which impart not a recruiting, but a predatory heat to the spirits.

But a prudent and judicious use of these simples, sometimes by way of food, and sometimes by way of physick, will answer this intention, viz. elecampane, carduus benedictus, young cresses, germander, angelica, zedoary, vervain, valerian, myrrh, costmary, elder-flowers, and chervil.

It happens fortunately also, that the capital opiates are of excellent use in this operation; as by composition they afford such a heat as is wished for, but scarce found in simples; for by mixing together such hot things as euphorbium, pellitory, birthwort, opopanax, ammoniacum, galbanum, &c. to blunt the narcotic virtue of the opium, physicians make the medicines here required; as is excellently seen in the theriaca, and mithridate, which are not biting and pungent to the tongue, but only somewhat bitter, and of a strong scent, exerting their warmth in the stomach, and the subsequent passages.

A frequent excitation to venery, but rarely performing the act, conduces also to give the spirits a robust heat; and the like may be said of some other passions: of which hereafter. And so much for the heat of the spirits disposing to long life.

As to the quantity of spirits, with a view to

L

keep them down, and prevent their over proportion, it is but a short enquiry; since a small flame does not devour so much as a large one,

It seems confirmed by experience, that a slender and almost Pythagorean, monastic, or hermetic diet, regulated by penury and want, conduces to longevity. Such a regimen turns upon the drinking of water, lying hard, the use of a cold air, eating of herbs, fruits, dried flesh, and dried fish, wearing of hair-shirts next the skin, frequent fasting, frequent watching, few sensual pleasures, &c. all which diminish the spirits, and reduce them to a quantity barely sufficient to support the offices of life; whence they are rendered less predatory.

But if the regimen be not altogether so rigorous and mortifying, yet continually equable and uniform, it has the same effect; as a greater flame, when uniform and undisturbed, consumes less of its subject, than a small one agitated stronger and weaker by fits. And we have an eminent example of this in the regimen and diet of Cornaro the Venetian; who for many years continued to eat and drink by exact weight: thus preserving himself in full strength of body, and vigour of senses, to more than a hundred years.

Regard likewise must be had, that the body which is nourished to the full, and not emaciated

by the strict regimen above-mentioned, omit not the seasonable use of venery; lest the spirits should grow too turgid, and thus soften and relax the body. And so much for the moderate and frugal quantity of spirits.

Next follows the enquiry of checking the motions of the spirits; for motion manifestly tends to attenuate and over-heat them. They are checked three ways, viz. 1. by sleep; 2. by avoiding vehement labour, immoderate exercise, and lassitude; and 3. by bridling all troublesome passions. And first of sleep.

The fable goes of Epimenides, that he slept many years in his cave without eating; for the spirits waste and prey but little in sleep and experience shews that dormice, bats, swallows, &c. shut up in close places, sleep the whole winter the same is also supposed of bees and drones, though sometimes destitute of honey; and again of butter-flies, flies, &c.

Sleep in the afternoon is good for the spirits; as no unfriendly vapours then ascend to the head, and only the first light dew of the meal; though in all other respects with regard to health, it is pernicious and oppressive: but in extreme old age, both meals and sleep should be frequent, though short and small; and in the last stage of a long life, perpetual rest and repose are serviceable, especially in the winter. And as mo

deretc sleep contributes to prolong life; it does it so much the more where it is pleasing, and not broken or disordered.

Quiet sleep is procured by violets, lettuce, especially boiled; saffron, balın, apples eat at going to bed; toast and malmsey, particularly if muskroses are first infused in the wine. It were therefore proper to compose a pill, or some small draught of these ingredients; and to use it often. Those things likewise which close the mouth of the stomach, as prepared coriander-seed, quinces and roasted pears, cause pleasing sleep. But above all things in youth, especially if the stomach be strong, a good draught of cold water is proper at going to bed.

As to the business of trances, whether voluntary or procured, and of intent and deep thought, though without perturbation, we have nothing certain to offer; they may doubtless contribute to this intention, and condense the spirits more powerfully even than sleep; as they lull and suspend the senses as much or more than that: but of these particulars let farther enquiry be made. And so much for the affair of sleep.

We next proceed to motion and exercise. Lassitude is prejudicial: so is too sudden and violent motion and exercise; as running, tennis, fencing, and the like; so again is all endeavouring beyond the strength, as in leaping, wrestling,

&c. It is certain that when the spirits are strained, either by velocity of motion, or by extreme efforts, they afterwards become more predatory and consuming. On the other hand, the exercises that require a moderately robust motion, but not too quick, or beyond the utmost strength; as dancing, shooting with the long bow, riding, bowling, &c. are rather beneficial than hurtful.

We now come to consider the affections and passions of the mind, to see which of them conduce to, and which of them prevent long life. And first, extreme joy attenuates and dissipates the spirits, and shortens life; but familiar chearfulness corroborates the spirits without resolving them.

Sensual impressions of delight are bad; but the thoughts of joys passing in the memory, or the apprehension of them in hope, and expectation, are good.

A suppression, or gradual communication of joy, recreates the spirits more than profuse and sudden joy divulged all at once.

Grief and sadness, if unattended with fear, and not too afflicting, prolong life; for they contract the spirits, and cause a kind of condensation.

Great fears shorten life: for though grief and sadness condense the spirits, yet they cause only a simple contraction; whilst in fear, by reason