A Preservative against the Plague.

TAke an Ounce and a half of Fra∣castorius his Dioscordium, two Drams and a half of Old Treacle, one Dram of the Confection of Hya∣chynth; of the Powder of Nutmeg, Rue-seed, Angelica Roots, and Eli∣campane of each a Dram and a half: mix these with an Ounce of Wine-Vineger and fifteen drops of Oyl of Brimstone, and as much of the Syrup of the juice of Citron, as shall be need∣full to make the Composition up, into the Consistency of an Opiate.

Poor people, and Country folks, that have not this Preservative by them, nor cannot go to the price of it, may take Elicampane; which if they take it dry, as it is, will do them much more good, then the same Conserved doth Rich folks: for it is of a very Antidotal Facul∣ty. And they may easily procure themselves Wine-Vineger, and steep Rue in it.

And indeed I have been always very desirous, that those, that live in any so Contagious, and Pestilen∣tial an Air, should be sure exactly to observe the Rules that I have here laid down. And although per∣haps these Rules have not been so exactly observed as I would have them, (which is a thing likely e∣nough) yet that they have done very much good, where they have been observed but in part, appear∣eth sufficiently, by the large Ca∣talogue of those that have been preserved hereby, mentioned both in my French Treatise, and in this also. For, those persons I speak of, although they had never been before accustomed to this Pestilen∣tial Aire, nor had ever been with such as had had the disease upon them, nor themselves had ever formerly been visited with the same; by being armed with the a∣foresaid Antidotes, they have bold∣ly attended continually, both night and day, upon those that have had the disease upon them, Page  117and have not been at at all touch∣ed by this so dangerous and con∣tagious a disease. As, in like man∣ner, very many of their friends, who came very often into their compa∣ny, and some also that dwelt in the same houses with them, have gone cleare without any Infection. All which things, although they were prescribed, and appointed by me when I was not in presence with the Sick Persons, (for, I confess, I seldom see them, but for the most part refuse to do so) yet by my most diligent inquirie about these things, and by the confession of those many persons themselves, that have been by this means pre∣served, as also by the relation of others too, that have given me a very particular account of all Cir∣cumstances, I am so well assured of the efficacy of the same in these Cases, as that, I conceave, no man ought to doubt thereof.

Which also can be attested to by the Monks of the Abbies in Gaunt: for when the said disease had got∣ten Page  118into the Abby of Saint Peter there, and that the second time too; those servants that attended upon the Sick Persons of said Abby, though they had never been before accustomed to this Pestilen∣tial Aire, by arming themselves with these Preservatives onely (yet without any Counsel of mine) ad∣ventured, upon the strength of the same, to attend continually upon those that were sick of the disease. And to instance in some, Master Crombruggen, who was there the Prior; and another, that had tak∣en his Confession, were both seized upon (themselves not at all suspe∣cting the same) by this Close and Dangerous Disease; against which, having not made use of any Preser∣vatives, they both died, in the year of the Lord 1634. whom a third person also followed, in the year 1636. And the same servants after their decease, aired and purged their Chambers, and the things that were in them, all the ways they could imagine; neither did any of Page  119them then, nor hath any other since miscarried out of the saith Abby, or hath had the least Touch of the same.

And about the sam tim, in the Ab∣by of Baudeloo: which two Abbies were far enough distant from each other, there being two of the said Abby infected with the Plague, one of which died the very next day after he had been taken with the same, and the other also, after he had lain six days sick of the said disease, at length died Fran∣tick; yet for all this, none of the rest of the Convent, although they had never been before themselves sick of it, or had come near to such as were infected, trusting to the Vertue of these Preservatives here set down, and presuming the more, by the Charitableness of the Office, adventured to be present with, and willingly to attend upon those that were sick: and this they did, without receiving any Prejudice at all to their own health thereby, or any spreading and carrying it Page  120abroad to others they kept compa∣ny with.

So likwise in the Abby of Tonger∣boo, one Antonius Kirckovius, who was a Frier there, being a man of a ve∣ry strong Constitution, and in the flower of his age, in the year 1634. was taken suddenly with a great Sadness of Heart, Vomiting, a Feaver, and Headach; and finding the third day of his sickness a hard Tumor risen under his left Arme-pit, and having three Plague-sores broken out upon the Region of the Heart, he presently sends for a Surgeon; who being come, and having exa∣mined, and considered of all the several Symptomes, his opinion was, that the Party could hardly live till the next day. In the mean time the sick person sends to me, (for I came not to him) desiring earnestly of me, that I would pre∣scribe him something for his Cure. But because than I conceaved him to be no better now then a dead man, I though good to make use of Prognosticks, rather then of Pre∣servative Page  121Medicaments, which seem∣ed here to come too late. Yet I prescribed him to take a double Dose of the Sudorifical Preservative: by means whereof after he had sweated so extreamly, as that not onely all his Bed, and Bed-cloathes were wet through, but that the sweat ran down through the same also upon the ground, running down in so great a quantity in manner of a little stream, as it were; so than both his Headach, Feaver, and consequently the afore∣said hard Tumor, and Plague-sores by little and little also vanished, and the Party within a few days after had now been restored again to his perfect health; The Prior of the said Abby, with another of the Friers, named Poret, supposing, by reason of the so suddain recovery of this man, that there was no danger of the Plague at all, they presently adventured to give him a visit. Which as soon as ever I heard of, I presently took care to send them some Preservatives; as∣suring Page  122my self, that they must ne∣cessarily be infected by so Pestilen∣tiall, and Contagious an Aire, as they went into: as indeed the Prior was; who the next day after was taken with so great a Heaviness at his Heart, and with a Headach, Swimming in the Head, and a Fea∣ver, as that he could hardly stand upon his Legs. Well then; what was now to be done? Why thus: Immediately, he takes his Sudorifi∣cal Preservative, as I had appointed him, so soon as ever he found him∣self ill; and, after he had sweat for the space of four hours by a great fire, finding himself very much refreshed, and as he thought, quite freed from his disease; he gets up, and would needs presently go to his Bed-Chamber: where af∣ter some certain hours space find∣ing in himself some Relicks of the Contagion, which began to bring upon him again the aforesaid Symptomes which he had felt be∣fore, he betakes himself presently to his former Practise again; and Page  123getting a good fire made him: he immediately falls to make use of his Sudorifical Preservative; and so by this means perfectly at length cured hfmself. But Poret, his Brother-Frier, who had neg∣lected his Preservatives, and had taken no Antidotal Medicine at all against the Disease so soon as ever he felt it upon him; and presently a Swelling risen in his Groyne: yet by applying such Convenient Re∣medies as the present Occasion re∣quired, he was perfectly cured, (nor was any other person infected by him;) and in this perfect state of health he continues to this very day. And by making use of the aforesaid means of Preservation, ve∣ry many, both Friers and Nunnes, and others also in many other houses, both of Eminent Persons, and of those of meaner note also, have been so strangely preserved from this disease, as that I have thought fit rather to pass some of them over in Silence, then here to make mention of them: as neither Page  124have I spoken of them in my French Treatise; least in so doing, I might be thought to attribute too much to this my manner of Practise. In like manner, as in the aforementi∣tioned story of the Cure of Kerc∣covius, I have not mentioned at all what he himself affirmed to me and his Brother-Friers; namely, that when he was in those his In∣tolerable Sweats, he saw plainly the Tokens appearing all about his Armes, and yet had at the same time both his understanding and his Eye-sight perfect. Which Happiness though it very seldome befall those that are fick of the Plague; yet I am very certain, that the same hath very often happened to several Patients of mine, (and yet those that were frequently with them, have not been infected therewith at all;) who having taken my Preservative, the secret Venom hath been driven out from within, to the outward parts of the Body; as the Purple Spots appearing always upon their Skin did evident∣ly manifest.

And, which amongst the rest may seem to be a most Incredible story, when the Abbess of Oostecloy, in the year 1634. lay desperately sick of the Plague, (for she had a Plague-sore broken out under her Chin, and a Swelling risen under her left Arme-pit, and her Tongue was all over Black, and Swollen, and Spots of the same colour appeared all over her body, which are all Evident signs of the same, (the now Abbess, (that after ward succeeded her in her place, together with three other Nunnes, neither of which had ever before been accu∣stomed to any such Pestilential Aire, nor had ever been sick of the said disease; yet for all this at∣tended night and day upon her, and that too in a very little Chamber; and would needs, though impru∣dently, and to no purpose (for she was no better then a dead Woman, in the judgement of all people) perform that deed of Charity, even descending to the most sordid and course Offices; onely presuming Page  126upon the Vertue of my Preserva∣tives, and Regiment of Health in this case prescribed them; although I confess I disswaded them from so doing. And yet they all four (be∣ing yet alive to this day) by the singular mercy of God, have toge∣ther with the rest of that whole house, continued all hitherto clear, and free from any the least touch of Infection; save onely one Lay Sister of the said Nunnery, who died the day before the Abbess her Mistress, whom she had infected, coming newly to her from a Kins∣woman of hers that lay sick of the Plague. Yet notwithstanding, al∣though these things, by Gods bles∣sing, have succeeded so according to my wish, and beyond my ex∣pectation; Yet shall I never per∣swade any one that hath not been accustomed to this Contagious Aire, and perhaps is uncapable of receaving my Instructions, or when this Venomous disease ra∣geth more then ordinary, to expose himself to the inevitable danger of Page  127the same: conceaving it sufficient for me, that I have been able to give a faithful account of many more that have in this case been happi∣ly preserved, then that have mis∣carried; and that the Preservatives that I have in this disease prescri∣bed, have been found to be of so great Efficacy, and Vertue, as that those that are necessitated to be present which such as are sick of the disease, or else shall have a minde to visite their friends, that are in∣fected, may without any fear (for there is no Passion of the Mind more dangerous in this case, then that of Fear,) perform this Act of Cha∣rity. For, this Pestilential Con∣tagion is very apt to seize upon such as are either stricken with fear, or dejected by grief. To the end therefore, that by reason of these, and the like Passions, people may not be so much the apter to receave and take in this Contagi∣ous Venom; they may sometimes refresh themselves by drinking Wine, in a greater quantity then Page  128usuall, and even to some good height of Mirth, provided that it be not to drunkenness:) or in de∣fect of Wine, they may take good strong Ale, that is Stale, and clear.

* Those that dwell near to infect∣ed houses, yet have not been in the same, must endeavor to keep out the Infections out of their own houses, by shutting up all doors, and passages as carefully as they can: but if this cannot convenient∣ly be done; they must then labor to correct the Pestilential Aire by Fumigations, and strowing sweet Herbs, and sprinkling Vineger up and down the house: and they may sup up every morning a spoonful at least of my Contrapesti∣lential Vineger; and may twice a day take a small quantity of my Preservative, before set down; not neglecting neither the sauce which they are to take with their Meat, nor any of the order things here prescribed. Neither will it be a∣miss, to take some pretty indiffe∣rent Page  129Dose of my Preservative in warm Vineger, and to sweat lustily upon it: but none ought to go ei∣ther out of their chamber, or house while the Pores of their body are open, and that too after the Sun hath been up a sufficient while, and hath dispelled the Contagious Va∣pors; and so likewise they must return home again before the Sun be set. And it will be very requi∣site also, that after any infected house hath been purged, those that come into them should have re∣course to the Sweating again.

And as for those that do not dwell near Places that are Infected,* and yet would make as good pro∣visions for their own safety as pos∣sibly they could; these, according to the spreading abroad of the Contagion, as it is either larger or lesser, may in like manner ei∣ther more or less carefully Study their own Preservation. And there∣fore first of all I advise them to take for nine days together, at least, a spoonful at least of my Contrape∣stilential Page  130Vineger betimes in the Morning: and if they cannot have this at hand, they may then in∣fuse Rue, in the best Wine-Vineger they can get; and it will not be amiss, if they put to it some An∣gelica Root, and Elicampane brui∣sed: and some adde to these Trea∣cle also. Or if they would provide yet more certainly for their own safety, the best Preservative that is, in this case, is said to be that Ele∣ctuary, which is compounded of Three Adverbs, which are these, Citò Longè, Tardè Signifying, A Speedy flight from the Infected place; A Far distant Habitation; and A Slow return, to it again. But for as much as this cannot always be done, those that must stay upon the place, may provide for their own safety by making use of those Mastications, before set down, for the defence of their Mouth; as they must do for their Nose, by smelling to Vineger, and for their Stomack, by such Confections, as we have be∣fore prescribed for such, as either Page  131inhabit, or are necessitated often to come to houses that are infected with the Plague: and these things they must do, before ever they go out into the open Aire; and es∣pecially, when they are necessita∣ted to go into such Streets as are infected with this disease, or are otherwise Noysome, by reason of the filthy, stinking smells that are found in them. And certainly there is no small regard to be had to the Condition of the Aire whe∣ther at home, or Abroad: and therefore so soon as ever they begin to suspect its Purity, and Free∣ness from Infection; they must either utterly quit the place, or else must endeavor to correct the Con∣tagiousness of the Aire, by springk∣ling Vineger all about their houses, by Fumigations, and by Sweet Herbs,* strowed up and down their Rooms and Bed-chambers, and by making great Fires in the same; as we see, that by making great Fires in the Streets of Cities, or in any open Places, the Contagious Venom of Page  132the Aire is usually utterly extin∣guished, and suppressed; and that according to the Doctrine of Hip∣pocrates, who for the same reason, when the Plague raged extreamly in Xerxes his Army, advised them that they should set on fire all the Woods, that had Sweet-smelling Trees in them, as they marcht along: from which Advise of his, the glo∣ry of his Name was infinitely in∣creased; and a most Stately Statue was also thereupon erected unto Him.

And those also, that may con∣veniently fly away, and leave the place Infected, may yet do very well to take with them some of the Sudorifical Preservative; that so in case they should chance, either in their journey, or else at the place where they intend to settle, to find the least Touch of Infection appear∣ing about them; by Sweating lu∣stily, they may quite expel the Venom of the Disease; which is most certainly known sometimes to lurk for some pretty while in the Page  133body, before it discovers it self by any evident signs. And I my self also can affirm for a certain truth, that when some, that have kept their houses, and have not felt the least Touch of it at all, have yet by my Advise, taken of my Sudorifical Preservative; the Lurking Venom of the disease hath been driven forth from within, to the outmost Parts of the Body, and hath been thus utterly dispelled: as hath many times evidently been testified by those Purple Spots that have ap∣peared upon the Skin, (which are, as it were, the Seal of this Disease) both at the very time that the Pa∣tient hath been in Sweating, and afterwards also; and that too, without the Parties finding any In∣convenience at al, either at the pre∣sent, or afterward.

But for as much as there is re∣gard to be had,* not onely to the Aire, but to the rest of the Non-Na∣tural things also; we ought there∣fore to remember, that Moderate Exercise also is allowed, where the Page  134Aire is not suspected: yet this Ex∣ercise must not be either Violent, or Long; lest the Body be too much heated, and so by reason of the opening of the Pores, there be made too free a passage for the Aire to get in, and more of it be taken in then should be. For although that Aire is not utterly to be rejected as bad, yet certainly it is in some sort to be suspected, that is not som-what remote from Infected Pla∣ces.

It is hurtful also either to Study too much, or to minde serious Business; as it is likewise to exer∣cise the Act of Generation. Sleep, as it is dangerous, when the Plague hath already seized upon the per∣son; so is the Excess either of it, or of Watching, very bad, in the Pre∣vention of the same. But of the two, Excessive Watching is less dange∣rous, in the Disease it self, then Excessive Sleeping is. Repletion ought in this case to be avoided; but es∣pecially Emptiness.

Among the Passions of the Mind, Page  135Fear, Anger, Care and Grief, must here be quite banished; and Ala∣crity, and Chearfulness of Minde, must by all possible means by pro∣cured.

There must also be an Extra∣ordidnry Care taken of the Clean∣liness of the whole House, and of all things in the same; but espe∣cially of their Wearing Cloathes, which they usually walke abroad in; which ought to be Smooth, without any Nap, and Light, and such as the Contagious Aire can∣not easily stick in, or hang upon; as it easily may in Woollens and Furres: and the same must often also be hanged forth in the open Aire, or aired before the fire, and be shaken out without doores, and brushed. If the Aire be clear, they may then set open the Windowes of their houses, those chiefly that look toward the North, and East; unless the same open toward In∣fected places: for the North wind sweeps away, and scattereth the Contagious Aire.

That Issues are for very good reason commended by Authors, Experience it self evidently testi∣fies: yet that it is not safe to trust to these alone, the same Experi∣ence hath also taught us. In like manner Old Running Sores are of use toward the Preservation of the Body from Infection, as Issues are; and therefore they are to be let a∣lone, and no indeavors to be used for the stopping of the same: as neither are Scabby persons to look after any Cure for themselves.

As for Amulets carried about them so made up of Arsenick, or the like Poysonous Ingredients, seeing (as they are Enemies to Na∣ture) so they have been sometimes also known to have done hurt, I cannot at all approve of them.

And indeed in reason we ought rather to commend the use of a Silk Bag, filled with Cotton, and Cordial, and Antidotal Pouders put therein; and so, hanging it about the Neck, to place it about the Heart.

I shall here speak something, touching what Meat is in this case to be eaten, and what to be for∣borne. In Contagious times there∣fore people must abstaine from Hogs-Flesh, Beefe,* and all other kinds of flesh that are Hard of Di∣gestion, as also from all Inwards and Extream Parts of Beasts, as Feet, Ears, &c; And so likewise from all Slimy Fishes, all kinde of Pulse, Herbs, and from all White Meats, or things made of Milke, Except onely Butter. And so, on the contrary, they are to make choice of all such Meats, as are light of Digestion; and withal, they must abstain from Fish, when they eat Flesh; which also they are to eat rather Rosted, then Boyled: and if they will have them boyled in any Liquor, or make Broth of the same; they may put into it a little Wine Vineger, Juyce of Citron, Nut∣meg, Cloves, or the like; or some Sweet Herbs, prepared according to the quality of their Meat; which will not onely be very pleasant to Page  138their Palate, but also do them o∣therwise very much good.

Hitherto is to be referred also a certain Sause, which I would have them always to have at their table; and it is made of Wine-Vineger, Nutmeg, and Sugar; boyled in Broath: (or in defect of this, they may take Wine with Butter in it,) which yet must be so prepared, as that the tast of the Vineger, and of the Nutmeg, may be above all the rest. And in this Sause, I would have them to roule all over, and lay a soaking all meat whatsoever that they eat; or else, they may take, at the end of their Meale, a spoonful or two of it, and sup it up. Those that are Asthmaticall, or Short-breathed; or are other∣wise Tyssicall, and troubled with a Cough, must put the lesser quanti∣ty of Vineger, and the greater of Sugar, into this Composition: as likewise in using the Contrapestilen∣tiall Vineger, they must either de∣coct or infuse in it some Figs, Cur∣rance, Liquorish, or other the like Page  139Pectorall Ingredients; and if their Cough be very strong upon them; instead of Vineger, they may then use some other Preservatives: in like manner as those that are Hy∣dropicall, should every morning drink a good draught of Worme∣wood-Wine, or Rue-Wine, rather then a spoonful of Contrapestilenti∣all Vineger.

Concerning their Ordinary Drink, my Opinion is, that they may take the same that they have been accustomed unto,* whether it be Wine, or Beer, or Ale: into which nevertheless I would have them somtimes squeeze in some few drops of Juyce of Citron, or of Oyl of Brimstone: and the Ale they drink must be cleare, and not strong; as their Wine also must not be of the richer sort, but must be either Rhe∣nish Wine, or Ordinary French Wine; wherein they may do well to put sometimes a little boyled Water, with a small quantity of Citron Pill, or Cinnamon.

And if it so fall out, that any Page  140one hath either been in company with those that have been infected,* or that have been with such as have been with such as have been ne∣cessitated to attend upon such as have had the disease upon them, (which can hardly be without a strong suspicion, if not a certain∣ty of being infected by this Conta∣gion,) and especially, when he hath not before hand armed him∣self against it by Preservatives (not∣withstanding that the Party finde no sign of it at all about himself) yet my advise is, that he present∣ly betake himself to Sudorifical Me∣dicines, and take two Drams of Old Treacle, mixed with a spoon∣ful of Wine-Vineger; and drinke upon it two or three spoonfulls of the said Vineger, warmed.

Now to the end that people may know, (where the signs of the Plague do evidently appear,) whe∣ther the Cure of it may be under∣taken with any hopes of recovery of the Patient; I shall here breifly set down such things as seem chief∣ly Page  141to relate to the Predictions in this case. And first of all I conceave,* that very good success may be ex∣pected, if so be the aforemention-Preservative be taken at the very beginning of the Disease, and that the Party keep it; so that he may thereby Sweat lustily, in case that any Plague-Sores, and Swellings ap∣pear, before he feels any Feaverish Heat. And although this Treache∣rous Enemy flatter us thus and thus, yet that we are by no means to trust him, Sad Experience hath too often taught us. And if the Party be taken with a Continuall Vomiting, and be extreamly Sleepy, and have a very Stinking Breath, or the Tongue be Black, at the begin∣ning of the Disease; it is a sign, that the danger is very great: and so likewise if the Patient have an Intermitting Pulse, or Swooning Fits, or a Looseness, or where there hap∣pens a Bleeding at the Nose, or an unseasonable Eruption of the Courses: and especially if the Par∣ty have a Hoarsness: or if his Ʋrine, Page  142and Excrements, and what he throws up by Vomit, be black; or he be taken with the Hickop, or a Trembling in his Limbs; or if he spit Blood, or pisse Blood; are e∣vident signs of Death.

And if, as I have formerly said, it is very Necessary, that where a∣ny one hath but the least suspicion of being infected, he should pre∣sently have recourse to Sudorifical Preservatives; there is no question, but such, as finde any real sign that they are already Infected, ought to fly unto the same, as to a San∣ctuary; and that too, at the very Instant that they discover the same, (seeing the Disease may be over∣mastred much easier, then the people imagine, if it be taken in time) lest when these aforesaid Fatall Prognosticks appear, there be no hope of Recovery left. And this Preservative the Patient is to take with Vineger, (as hath before been shewed,) and in his Bed, being well covered with Cloathes, and with a good fire by him, if it may Page  143conveniently be had. And he is to sweat as long as possibly he can; and if the Sweat come not from him in very great Abundance, (which in this case is very Neces∣sary) he must then have a Bladder half filled with Warme Water, ap∣plied to his Belly; in which if there be decocted some leaves of Carduus Benedictus, Rue, or Angelica Roots, or Zedoary, there may much the better success be expected. And if so be the Party sweat not enough nor grow the better upon it; he must presently, (as soon as he hath something recovered his strength a little,) fall again to his Sweat∣ing the second time; yea, and sometimes also there is very good reason that he sweat the third time too: Which Reiteration of Sweat∣ing notwithstanding is very often not at all Necessary, in case that the Sudorifical Preservative, being taken in the beginning of the dis∣ease, hath wrought abundantly enough, Concerning the Efficacy of which Timely Sweating, in the Page  144beginning of this Disease, Senner∣tus also hath given us a large Te∣stimony, in his Lib. 4. De febribus, Cap, 6. where he hath these words. Existimo tot homines peste interire, quòd plerique tardiùs Alexipharmaca usurpant; multosque posse servari, si ea citius, & antequam venenum hu∣mores corrumpere incipit, assumerent. Aliquoties enim observavi, in pesti∣lentibus constitutionibus, quosdam, cum se infectos sensissent, statim sump∣tis Alexipharmacis ad sudorem se composuisse, & postea nihil mali am∣plius passos esse; imò postridie ad con∣sueta negotia rediisse. Contrà, si cu∣ratio protrahitur, & horae 8, aut 9, jam elapsae sint, antequam Medica∣mentum aliquod propinetur; centesi∣mus vix evadit. I am of Opinion, saith he, that the reason why so many die of the Plague, is, because they dif∣fer the time too long, before they take any Preservatives, and that many might scape, if they had but had re∣course to the same, before the Venom of the disease had begun to corrupt the Humors. For, I have several times ob∣served Page  145that, in a Pestilential season, some, that have found themselves in∣fected, presently betaking themselves to Sudorificall Preservatives, and sweating thereupon, have immediatly freed themselves utterly from the same; and the next day after have gone a∣bout their business again. Whereas, on the Contrary, where the Endeavors for Cure have been deferred, and put off for a matter of eight or nine hours, without the taking of any Preserva∣tive, there is scarsely one of an Hun∣dred that hath scaped.

Now the Ordinary Dose of this Sudorifical Preservative, is, A Dram and a half of the Philosophers, Egge,* one Scruple of Confection of Hya∣cinth, six Graines of Oriental Be∣zoar, or ten Graines of Bezoar of Peru, and five drops of Oyl of Sul∣phur: Mix these together, and take it in a Spoonful of Warm Vineger, (as hath before been shewed) and drink upon it three other spoon∣fulls of Veneger Warmed. And in defect of the Philosophers Egge, they may take two Drams and a half of Page  146Old Treacle, and half a Dram of Confection of Hyacinth: and in stead of Bezoar Stone, where the people are poor, they may take some Grains of the Shavings of Ʋnicorns Horn. Extracts, and Salts, which are made out of Scordium, Rue, Car∣duus Benedictus, and Angelica, are used by many in this case, taken to the quantity of about a Dram. The spirit of Antimony also, so prepared, as that it may neither cause Vomit∣ings, nor Going to Stoole, but may provoke Sweating onely, is here ve∣ry much commended: in which, as in the former Extracts, we may have much the greater Confidence, if it be given with a little Warme Vineger, and a Dram of Old Treacle at the least; lest that part of the Medicine, which is principally Antidotal, (as Vipers Flesh is here) should be wanting. And for this cause I chiefly prefer the aforesaid Preservatives Which also may be administred in a greater quantity, where the strength of the Venom requires the same: and therefore Page  147in this case they may take two Drams of the Philosophers Egge, or three Drams of Old Treacle, with the other prescribed Ingredients: in like manner as Galen himself al∣so, and other ancient Authors, were wont to prescribe half an Ounce of Treacle; and in case that were not sufficient to expel the Poyson, then they appointed the same to be re∣peated, prescribing either the same, or a less quantity, according to the Constitution of the Patient.

And I know besides that at Gaunt, in the year 1647. this Pre∣servative was administred by Mr. Cortreau, a Jesuite, to another of the same Fraternity, (who had a Tumor risen under his Left Arme-Pit, and two Plague-Sores broke out in other places,) whom, with∣in the space of twenty hours, he caused to take an Ounce and a half of Treacle; namely the first time he gave him Two Drams, and eight hours after half an Ounce, and after the space of other eight hours six Drams more, drinking Page  148after each several Dose a lusty draught, or two, of Water of Car∣duus Benedictus, and the like, with such Syrups as are proper in this case; in the mean time not neg∣lecting the reparation of the Par∣ties strength, by convenient, and proper Meats. About the same time, during the raging of the Pestilence there, a Surgeon belonging to the Pest-house gave to one that was sick of the Plague, (and that with very good success too) half an Ounce of Treacle: with Quantity of the said Preservative seems much more proper to be administred at the first, where the disease appears Evidently upon the Party, then two Drams onely; for this quan∣tity may suffice, in the beginning of the disease: Although I shall not advise any to take so great a quantity, nor yet an ordinary one, when the Party Affected is very drowzy, and given to sleep: in which case some other Sudorifical Medicines may be administr∣ed

And I have also heard, from Persons of very good credit, that both in this, and other diseases too, they have caused their Patients to sweat in a very abundant quantity (and with very happy success) by administring to them half a Dram of the Powder of a Viper; which is thus prepared. You must take a Viper, and put it in whole, and a∣live, with its head, teeth, tailè, and bowels too, into an Earthen Pot, covered at the top; in which co∣ver there must be some holes made for Evaporation, and thus you are to set it upon live Coals, so that it may only be dried, & not scortch∣ed: and this being so prepared may, as occasion shal require, be made in∣to a Powder, and be administred (as other things are to be, and as I have more largely related in my French Treatise) with Vineger, War∣med. And it would not be amiss, if one should adde to this a Scru∣ple of Sudorifical Antimony, as half a Dram thereof; or else some few Graines of Bezoar. And where Page  150these things are not to be had, they may take five Ounces of Wine-Vi∣neger warmed, with a Dram of Nutmeg, and a Scruple of Saffron, and put them into a Bladder half full of warme Water, and so apply it to the Lower part of the Belly: continuing this Application so long, till such time as some other Preservative Medicine, that may be able (if need be) to cause the Party to Sweat in so great a quantity, as in necessary, may be procu∣red.

And for as much as, where the Patient is to Sweat in so great a∣bundance, (as in this disease is ve∣ry requisite,) his Shirt and his Lin∣nen about him, must necessarily be very Wet; and therefore Authors conceave, (and reasonably enough) that these being as certain Recapta∣cles of the Venom, ought to be chan∣ged; that so the Patient may be freed from the filthy Stench, where∣in he lyes wrapped up; yet I ad∣vise all people, that they should not be too rash in changing the sick Page  151Parties Linnen;* but should rather wipe off the Sweat from them with Towels, which are not fresh, and newly taken out of the Chest; but being first sprinkled over with some sweet Water, have afterwards been very well aired by the fire, till such time, as that all the smell of the Sope, or what other Acquisiti∣tious smell soever, be quite driven out. And I have been confirmed in my Opinion of the dangerousness of applying Fresh Linnen to People in this case, both by the common voyce of the People, and also by those that have belonged to Pest-houses, and such as have otherwise attended upon Persons that have been sick of the Plague; the great∣est part of whom will not suffer the sick Party to change his Linnen, (not in this disease onely, but in the Small Pox also) but will have him either keep on the same, or if he do shift) he must put on either what himself formerly wore, in the time of his health: or what have bin worne by some of his Healthfull Page  152Freinds; and those must be verie well aired too first by the fire. It hath also been observed, that by Shifting of Linnen (I mean of that next the Skin) the Courses in Wo∣men, which in this case are dange∣rous; and the Hemorrhoids in per∣sons, that have been otherwise in good health, have broken forth. Which putting on of Fresh Linnen, before the Seventh Day of the Dis∣ease, how extream Dangerous it is, and indeed how Insufferable (unless the Party, impatient of the Stink∣ing smell about himself, will needs shift his Shirt, and put on one that had been worn before) is most ear∣nestly, and seriously pressed by Is∣brandus Diemerbrouc, in his Obser∣vations: where he tells us of some, that having heedlesly put on Fresh Linnen in this disease, within a few hours after they have been taken with a Feavourish Heat, a Heaviness of Heart, and other the like Symp∣tomes, which have grown so strongly upon them, as that they haue been brought even to deaths Page  153doore; none of which things have happened, where the Parties have put on such Linnen as had been worne before; in which the Smell of the Sope hath been dissipated by the heat of the Body; which is much more to be feared, then that Stink which comes from Foule Linnen; as by most certain Experi∣ence hath very often been confir∣med: To which we ought to give greater credit (especially in such matters as concern this so Occult,* and Dark Disease) then to Reason: seeing that we know, that those that are free from infection, and do live in houses that are so too, yet by having their Linnen washed with Sope, are much more apt to take the Infection of this Pestilentiall Aire, then otherwise they would have been, if they had not suffered the other to come near them: which is so certainly known to be true, as that I need not stand here to prove it.

And to the end that there may be the more sure means used for the Page  154Prevention of this most Tyranni∣cal, and Raging Disease; there ought to be very great care taken for the repairing of the strength of the Patient; which is to be endea∣vored presently after his Sweating, and at other set times,* by giving him such meats, as either his weak∣ness, or the Feavorishness of his Temper will require, and his Nau∣seous Stomack will admit. Which, seeing it is not to be overloaded with Flesh, must be cherished up with Broaths, Juyces Expressed, and Restorative Gellies made thereof; to which you may adde some Juyce of Citron, or some Verdjuyce. And to the end that his Weak Stomack may not cast the same up again, he may do well to take a slice of Pome-Citron, with the Pill taken off, and rouled first in a little Sugar. A Broath also, made with Verdjuyce, Water, and one or two Yolks of Eggs, and Crums of White Bread, is in this case very good; into which you may, if you please, put a little Sugar; which notwithstan∣ding Page  155is not, in this disease, very Wholesome; as is neither Honey. And hence it is, that in Lozenges and Conserves, that are here of use, we put a greater quantity of Pow∣ders upon them then is usual, and a much less of Sugar, except in such cases, where the Tast, and Strength, either of it, or the Honey, is over∣power'd by the Antidotal Medi∣cines, and the multitude of Ingre∣dients; as it is in Treacle, and the iike Compositions. It will be also very useful sometimes, when the Feavorish Heat is not too great, to put into these Broaths four or five spoonfulls of Rhenish Wine. And sometimes also the Party may take a julip, made of the distilled water of Carduus Benedictus, Scabious, Sorrel, and Borage, mixed with the Syrup of the Juyce of Citron, and putting into it also a few drops of the juice of Citron, and of Oyl of Sulphur: or in stead of these he may take some Apozemes, made of the like Ingredients. And sometimes also he may take Conserve of Hyacinth, Page  156and other Cordials; as likewise the Powder of Pearle, Bezoar Stone, and of the Shaving of Ʋnicorn Horn. The Parties Drink must be small,* clear Ale, into which he may now and then put in some few drops of Juyce of Citron, or Oyl of Vitrioll; or else a smal quantity of the best Verdjuyce; and sometimes too, when the Feaver and Delirium do not perswade the contrary, he may put into his Ale a little Rhenish Wine, or some other Smaller Wine. If the Party be bound, and go not free∣ly to Stoole, he may take an Ordi∣nary Suppository, or a Clyster of Broath made of Weathers Flesh, or the Decoction of Emollient Herbes; putting in two raw Yolks of Eggs, and of ordinary Salt, and Mithri∣date, or Dioscordium, of each a Dram. By the taking of which, if the Expulsive Faculty be not quick∣ned; you may then adde to the same some Ounces of the Syrup of Roses Solut. and of the Oyl of Sweet Almonds: for I do not conceave it safe to make use of any more Vio∣lent Page  157Purgers in this case: Neither ought we any whit to fear the Pa∣tient, in case he should be Bound for a day or two together: for I have both read, and heard of some Persons, in this case, that have not gone to Stoole in seven days toge∣ther, which yet have done very wel for all that. And that this very thing happened to one that was a Tenant of mine, in the year 1647, I have been very certainly assured both by the Man himself, who is now perfectly recovered, and well; and by his Wife also.

I shall not here at all commend Letting of Blood, Purgings,* and Vo∣mitings: which in my French Treatise also I have passed by, as Suspected, and Dangerous Courses: For, the Agitation of the Spirits, and Communication of the Corrupted with the Purer Humors, and the Large Diffusion of the same, seeing it cannot be, without very great loss both of the Parties strength, and also of time too, (which in this desperate Disease ought to be Page  158very precious) have hindred me from assenting to the same. Which reasons, seeing I have found many very Learned Authors not onely to dissent from, but some of them also (that had been very exact in their observations of the Event in these cases) to have confirmed too; I was the more incouraged to trust my Own Observation, (which I made diligently enough) & there∣fore fell upon this Perswasion, that the aforesaid Waies of Evacuation were not at all in this case to be allowed of; but, that the Venom of the Disease was, with all the speed that could be, to be driven out to the Outward Parts of the Body; (whereunto Nature hath the most Proper, and Apt way for Passage; as appears by Its sending out of Tumors, and Plague-Sores thither,) and so to be expelled by Sweat.

Yet I am not Ignorant, that ma∣ny Excellent Authors are of ano∣ther Judgement; although I con∣ceave that they judge rather accor∣ding Page  159to Plausible, then Peremptory Reason; while they think that by the Sharpness of their Wit onely, they are able to penetrate into the very Essence of this so Dark, and Abstruse a Disease; and to over∣power, and master it, without having had any sufficient Experi∣ence by Practise in this Case: with∣out which, Reason is utterly Blind, and can light upon nothing, but what is uncertain, and doubt∣ful. And even Hippocrates him∣self, writing different ways, ac∣cording to the different States of Pestilential Feavers, seems to move a Doubt, (which yet shewes plain∣ly that he favours our Opinion) in his Lib. 3. Epidem. Text. 3. Where, speaking of this most Pestilentiall Disease, he saith that Purging had done hurt to many, and that by this means many had died also. Neither did he, in the true Plague, ever use Letting of Blood; as ap∣pears out of his Lib. 1. Epidem. in the History of Crato; and also in Lib. 6. Epidem. Sect. 7. Text. 1. Where Page  160he confesses, that though he had tried what the Opening of a Vein would do, in many Patients of his, that had been sick of Pestilentiall Diseases; yet he never found it to do them any good. As Galen also, Lib. de bonis & malis Succis, tell us, that when the Plague raged in his time, the Opening of a Vein in those that had it, was very sel∣dome used: and he then commends those Physicians, that were fear∣full, and spareing in prescribing the same; as on the contrary side he cries out against, and laughes at those, that in other Diseases, where Breathing of a Vein seemed to be ne∣cessary yet durst not adventure on it, calling them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, Blood-fearers. And many other Physicians also, both Modern, and Ancient, have confessed that it was very dangerous in this case to make use of the same. And be∣sides, Fallopius also tells us, that in a Plague that happened in his time, all those, that were let blood, died. And Palmarius, who for Page  161two years space together (while the Plague reigned at Paris) was ap∣pointed to take care of such as lay sick in the Pest-house, in his Cap. 7. de Peste, tell us, that, of those that were let blood, scarse one in a hundred escaped. Dodoneus also, and Hildanus, with many others, unanimously affirm, that scarce a∣ny that were let Blood in the Plague (which then raged a long while a∣mongst them) ever escaped. Of which judgement also was the a∣forementioned Isbrandus, who was a very Learned Man, and was a Physitian of Ʋtrecht. This man, who was a most diligent Visiter of Persons that were infected, when the Plague was at Nimmengen, (as Palmarius in the like manner was, when it was at Paris) and withall a most Exact Observer of all things whatsoever related either to the understanding of the Disease, or the Cure of it; at what time the Plague raged there most furiously, in the year 1636, & 1637; in his Book which he put forth in the Page  162said year 1637, by most strong Reasons, and the same confirmed also by Experience, proves, that in the Plague, people are altogether to forbear both from Letting of Blood, and from taking of Purges, or Vomits; giving there very good Reasons why the same ought not to be admitted; and giving an ac∣count also of the bad success that others had had, when they had prescribed the same to their Pati∣ents: where also he further af∣firms, that of a very great number of Infected people, scarse any one that had been let Blood, recovered: and, which is yet much more strange, He, together with Riverius, and Lidderius, observed, that Let∣ting of Blood was not onely dange∣rous, in persons that had the Plague upon them, but that it was unsafe also for those that were in health, in the time of the Pestilence, (unless there were otherwise very great Necessity of doing so,) to ad∣venture upon the same, by way of Preservation from this Disease.

When I considered, that this difference of judgement among Authors, in this so Hazardous, and Weighty a business, produced nothing but Doubtfulness in Phy∣sicians, and Injury to their Pati∣ents; I thought fit to treat some∣thing the more largely of this point, in this my Short and Com∣pendious Treatise; that so I might hint to those, that are so very ear∣nest in maintaining that the afore∣said Evacuations are in this case of very good Use, that they would not think much, before they pre∣scribe the same, to enquire, and and inform themselves sufficiently, what the success hath hitherto been, where the same have been u∣sed: for as much as, in all doubt∣ful cases, the best judgement is to be made from such things as are either Good, or Hurtful to the Pa∣tient. And if they will but vouch∣safe to do this, they will questi∣onless finde that the greatest part of those, that have admitted of the said Evacuations, have miscarried, Page  164and that very few have in this case escaped; and, that if they did, it was rather to be attributed to the strength of their own constitutions, or else to the weakness of the Ve∣nom, then to any thing else.

Now in case that leaving, and rejecting the said Evacuations, the Sick Party shall have recourse to Sudorifical Preservatives, and that these do not prove to be able quite to expel the Venom of the Disease through the Outmost Parts of the Body, but that either by means of their force, or else of its own accord it breaks out into Tumors, and Carbuncles upon the Body; there must then some Attractive, and Concoctive Medicines be appli∣ed to the Part Affected, for the drawing forth of the Venomous Hu∣mor lying in the said part; which yet must not be brought to perfect Maturation; as indeed it cannot be: neither, if it could, would it be safe to admit of so much delay. As for such Oyles, Cataplasmes, Fo∣mentations, and Plaster, which are Page  165in this case useful, you have then (besides what I have set down) a∣bundantly described by others, and they are indeed of common use e∣very where. As for example, when any Tumors about the body begin to rise,* they usually annoynt the Part with Oyle of Lillies, and Scor∣pions; or with Fresh Butter, mixt with a little Treacle; over which you may lay a Red Cabbage-Leaf, having first soaked the same in Warme Water. After this you must apply Cataplasmes, made of the Roots of Lilies, Mallows, or of the Leaves of the same, adding there∣to some Leaves of Rue, and Lin∣seed: which being boyled, and brought to a due Consistency, you must then put into to same some Yolks of Egges, Ʋnguentum Basilicon, Turpentine, or the like. There are some that, in this case, apply nothing to the Part Affected, save Rosted Onyons, mixed with Fresh Butter, or Oyle of Lillies. Many have with very good success made use here of a Hens Fundament, having Page  166the feathers pulled off, and then being rubbed over with Salt, and so applied to the part for a good while together, and when the first Hen was dead, they applied another, as long as the Patient was able to endure it: and the Bills of the said Hens they held somtime fast shut up. When they had thus done, they then fell again to make use of the aforesaid Oyntments, and Cataplasmes; untill such time as that the Tumor being brought to a sufficient Suppuration, it might be lanced with an Instrument, to let out the Purulent Matter: which yet if the Hardness of the Tumor will not admit, you must make use of a Caustick, to draw it forth. And when the Tumor is now bro∣ken, you must cleanse the Sore with Hony; and you may apply unto it, as occasion serves, either the Yolke of an Egge, with a little Turpentine, mixed together; or else some of the Oyntment called, Ʋnguentum A∣postolorum, or else that other called Ʋnguentum Aegyptiacum, if need so Page  167require. And you must cover the part Affected all over, either with the plaster called Emplastrum Dia∣chylon, with the Oyntment named, Basilicon; or else with some other plaster of the like Faculty and Ver∣tue.

In the curing of a Carbuncle, or Plague Sore, they make use of the like Oyls and Plasters; which yet are ordinarily made not quite so strong, and drawing; least, being so strong, they might too much exas∣perate the same. And you are after∣wards to proceedin the cureof this, as of al other Sores, til it be perfect∣ly healed up. Which Carbuncles, or Plague-Sores, as well as those of Plague-Tumors, must be kept open as long as may be.

As concerning the Cure of the Tokens, as they call them, which are Dark Purple Spots, or of the like colour, appearing upon the Skin in Pestilential Diseases, I shall not say anything here, having said so much of this point in my French Treatise; least by doing the same Page  168thing over again, I might seem to have troubled my self to no pur∣pose. Now while this care is ta∣ken for these External Tumors, and Spots; the Patient is not in the mean time to neglect the taking In∣wardly of Sudorifical Preservatives, Cordial Confections and Powders, and likewise his Julips, and Apozemes, which he is to take all in their due times; in like manner as he must be very exact also in his Diet. And for quenching his Thirst, he may sometimes take a little Ale, which must be but small, and very clear: and I have been informed, and by persons of very good credit too, that they have in this case often gi∣ven Infected persons a draught of plain Fountain, or Well-water, and that with very good success. Yet that they may not drink too much of it, they may now and then sup up two or three spoonfull of smal Ale, with some Juyce of Citron mix∣ed with it; putting a Brown Toast into it, and a little Sugar. To which you may adventure to adde a little Page  169Rhenish Wine, or some other smal∣ler sort of Wine; in case a Deliri∣um, or else the greatest of the Fea∣vorish Heat he is in, hinder not the same. Slices also of Pome-Citron, with the Pil taken off, put into two parts of Water, and one of the a∣foresaid Wine, with a little quanti- of Sugar, may be allowed the Pa∣tient for the same purpose; and this Composition, besides the al∣laying the Thirst of the party, will be also very pleasant to his Palat. Yea the whole, Pome-Citron also, taken with its Pill and Kernels to∣gether (both which are also Cor∣dialls) and so cut in pieces, may very properly be put into his Or∣dinary Drinks,

Now how the Impure, filthy Stenches of such houses as have been infected, are to be cleansed, and washed away with Water, which would do better if it were mixed with Vineger or with Rue boyled in it, and hot also, rather then if it be onely faire Water; and also ought to be suffocated, and Page  170overmastered, by Fumigations of Juniper Berries, Brimstone, Gunpow∣der, Vineger, and the like things, which have been made use of with good success; and which are to be diligently observed by such as keep such infected houses, and by those also that live near unto infected places: and besides, that those, that have forsaken their houses, ought not by any means to return backe to the same again, till six Weeks at least are over since that a∣ny person died out of their house of the disease; or till the last Infe∣cted person hath now been recove∣red, and clear from the same, and in perfect health for a whole months space, as hath been sufficiently asser∣ted both by others, and by Mee al∣so, in my French Treatise.

Neither was it my Intention, to have here said any thing more, touching this so Pestilential, and Contagious a Disease; save onely to set down what Antidotal Medi∣cines, and Preservatives, I have found to be most proper for the driving Page  171out of the Venom of this disease in the beginning of it, through the Outward parts of the body; by the right, and due administring of which, I have always found good success to follow. And I had al∣so resolved to have said nothing either of this, or the former mat∣ters before treated of; unless it had seemed both to some others, and to my self also, a very unreason∣able thing, if, leaving those Epide∣mial Diseases, that usually rage in our Maritime Parts, untouched, I should here make an end of this Treatise. I shall therefore here in the next place say something of the same; that so the Malignity of these places being known, people may either avoid the coming in∣to them, or else may know how to provide for their health, by conve∣nient, and proper Preservatives.