But seeing that in the cure of tumours there are two scopes, 1. That that which flows to it may be repelled. 2. That that which is already in it may be discussed; repulsives are most commodiously used in the beginning, discussives in the latter end.

In the middle you may mix them, with this proviso, that repulsives exceed in the beginning, discussives in the latter end.

Caution 1. If the matter offending be of a venomous quality, either abstain from repulsives altogether, or use purging first, lest

the matter fly to the bowels and prove dangerous, especially if the bowels be weak.

2. Also forbear repulsives, if the pain be great.

3. Lastly, have a care lest by repulsives you contract the pores so much, that the matter cannot be removed by discussives.

CHAPTER VII

Of cleansing Medicines

Cleansing medicines can neither be defined by heat, nor coldness, because some of both sorts cleanse.

A cleansing medicine, then, is of a terrene quality, which takes away the filth with it, and carries it out.

Definition : Here, to avoid confusion, a difference must be made between washing and cleansing.

A thing which washeth, carries away by fluxion, as a man washeth the dirt off from a thing.

A cleansing medicine by a certain roughness or nitrous quality, carries away the compacted filth with it.

This also is the difference between cleansing and discussing medicines, the one makes thick humours thin, and so scatters them, but a cleansing medicine takes the most tenacious humour along with it, without any alteration.

Besides, of cleansing medicines, some are of a gentler nature, some are more vehement.

These are not known one and the same way; for some are sweet, some salt, and some bitter.

The use of cleansing is external, as the use of purges are internal.

They are used to cleanse the sanies and other filth of ulcers, yea, and to consume and eat away the flesh itself, as burnt Alum, precipitate, &c.

When these must be used, not only the effects of the ulcers, but also the temperature of the body will tell you.

For if you see either a disease of fulness, which our physicians call [Plethora : or corrupted humours which they call [Cacochyma : you must empty the body of these, viz. fulness by bleeding, and corrupt humours, or evil state of the body, by purging before you use cleansing medicines to the ulcer, else your cure will never proceed prosperously.

CHAPTER VIII

Of Emplasters

By Emplasters, here, I do mean things glutinative, and they are quite contrary to things cleansing.