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

CHAP. V. Of the third manner of Operations.

THe third forme comprehends those operations which are appointed them, * 1.1 for alteration, immutation, and per∣fection of a thing, and aime at this, that a thing may be reduced to a better state and more noble degree. But al∣though some do reckon more such operations, and perhaps there are more, yet in this place all of them are properly called by the name of Digestion, * 1.2 and as it is distinguish∣ed from the two higher kinds of digestion, whereby a new quality of a thing newly elaborated, is introduced, so that if the thing containes any thing that is hurtfull, it puts a∣way that, or if any thing is wanting to it, it begets that; and if there are any others to be here repeated, they ought to be accounted for certaine wayes of Digestion; * 1.3 For all of them for the most part, in the same manner by a gentle ex∣ternall heat, exciting the internall force of a thing are per∣formed, which here is the primary agent.

But amongst the manners or kinds of digestion, the cheife is Circulation, tis called by some Pelicanation, from the vessell wherein it is performed, where by a gentle ex∣ternall heat being exhibited, the matter which is circula∣ted, is exalted continually in the forme of vapours, and is againe condensed, and so by that continuall concoction and this circular motion of refolution and condensation, it at∣taines to the highest degree of perfection in its kind.

Hitherto belongs conditing, * 1.4 preserving, and confecting; fruits, flowers, roots, are condited or pickled with Honey, Sugar, Vinegar, Salt, not onely that they may be preser∣ved the longer, but that they may be the more pleasant to the taste.

In confecting, * 1.5 fruits, roots, seeds, sweet smelling spices, are preserved and candied with Sugar, more for the taste sake then preservation, or augmentation of the strength.

Nutrition of medicines is a certaine humectation, but such whereby the thing is presently wet, * 1.6 or moystned, and im∣mediately dryed againe by the Sun or fire, and is to be wet and moistened againe; which labour is to be repeated thrice, sour times, or so often until the medicine hath suffici∣ently imbibed that humour which we desire.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The third forme of operations.
• * 1.2

  Digestion.
• * 1.3

  Institution Chap. 15. and 16. Circnla∣tion.
• * 1.4

  Conditing.
• * 1.5

  Confecting.
• * 1.6

  Nutrition.