••eth a sound man, and one which is in health to avoide no kind of meate which the people use, which is principally to be obser∣ved by those, which necessarily must live a different course of life; variety of meats please, and divers sorts of meat are ea∣ten with greater pleasure, yet we are to beware lest meates are eatentogether of different substances, and various facul∣ties, whereof some are thick, others thin, some easie, others hard of concoction, since from such variety corruption of

meats, may easily follow, but those which have a certaine si∣militude are rather to be chosen, that the same heate may be required, for the concoction of the same.

Secondly that quantity of food is to be taken which may increase the strength, and not hinder it, but you cannot mea∣sure that, neither by weight, nor number, but tis to be found in this, in that you have regard to three things; first, to the nature of aliment, secondly, to the nature of the body, and the course of life and labours, and thirdly, to the time of the yeare, and constitution of the aire.

For first, meats hard to be concocted being taken in grea∣ter plenty, hurt more, then those of easier concoction next meate brings lesse inconveniency if it offend onely in quanti∣ty, then if it also hath an ill quality joyned therewith, re∣gard is also to be had of pleasantnesse as is said before.

Moreover, one stomack desires more, another concocts more, in which matter the counsell of Hippocrates is more safe, the 6 Epid. Comm. 4. Text 22. The study of health is not to be glutted with meate, nor to be slow to labour: and Avicenne admonisheth us to rise from the Table, with those that are hungry; lastly those which live idely, and live a life not so labourious concoct less, those which are exercised in labour digest more.

Of the time of the yeare, Hippocrates writeth, 1. Apho. 15. Their Bellies which are born in the Winter or Spring are very hot, and their sleep tedious; therefore at those seasons of the yeare they ought to eate more, forasmuch as they have more heat, whence it comes to passe, that they want more plentifull nourishment. And in the third of Diet he teach∣eth, that wee ought to eate more in Winter, but drink more sparingly, but in Summer, the contrary. But neverthelesse if any one either through ill custome, or the allurements of meats hath any way offended herein, that afterwards is to be be corrected by fasting, or more sparing diet, sleep, quiet, or vomiting, and therefore tis good to omit supping once a week, or else to eate very little supper.

As to the time, to eate often and much is neither commo∣dious for the body nor mind, yet tis better to eate a little often, then much at once, but it is most wholesome that a man of middle age, well tempered, and that hath government of him selfe, doe eate twice aday; so that he takes onely so much meate, as may not oppresse the stomake; in other things some thing is to bee granted to Age tempera∣temperament,

kind of life, custome and such, like but the time betwixt dinner and supper ought to bee shorter then that which is betwixt supper and dinner againe.

But whether supper or dinner ought to be larger, is seve∣rally understood amongst Physitians: that we may briefly con∣clude the matter, if any dine more sparingly, and frugally, which the Ancients for the most part did, the supper ought to be the larger, but if we observe our custome and manners, since men about noon day dine more plentifully, and can∣not sufficiently concoct their meat in that short time, which is betwixr dinner and supper; tis altogether necessary that they should sup more sparingly, since tis not convenient to be twice filled with meat the same day, for then they shall have a troublesome night, and in the morning perceive crudities, and principally this to be observed by old men, because expe∣rience testifieth, that all old men are offended with large suppers.

As for the order of meats, tis of some concernment, whe∣ther wee take this or that meat in the first or second place; namely, those are to be taken in the first place, which molli∣fie the Paunch, and make it slippery, and those which are not of so good juice, are easily concocted, and descend out of the Stomack, and are easily corrupted; to these are to bee added those things which may stop the belly, they are not so casily concocted, and which descend slower, and are of better juice.

As for drink, of the qualities and differences thereof wee have spoken before; as to the quantity, as a little of Wine, strong Beere, and if their be any other kinds of drinkes like to these, the use of them moistens the body, cherisheth the spirits, corroborates the strength, helps concoction and distri∣bution of meats, provokes Urine, heates the habit of the bo∣dy, and is a remedy against the coldnesse, and drynesse of old age, it causeth sleep, corrects the acrimony of choler, exhi∣lerates the mind, and makes mens manners pleasing; so the im∣moderate use thereof, and drunkennesse is the Plague it selfe of health, and of a man, for by immoderate drinking, the native heat is consumed, crude and perverse humors are accumulated, the mind is troubled, and a kind of madnesse is begotten

The most convenient time of drinking is betwixt meales

for so it conduceth much to the concoction of meate, and the right distribution of the same, but if you drink upon an emp∣ty stomack, the head and the Nerves are extended; if after meat, the concoction is thereby hindred; if the meat doe not casily descend, the concoction being perfected, tis profitable to drinke something; drink also is to be avoided going to rest, but especially after exercises and Bathes; sudden drin∣king of cold drink is unwholesome; tis more commodious al∣so to divide the drinke then to drinke it together, least it cause a floating in the stomack.

The passions of the mind, all of them that are vehement are to be avoided, and on the contrary, moderate joy is to be cherished.

Motions of the body all of them, doe not agree with all, yet for all sound men, deambulation may suffice, and frication and such like exercises; otherwise to thinner bodies more moderate, to stronger greater exercises are more convenient, yet regard is here to be had of custome, according to that of Hippocrates, 2. Apho. 49. those which were accustomed to dayly labours, although they are weake and old, easier endure exercises then those that are unaccustomed thereunto, al∣though they are strong and yong; regard also is to be had of the time of the yeare, for in summer, lesser and shorter exer∣cises, in Winter greater and stronger are to be appointed; so long also onely the body is to be exercised, untill a fresh colour appeare in the body, and the body begin in some mea∣sure to swell, and sweat to flow out: exercise and motion is to be used when the concoction is performed in the stomack and liver, and as Hippocrates, 6. Epid. Sect. 4. Apho. the last labour ought to goe before meate, wherefore the most convenient time for exercise is the morning, when the Stomack is empty, and the excrements of the Paunch and Bladder are first sent out, the same time is most fit for study; regard is also to bee had of the place where exercises are, for exercise under the Sun heates the body very much, powers out humors, and are very obnoxious to those whose heads are weake or full of humors, but all exercises that are in the shade are sa∣fer.

Rest is no lesse necessary then motion, for this is the reme∣dy of wearinesse, and repaires decayed strength, and there∣fore exercise and rest take their interchangeable turnes.

The time also is to be appointed for sleeping and waking, the most fit time for sleep is the night, appointed for man by God himselfe, but we ought not to sleep presently after meat, but an houre or two after supper, otherwise the head will be filled with many vapours; diurnall sleep likewise fils the head with vapours, but if any one hath contracted a sence of wearisomenesse, or hath past an unquiet night without sleep, tis lawfull to cherish sleep so long in the day time, and especially for old men, who seldome sleep the whole night, but wee are to sleep so long untill the meate be con∣cocted in the Stomack and Liver, and the spirits that are ta∣ken away are restored, which space is not equally in all, lesse then six houres scarce sufficeth, but beyond 9. houres sleepe is scarce to be extended, for the most part the space of seven houres is sufficient.

But those which are studious principally offend in their sleep, if they wake long after supper, and sleep after the ri∣sing of the Sun, for they do not onely pervert the order of na∣ture, but also much hinder the concoction, whilst they im∣peade the instauration of spirits, which were wasted with di∣urnall labours, and watchings, and call them from the Sto∣mack, and fill the head with vapours.

But we ought to lie downe with our legs and armes a lit∣tle bent, our head something elevated, on either side, since lying supine hurts much, and first to lie on the right side, that the concoction of the Stomack may bee helped by the Liver, not under the canopy of Heaven, nor the Beames of the Moone, and the windowes are to bee shut, and the noctur∣nall aire to be kept out, the bed-chamber ought to be with∣out any smell, the bed should bee soft, and fitted to drive away the frigidity of the Aire, when you please, the Head also is not to be wrapt with too many cloathes.

Watchings after sleep should bee moderate, for too much consumes the native heate, and dissipates Spirits, dries the body, brings forth crudities, dulls the senses, and of∣••••nds all the actions.

There is no small profit also of Bathes, for the preservation of health, as is said before, part the first chap. the seventh, yet the right use of them is to be appointed, neither are we to go into a Bath before the meate be concocted in the sto∣mach, least crud humours should be carried into all the parts of the body. In a Bath we must abstaine from all meat and drink, and we are to go out before we are weary, and to de∣fend the whole body from cold, nor must we eate nor drink before the heate of the bath be expired.

Lotions of the head open the pores of the skin and discusse Vapours, yet they are not to be used when either a Catarrh, or paine of the head offendeth, but are to be used in the mor∣ning, or an houre before Supper, and after the washing of the head it should be throughly dryed with warme linnen cloathes. Lastly the washing of the feet is not profitable, to hinder their sweating, but to avert humours which would flow from the head thither.

Lastly we must endeavour that presently after sleep, the dregs of the paunch may be cast out, if the paunch answers not to desire, tis to be moistned with Raisins of the Sun, the broath of a Cock, a decoction of the staulkes of Burrage, Mal∣lowes, Beares breech, or six or seven Pruins, boyled in the broath where Senna hath been infused, to be taken for the first course, or a little before meate, the excrements of the third concoction are to be expelled by dayly exercise, the head is to be combed in the morning, the mouth to be wash∣ed with water, the eares, nose, and palate to be cleansed, the eyes and the whole face, are to be washed in cold water, and the body, especially the Armes, and the Legs are to be rubbed.

And if so any error be committed in the use of these things, which may easily happen, afterwards it is to be mended the next day by its contrary, and an inequality being introdu∣ced the contrary cause is taken away.

CHAP. V. Of the dyet of old men.

THat part of Physick which rules, or governs the age of old men is called, Geronomick, but because in old age the body every day is more and more dryed, and the native heate is consumed, we are to endeavour that drynesse may be

prevented, and the native heate so much as may be pre∣served.

Hotter and moister Aire therefore is agreeable to this age, and unlesse it be such of it selfe, tis to be corrected by art, especially in Autumne and Winter, which Aire is cheifly of∣fensive to old men.

The Aliment it selfe also ought to be hot and moist, of good juice, and easie of concoction, but thick meates, hard, glutinous, and which fill the head, grow sowre in the sto∣mach, and are easily corrupted, are to be avoided, and if hurt be contracted by the use of such things, tis to be cor∣rected, by the use of Diatrion, Pipereon, Diacalaminth, and such like.

Of the usuall quantity also every day something is to be abated, for as Hippocrates writes, 1. Apho. 10. there is little heate in old men, and therefore they need little nourishment, sith thence their heat is extinguished with much; and therefore meate is to be given sparingly, but often, and in∣deed very conveniently thrice aday, viz. break-fast, dinner, and supper.

The best drink for old men is Wine, from whence Wine is called old mens milk, yet tis not to be taken in too great plenty, and it ought to be of a hotter nature, and other things good and generous, middle aged, but thick Wines which cause obstructions, and have an astringent faculty or hinder urines, are not convenient for old men, wine mingled with hony is good for old men also.

Old men should use moderate exercises before meate, yet so that no lassitude may thence ensue, but principally mode∣rate frication is commodious for them, especially in the mor∣ning.

Old men should sleepe longer, and if they are troubled with waking, that remedied with the use of sweet Almonds, Lettice boyled with Sugar, and dill being taken the last course, and with Somniferous lotions of the feet and hands.

First of all let them avoid vehement perturbations of the mind, and let them rather refresh their minds and bodyes with honest pleasures.

Lastly let old men be carefull that they void their ex∣crements well, and therefore, if the body be costive, the belly is to be moistned with convenient meates or with hony of Roses solutive, but stronger, and more Phyficall things are not to be given to old men.

CHAP. VI. Of the Dyet of such as are out of temper and of neu∣ters.

AS for what belongs to the Dyet of bodyes, that are neu∣trals, there art two kinds of bodies deviating from per∣fect health, for some are more remote from a sickly constitu∣tion, others are neerer to it, and these are twofold as before is spoken lib. the first Chap. the third, neuters falling away, which governing part of the Method of the defence of health is called Prophylactick; in neuters tending to health and waxing strong, the governing part of the Method of restora∣tion of health is called Analyptick.

But those former neuters which are as yet far from difeased, yet decline from the best health, whether from their birth, or whether they have contracted such a habit from custome and dyet, it is hard to change, neither can it be done sudden∣ly, but by degrees, and with long diligence; but if lea∣sure doth not permit, tis neither commodious, nor possible, for as Galen 2. of the defence of health Chap. the third those who are busied in civill affaires, and distracted with many businesses tis safer for such a one not to indeavour to change his temperament.

Such bodyes therefore, if either leasure will not permit, and their minds are not bent to reduce them into a better state, they ought to be preserved so by their likes, but if you in∣tend to reduce them to a better condition, you must use con∣traries by degrees; yet a hot and moist distemper, since that tis more agreeable to our nature, is by no meanes to be changed, because it introduceth no disease, but bodyes which are become too dry, are alwayes to be moistned as much as may be, during the whole terme of life.

Hot bodyes therefore should avoid hot Aire, hot and sharpe meates, their drink ought to be more plentifull, but smaler, and strong drink rather then wine, their exercise ought to be moderate, the use of bathes, of fresh waters warme, frequent; they must shun anger, too tedious meditations, and their sleepe ought to be longer.

If drynesse be joyned to the heate, let them avoid the use of hot and drying things, and therefore let them beware

of a hot and dry constitution of Aire, and vehement exer∣cises, if humidity be joyned and that be moderate, fince that temperament is most agreeable to man, and conduceth to the prolongation of life, tis to be preserved as much as may be, and only to be fore-warned that no more of the heat and humours may be added, and cause diseases, and stir up putri∣faction, wherefore let these avoid Aire that is too hot and moist, let meat be given which hath attenuating force, and let them endeavour that it may be well concocted, let their exercises be such, as may discusse excrements, yet not dry the solid parts; let all other things be moderate, and prin∣cipally let them endeavour, that the excrements of the belly and the urine may freely passe from them.

Those which are cold are to be nourished with hot meates, let them use exercises, which may stir up heate, let them evacuate timely the pituitous excrements.

Dry constitutions should use moist meates, and moistning drink, and bathes of fresh water, but the most unhappy con∣stitution is cold and dry, which represents old age from the beginning, and hastens to it and therefore such are to use heating and moistning things, and to be nourished with hot and moist food, their exercises should be moderate, such as only stir up the naturall heate, their sleepe longer and the use of bathes of fresh water frequent; Venery is very hurtfull: cold and moist, if the constitution of the body be so, the frigi∣dity is to be corrected, and the humidity preserved, to which purpose moderate exercise conduceth, and excrements if they are timely and duly evacuated.

Neuters declining; which now incline to sicknesse, dis∣eases are imminent to them, especially for two reasons, Ple∣thory, and Cacochymie, both of them therefore are to be taken away; if the falling away from health be but little, it may be done with rest and abstinence; but if it be grea∣ter, opening of a veine, and purging is to be used, which is spoken of in the following book, for this Prophylactick part is placed in the end of a cure.

Only we here admonish two things, first that the Spring-time is best for preservation; as Hippocrates 6. Apho. 47. teacheth, he sayes, to those that the brea∣thing of a veine or purging are profitable, to them the opening of a veine, and a purgation is to be com∣manded,

in the Spring; it is also profitable, to purge black and Melancholy humours, before Autumne.

Moreover the use of aloes doth much conduce to the pre∣servation of health, since it gently purgeth the excrements which stick in the first passages, which are oftentimes the causes of many diseases, it resists putrifaction and corruption, and seldome reacheth the Liver, but because aloes, if it comes to the Liver offends it, it is not to be used too often, and in too great plenty, least it should penetrate to the Liver, but it purgeth onely the first passages, which is performed pro∣fitably, if it be taken in a small quantity, a little before Sup∣per.

Lastly, for what belongs to the dyet of those newters that are inclinable to health, two things in the first place are to be obserued in their dyet, first that they fall not againe into the disease; secondly that they may suddenly recover their former health: first when, as it is 2. Apho. 12. those things which are left in diseases after a crisis are wont to cause re∣lapses, if ought of the peccant matter be yet remaining, that is to be taken away by degrees, and by helping, and the prin∣cipall parts are to be strengthned, but if nothing of the vitious matter be present, the body is carefully to be refresh∣ed with moist aliment, and that which is easie to be con∣cocted, namely the yolkes of eggs, broathes with Bread, Chickens, Hens, Capons, Fish; lastly Goates flesh, Mutton, Veale; sleepe helps concoction, unctions strengthen the stomach, before meate are appointed frications also, mode∣rate walking, Baths of fresh warme wa••••r, lastly strengthen∣ing things are to be used, and such as may resist the reliques of the causes of imbecility, and of sickly disposition, but those things which may call back the distemper, which trouble sick, these are to be avoided.

Notes

• Common Maximes.
• The Do∣ctrine of the desence of health.
• Aire.
• The best Aire.
• Corrupt.
• Situation of places. change the constituti∣on of aire.
• The earth and nature of the place.
• Scituation of Moun∣taines.
• Winds.
• The vicini∣ty of the Sea and of lakes.
• Metallick Mines.
• Times of the year.
• The spring.
• Summer.
• Autumne.
• Winter.
• The most wholesome scituation of places:
• Aliment what tis.
• Food whence to be taken.
• Differen∣ces of ali∣ments.
• The best meate.
• Ʋnwhole∣some.
• Firme.
• Fruits or Graines.
• Spelt.
• Frument. Bye.
• Barley. Partisan of Barley.
• Rice.
• Millet.
• Saraceni∣cum.
• Beanes.
• Pease.
• Parsnips.
• Lentills
• Pot-herbs.
• Lettice
• Cabbage
• Spinage.
• Beets.
• Blitum, O∣rach, Mal∣lows.
• Asparagus. Young Hops.
• Cresses. Mustard∣seed.
• Onions.
• Garlick.
• Leeks.
• Raddish.
• Wild Ra∣dish.
• Rape.
• Tu••nips.
• Parsley.
• Parsnips.
• Red Beets.
• Melons.
• Cucumbers
• Artechocks
• Strawbe∣ries.
• Peares.
• Apples.
• Quinees.
• Peaches.
• Apricocks.
• Medlers.
• Cherryes.
• Plumbs.
• Mulburies.
• Figs.
• Grapes.
• Almonds.
• Walnuts:
• Haslenuts.
• Chestnuts.
• Musheroms
• Oyle.
• Aliments of living Crea∣tures.
• Parts of milk.
• Best milk. Antter.
• Sowre Milk.
• Cheese.
• Whey.
• Eggs.
• Honey.
• Sugar.
• Food from the parts of Animals. Feet.
• Heart.
• Liver.
• Spleen.
• Lungs.
• Reines.
• Tongue.
• Brain.
• Stomach.
• Musculous flesh.
• Swines flesh.
• Brawn.
• Lamb.
• Weather Mutton.
• Ewe Mut∣ton.
• Veale.
• B••ese.
• Gotes-flesh
• Venison.
• Hares∣flesh.
• Hens.
• Turkie∣cocks.
• Patridges
• Phesants. Quails. Pigeons.
• Geese.
• A Thrush.
• A Lark.
• Black∣birds.
• A Quaile.
• Fish.
• Salmon.
• Trout.
• Soles.
• Gudgeons.
• A Pike.
• A Perch.
• A Breame.
• A Barbell.
• Ecles.
• A Lampry.
• A Tench.
• A Herring.
• Amia.
• A Sturgon.
• A Sole Plaice. Turbet.
• Stock-fish.
• Oysters.
• Snailes.
• Lobsters.
• The benefi of drink.
• The kinds.
• Waters.
• Differences of Waters.
• Fountain.
• River.
• Raine.
• Well wa∣ters.
• Lake wa∣ters.
• Of Snow and Ice.
• Boyling of waters.
• Wine.
• Differences of Wines Savour.
• Smell.
• Colour.
• The man∣ner of sub∣sistance.
• Differences of Wines according to age.
• Strong drinke.
• Its differ∣ences.
• Drinkes made with Wheate.
• With Barly
• Mixt.
• Hydromell.
• Tranquili∣ty of mind.
• Joy.
• Exercise of body.
• Kinds of motion.
• Watchings.
• Sleep.
• A Tempe∣rate Bath.
• Luke Warme.
• Cold.
• Excre∣ments of the paunch.
• Ʋrine.
• Venus.
• The most generall rule to de∣send health.
• Most health full aire.
• Meate and drinke.
• Passions of the mind.
• Excre∣ments.
• Seed the cause of future health.
• Dye•• of such as are great.
• Strength∣ning the young.
• Hindring abortion.
• Whether a veine be to be opened of the wo∣man with∣child.
• The Infant is nouri∣shed with the mo∣thers Milk.
• Diet the first three yeares.
• Dietin 7. and 3. S••ptinary.
• Diet of. Schollers.
• Diet for middle age.
• The rule of diet. variety.
• quantity.
• Quantity.
• Time.
• Whether supper or dinner ought t•• be largest.
• Order.
• quantit••y of drink.
• Time fit to drink.
• Passions of the mind.
• Exercise of body.
• Sleeping and wa∣king.
• Sleep for those that are studi∣ous.
• Manner of lying.
• Watchings.
• Bathes.
• Lotions of the head.
• Ex••re∣ments.
• Diet for old men.
• Aire.
• Aliment.
• Drink.
• Exercise.
• Sleepe.
• Perturba∣tions of the mind. Excre. ments.
• Bodies that are neuters how many∣fold.
• Dyet of un∣temperate men.
• Of such as are hot.
• Oscold.
• Of dry.
• Moist.
• Dyet of neuters de∣clining.
• Ʋse of the aloes.
• Dyet of neuters growing better.