A WATCHMAN FOR THE PEST. TEACHING The true Rules of Preservation from the Pestilent Contagion, at this time fearfully overflowing this famous City of LONDON.  
COLLECTED Out of the best Authors, mixed with ancient experience, and moulded into a New and most plain Method; BY STEVEN BRADWELL of London, Physician. 1625.  
LONDON Printed by john Dawson for George Vincent, and are to be sold at Pauls-gate at the sign of the Crosskeys. 1625.   

¶ To the Reader.  
HIPPOCRATES saith, 
Li. de Probitate Medici boni, ad tempus appositi sunt, ad occasionem eripiendum accommodati.  That good Physicians do apply themselves to the present Time, and to take hold of the Occasion. The present Time (good Reader) is Woeful, & the Occasion, Dangerous: I know it was not his meaning that we should only grieve for the first, and flee from the latter; but to lend our assistance to the necessity of the Time's calamity. I have but little water to draw, yet would I gladly bring my bucket-full to the quenching of this contagious flame; and if it be but kindly regarded; I am friendly rewarded: for I profess, not affectation, but true affection; not a hope of praise, but a heart of pity, draws me (or rather drives me) to offer my counsel in this case. LONDON is my Mother; in her womb had I both Birth and Breeding. What Son can see his Mother woefully afflicted, dangerously sick, and desperately forsaken; but he must needs weep for her tears, labour her recovery, and lend a hand (at least) to hold her up? I may not take upon me to cure the Sick, because I meddle not with the Sickness (for to practise on the Plague now, would prove a plague to my Practice hereafter) but I must labour to preserve the sound; because by profession I am a Physician. Therefore I call this Book, A Watchman for the Pest, because it doth only (as if it were a Warder) stand at the door without, and deliver things necessary for preservation to those within; but neither enters the infected house, nor meddles with the Cure of the Contagious. I expect from divers conceits divers Censures of this Book. It is too long, too short, too solid, too idle, too full, too slender; and I know not what. Yet I hope the judicious will vouchsafe it the reading; and the wise, the observing: as for the rest, I will neither favour the Frivolous, fear the Envious, nor flatter the Curious. I know though Hercules labour his heart out, he shall not be able to appease a juno, nor please an Euristeus. Therefore if I be not relished, I shall think the mouth is out of taste, since there is scarce a word, but I can prove his worth from good Authority. If I be grateful to thy palate (good Reader) I will not be ungrateful to thy person; But if ever thou wilt use me, thou shalt find me  
From my Study in Mugwell-street. july 18. 1625. Ready to my power to do thee any pleasure, STEPHEN BRADWELL.   

A WATCHMAN FOR THE PEST.  
TULLY (whose Method was as pleasing as his Matter) sets this down as a savoury Maxim in Method; 
Proëmium.  Omnis quae à ratione suscipitur de aliqua re institutio, debet à Definitione proficisci, ut intelligatur quid sit id de quo disputatur. l. 1. de Officijs. To follow him therefore, though (but as Ascanius followed his Father Aeneas) non passibus aequis; Him, I say, whom hardly any hath happened to go along with foot by foot in fluent sweetness: I will begin this Discourse with the Definition of the Pest; And while I lay open the several points of the Definition, I will discover the Causes, the Kind and Qualities, and the Signs and Symptoms of it. And withal (in their several places) I will lay down the Rules of Preservation, with good Medicines; whereby the further spreading of the pestilent Infection may (by God's blessing) be prevented.  

¶ The Definition.  

The Name.  The Plague, is a popular Disease: sent immediately from God; 
The Causes.  wrought by the Constellations of the Heavens, the Corruption of the Air, and the Disorder of Man's Diet: At the first striking to the Heart, 
The Qualities.  is Venomous, Deadly, and Infectious: And for the most part accompanied with a Favour; 
The Symptoms and Signs.  As also with Spots called Gods-Tokens, or with a Blayne, or Botch, or Carbuncle.  

The Name.  This word Plague; in Latin Pestis; in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: signifieth a deadly fretting. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being the same with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quoth efficient defectum hominum; or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pernicies, seu exitium. Hypocrates gives it a style of distinction, calling it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Morbus communis: a common or Popular Disease. That it is a Disease, needeth no proof at all, since it manifestly affecteth the body contrary to nature, and hurteth the actions thereof. That it is Popular is also apparent, in this, that when it once entereth into a Country, City, or Town; it over-runneth the same like a torrent, and few escape at least a scratching with it, if they be not deeply bitten by it: yea more are stricken and slain by it, many times (especially in the place where it hath gotten full strength) then of all kinds of diseases else whatsoever. And so much for his Title.  

Now, That It is immediately sent from God, 
The first and principal cause is God.  it is evident by many proofs of holy Scripture. As Deut. 28.21. and in the same Chapter at the 22. verse, he saith; The Lord shall smite thee with a Favour, and with a Consumption, with an Inflammation, and with an extreme burning. In which words are expressed the painful Symptoms of the Plague: viz. a Favour, (which I shall prove hereafter) a Consumption (which being understood of Calor naturalis, the heat and life of nature, is apparent) an Inflammation, by which the swelling called the Botch is signified; and by an extreme Burning, the deadly Carbuncle is lively described. If we desire examples; the Botch is plainly specified in the plague of Pharaoh and his servants; Exod. 9 Chap. 10. and 11. verses, and in the Sickness of Hezekiah, Isaiah 38.21.  
Seeing then the Allmightie God of Heaven and Earth in wrath & justice sendeth this Plague upon us, 
The way of Cure.  let us know that as the treacle for our bodies is consected of the flesh of earthly Serpents: so the Triale for our souls must be made of the blood of that brazen Serpent, which was lifted upon the Cross for our sins. Let every man be to his own soul and family an Aaron to take with speed his Censor of Repentance; fill it with fire from the Altar (of the exceeding great and precious promises of God in Christ. 2 Pet. 1.4.) and put the Incense of faithful Prayer thereon; and run quickly and make an atonement: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the Plague is begun.   

Sometimes the Constellations of the Heavens are the second cause by which God worketh and bringeth these judgements on men. For Astrologers are of opinion, 
The influence of the Stars, the second cause.  that if Saturn and Mars have dominion (especially under Aries, Sagittarius, and Capricornus) the Pestilence is shortly to be expected. Or if those two (the most malevolent) be in opposition to the gentle Planet jupiter; the effect of that opposition is the Plague. As the Poet singeth: 
Coelitus imbuitur tabo difflatilis aura,  
Mars quando obij●itur Falcitenensque jovi.   
I know there be many learned men that think the stars because they are good and pure creatures, can bring forth no evil, nor impure effects: And amongst these Valeriola (in Append. ad loc. come. cap. 2.) thinks he hath so absolutely satisfied the point, that no objection may ever be made more: yet I am of Mercurialis his opinion, that though of themselves primarily they do no evil; yet accidentally, they may and do.  
For the Sun of itself being the purest of them all, by drawing the vapours out of dunghills and other corrupt things, causeth a noisome stench by accident. But I intent not this Treatise for disputation.  

The cure of this Cause, is the same with the former.  If the Stars be pestilently bend against us; neither Arts, nor Arms; perfumes, nor prayers, can prevail with them, who have neither pity nor sense, nor power to alter their appointed motion. But He that commandeth their course, and altereth them at his pleasure; He that made the Sun and Moon stand still for josuah: yea, drew the Sun back ten degrees for Hezekiah, and caused the Stars to fight in their courses against Sisera. He is able both to hinder and heal all Infections can arise from their Influences. The cure of this cause (therefore) is the same with the former.   


The Corruption of the Air, the third cause.  The third cause of the Pestilence, is; The corruption of the Air. Which corruption ariseth as well from sublinarie accidents, as from the Influences of the Stars. For noisome vapours arising from filthy sinks, stinking sewers, channels, gutters, privies, sluttish corners, dunghills, and uncast ditches; as also the mists and fogs that commonly arise out of fens, moors, mines, and standing lakes; do greatly corrupt the Air: and in like manner the lying of dead rotting carrions in channels, ditches, and dunghills; cause a contagious Air. As the Poet affirmeth:  Corpora foeda iacent, vitiantur odoribus aurae. 
And even without these vapours, 
The Air is corrupted by the winds and weather.  the Air sometimes is corrupted by the unseasonableness of the weather, Quum tempestiva intempestiuè redduntur, as saith Hypocrates: when the weather is unseasonable for the season of the year; being hot when it should be cold; moist when it should be dry; and contrarily. These preposterous orders, or rather disorders in the constitution of the Air, render it unwholesome, and infectious. And this is caused chiefly by the Aspects of the Planets, and many times also by unwholesome Winds; as especially the South wind, who (being of temperature moist and warm) fills the Air with such a corrupt quality, as is soon turned into putrefaction, and many times doth easily transport a contagion from one coast to another.  
Now for the Temperature of the Air, 
What Constitution of the Air is most Contagious.  the whole stream of opinions runneth upon hot and moist, as the fittest matter for infection, because most apt to putrefaction. So Hypocrates (in the second of his Epidem.) saith, that in Cranon a City of Thessaly, there arose putrid Ulcers, Pustuls, and Carbuncles; through the hot and moist constitution of the Air. And the same he urgeth again in the third Book of the same Treatise. And Galen in 1 de Temperam. cap. 4. affirmeth, that the hot and moist constitution of the air doth most of all breed pestilent Diseases. And from these a multitude of later Writers have learned to speak the same thing. But for all this we know that the hot and dry weather also may cause a pestilent Air. And so saith Avenzoar in his third book, third tract. and 1. chap. And Titus Livius in li. primo, decade. 4. recordeth that Rome was once infected with the Plague by a hot and dry distemper of the Air. And we cannot forget what a hot & dry parching Summer we had this last year; most fit to be the unfortunate forerunner of this years' pestilence: which now being seconded with such abundance of moist weather all this Spring and Summer hitherto; we may well doubt that a deluge of destruction is coming upon us.  
Hence we may see the misery of man, 
The necessity of the Air.  that (be the Air never so corrupt) he must draw it in with his breath continually, for without it we cannot live a moment: for as meat and drink are the nourishments of our bodies, so is the Air the nourishment of our Spirits: As therefore by corrupt meats our bodies are corrupted and diseased; so by corrupt Air our Spirits are easily infected, and soon extinguished. Therefore we have great cause to take heed that the Air we draw be pure and wholesome.  

The Cure of this Cause.  And this may be effected two ways: either by flying into a good, or by purifying the evil Air.  

Flight.  The surest way to safety is to fly from the impure into a pure Air. Those therefore (that have means, and no special Calling to hinder them) do well to take hold of this counsel. Which 1. Nature teacheth in giving Man two legs, as well as two arms, that if his enemy be too fierce for resistance, he may escape by running. Now Nature hath no worse enemy than Death; nor Death a better 〈◊〉 than the Plague. Secondly, the holy Scripture teacheth it. 〈…〉 verse. Come my people enter into thy secret place, shut thy doors about thee, hide thyself as it were for a season, until the indignation be over past. So Pro. 22.3. The prudent man forseeth the plague, and hideth himself. And David was this Prudent man, for (1 Chron. 2●. last) he durst not go to the Tabernacle to offer at Gibeon, because he feared the sword of the Angel. And thirdly, Physic adviseth it. For Hypocrates, the Prince of Physicians (in his Book de Natura humana) counselleth it in these words; Providendum est ut quam paucissimus Aeris influxus corpus ingrediatur, et ut ille ipse quam peregrinissimus existat: Regionum etiam locos, in quibus morbus consistit, quantùm eius fieri potest permutare oportet. By which he intendeth that a man must be careful to let into his body as little Air as can be possibly; and that that Air which he doth entertain, be a stranger to the Infected. And this be interpreteth in the clause following, where he saith, He must (as far as he may) change the place of the Region in which the Sickness reigneth, for some other that is free from it. And this is that which is meant by Citò, Longè, and Tardè. Which jordanus calleth an Antidote made of three Adverbs: and thus versifieth upon them.  
Haec tria tabificam pellunt Adverbia Pestem:  
Mòx, longè, Tardè; cede, recede, redi.  
I will be bold a little to Comment upon these words, in this wise.  
Fly with speed from the infected place, 
Citò Cede.  lest by a little linger, that infection (which you would leave behind you) go along with you. And nothing can be more dangerous then for one to travail with his humours already corrupted by an infected Air. For with the motion of his body, those humours are stirred, disturbed, and heat; which causeth them to putrefy presently: by which putrefaction of the humours, the vital Spirits are instantly inflamed and infected, and life itself soon extinguished. Besides that, in their going forth, before they are gotten beyond the limits of the evil air; in the labouring of their body, they fetch their breath oftener and deeper than at other times; whereby they draw in a greater quantity of the corrupt Air to minister more matter to the putrefaction begun. Therefore fly quickly, and in flying go softly, till you be quite out of the contagious Air.  
And fly not a little way, but many miles of, 
Long recede.  whither there is no probability of common trading, or recourse of people from the place forsaken: and where there are high hills betwixt you and the infected coast; which may break of those blasts of wind that would at sometimes blow that corrupted Air from thence upon you. Moreover, if you be able, choose your habitation well and health-fully situated.  
A house is well situated that stands on high ground, 
Choice of habitation.  far from fens, moors, marshes, and mines: having the doors and windows opening to the North and East; not to the West, for that is not wholesome; nor (by any means) to the South, for that being hot and moist, is most subject to contagion in sickly times. Let the house be large, and the rooms many and spacious. 
How to let in fresh Air.  In hot weather, open those windows that are toward the North; in cold, those that are to the East. If there be doors or windows toward the other coasts, keep them for the most part very close shut. In the night, leave no window open at all. If the weather be moist, open your windows toward the good coasts two hours after Sunrising, and let them not stand open above two hours' space: and so again, for two hours before Sunset.  

Tardè redi.  Lastly, be not hasty to return, so soon as you hear that the heat of the Contagion is abated; but keep away as long as any sign of the Sickness remaineth; taking this for a sure rule, That it is less danger to tarry still in the infected Air, then to come into it from that which is pure and wholesome: for a fresh comer is aptest to catch the least contagion, and the very relics of infection are sufficient to kill him. Learn therefore of the Wolves of Thracia, who in Winter, when the rivers are covered with ice, will not venture over for their prey (though they be never so hungry) till they have laid their ear close to the ice; then if they hear no noise of water under it, they know the ice is thick enough to bear them, and over they go; otherwise not. Let the space of three months pass upon the last infected person in that quarter whither you desire to resort: and let the house all that time (and all the stuff therein) be throughly well aired, and perfumed before you return. For the infection will cleave to the walls and stuff a long time, and will hardly be purged out of them: especially garments and bedding, if they have been used by the sick of the Plague. woollen clothes will retain the infection three or four years, except they be well and throughly aired. Blankets, Coverlets, and rugs must have much airing before they may be trusted. Furs also retain it long, and it is hardly gotten out of them; as appear by a story which Fracastorius telleth of a Furred Gown that was the death of five and twenty men in Verona, in the year 1511. who one after the other wore it, thinking they had still aired it sufficiently. Featherbeds will remain seven years infected, if Alexander Benedictus may be believed; and these are best to be purged by opening the Tikes, and spreading the feathers abroad very thin, perfuming them very often, and ever as they are airing, let them be turned with staffs or sticks; and let this be so done for many days together. As for Mattrises, Mats, and such like, it is best that they be burnt, for that is the surest way to free them from infection.  
But now, Some men cannot, and some must not fly. 
Who must not flee.  Some through poverty, and want of friends in the Country; or by reason of the dependence of their living upon the Town infected, cannot leave it. Others whose calling and learning hath set them apart for the common good, must not go. As Magistrates and other officers who are called to see the peace and good orders kept. Ministers that have pastoral Charges, and are commanded of GOD to preach in season and out of season, and to administer the Sacraments to those which are able to repair to the church. Also Physicians, Chyrurgians, Apothecaries, Midwives, Keepers, and Searchers, whose callings are to be helpful to the sick and weak (though not of the Plague, yet of other griefs) they ought (at least a convenient number of them, for the number of people remaining) to tarry and follow those Christian employments which they have undertaken, not for their own benefit only, but for the Commonwealth chiefly.  
Such therefore as must tarry, let them observe these rules following.  
First, fly from company, 
How those that tarry are to order themselves.  and be contented to live as solitarily as your calling and business will give leave. Let those that come to speak with you, come no nearer you than they must needs; and if you stand to talk with another, be distant from him the space of two yards. But if you suspect the party to have the infection, let the space of four yards at the least part you. Let the sound man be careful also to give the other the wind; that is, so to stand that the wind may blow from the sound to the suspected, and not contrarily: and let the sound man turn away his face from him, holding and champing also some fit thing in his mouth, and smelling to some odour all the while he is in discourse with the other, or near unto him: (which things in particular I will prescribe hereafter.) Shun all places that are moist and wet. In Summer keep you temperate, but always dry: in Winter keep warm, and as much as you can, near the fire. At all times avoid all close alleys and lanes (especially to lodge in them) or near common sewers, ditches, or such like noisome places. And keep out of crowds and assemblies of people as much as you may. Dwell not in an house that is pestered with much company in little room. It is good also for those that are able, to shift beds, and chambers often, airing them every day.  
When the Air is cloudy, thick, moist or misty, go not forth but upon necessity; and in such weather, keep the doors and windows shut. Walk not abroad in the morning (if you can choose) till two hours after Sun rising; nor at all after Sunset, unless urgent occasion enforce. And in the heat of the Sun in Summer (especially about noon) tarry not abroad; neither sit, stand, nor walk in the heat of the same. 
For than is the brain more full of excrementitious humours & the whole body aboundeth more with moisture; therefore more apt to entertain putrefaction. Purging of the impure Air.  In the full of the Moon, go not forth in the night, and keep your head something warmer at that time then at other times. Keep moderation between heat and cold in your lodging and bedding. Last of all, whatsoever you receive from the hands of another (especially if suspected) touch it not before it have been cleansed, by boiling, or at least by washing in warm water; if it may not spoil or deface the thing: otherwise, air and perfume it well. And thus much for flying into a pure Air.  
Now we are to purify the purified Air. And herein first I must distinguish Air into two kinds, viz. General and Special. By Air general, I mean the whole open Air of the Region. By Special, I intent, either that which is enclosed in houses; or that which is immediately next the person of every one, for the space of some few yards compass round about the Body, whether within doors or without, wheresoever it goeth or abideth.  
And first for the general Air of the Region. 
Purging of the General Aire.  That is to be purged and rectified, first by clean sweeping and washing of the streets, lanes, courts, allies and other ways and passages of the City; leaving in them no dirty puddles, dunghills, or dead carrions. Also by often casting out the mud of the Town ditches, and other standing waters. Every morning and evening sweep clean the streets before every man's door: Wash down the channels to keep them sweet. But I like not that slabbering of the pavement before the house, which I see many use in moist wether; for it increaseth the dampishnesse of the Air: excpt it be before the stalls of Butchers and Cooks: or except the dirt can no otherwise be purged away; and then let it be swept dry again, except the Sun do shine so clear and hot, that it is likely to be soon dried thereby.  
But indeed there is no way of purging the Air like to the making of Fires in the streets: 
Fire purgeth the Air best.  so it be done with good discretion; that is, In the evenings; when the weather is moist; and not sultry hot. We read that Hypocrates freed the City of Cranon (before mentioned) and Athens also (as Galen testifieth li, 1. de Theriaca ad Pisonem cap. 16.) by making great bonfires, & burning sweet odours and costly ointments in them. Aëtius also (li. 5. cap. 94.) reports the like to have been done by Acro Agrigentinus, whereby he delivered the greatest part of Greece from the Pestilence.  
Some Physicians that they may be singular, invent strange ways by themselves to purify the Air. 
Strange counsels of Some learned Physicians.  As Cardan persuades to burn leather, or any thing that smells strong though never so stinking; But for my part I am of opinion with Rodericu à Castro, and Laurentius joubertus, that stinking smells cannot make a wholesome purgation of the Air. Therefore I leave his conceit to accompany that of Alexander Benedictus, who would have the dogs that are killed, to be strewed in the streets, that the vapours of their putrefying carcases, might expel the venom of the putrefied Air. With which may also be exploded Averroës his potion of urine, which he esteems an excellent Antidote: I think that which is odious to the nostrils, by which way aliment is conveyed to the Spirits: And that which is noisome to the stomach, by which nourishment is brought to the Body; can be no Cordial. But for the purging of the Air, Rodericus à Castro hath another way, and that easy and cheap (if it be as good.) He affirmeth that it was wont to be much used in Spain in pestilent times: and that is, to drive a great droue of Oxen or Kine through all the streets every day; that their sweet wholesome breath may cleanse the impure Air. It is true, that the breath of those cattle are very sweet and wholesome: But it is to be doubted, that the impure Air being much more in quantity then their breath, will sooner infect them, than they purify it; which if it do, then surely all their flesh will prove but unwholesome meat, and may infect more bodies after they have been at the Butchers; then they have purified streets while they went before the drovers. But the Spainards' eat so little Beef, as they needed the less to fear such poisoning.  

The Author's opinion.  Now for my opinion what way is best to purge the General Aire of the Region. I must needs say that of Hypocrates (before mentioned) is the best, but too costly to be received of our Citizens. Therefore I would advise that Muskets and such like pieces might be discharged in every street, lane, and corner of the City every morning, and every evening. This way (in hot weather) doth not inflame so much as bonfires do by their continued heat, but purify as much, or rather more. For by the blow, the Air is first forcibly moved, shaken, divided and attenuated, and so prepared for purification; & then immediately (by the heat of the fire) purified: and that kind of fire purgeth it better than others, for (by reason of the Sulphur and Sault-peeter) it is exceeding drying; and very wholesome. And that this opinion is not any conceit of mine own; let those that will, Read Levinus Lemnius de Occultis Naturae Miraculis, or Crato in Consilio 275. 
lib. 2. cap. 10.  Or Raymundus Mindererus li. de Pestilentia cap. 20. The Heathens could be at great cost in contagious times; as appears by the precious odours and sweet ointments that Hypocrates consumed in the fires for those Cities before mentioned. Why may not We be at a lesser cost, for the safety of a greater City. GOD is nearer to us, than he was to them; we have his promises to keep us in all our ways; and to prosper our handy works; they had no such comforts to rest upon; Yet they endeavoured and obtained: we obtain not, only because we endeavour not.  
And now I come to the Fourth Cause of the Pestilence, which is   

The Disorder of Man's Diet.  
In the name of Diet are included six things, 
Diet in six Points.  wherein a man ought always to be moderate and regular.  

1. The Air, and I mean the Special Air.  
2. Meat, and Drink.  
3. Repletion, and Evacuation.  
4. Exercise, and Rest.  
5. Seepe, and Watching.  
6. Passions of the Mind.   
These are the six Strings of Apollo's Viol, wherein consisteth the whole harmony of health. If these be in tune, the Body is sound; but if any of these, be either too high wrested, or too much slackened (that is, immoderately used) then is the Body put out of tune, and made subject to any sickness. As one saith well, who hath thus composed those six points, in these two verses.  
Aër, Esca, Quies, Repletio, Gaudia, Somnus:  
Haec moderata iwant, immoderata nocent.  
Let every man (therefore) be careful in these things, and if his own skill be not sufficient to teach him what is temperance; let him observe these rules following.   

First for the Air.  
The Disorders of Diet in respect of Air, or ill choice of habitation; walking, running or riding at unseasonable times, 
The Disorders in the Point of Aire.  as in fogs, mists, dew, rain etc. And in unwholesome places, such as have been reckoned already: as also in drawing into the Body too much of such Air as is Pestilent and contagious.  
To cure this point of Diet, we must proceed in purging the Air; and having done with the general, let us now go to purify the Special, 
The Cure of the Special Air in Houses.  and first of all that which is enclosed within the House.  
Let every room be kept continually very clean; leave no sluttish corners; let no water stand in any vessel so long as to putrify, which in a corrupt Air (especially in hot weather) it will soon do. Cleanse all your vessels often; wash those rooms that are in continual use (both floors and wainscoting) every morning; and (those which are able, wash the Windows, Tables, Cupboards, Stools, Benches, and all wainscotings, in summer with rose-water, and vinegar: and in winter with the Decoction of Rew, Worm wood, Balm, etc. And after these are washed, wipe them always dry again: (for as I said before of slabbering the streets; so, much more unwholesome is it to leave the rooms of the house wet) & having wiped them as dry as you can, air them also presently with fire. A pan of fire set on the floor in the midst of the room is the best & quickest way of aireing it. In the mean time let the windows and doors be shut. 
Observation.  But observe this: Enter not into the room, (at least to tarry) till it be aired, and the fire taken away: because then the heat and moisture are buisily working together, which for the time of working (till the heat have prevailed) is unwholesome. And if you must needs go in, during that time; make haste out again; and set the door wide open while you tarry; for such vapours kept close, have suddenly deprived some of life, before they have felt themselves offended: as Skenckius (in his observ. li. 2. De Partibus vitalibus: 
If you must needs be in the ●ome, let the fire be in the chimney.  observ. nineteen.) proveth by divers examples. And I could name some also of mine own knowledge, if need were. Moreover while these rooms are thus aireing, you may cast into these fires, in Cold weather; juniper, both the wood and the berries; Pitch, Turpentine, Franckencense, Storax, Benjamin, Oken-leaves, 
Airing in Cold weather.  Bay leaves, etc. Also at such a season, you may strew your windows, shelves, & ledges; with Balm, Mints, Lavender, Wormwood, Rew; and such like warming smells. And if the heat of them offend, steep them in Vineager six hours, and then strew them as before.  
In hot weather. Take a tile, or a fier-shovell heated hot, 
In Hot weather.  and pour into it an equal quantity of whitewine vineager and Rose-water wherein a little camphor hath been dissolved, & with this perfume the rooms. At such a time likewise, strew the rooms with Primroses, Rose-leaves, Violets, or some such cool or temperate smelling herbs, as the season will afford.  
In temperate weather, Rosemary and Bay-leaves, in Rosewater, heated in a perfuming pot is very sufficient. Or take Pitch, 
In temperate weather.  Tar, Turpentine, Rosin, of each a like quantity, melt them together on the fire, and to every pound put in a pint of vineager. Boil them to the consumption of the vineager. Burn some of this daily at all seasons, and in all weathers. And if you add to it the wood of juniper made into powder: It will be excellent.  
If any vault or unsavoury sink be so near as to offend any room of the house: Aire that room most, and use it least.  
The other kind of Special Air is said to be that which is immediately next to the person of every one. 
Cure of Special Air about the Body.   

This is to be purged Four ways.  
1. By things held in the mouth.  
2. By odours held to the nose.  
3. By Apparel.  
4. By Annulets.   
For the first. Of things held in the mouth, 
Things held in the mouth.  some be Simple, and some Compound.  
Simple, are Cloves, Citron pills, Roots of tormentil, Angelica, Zedoary, and such like.  

Compound, are such as these following.  
Take of London treacle half an ounce; mix it with the mucilage of Gumm, tragacanth & Rose water, and a little sugar. So make it up into Rolls or Lozenges, hold one in your mouth; and let it dissolve therein, all the while you are near any place or person suspected to be infected.  
You may also, hold Mithridate in your mouth, if the heat offend you not.  
But a piece of a Citron pill alone is best of all in summer; And in winter, a slice of Angelica root.  
Likewise generally at all seasons juniper berres steeped all night in whit-wine Vineager. Or Cloves steeped in Rose vineager.  
And in like manner may you steep slices of the Roots of Angelica, Enulacampane, Zedoary, tormentil etc. In Rose-water and vineager; for they are too hot of themselves.  
And for those that have cold stomaches, green Ginger is exceeding good.  

Odours, Simple.  Secondly. Odours that are to be carried in the hand and held to the nose, are also Simple and Compound.  
Simple, are Balm, Mints, Rue, Wormwood, Penniroyall, Myrtles, Lavender, etc.  
But these hot herbs are not fit for any but cold and phlegmatic complexions to use them Simply and alone. And it is a strange thing to see how all sorts of people play the fools with their own noses; all carrying Wormwood, and thrusting it up into their nostrils. Wherein ten do themselves injury, for one that doth good. For though they perceive not the danger presently; yet it must needs inflame their brain: which being over heat, will send down such ivices to the heart, as shall inflame that also, and so bring them into a burning Favour, which is the high way to that Sickness they most desire to shun. For the Brain is the continual spring that cools the heart; which office if it perform not; the heart will soon over heat itself: how much more will it be over heat then when that which should temper it bringeth distemper to it? But people will be so skilful, that they think they need ask no counsel in these matters: but like a flock of sheep leap one after another, they neither know whether nor wherefore.  
It is good therefore to take the ivices of such herbs as these and mix them with Rose-water and vineager, and so carry a sponge, or handkerchief dipped therein. And observe this.  
Always mix cold smells with hot; and (even for cold constitutions also.) Let the cold odours be most praedominat: for the greatest danger is in over-heating. For hot things though they purge the Air, yet they inflame the Blood and humours. Therefore temper them according to the constitution of the body and weather. Let them likewise be something Sweet. For unsavoury smells do dissolve the Spirits, and weaken the faculties. It is a sure rule, that those things which nature abhoreth, will always hurt her, but never help her: except it be to evacuate in some case of repletion only.   

Now for Compound Odours. 
Compound Odours.   
Take of London treacle half an ounce, Vineager an ounce, Rose-water two ounces. Mix them together till the treacle be well dissolved.  
Then dip a piece of a Sponge in this liquor; and carry it in some little box pierced full of holes, to smell through.  
Or, Take liquid Storax, wash it well in Wine-vineager and Rose-water, wherein some Camphor hath been dissolved. Then mix with it, of the powder of Cloves, and yellow Sanders, as much as will make it thick like Tar; carry it in some Sevit or Pomander-box.  
As for Pomanders; which are the best, both for handsome carriage and continuance of scent. If any will resort to me, I will fit them at diverse prices.  

To wash the face.  Furthermore, It is good also to wash the face, mouth, and nostrils often with strong Vineager, Rose-water and a little Wine, wherein hath been steeped (for six hours together) some thin shave of Zedoary or Angelica, or tormentil roots.  
The poor people may wash them with Fair water and Vineager, and the juice of Rue.  

Apparel.  Thirdly. Apparel is to be a defence against the infectious Air. Which becometh so, by being well made, and well kept.  
To the well making of garments in this respect, there go two points; the Stuff, and the Fashion. For the Stuff, all woollen cloth would be avoided, because it retaineth the infection long: Buff also, Chamois, and such kinds of leather are naught, because they (through their sponginesse) do draw and keep it much more than other wear: Feathers likewise and Fans; being the most needless ornaments, should now be laid aside, for they are also of a nature that retaineth infection long: and so are all kind of Furs; therefore wear none of these if you may choose. But if your purse will serve, buy Grograms, Chamlets, etc. Such as may be watered: for the watering of stuffs through their gumminess, doth best exclude the Air from entering or taking up any loging in the stuffs so dressed. And let the doublets & hose be lined rather with Linen than Fustian, because the woolinesse of Fustian is of kin to the other already found fault withal. As for silks, as Grograms, Taffetas, Satins, they are also very good, but Velvets, Plush, Shag and such like are not so good. Let them be also fitted with linings according to the weather, that they occasion not the Body to sweat through heat, to be tired with weight, nor to catch cold with thinness. For these inconveniences may be occasions of much harm; But taking of cold is the most dangerous of all; for there upon follow putrid Favours: and all of them are friends to the Plague. For the Fashion, avoid much Quilting, and stuffing with Bombast and Hair, for into such things the infected Air will easily get, and hardly forsake them.  
Women usually have Whale-bone bodies which are as good armour as any other. Let the greatest care be to guard the vital parts: But withal there must be some care of all the body: which to guard the better, it is good to wear long Cloaks of such watered stuffs as I have mentioned; which being outermost, excludeth well the outward Air while one is abroad; and when one is come home, they may be laid by, till they have been aired. But for Physicians and Chyrurgians, and such as come among the sick: it is good for them to have long Gowns of such stuffs; which as soon as they come forth of the sick Chambers, they may throw off to be aired. And so much for the Well-making. Now for the Well keeping of Garments; this is done by keeping them clean and sweet. To keep them clean, requires variety and often shifting. To keep them sweet is required much airing and perfuming. As when you put them on, or lay them by, and that according to the Wether.   

As in cold Wether.  
Take juniper slices, juniper berries bruised; Rosemary, 
Perfumes for Apparel.  Bay-leaves, and Wormwood cut small; and frankincense grossly powdered.  
Burn them together on a chafing dish of coals, and so perfume your clothes.   

In hot Wether.  
Take dried Rose-leaves steeped in Rose-water, wherein Camphor hath been dissolved, and add to it a little vineager.  
Upon a hot fire-shovel make a fume: and perfume your apparel.   

In temperate Times.  
Take juniper berries, gum tragacanth, and frankincense, all grossly powdered; of each a like quantity. Steep them in vineager and Rose-water, six hours.  
Then spread the same on a hot tile or fire-shovel, and perfume your clothes therewith.   

Fourthly, Annulets, 
Annulets.  are things made to hang about the neck, to touch the naked skin next the heart. These are of some with a kind of superstition esteemed. But though Carpus the Chirurgeon of Bononia persuaded himself and others, that he was preserved from the Plague by wearing Arsenic in a clout upon the region of the heart; yet many in London have died of the Plague with those babbles about them: and as for Arsenic and other such poisonous stuff, I could speak enough against them; 
Dr. Herring.  but a learned Dr of Physic hath saved me that labour. But for some cordial things; I will for the Readers satisfaction give a taste of them. They may be of two sorts, Simple, and Compounded. Simple, as Unicorn's horn, Bezoar stone, (which is the best of all, if a man can get it) the Hyacinth also and Smaragdus, and such like; but how the influence of such stones may be conveyed out of their hard bodies to the heart, is hard for me to understand. The former are more likely; for Galen reports (li. 6. de Simp. Medic. facult.) that he cured a boy of the Falling-sickness, by hanging a Paeonie root about his neck. Yet I think he could never say so but that once: Therefore I would wish none to put any confidence in such disputable things. Nevertheless, since I have divided them into Simple and Compounded; I will give you a Composition, which may be used in stead of an Amulet, and that to good purpose.  

A good Quilt to be used in stead of an Amulet.  Take the leaves of red Roses dried, two drams, all the Saunders, Lignum, Aloes, Zedoary root, Angelica root, Sage, white Dittanie, Balm, Citron pills, of each half a dram.  
Make them into powder, and sew them up in a piece of red Taffarie or Calico; and make a Quilt thereof. Heat it on a pewter dish upon a chase dish of coals; and sprinkle it with Rose-vineager: so apply it warm to the place, and renew it once in six hours.  
I cannot but let thee know (good Reader) that even now while I was writing upon this subject, there hath been a patient with me, who is poisoned with with a venomous Amulet. Be warned therefore by the harms of others to take heed of such pernicious things.  
Thus have I finished the first part of Diet; concerning Air. The second part followeth.    

Which consisteth of Meat and Drink. 
Meat and Drink.   
Disorder in meat and drink is chiefly committed either in regard of the Quality, or Quantity of them.  
In Quality, when that meat or drink which is used, 
Disorder in their quality.  is either generally unwholesome for all men (as venomous Mushrooms; stinking or raw meat; musty, or new, or dead drinks; these breed venom in the humours, and so a just occasion for infection) or else particularly naught for the proper constitution of him that eats or drinks it. As meat of hard digestion to a weak stomach, (for that denyeth nourishment) meat of easy concoction to a strong stomach, (for that putresies in the stomach, and so corrupts the blood) hot spices and inflaming drinks to a hot constitution, etc. these breed many diseases in the purest air; and in a contagious, they easily make way for the Plague. Therefore we are to be careful what we eat or drink.  
And our Care must be two fold; first, to refuse things noisome; secondly, to choose things wholesome.  
In refusing things noisome take these rules.  
Beware of piercing and attenuating things; 
Qualities of meats generally to be refused.  for they are heating; and by opening the body, they expose it to the corruption of the Air. On the contrary also thick and slimy things are stopping, breeding crudities and putrefaction; by reason of that crassitude, moisture, and accidental heat which is in them. Sweet and fatty things likewise are to be avoided▪ because they easily turn to choler, and so kindle hot favours. Very moist meats, as we see they are hardly kept sweet in hot weather, so by the heat of the stomach, they easily turn to putrefaction; especially to hot and choleric constitutions. But of all things those that are both moist and hot (especially wherein the moist is predominant) are most dangerous, because they are as it were the very seed of putrefaction. Cold mixed with moist is not so ill, because not so apt presently to putrefy; but wheresoever the moist is stronger, the blood is made waterish and weaker; and therefore not so nourishing as Nature needs it. Also meats of hard digestion, melancholic, salt, and windy are to be eschewed. Beware of all things that are hot and enflaming. Much use of very sharp things, are very hurtful. Shun also all things that increase much blood, for the body must be kept low in contagious times. Also all things that are loathsome to the palate or stomach must be rejected; for that which nature abhorreth, dissipateth the Spirits.  

Particular meats to be forborn.  Having thus taught by their Quality in general what meats and drinks are to be forborn: Now I will more particularly reckon up such as are most commonly known and used: being most to be avoided in times of Infection.  
And first for your Bread. 
Bread.  Be careful that it be not musty, nor mouldy: neither eat it hot, nor before it be a day old. It is best for them that can have Ovens at home, not to send their bread to other houses to be baked: nor to receive any continually from the hand of common Bakers that serve to many several houses.  

Flesh of beasts.  Very salt and long powdered Beef (though never so much watered afterward to get out the salt) is not good; yea all that watering and moistening makes it worse. Also Bacon, and Pork, especially boiled: the Hare, especially when he is old. Venison both of fallow and red Deer, that live in a corrupted air, are unwholesome: not alone for the reason that some give of their living always in the open air; and much running & heating their bodies therein (which makes them apt to be corrupted by the contagion) but also in regard of the manner of killing them; which is by hunting them to death: for in that action they poison their flesh very much by tiring their bodies and weakening their spirits to the death; and by the infinite working of the passion of fear in them: which how apt that is to poison any body; I shall show in his place.  

Fowls:  Fowls that live in fens or waters, are all naught, as the Goose, Duck, Mallard, Teal, Hearon, etc.  

Inwards.  Meats made of the Inwards of Beasts, are not good, as Puddings, Tripes, Chitterlings, Kidneys, Livers, Lights, Milts, etc.  
Of Fishes, 
Fish.  such as live in standing Pools and Ponds, (especially in muddy waters) are very evil; as, Carp, Eels, Lampreys, and such like: for they corrupt the humours and breed obstructions. Saltfish and Sea fish, sharpen the humours. Oysters, Cockles, Muskles, Peruinckles, are hurtful. Grisly fish (as Maids, Thornbacke, and such like) are to be avoided.  
Eggs of Geese, Ducks, Pigeons, etc. are to be rejected. 
Eggs.   
Milk, 
Milk.  (because it is of all meats most easy of digestion) soon corrupteth in the stomach, and therefore is disallowed. So is Cream, because it makes gross blood. Likewise Cheese, because it is stopping. And also Whey, because it is opening, and not nourishing.  
Of Fruits, 
Fruits.  all such as are Worm-eaten, are to be accounted corrupted and naught. All sweet and luscious fruits; as Cherries, Plums, green Figs, sweet Grapes, Blackberries, etc. Also Melons, Pompions, Pomcitrons, etc. Forbear generally all Summer fruits; because they breed crudities and gross humours. Among the rest also Beans and Pease are accounted unfit meats.  
Roots, 
Roots.  such as are waterish, are to be refrained; so also is Garlic; (for all it is called, the Poor-man's treacle) because it openeth and heateth too much; therefore it is seldom fit in these times.  
Herbs that are hot are not to be used but with good advice, and tempering them with such as are cooling. 
Herbs.  And beware of Cabbages, Coleworts, Lettuce, and Rocket; and all moist and cold herbs; for they breed obstructions and crudities.  
Let not your Sauces be sweet; for such increase choler; 
Sauces.  nor too full of taste, for that whets the appetite beyond the desire of nature, & provokes to too liberal feeding. Among other sauces, Mustard is chiefly to be forbidden, because it openeth, and discusseth.  
Beware of hot Spices, 
Spices.  use them sparingly; and then well allayed with cooling things.  
Pottage and Broths, 
Broths.  are no fit food for these times: because if they be thick and strong, they nourish too fast: or if they be thin and not nourishing, they fill the body with moisture more than needs. For Manardus (li. 5. epist. 3.) saith, The body ought rather to be dried then moistened.  

Mushrooms.  Some have (from strangers) taken up a foolish trick of eating Mushrooms or Toadstooles. But let them now be warned to cast them away; for the best Authors hold the best of them at all times in a degree venomous, and therefore in time of Pestilence much more dangerous.  

What manner of dressing meats are worst.  Now for the manner of dressing your meat, briefly observe; that baked meats (because their vapours are restrained within their coffins) are not so well purified by the fire, as meats otherwise cooked: therefore they are suspected to have in them a degree of venom; especially, if the meat have been kept any long while in the infected Air: much more if it be Venison, for the reason's beforenamed. But if any be earnestly desirous of Baked meats, let them first take heed they be not too full of taste and gluttonous: and also let the pie or pastry, be opened as soon as it comes out of the Oven, and so let it breathe itself till it be cold.  
Also soused and pickled meats are not good; neither are boiled meats so good as roasted.  

What drinks are unfit▪  Of Drinks. Beer or Ale that is new, strong, heady, and fuming; also bitter, fl●t, dead, or fusty, are to be avoided.  

Compounded drinks.  Likewise such as are sophisticated with Lemons, Spices, etc.  
And those that are made with Sage, Wormwood, Scorby-grasse; and other such Ingredients: unto which may be added Metheglin, Mead, Bragget, Whisky, Hippocras, Aquavitae, Rosa solis, Aqua Composita; and all strong and Compounded waters. As these are indeed no other than Medicines, so neither are they otherwise to be used; that is, always with good Caution, upon good cause, and with skilful Counsel  
Pery and sweet Cider, 
Pery and Cider.  are to be refused for their sweetness and coldness.  
Wines, 
Wines.  though they are frequently used among sober people; yet they are not so fit for the constitution of English men, as Beer and Ale. And this is evident in that the only wise God (who knoweth best what is fittest for every Region) hath forbidden this Soil to bring forth such things; because they are either needless or not natural to the Inhabitants. Therefore it were good if all kinds of Wines were used of us, but as so many kinds of Medicines also; that is, only to help Nature when she is too weak to help herself in Concoction, Retention, and Excretion. And among Wines (in regard of the Sickness) those that are new, sweet, black, and troubled, are forbidden. Piercing Wines; such as White and Rhenish (for the reasons already alleged in Piercing and Attenuating things) I cannot allow of for ordinary use: though some Physicians do. As for Muskadel and Malego, their sweet taste, and that dullness of Spirit which is caused by them, betrays their unfitness in times of Contagion.  
And before I leave this point, let me leave with you this Caveat. 
Good Caveats.  Take heed into what houses you enter to drink with your friend: lest in stead of a health, you drink your death. Let every man drink in his own cup, and let none trust the breath of his Brother. Also take heed of all drinks that smell or taste of the Cask.  
Now methinks I hear one whisper in mine ear, he would fain know what I think of Tobacco; he takes it to be the only Antidote against the Plague.  
I cannot stand to dispute the case deeply: 
Tobacco.  But I will briefly show my opinion. Tobacco hath these manifest Qualities: It is Heating and Drying; it evacuateth gross Humours; it draweth away Rheums; it provoketh Urine, and keepeth the belly soluble. There may be some times, and some bodies wherein a Medicine having these opening qualities may be used; as namely, to a Cold and Phlegmatic complexion, full of gross humours; the party for the time keeping himself warm, and within doors. But for the common fashion of taking it, by every man, every day (yea almost every hour) in shops and open places, without consideration of constitution, or just cause; I cannot approve of it at all: much less as any Antidote. But let us examine it a little further, for their sakes that would use it more orderly: and see whither it may be accounted a Preservative Medicine or no. I have already reckoned the best qualities it hath, being taken in the Pipe (for so only I discourse of it) and the first of those qualities indeed shows a fair countenance to the case: But the four latter talk too much of penetration, and evacuation: wherewith it opens the pores, and makes the body fit to receive the contagious air; it also dissolves the brain, and causeth the humours thereof to fall down into all parts of the body distempered with a heat contrary to nature; whereupon it inflames the blood, turns it to melancholy, and resteth not till it have also turned Black Choler into Burnt Choler. And in all this doing, his heat carries no cordial to the spirits (which must never be absent from an Antidote) for it is mixed with a nauseous quality, noisome to the stomach, and offensive to nature; as appears by the violence it offers in vomiting, when a little of the juice is given to that purpose. These things considered, I think Tobacco hath very little good use in Pestilent times. And thus much for noisome things to be avoided.  

The Cure of this Cause. Qualities of meats and drinks generally to be chosen.  Now we come to reckon up wholesome things to be elected.  
Let the Qualities of your meats and drinks be temperate betwixt hot and cold, and rather dry then moist. And (if the stomach may endure it) let them for the most part have a sharp or sour smack with them. Let them be of easy digestion, breeding good blood, and sincere humours in the body.  

Bread.  Let your Bread be made of the best and purest Wheat (which alone maketh the best Bread) or mix it with some Rye. Let the Corn be such as harvest hath housed before the Air became infectious. Leavened bread is the most wholesome, because of the sourness. Let those that may, bake their bread at home.  

Flesh of beasts.  Roasted Beef may be eaten with Vineager. A roasting Pig is not to be denied, if his belly be stuffed with Sage, sweet Marjoram, Spinach, Parsley, and Mints: the sauce also made sharp with Vineager and spiced with a little Pepper, or Ginger. Veal, Mutton, Lamb, Kid, and Coney are very wholesome: but let them not be very fat.  
Of Fowls, 
Fowls.  such as fly nearest the Sun, and build their nests on high, feeding on sweet and wholesome grain, are best approved by the best Authors: because they receive less infection from the lower air, which is the most contagious. But if we examine which are they, we shall find but a few that keep all these conditions. For the Hearon flies high, and builds high; but feeds in fenny and moorish places, and on moist meats. The Kite, Hawke, Raven, and such like, feed on carrion, and are never counted worthy to be served as a dish at the Table. The Lark flies high and near the Sun, but hath his nest on the earth. The Rooks in deed fly something high, build high, and feed on the best Corn; and their young ones are esteemed dainty food: but these are not for every ones dish. Therefore we may not be so overcurious in the choice of these creatures. Let these suffice as most wholesome, viz. Capon, Turkey, Hen, Pullet, Chicken, Partridge, Pheasant, tame Pigeons, young wild Pigeons, Turtles, Larks, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Finches.  
Some Inwards of Beasts and Fowls also, 
Inwards.  are very good and wholesome: as the Gizards and Livers of Hens, and Capons: the Hearts of Veal, Mutton, and Lamb: also Lamb-stones, and young Cock-stones are excellent meat, and fit for the state of some bodies. But whosoever he be that makes choice of them for the nourishment of his lust, let him remember the Israelites Quails, and tremble; lest while the meat is in his mouth, the hand of God be at his heart; 
Numb. 11 33.  and in the mess of his sin, the Plague salute him with the message of death.  
Fishes that are of Rivers, and clear running waters are best: 
Fish.  as Plaise, Flounder, etc. Fresh Salmon, Trout, Barbels, Shrimps etc. Of Sea-fish there are but a few fit to be used in these times: and those are Gogions, Mullets, Soles, Gurnards', Lobsters, and Cray-fish: But fish must be seldomer used than flesh; and only for change of diet to weak and longing stomaches. For all kinds of fish breed but a waterish kind of blood.  
Eggs of Hens (if they be eaten new and rear dressed) are good, whither they be roasted, boiled, fried, or poached; 
Eggs.  and eaten with Verivice, or Vineager, and the juice of a Lemon. Also Turkey Eggs so used are good: but eat them seldomer, because they afford a little too rank nourishment. In Summer time, eat flesh and eggs more sparingly then in Winter, lest you increase blood too much, or turn it to choler; which also turneth to inflammation, and putrefaction.  

Butter.  Butter is very good, and so is Buttermilk: (if moderately used) but they do easily inflame a choleric stomach: and send up hot fumes into the head. The milk also purgeth some bodies: such therefore are the more to forbear it.  
Fruits may be allowed (but seldom and in little quantity to be used) the sour and sharp are best; 
Fruits.  as sour Cherries and Plums (but these preserved, or in tarts, or at least scalded, rather than raw) the Norwich, and Katherine Pears: the Peppins, Pearmains, & Harvie Apples being grown old; are counted Cordials. Also Peaches, Quinces, Pomgranets, Oranges, Lemons, Medlars, Sarvices, Strawberries, Gooseberries, Barberies, Raspes, Mulberries; likewise dried fruits, as dried Pears, Plums, Cherries, Figs, Raisins, Damask proins, etc. Those that have hot stomaches, and desire Cucumbers, may eat them beaten with an Onion and Salt, and sauced with Vineager, and a little sprinkled with Pepper. French Beans also (called à formâ, Kidney Beanes) may now and then be used, as the best sort of pulse for meat. So may Artichokes with Butter and Vineager, or the juice of a Lemon. If you earnestly desire sometime to eat of the moister fruits: eat after them an Orange with a little Fennell and Salt. And if you feel your stomach over-cooled with such kind of moist fruits; drink also a draught of good white Wine: at such a time; that Wine is good to warm the stomach, and carry away the crudities.  
Of Roots, 
Roots.  these are the best, Turnips, Carrots, Parsnips, Artichokes of jerusalem. Also Onions, and Radishes, for they are esteemed of great virtue against venoms. And so are Leeks, because they cleanse the blood.  
Of Herbs; 
Herbs.  the warm and drying are of greatest use, as Rue, Wormwood, Baulm, Mints, Peni royal, Rosemary, and many such like; with which you may stuff and temper moist meats. But for Salads and Sauces: Fennell, sweet marjoram, Sage, Time, Parsley, Succory. But of all; sharp and sour herbs are best: and therefore Sorrell is in good request, and Endive or Succory mixed therewith; because of themselves they are opening.  
Hot Spices may be used in moist meats, 
Spices.  and to temper cold and sour fruits. Also in Winter time, and to a cold stomach, they may be allowed simple; or with little qualification: otherwise there is no use of them, but to mix with sauces. What Spices I mean, are easily known: viz. Pepper, Cloves, Mace, Nutmegs, Ginger; and to these I add Saffron, and the roots of Enula Campane, Zedoary, Angelica, and tormentil; which are very useful.  
The fittest Sauces are sharp and sour ones. 
Sauce●  As Sorrell and Vineager, or Verivice, or the juice of Lemons, or Oranges. Also Capers and Vineager, are very good. When the weather is cold & your stomach craves it, you may mix them with Spices to make them warmer; and in these cases if you doubt the weakness of your stomach, & the binding in of your spirits, by cold sour Sauces; then temper your meats with Sugar, a little Salt, Cinnamon, Pepper, Safron, and some Fennel: or with Eggs, Butter, and the juice of Lemons, and a little Fennell and Saffron.  
Broths must be very thin, 
Broths.  and something sharpened with Lemons, or Vineager. In stead of them also you may sometimes use Posset-ale turned with Vineager, or a Lemon; and after boiled with some of these herbs before commended. Or Aleberries for those that cannot away with flesh. And let those that feed on these things, forbear drink.  
Jellies also are good for weak bodies, 
Jellies.  if they be not intemperately Spiced.  
As for the manner of dressing: Rost is better than boiled; 
What manner of Dressing Meats is best.  Fish is beft ●● fried than boiled. But if any desire boiled meat rather, then let it be flesh of the drier sort: or if yet it must needs be of the moister, let it be well sauced with sharp and sour things, with a little Pepper, Cinnamon, prepared Coriander seeds and salt. Sorrell and Marigold flowers may be added at your pleasure.  

Vineager his virtues.  I have still prescribed Vineager as a thing of general use, because being cooling and drying, it resisteth all kinds of poison, and repelleth putrefaction. Which is apparent (as Ambrose Paraeus li. de Peste. cap. 8. testifieth) in the embalming of dead bodies, who are washed in Vineager, to keep them from putrefying. 
Not so good for Women.  But here I must give a Caveat to women: for (as Crato in Consil. 275. saith) it hurteth the Mother: therefore they must allay it with white Wine and Sugar.  

Beer and Ale.  Now for Drink. Middling Beer or Ale is generally best for common use: But the constitution of every one must fit itself. Only take heed of extremities; very strong inflames: and very small makes waterish blood. Let your drink be well boiled, and stale; but quick and fresh.  
Cider made of sharp Apples is not amiss to be used sometimes, 
Cider.  to refresh the palate with variety.  

Wine.  Those that have need of Wine to help their stomaches, let them use good Claret, Sherries sack, or Canary: and now and then a draught of White Wine. But if your stomach do not much require them simply: alloy them with water. Let your wine be clear, brisk, old, and pleasant.  

Who are fit to use Wine.  To a weak stomach, and a feeble nature, Wine is an Antidote against all poisons; as Celsus li. 8. de Re Medica. cap. 27. affirmeth. And Senectutis summa est Medicina: it is the best Medicine for Old age, as Aëtius teacheth in Tetr. 1. serm. 4. cap. 30. But let not youths, and men of strength think they may be so bold with Wine in these contagious seasons, as they have been wont to be at other times. For it must needs inflame their blood, and inflammation is certainly seconded with putrefaction; and putrefaction is no less than a degree of poison in the humours, which will easily turn to the Pestilence.  

Quantity.  And so much for the Disorder of Man's Diet in Quality of Meat & Drink. Now we come to Quantity. And herein; The disease is Surfeiting, and the Remedy must be Sobriety. I will therefore lay open, first the Danger of the Disease, and then the Course of the Cure.  
In this Disorder of Quantity, 
Gluttony.  I cannot but admire at my Country men: for if Heliogabalus were now among the living, he might find enough companions among Englishmen. It was wont to be said, The Drunken-Dutchman: but the Dutch have played the Godfathers, & have too kindly, bestowed their names upon our men, such names I mean as Diotemus of Athens had; who was entitled the tunnel, for his filthy delight in drinking and drinking in a tunnel. For the lives of many are so monstrous, that a man might say of some among us, as Valerius Aurelianus the Emperor was wont to say of Bonosus, a Spaniard: That he was borne; not to live, but to drink. These riotous abuses of Gods good gifts, are a main cause why the Lord at this time striketh this Land with Sickness, and threateneth it with the Famine. And if any of that Luxurious Sect be at this time sober, let them but listen to the testimonies of learned experience, 
The dangers of Surfeiting.  who will tell them into what bodily dangers they plunge themselves by this detestable disorder.  
Hypocrates hath an Aphorism to this purpose, 
Li. 2. Aph. 17.  that Meat or drink immoderately taken causeth sickness.  
Paulus Aegineta goes yet further, saying, 
De Re Medicae▪ li. 1. cap. 32.  That the veins being filled too full; are afflicted, distended, or else broken: obstructed, filled with wind, and overcharged. And of all diseases, he affirmeth, that the overcharging of the veins is the worst.  
Galen affirmeth, 

In Com. 2. Hipp. de Natu. Humana.  
Li. de Causis morborum. cap. 3.   that Drunkenness and Crudities (which arise from intemperance) do breed new diseases.  
And in another place, he saith, Whereas wine moderately taken increaseth natural heat; as being his proper aliment: by Drunkenness cometh astonishment of the brain, the Falling sickness, or some maim either to Sense or Motion. And so, the best Meats, which afford most nourishment, being immoderately eaten, engender cold Diseases.  
But Avicen more particularly lays down the dangers that follow this over Repletion, in these words: Eating much nourisheth not; 
De Removendis Nocumentis in Regimine Sanitatis. Tract. 4. cap. 1.  but fills the body with crudities and raw humours stops the pores, weakens the powers of nature; causes putrefaction, mixed favours, short breath, Sciatica, and joint-aches.  
Again, in another place he speaks of drinking, thus: Much drinking of Wine in sanguine and choleric complexions, 
Ibidem. cap. 19  overheats the blood, and causeth choler to superabound; and by too much Repletion of the veins and vessels, there may follow a hot Apoplexy, and sudden Death. In cold Complexions it breeds Diseases of the sinews; and that for two causes: The first is the over moistening of the sinews; the other, the turning of the drink into Vineager before it can pass through the body: So the Nerves are by the former relaxed, and by the latter corroded. Whereupon follows the cold Apoplexy, Astonishment, Senselessness, Lethargy, Palsy, Trembling of the limbs, and convulsions of the mouth.  
These are the fearful mischiefs that befall their bodies; besides the miserable wants that grow like eating Cankers into their Estates, and the hideous Hell-torments which attend their Souls.  
And note this also, that what these have said of Wine, the same is true likewise of all other strong Drinks.  

The Cure.  Now to Cure this brutish Disease, there is no better way than Prevention; and Gluttony is prevented by Sobriety. Therefore again hearken to Avicen, who adviseth always to rise from meat with some remainder of Appetite: for within half an hour, or as soon as the meat (first eaten) beginneth to digest, our hunger ceaseth. li. 1. Fen. 3. Doct. 2. cap. 7.  
And hence it is, that some (greedily following the sense of their appetite) overcharge their stomaches even to vomiting, before they feel themselves satisfied; because, though the vessel be over-full, yet the Appetite is not appeased till Concoction have begun her work upon some part of that which is already received. These things are especially to be regarded in a contagious time. For Repletion is the original of all mischiefs that Crudities can produce, and they can cause speedy putrefaction, & that speeds them with the Pestilence.  
But as for a strict Quantity of eating and drinking, I cannot stint every man's stomach; but must conclude with Hypocrates, Aph. 17. li. 1. Concedendum est aliquid Tempori, Regioni, Aetatt, et Consuetudini. The Time, Place, Age, and Custom, must bear some sway in these things. Only in these times, I would wish all men, women, and children to be so moderate (as Avicen counselleth) that they still keep in the fire of their appetite; 
Be sparing in eating.  and how sparing so ●ver they are wont (naturally or customarily) to be; let them be now something more sparing. Make sewer and shorter meals. I would wish those that have not very weak and windy stomaches, to eat but twice a day: that is, Breakfast and Dinner: to go to bed without a Supper is very wholesome; thereby we give Sleep leave to supply the evenings nourishment, which it will better perform when neither the stomach troubles it with vapours; nor it hinders the stomach from digestion.  
Let your drink also be less than your meat: 
Be more sparing in drinking.  And drink not between meals, if you can forbear.  
Laertius li. 2. saith, that Socrates lived in Athens in diverse Plague times, and was never sick of it: and the reason was, his great temperance in diet.  
In Winter and cold Wether, eat your meat hot from the fire. In Summer eat it for the most part cold. Let the times of eating be; for your breakfast two hours after you are up, and have taken some Antidote. And your dinner five hours after that again. Your Supper also (if the weakness of your stomach crave it) five hours after your dinner.  
Frame not to yourself an Antidote without skill: 
Antidotes must be first taken in the morning.  but take advice of the Physician: who will consider what will best agree with the particular temper of your body: for Mithridate and treacle, are generally good for all; but not particularly for every one.  
But because every one will not be brought to break their old customary times of meals; as dinner at twelve, and supper at seven: I am content to yield to custom in these cases. Only let them never go forth without their breakfast: that they may be armed against Wind and Emptiness. And their Antidote taken two hours before; that they may be armed against evil Airs.  

Breakfasts.  Now for those that must therefore make three meals a day; let their breakfast (if they be of a cold constitution) be some bread and butter with Nutmeg grated, and a little Citron pill powdered, and strewed upon it. Or else bread and salad Oil (for such as love it) spiced with the powder of Enula campane root. Or else (especially in cold and moist weather) eat a few figs with a little Penniroyall and salt. But for hot stomaches and choleric complexions; let such dip some bread in Beer and Vineager, and eat it. Or take good Wine Vineager, steep in it (for three days together) the powder of Brimston and a few Fennell-seeds, sop your bread in it, and make it your breakfast And for those that must make three meals a day, let their breakfast be little in quantity. At other meals, eat the lightest meats first, and then those that are more hard of digestion: Eat no butter last, and drink not last after your meat. Neither is Cheese so commonly to be eaten at these times, for if it be full of Butter, it is fuming; if not, it is binding: and both these are faults; except the inclination of the body require it at sometimes.  
After dinner also, if you have a cold stomach, close it with a bit of bread, and a few Coriander seeds prepared. And this likewise will do well for breastfast, if you be troubled with wind and gripings.  

Variety of meats are naught a●● one meal.  Eat not of above two or three dishes at Dinner, and at Supper, let one suffice you. Quercitavus (in Diaetet: Polyhist. Sect. 2. cap. 8.) proves, that the eating of variety of meats, and drinking of diverse kinds of drinks at one meal, makes such a confused heap in the stomach, as turneth to infinite tumults in Concoction; while some are sour, and some speedier in softening, digesting, and distributing into the parts of the body.  
To conclude; Let Custom something prevail in all points of diet, with those that have used temperance in former times; and only pair it something thinner in respect of the present pestilent time. As for those that never knew the rules of order yet: let them learn shortly, if they desire to live long. And so much for the second part of Diet: Meat and Drink.   

The third Point of Diet, is Repletion, and Evacuation.  
Galen (li. 1. de Differ. feb. cap. 4.) saith, that the body ought especially to be kept free from superfluities. 
The Cause.  And Hypocrates (in the third Aph. of his first Book) proveth that Plethoric bodies are subject to great dangers: wherefore he counselleth Evacuation; and yet withal to go no further therein then Nature will safely bear. For as too much Repletion is hurtful, so too long fasting makes the stomach languish; therefore suffer not too much emptiness. Hunger sharpens the humours and weakens the Spirits: And Thirst makes the heart hot, and inflames the Spirits; who therefore desiring to be cooled, do draw in more quantity of the evil Air by breathing, than they should, and that I have already proved to be dangerous. Therefore it is better to eat the oftener, so it be the less at once.  
When you rise in the morning rub your sides, arms, 

The way of Cure.  
What is to be done when one riseth in the morning.   and legs a little: your clothes being on; comb your head, and rub it; hawk and spit; and blow your nose, to evacuate those excrements. Then wash your hands and face with fair water first, in regard of cleansing; but afterward (in respect of preservation) wash your face, nose, mouth, and eyelids (closing your eyes) with Rose-water and Vineager and white Wine. Or with fair water and a little Vineager, wherein Rue hath shred and steeped all night. Assay also to make water, and go to stool. Be careful to bring your body to a custom of evacuation at that time. And after that eat your Antidote.  
If you be costive, use some Suppository, or Clyster; 
Keep the body soluble.  if such slighter means (whereof every man can prescribe one or other) will not prevail, consult with the Physician: and suffer not two whole days to pass without such evacuations.  

Be Cleanly.  Be careful likewise to keep yourself neat and cleanly at all times. Wash your feet once a fortnight in warm water, wherein are boiled Rose-leaves (either fresh or dried) Vine-leaves, Bay leaves, Rosemary, Fennell, Camomile, and some Bay Salt. Flee all other Bathe, and especially washing and swimming in Rivers, Ponds, and such open places, (as the Thames, and such like) within the region of the Air infected: for it is most dangerous.  

Urine and Menstrua.  If Urine stop, or Menstrua flow not as they should; seek remedy of the Physician speedily.  

Venus.  Fly Venus as much as you may, for she hath an ill report in times of Pestilence.  

Prevention of ill Humours.  In a Pestilent Air, every disease becometh something Pestilent, and more deadly than ever before: And any kind of Favour easily turneth to the Plague itself. Therefore if any perceive blood, or any other humour to abound, or to be corrupted (what time of the year, or what weather soever it be) let him begin to abate it by moderate Abstinence; or else take the advice of a Physician; for opening a vein, or some other course, such as the Artist shall think fit. And let them not put it off till they be worse, in hope of growing better by their own strength: For Nature for the most part struggles in vain without help: and contagious cases are not to be trusted to.  

Sweeting.  Natural Sweeting, that cometh easily, and of itself is good; hinder it not therefore, and yet embrace it not too earnestly.  

Issues.  To conclude; If a man or woman have an Issue, or fontanel in arm or leg; or have any running sore; heal it not up, for it is a good means to keep safe from infection; because Nature will (lightly) be strong enough to expel any venom by such a common sewer. But yet make not this thy shield of confidence, for though few such have been stricken; yet I can name some that have died of the Plague, for all that they had issues, and those at that time well and plentifully running.   

The fourth Point of Diet, is Exercise and Rest.  
Some are so lazy as they will not stir their bodies at all; 
The Cause.  these suffer superfluous humours to increase, because they do not breathe them out by exercise. Ovid. de Ponto, resembles such to standing Pools, which corrupt for lack of purging themselves by motion.  
Cernis ut ignavum corrumpunt otia corpus?  
Vt capiunt vitium ni moveantur Aquae?  
Others again are so violent in their labour and exercise, that they prodigally waste the treasure of those good humours that should nourish them. Of these again the Poet singeth;  
Otia corpus alunt, Animus quoque pascitur illis.  
Immodicus contra carpit utrumque Labour.  
Such exercises as Running, wrestling, much leaping, 
What Exercises are not good.  violent dancing, hard riding, foot-ball-playing, tennis, and the like; which cause a man to swear in open air, are very dangerous. For thereby the pores are opened to let in that air which bringeth poison with it. Also the lungs fetching short and deep breathing (as I have else where said already) draw it as fast into the vital parts.  
Moderate exercise stirreth up and nourisheth natural heat; 
What Exercise is best.  fills the members thereby with activity and aptness to motion; also it helps concoction and evacuation of excrements. Therefore let your exercise be Walking, and gentle stirring, ad Ruborem, non ad Sudorem: till you be warm, not till you sweat.  
Let the time of Exercise be the morning fasting, 
The best time for Exercise.  two hours after the Sun is up; for by that time, his beams will have dispelled and dispersed the night vapours.  
The fittest Place, is some large room, 
The Place for Exercise.  enclosed from the common Air; and where is little or no company, that their breaths distemper not the Air wherein you are (by motion) to breathe something more largely. And it is good to perfume the room also before hand, that the Air may be the purer.  

Beware of taking Cold.  At all times, beware you take no cold. For great Colds and Rheums do easily breed Putrid Favours, and they as easily turn to the Plague.   

The fifth Point of Diet, is Sleep and Watching.  

Inconveniences of much sleep.  If Sleep be immoderate or unseasonable, it hindereth concoction, it heapeth up many crude and superfluous humours, it extinguisheth the vital Spirits, and taketh away the liveliness of the Animal faculties.  

Inconveniences of much watching.  Overmuch Watching also and want of Sleep, dries up the good humours, and sets them in a heat, and (which is most dangerous) weakens the Natural Forces.  

Times for sleep.  Therefore observe due Times for Sleep. Go to bed betimes, and rise betimes; for that is wholesomest.  
Sleep not upon meat, or after dinner; especially if you have fed any thing liberally: and by no means give way to sleep at such times lying along: but if you must needs take such repose, sit in a Chair upright, and do but take him napping; let not such a sleep be above half an hour long; for a little yielding satisfieth; and by further indulgence the head will grow the more dull and drowsy. I counsel therefore rather to yield a little in this aforesaid manner, then by striving too much against it, to make the head ache; But let some friend or servant (within the time limited) awake you gently, not suddenly to make you fright or start; for that would disturb those spirits and humours which your nap had settled. The night is the natural time for Sleep. But let it be two hours at the soon after Supper (if you must sup) that the stomach may have made some good progress in Concoction, before Sleep make holiday with the Functions of Nature. And then Sleep not above five or six hours at the most.  
Let the Chamber wherein you lie, be conveniently warm, 
The place to sleep in.  the doors and windows close shut, to keep out the evil air of the night; and beforehand perfumed to expel the Pestilent. Sleep not without doors; neither sit, nor lie upon the ground or grass in the fields or garden plots; for the nearer the earth, the more deadly is the Air: and the immediate stroke of the cold ground is very dangerous.   

The sixth and last Point, is the Passions of the Mind.  
All kinds of Passions if they be vehement do offer violence to the Spirits. Yea though they be of the better, 
The dangers of violent. Passions.  and more natural sort. As, joy and Laughter, if they be unbridled and too profuse, do exceedingly enervate and resolve both the Spirits and Body; in so much as the breast and sides are pained, the breath is streightened, and many times the Soul itself is ready to depart. So also Care, Suspicion, Envy, jealousy, and such like unquietnesses, do overheat the Spirits, and dry up and consume the good humours.  
But there be four Passions more violent than the rest. viz. Immoderate joy, Sorrow, Anger, and Fear.  
Immoderate joy, 
Immoderate joy..  by sudden and violent dilatation of the heart, le's the Spirits fly forth so abundantly, that natural heat is left naked and so is suddenly extinguished. If it break forth into laughter, the danger is as I have already said.  
It is recorded of Chrysippus, 
Examples of unbridled laughter.  that only upon seeing an Ass eat figs, he fell into such an unmeasurable laughter, that he fell down and died.  
And Zeuxis that excellent Painter (who made a most curious beautiful picture of the Spartan Helen) upon the sight of a very ill favoured old woman, burst out into such an unmeasurable laughter, that he laughed himself to death.  
But sometimes this Immoderate joy killeth before it venteth itself in laughter. 
Examples of immoderate joy without laughter.  For so Sophocles the Tragedian receiving a wonderful applause of the people for the last Tragedy he writ; was so over-ioyed at it, that he fell down and died presently. And it is recorded of one Rhodius Diagoras, who when he saw his three sons all at one time crowned with victory at the Olympian games, ran to meet them; and while he embraced them in his arms, and they set their garlands on his head; he was so overcome with joy, that he fell down dead in the midst of them; and so turned their Triumphs into a Funeral.  

Sorrow.  Sorrow on the other side afflicts the heart, disturbs the faculties, melts the brain, vitiates the humours; and so weakens all the principal parts; consumes the nourishments of the Spirits and natural heat; and sometimes brings sudden death.  

Examples.  As Adrastus' King of the Argives, being told of the death of his Son, was taken with so sudden a Sorrow, that he fell down and died presently.  
And so julia the daughter of julius Caesar, and wife of Pompey; when she heard the news of her Husband's death, fell down also suddenly and died.  

Anger.  Anger is so furious a Passion, that it worketh wonderfully upon the spirits and faculties; disturbing them exceedingly, as appeareth by the shaking and tossing of the body too and fro; the fiery sparkling of the eyes; the colour coming and going, now red, now pale: so that the humours appear to be inflamed (especially choler) and the spirits hurried this way and that way; sometime haled outward, and presently driven inward again. By which violent motions an unnatural heat in the spirits, and corruption in the humours are engendered. Hereupon (many times) follow Burning and choleric Favours, Pulseys, jaundice, Pleurisies, and all kinds of Inflammations; violent bleeding at the nose which can hardly be staunched; and sometime death itself.  

Examples.  Nerva the Emperor, being highly displeased with one Regulus, fell into such a fury against him, that he was stricken therewith into a Favour, whereof he died shortly after.  
Wencestaus' King of Bohemia, in a furious anger conceived against his Cup bearer, would needs kill him presently with his own hand; but in the endeavour he was stricken with a Palsy, whereof he died in few days after.  
Valentinianus the Emperor in a great rage would needs destroy the whole Country of Sarmatia; but he breathed forth his menaces with such unbridled fury, that he burst out into bleeding and died.  
In the year of our Lord, 1623. A poor old Man in the North part of Devonshire (dwelling in a part of a little Village called Little Poderidge) came to the house of Sr Thomas Monck (where I at that time was) and standing at the Buttery door to receive some Beer (which, together with other victuals, was every day given very liberally to all the poor thereabouts) because the Butler did not presently fill his tankard; the old Man fell into such a furious rage against her, that with the very Passion, he presently fell down; was taken up dead, was with much ado (by me) recovered to life and sense; but never spoke more, and died within two days after.  
Fear also gathers the Spirits to the heart, 
Fear.  and dissolves the Brain, making the humours thereof to shed and slide down into the external parts, causing a chillness, and shaking over all the body: It abuseth the Fantasy and Senses, brings a Lethargy upon the organs of motion, and deprives the heart of all spirit and vigour: sometimes also it makes a Man's Will for him, and unkindly bequeathes his estate to Death.  
As Cassander the Son of Antipater upon sight of Alexander's statue, fell into such a terror and trembling, 
Examples.  that he could hardly shift himself out of the place, and had much ado to recover his spirits again.  
I could relate a story of one who (receiving but a slight wound in the arm, in a place of no danger, and with very little loss of blood) died presently with the very fear of being killed. But I should be too tedious if I should reckon up more examples.  
Now, if these Passions could be so deadly in pure Airs, 
Fear, how it is most apt to bring Infection.  and wholesome seasons; how much more (think we) are they pernicious in pestilential times? But in respect of Contagion, there is no Passion so dangerous as Fear. For by it the Spirits are enforced to retire inward to the heart, to guard that Prince of life from the danger feared. By this retiring they leave the outward parts infirm, as appeareth plainly by the paleness & trembling of one in great fear. So that, the walls being forsaken (which are continually besieged by the contagious Air) in come the enemies without resistance; the Spirits which are the Soldiers that should repel them, having cowardly sounded a Retreat. And hereby there is not only way made for the evil Air to enter, but also the Spirits (wherein is all our heat) being all drawn inward, do draw in such vapours after them as are about the body; even as the Sun draweth towards it, the vapours of the earth. And here-hence it is, that Fear brings Infection faster and sooner than any other occasion.   


The Cure.  Now for Remedy against these Passions, we must know that they are diseases of the Soul, and the cure of them belongeth chiefly to Divines. They are the Physicians to deal inwardly with these diseases: To purge out the Love of this World, and the distrust of God's Providence and Mercies, as also to minister the Cordials of Faith, Hope, Patience, Contentedness, etc. and to ordain the strict diet of holy Exercises, a good Conversation, and Walking with God. We that are Physicians to the Body, are but Chirurgeons to the Soul: we can but talk of Topical remedies, as to apply Mirth, Music, good Company, and lawful Recreations; such as may take away all time and occasions for careful thoughts and passionate affections.   

Thus have I brought you through that part of the Definition, wherein are the Causes of the Plague discovered. Now we are to lay open the Qualities of it, described before in the Definition, thus  

The qualities of the Plague.  Which at the very first Striketh to the Heart, is Venomous, Deadly, and Infectious.  

How the Sickness striketh first.  At the very first it striketh to the Heart. Therefore it is called Morbus Cordis, A disease of the Heart. And that this is first stricken, is apparent by this, that at the first infection the vital faculty sinks, and languishes; the whole strength of the Body is suddenly turned to weakness; the vital Spirits are greatly oppressed and discouraged. Whereas the Animal faculty commonly remaineth (for a while) in good plight and perfect in the use of sense, understanding, judgement, memory and motion. The Natural faculty also is not so presently hurt, but there is concoction and all other actions performed by the liver, stomach, reyns, guts, bladder, and other parts, as Nature requireth. Though indeed in a little time, these and the brain also are overcome, as appeareth by the Symptoms that follow, as Lethargies, Frenzies, Vomitings, Fluxes, etc.  
That it is Venomous, 
The Plague is Venomous.  is granted of all both Physicians and Philosophers. And it is apparent by his secret and insensible insinuation of himself into the vital Spirits; to which as soon as he is gotten, he shows himself a mortal enemy, with sudden violence choking and extinguishing them. Therefore, his subtle entrance, his sly cruelty, his swift destroying; the unfaithfulness of his Crisis, and other Prognosticke Signs; and the vehemency, grievousness, and ill behaviour of his Symptoms, are manifest proofs of his venomous Quality. For in this disease, the Siege, Urine, and Sweat, have an abominable savour; the Breath is vile and noisome; evil coloured Spots, Pustles, Blisters, Swellings; and Ulcers full of filthy matter arise in the outward parts of the body: such as no superfluity or sharpness of humours, nor no putrefaction of matter (without a venomous quality joined with it) can possibly produce.  
It is Deadly. 
Deadly.  This needs no proof, the weekly Bills argue it, and our own eyes witness it, while we see continual Burials, and some die in the very streets: and while we find also that few of those that are stricken do recover again.  
But that It is Infectious, 
Infectious.  is among many of the common ignorant sort more disputable, then among the learned. Yet is it apparent enough by much experience; For Garments and Householdstuff have been infected, and have infected many, as I have showed already in the examples of a Gown and a Featherbed. Now though this Infection be not apparent to sense (as indeed the deadliest Poisons have neither taste nor smell) yet their lurking quality may be plainly demonstrated by such as are sensible. For we know that garments will a long time retain any strong or sweet sent wherewith they have been fumed, or with which they have been laid up; now the Scent is merely a quality, and his substance is the Air, which is the vehiculum or seat of the Sent wherein it is carried, & by which it is made permanent. Other experiences we have also; as live Pageons being laid to the sores, are taken away dead, having not been wounded, crushed, nor hurt by any hand at all. And lastly, many that are infected, can directly tell where, and of whom they took it.  

Objection.  But say some again, then why is not one infected as well as another? I have eaten and drunk, and lain with them that have had it, and the soars running on them. And yet I was not infected.  

Answer.  I say they have the more cause to magnify the Mercy of God to their particular; and not to obscure it, by saying it is not infectious. This argument is not unlike that of the Mountebanks, who tell you that such and such have been cured by his Medicines, but conceals how many have died by the misapplication. If one should ask this man, I pray you, how many have so conversed with the infected and have so escaped? I am sure they cannot name one of twenty.  

A new Opinion.  Yea but saith Another, I hold the Plague to be nothing else but the very Influence of the Striking Angel, sent of God to destroy here one and there another, as He hath particularly forepointed them out.  

Answer.  Such kinds of Plagues indeed we read of in sacred Scripture, as Exod. 12. Numb. 11. v. 33. Numb. 16. Numb. 25. and 2 Sam. 24. But there is great difference betwixt those Plagues and these of ours. For in those, Great multitudes suddenly, and all at once (as one would say) in a very short space of time were both smitten and slain. The longest time of Striking being but three days, namely that for David's numbering the people. In those plagues therefore the cause was only supernatural: for there was no time allowed for corruption and putrefaction of the Air. But in these of ours (and in very many more in all Countries and Kingdoms, and in all Ages of the World) there hath been sufficient time to breed and increase the Contagion in the Air: in which time of breeding also, the ancient natural observations have been found true from age to age; for many noisome things have apparently discovered themselves, as fruits of the Airs putrefaction, and Prognostics of the Plague threatened. And when it hath begun, it spreads but by degrees; first striking one man only; then two or three; after that a few more; and so multiplying the succeeding number, as it evidently groweth more contagious by the number of bodies already infected. Besides those Plagues before mentioned, do discover a stroke, but no sickness; but that of Hezekiah discovered a sickness and no stroke of any Angel. For it is plainly said, that Hezekiah was sick. Isaiah 38. And that his sickness was the Plague, appears by the Soare which was upon him, and the Medicine by which that sore was cured. This to the reasonable is reason sufficient.  
But ere I part with this Point of Infection; 
What bodies are most apt to be infected.  I think it good to discover what bodies are most, or least apt to be Infected.  
And to find this we must first know that bodies are infected two ways; first, from without, in regard of the Air; and secondly, from within, in respect of the present state of the body.  
From Without, those are most subject to it, 
Who are apt to receive infection from Without.  who have thin bodies, and open pores; and whose hearts are so hot, that they need much attraction of Air to cool them.  
From Within, they are most apt, whose veins and vessels are full of gross humours, and corrupt ivices; 
Who from Within.  the evil matter (being thick, and therefore cannot breathe out through the pores) increaseth her putrefaction (by the heat within) unto the greater malignity, and so becometh Pestilent.  
Therefore those bodies that are moist, and full of juice; whose veins are strait (and therefore apt to intercept then entertain the ivices) and the thickness of whose skin denies the transpiration of the excrements; these are easily polluted and infected.  
And such are Women; especially women with child, for their bodies are full of excrementitious ivices, & much heat withal; which is as oil and flame put together.  
Also those that are very Costive, or have their water stopped; the noisome vapours that are by these excrements engendered, make the body subject to infection.  
Young children, in regard of their tender and soft bodies are apt to admit of any alteration upon the lightest occasion: and because they fetch their breath short (having but little room for respiration) they draw in much Air, with which the seed of Contagion is attracted: and so are apt to be infected from without. And likewise because they are naturally moist, and feed upon the moister kinds of meats; and feed also with more appetite than judgement; they are therefore the more subject to pestilent infection from within.  
Likewise, the sanguine and delicate fair complexion, (whose blood and ivices are finer and thinner than others, and therefore more subject to mutation) are quickly infected: for the Plague is able to insinuate itself into all the humours; but into some more easily than others; as into Blood first, Choler next, Fleam after, and Melancholy last.  
Poor People, (by reason of their great want) living sluttishly, feeding nastily on offals, or the worst & unholsomest meats; and many times too long lacking food altogether; have both their bodies much corrupted, and their Spirits exceedingly weakened: whereby they become (of all others) most subject to this Sickness. And therefore we see the Plague sweeps up such people in greatest heaps. Indeed in regard of the Air, the rich are as subject as they; for both breath the same: and delicacy of feeding makes the rich as apt to corruption: But then they have means to get wholesome food, good attendance, and precious Antidotes to preserve them; for we see by experience that ordinary things do little prevail. And this is the reason also why fewest of the Rich do die of the Plague.  
Great Eaters and Drinkers (who can never be free from crudities) as also Luxurious idle livers, and Whore hunters (who spend the strength of their bodies prodigally) are very apt to be infected.  
Also such as in former times have had customary evacuations by sweat, haemorrhoids, vomitings, menstrua, fontanelles, or other like ways of expelling noxious humours; and have them now stopped.  
Those likewise that fast much (their bodies being empty) receive more Air in, than they let out.  
Those also that are Fearful; as I have already showed in the point of Passions.  
Furthermore, nearness of blood or kindred, by reason of the sympathy of natures, maketh men very apt to receive infection from one of their own blood.  
And so those that are near the sick in body, being continually conversant with them, or often coming about them; as Chirurgeons, Keepers, Searchers, and such like.  
Lastly, Virgins that are ripe and marriageable; are apt to receive infection, and being once stricken, seldom or never escape, without great and precious means. Quia spirituosum semen in motu cum sit, facilè succenditur; vel, quia intùs detentum facilè corrumpitur, & in veneni perniciem abit. Mindererus de Pestilentia. cap. 10.  
But some think by the strength of Nature to prevail against against this infection. But we see strong and well nourished bodies die as fast as others: and that not because it is safer to be weak; but as Hypocrates saith, Corpora impura quò magis aluntur, eò magis laeduntur. Their taking of the infection proves their body to be impure (though strong) and the more an impure body is nourished, the more it is endangered.  

Who are the most likely to escape.  But those are most likely to escape Infection, that are troubled with the Gout; in whom the nobler parts of the body do expel the noxious humours to the ignobler.  
Those that have fontanelles, or any other kind of issue, as ulcers, haemorrhoids, or plenty of other evacuations; whereby the hurtful humours are drained away.  
Old folks, whose bodies are dry and cold.  
Also bold and confident Spirits, whose courage can resist all fears, are to themselves an Antidote; if their body be withal kept clean and pure by the common rules of preservation.  
Lastly, those who keep themselves private, and use Antidotes and means preservative, reposing themselves in God with David in the fourth Psalm, and last verse. He will give his Angels charge over them, to keep them in all their ways, etc. Psal. 91.5.6.7. and 3. verses. But they must then walk in the Way that God hath set before them, and that is, the use of Physic. For, The Lord hath created Medicines out of the Earth, and he that is wise will not abhor them. Ecclus. 38.4. And with such doth he heal men, and take away their pains. vers. 7. And in the sixth verse, He hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his marvellous works. Then forsake not the Physician; neither by thy scorning of his skill, force him to forsake thee: for as St Paul said of the Mariners in his Ship. Acts. 27.31. so may I say of Physicians in this City; Except these tarry, we cannot be saved.  
And so much for the Quality of the Plague.  
Now I come to the last Part of the Definition, discovering the Signs and Symptoms of it, 
The Signs & Symptoms of the Plague.  in these words: And for the most part is accompanied with a Favour; as also with Spots called Gods-Tokens, or with a Blayne, or Botch, or Carbuncle.  
I say, for the most part it is thus accompanied; but not always. For some are suddenly stricken, and die before they have any acquaintance, either with distemper or outward pain.  
Some have thought there may be a Plague and yet no Favour: But Mindererus proves that to be an idle conceit. li. de Pest. cap. 6.  
Some also, have died of the Plague, and yet nothing hath appeared outwardly: and such as die suddenly, have seldom any Spots, or such like outward sign: and are therefore less infectious than others, if they be not too long kept unburied.  
But to come to the several Points, which have two Generals, to wit, Inward Signs, and Outward Signs. The Inward is a Favour, and his Symptoms. The Outward are, The Tokens, the Blayne, the Botch, and the Carbuncle.  
The first and Inward Sign, is a Favour. 
Favour.  As soon as the Heart is stricken with the putrid vapour, the Spirits grow distempered and inflamed. And this distemperature is a Favour (not Proper, but Symptomatical or Accidental) and this Favour is not of one kind in every one; but divers, and such are his Symptoms also. As sometime Pleuriticke, sometime Squinanticke, sometimes Choleric, sometimes Continual, and sometimes Intermitting.  
These distempers relate the cruel Combat begun betwixt Nature and her M●●●all Enemy.  
The outward Signs bring News of the Hopes or Fears to which side the Victory is like to fall. For, if Nature expel any part of the venom outward, it is a sign of some strength in her.  
If the Tokens appear, either the Enemy is but weak; 
What kind of fight is discovered by the Tokens.  or else Nature is but weak, and shows her good will more than her power. For except the assault be but slight; those repulses will not get the Conquest.  
If there be a Blayne or Blister, 
Blayne.  it shows Nature is a little stronger, and the enemy not a little curs●er.  
If the Botch or great Apostumation rise. 
Botch.  Then hath Nature a crowd of corrupt matter to encounter with; an Army of Enemies, against which she stoutly bestirs herself. If she drive forth a great quantity of matter, and withal be well fortified (within by Antidotes, to maintain her Spirits, and strength: and without by perfumes) that while the Body of the Battalion is driven out, the scouts of straggling vapours that arise from it, steal not in again by the mouth, nostrils, and other outward passages; then is she like to win the day.  
And by the places where she drives them out; it appears, against which of the three Castles of Nature the greatest assault is given and continued.  

What part is most affected.  For if the Swelling arise in the Armpits, it shows that the the Siege is continued (where it first begun) at the Heart. If in the neck, then is the Battery laid at the Brain. And if in the Groin, then is the Liver beleaguered. But sometimes these Princes are all at once assaulted; and then is it altogether unlikely that Nature can recover. For though both she and they be never so stout, and seem for a time to prevail, by expelling abundance of matter (in the breaking of the Botches) yet Nature may be so overcharged; and the enemy (whose venom is sly and subtle) may show himself such a Machavilian, as one way or other he weakens her forces, puts her brave Spirits to flight, and tyrantlike demolisheth all her beauteous Buildings.  

Carbuncle.  If the Carbuncle arise. Then we may say, Nature plays the Lion, but alas she hath to deal with a fiery Dragon: this of all venoms being the most malicious and cruel.  
But that the colours of these bloody Ensigns, may the better be discovered, I will play the Herald, and blazon every Sign by himself. So many (I mean) as are most inseparable from the Plague, & therefore chiefly to be respected. As for the rest, (though they be many) they belong as well (and more properly) to other diseases; and are more deceitful, and less useful to any but the Physician only.  
The Signs of the Plague (therefore) are commonly these.  

Signs of being Infected.  First, a secret sinking of the Spirits and Powers of Nature, with a painful weariness of the bones, and all without any manifest cause. Then follows great trouble and oppression of the heart, that the party unquietly rowles up and down for rest from one place to another; sighing often, and either offering to vomit, or vomiting filthy stuff of diverse colours, yellow, green, and blackish; then come pains in the head, which still increase; and faintness. But after these come the surest Signs, which are the Tokens, Blayne, Botch, and Carbuncle.  
The Tokens are Spots of the bigness of Flea-bite, 
The Tokens described.  some bigger, some as big as a penny. They show themselves commonly in the breast and back; but they will sometimes appear in other places also. In some they will be many, in some but a few, in others but one or two. In colour they are for the most part of a pale blue, but sometimes also purple or blackish, circled with a reddish circle.  
The Blayne is a little Blister somewhat like one of the Swine-Pocks; and many times of the same colour; 
The Blayne.  but sometimes, of a bluish or leaden colour; and being opened, affordeth filthy matter of the like complexion. Round about the Blister, there is a redness the breadth of a groat, sixpence, or ninepences: These will rise in any part: sometimes one alone, sometimes two or three; but never very many. And these will break, and fall, and leave a dry crust, which will scale off.  
The Botch is a hard swelling, 
The Botch.  rising as I said before in the neck, under the ears, or under the chin; in the armpits; & in the groynes. It swelleth sometimes no bigger than a Nutmeg; sometimes as big as a Walnut; others as a Hen's egg, and some as big as a Man's fist. Also in some it swelleth out very fully to be seen plainly, and becometh so soar that it can endure nothing to touch it; in others it lieth low and deep in the flesh, only to be found by feeling; and sometimes also scarcely to be felt; but if you touch the place, it is painful. Those that lie high and plain to be seen, are more hopeful; the low lurking ones are very ominous and pernicious.  
The Carbuncle riseth like a little push or pustle, 
The Carbuncle.  with a pretty broad compass of redness round about it. It is wonderful angry, and furiously enflaming, as if a quick coal of fire were held to the place: whence it hath his name Carbunculus, a little coal of fire. It creepeth secretly in the flesh next under the skin, and is full of such a furious malignant poison, as it will quickly consume and eat out so great a piece of flesh (for the capacity it is in) as a man would wonder how it could so suddenly be done: being as if one did burn a hole with a hot iron. And it is strange to see that so small a tumour should be so devilish and dangerous to life: for if it be not with great care, and exceeding good means attended, it bringeth speedy death.  

How to know if one be dead of the Plague, when neither Spots, Blayne, Botch, nor Carbuncle appear. Mr. john Banister.  But moreover observe this. Sometimes (as I said before) a man dies of the Plague, when neither before nor after he is dead, there appeareth any Tokens, or Blayne, Botch, or Carbuncle. And yet there will be a sign which few have observed; My Grand father (who was a famous man, and of great experience) hath taught it me; and my Father (a Physician of above forty years' practice and experience) hath confirmed it unto me. That is, that after such a body is dead, in one place or other the flesh will grow softer than the rest: and the whole body will also grow softer & softer, and the longer the body lies, the softer will be the flesh. Which shows the vileness of the putrefaction within. Heurnius mentions this also among his signs in his book De Peste; and addeth also these. 
Heurnius his signs of a body dead of the Plague.  That in a Body dead of the Plague, The nose looks very blue, or blackish blow; as if it had been beaten or bruised. The like colour is in the ears and nails: and ever worse coloured than other dead bodies use to be.  
Thus have I displayed those Signs which are least failing: that the Searchers may rightly informed themselves; and not mistake (as many have done) calling the purple spots of the Pestilent Favour God's Tokens. And sometimes letting Bodies pass as not dead of the Plague, because they had neither Tokens, Botch, nor Carbuncle. I have done it also to teach people how they may know when they are stricken with this infection; that they may presently have recourse to some skilful man, and good means to recover them before it be too late. An hour is a precious space of time, and cannot be let slip but with hazard.  
And having thus showed you what this dreadful Sickness is, what are the Causes, Qualities, and Signs of it. Before I leave you, I will leave with you a short general direction to keep your body safe from infection: and also (if you feel suspicious signs of being taken) how to begin to drive the venom from the heart, till such time as you may have some more special means (particularly fitting your present constitution and state of body) by the counsel of some skilful Physician.   

While Health continueth,  
It is necessary that twice in the week, 
Preservative Medicines.  the body be evacuated with some gentle purging Pill, to keep the humours from superfluous increase. 
For Men and Women generally to be used.  And in this case the Pills of Ruffus (which are to be had in every Apothecary's shop) are very apt and good. Or take of these Pills of mine twice or thrice in a week.  
Rs. Aloës Rosatae, unc. i. 
Pillulae Bradwelli.   
Rhabarbari,  
Croci, ana drach. iij.  
Myrrhae, drach. vi.  
santali citrini, drach. i.  
ambrae grifiae, scrup. i.  
Cum syr. de succo Citri, q. s.  
fiat Massa Pillularum.  
Make Pills of 8. or 10. grains a piece. Take ij. or more of them in the morning fasting, four or five hours before meat; They may be taken best in Syrup of Roses solutive, or in Conserve of Violets. And presently after them drink a little white Wine mixed with a little Balme-water (in cold weather): with Rose water, and a little Rose-Vineager (in hot weather): and with Carduus, or Scabious water in temperate weather.  
On the other days wherein you take no Pills. Take every morning fasting a dram or two (or the quantity of a Nutmeg) of London treacle, with as much conserve of red Roses: this is for a temperate Constitution.  
A cold constitution may take the treacle alone, only sweetening it with a little sugar.  
And a hot complexion may mix both the treacle and Conserve in a few spoonfuls of Rose-water and Vineager.  
These Powders following are good to cast into the Broths of such as are sick, or have weak stomaches.  
Take of Red Saunders, half an ounce,  
cinnamon iij. drams and half,  
Saffron, half a dram.  
powder them fine, and mix them together.  
Another.  
Take of cinnamon, half an ounce.  
Cloves, half a dram.  
Red Coral, ij. scruples.  
Saffron, half a dram.  
And the weight of all in Sugar.  
Make these into Powder, and mix them together.  
Some give this.  
Take of Pearl prepared, ij. drams.  
Coral red, and white, of each half a dram.  
Red Rose leaves dried, Saffron,  
Spodium, of each a scruple.  
Cinnamon a dram.  
Make them into fine Powder, and mix them.  
This is my counsel for those of ripe age, and for Women that are not with Child.  
But for those Women that breed Child, and also for Infants or young Children, there ought to be another way of preservation: in whom Diet, must be most intended, and no purging used.  

For Women, therefore,  
Let them keep their body soluble, 
For Women with Child.  by some gentle and familiar Suppositories; or gentle Clysters, made of Posset-ale with Camomile flowers, and a little new-drawne Cassia. Take these in the afternoon: now and then.  
Let them also every morning take the quantity of a Nutmeg of this Medicine following.  
Take Hartshorn, Cinnamon, Nutmegs, all the Saunders, of each a dram. Roots of Angelica, Zedoary, Enulacampane; of each half a dram. Powder all these.  
Then take Conserve of Bugloss and Borage, of each iij. drams. With an equal quantity of Syrup of Citrons, and of dried Roses.  
Mix all together, and make a Conserve.  
Take it (as is said) fasting, and fast two hours at least after.  
Or else, Take Heart's horn, red and yellow Saunders, of each two drams. Cloves and Cinnamon, of each one dram.  
Beat them into fine Powder, and mix them together.  
With some of this, spice your Meat, Broth, or Cawdell; or whatsoever you have to breakfast: and squeeze into them a little juice of a Lemon. You may add also some Sugar as you please. Let this be your Breakfast.   

For young Children.  
There is nothing better than Bole armoniac, 
For young Children.  with a little tormentil root, and Citron Pills made into fine Powder: which you may mix with their meats, or cast into their Broths: for their breakfast.  
If they be costive, put up a violet comfit or two for a Suppository. Or mix a little Cassia, newly drawn, in some broth of a Chicken, and give it them now and then in a morning fasting. Let them fast two hours after. And that day use not the powder, before prescribed.  

Observation.  And note this. When you suspect a Child to be sick of the Worms, in a Contagious time; use not Wormseed and those common trifling things: but order him as if you suspected he had the Plague; for that disease (coming of so much Putrefaction, as it doth) is as apt to receive the infection of the Plague, as is Tinder to take fire. It must not therefore be dallied with.  
But at such a time, you may give twenty or thirty grains of this Powder following, for two or three mornings together.  
Take Hartshorn, i. dram.  
Citron pill,  
Roots of Angelica,  
and tormentil,  
Rhubarb, and Coralline, of each half a dram.  
Make these into fine Powder, and give it as is said in a little Carduus water, sweetened with some sugar.  
Thus much for Preservation in Health.   


What course is to be taken with him that is Infected.  But if there be Suspicion of Infection, you must then look about for a new course.  
In which case generally I condemn both Purging and Bleeding: for I know no use of them in resisting or expelling the Venom; which is no other way effected but by Sweeting and Running of the Soars.  
Yet I confess Phlebotomy hath his use in Sanguine and Strong bodies; so it be at the very first, while the Spirits are strong and able of themselves to make good resistance. But if that first opportunity be let slip; I think it better to let it alone altogether; then to do it out of season; and so to impair natural strength, which in this case ought most especially to be preserved and augmented.  
Again, though Sweeting be the true way, yet it must not be violent; for that also weakens the Spirits, and makes the body faint, therefore those Sweeting Medicines must be mixed with Cordials.  
As for example.  
Take Mithridate, or London treacle, one dram. Myrrh, Enula Campane root, and Butter burr root, of each ten grains.  
Mix these in a quarter of a Pint of Posset-ale and white Wine mixed together; to which you may add some sugar to make the taste something grateful.  
Go into your warm bed, then drink this draught prescribed, and cover you with a reasonable weight of clothes; and so sweat two or three hours, or somewhat more, as your strength will bear. But take heed you sleep not in this while. Then by degrees let the clothes be taken away, first one, and then another; when you have sweat sufficiently, or as much as you can endure. And let some one with warm Napkins wipe you dry, and shift your linen; being very careful of taking cold.  
Then presently take this julep.  
Take of Carduus water three ounces. Syrup of Lemons one ounce. Bole armoniac, tormentil, Angelica root, of each one scruple.  
Mix all together, and drink it off.  
Do this once in twelve hours, if you find strength to bear it, till you have performed it at the least three times: and at the second and third times, before you begin to sweat, bind under either armhole, and to either groin, some thin slices of Radish roots, beaten with a little bay-salt, and sprinkled with a little Vineager and Rose-water: wrap them up in four little thin rags, and apply them.  
Also, apply to the region of the heart, that Quilt which I have prescribed in stead of an Amulet.  
When this is done, and the Soars begin to show themselves; follow the advice of those that are appointed to that purpose. For I must not enter into the infected house. Therefore farewell.     
And the LORD in Mercy look upon this afflicted CITY.  
FINIS.   

IF any be pleased to use my Antidotes; I have two Powders, one is for daily use, called Pulvis Pestilentialis; the other in case of special danger, called Pulvis Vitalis. I have also an excellent Electuary, which I call Antiloimon, for his singular virtue against the Plague. I have likewise Lozenges, and Trochisks to hold in the mouth; and rich Pomanders to smell too. They were all of my Grandfather's invention, and have been proved to be admirably effectual, both by his and my Father's experience. I confess they are costly: but slight means and cheap Medicines (how ever they promise) prove as dear as death. For we see by woeful observation, that the Plague will not be repelled but by imperious encounters. I could relate very true and admirable stories of the effects of those three Medicines above mentioned, but I will beg no man's belief. Whosoever knows any thing of the name of john Banister, must needs have heard of many famous Medicines by him invented. The first Powder is 12. pence a dram: his quantity, to be taken at once is half a dram. The second is 3. pence a grain: the quantity is 10. or 12. grains. The Electuary is, 2. shillings 6 pence an ounce: the quantity is one or two drams.  
Because many men know that I have a whole volume of excellent Receipts left me both by my Grandfather, and my Father; and lest they should censure me as too strict and covetous in keeping all secret to myself, I have thought fit for the common good; to divulge this excellent Antidote following.  
Electuarium De Ovo,  
Stephani Bradwelli.  
Rs. vitelli ovi unius,  
Croci pulveriz. scrup. ij.  
Conterantur simul donec in Pultiformam rediguntur. Postea imponantur in alia testa vacua, cum exiguo foramine in capite facto; benè obturetur: et lento igne donec testa nigrescit assetur. Dein exempta materia, exiecetur & subtilissime pulverizetur. Cui  
Add rad. tormentillae,  
zedoariae,  
Angelicae,  
Valerianae,  
Dictamni,  
Aristolochiae rotunda, ana unc. i. ss.  
Myrrhae, scrup. iiij.  
Baccarum lauri,  
Baccarum juniperi, and drach. ss.  
Corticis citri, scrup. ij. ss.  
sem. citri,  
sem. cardui Benedicti,  
ligni aloës, ana scrup. ij.  
Cornu Cervini,  
Boli armeni, ana drach. i. ss.  
Moschi gr. x. Pulveriz. omnia subtiliss.  
Add etiam Conservae florum Calendulae, unc. ij.  
Theriacae Lond. unc. i.  
Cum aqua Cardui, et sacchari. q. s.  
fiat Electuarium. s. ae.   

THere is a Fellow in Distaff Lane, that disperseth Bills abroad, bragging of a Medicine that was my Grandfather Banisters; thinking upon the fame of his name to get both glory and gain to himself. But let me warn all men to take heed of such impudent liars. My Grandfather was very scrupulous of giving any special Receipts to others. But if any man can say he hath any Receipt of his: I am sure, (if it were of any value) I have the Copy of it.  
But I profess upon the word and credit of an honest man, that among all his Receipts, he hath not prescribed one Preservative Drink for the Plague: And beside, his judgement ever was, that the best form of an Antidote was either Powder, Pill, or Electuary. Therefore this Drink that he talks of; was either none of my Grandfathers; or else some very slight thing, by him little esteemed.  
I cannot bear it, that any should abuse the King's people with sophisticate Medicines; and lay the imputation upon so famous, and so all beloved a Man as Master john Banister was.