Of the Appropriation of Medicines

SECTION II

That the qualities and use of these medicines may be found out, and understood by every one, and so my country reap the benefit of my labour, they shall find them presented to their view in this order.

Medicines appropriated:

1. To the head.

2. To the breast and lungs.

3. To the heart.

4. To the stomach.

5. To the liver.

6. To the spleen.

7. To the reins and bladder.

8. To the womb.

9. To the joints

CHAPTER I

Of Medicines appropriated to the head

By [head] is usually understood all that part of the body which is between the top of the crown, and the uppermost joint of the neck, yet are those medicines properly called Cephalical, which are appropriated to the brain, not to the eyes, ears, nor teeth; neither are those medicines which are proper to the ears, proper also to the eyes, therefore (my intent being to write as plain as I can) I shall subdivide this chapter into these parts.

Medicines appropriated:

1. To the brain.

2. To the eyes.

3. To the mouth, and nostrils.

4. To the ears.

5. To the teeth.

For what medicines are appropriated to an unruly tongue, is not in my power at present to determine.

Of Medicines appropriated to the brain

Before we treat of medicines appropriated to the brain, it is requisite that we describe what the nature and affection of the brain is.

The brain, which is the seat of apprehension, judgment, and memory, the original of sense and motion, is by nature temperate, and if so, then you will grant me that it may easily be afflicted both by heat and cold, and it is indeed more subject to affliction by either of them, than any other part of the body, for if