Scarbroughs spagyrical anatomizer dissected, or, An answer to all that Dr. Tonstal hath objected in his book against Scarbrough spaw the innocency and excellency of that spaw is further asserted 1. Concerning the rise and growth of the art of physick, 2. Touching the causes of the petrifying property that is in some springs, and more especially that of the dropping well at Knaresbrough, 3. About the signs, symptomes and cures of diseases : as also reflections upon a late piece, called A vindication of hydrologia chymica / by Robert Wittie ...

To the Reader.

MEthink I hear some object that my Answer to this Book comes too late, so as I might have spared my self this labour, a return being last Summer made thereto, in a piece called A Vindication of Hydrologia Chymica. To which I reply, Sat cito si bene sat, it is soon enough if it be well enough. This was finished in June last, as some Persons of Honour do know, before that came out, but was thought fit to be supprest t••ll the year came about, when the Wa∣ters here treated of might become the common subject of discourse. And further I shall say, if my An∣swer be but like that, then have I lost my labour, and thou thy mo∣ney, for in the judgement of learn∣ed

men, it will (with that) deserve nothing but to be imployed in the most homely us••s.

That Author is scarce satisfied with any thing that this sayes, save only where he opposes and girds at me. What the one calls the Glebe of Alome, the other calls the Mine∣ra of Iron. The one calls the Salt of Alome an Alkali, the other an Acid Salt. The one affirms an Aci∣dity to be in Nitre, the other de∣nies it; nor do their reasons con∣vince each other. Thus it appears they do not well understand the Terms of the Art they profess; and truly when men run careers in the dark, its no wonder to have them justle. And though they differ, yet its pretty sport to see how they claw one another with the frequent Title of Ingenious Friend, while yet I am not allowed to dissent, be my reasons never so cogent, but I am called out of my name by the young

man with unscholar-like reproach∣es, and new invented stories, that have not the least pretence of truth in them.

The great fault they find in Scarb. Spaw, and which they reckon to be its disparagement, is the great quantity of Mineral sediment that remains after evaporation over the fire. I declare I never saw harm come from thence. The only fault I know in that Spring, is that it is placed in an angle of the Kingdom, at so great distance from London, and the midland Counties, where if providence had ordered it, be∣ing found to have the vertues both of Epsam and Tunbridge, it would have been more known, and better trusted then now it is.

Now though like Sampson's f••xes they turn tails of one another, yet they agree in this, to fire their neighbors Corn, and causelesly to disparage the Spring, revenging

their Schism upon themselves by separating from one another, as they do both from the truth. And though Mr. S. can hardly close with Dr. Y. S. arguments against the Spaw, yet out of design he suppo∣ses somewhat of it may be true, on purpose to make room for himself, and so undertakes to give rules of advice to those that come there; where he says no more then what may sure such subjects in general, but wisely refers the Patients to advise with those that understand their cases better. At last he proves most ingenious, and calls it a noble Spaw, wherewith he would im∣prove other Spaws, even that at Knaresbrough, (p. 152.) by dissol∣ving the Salts of Scarbrough water to make it more effectual. Why could not he say so before? — but however Nunquam sera est, &c. And 'tis honestly said, let the mi∣nerals be wh••t and how many they

will: of which more anon. My re∣ply is this in a word; Quod efficit tale, illud est magis tale.

But I may not pass that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of mine, the Author of the Vindi∣cation of Hydrol. Chymica, and his Book without a further survey. That Hydrol. Chymic. is little else then a Rapsody of Railing first against me, about my Book of the Spaw, and then against the Galenists and their Method. To that Book I gave Answer, justifying what I had writ about the Principles of the Spaw, and at last after a great deal o••bad language that he had given me for assisting them, I found him recanting in his Epilogue, and confessing them all. I also maintained the Honour and Reputation of those worthy Gentlemen the Galenisis, and their method of Physick, (who deserve a better Champion) both from Reason, and also the Authority of the most eminent among the

Chymists, who all go that way. Nor has that Discourse been unwelcome to the Nation, but I have had thanks from many private Gentlemen, both of our own Faculty and others, yea and from some publick Societies of Learned men. Now when I had so fully discovered his errors to him, an ingenious man would rather have repented and cried peccavi, then writ a vindication: what faults he made there, he has aggravated in this with more gross circum∣stances.

He charges my quotations of Au∣thors to be impertinent, or their sense to be perverted, o•• their words falsly translated.— This I expected he would say, if any thing, for he has front enough to deny the conclusi∣on, where he cannot stand against the premises. The truth is, I was very careful in my collections of Authority, fetching every thing from the fountains and not from the

streams, even from the original Au∣thors themselves, whose very pages in things most material I usually cited, on purpose to stop his cla∣mour. Nor have I designedly wrest∣ed in any one place the sense of any one Author. Nor have I falsly trans∣lated a word, or added a tittle more then what was necessary to preserve the idiome of each lan∣guage, or make the sense intelli∣gible to common Readers. I appeal to the Learned who have read my Book, who are most competent Judges betwixt us.

Nor is it material what he ob∣jects to the contrary (p. 41.) where I citing a place out of Paracelsus concerning Minerals and Mettals imbibed in water, he says I added by a Parenthesis (dissolved in wa∣ter) I therefore did put them into a Parenthesis, because they are not expressed in the Latin among those words, but they are so necessarily

implied, as the Authors sense would be lost if I had not expressed them; and the following words do plain∣ly make it out, viz. Haecenim aqua sunt, &c. (lib. 4. cap. 1. de cres∣centibus Aquis p. 271.

So again in the same page where I cite Paracelsus speaking of vitriol, (id si in Aquam resolva••ur colorem omnem deponit) he quarrels at the translation of the word (in) which should be (into) and imposes se∣verely upon me for it — Whe∣ther it was omitted in my Copy or by the Printer, it matters nor a∣mong Men of Reason, since there can be nothing gained by it: but certainly its not so pedantick as pu••∣rile, and argues a desperate s••ip∣wrack of his Cause, while he has no better Ancher-hold to stick by, then the defect of an insignificant Particle.

He tells a story in his Preface, which for fureness of memory he

repeats again in his Book, that in a debate about the Existence of Vi∣triol in the Spaw, I was put to such a strait to defend it, that after some passion of fear, aiscovered by a sudden paleness in my face, I had no other refuge but to fly to the ipse dixit of Dr. Tonstal, and said he told me it was Vitriol last year. Will any man of reason believe that he whom I so lately lashed about in my Book, and that among others about this very thing, and catched him in nine∣teen contradictions, besides other absurdities, should on the sudden become so formidable to me, while yet he urged nothing but what I had answered in my Book? And yet hence he indeavours to per∣swade, that I had published nothing concerning that Mineral, but what I had borrowed from Dr. T. Con∣cerning that debate I could say something from the testimony of the Gentlemen then present, of

their disrelish of his arguments and behavior, insomuch as some of them hissed at him. But I shall only offer this at present, that I have been acquainted with that Spaw above thirty years, and am known to many to have always asserted Vitriol, upon the Reasons menti∣oned in my Books. And in Anno 1660. my first Edition of Scarb. Spaw came out, with my reasons for that mineral among the rest, which is now eleven years. Now Dr. Tonstal I think never saw this Spring till the year 1668. when he came to me, and confessed himself a stranger to it, asking my advice about his Wife; then did I con∣vince him of all the minerals in the Spring, so as he was satisfied abun∣dantly at that time, which gave me occasion to mention his name in my Answer to Hyd. Chym. p. 107. So as in that debate I asked him the question, what say you to this, in

Anno 1669. But then his mind was changed, and the Vitriol was be∣come Nitre, querying also whether the Spaw were better if it had Vi∣triol or no; which I told him was a new subject, and required longer debate. Now what ground there is for this his charge, that my ap∣peal should be to him, as having that notion from him, let any man of reason judge, and thereby take measure of the temper of this man, and consequently of his cause which needs such supports. I am certain I shall find Dr. Tonstal just towards me in this point, if any man shall enquire of him.

But he forges another figment arising from my fear of him about the Vitriol, when the Chymical Apo∣thecary taking a piece of Alome-stone out of the vitrioline bed that is in the cliff, and putting it into water with gall, found it strike a black tincture, inferring thence that

the Tincture in the Water was from the Alome, and that there was no Vitriol. I answered, so would the earth in that place give a tincture, but neither earth nor the 100. loads of Alome that are in that cliff else∣where would do it; here they cla∣moured extreamly, but upon that he sayes, that I was so touched to the quick, that I called the Apothecary aside, and said, if Mr. Simpson would lay down the cudgéls, I would not only look upon him as a Brother, but also when occasion should offer, would sooner take him into consulta∣tion then any other. — Really such a thing was never in my heart, nor did I in my judgement think him equal with the meanest of all the Brethren of our Faculty in these parts, as to the practical part of Physick, though by this Artifice I guess his design is to level them all. But the ground of the story is this.

This Apothecary after my Book in Answer to Mr. S. was come out, came to me at Scarbrough, and told me he had read my Book, &c. and had made that Errand to me to Endeavor a Reconciliation betwixt us, desiring carnestly, that we might be in Cha∣rity, and joyn hand in hand, as there should be occasion. — I told him I had said what I intended, and my Vitriol and Gall were spent in those lines, and if he were so satisfyed, and did desire it, I could embrace him in all Christian Charitie even as a Bro∣ther (following that rule of our Sa∣viour Mat. 18.22. and farther that I would not refuse to joyn with him, if we were consulted together, as with any other. Thus I thought my self on that occasion obliged to say, and repeat as often as he urged the motion: But to wrest that my readi∣ness to comply in a Christian duty into a Pusillanimos dast ardy is both unchristi∣an and unreasonable.

Are not these dangerous men that I have to deal withall, from whom a man shall find nothing short of the lie cast in his face? I say again, there is no plainer signe of a desperate Cause, then when men seek out such a re∣fuge.

But he sayes I supplyed my defect of Arguments with Taunts and Scoffs at him. — As for my Arguments, he is not fit to be a Judge of them; they lye at the mercy of the judicious Reader to whom I submit all, for I am as litle apt to defend my own defects, as to search our those of others. — I must confess I did think slightly of that Adversary, from whom I had received such rude language without a cause, and there∣fore I thought fit to go merily on with him, both for my own recreation and the Readers, having a minde as tis said of the Poets, aut prodesse aut delectare, as the motter did lead me. Not have I spoken to any mans disad∣vantage out of the least design or ani∣mosity,

and therefore though possibly I need the Readers pardon, yet I expect ••one from him. But if my Passions went hand in hand with the interest of Truth which I design to maintain and stand by, I hope that will plead for me, and procure me a pardon from all that are ingenuous, and profess themselves Lovers of Truth.

There are many more ridiculous girds against me in that Book called Vindication, &c. not worthy to be mentioned, which the wise Reader will discern to be sufficiently scurri∣lous.

But to proceed. What have we in that Book, to Vindicate his abuse and contempt of Galen, Hippocrates, Dios∣corides, and all the Learned Princes in Phisick, and our Modern Writers too, with their method, which I have defended, (p. 205.) against his manifold Ca∣lumnies? But what aggravates his crime, he persists in the same, and after reproof, yet hardens his heart; unless

we shall believe that Catilines latter Conspiracy were sufficient to vindi∣cate his former; or that Crimes are justified by Majoration.

How does he Vindicate himself from that shameful guilt of deriding those of our Faculty that travaile beyond Sea to study in Forreign Vniversities, and his Scurrilous gibing at those Learned Professors about their Readings to the young Students, whom he se∣verely taxes with ignorance at their return. (p. 206.) What dos he say for himself, in that he trampled upon the Universities, and all the Arts, calling it a trifling of time at the Universities, (p 107. in the frothy Studies of Logick, Ethicks, Physicks, and Metaphisicks? for all which things I have chastised him in my Answer; but it apears, not enough.

Had these things been known in that neighbour University beyond Sea, where, after a Fourthnights so jour∣ning, and a private Examination like

that of Schoolboyes when they are admitted Freshmen into our Colledg∣es, he was dubd with a degree Sub Camino, to wit, under the Chimney, as I heard himself confess to a Learned Scotch-man, Mr. Richard Douglas, who was well acquainted with the Cu∣stomes of that Universitie: So called Sub Camino, on purp••se to distinguish it from that degree of Honour which is taken publikely in the Schools, and which the Scholes of that nation scorn to take, but is conferred only on Gen∣tlemen or Noble mens Servants who have a mind to see the Ceremonies; and signifies no more, then if one of our Professours should jocularly make a Doctor in his Chamber, to gratifie some Friends in shewing them the Ceremonies of that degree, and ought not to set as a Title in a Book. I say had these things been known, we had not heard of this Leaden Title, the publication whereof gave occasi∣on to the setting out of this imperti∣nent

Piece; nor is it to be accounted any increase of his Reputation to have added this to his Batchelors of Arts de∣gree. I mention this on purpose to give a caution to the Heads of our Ʋniver∣sities, that when they admit Gentle∣men ad eundem gradum, they may di∣stinguish betwixt that degree taken in the Schools, and that sub Camino, since they have not any degree of that metal.

I hope no man that has a value for Learning will misinterpret this digres∣sion, which is designed meerly to pre∣serve the Honour of School-Degrees, which is one main spur to the study of the Arts.

But I may not pretermit his vain∣glorious challenge he sends me, to take an equal number of Patients with me of them that come to the Spaw, and which of us should make the best and speediest Cure should wear the Bayes. — Ay, this is that he would fain be at, to try Experiments on mens Bodies, which he proposed before in his Hydrol. Chym.

and for which I did a little school him, p. 262. of my Answer. But assuredly his tools he works withal are so well known, even by his own description of them in that Book, that no wise man is willing to try their temper. But where is Modesty all this while? surely that Vertue has left the Earth, or Young Men whom it would well be∣come, having put on Impudence instead thereof, being past both Counsel and Correction, hereby verifying that old Adage, Qui semel Modestiae limites transiliit, nisi cito castigetur, gnaviter evadet impudens.

Concerning Cures I have done at the Spaw, I have writ at large in my first Book, and modestly too, and have further occasion to mention more in this, and could be much more copi∣ous if it were needful, having been sufficiently tried in that particular; and if he be not satisfied, he may fur∣ther enquire, and then make report. Ahab King of Israel has left a good

Rule, Let not him that puts on his Ar∣mour boast like him that puts it off. 1 Kings 20.11.

I remember I once cured a mad man at Scarb. with the help of the Water, and some other things that I added, who being very poor, was sent to me above fifty miles, at the Parishes charge where he had lived. If such an one should come, perhaps he might be content to be managed by him, but I suspect scarce any man short of him (except his Relations) will make such a choice.

But I hasten. This Book called A Vindication, &c. is like a Beggars cloak made up of many patches, (as his manner of writing is) that have no de∣pendency on one another, but are here drawn in together to make a medley.

He tells a long story about the ma∣king of Alome at Whitby. Concerning which Captain Francis Cummin who is the manager of those works, did of his ow•• accord, and without asking

tell me, there is not any thing of truth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, and Mr. John Thomlinson who ••••ves also in Whitby, and is the Alome Merchant, asserts the same.

Next he has his supplements to the Sweet Spaw and Sulphur well at Knares∣••rough: A large disquisition that seems; for just nothing but to keep him im∣pertinently busie, and set his wits a working. But I am loth to interrupt him in that enquiry, since 'tis to be doubted, if he had not that to do, he would do worse.

Then he gives an Answer to certain Queries ingeniously propounded by Dr. Foot, concerning the cause of the sudden loss of the vertues of Mineral Waters, mentioned in Numb. 52. of the Philos. Transact. p. 1050. in refe∣rence to the Enlarged Account of my Book, the Learned Publisher thereof was pleased to give (Num. 51.) Dr. Foot's main Query is, Whither all those sorts of waters being close stopped, or car∣ried to some distance, do not let fall a

yellowship sediment, or Ochre, and so be∣come effete in their vertues, or lose their purging property. He answers in the affirmative, p. 122. and that in refe∣rence to Scarb. Spaw, which he pre∣tends to make out by Experiments. I answered negatively, as may appear in Numb. 60. of the Phil. Trans. p. 1079. and therein I appeal to all those hun∣dreds of Witnesses who have drunk Scarb. Water at distance, Whether they do not find a yellow sediment in the bottom of their vessels, and yet the water continues purgative. And to make sure work, he repeats the same again (p. 126.) in Answer to the eighth Query. But thus the Reader may plainly discern what measure of Knowledge this Man has in Scarbrough Spaw, while he understands not this main point wherein Scarbrough Wa∣ter differs from others of this Nation. And then what cause there was for all the heat and rude language that he has given me about that subject.

There again (p. 127.) he severely ••••cuses me to have said these words, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. That Scarb. Waters lose all their ••••rtue, yea and their quantity and bulk also, though in glasses and under the Her mitick Seales, if removed from the Fountain. Let him find those words, or that sense either, and Ile be his Bond man. If any man has mistaken me, it is not my fault. In pag. 100. of my Answer, to which that seems to refer, I admit of an alteration by car∣riage through the loss of the volatile parts or spirits; but I do not therefore say, they lose all their vertue, for they purge still, only I think they open not obstructions so well, nor are so plea∣sant to the palate. I tell indeed that Frambesarius and Heers do affirm, that the German Waters carried at di∣stance, though closely sealed up in Bottles, lose something of their bulk and quantity; but I did not affirm that of Scarbrough, only infered that my assertion touching the loss of

the volatile Spirits was no Paradox, while those other are lessened even in their quantity. But he has accustomed me to bear such charges, and there∣fore I am the better provided to un∣dergo them.

Then he tells how he Anatomized the German Spaw in Amsterdam, where probably he is opinionated that he has made some great discovery: and lastly he concludes with his Observa∣tions on the Dissection of a woman who died of the Jaundice, when he wonders at every thing that he Saw, as Ston••s in the Gaul, Schirrus on the Heart, and so he might well, for I be∣leeve it was the first; (though I do not charge him for that, since he is wil∣ling to learn, notwithstanding in his other Book I found him spurning at A∣natomy.) So he tels us of the under part of the Left Lobe of the Liver, but he forgot to say that it was done with a left handed Knife.

But he tells us he saw something

more, and that was, another woman Dissected there that dyed of a Syncope, I suppose so will he; Although he says its more then Probable that she dy'd o•• some other disease. — It seems some∣thing there was that made the old w•••••• die. But the Schirrus tumour 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or the Heart sticks on his Stomach, ai•••• he cannot digest it, for he tells of••••••, of lies again, yet so confusedly, as its hard to judge whether he means that Heart did belong to the latter or the formed woman. But it may be he was in hafted and so am I to have done with h••m•• At last he tells how the cause of that Jaundice was variously disputed, b•••••• he sayes in such a portion of language as will make any man laugh, be ••e never so grave.

The truth is his whole Book is no∣thing else then 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a clattering of fond words. Or if you•• please like the shearing of a Svvi•••••• where there is a great Cry, but lit••••••

Wool. What do his multitudes of Experiments signifie, vverein he so much prides himself? just nothing if they vvere true and vvould certainly fall out. I think never any man loved more to hear himself talk, and what he fancies must be presently published, be it true or false, real or imaginary; and like a Child he will have every one to know that he has a Rattle.

I have but one word in reference to this other Author D.T. and then I have done. He has more severely disparag'd the Spaw then the other, but he pro∣ducesno testimony but from his own experience, which in Reason cannot be judged Authentick enough, especially when I come to examine it. I have Right Honourable, Right Worshipful, Reverend, and Welbeloved on my side to witness with me; if ever he shall let fly again to accuse the Water of any Faults, it is but reasonable that he should name his Witnesses and their

Qualities or Reputation; for his own Magisterial Affirmation will not be deemed sufficient.

And if either of these two Gentle∣men shall yet further abound in their own sense, and rejoyn, it shall be a ve∣ry great povocati on that shall make me reply having said enough upon this Subject, and perhaps as much as it can well bear, unless I shall be hurried un∣to Tautalogies, which I love not, though probably some body else may give Answer. And indeed it seems to me to be very reasonable at length to put an end to Disputing. Ne nimium alter cando veritas amittatur, as Ma∣crobius sayes. Besides that I am wea∣ry of the interruption of my other Practical Studies. Farewel.

York. June 3. 1671.