Page:A practical method as used for the cure of the plague in London in 1665.pdf/43

 of true Practice. For they conclude, if they administer according to a written Rule, set out by any they esteem able, (let the Success be what it will) 'tis justifiable, because answerable to what was directed they themselves being Judges; tho' it be contrary to Nature in all Respects: But were the one more minded, and the Recipe's of Doctors less, we should soon see a happier Effect in the Cure of these Diseases.

Our Author (as they are Revulsive Remedies, which calls from the Circumference to the Center) looks upon them highly opposite to the Nature of this Distemper, and therefore contrary to the true Indication of Cure. For, he says, let any one but observe the Progress of Contagious Diseases, and he must necessarily discern, that by Bleeding, or any Purging Remedy, tho' but a Clyster, (because Nature endeavours to make Separation another way, by the Skin) doth notably hinder the then needful and necessary Expulsion. Besides which, the Heat, that is the effectual Cause of thrusting forth Buboes and Blanes, being by such Practice diminish'd; the Vital Potency must thereby grow weak and languid, and, for want of sufficient Strength to drive out the universal Defædation, Nature's Contest with the Disease must cease, by Nature's being overcome.

Altho', at present, these Things may sound harsh to the Ears of some, yet being true, and Rh