The arraignment of vrines vvherein are set downe the manifold errors and abuses of ignorant vrine-mongring empirickes, cozening quacksaluers, women-physitians, and the like stuffe ... Collected and gathered as well out of the most ancient, as the moderne and late physitians of our time: and written first in the Latine tongue, and diuided into three bookes by Peter Forrest D. in Physicke ... And for the benefit of our British nations newly epitomized, and translated into our English tongue by Iames Hart Dr. of the foresaid faculty, and residing in the towne of Northampton.

CHAP. IIII. That the iudgement of Diseases had by the sole inspection of the Vrine, is vncertaine, yea oftentimes dangerous, and that wee ought not to repose any trust in the same.

SInce there is nothing so hard and difficult, which wee ought not to vndertake for the loue we beare to the truth, and the attaining to the knowledge of the most worthy things: and howsoeuer this bee a burthen too heauy for my weake shoulders to beare; yet haue I notwithstanding vndertaken this taske, being e••pecially rauished with the extraordinary affection I beare vnto so noble and excellent an Art, howsoeuer perhap•• I shall broach some such points as shall little please some relishes, especially of such as are chiefe offenders in this ki••de, as also of all such as are so blinded, and their eye•• so d••zeled with their old inueterate errors, that they cannot see the truth, how bright soeuer the same doe shine in the noone-tide of the day. It is likewise to be supposed that it will be hard to free my selfe from the hatred and indignation of a many euill-willers, while as I endeauour to free this so noble an Art from this most vncertaine, most vaine and vnprofitable coniecturing by Ʋrines, the which not with∣out great preiudice to the Patients health is dayly practi∣sed in the Physitians houses. But without any longer circumstance, let vs come now to the matter in hand. If wee carry in our minds such things as haue beene lately declared, it shall be easie for vs to conceiue of such things as shall now be spoken. By the Vrine then are chiefly knowne the disposition of the Liuer, of the Ʋeines, and by consequent of the whole body also. We must vnder∣stand also that since the Blood taketh the substantiall forme from the forming power and vertue of the Liuer, it commeth to passe that it answereth in equall proportion to the quality of the blood, of the which the Ʋrine is a

superfluity strayned from the same by meanes of the Kid∣neyes, according to Theophilus, which Aegidius also con∣firmeth.

And hence it is also manifest (as the learned Leeninus witnesseth) that not onely the state of the Kidneyes, but that also of the Liuer principally, together with the infir∣mities thereof, as also of the Veines, may be discerned by the Ʋrine. Howbeit this is not alwayes vndoubtedly true, since that by accident it commeth to passe (as here∣after shall appeare) that vpon many occasions the same is altered and changed, and by consequent the Physitian de∣ceiued. And if this may befall a learned and iudicious Physitian, how much more one without Art or skill, and neuer trayned vp in this Profession. Neither yet, not∣withstanding the abuses committed about the same, is it wholly to be reiected, but with great discretion the right and moderate vse of the same to be imbraced. And how∣be••t some Authors seeme sometimes to giue a great pre∣heminence to this signe, as Actuarius; yet if thou lookest narrowly into their works, thou shalt finde that liberty else-where much limited and restrained and the Pulse the fecall instruments, with diuers other excretions taken into that society and fellowship. Now that Vrines are de∣ceitfull in many diseases, were no hard matter for mee to proue, as well by reason and experience, as by authority. But if wee shall begin and instance in some particular dis∣eases, I thinke it will make the case more plaine. The Ʋrine then is very deceitfull in the Plague and pestilenti∣all Feuers, deceiuing often the most learned and skilfull practitioners. And this I found to be too true in that me∣morable Plague, whereof some few yeares agoe a great number dyed in the Towne of Delfe: for when as the V∣rines seemed to promise the Patients all safety and security, then were they suddenly conueyed into Charons boate. The cause that the Vrine in so dangerous a case, seemeth of so laudable a condition and quality, may bee this, that the matter of this disease being venomous and maligne,

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nature dare not freely assault the same, and therefore the Ʋrine (as I haue my selfe found by experience) will ap∣peare to the eye of as laudable a condition, as that which wee haue heretofore set downe for the rule and square (as being the best) of all other••.

Others, not admitting of this reason alledge another, to wit, that putrefaction hauing now seased on the heart, and nature being now much weakened, is not able to ex∣pell the excrements by Ʋrine, for the which cause it re∣maineth thin and of a good colour, nature it selfe being also weake, by reason of the putrefaction now confirmed in the substance of the heart: and for this cause, these Feuers could neuer bee discerned or knowne by the sight of the Vrines, but rather by their euill-fauoured smell, and stinking of their breath.

Wherefore, I aduise the wise and iudicious Physitian to bee circumspect, lest hee be deceiued herein; and if it be possible, rather to haue recourse vnto the Pulse, which doth euidently declare the vigour and the weaknesse of the vitall power which vpholdeth the life. And for this cause wee may more assuredly pronounce of the issue and euent both of life and death, by the same, then by the Vrine.

Not onely is the Vrine deceitfull in the aforesaid disea∣ses, but euen in the Quartane or any other intermitting Ague, especially if the diseased vse a good dyet; so that from the very beginning of the disease, signes of concocti∣on doe appeare: for here the Physitian desirous to di∣stinguish the seuerall times of the disease, might easily goe beside the marke. And not in these onely doth the same leaue vs without a certaine guide: but the vncertaintie hereof is in like manner discerned in all other diseases which haue their originall without the veynes, and that in the iudgement of all the learned Physitians which haue written of vrines. Oftentimes (as is to be seene in our daily practice) the same will appeare in outward appearance in∣dued with all the properties of a sound and healthfull

mans, both in substance, colour, and contents: when as notwithstanding vnavoidable Death strikes his boisterous blowes against the weake and feeble patient. This may be obserued also for the most part, whensoeuer in acute, or very acute diseases, (such as are a Pleuresie, Inflammation of the lungs, the Squinsie, and others of the like nature, all which haue, as an inseparable accident, a burning Feuer conioyned with the disease) the vrine seemeth to be of a lau∣dable condition and qualitie, the distressed party notwith∣standing being liker to dye then to liue; and so it comes to passe, that simply in it selfe being a good and laudable signe, that yet oftentimes it proueth to be mortall: and so it is apparent to any that hath eyes, how deceitfull a signe it is.

In like manner daily experience doth teach, that one and the selfe-same vrine, in substance, colour and contents, doth declare diuerse, yea and sometimes also quite con∣trary diseases, being quite opposite one to another. As in an indifferent healthfull man, the vrine may be thin, crude, and vndigest or raw, and in such a one it doth argue euill digestion of the stomacke: the like vrine againe in acute and burning Feuers, shall signifie a Deliration and Phrensie, and is then an infallible signe of Death, as wee haue else∣where sheweth forth by examples. This is also the iudge∣ment of learned Hippocrates, in these words; When the v∣rine is white and cleere, especially if the same appeare in Deli∣rations. Galen also following the same foot-steps; I neuer did see a phrenticke person with such an vrine to haue recoue∣red. Now if such an vrine should be carryed to a Physitian who had not before seene the party, hee would neuer so much as dreame of such an aecute burning Feuer.

The like also commeth to passe in a Dropsie, the vrine like a strumpet attyring her selfe in her brauest aray, when as the patient is suddenly suffocate by meanes of the sud∣den inundation of water ouercomming the noble parts.

No lesse doth this impudent harlot deceiue vs in most diseases of the Chest, in which we giue more credit to the

spittle then to the vrine: so likewise in those who doe cast vp choler, phlegme, blood, &c. the vrin•• will giue vs no no∣tice of the decaying and perishing of the strength.

No lesse deceitfull it is also in the vlcers of the throat, in the Inflammation of the palate of the mouth, the Tonsils, and Squinsie which doe sometimes strangle the sicke and di∣stressed Patient.

Neyther yet can it giue vs any notice of the Piles or Hae∣morrhoides, the swellings or risings of the fundament, as also any outward Ʋlcers, or Impostumes, Itch, Scabs, French-pox, all sorts of Lasks, as likewise the bloody Flux, passing the finding out by the same.

Besides all these, the vrine can giue vs no notice of the contraction of the sinewes, palsies, diseases of the ionts, the Sci∣atica, or Hip gout, the Gout in hands, or feet, all the sorts of Ruptures, the diseases of the muscles, and the outward annoy∣ances which afflict the skinne, as also all outward tumors, ri∣sings, or swellings. All which it is not hard to declare out of Galen himselfe, (whereas Hippocrates maketh mention of Conuultions, and other diseases of the Sinewes,) who teacheth vs, that the danger or securitie of the disease, can∣not well be discerned by the concoction of the Ʋrines.

This may also be added, that oftentimes in diseases the Ʋrine is of a remisse and low colour, when as it ought to be of an high; and contrariwise of an high, when as it ought to be of a low colour: the which I am able to proue both by reason, and examples.

Suppose therefore a man of a cholericke temperature, be∣ing sicke likewise of a cholericke and hot disease, whose Ʋ∣rine seemeth to be of a low colour; when as neuerthelesse both in regard of the nature of the disease, and of his tem∣perature, it ought to be of an high and deepe dyed colour. For if there be any obstruction in the crooked and gibbous part of the Liuer, then is the like also in the veynes, & other parts, which goe directly to the kidneyes. Now in like manner, if the other passage by the which Choler is conueyed from the Gall-bag to the Guts, to the end it may stirre vp nature

to the better expulsion of the fecall excrements contained in them, (as wee haue already said) be enlarged, then the choler which before was accustomed to passe into the bladder with the Vrine, passeth to the Guts, and there often∣times causeth a flix & excoriation of the guts, for the which cause the Vrine also seemeth then to be of a remisse colour. Or if perhaps Choler shall take his way towards the Sto∣macke, (as sometimes it commeth to passe) it procureth both a distaste and loathing, as also casting and reaching. In like manner if it shall happen to be dispersed and spread ouer the whole body, it produceth that diseease which we commonly call the Iaundise. But if it shall flye vp into the braine, (as in hot and acute Feuers is vsuall, as hath beene said) it causeth a phrensie. In which and the like cases, it is more then manifest that the Physitian may be deceiued ea∣sily in the iudgement of the Ʋrine: and moreouer, if hee should rashly vpon the view of such an Vrine, prescribe hot remedies, might be a meanes of shortning the Patients dayes.

In a phlegmaticke constitution againe we see the case quite contrary, the vrine often in a cold disease, being of an high and intense, when as it ought rather to be of a low and remisse colour. This commeth often to passe in the weake and feeble disposition of the Liuer, the separating po∣wer thereof being then much weakened, and the humors then being confusedly melted together without any separation, in the which case the vrine wil be of a reddish colour, l••ke vn∣to the water wherein raw bloody flesh hath been washed.

The Ʋrine also is not a little dyed and coloured by rea∣son of some great paine, howsoeuer it come of a cold cause, especially if the same doe incline towards the passa∣ges of the Ʋrine, Nature in all grieuances and paines sen∣ding blood and spirits to succor the same, by which meanes it commeth to passe, that the vrine receiueth from hence some alteration in color, as in the Colicke proceeding most commonly of a cold cause. It is no hard matter to proue the same by authorities of the most learned, ancient and

famous Physitians, as hath beene already said. Auicenna himselfe doth confirme the same in these words; We must not giue credit (saith he) to the knowledge of the disposition of the disease, which the vrine affordeth vs, vnlesse some certaine conditions, (which he himselfe afterwards reckoneth vp,) first be obserued. And Gabriel de Taregna, a follower of A∣uicenna, after many arguments, at length concludeth thus; The signe taken from the vrine is deceitfull, and therefore doe not Physitians rashly iudge by the same onely, but doe likewise diligently enquire after other signes. For about the same mani∣fold errors are committed, by reason the iudgement o•• the same is easily altered and changed, by the quantity or qualitie of dyet, or any other thing which may colour the same. With him agree Sauonarola, Petrus Aponus, or Aponensis, called Con∣ciliator, & all other who haue written concerning Vrines. And that it may appeare that this is not the opinion of the Arabian Physitians alone, and their followers, but of the Greeke Physitians also, heare the learned Galen pronounce his opinion, which all others doe imitate and follow: We must therefore determine, that the signes of concoction in the instruments of respiration is the spittle; of that in the veines, the Vrine; of that of the stomacke and nether belly, the grosse, or fecall excrements. And in all manner of Feuers, because they are passions, or grieuances of the veynes, (for in this kinde we doe likewise comprehend the Arteries) wee must princially haue a regard to the vrines.

And let it not seeme strange that here we comprehend the Arteries. For as Galen saith very well, that by the me∣diation of the veynes and arteries, the heart is set on fire, as also, that there can be no Feuer, vnlesse the heart be thus ouer-heated, no other member hauing this prerogatiue, to communicate so great a distemper to the whole body, as wee haue else-where at large declared. And because the matter of the same may be as well in the arteries as in the veynes, hence it commeth to passe, that Galen speaking of the iudgement of Ʋrines, doth amongst the veines com∣p•••••• and the arteries. And howbeit it be a more pure and

refined blood in the arteries, then in the veines: yet doth the vrine notwithstanding declare the disposition of the blood contained in the same, and so consequently of the Feuer it selfe.

Moreouer, since the Arteries do containe the most pure and refined blood, together with the vitall spirits, by the motion therefore of the same, commonly called the Pulse, no lesse then by the vrines, do we know & discerne a feuer, together with the disposition of the heart and arteries; as al∣so some other grieuances, which by the vrine, (and that for diuers causes already declared) cannot be iudged of, as Galen himselfe doth most amply and sufficiently declare.

And howsoeuer it be now more then manifest to the iu∣dicious Reader, that the iudgement by vrines is for the most part deceitfull in other diseases then such as belong to the Liuer, veynes, together with such places, as are ap∣pointed for the separation and conueyance of the vrine: yet is not the same, euen in such diseases as it doth most manifestly lay open, alwayes to be trusted to. For often∣times it commeth to passe, that the diseases of the Liuer and of the veynes, as also Feuers, are confusedly intermin∣gled one with another, hauing a certaine connexion, and as it were knitting together with other members: hence it commeth to passe that the vrines, for diuers causes (which in the owne place we will relate) are easily subiect to alteration, and doe no lesse here deceiue vs, then they doe in other diseases, which they impertinently & weakly sometimes lay open. And therefore well was it said of Galen, as we haue said already, that the security of the dis∣ease cannot well be foretold by the concoction of the vrine onely. And for this cause in all his bookes, as well concer∣ning Feuers, as the diseases of the Liuer, he putteth downe a number of other signes besides the vrine. Of the same opinion is Hippocrates, as in his books is largely to be seen: so also is Actuarius in his bookes of Ʋrines: Rhasis also, and many moe.

But hauing now partly by examples, and partly by

strong and firme reasons and authorities of the learned, declared that the iudgement of diseases by vrines onely, is vncertaine, and full of fraud and deceit, and not in it selfe sufficient to giue vs notice of the whole nature and estate of the disease, we will now at greater length declare and lay open the same: this being discussed, it will euidently appeare that we haue need of other signes for the better attaining to the full knowledge of the same. The which being confirmed, it shall be much more easie afterward to amend such abuses as haue since crept in and incroached vpon this iudgement by vrines.

Notes

• It seemeth a strange Para∣dox to the most, but espe∣cially most ig∣norant, to broach any thing against Vrines.
• Diseases of which parts may chiefly be discerned by the Vrine.
• Actuarius lib. 1. de dis. Vrin. cap. 1. Cap. 7.
• Vrines deceit∣full in the plague.
• The reasons of the same.
• Praedictions more certaine by the Pulse then by the Vrine in such like Diseases.
• Vrines deceit∣full in quar∣tanes and other intermitting Agues.
• In diseases without the Veines.
• One and the selfe-same V∣rine doth often declare diuers and contrary diseases.
• Obseruat. medic. lib. 2. obs. 15. &c Hipp. Aphor. 72 lib. 4. & Gal. Comment.
• Vrine deceitfull in a Dropsie.
• In diseases of the Chest.
• In casting of blood, choler, &c.
• In vlcers of the throat.
• In Piles & hae∣morrhoides.
• In outward dis¦eases.
• In Lasks.
• Contractions, palsies, gout, ruptures, disea∣ses of the mu∣scles and exter∣nall griefes.
• Gal. in comment lib. 4 Hippoc. de vict. acut.
• Vrins somtimes not answerable to the nature of the disease.
• Deceitfulnesse in the iudge∣ment by the in∣spection of V∣rines, illustrated by examples.
• In diseases pro∣ceeding of cho∣ler.
• In a phlegma∣tick cōstitution, & cold diseases.
• In great griefes and paines.
• Avicen. 2. prim. cap. 2.
• Gab. de Taregna quaest. 30.
• Gal. lib. 1. de cris. cap. 7.
• Gal. lib. 1. de differ F••br.
• Forest. obseruat. medic. lib. de. Feb
• The Pulse as well as the V∣rine to be con∣sidered in all diseases.
• Gal. lib. de Puls. cognit. differ. & causis.
• In diseases of the liuer, veins, & vrinary pas∣sages the vrine often deceiueth our iudgments.
• Cōment. lib. 4. de vict. r••tiene in morb. acut.
• Hipp. in prognost. Actuarius. Rhasis.