Themis Aurea, chapters 5–8

CHAP. V. That the Cure of diseases by specificke remedies of occult quality, which the Fraternity useth, is most sutable to mans Nature, and prevalent against all distempers.

WE must not by what hath been hitherto spoken suppose that the Brethren use Medicines which are not natural; for they have Vegetables and Minerals, but they having a true knowledge of the secret and occult operation of things, know what will be most effectual for their purpose.

They have their Panchresta, their Polychresta, their Manus Christi, and other great titles; their Narcoticas and Alexipharmaca, of which Galen and others do much boast, thinking them a present help at a dead lift; and to colour their cheats, strictly command that none shall either prescribe or give them without a large fee, as if the price added vertue to them, and the effect did much depend upon the cost.

The Brethren also have variety of Medicines; some called Kings, some Princes, some Nobles, and others Knights, each one being denominated according to its excellency and worth: But we must take notice that they prescribe not according to the purse, but the infirmity of the Patient; neither do they desire a reward before hand; they likewise fit not a childes shoe to an old man, because a due proportion ought to be carefully observed; a dram is sufficient for the one, and an ounce of the same Medicine for the other. Who would not think it absurd to apply the same Plaister to the hardned and brawny hand of a Plowman, and to the delicate and neat hand of a Schollar or Gentleman?

He that practiseth Physick aright doth consider the different temper of persons in the same disease, as a learned Judge doth not alwayes give the same judgement in the same cause, which circumstances may very much alter: The Brethren look chiefly to the constitution of the Patient, and do accordingly prescribe.

They have in all things experience to confirme their knowledge; they use very choice Vegetables which they gather when they are impregnated with heavenly influences, not deluded with common idle Astrological notions, but certainly knowing at what time they have received a signature effectual to such an end; and they apply these Vegetables to such diseases for which they were intended.

It is a most irrational thing when nature hath afforded us simple Medicines to correct and amend its deficiences, that we should mixe and compound with qualities hot, cold, moist, and dry, so that one Specifick being perhaps secretly of a contrary operation to another ingredient, the proper vertues of both, if not lost, yet are much diminished.

The Galenists say that the first Qualities do alter, that the second do either thicken or attenuate, and so foolishly and ignorantly of the rest: Whereas each Vegetable hath in it vertue essentially to chase away that disease to which it may rightly be applied. It is here in Medicine as in an Army, if each Souldier falls out with the other, or they mutiny against their Commander, the enemy gets strength, and makes use of their weapons to slay them.

Some may ask, what is here meant by Specifice? I answer that I intend that which the illiterate Galenists calls an occult Quality, because it is neither hot, cold, moist, nor dry; because indeed true profound knowledge was above their reach or understanding.

Valescus de Taranta, lib. 7. cap. 12. defines or describes the Galenical occult Quality. A question is started how a Locust hanged about the neck doth cure a Quartane? To which they answer, that if these Empirical Medicines have any such vertue, they have it from their occult Quality, which contains the Specifick form of the distemper conjoined with the influence of the Stars: but then we may ask what that totall propriety is? Averrboes calls it a Complexion; others say that it is the substantial form of a compound body; some will have it to be the whole mixture, viz. The Form, the Matter, and Complexion, which Avicenna names the whole substance, when he said that a body hath neither operation from the Matter nor Quality, but the whole Substance or Composition.

But to speak truely and clearly as it becomes Philosophers, we hold that there is a natural vertue and certain predestination flowing from the influence of heavenly bodies, so particularly disposing the Form to be introduced, that it is (as it were) determined to its proper object, whereby after due preparation of the matter, and conjunction of the form, the whole Substance or mixed body necessarily produces a proportionable effect. And Avicenna perhaps meant thus much; whence Arnoldus in his Book De Caus. Sterilitatis, saith that the peculiar propriety of a thing is its nature which proceeds from the right disposition of the parts to be mixed, and this is called an occult Quality, to most men unknown because of its difficulty. Hence it is that Nature is stiled a Complexion, not because it is so properly, and found out by reason, its secrets being onely discovered by experiment and practice: by this the understanding knows that experience is above reason; because there are so many experiments of which we can give no rational account, nor finde out any method to satisfie our selves concerning them.

By what hath hitherto been spoken, it plainly appears that the whole propriety of any thing is not the Complexion; for if it were so, all things which have the same propriety, would consequently have the same complexion, which is false; for Rubarb and Tamarinds from their whole propriety do attract and draw choler, and yet are not of the same complexion. Thus Valescus.

It is therefore evident that the true propriety of Medicinal things is onely known by experiment, and not by the false Galenical rules of Art, which do not give us light into the nature of any simple. For instance, consider the Rose, it sends forth a most pleasant perfume, and is of a ruddy lovely colour, not in respect of the Quality cold and dry, but of that proper vertue essentially in it; neither can there be any deduction from those Qualities being not subject to Tast, to Feeling, to Hearing, and consequently none at all, because Specificks have another original.

How are the first Qualities observed? not from their essence and nature, but as sense discovers them, whence reason draws a conclusion: But we see not how reason can determine concerning the Qualities of a Rose, whether it is hot, cold, moist, and dry, unlesse it hath been informed by the senses, as by the colour, sent, taste, or touch.

But these Rules are altogether uncertain and fallacious, and there are more experiments to overthrow then to confirme them; for who dare affirm that all cold things have no sent, that all hot things have sent? that all sented thing[…] are hot, that all that have no sent are cold; or that white, things are cold or hot, that red things are hotter then white, or contrarily that bitter things are hot, narcotick cold? &c. for Opium, the spirit of wine, the Rose and more things will confute such an opinion; so that the Qualities do depend upon such uncertainties in respect of every simple, that it is far better to trust to experience to search into the secrets of Nature, then vainly to trif[…]le away time in gathering the second Qualities from the first, and the third from the second, or to gain reason by sense; a thing most ridiculous, unlesse it be in the cure of diseases where the Qualities are in confusion.

When the Aegyptians understood this, they studied and most esteemed of that Physick which was experimental, and not notional; and therefore they used to place their Sick person in the streets, that if any one of the people that passed by had laboured under the same disease, he might tell the Specifick remedy with which he was cured; whence it sometimes so falls out that an old woman or an Emperick in some certain diseases may effect more by one proper specifick, then many Physitians by their methods and long courses.

I would not be misunderstood, as if there were no judgement to be used in the administration of Physick, but that experience should be the onely guide; Medicine whether speculative or practical, must concur and meet in truth: I say we must not as to the invention or prescription of Physick trust too much to Reason enformed falsly concerning the nature of things, but when experience hath confirmed us in mysteries and secrets, because reason is too weak-sighted to reach them, we must not perversly slight them, disesteeming enviously what we cannot attain.

I do not account him a rational Physitian who hath onely a large scrowle or bill of Simples in his memory, and can distinctly tell you what are hot in the first degree, what in the second, what in the third, and can run thorow the second Qualities and third; and if at any time he is called to a Patient, from this rabble as from the belly of the Trojane horse issue many Receipts, many bands, when he is ignorant of the most inconsiderable Simple, and knows not how rightly to apply it: Shall not he who understands and is well acquainted with his Medicin[…], be of more repute? A few select prescriptions that are infallible and effectual to the cure, are of more worth then a rude multitude of Galenical Receipts.

We have indeed now so great variety of Medicines, that it puzzles a Physitian more to chuse what is best then to invent, for it is not the abundance of remedies that overcomes a disease, but the vertue, method, order, and choice of time and place, that give successe.

We read in Histories of the courage and skill of a Spartane King, who with a band of 400. stout Lacedemonians possessed the streights by which Xerxes should passe with an Army of 1700000. and made there a great slaughter of them; when the insulting Persian boasted that they would close the Sun with their arrows; the Spartaine King answered that then we will fight in the shaddow.

By these examples it appears tha[…] a select company of choice souldiers have great advantage against a confused multitude; And why are not a few choice remedies beyond an heap of vain receipts? Some have said that an Army is compleat that hath an hundred thousand; and if the number exceeds, it will be tumultuous, and in no order and discipline. We may assert the like of Medicine, if it increaseth to a great number, it rather kills then cures; for every Specifick waging war or being opposite to another, must necessarily disturb Natures peace and tranquillity.

CHAP. VI. Although other Physitians may challenge, as indeed they deserve, a due reward; yet the Brethren do cure gratis, not valuing money.

WE read in History that great persons, Kings and Princes, have entertained famous and learned Physitians, not onely allowing them a considerable annual stipend, but have raised them to great preferment and honour: Erasistratus found out the disease of Antiochus, viz. his love of his mother in Law, of which he recovered him, and received of his Son Ptolomy an hundred Talents: Democides restores the Tyrant Polycrates for two Talents of Gold; The same person for curing Darius had given to him a very rich chaine of Gold, and two golden Cups. Jacobus Cocterius Physitian to Lewis the second King of France, had 50000. Crowes yearely paid him; and Thaddeus the Florentine got 50 Crownes daily, travelling up and down to cure the sicke.

The reward and gaines Physick bringeth in hath caused many Students to employ all their time and labour therein, who for the most part look more to the profit then health of their Neighbour, and good of the Common-wealth: If we indeed consider to how many infirmities we are subject, we shall finde Physick to be as necessary as food and raiment; and then able Physitians are to be sought for, who may judiciously administer it; but no man will employ all his paines, cost, and labour, in that of which he shall reap no harvest; who will be anothers servant for no wages? Will a Lawyer plead without his Fee? neither is there any injunction or law to command and oblige a Doctor to cure for nothing. It would be very hard and rigorous, if any man should be forced to give away what properly belongs to him. Menecrates the Syracusan had nothing for his paines but affected Divinity; he would be thought and accounted Jupiter, which was worse then if he had required a reward sutable to his Calling.

The Brethren are so far from receiving a Fee, that they s[…]orne it; so far from vain glory of their successe, that they will not have such a favour acknowledged. They have not one Medicine for a great man, another for the poor, but equally respect both; frequent in visiting, comforters in affliction, and relievers of the poor; Their labour is their reward, their paines to them gain; no Mice or other Vermine can diminish their heap, no Dragon or wild Beast can either poison or exhaust their Fountain.

Coelius Lib. 16. Cap. 10. tells us of Philo a Physitian, who found out certain Medicines which he called The Hands of the gods; but this great Title was but as Ivie hung out for a shew to take the eyes of the Spectatours, to surprise the eares of the Hearers, which promised more then they performed, and rather deluded then helped any, having a glorious outside, but within dregs and corrupt: But the Brethren although they have the most efficacious Medicines in the World, yet they had rather conceal the Vertues then boast of them; their Powders perhaps may be accounted a little Cinaber or some slight stuffe, but they effect more then seems to be expected from them: They possesse the Phalaia and Asa of Basilius, the Nepenthes that drives away sorrow of Homer and Trismegistus, the Oyntment of Gold, the fountain of Jupiter Hammon, which at night is hot, at noon is cold, lukewarme at sun rising and setting; for they contemn gaines and income by their possession, neither are they enticed with Honour or Preferment; they are not so overseen as one of whom Tully speakes, who wrote against others affectation of esteeme, and placed his name in the Frontispeice of his Book that he might be more known; they embrace security, and are not buried but live and are active in silence.

Is not this a rare Society of men who are injurious to none, but seek the good and happinesse of all, giving to each person what appertains to him? These Brethren do not adore the rising Sun, meere Parasites, who conforme themselves to the becks of great men, their words and actions are masked with cheats.

It is reported that the Statue of Diana by Art was so framed, that if a present was brought to her by a Pilgrime, she would shew a cheareful and pleasing countenance; but if any one came empty she frowned, was angry, and seemed to threaten: even so is the whole World, wherein all things are subject to Gold; this dust of the earth is of no value with them, because those things are low in their eyes which others much adore. They had rather finde out a Mystery in Nature then a Mine; and as Gold serves to help forward their studies, so they esteeme of it: They wish and are ambitious of the age of Solomon wherein there was so great plenty at Jerusalem as tiles on the houses, silver as common as stones in the street: so in the golden age its use was not known; men were contented with what Nature freely afforded them, living friendly under the Government of the father of the family, without broiles, luxury, pride, much lesse war.

CH[…]P. VII. Abuses in Medicine censured; as the long bills for ostentation, that the Physitian may not seeme an Emperick, and for the Apothecaries gain, without respect to the benefit, and purse of the diseased, when a few choice Simples might do the cure.

WE daily see how many weeds sprung from Gold, have and do still overrun the whole World; it hath not onely overthrown Cities, destroyed Common-wealthes, but also hath corrupted the Arts, and of Liberal made them almost Servil.

Let us a little (passing by the rest) cast our eyes upon Medicine, whose streames the further they have run from the Fountain, the more dirt and mire they have drunk up, and now at last they are full of stanch and filthinesse. We before have said that Nature is contented with a little, which holds good as well in sicknesse as in health; for the more simple diet is, the easier it is digested, because it is hard to turn many heterogeneous things into one substance: so likewise in diseases, the variety of Ingredients distracts, if not totally hinders Nature in her operation, in regard she struggles not onely with the infirmity but the very remedy; and how can those things which are opposite and fight amongst themselves, procure and maintain peace?

We confesse that a judicious composition is necessary, because one simple specifick cann[…]t confer to the cure of complicated distempers; so that more simples united may effect that which one could not; neither would we be thought so absurd as to question so good and requisite a Method.

That which we complain of is the great multitude of Omnium gatherum put together of Hearbs, Roots, Seeds, Flowers, Fruits, Barkes, hot or cold, in the first, second, and third, degree; so that you shall have thirty, forty, or more Ingredients in one Receipt, to shew the Memory and Art of a dull and blockish Physitian, and to help the knavish Apothecary, who extolls his gain for learnednesse, the quick utterance of his drugs for experimental knowledge.

On the contrary, if any one making conscience of what he undertakes shall prescribe a few rare and approved Simples (as that famous Crato did, Physitian to three Caesars) he shall be thought an Ignoramus, if not a meer Empyrick; although he excell those Receiptmongers by far in all parts or learning.

Take notice how the Apothecaries slight a short though effectual Bill, because it brings in little profit; but if they receive one a Cubit long, they blesse themselves; and thus the Patient pays for his sicknesse, when if he recovers, his purse will be sick.

Consider how injurious these are to each person and the Common-wealth; by destroying the one they diminish the other; for if they remain, yet are they but poor members thereof; the disease is protracted by the contrariety of Medicines, and Nature weakned: We account it absurd when a straight way leads to the wood, for haste to countermarch and make windings which may confound and not further: multitude breeds in most things confusion, but especially in Medicine, when the essences of Simples are not known.

We may fetch examples to confirme this from a Court, where if every one at the same time may plead and declare his opinion, the case would be made more intricate, so far would they be from deciding the controversy: Wherefore a few wise Counsellers on each side will clearly state the Case, and bring it to a sudden and safe determination. The same discord will appeare in Physick, if each Simple in the same disease should have its operation, when a few select ones may quickly do the businesse.

It is therefore an expedient course out of many things to chuse a few, out of those that are good to pick the best, which may assist and strengthen Nature in her conflict; if these observations were taken notice of, a Physitian would not be reputed able for his large rude Bills, but for the Quality of his Ingredients; the Apothecary would have more custome, because men would not be frighted with the charge, and dye to save expences, but willingly submit to an easy and honest cure.

Every thing is not to be esteemed according to its bulk; we see that brute Beasts in body and quantity exceed a man; but yet the lesse being Rational and wise doth govern the other: a little Gold is more worth, then an heap of stones, then a Mine of base mettals; so in Medicine, a small quantity may have more vertue in it then a great measure of many Simples.

It is sufficiently known to wise men, that the same hearbs do alter under several Climates; and that which is innocent in one may be poison in another; wherefore it is not safe to compound India, Arabia, America, Germany, and England together; for the Sun and Planets have a different influxe upon this or that Country, and accordingly alter the Planets; Nay we cannot be ignorant that the same feild abounds, as with wholesome so with venemous hearbs; we have examples of this truth in Minerals; for common salt alone is harmelesse, as also your vulgar Mercury; but if these two be sublimed together they become venemous and ranke poison: but perhaps some may think that this proceeds from Mercury; which indeed is false; for it may be brought by Art to run again, and then its innocency returns; so likewise the spirit of Vitriol may be taken without danger mixed with another liquor, and the water of Salt-Peter may be received into the body; but if these two be distilled together, they make a water that will eat any mettle except Gold, and certain death to any one that shall take it; but if you adde to the former Armoniacks, its strength is increased, and it will reduce Gold into a watry and fluid substance, yet its nature is pure […] perfect.

It may be objected that Treacle, Mithridate, and Confection of Hamech with others were compounded of many Simples, which being after long fermentation well digested became most soveraign remedies, and have been in use almost 600. years, and have helped many thousands of people.

We deny not but these compositions are excellent, and have been in great esteme in foregoing and latter Ages; we likewise approve perhaps of six hundred more, if they are grounded upon experience; for they who first invented these Medicines did not consider whether the Qualities were hot or cold, but to their Nature and Essence, as they either resisted poison, or conduced to the Evacuation of ill Humours in the body, as in Treacle there is vipers flesh, and many others of the same vertue. Our discourse is against the vain extemporary ostentation in prescribing of Medicines compounded of Plants hot, dry, cold, and moist, in this and that degree.

We knew a Physitian who was wont to boast that he knew not any one particular experiment, but all remedies were alike to him respective, the first, second, and third Qualities: and this surely proceeded from his ignorance of what was to be known; but a wise and prudent spirit searches more narrowly, and descends to particulars; For indeed it is more easiy by general rules to passe a judgement of Simples, then by experience to finde out the proper vertue of Specificks; and the reason is because each Simple hath a peculiar property which distinguisheth it from another, and sometimes contrary; nay the Qualities do not onely differ in respect of others, but the same Simple may have effects differing in it selfe, as it appears in Rubarb, which in respect of its first Qualities, hot and dry, it doth encrease Choler in mans body, but in respect of its essence and specifick nature it purgeth it. To passe by Opium and Vinegar with many others, we see how the same thing in their first, second, and third Qualities have many times contrary operations; so Runnet makes thinne thickned blood of the hare, but if it be very fluid it thickens it; so also Vitrioll according to its nature doth penetrate and is astringent, yet it doth repel and disperse Lead outwardly applyed to it: though Quicksilver is most weighty, yet by the fire it i[…] sublimed and ascends; and though it is a thick grosse body, it may yet by Art be made to peirce any body, and afterwards be reduced to its own native purity.

Many more proofes might be brought; for their is nothing in the World how abject and low soever but it hath a stampe upon it, as a sure seale of its proper vertue, of which he that is ignorant hath hitherto attained but the huske and shell, the outside of knowledge.

Lest therefore this errour in judgement should corrupt practice, and mens lives thereby should be in danger, we thought it a good peice of service to desire those who bend and employ their studies in the Honorable faculty of Medicine, to seek more after a few rare and certain Specificks, then to follow generals which so commonly deceive. We ought not to shew our selves so impious and undutiful, as being in honour, having encrease of riches, to scorne our poor parents; so Experience is the mother of Art; and shall we now contemn her as having no need of her? Experience hath been stiled the Mistresse of Fooles, and Reason the Queen of Wise men; but in a different respect they ought not to be separated; as many Experiments beget Reason, so Reason maintains and adornes Experience.

CHAP. VIII. That many Medicines because of their high titles, and the fond opinion of men, who think that best which costs most, are in great esteem; though others of lesse price, proper to the Country, are far above them in excellency and worth.

BEsides the abuses mentioned in the foregoing Chapter, another is crept in; the former were cheats in respect of Quantity and Quality; here by this the purse is emptied; for they fall in with mens humours, who then think a thing good when they have well bought it.

Hence Galen concealed his Golden Emplaister for the Squinancy, by which he got an hundred Crownes, which indeed was in it selfe of little worth; for there are many things of excellent use which if they were divulged, would be foolishly despised, because vulgar hands pollute whatever comes into them; some reason may be why after they are not so succesful, because the Imagination and Fancy works not so strongly, and desponds as to the cure from such slight meanes, and so hinders the operation; for although another mans imagination hath little force upon me, yet mine own much alters the body, and either hinders or furthers a remedy in its working.

As this is cleare in many diseases, so especially in Hypocondriack Melancholy, called the shame of Physitians, because rarely cured; wherein the non-effecting of the cure depends upon the prejudiced imagination of the Pat[…]ent, who despairs of help; for cares, greife, and despair, do alter and change the blood, corrode the heart, overwhelme the spirits, that they cannot performe their offices; if therefore these can first be removed, there is very great hope of recovery.

Under this Cloak many cover their knavery and covetousnesse, who seek nothing but gain by their practice; for they call their Medicines by great names, that the imagination of the Patient closing with so rich and precious remedies may promote the cure; and therefore they compound their Medicines of rare Ingredients, as Gold, Silver, Pearls, Pezoar, Ambergrease, Musk, and many more; and then they christen them according to their birth. They call them the Balsome of Life, the Great Elixar, the Restorative of Life, Potable Gold, Butter and Oyle of the Sun: and who indeed can reckon up their tricks by which they draw in and delude such multitudes of ignorant people? yet their great names are not altogether insignificant; for by their Balsom of Life, they meane that which maintains and keeps themselves alive.

But grant these costly Medicines to be good and useful, yet they must confesse that others not so chargeable have greater vertues in them.

We may also question whether they deale honestly, and do not sell a little salt for Gold, and ranke poison for the Balsom of life; we have known some at deaths door by their Mercury: I speak this that others may be cautious; think what would come of it, when one mistaking administred Opium for Apium or Parsly: thus they try experience upon mens bodies, and kill one to save another.

Besides, though these may be very excellent Cordials or Antidotes, ye tae they not appropriated to the disease, and so consequently little conducing to the greife.

Consider then the abuse; the Patient pays a great price for that which is of small advantage to him, and scornes those meanes which are at an easiy rate; wherein also there is no danger, as being by experience confirmed, and by all hands received.

It is not hard to prove that each Country abounds with Simples suitable to the Diseases of that Count[…]y, and that we need not go India, or use Exotick Drugs.

This Question hath been handled by many learned men; at present we will not spend much time about it. We deny not men the use in Food and Physick of India and Arabicke Spices; neither do we condemn other most excellent gifts of God, but here we finde fault with the price; let us therefore use them in their place and time: Perhaps such precious things were intended for great persons, but yet great care must be used in the preparation that they be not Sophisticated. I say rich men may afford to pay for these Medicines, who delight to eat and drink Gold, and hope as by that they can purchase all earthly things, so they may buy health.

Neither would we be thought ignorant of the great vertues, and rare efficacy of Gold; but we speak against the abuse of those Impostors who instead thereof do cheat and robbe: and we can assure all, that there is no worth in the boiling and reboiling of Gold: They indeed give their menstruous stuffes for dissolved Gold, which being reduced to a spirit may corrode; and let all men beware of it; imitating a carelesse Cook, who if he hath lost the broth in which the meat hath been boiled, sets new upon the Table which hath no heart nor strength in it: So they when they have consumed and lost their Gold with Salts and other wayes, they sell that which remaines; when the Bird is gone they sell the Nest; and this they call Potable Gold spiritualized because invisible: it may be they put Gold into their furnace; but that they by those means can produce such Medicines we deny: There were many Alexanders, many called by the name of Julius, but yet but one Alexander the Great, one Julius Caesar, the others agree onely in name.

Should any one enquire into the excellency of our own Countries Simples, he would have work enough upon his hands. We shall leave this to another time and place.

But besides the price, may we not justly suspect the preparation, that they instead of true may sell false compositions failing in their Art and Profession? for the ballance of Humane frailty being at the one end by Justice, at the other by Profit, the last overweighs; because honesty may be an hinderance to us, but profit brings pleasure and delight along with it. So now Merchants count it part of their Trade to learne and skill the adulterating of their Commodities; when the Thebans would admit no such persons to the Magistracy, unlesse they had left off their Trade at least ten years before, by which time they might forget to cozen; but I will not here censure all of that Calling: the same may be said of those who sell Medicines, whether Physitians or Apothecaries, if they abuse their profession.

It remaines to shew that Specificks of Vegetables and things of little worth, are more powerful against any disease then those which are of so great price; neither is the reason fetch'd farre; for they whose Property absolutly resists the malady, they (I say) must needs be more effectually then those who accidentally suit the disease, and by meer chance work a cure. In Mechanicke Arts if a man excellent in one should boast of his skill in another which he never saw, you would finde him a bungler in it; but employ the same in that Trade wherein he hath been brought up, and he will shew himself to be a workman: So in diseases, when each Specifick doth its own office, there is an happy issue, but applied to another proves of no effect; neither can it be expected from one man (thought he had an hundred hands) to conquer an Army, which yet choice Bands of experienced Souldiers may easily overcome; but we have been tedious about this subject.