either Dead or had put him self into other hands But when I least expected the messenger came to me desiring me to send him somewhat to support his spirits as he went about his occasions I ask't what was become of his Ague and found he was absolutely quit of it The party telling me that that night he took the last things I sent him he had 6 or 7 large stools which quite Discharged his Ague and that ever since he had been very well only upon stirring a little faint And truly this manner of effect I have often noted in obstinate Distempers for that which I always give being not slight insignificant but powerful friends to Nature cannot possibly be utterly frustrate but first or last must some way or other prevail for good as here by Purgation so sometimes by Vomit when their forces by frequent repetition become so united as not to be resisted And this way of Operation as it hath Established my hope in all I give So may it be of good assurance to Patients though for a time they see little or no alteration For that which is good in it self and powerful and taken in full quantity frequently when least look't for produceth even above and beyond all hope Imaginable And is the peculiar blessing of Prudence in Patients and Perseverance under the use of means so certainly safe and so prevalent as these upon all occasions have been approved But this Gentleman adventuring too much upon his mettle before confirmation of his strength before two moneths came to an end renewed his Ague and being much nearer to other means then mine sell into the common Road of Physick under which in few days he ended his life somewhat under the blame of his Relations for declining his own Reason and Experience but is the usual fruit of Instability and Inconstancy 27. A young Child so ill and stupid that none knew what to what of it as the manner is was excused and laid upon toothing so long till help was almost too late the Father Disired my advice so I ordered two ounces of Salus vitae to be given by a spoonful every hour which before it was quite taken gave an appearance to the small pox and so he perfectly recovered 28. A Gentleman far in the Countrey having contracted a very ill habit of body with weakness of Stomack and aptness to vomit By the use of Vis for days and Salus for night in less then a moneths time was restored to a far better condition 29. A Gentlewoman having a young Daughter very much languishing under a Distemper and weakness like that of the Green-sickness by the use of three quarts of Vis vitae taken thrice every day between meals and last at night â— spoonfuls at a time recovered into a very good condition 30. A Gentlewoman very much stuffed in her breast with Cough and shortness of breath by three quarts of Flos vitae taken thrice every day and a little in the night became very well and hearty 31. A Gentleman of somewhat a weake Constitution through many occasions both at home and abroad subject to Heats Colds Weariness and thereby frequently to illness and sometimes to very Dangerous fits of sickness using in all such times full and large quantities of Salus Vindex Stella and Radix freely and seriously professes that he believes they have often by taking the value of a quarter of a pint saved him both a fit of sickness and a chargable course of Physick And that in his extremity of sickness they have saved his life when it was in his judgment impossible for any other kind oâ— Physick to have done it having seen to his grief as he says divers of his friends fail and fall under the best of the usual practise And which hath so confirmed his Opinion of their safety and Efficacy that he soly under God Depends upon them for support of his no small Family and whereby both to his Son and Servants so much hath been performed both in Small Pox and Griping of the Guts and other illness as might well make out many weighty instances But where as in this large Family they are always at hand and in readiness it 's hardly credible how frequent and how speedy very great Inconveniences are daily prevented But for this Griping of the Guts which every week rose higher in the Bills of Mortality as many times to exceed an hundred as I have never known any so Distempered to fail under these Medicines So I do verily believe they would have proved a perfect Remedy to whosoever had relyed upon them And it troubled me Exceedingly they were made no more use off in that Mortal Distemper by those who undertook its Cure or that those who were concern'd took no more beed to them whil'st with a little consideration and small Cost they might have cur'd themselves which is the main intention of this Treatise 32. A young Maiden by overmuch toyling above her strength taking cold fell into a Feverish Distemper which stopping the course of Nature strange pains flew all over her Body and into her head especially Some Artist at hand presently bleeds her but that proving rather to the increase then abatement of her Distemper I was desired to help what I could I ordered 3 ounces of Vindex naturae for the night and half a pint of Vis vitae for the Day And this repeated next night and next day reduced her to a very good condition 33. The Father of this yong Maid being tortur'd with violent pains of the Srangury and stoppage of his water sending to me I sent him only half a pint of Vis vitae which he had no sooner taken but he found instantly a perfect release both from pain and stoppage to his Extream joy satisfaction But this also is a Family long time used to a Dependence upon these Medicines unto which there belongs so many stories of Cures performed by them for young and old as would take up a larger room then is needful at this time 34. An Elderly full bodied Woman troubled and almost strangled often with stoppage of the stomack and Vapours flying up into her breast and throat hath not failed of relief by half a pint of Sangis vitae well heated and drank off in an hours time 35. One about 27 of long time troubled with a vehement pain in his Legs yet nothing to be seen having used sometimes one Plaister and then another instead of ease redned and pimpled all over swelling somewhat but itching so extreamly that by scratching became extreamly painful and tedious to him Asking my advice I smelt the Plaister and found it too hot and rank so I ordered him to put no kind of Plaister any more to it but to moisten a fine Cloth or Linen stocking with fine Tallow dropt in fair Water and to keep that on till that Leg was like the other which happily proved to be so in some five or six nights Then as to
embraced though never so safe easeful and free from all disturbance the aversness being generally whetted by some sinister interest that without perpetual insisting in a full discovery of the Advantages and disadvantages there would be no hope of Prevailing for such a condescension as in this weighty Cause is agreeable to Truth and Reason But all things have their season Evangelical Doctrine bringing nothing but peace though long opposed by the Legal which brought nothing but terrour to the sin-sick Conscience yet in time as truth prevailed became clearly victorious both over the Law and their Interest that would maintain it And so in time I doubt not but it may also prove in this as the difference once comes to be rightly understood for however Custom and Interest may have so prevailed enchained mens minds as almost in every sickness to reckon no other but that there is a necessity of undergoing all those painful cruel dangerous and mischievous practises and proceedings afore recited yet certainly when they shall be serious in their thoughts and plainly see that there is another way in Physick Established upon more sure Foundations and Principles and another sort of Medicines arising from these Principles which cure with much more certainty and yet wholly exempt from all terrours pains and dangers and that may by every one be known to be such by Evident Marks and Characters and by abundant Instances of Cures performed solely by such Medicines as in the touchstone of Physick plentifully appeareth There will then certainly be no place for opposition nor need of farther Arguments to perswade their chearful Entertainment nor to doubt a general adherence to their assistance by all Persons and Families For whose clear understanding and more easy ordering of them to their own their Friends and Relations occasions in any Distempers or necessities I shall here acquaint them with their particular Titles Vertues and Uses with all requisite Circum stances as followeth As 1. Refugium vitae Exceedingly behoveful and prevalent in all sudden frightful and confused distempers afflicting either the Head the Breast the Stomack Bowels Mother or any other part of the body with or without Vomiting Loosness Gripings to be given with confidence 2 or 3 spoonfuls to Children and from 6 to 12 spoonfuls to those of years and at three hours may be repeated or the like quantity given again and so as long as there is occasion warm or cold at 8 s. the pint in Colds Surfets Agues Fevers Convulsions c. is of singular advantage 2. Sanguis vitae In all Distempers of Stomach and Bowels griping in the Guts Surfets Vomitings Agues new Fevers first signes or fears of the Pestilence small Pox Measels and in all such cases to be well heated the Dose or quantity from four spunfuls to 12. yea to six Ounces if need require but for conservation of health may be used cold familiarly to a quarter or half pint at a time as every one pleases the price is 2 s. the pint 3. Adjutrix vitae For Appetite and Digesture a pleasing Cordial for all times the Dose from 2 to 6 or 8 Ounces best between meals is good also in any Spoon-meat or drank in Milk against Consumptions the price is 2 s. the pint 4. Vis vitae For Dropsy Scurvy Spleen Wind Gravel Strangury Stopage of Water or of the natural course or in swellings from thence or other sweatings the Dose from two to six Ounces and at 4 hours may be repeated and continued till occasion cease Also may be familiarly taken for prevention of all such Distempers and for conservation of health and chearfulness at 3 s. the pint 5. Succus vitae For Convulsions Palsies Falling-sickness Mother-fits c. the dose from two to 4. and six ounces and at 4 hours distance may be repeated or taken in like quantity again and to be continued as long as occasion requireth at the pint 5 s. 4 d. 6. Lac vitae For Rickets Worms Green-sickness Diseases of the Mother and weakness or sikicshness of the stomach the Dose is as the last and to be repeated and continued as long as there is occasion the price also is 5 s. 4 d. the pint 7. Radix vitae In Coughs shortness of breath Vomiting Loosness Griping pains in the Head or Stomack in Fevers also and Pestilence or any occasion with or without Fevers Agues c. The Dose from 2 to 6. Ounces or larger quantities and to be repeated and continued as long as there is occasion the pint is 6 s. note that 3 small usual spoonfuls make an ounce 8. Nutrix vitae For Consumptions Defluxions a great strengthner also may be familiarly used for preservation of health strength and chearfulness from 2 to 4 6 or 8 ounces the pint 8 s. 9. Salus vitae For all difficult Cases Infectious Feverish Pestilential or Dangerous in Small Pox Measels Agues of all kinds with Vomitings Loosness Gripings Virulent Scaldings or Itchings over the body sore Mouth or Throat violent Coughings Headach or Toothach with or without swellings the Dose from 2 to 4 and 6 Ounces and after 4 hours time to be repeated and continued as there is occasion at 8 s. the pint 10. Medulla vitae For Wastings and all Weaknesses especially in fears of miscarriage of singular efficacy against Consumptions with or without Oeavers the Dose from two to four and six ounces but in Milk as warm as from the Cow or in Oatmeal and Milk or any other Spoon-meat as nothing is like pleasant so also is nothing a more powerful strengthner or improver of Nature two spoonfulls to a mess suffiseth at 12 s. per pint 11. Deliciae vitae Against Sadness Melancholly a great reviver and though the dose be from 2 to 4 and 6 ounces yet half a spoonful held in the mouth a while and after swallowed generally makes so great a chearfulness in the most indisposed and dejected as hath been admired and by perseverance alters from a sad to a chearful constitution and conversation the price is 20 s. the pint 12. Stella vitae Very powerful in Swoonings and all Extremities As also for extinguishing most virulent inflammations in any part of the body arising from impure venomous Causes the Dose from 1 to 2 4 and 6 ounces as to the amazement of some Arts-men and observers hath with safety and wonderful success been even daily taken by divers and so used hath been also very prevalent in pleuretick shortness and suffocation of breath in violent Vomitings Loosness Griping of the Guts stopping of the stomach stoppage of Urine and Strangury And though very high in Spirit and seemingly hot yet is so safe and innocent that the smallest children partake thereof to great advantage the price is 12 s. the pint 13. Ignis vitae Exceeding high in spirit and of singular use in Lethargies Vertigoes swimming of the Head Dulness of sight and to the wonder of Art in violent Headake and inflamation of the Eyes with or without
refuse the undertaking of any that I either doubt or will not promise to persevere with them and strictly to adhere to Directions upon which being resolved none need to fear success Answerable either to the Instances mentioned in the Touch-stone of Physick or to those Cures since performed by them Some whereof to manifest that they are still the same both in Efficacy and in Performance I shall here recite as followeth 1. A Gentleman about thirty years of age upon an Extream cold taken with great pains over all his body Headake and stoppage at his stomack I sent him 3 ounces of Vindex naturae to be taken a little warm'd last at night which quit him perfectly of his Distemper 2. A Boy about 3 years old taken in so stupid a manner as those who are said to be struck with Death as the Parents verily thought this Child Being somewhat far from me they made use at first of some other means but being worse upon it they sent to me I sent him a small quantity of Radix to be given by a spoonful every hour and 2 ounces of Salus for the night to be taken a little warm at twice and continued for divers days and nights with no appearance of prevailing in the least yet depending solely upon these Medicines they sent to me daily much and often they solicited me to allow a Glister which I durst not admit the malignity being so obstinate besides the child had ordinary stools daily at length I ordered 3 ounces of Athleta naturae Upon which there followed two or three sharp and loose stools whereupon he became perfectly well 3. The Brother of this Child some 2 yeas older was soon after taken very ill also and Feverish but being instantly sent to I ordered him 3 ounces of Vindex which proved to his absolute recovery In all which Cases or the like where thirst molesteth or is feared I always appont White-wine Posset-drink to be freely taken made with a quarter of a pint of White-wine to a quart of Milk and not to exceed in Wine and to use no other Drink if they can be so perswaded but if not then once in four or six hours to admit a draught of 8 shillings Beer with Sugar and a Toast which I desire may be noted as a general Rule and not to be scrupled 4. A young woman layn in and well almost to the end of her moneth upon a sudden had no passage for her water upon which I was sent to her condition being very much feared I sent her half a pint of Vis vitae which being given her at twice warmed within 3 hours time she became perfectly well One almost 70 years of age having contracted some foulness of stomack and sliminess in the Uriters was unexpectedly taken with stoppage of water which he bore awhile as hopeing it might alter of it self being not much provoked nor pained so eat and drank as usual soon after making trial he found the stoppage to continue and withal an unusual aptness to Vomit which he gave way unto and brought up abundance without pain which being ended I ordered him to drink a quarter of a pint of Stella vitae which he did at one draught half an hour after though otherwise well yet still his water staid wherupon I order'd him totake a quarter of a pint of Vis vitae well warm'd which he drank off at one draught and so laid him down upon his bed where he slept so soundy for two full hours that when he wak't he thought it had been but half an hour and then trying to make water it freely issued as at other times and troubled him no more 6. An Elderly Gentleman frequently and vehemently troubled with Gripings Wind and Loosness using much means in Physick being by his Physitian allowed the use of Vis vitae which generally he keeps by him always in readiness never fails of certain relief thereby 7. His Wife generally troubled with Wind and weakness of Stomack having recourse upon all occasions to the use of Sanguis vitae renders her life very secure and comfortable 8. A Gentleman sufficiently able to distinguish of Physick being in London his Wife being Extreamly ill far off in the Country through a long crazed body and then afflicted with intollerable pains all over with debility of stomack and all faculties applyed himself with very anxious solicitation to me as dreading her immediate loss so consulting together we agreed to send her a quart of Radix vitae to take of in it continually a little and little day and night which being taken he received and brought me very joyful tidings of her happy recovery 9. Awhile after the same Gentleman desired my advice for a Gentlewoman quite stuffed up with Flegm and oppressed with an Extream Cough and defect of Appetite upon a little discourse we agreed she should have a pint of Radix to take a little and little all the day and at bedtime 6 spoonfuls and in the night a liitle and little as she sound occasion which through Gods goodness perfectly recovered her 10. A Gentleman about 30 highly Feverish with Vomiting Thirst and Headake and sore all over his body I sent him 3 ounces of Vindex to be taken at Bedtime and to drink White-wine Posset made as afore is mentioned this he took and next morning was much mended and omitted to take any thing all that day but the day following I saw cause to send him 6 ounces of Lac vitae to take by sips all that day and 3 ounces of Vindex for bedtime which enabled him next day to come himself and give me thanks for so happy an alteration with so little trouble and cost 11. A Gentleman about 35 going out of London not very well far off in the Country oppressed with perpetual business even night and day his Body also being not of the firmest Constitution fell into so Extream a Fever and so confusedly ill all over that to preserve himself he was forced to make use of such Helps and Helpers in Physick as the place afforded which was not despicable yet availed nothing upon which his Friends by his Order sends to me his Condition desiring me to send what I thought fit for he was well acquainted with my Medicines and used never to travel without full quantities of them so I sent him a quart of Radix and a pint of Vindex naturae But so obstinate a Distemper was hardly ever heard of for though he had after this much more and larger quantities of Radix and of Vindex Athleta Lumen naturae and Vis vitae and Salus vitae all which he took always with very much assurance of gooâ— â—et by one occasion or other he was so often even upon the point of Death that I became afraid to open the Letters that came from his Disconsolate friends How it came to be thus I could not certainly learn though some imputed it to diversity of advice proceedings of
small occasion if not to worse Distempers arising from the unhappy remains of unwholsome Physick Whil'st the other are no sooner discharged from their main Distemper but in a manner immediately their Strength Stomack Courage and countenance return at once without fear of any after inconveniencies And may well appear a circomstance of no mean consideration to manifest the difference of the means and Medicines And having thus far disburthened my reason of so many important thoughts which I judged worthy the knowledge in this weighty cause of Physick upon which mans happiness so much dependeth wherein my principal aims have been to make the differences of the usual Physick And that which I here propose so apparent that every capacity may be enabled to make their choice accordingly For perfecting this work having been somewhat large in shewing the stilness quietness safeness and untroublesome way of cure by my really benigne Medicines very much resembling the operations and effects not of Terrestrial but of Celestial Influences for a more evident witness of their difference and to put this main point past all dispute I shall here present the whole Entire Process of no mean Physitian but of a most learnred Doctor Engaged in the undertaking of a Cure and by himself published in Print as what he deemed most laudable though the success was doubtful And wherein is chiefly to be minded what afore I have expressed Touching the trouble hazard danger and ill Events of Purging Vomiting Bleeding Glisters Blisters c. And the happiness of that way by which all those are safely and securely avoided His own Relation verbatim being as followeth RIVERIV'S Observations page 36 37 c. The Distempers Denominated Tisick Inflammation of the Lungs and Palpitation of the Heart ON the 8th of April 1632. The Widow of Monsi Sejelory of Mon ' Pelier Starting out of her bed at midnight thinly clad to the window was presently taken with great shortness of breath like a Fit of the Tisick with a Cough spitting of blood a Feaver and readness of Face I being sent for caus'd a vein to be open'd in her right arm and 8 ounces of blood being taken away her shortness of breath presently ceased Afterwards a Laxative Glister was injected and a Julep given her of Red Poppy water Sirrup of Violets Sal prunellae and Confectio de Hyacintho On the ninth day at ten in the forenoon I visit her again and find her in a Fever troubled with a Cough and spitting of bloody matter also she felt a heavy weight in the middle of her breast with an inward burning and pricking in many parts of her Chest I cause her to be let blood in her left arm and that the Glister and Julep should be repeated to anoint her breast with Oyl of Violets and that she lick frequently some Sirrops of Violets after the blood-letting she was presently eased that sense of weight and burning in her Chest were â—bated At five in the Evening the same day conceiving that vapours arose from beneath and humours into her Chest which that shortness of breath did sufficiently declare I cause her to be let blood in the Saphena Vein after which she was also better The night following she took the foresaid Julep again she slept but little On the tenth day in the morning she was better her Fever and other Symptoms were very remiss About the third hour of the Evening she had a coldness in her extream parts with a light sweat in her Feet and palms of her hands after that an aâ—â—te Fever her pulse very much expressed and the sense of heaviness in her chest very much augmented Dr. Ranchinus the Chancellor was called to Consultation who conceived that it was a Pluerisie arising from inflammation of the Mediasticum and by common consent she was Let blood in her right Arm to seven ounces after which also she was better The other Medicines were continued also Frictions Ligatures and Cupping-glasses were applyed to her lower parts On the eleventh day which was the third of her sickness moved with what I had observed in another Disease of the same patient in which she was afflicted by turns with a Flux of her Belly joyned with a Tenesmus and a Catarrh falling upon her breast So that as often as her loosness stopt she was grievously afflicted with her Catarrh and when her Flux recovered her Catarrh presently ceased The humour falling into her breast being drawn downwards I conceived that a Purge would do her most good which I made after this manner Take leaves of Bâ—gloss and Lettice of each one handful Tamarind haâ—â—â—â— ounce Liquorice â—hâ—ee drâ—â—s Violet flowers 〈◊〉 Pugil boy all to â—our ounces in the strained Liquoâ— dissolve one dram of Rubarb infused in Begloâ—â— water with yellow Sanders Manna and firrup of Roses of each one ounce make all into a potion which she took in the morning and voided much Flegmatick Wheyish sharp and stinking matter nevertheless the Disease was more violent towards the Evening than formerly yet her Pulse was not oppressed as before and the weight in her breast was less But she felt a pain about her right Chanel bone which encreased by handling the same she slept little that night she took Emulsions frequently The fourth day of her Disease and the twelfth of the moneth when as in the morning her Fever and the pain in her Chanel bone continued Dr. Ranchinus was again called to Consult and besides the foresaid Symptoms a great palpitation of the heart which appeared also in her right Hypocondrium also in her right side but it lasted not long there But about her heart it continued and did beat like a Hammer violently she was again Let blood in her right Arm. And an Ovntment was appointed for the part pained and Remedies to revel the humours to the lower parts About Evening the Disease was again exasperated and the Palpitation continued some hours after she did sweat a little all her body over by which she was a little eased But her Palpitation and Fever continued as before when we began to suspect that Vapours did arise from her Womb we prescribed her a Glister for the Mother Frictions Ligatures and Cupping-glasses to be applyed to her lower parts Emplastrum Hystericum was applyed to her Navel and a Julep was given her to assist her sweating of Scabious and Carduus water with Bezoar stone and half an ounce of Orange flower water in regard of her womb In the night she had three large stools of stinking corrupt matter after midnight she slept quietly till morning On the fifth day of the Disease I found her in the morning with a small Fever without any oppression in her breast or any pain and with very little Palpitation of heart about Evening she did sweat a little and was better afterwards After she had voided her Glister her palpition was augmented her Fever became more intense and she was pretty well in the Night On the sixth day all
Physitians or Chyrurgions near him which unnoted by him or his dearest Friends might perplex nullifie the operation of these Medicines Nevertheless by Degrees he gaind so much strength or rather so much courage as to resolve for London where with difficulty he arrived But his residence being near to a Physitian his friend and being then on the suddain Extream ill he fell into the general course of Physick which held a long time and had very various successes very much through a strange unchect liberty he took in Diet helping himself notwithstanding now and then with a large Bottle of Radex and at length got so much strength as to adventure to refresh himself in the Country But withal depending so much upon my Medicines that he caused to be sent immediately after him 7 pints of Vis vitae and 2 pints more before he came back and through mercy returned so well as to pursue his occasions and which hath not since failed him and seems still to have as high if not a more high Esteem of these Medicines and I believe he hath good cause for it or he would not as he since hath done commended their use to his best Friends in all their occasions And I conceive under God ascribes unto them very much of his preservation It being also very presumable his recovery had been far sooner and more perfect had he not been diverted but solely depended on their assistance 12. A young Lad taken suddenly so Extream ill and Feverish that the Mother knowing his weak nature doubted he could not live twice two ounces of Vindex for two nights given him prov'd to his recovery 13. The same Lad a while after fell into another Distemper lying continually in a senseless stupid condition I gave him 2 ounces of Vindex mixt with half an ounce of Ignis vitae for one night and the like for next night which perfectly cured him 14. A young Gentlewoman always upon taking cold and preternatural stoppages Extreamly afflicted with sharp violent pains all over her body but more especially in her head never fail'd of recovery by the use of Radix vitae in the day-time to the quantity of half a pint taken by little and little and by six ounces of Vita naturae taken by two ounces a night for three nights together 15. A young Boy far off in the Country being accustomed to Extream fits of Crying a Gentleman related to the Family noting how he writhed his body at such times told the Parents he was perswaded the Child was troubled about the passage of his Water and being well acquainted with my Medicines advised the use of Vis vitae which being given day and night by little and little perfectly cured him wherein they used about three pints or two quarts at most which was no great cost for persons of Quality 16. A youth about seventeen strong and healthful upon a suddain without any manifest cause became Extreamly ill with violent pains in his head sickishness at his stomack sore all over his body with some Giddiness it was a time when the Small Pox was very rife but he having had them and my advice instantly taken I thought it best to arm as if it might prove the Pestilence and so gave him three ounces of Vindex and a good quantity of Radix to use little and little refreshing himself therewith continually But for all this a Vomiting seased him with Extream thirst and restlessness and binding of his body I wisht his Kinred might be acquainted how he was and to resolve what course to take But it fell out the principal of them within reach understood my way earnestly desiring I would proceed upon which I plyed him continually with Salus vitae till at length the Small Pox plentifully appears and being ordered accordingly with due care he soon began to feel his stomack and strength so far that he presumed one morning to rise without a fire in his Chamber or warming any of his Clothes unknown to any body This struck him down and the Wheals began to grow flat Then his Friend who had the chief care of him being tome to Town he began to be troubled that he was under an unusual Course of Physick ordering one of his own acquaintance to take the charge of him But this the youth refused as being satisfied with the way he was in and so was the Physitian to whose care he was referred which was somewhat rare So I fell to work a fresh with Vindex Salus Radix and the like and in short time recovered him to so much strength as made him so fond therewith that one of his Familiars coming to visit him out of mirth and sportfulness he urged him to sing with him some merry Catch but the party disliking so simple a motion fell into more seriousness with him that he was but newly escaped from as dangerous a Sickness as ever any did that though he were sure the worst was past as for his part he as yet was not other thoughts would better become him But to deal plainly with you said he what ever you think there may be but a step betwixt you and Death and therefore it is fit you better prepare your self But this well meant advice wrought so much farther then he intended that it had like indeed to have cost him his life making so deep an impression that there was no perswasion of any possibility of life so that I was forced to redouble my Cordials and others to convince him that there was no fear of his present Distemper And that now he had nothing to trouble his thoughts withall but how to be thankful to God and walk worthy of so great a Deliverance which at length cured and restored him But may serve for Caution not to lay too much weight upon weak minds in times of sickness nothing being more killing then the affright of Death 17. No sooner was he recovered but the maid that attended him throughout his sickness fell Extreamly ill highly Feverish with intollerable Gripings and pains all over her body But being plyed with Vindex Salus and Radix and at length with Vis vitae in respect to stoppages in four days she perfectly recovered 18. A Gentleman about 30. taken with vehement pains in his left side with stoppage of his breath and thereby in such Extremity that he could hardly speak and then crying out he must either bleed or die Yet when Bleeding hath given him no relief or so little that his misery hath soon returned upon him A quarter of a pint of Vindex hath clearly discharged the fit And when in process of time he hath been troubled again in like manner he hath found speedy remedy by a quarter of a pint of Stella or at most half a pint Other times by as much of Refugium for he hath often been so afflicted yet could never be induced to condescend to any course for rooting out the cause of the Distemper And that because he
their Bills this no inconsiderable Cure cost 18 pence that afore it about 5 s. N. 81. 3 s. N. 80. 4 s. N. 79. 12 s. N. 78. 1 s. proportionable whereunto distempers rightly stated The rest also will rato pro rato appear and well applied might prove a fit remedy for such as in their hearts wish they were dearer though with their tongues they thus play the Bo-peep Lap-wings for every one knows what will not lye 84. A young Merchant extremely weakned and dejected by the violent griping tearing pains of Vomiting and Loosness insomuch that he exceedingly doubted how it would go with him desiring my advice A friend of his also being very ill likewise I gave him a full half pint of Stella he drank the far greater part himself and his friend the rest but such an alteration did it immediately make in him that in an instant he fell into discourse with that freedome and chearfulness as if he had quite forgot his sickness or had not been sick at all And so also was it with his friend and both perfectly recovered without any after complaint or inconvenience and this at 6 s. was thought no hard bargain 85. A Gentlewoman about 30 grievously tormented with Gripes and Loosness by half a pint of Salus taking half at ten in the forenoon and the rest last at night perfectly recovered and about a week after taking Cold again and falling into the same distemper by the like quantity again recovered and continued in health nor was this thought dear though both Cures cost 8 s. 86. A Gentlewoman newly brought to bed troubled over-much with after-pains and vapours I sent her halâ—â— pint of Radix and four ounces of Refugium the Radix she was to sip of continually and three spoonfuls of Refugium in case of any violent fit in the use whereof she found immediate help passing through her time very healthfully and comfortably which bears a material testimony both for their Innocency and Efficacy when in so tender a case they proved so effectual the charge of both also not exceeding the sum of 5 s. which was not thought unreasonable 87. A Child new born opprest with Flegm by the use of two ounces of Arcanum mixt with one ounce of Radix half a spoonful every hour given ceased to be farther troubled 88. An ingenious Gentleman long time troubled with melancholly and in hope of recovery tyred out with Physick being by his Friend possest of my own and my Medicines lity put both himself and his Purse freely into my Cere I was the best Husband I could for him and yet was forced except I would trifle out my Trust between the 10th and 25th of March to put him to full three pound cost but so much to his contentment and recovery that I never took more joy then to note his Noble and generous rejoycing in the pleasantness of his Medicines wondring that things so pleasant could be so efficacious as he found them This Cure was performed by a quart of Radix and a pint of Salus deliver'd the 10th day of March the Radix for the day and the Salus for the night The 15th day I sent him a mixture of Stella vitae and Succus vitae the quantity of a quart the 17th a pint of Salus the 25th a mixture of Spirit of Saffron with four ounces of Arcanum naturae to the quantity of a quart and eight ounces of Salus vitae for nights and this last proportion lasted him four daies So I reckon twenty daies compleated the work which was thought could not have been less then so many weeks nor did he limit me to any time nor did I promise him within any compass so far have I ever been and I doubt not ever shall be from abusing the confidence or trust of any and am confident this Cure would not have been thought dear had it cost ten times the value it did 89. A Gentleman in a very violent Fever sending to me about one in the afternoon I sent him a pint of Radix vitae to take a quarter of it presently and three hours after as much more and at Bed-time the like and to keep the rest as he saw occasion But he being well acquainted with my Medicines and knowing my advices ever rather short then over made more hast and took it all by seven that evening He had upon it five or six stools the Original cause being a Surfeit but by this he was instantly and fully cured and on the sudden made hungry that before could not have eaten any thing And so was it with him in N. 84. 90. One who by over-much hast bruis'd her Breast and long ill thereof received very much comfort by the use of one pint of Vindex naturae 91. One in her Lying-in though well Laid yet falling into dreadful pains and thence into a violent Fever and Lightness of Head with thirst and after some remission by the use of my medicines a desperate melancholly seizing upon her yet being continually plyed with Refugium Vis Salus and Radix a little after her moneth perfectly recovered Cost 30 s. 92. Her Nurse about the time of her recovery having tyred her self with care and watching and falling into extreme griping of the Bowels by one half pint of Sanguis taken at twice perfectly recovered 93. The Child also during the Mothers illness being often dangerously distempered was still reduced to a hopeful state by Radix Salus c. and is in a very good condition 94. A Gentlewoman near 30 extremely afflicted with a second day Ague and wearied with Physick was by a Friend who had esteem of my Medicines recommended to my care her Husband telling me if I could cure her in short time 't was like she would take what I sent her else not I told him I never set nor was not us'd to be set any time so if he thought good to refer her to me and follow my advice I made no difficulty with Gods help to cure an Ague He said he had cause to bethink himself aforehand having very lately paid off a Bill of above twenty pound for Physick for himself and he would be loth his Wife should fall into such handling she having had too much of it her self already I told him 't was more his business then mine and he might do as he pleas'd But the Gentleman that brought him said he knew me better then so as to my clearness in the undertaking and that she should be rul'd by me so I fell to work with Salus for every night and Vis for every day and sometimes Salus for the Fit and other times Refugium and in about eight days cured her with the cost of 22 s. to their wonder and great contentment and this without Visit sight of her or her water or any troublesome operation 95. One between 50 and 60. observing a numness beginning in his fingers and unaptness about his wrists upon taking a pint of Salus by two
his inveterate pain I gave him a pint of Elixir vitae to take by a quarter every night last and so with two pints more so used his pain became absolutely Extinguished only with this I injoyn'd him the forbearance of Wine strong Drink Cheese large Meals or any thing over salt or hard of Digestion and to use none other Suppers but Spoon-meat which perfected the work And this also begot a whole Family of Patients which though not many in number yet had many various occasions very remarkable and very much to his satisfaction as on all opportunities he takes very much pleasure to Demonstrate And though often tempted yet would never admit any other Physitian to come into his house 36. A young sucking Child troubled with a Wind Rupture and such Convulsion-like fits that the most able Physitians knew not what to make of them being thereby and by various Physick brought almost past all hope of recovery my assistance was earnestly desired by his Parents to whom as being their only Child he was very dear I told them that though there were no certainty of it yet he might possibly be recovered but then it must be by perseverance in the use of fit means which if they pleased to allow I would faithfully do my utmost they said they were so well satisfied of my Integrity and the hopefulness of my way that they would confine me neither in time nor cost Whereupon I advised 3 ounces of Vindex to be given a spoonful every two hours and two spoonful in the time of his fits This somewhat mitigated them but this not willingly taken but by force put the Child almost into a fit every time he took it upon this I changed it for Clavis naturae which was freely taken And with which being plyed for some two moneths brought the Child into a very perfect state of health to the Exceeding joy of his Parents and all their Relations 37. A Gentleman about 40 taken very ill and Feverish and under much perplexity whom to trust upon some Encouragement of friends and Discourse with me put himself into my hands and in three Dayes by the assistance of Radix vitae to his wonder became perfectly well and hearty 38. An Elderly Gentlewoman being taken with Extream Gripes and Loosness seeking to me for help missing of me sell into other hands but finding no help sent to me so I sent her half a pint of Salus vitae to be taken at thrice in 3 hours time which restored her perfectly to her health 39. One who had three young Children all at one time sick of Agues I ordered her a quart of Sanguis to be given to each of them a spoonful two or three as they would freely take once in two hours and Double the quantity in their fits in which course with three Quarts they all recovered 40. A Gentlewoman troubled often with Fevevers and Fits of the Mother generally recovered by Succus vitae Her Husband also afflicted with an Extream Cough which his neighbours would frequently tell him it would be a Church-yard Cough which is an unhandsome way of Discouragement wherewith many do a great deal of mischief to weak people by the use of Salus Radix Vindex and Stella perfectly recovered And when after much busseling in business he had contracted a most inveterate Ague by these medicines also he recovered Also a son of theirs that had such strange Fits that most that saw him in them would iudg him bewitcht by help of Salus recovered And a very young Child of theirs taken with a most tearing violent hooping Cough by help of Succus vitae mixt with a third part of Refugium soon quitted the hooping But then he fell into Convulsion Fits so fierce and frequent that they never saw nor I ever heard the like in so much as they were out of all hope yet so long as it lived would not omit the use of means desiring me to spare for nothing I thought might give it relief Upon which I ordered half a pint of Salus vitae the Child being Extreamly hot thirsty and Feverish also to be given by a spoonful every half hour so that was soon spent and an other and a third also and then long and slippery strong stools succeeded after which he soon perfectly recovered But this being a Family that is never without Sanguis for ordinary occasions nor Lac vitae for worms Salus vitae or Radix I should be over large if I should recount all the advantages they have recieved by them and by which being taken in time they prevent many mischievous inconveniences 41. A Gentleman about 30 having often recovered from threatning sicknesses and having seen his wife much assisted by them in time of Child-birth and his bothers Exceedingly relieved in Melancholly and in Extream Fits of the Gout is arrived to such an Esteem of their absolute and General fitness for mans body that he professes seriously to believe that it would be much for mans happiness to forsake all other both Beer Ale and Wine and even at meals and all other occasions to drink no other drink And that had he the World at will as they say he avouches he would do it so this is a Family you 'l say to the purpose 42. A young Gentlewoman full of Difficulty in Childbirth upon taking 2 ounces of Vindex mixt with an ounce of the tincture of Saffron which I keep always in readiness of an Extraordinary vertue instantly became a happy Mother But towards the end of the Moneth taking an Extream Cold was afflicted with violent Gripings and Faintings that they could hardly keep life in her so that she was fain to take in a little space 4 ounces of Vindex and as much Stella which soon eas'd her and after those half a pint of Radix slowly used perfected her health 43. Another young Gentlewoman full of Difficulty with her first Child-birth found also present help by the last mentioned Cordial in like occasions and indeed by long and large Experience stands as an undoubted assistant in all such cases This Child also proving somewhat sickly and sometime Dangerously hath never failed of speedy remedy by Radix Salus Succus mixt with Refugium when fits appeared and is so confirmed that both for her self and husband and friends as far as she can perswade with them these Medicines are solely depended on and this not only because of these Successes but whâ—n before marriage she lived in much perplexity about the Small Pox after she once understood the almost certainty of recovery by my Medicines she cast all fear away and not much shunning the infection as she used to do had them but using timely Salus vitae was not sick at all so much difference is there between fear and not fear and was well instantly Then when being with child a bleeding took her somewhat threatning and other times fear of miscarriage having recourse to these she became soon quit of her Distempers
ounces every night became well setled and free from that threatning Infirmity 96. A Child about 4 year old worn and wasted extremely with a violent Ague recommended to me by the Gentlewoman last afore-mentioned cured perfectly by much the same means and time to very great satisfaction 97. A Gentlewoman big with-child taken with most violent Gripings with Vomiting and Loosness depending day and night solely upon these Medicines as Stella Vindex Salus Radix and taking plenty of them in very few days perfectly recovered without any detriment in her doubtful condition 98. A Gentlewoman about 40 troubled with tedious pains in her Head Stomack Back and sore all over her body and wearied out and as by her discourse I judg'd much injured by unwholesome Physick with a pint of Refugium taken by two ounces every night perfectly recovered to her joy and admiration 99. One near thirty stopt in his Nostrils with loss of smelling a fleshy flâ—p as he discoverd it troubling the part I gave him two ounces of Ignis vitae and ordered him frequently to hold about 3 drops in his mouth a good while before he swallowed it and to wet a little Wool with Ignis and put it up to the place affected and keep it till the heat was much spent and then to renew it He did thus from the 11th of May till the 7th of June 1669. when his stoppage was cleared his smâ—lling restored and the loosend Filme fixed in due order he took as much more in hope by the use of it to strengthen his sight which began to be very weak the cost was 4. s. We had much discourse how I should be succesful in a Distemper so unusual And I told him I was often troubled with Questions whether I had ever seen or cured this or that Distemper to very little purpose though those that put it think themselves very wise and wary in it and build much upon it There being a time when the greatest Practiser had not cured any one Distemper so that it was not so much what he had seen or cured but how well he was furnished with knowledge and Medicines for all occasions which thosewho were troubled with distempers were principal to consider because those of upright consciences will never undertake any thing but what they judg they are wholly provided for 100. A Gentleman about 40 long time troubled with a second day Ague and Extreamly weakned thereby with loss of Appetite and restlesness upon his well dayes Desiring my help with the cost of 30. s. in the Medicines forementioned in about 10 days time perfectly recovered to his great contentment having much business depending on him 101. A Child his friends hopeless of life so violently was it troubled with Vomiting Looseness and Gripings by the use of small quantities of Vindex as a spoonful once in two hours and of Radix other whiles a spoonful in few days was throughly recovered 102. A Child Extreamly molested with Gripes Loosness Cough and spice of Convulsion fits with two Ounces of Salus and 2 ounces of Refugium mixt with Succus vitae was presently recovered 103. A Mother and her Daughter by stoppages and Vapours exccedingly pained in their Head Back and Stomack with violent Gripings in their Bowels recovered by half a pint of Vis vitae 104. A Child of six years old taken with pains all over the body with tremblings in her hands loss of Appetite and violently burning which proved very Difficult yet in four dayes time with the cost of 10 s. perfectly recovered 105. One near 50 taken with a twisting pain upon his Loins that he could hardly go and not without great painfulness taking at one draught a quarter of a pint of Stella vitae well heated immediately was restored to his strength and walking he took as much more home with him for night which confirm'd the work 106. A Gentlewoman near 40 taken with a violent pain in her shoulder all along her Arm and most part of both made raw by Plaisters her hand very much swoln stiff and pained I I gave her whil'st she was with me 6 ounces of Vis vitae she took it slowly and by degrees And for that night 3 ounces of Vindex naturae which remitted much of the pain and smelling Next night 3 ounces more of the same Discharged the whole Distemper and perfected the Cure 107. One upon aâ— most Dreadful Surfet under pains Fever and restlesness by twice 4 ounces of Refugium perfectly recovered 108. A young man earnestly desired me to give his friend something to comfort him in an Extream Illness reckoning up so many sad Effects he lay under as more could hardly have been had he been taken with the Pestilence withal telling me they had sent for a Doctor I told him I must then be excused for sending any thing thither and so I Dismis'd him Some dayes after he comes to me again telling me he had been bled and Purges given him but without stools or any amendment Vomited all he took was extream thirsty and restless And that he earnestly desired to have of my Medicines being resolved to take nothing else 't was a Family understood them very well so I sent four ounces of Vindex half for bedtime and the rest with in the night next Day he had stools and in all respects much amended next night he took as much more which quit him of all his Distempers and next night 4 ounces of Radix vitae perfected his Cure 109. A young Gentlewoman very little recovered out of a violent loosness occasioned by a Surfet somewhat unexpectedly was very well brought to bed of a very hopeful Child but within 3 days time became so Disturbed in her head and all over her body that Pestilential madness could hardly Exceed it yet at worst had so much remembrance of the good she had often received by these Medicines that as she took freely of them so would she hear of nothing else and though some about her and some visitants shook their heads when they saw her continue long under her Extremities giving out Cautions and words of Discouragements at the use of so great a quantity of hot things as they would call them fearing she would fall under rhem Yet through Gods goodness they proved her preservation when in all probability any other way had been her ruine 110. And her Child soon changing and into a green and ill coulored Loosness and through neglect of giving Salus and Radix according to the Fathers order as deeming it over hot and altogether improper for the Child and so gave according to other Directions such insignificant things as Children frequently suffer by and so long till this Child became so weak as not to stir a foot or finger or open its Eyes for a Day together to the Parents and my Extream torment to see such pernicious wilfulness in ignorance nor had the Child possibly escpaed but that it pleased God when all hope was almost past a