Chapter XXXVIII: Front Matter (38)

Such a Medicine is that which I here present to all those who continually use the Seas, and besides the Scurvy, undergo many other Diseases; by which they may not only efficaciously protect themselves against the assaults of Distempers, and hinder their progress when already began, but also under the present want of Meat and Drink, may make sound an infirm body: But how, and from what Ingredients this Euporist may be made and prepared, needs not to be manifested to every one. This is a great Gift of God, which ought to be honoured, and not prostituted to the Unworthy. Let it suffice at this time, that such a Medicament may be obtained at a small price; I will not suffer it to be buried with me, but will leave it to others, who may keep it, and sell it to those who desire it at a reasonable rate.

This is given in form of an Electuary, and may be taken for a Preservative, daily, or every second, third, or fourth day, as occasion requireth, in the quantity of half or a whole Pease, upon an empty stomach, fasting two hours after it, if need be, but if not, Food may be taken presently after it, although it is better to abstain some hours: But when a Disease hath already invaded a man, whether it be _Fever_, _Scurvy_, _Headach_, _Catarrh_, or any other Disease infesting Seamen, let the Patient forthwith swallow down of this Electuary the magnitude of an ordinary Pease (for it hath no unpleasant taste) and sweat if he can; if not, let him keep however a very moderate Dyet all the day, and in Summer time, as much as he can, avoid the intense heat, and in Winter, the extremity of Cold; the next day let him take the quantity of a Pease or two, and so let him encrease or diminish the dose, according to the state of the Disease. These things being well observed, all Sicknesses will give place.

If a man carry with him but half an ounce of this Medicine to sea, in a long Voyage, he will possess a _Panacea_, both for the preventing and curing all Diseases incident to his body.

This is of very great use and profit especially for Masters of Ships, to whom I also highly recommend it as such, and not to them only, but also to all the Inhabitants of the Earth, to whom it promiseth no less success. If a Medicine can be invented, (besides that universal one of the Philosophers) accommodated to all diseases, truly this is one, and will perform all, or even more than I have attributed to my _Catholicon_ in the _Second Part of my Pharmac. Spagyr._ that is a Powder, but this, of which I now discourse, an Electuary prepared of certain good Ingredients and Sugar. I affirm again, That there is no disease, whether internal or external, for the curing of which this Medicine doth not suffice; for it doth not only resist the _Fever_, _Scurvy_, and _Pox_, but even the _Gout_ and _Leprosy_ it self, provided they be not too much fixed and radicated; yea, although they be very inveterate, and cannot be throughly rooted out by this Medicine, nevertheless it gives relief in them, and renders them more tolerable, and hinders the accession of the daily fits, and keeps it under. Certainly where this Medicine can yield no help, Nature must be wholly ruined and tired out. What I have here written, is the Truth, which I am able to prove by experience; however it is free for every one to believe or not believe me, as he pleaseth: Christian Charity to my Neighbour hath compelled me, if it be well taken, it is well, if not, I have done my part, and discharged my Conscience. Nor will I insist any farther on the praise of this _Panacea_, I have said enough to those who believe, or can understand me.

And thus I have set before the whole World, that Medicament which can preserve from, and cure the most grievous Diseases accompanying Ships and Voyages, and also relieve in the extremity of Hunger.

This being done, there yet remains another Remedy whereby the Body may be relieved, and refreshed in extremity of Thirst, when drink is wanting; and this is done by Water concentrated, which is of so great virtue, that it giveth such a refrigeration to a thirsty Palate, that in the whole World there is not the like. Seeing therefore that in long Voyages Water is often wanting, and putrefieth and stinketh, it will be very necessary here to declare and shew, how Thirst may be restrained and rendered tolerable in time of necessity. Then also how common Water may be preserved from corruption; moreover, that one Tun may effect as much for the quenching of Thirst, as otherwise 2 or 3 Tuns of common Water can. Which is not only my saying, but the Truth it self; as I will here prove by manifest testimonies: And this is to be done as I have said, by Water concentrated and coagulated. But what that is, I will first shew, and then by what means it is to be prepared and used.

To explain the genuine Property of concentrated Water to many, may seem unnecessary, in regard that Seamen are not skilled in such discourses, nor careful about them; and that they rather belong to Philosophers, and the Contemplators of Nature, that they may render the knowledge of them familiar to themselves: But this Treatise without doubt will come into the hands of wise and experienced men, as well as into those who use the Seas, and therefore perhaps I shall not lose my labour, if I somewhat more exactly describe the nature of that water.

It is sufficiently evident to all those who have saluted but the Thresholds of Nature, that the Omnipotent God, in the first Creation of the World, hath separated the Elements from the rude _Chaos_, as also the Elements from one another, placing the Earth in the bottom or foundation of the Center, and over that the Water, over the Water the Air, and over the Air the Fire; so that every of them holdeth its own receptacle and seat, from whence, without the will of God, it cannot recede. Nevertheless, we find that one alwaies participates of the other, and none is found without another, although one be predominant and visible; but the rest exist in it invisibly, and by the skill of an Artist, may visibly be deduced from it. So from the Earth we elicite Air, Water, and Fire; from the visible Water, natural Earth, Air, and Fire; again, from the Air, Earth, Water, and Fire; and from the Fire, Air, Water, and Earth. Hence the Elements are continually circulated from one species into another, which indeed we do not observe or perceive, and no Element can want an Element, but draweth its life and nutriment from another. The Fire cannot burn without Air; the Fire operateth upon the Water, and of it maketh Air; the Water resteth in the Earth, and moisteneth the same; the Fire impregnateth the Air; the Air insinuateth the Seed into the Earth; the Earth nourisheth and cherisheth the Seed unto perfection, and afterwards bringeth to light what it hath conceived, and carried in its belly.

These things are only hinted at by the way, and not without cause.

But to return to our concentrated water, that we may explain its nature, know, that water is the _principium_ or beginning of all the Elements; which thing is sufficiently manifest, and may be seen daily, especially in the _subterranean_ Mines of Metals, whose inward bowels are so penetrated, that there is not only water, but we also see it to be quickly transmuted into various forms of Mineral Bodies, the which without is familiar; and the more limpid or clear the water is, the brighter Stones and purer Minerals it generateth: Of which you may read more in that Treatise, [_The Second Part of the Mineral Work_] where I have described the generation of Minerals; also that Flints and Sand, in the Earth, Rivers, and Seas, receive their encrease from water, is sufficiently manifest; for all sand was primitively water only, and hath passed out of water into hard sand or stones, and into which it may again be changed. But this is not to be used as a Remedy against Thirst, because it is now too hard, and difficultly returneth to its first matter, _viz._ Water, except by the benefit of another subject, which is a _medium_ between Sand, Flints, Crystal, and common water, _viz._ Salt, which hath an agreement with the nature both of common water and that of stones, and may be easily changed into either of them; as you shall hereafter hear. But this concentrated water, which I here propose for the vanquishing of Thirst, and refreshing of the body, is salt prepared and concentrated, either of the waters of Mountains, or of the Sea, which are of the same goodness: Of which afterwards is prepared by Art a water so excellent, that for repressing of Thirst and refreshing a languid body, there is no Remedy in the world may be compared to it.

Here some one ignorant of natural things may object, and say, How can it be that Salt should repel Thirst, seeing that when it is eaten, it exciteth and encreaseth the same? To this I answer, That common salt, as it is first extracted or boiled, can in no wise restrain the Appetite of drinking, but rather provoke it, except its pravity be first corrected and depurated; for every salt seems to have laid aside its nature and property, so long as it contains earthy and gross fæces, which nevertheless may be removed from it by solution, filtration, and coagulation; whence also it is bitter, astringent, and hard; but this harshness and terrestreity being removed, the salt remaineth no longer hard, but is reduced into a soft and fluid Liquor, not sweet, but pleasantly acid, tasting like an Apple or the stones of Grapes. And this purification must be made by the force of Fire, _viz._ when the salt in destilling is sublimed in earthen Vessels, by strong Flames; and then the purest and most noble part only ascendeth, and the more gross and earthy remaineth in the bottom, and is of no use; but the purer part is of great power and virtues, not only against Thirst, but is also very necessary for many other things, as shall hereafter be demonstrated. That otherwise in impure common salt a great Virtue is latent, let no man doubt, seeing that it may be daily observed: Wherefore that excellent Philosopher _Plato_ writeth, _That in salt there is somewhat divine_; and according to the opinion of other great and wise men, GOD hath openly manifested Himself in Fire and Salt, and the ancient Philosophers were hence taught to prepare their _Universal Medicine_; which Art of preparing they have called _Alchymy_, or _The melting of Salt_; but I speak not this by experience, in regard that I never yet durst attempt so great a Secret, being contented with smaller things; but this I know, and have divers times done, _viz._ that by a certain Artifice, I have precipitated from common Salt some corporeal Gold, although without profit, and only to see the possibility, which without those precipitations remaineth spiritual, and at length by them obtaineth a corporeal substance.

Indeed the greatest Mystery of the whole World consisteth in Fire and Salt, and with those two (after God) nothing may be compared; for the Flame raiseth Light out of Darkness, which otherwise none but God can do. It is also fit to restore life to the dead, no otherwise than the warm Sun or Oven reviveth Worms, Frogs, Serpents, Flies, and other Insects, which have been killed by the Cold; of which I have made mention in the second part of my _Pharmacop. Spagyr._ as also in _Miraculum Mundi_, and its _Explication_. Many men use Fire, yet know not what they have or use: So also it happeneth with salt, all men use it out of custom, but observe not what they taste. Salt is a thing of great moment; by it we give strength to resist Corruption, both to the living and the dead.

And so it is, that if men had not salt, or at the least those Plants and Fruits, in which it dwells, they would putrefie while yet living. Which would also happen to Cattel, if they did not eat Grass, which contains in it self its own salt, and sufficeth them in feeding; nevertheless if something better were given them with it, it would be very profitable for them; for if to horned Beasts, as also Hogs, some saltness were given with their meat and drink, they would thereby acquire much strength and fatness.

Seeing therefore that Salt, whilst it is yet gross and rude, and defiled with many impurities, performeth such things in living Creatures, and preserveth Flesh and Fish, as also all Herbs and Grass, long from Corruption; What could not such a salt do, which by the help of Art hath received a greater purity than Nature hath bestowed upon it? For the Fire containeth a power of correcting and purifying salt, and converting it into a finer and better substance. The common salts which we daily use, do indeed give a relish to all Edibles, and preserve them from putrefaction; yet nevertheless they dry, astringe, and bind the belly; also excite Thirst; but salt being rectified and depurated, communicateth a sweet and grateful taste, also more powerfully resisteth Corruption than the other, neither doth it bind the belly, but keepeth it soluble, expelleth Urine; nor doth it cause Thirst, but rather taketh it away both from the sick and sound: So great a difference is there between the common and corrected and depurated salt, which Rusticks little understand. The nature and property of common salt is known to every one, as far as concerns the Kitchin, but the rectified is known to few: And the Spirit of Salt, which is in use in Apothecaries shops, and which they also sell, being for the most part not rightly prepared, effecteth little, and therefore not frequently used: But if it were made and rectified as it should be, it would not only have a pleasanter taste, but also a better operation. So many things bear Names which are not agreeable to the thing, and therefore cannot perform what is expected from them.

The Ancients have ascribed great Virtues to Spirit of Salt in Medicine, which it indeed hath, if after its destillation it be well rectified and dephlegmed; but if it be administred so crude as it ascends the first time, it may perhaps do more harm than good, inasmuch as a great deal of terrestreity comes over with it, which in the rectifying remaineth in the bottom of the Glass, as an insipid, bitter, or astringent salt. And although this be well enough known to some, nevertheless they abhor to rectifie their spirit, because the spirit in rectification loseth a great part of its weight, by separating its superfluities.

I taught, many years since, how to prepare the spirit of salt in quantity, whose description is also exactly set down in the _first and second part of my Furnaces_. It also demonstrateth its utility in Metallicks; as manifestly appears in the _first part of my Mineral Work_, where the manner of extracting Gold from Stones, by its help, is taught. Altho’ the spirit for that work should be prepared after another manner, than that which is to be used at Sea, or on shore, for the curing Diseases or repressing of Thirst; wherefore I’ll first teach the way of making this, and then also shew its Use.

As for the manner of anatomising Salt by Fire and Art, and transmuting it into a pure and sweet spirit, it is various, for one useth this, another way, as I also have taught divers waies, in the _first and second part of my Furnaces_; but here I will appoint another, which is the best and most commodious for the uses treated of in this Book, and is thus to be performed.

Get some strong Retorts, made of good Earth (but Glass is better) fill them with the following mixture of Salt and Earth, then according to Art, destil thence a spirit gratefully acid, which duly rectifie, and it will be prepared for Use. The salt is to be thus prepared for destillation: fill a great Crucible with Sea-salt, which cover with an earthen Cover, and by degrees put Fire about it of flaming Coals, encreasing it, until the salt be all over red-hot; this being done, presently remove it from the fire, and let it cool; by this means, if any greasie sordes, or other combustible impurities, adhere to the salt, they will be consumed and vanish. Dissolve the salt in common water, filter or strain it through a fine close Linen Cloth, that the fæces may be separated; the clear Liquor evaporate in an earthen glazed Vessel, till the Cuticula appear, then make little balls of clay and sand, about the bigness of Walnuts or Pigeons Eggs; dry them, and heat them red-hot in an earthen Vessel, and so the fat spirit of the Earth will be burnt away; then imbibe those balls with your strong salt water, by letting them remain in it for some hours, that they may drink in as much of it as they can, then take them out, and dry them: With these fill your Retorts, and administer Fire by degrees, and at length urge with the strongest flames, so long, till they emit no more fume, for then all the spirit is come forth: The Receiver must be of Glass, and very large, in whose bottom must also be a little water, to attract and condense the spirit. The Destillation being finished, the spirit is to be rectified by it self in a low Cucurbit in sand, and first the water or phlegm will come over, (which you may keep for another destillation) then the pure and sweet spirit will rise limpid and clear, and an unpleasant salt will remain in the bottom, which is to be cast away, and the spirit to be kept for the uses to be shewed hereafter.

But if you desire to have the spirit yet more pure, and efficacious, you may rectifie it again upon calcined or powdered Flints, which will retain in the bottom whatsoever is yet gross or impure, and the spirit will be rendered very pure and subtile; for the Flint at the first was Water and Salt, and hence both contain in themselves so streight a communion. This may be seen among the Glass-makers, who reduce Sand or Flints into clearness by melting, that thence they may make pure Glass; for Salt in the Fire dissolveth sand, Flint, Crystal, and together with them receiveth the Essence of Glass; yea, and these very species and matters, by the help of an _Alkaly_ Salt, are resolved into a diaphanous Glass, which being put into common Water, melt like salt; of which I have discoursed in the _Third Part of my Furnaces_. When we destil the aforesaid rectified Spirit of Salt again from powdered Flints, from the innate love which it hath to the Flints, it carrieth some part of them upwards with it self, and is made better for use in all Diseases, especially in the _Dropsie_, _Stone_, and _Gout_ it is an excellent Medicine. The Flints remaining in the bottom, yield a water which dissolveth the hardest Crystals, and is acid like the spirit of Salt, and nothing else but part of it coagulated with them, and may be administred in all cases as the Spirit of Salt.

Let no man wonder that I ascribe more to this Spirit rectified with Flints, than to any other common spirit of salt; for few know what Virtues are latent in flints or sand. All Birds and four-footed Animals use sand. Many men administer the powder of Flints and Crystal, for the corroborating of weak stomachs. Hens devour Sand and small Pebbles, that they may thence have matter for their Eggshels, and being debarred of it, lay Eggs without shells. Wherefore I affirm, That this spirit of Salt, abstracted from flints, to be better in many Diseases than the common spirit, and especially the Crystals, or spirit of salt coagulated, of which we have above made mention.

Let this Suffice concerning the Preparation of spirit of salt. Now we will also teach, how it is to be administred either at Sea or on Shore, for the repelling of Thirst, and the Cure of Diseases: To what other purposes the spirit of salt serves, besides Medicine, I have shewed elsewhere; here my intention is only to signifie of what great use and profit it may be in Voyages to Sea, which was the only occasion of writing this Treatise.

_Of the Use of =Spirit of Salt= in Ships, against Thirst, and
also the Scurvy._

In the first place, this spirit is profitable to the body, when a small quantity of it is put into the Hogsheads of Water, thereof Seamen and Souldiers drink, to which it gives a grateful acidity, like that of Wine, and is far more effectual in quenching of Thirst, and in less quantity than other Water, and besides preserves the Water from corruption and stinking, which otherwise in long Voyages it is wont to suffer, contracting a muddiness, blackness, and breeding Worms, which generate the _Scurvy_; for the Water containing the spirit of salt, cannot corrupt; which spirit also preserveth other things, both living and dead, from putrefaction. And because the water with the acid spirit of salt extinguisheth Thirst more than any other, it necessarily follows, that so great a quantity of water need not be carried for a Voyage, as otherwise is usual. Moreover, seeing that the spirit of salt resisteth all putrefaction, it suffereth not the _Scurvy_ to take root, for it refresheth and exhilarateth a man with great vigour, corroborateth the stomach, and all the members of the body, it consumeth pituitous matter in the Reins and Bladder, expelleth Urine and Stone, keepeth the Belly soluble, promoteth digestion; it suffereth no Disease to grow from corruption of the Blood, to which otherwise Sea-faring men are subject: Moreover, it exerteth its salutiferous Virtues, if a little of it be mingled with Wine and Beer, in Ships, which will long preserve it in its goodness and sincerity, causing it the better to repress Thirst, and therefore to go the farther in use. Also Beef, Mutton, and Veal may by it be preserved a long time, _viz._ if they be put into stone pots, and powdered or condited with some salt, dissolved in the spirit of salt. Nevertheless it behoveth that the Flesh be without many Bones, and that all the legs, shins, or shanks be cut off. Moreover, a very small quantity of the spirit being added to the water in which Fish is to be boiled, maketh the Fish eat firm and close, and of a much solider relish than when sprinkled with Vinegar. So also Raisins being put into water impregnated with spirit of salt, will grow soft, and swell, and will recover their strength and sweetness, as if they were fresh plucked from the Vine, which will afford a great refreshment to those who frequent the Seas.

In a word, this spirit may commodiously be used, not only in Water, Wine, or Beer, but also in all sorts of Food in Ships; for it giveth a very pleasant taste to all meat and drink, and correcteth them so, that they become more wholsom. It hath also another very profitable use, _viz._ If in hot weather but one drop, or so small a part of the coagulated spirit, as the magnitude of an Hempseed, be mixed with sugar and held upon the Tongue; for it so cooleth the mouth, and allayeth Thirst, that there will be no need of bad Water or Beer, by which the body is more violated than corroborated, through drinking often and much of them. Nor is this the least of its virtues, that when in a long Voyage there is a want of water, a little more of the spirit of salt may be put into it than will serve for a grateful acidity; for so it will quench Thirst for a longer time, and in a less quantity than otherwise a greater quantity of water can do. Yea, although the Ship should be cast away, and the men forced to betake themselves to their Boat, or broken pieces of the Ship, as it often happens, if they have but an ounce of the spirit of salt in a Glass, or half so much of it coagulated, in defect of Drink, they may sustain their lives and health therewith so long, till it please God to afford them a means of _getting_ to shore; nor will they be forced to drink their own Urine, or Sea-water, which is pernicious.

These and the like Virtues the spirit of salt sheweth in Ships, which for brevity sake, are not all declared.

I have also meditated how the _Sea-water_ may be made sweet and drinkable by precipitation, which would be very desirable in want of water: And so far I have _attained_, that I can precipitate a good quantity of the salt from the water, which also becomes much sweeter, but yet not so fully, but some saltness remains in it. Although in case of necessity this water may be used in Ships for the boiling of Pease and Beans, as also for the fermenting of _concentrated Corn_. What I now know concerning this precipitation, I will make manifest for the good of my Neighbour, and shew a good beginning how Sea-water may be made fit to drink.

There is a certain kind of Mineral called _Mary’s Ice_; it is not the _Muscovian_ Glass, as perhaps some may think, but another thing; when it is heat red-hot in the fire, and so cast into Sea-water, it is presently reduced to a tender and white powder; which being done, the Water will be agitated and moved hither and thither; then the Powder attracteth to it self part of the Salt from the Water, and settleth to the bottom of the Vessel, and the Water groweth clear, which may be poured out, and if this labour be once or twice repeated, the Water, by this precipitation, will indeed be made sweeter, but not altogether potable. Also the salt or solution of _Saturn_ dismisseth much of the salt from Sea-water, yet by that it is not rendered drinkable. The best way which I now know, is this which follows, but it is somewhat costly: Nevertheless when necessity urgeth, sweet and good water profiteth a man more than a Bond of an hundred pieces of Gold. Hence this Art deserveth to be honoured, although it be costly; for a man ready to die with Thirst would give all he hath for a draught of Water to save his Life: Wherefore somewhat of this precipitation may be committed to Ships, for their preservation, which may be used in great necessity, but if no such be, it may be brought home again, and kept for another Voyage, seeing that it will in no wise decay, but be as good after an hundred years, as the first day of its preparation.

But what this is, there is no need openly to divulge, but he who desireth it, may come to me and have it: But for the information of those who are skilful in _Chymistry_, I will intimate this; That the precipitation of Salt from Water, is necessarily to be performed by a singular sand, which doth not only drive salt downwards, but also all Phlegm, Sordes, and Impurities; so that although the water should be like to a Fen or Dunghill in filth and stink, by the benefit of this precipitation, in a few hours, it should become like clear Fountain water, because the evil odour and taste would also be precipitated.

The same may be done in all Waters, how nasty and muddy soever, and not only in Waters, but also in all potable Liquors, as Wine and Beer, although the Wine were red, seeing that the precipitation casteth to the bottom all muddiness, colour, and stink. And hence not only those Liquors, which are changed red by corruption, or other accident, but also Crystals, which are red by nature, may be reduced to a perspicuous clarity; which is a thing very profitable for Vintners; for otherwise the Sea-waters become sweet when they are carried far through common sand, which imbibeth their salt; for those two have a mutual communion and communication, seeing that both are generated of Water; hence also, by the fire, they are resolved into a dry Water, or pellucid Glass. Whence any man knowing in the nature of things, may apprehend, that this precipitation of Sea-water is built upon a foundation agreeable to Nature.

My _Alexipharmac_, or Mineral-Electuary, before mentioned, as also the Spirit and Crystals of Salt, may be administred, as well at Land as on Sea, against the _Scurvy_, _Fevers_, and other Diseases.

And although in the _Second Part of my_ Pharmacop. I have already described a certain Mineral Remedy, under the Title of a _Panacea_, and commended it against all Diseases, by which admirable Cures are e’ry where done, yet I prefer my Mineral Electuary before that, because it is more accommodated to use, seeing that when need requires, it may be taken out of a Box with a Knife only; neither is there need of any Vehicle, as Wine, Beer, or others, which are necessary to be used with the _Panacea_; neither is there need of weighing it, but may be proportioned by the Eye, according to the age and strength of the sick. Those who are of full age and strength, may take as much of the Electuary upon a fasting stomach as will equal the magnitude of a Pease, and fast some hours after it, if time and opportunity permit; also let the Patient avoid the cold Air, and the heat of the Sun in hot seasons. It is to be taken twice, four times, or oftner, in a week, according to the necessity of the sick, to which it must also be proportioned by encreasing or diminishing the Dose; for if one grain should not work, the Patient may take two, ascending to 3 or 4, if need be. When a small Dose is administred, it works insensibly; if a little more, then it worketh by stool, and sometimes by vomit, when it findeth diseasie matter in the stomach; if it findeth depraved salt humours, it casteth them out by sweat, spitting, or urine, and throughly purgeth the body from every evil. In brief, I say, it greatly purifieth the Blood, openeth all obstructions of the internal principal members, as the _Liver_, _Spleen_, and _Lungs_, beyond all _Phlegmagogues_: It hindereth the growth of all _Apostemations_ both within and without the body; it consumeth _Fluxes_ and _Catarrhs_, which fall upon the Eyes, Ears, and Teeth; it exterminateth the venereal _Pox_ in a short time; it also cureth the _Dropsie_, _Leprosie_, _Gout_, and _Falling-sickness_, both in old and young; expelleth the _Stone_ both of the _Kidneys_ and _Bladder_; cureth all sorts of _Fevers_; and lastly, it healeth all inward and outward _Wounds_ and _Ulcers_, being taken inwardly, and a due Diet observed.

This is a safe and approved Medicine in the cure of all curable diseases, nor doth it fail to help in inveterate affects, _viz._ when a disease hath been long growing, and is now firmly rooted and fixed, that it cannot be totally expelled, as the _Gout_ and _Stone_, yet then this Medicine mitigateth the pain, and maketh the Fits slower and more tolerable, and suffereth not the _Disease_ to encrease, but to be more and more abated and diminished. It cures all _Scabs_ and _Ringworms_, or _Tetters_, proceeding from an impure Blood and Liver, only by taking it inwardly, without any outward unctions. What shall I say more? This Medicine cannot be sufficiently praised, seeing that it operateth universally against all the diseases both of Men and Beasts: But I must forbear, for if I should shew all its Virtues, this Treatise would swell to too great a bulk.

In _Maritime_ Towns, and other places where the _Scurvy_ is regnant, a better Medicine than this cannot be found, for it removeth all pravity of Humours, from which such diseases proceed; it preserveth from the _Plague_, and other Contagions, and happily cureth their Infections; it strengtheneth the Memory, Heart, and Brain; preserveth from the _Palsie_ and its Concomitants: In time it restoreth those who have their Members contracted, and their Nerves repressed and immovable, after the being anointed with Mercury, for the cure of the _Pox_. He that will take it every week or once in 3 or 4 weeks as a preservative, shall not have the _Tooth-ach_, nor shall his Ears be troubled with ringing or other noises, nor shall his Eyes be troubled with sharp Rheums; but by the benefit of this, those continual inveterate Corroders of the Body, _Catarrh_, _Fistula_, _Cancer_, and other almost incurable symptoms, are throughly cured.

Hence both Rich and Poor, and those especially who go long Voyages to Sea, and want Physicians, ought to esteem this _Alexipharmac_, and provide themselves with it against a time of necessity. If any man carries with him half an ounce of it, it will be sufficient for preservation and curation for more than a year, in many diseases. If a Ship going to the _East_ or _West Indies_, carry with them half a pound of it, they may save the Lives of many men; one of which is of ten times more value than the price of the Medicine, by help of which the lives and health of many Hundreds of Men may be preserved, and being sick, may be reduced to their former health.

Now it is farther necessary to describe the Virtues which the Spirit of Salt sheweth on Shore; for that which is profitable to the sick on shipboard, is not hurtful for those who dwell at Land: For this spirit may be used in all Houses in their usual drink, as Beer or Wine, especially in these moist Regions, where the Scurvy commonly reigneth; so that there is scarcely an House to be found, in which there is not one at the least infected with this Disease; for the drink is hereby made clear, so that it well dilateth the Urinary passages, moreover hindereth the growing of the stone in the Kidnys and Bladder; it also gives a pleasant taste to the Wine, removeth its superfluous Tartar and precipitateth it to the bottom, so that _Spanish_ and _French_ Wine acquire a clearness like to _Rhenish_ wine. In Summer time, after Liquors have once wrought, it suffereth them not to fret, grow mucous, or work again, but keepeth them from many Accidents. _French_ Wines, as sold in many places, have neither odour nor taste, but good Wine is endowed both with a Vinous relish, and a grateful odour; and when these are wanting, the name agrees not with the thing. But the Spirit of Salt, with the Essence of Wine, conciliates to _French_ wine the smell, taste, and colour of _Rhenish_ wine. Hence also being so meliorated, it will, like _Rhenish_, keep many years, which otherwise will hardly hold good two years. Moreover, by the spirit of salt that quality may be taken away from Honey, which renders its taste somewhat ungrateful, and its hidden Impurities may be precipitated, so that an excellent wholsom drink may be made of it. Which is a famous Art to be used in those places where there is no wine; for when Honey is well depurated, and the unpleasant taste taken from it, it becomes as a comforting Balsam to Man; as that old Souldier had experienced, whom _Alexander_ asked what he had used to prolong his Life to so great an Age, he answered, That inwardly he had used Honey, and outwardly Oil. And it is evident to many, that there is a great virtue in Honey, but by reason of the unpleasant taste, it is loathed; which yet is removed by the spirit of salt, so that a drink prepared of such pure Honey, is as wholsom as the best wine: which hath also this benefit, that every Housekeeper may have this drink at his Table, at any time of the year. This honied Nectar also holdeth good many years, after the manner of the best _Rhenish_ wine, and is made for a small charge, and will be a great comfort to those who are not able to go to the price of wine. Moreover, every one may make his own drink as strong and as sweet as he pleaseth; which is the principal head of the Art, to take away the ungrateful taste from the Honey, which being removed by the spirit of salt, the drink will become clear, to which you may add a little _French_ or _Rhenish_ wine for taste sake. You may thence also make good Beer, which will hold its goodness 10 or 20 years, or more, _viz._ if instead of common water you take the water of Hops, to dissolve the purified Honey, to which (if you please) you may give divers tasts, by putting into it divers Herbs, as is wont to be done in wine and beer. But this you are especially to regard, That for this business you do not use unrectified spirit of salt, for such would spoil the taste, and corrupt the drink, but alwaies take that which is well rectify’d, which I have sufficiently taught the manner of doing of, both in this Treatise, and divers other places of my Writings.

NB. There is no need to put the spirit into a Vessel of Wine or Beer, but it sufficeth to keep it in a small glass, and as often as you have occasion to put some drops of it into a Bottle of Wine or Beer, and so to drink of it. Every one therefore may make his drink as he will, by putting in more or less of the spirit, according to his Palate; which doth not only serve to make the wine and beer clear and diuretick, but may also be used in Fountain-water, in hot weather, for the allaying of wine: For if some drops of it be put into a bottle of water, it giveth it a grateful acidity, not much unlike to the natural Mineral acid waters, and in hot weather allayeth the over-great heat of the Blood, and quencheth Thirst, so that there is no need of burdening the stomach with much wine or beer. Also all those drinks, as wine, beer, and water, which are mingled with the well-rectified spirit of salt, are far wholsomer than other ordinary drinks. If a little pure Steel be dissolved in spirit of Salt, and then put to fair water, it will have almost the same taste with the _Spaw_-water, and if some quantity of it be drank, it looseth the belly, and evacuateth black Excrements, whence a man grows lively and vigorous, as if he had drank of the _Spaw_-waters.

And this benefit may accrue by it to all Travellers, who carrying with them a little spirit of salt in a glass, may at all times, and in all places, correct and amend their beer or wine in their Tuns, and give it a better relish: But because this spirit is more liable to be lost in a liquid form by any accident befalling the glass, therefore being coagulated into a dry form, it may be more commodiously carried about in a Paper or Box, of which the magnitude of a small Pease drank in one cup of water, quencheth Thirst better than a great quantity of water alone. This spirit or salt will be serviceable to men of all sorts, but to none more than to Seamen or Souldiers, in war-like expeditions, of which sometimes more die through want of water, than by the sword, who also for the most part contract their Diseases from the filths in Ships, which might easily be prevented. What will it profit a Captain of a Man of War, or the Commander of a Merchant-ship to have many men for his defence and service, if they are disabled by a Disease? Were it not then better to use all diligence to preserve their health, and to restore it when lost? Which may be done with small Labour and Cost. A General brings an Army some time into the Field, of 10, 20, or 30 Thousand Men, and seeing that those observe no due order in eating and drinking, and being destitute of Medicines, if the _Plague_, _Fever_, or _Bloody-Flux_ comes among them, they drop off one after another like Flies in Winter; when notwithstanding they might be succoured and helped in those Diseases by my Electuary, [_This Electuary I think to be the =Panacea Antimonij= made up with Sugar._] Salt of Salt, or Spirit of Salt, inspissated or thickened with Sugar. The spirit of salt hath alwaies been highly esteemed, both by ancient & modern Physicians, for its great virtues which it sheweth both inwardly & outwardly; besides which, it is of great use in other Arts, as I have shewed in the _first and second Part of my Furnaces_. And that the Reader may see that I am not singular in what I have ascribed to the spirit of salt, I will here set down the Experience of that no less learned than famous Physician _Conradus Kunrath_; of the spirit of salt, as he hath expressed it in his _Medulla Destillatoria_, printed at _Hamburgh_, _Anno_ 1638. in these words, _Part_ 1. _pag._ 59.

The Great and Effectual Operations which are attributed to the
Spirit or Oil of _SALT_.

_The Spirit or Oil of Salt is not of so acrimonious a taste, as Salt commonly is: Nor hath it so great an acidity as the Spirit of Vitriol, but it tasteth almost like the juice of wild Apples, with somewhat of sweetness intermixt. It discusseth, dissolveth, consumeth, and dryeth, yet it doth not heat too much, but hath a temperate nature, mitigating and comforting the natural heat, which it also encreaseth, and dispelleth all things contrary to Nature, preserveth the state of sound humours unhurt, especially profitable for those who are phlegmatick, whose viscous =Saburra= of humidities it consumeth, taketh away =Catarrhs= which fall from the Head, and preserveth from all Diseases which arise from a noxious Pituity, Mucor, and Fluxes. Yea, those who use labour and study, shall perceive their Strength to be restored by it, and as it were renewed._

_Experience, the Mistris of things, witnesseth, That it is a present Remedy against the =Falling-sickness=, being administred in good =Aqua-vitæ=: Against the =Apoplexy=, =Palsie=, or =loss of Speech=; as also the trembling and beating of the Heart, and all dejections of Mind; as also in the time of the =Plague=, or in any infectious Air, it may be administred with profit, by mixing half an ounce of the Spirit or Oil of Salt with two ounces of the Juice of Violets, and as much of the Electuary of Juniper-berries, in a Stone or Glass Mortar, and the Patient taking the quantity of a Filberd in the morning upon an empty stomach._

_This Compound-Medicine being given to Women with Child, facilitateth the Birth, and is highly profitable against various symptoms of Women in Child-bed, without any danger. If any desire to preserve their native heat, let them often use this =Alexipharmack=._

_Whoever is burdened with superfluous moisture, let him take this Spirit or Oil of Salt daily, in Wine or some other Vehicle._

_In Coldness, and continual Fluxes, which stop up the Breast, it conduceth much, and taketh away inveterate Coughs and grievous =Asthma’s=, which are stirred up by those Fluxes. It dissolveth, consumeth, and dissipateth depraved humours, collected and indurated in the stomach: and although of it self it communicateth little nourishment, yet it excites the Stomach to a good Appetite, and disposeth the Meat to a good digestion and passage through the body._

_It helpeth in the Tartarous and indurated =Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen=, which it openeth and relieveth, and hence removeth and taketh away the =Jaundice=, =Dropsie=, =Hypocondriack Melancholy=, and pains and affects of the =Ribs= and =Viscera=, and also whatsoever ariseth from Wind and Flatulency, and other symptomes proceeding from the said causes, it especially absumeth the =Anasarca=, or Water under the skin, and throughly removeth watery Tumours in the Genital Members or Legs, which for the most part happen to those who are Hydropical, Phthisical, or labour under a Distemper of the Liver. It also taketh away the great Thirst in those, which otherwise in this kind of diseases doth not lightly afflict, so that the Patient shall have no desire of drinking, but may remain some daies without. The same is also a Remedy against all putrid =Fevers=._

_In tormenting Pains of the Belly, and =Cholick=, which are excited by the viscosity of humours, or intemperature of flatulency, or force of cold, and a dense and tough Phlegm driven into the Intestines; this spirit resolveth and consumeth, and so openeth the stopt passages of the Bowels, and looseneth the Belly, that it easeth the Iliack pains, whether it be taken at the mouth, or administred Clysterwise. In the =Lientery=, =Dysentery=, or =Hæmorrhage=, it is to be given in Clysters; in like manner in =Nephritick= Diseases, and the dolorous =Stone in the Bladder=, which it dispelleth and exterminateth._

_In =Ruptures=, as the =Hernia= and =Enterocele=, let some drops be given daily in good Wine; let the Tumour of the =Scrotum= be also often anointed with this Spirit or Oil, and cherished by a fit Truss, or some other bandage, and in a few daies the sick will recover his former health._

_It killeth all =Worms= in the Body, casteth them out, and prohibits their breeding again._

_It is a most effectual preservative against the contagion of the =Plague=; and also is very conducible to those who are already infected. It also wonderfully profiteth such as have eaten Poisonous Mushrooms or Opium, as also those who are hurt by Serpents, Vipers, Spiders, and the like venomous Insects, it is accommodated both to inward and outward use, because it consumeth virulent humidities. For the stinging of Wasps and Hornets, it is to be applied topically._

_For fat Women, and those who are troubled with impurities of the Matrix, from a superfluous phlegmatic humour, it is very profitable; for by the benefit of it, every redundancy and incommodity of Phlegm is purified, consumed, and dried up, so that the seed may more easily rest in the Womb, and fertility be greatly promoted._

_In protuberant Excrescencies of the Eyes, =Films=, =Cataracts=, =Blisters=, =Pustles=, or =Spots=, =Dimness= or =Darkness of sight=, it is to be used in a good Collyry, or other commodious Vehicle. In =Blows=, =Bruises=, or =Falls=, when the Blood is congealed, (which we call black and blue) in the Eyes or Face, let a bit of a Sponge or Lint be wetted with the Spirit or Oil of Salt, and applied to the place affected; or else dissolve in the same a little red Myrrh, and with the Dissolution mix a little Honey, and anoint with it. It driveth away noise and pain of the Ears, also when the Ears send forth an ulcerous and purulent matter, the same Medicine may be administred with an happy success. And in these Symptoms it is to be mixed with Wine-Vinegar, and dropped into the Ears, and rubbed upon the diseased parts._

_In the =Thrush=, and other sore mouths of sucking Children, also in the glandular or kernelly Swellings of the Neck, foulness of the Tongue, swelled and rotten Gums, =Scurvy= in the Mouth, =Tooth-ach=, superfluous humours and filths adhering to the Teeth and Gums, this Spirit or Oil of Salt is an excellent Remedy; as also in preserving from those Evils, it is to be conjoined with clarified Honey, and the Mouth, or parts affected in it, to be anointed therewith. Against the evil Affects and Ulcers of Womens Breasts, some linen rags are to be humected with the Spirit or Oil of Salt, and they will be quickly healed. The moist =Itch=, =Tetters=, =Ringworms=, and other contagious Affects of the Skin, are happily cured by both the inward and outward use of this Spirit. =Ulcers= and fungous =Tumours= in the Venereal Disease, or others, if we would bring them to a suppuration, the Oil of Salt will effect it, being applied either alone, or mixed with other convenient Remedies. For the healing of venomous Ulcers, which pierce the Bone it self, as also all virulent Apostems, the Spirit or Oil of Salt is to be mixed with White-wine, and Barley-Flour, into the consistency of a Plaster, which is to be applied to the Sore._

_Also in cancerous, eating, and spreading Ulcers, it is very profitable, being mixed with the juice of Rhue, and aptly applied._

_That I may summarily express its use both inwardly and outwardly, it resisteth all fluid and corroding Vices, and layeth the foundation of their Cure. In luxated, shortened, or contracted members and joints, it affordeth present help, being used alone, or joined with fit fomentations or Epithems._

_In the taking away of =Warts=, this Spirit is to be mixed with the juice of Marigolds, and applied to them: It also taketh away Corns, if after they are softened with warm water, they be well cut and anointed with this Oil. In the =Erysipelas=, St. =Anthony’s= fire, this being mixed with Elder-Vinegar, and applied, is of great virtue._

_The Hands or Feet being corrupted or chapt by Cold, are recovered by the benefit of this Medicine. This Spirit or Oil greatly conduceth to help the weariness and weakness of the Feet and other Members, restoring to them their strength and vigour, if they be well bathed therewith before the fire._

_Moreover, in the dolorous =Gout= it is a famous Remedy, and a profitable =Anodine= for allaying the pain, if besides its internal use it be also applied topically: For to this our Medicine are to be joined Oil of Turpentine, Oil of Wax, Oil of Camomile, or also Oil of Cowslips, with which the parts affected are to be well anointed. But where the members are contracted by =Fluxions= and =Catarrhs=, fit Fomentations are also to be used, and besides our Oil or Spirit, the dulcified Oil of Vitriol, and pure Oil of Turpentine, are to be mixed together, and the parts to be therewith anointed before the fire. And hence the Nerves and Joints are so comforted, that they will not so easily admit such Fluxions again. Also if there be =Tophes= or =Nodes= in the Joints, they will be discussed beyond belief; being duly anointed with this Oil, mixed with the dulcified Oil of Vitriol._

_It is also used with great profit both inwardly and outwardly, against the =Cramp= and =Convulsion of the Nerves= by Cold._

_In external Wounds and Symptoms there often happens a Putretude, and also proud Flesh sometimes starteth up, and causeth great pain. These Protuberances being anointed with this Oil or Spirit, are presently dissolved and consumed, and also preserved from future corruptions._

_In brief, this is a most excellent Medicine, overcoming many Diseases. Moreover, the Reader is to know, that this spirit or Oil of Salt, (besides those Virtues which I have declared) if it be diligently prepared, and rightly prescribed, may be used for the preparing of many excellent and precious things in the Chymical Art; for it dissolveth Gold, Gemms, and other Stones, Pearls, Corals, =&c.= so that they are reduced into excellent Medicines, in a liquid or potable form, highly useful for Mankind: But how those Processes are to be instituted, I shall here pretermit, But he that hath drawn a good foundation of working from that information which my =Medulla Destillatoria= hath faithfully propounded, let him weigh the matter with an accurate mind, and put his hand to the Work, there is nothing in it so tedious, but he will easily conceive; moreover, let him associate himself with honest, sincere, and skilful Artists, and take their counsel, then he will find out many Secrets of Nature, and singular Arcana’s, and will see that his care and diligence hath not been in vain: Then let him use that Experience to the Glory of God, and the help of his needy Neighbour._

The Virtues or most efficacious Operations of the _Spirit_ or _Oil
of Salt_, in which Gold is rightly dissolved, according to Art;
or, when it shall be made an _Aurum Potabile_.