MEMB. 3. Chirurgicall remedies.

In letting of blood three main circumstances are to be considered, Who, how much, when. That is, that it be done to such a one as may endure it, or to whom it may belong, that he be of a competent age, not too young, nor too old, overweak, fat, or lean, sore laboured, but to such as have need, are full of bad blood, noxious humors, and may be eased by it.

The quantity depends upon the parties habit of body, as he is strong or weak, full or empty, may spare more or less.

In the morning is the fittest time: some doubt whether it be best fasting, or full, whether the Moons motion or aspect of Planets be to be observed, some affirm, some deny, some grant in acute, but not in Chronick diseases, whether before or after Physick. ’Tis Heurnius Aphorism, à Phlebotomia auspicandum esse curationem, non à pharmacia, you must begin with blood-letting and not Physick; some except this peculiar malady.

But what do I? Horatius Augenius, a Physitian of Padua, hath lately writ 17. books of this subject, Jobertus, &c.

Particular kinds of blood-letting in use are three, first is that opening a Vein in the arm with a sharp knife, or in the head, knees, or any other parts, as shall be thought fit.

Cupping-glasses with or without scarification, ocyssimè compescunt, saith Fernelius, they work presently, and are applyed to severall parts, to divert humours, aches, winde, &c.

Horse-leeches, are much used in melancholy, applied especially to the Hæmrods. Horatius Augenius lib. 10. cap. 10. Platerus de mentis alienat. cap. 3. Altomarus, Piso, and many others, prefer them before any evacuations in this kinde.

Cauteries or searing with hot irons, combustions, boarings, launcings, which because they are terrible, Dropax and Sinapismus are invented, by plaisters to raise blisters, and eating medicines of pich, mustard-seed and the like.

Issues still to be kept open, made as the former, and applyed in and to severall parts, have their use here on diverse occasions, as shall be shewed.