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DIseases in Number, since they are two-fold, in excess, and in defect, either of them require their Indication, * 1.1 and that which is wanting, and naturally ought to be pre∣sent is to be restored: But that which abounds is to be taken away and removed; but since that which is wanting onely can be a naturall thing, tis the part of Nature onely to make
up and regenerate that which is wanting, but the Physitian is only the servant of nature in these things whilst he de∣fends the strength of nature, Administers fit matter, and removes impediments, but this generall indication is vari∣ed according to the variety of parts, and cannot allwayes be reduced into action: for it proceeds in one manner in the generation of flesh, in another of a bone, in another of a nerve, and other parts, of which in the solution of uni∣ty.
Moreover since some parts are simple, others compound, if compound are lost, neither the same in particular, nor any thing like unto them, can easily come in their stead; in which the third scope is to find out a certaine comeli∣nesse, or to make something, which may some wayes doe the office of a lost part, yet later Physitians have invented a way of curing imperfect parts, whereof above, part 2 d. Sect. 1. Chap. 16.
On the contrary excesse requires its removall, but since those things are various which ought to be taken away, each of them deserves its peculiar cure, according to the substance, dignity, situation of the parts, and differing also in other respects, for we allwayes beware of this, that other parts may not be hurt, or at least to doe our endeavour that they may receive very little hurt, and that there may come no greater losse to the body by the taking away, then that was which came by the thing abounding.
But the Instruments wherewith a Physitian may appoint the ablation of things which abound contrary to nature, are three, Iron, Fire, and medicines; by Iron all acute Instruments of every kind which are fit for the cutting of•• superfluities, are understood: by fire, actuall eauteries are understood, whilst that which abounds is burnt with Iron, Silver, or fired Gold. Medicines for this purpose most con∣venient, are those which are called potentiall cauteries, Ca∣thareticks, namely, Septicks and Escaroticks, all which are mentioned before.
Diseases of number what they indicate.