Transcriber's Note: A carat is used in some instances to indicatesuperscript. If part is in brackets, then only those letters inbrackets are superscripted and the rest of the word is the normal size. 

SPADACRENE ANGLICA. OR, _The English Spa Fountain. _

BY EDMUND DEANE, M. D. OXON. 

The First Work on the Waters of Harrogate. 

_REPRINTED WITH INTRODUCTION_ BY JAMES RUTHERFORD, L. R. C. P. ED. 

_AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES_ BY ALEX. BUTLER, M. B. 

BRISTOL: JOHN WRIGHT & SONS LTD. LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & CO. LTD. 1922

INTRODUCTION. 

If the Author of "Spadacrene Anglica" could see our modern Harrogate, for whose existence he is to no small extent responsible, he would bejustly entitled to consider his labours as well spent, however surprisedhe might be at the change that had taken place in the village as he knewit in the year 1626. For so was Harrogate in those years, a smallscattered hamlet, part of that great Royal Forest of Knaresborough, extending westward from the town of Knaresborough for about 20 milestowards Bolton Abbey, with an average depth of about 8 miles from Northto South, a Royal Forest, as Grainge in his History thereof premises, from the year 1130 until 1775. Not only the change in the physicalaspect of Harrogate would have been noted by our author. Since his days, within a radius of a few miles, have been found over 80 mineral springs, whereby Harrogate is distinguished from all other European healthresorts. Not that the curative powers of these waters were altogetherunknown before Edmund Deane extolled the merits of the Tuewhit Well in"Spadacrene Anglica. " Indeed, he would be a bold man who woulddogmatically lay down at what period the powers of these waters wereunknown. Thus, in mediæval times the waters of St. Mungo's and St. Robert's were accredited with miraculous powers. The Tuewhit Well itselfderives its name, according to some authorities, from its association inpre-Roman times with the pagan God Teut. 

"Spadacrene Anglica" was published by Dr. Edmund Deane, an eminentphysician of York, in the year 1626, and passed through three editionsafter his death. All these editions are very scarce, and although thereare copies of the four editions in the British Museum, there are onlytwo other copies known to exist. I was indeed fortunate, therefore, whensome seventeen years ago I picked up a copy in a well-known second-handbook shop in Harrogate. Now I am reprinting it, not so much for itsinterest to my professional brethren as a quaint and learnedcontribution to medical literature in the seventeenth century, butbecause it is the earliest and most indispensable source of the historyof the waters of Harrogate. 

A careful study of it will correct a number of remarkable errors, whichnow pass current as historical facts in connection with the rise intofame of Harrogate as our premier Spa. These errors would never havearisen had there been a more free access to this very scarce book. Mostwriters appear to have depended for their knowledge of its contentsupon the summary of it contained in Dr. Thomas Short's "History ofMineral Waters, " published about a century after the publication of"Spadacrene Anglica. " In commenting on this and other works abridged inhis History, the learned author states:

"Some of them are very scarce and rare. Therefore, such as have themnot, have here their whole _substance_, and need not trouble themselvesfor the treatises. " Unfortunately, they did not have their "wholesubstance, " and hence these errors. 

"Spadacrene Anglica" deals mainly with the Tuewhit Well or the EnglishSpa. It is not my intention to discuss here either the history of itsdistinguished author or the early history of the English Spa. This taskhas been kindly undertaken for me by my friend and colleague, Dr. Alexander Butler, to whom I take this opportunity to express my gratefulthanks for his very suggestive contribution. 

Suffice it for the purpose of this short introduction to state that themedicinal qualities of the Tuewhit Well were discovered about fifty-fiveyears prior to the publication of "Spadacrene Anglica, " the credit ofthe discovery being due to a certain Mr. William Slingsby, not to hisnephew, Sir William Slingsby as has been persistently but erroneouslystated. The Tuewhit Well was first designated "The English Spa" in orabout the year 1596 by Timothy Bright, M. D. , sometime rector of bothMethley and Barwick in Elmet, near Leeds, which goes far to support thewell established belief that the waters of the Tuewhit Well were thefirst to be used internally for medicinal purposes in England. To-daythe word Spa is, of course, a general term for a health resortpossessing mineral waters, but in the days of Dr. Timothy Bright no suchmeaning attached to it; Spa was the celebrated German health resort, andone can readily conceive with what patriotic enthusiasm Dr. TimothyBright would proclaim the Tuewhit Well as "The English Spa" when themedicinal properties of this Well were found to resemble those of thetwo famous medicinal springs of Sauveniere and Pouhon at Spa. 

"Spadacrene Anglica" (as already mentioned) was published in 1626. Laterin the same year appeared another work on Harrogate, entitled "News outof Yorkshire, " by Michael Stanhope, Esq. Further, the time of Mr. William Slingsby's birth has been traced back to between the years 1525and 1527. The year 1926 is therefore the tercentenary of the publicationof Deane's "Spadacrene Anglica, " and Stanhope's "News out of Yorkshire, "and may also be regarded as the quatercentenary of the birth of Mr. William Slingsby. What a triple event for commemoration!

In this edition of "Spadacrene Anglica" the original title-page andinitial letters have been artistically reproduced by the publishers;the text has not been modernized except in the case of the old vowelforms I and U for the consonants J and V. Otherwise, the originalspelling and the use of capitals and italics have been retained. Thelong S has not been retained. With these slight changes one cannot butadmire the forceful English in which it is written, and the clearness ofthe style of the author. 

I am indebted to my daughter Dorothy for the sketch of the Tuewhit Well. 

JAMES RUTHERFORD. 

_Saint Mungo, 12, York Road, Harrogate, 1921. _

_Biographical Notes_ OF _Edmund Deane, M. D. And others in relation tothe Tuewhit Well, The English Spa_. 

BY ALEX. BUTLER, M. B. 

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

_=of Edmund Deane and others in relation to the English Spa. =_

The present reprint of "Spadacrene Anglica" should arouse a keenliterary interest in its author, Edmund Deane, and in the early historyof Harrogate. As one who had the privilege of reading the originaledition of this work, belonging to Dr. Rutherford, I was struck by themarked contrast between Deane's account of the history of the medicinalwaters of Harrogate, and that which is to be found in more recentwritings on that subject. 

These modern accounts cannot be better or more authoritativelyexemplified than by taking a short extract from the article "Harrogate"in the "Encyclopædia Britannica. "[1]

 "The principal chalybeate Springs are the Tewitt well called by Dr. Bright, who wrote the first account of it, the English Spaw, discovered by Captain William Slingsby of Bilton Hall, near the close of the 16th. Century. . . . "

This paragraph, as a statement of facts, accurately sets out what is tobe found in more or less detail in the accessible literature of to-dayand will be referred to afterwards as the recognised history ofHarrogate. It has received the express or tacit sanction of theCorporation of Harrogate and is embodied in its publications. Further amemorial has been erected to Sir William Slingsby, the Captain WilliamSlingsby of Bilton Hall referred to in the above quotation, as thediscoverer of the Tuewhit Well. 

Notwithstanding the complete credence that has been given to thisaccount for many years, I think there can be no doubt that it isentirely erroneous, and that unmerited fame has been given to SirWilliam Slingsby as the discoverer of the medicinal qualities of theTuewhit Well, and to Dr. Bright as the author who first wrote an accountof it. 

Deane's history of the medicinal springs of Harrogate in the Elizabethanperiod is to be found in the earlier chapters of his book. It istherefore only necessary to mention here that, according to "SpadacreneAnglica" the Tuewhit Well was _not_ discovered by Captain (or Sir)William Slingsby, it was _not_ discovered near the close of the 16thCentury, and Dr. Bright did _not_ write an account of it. It is hardlycredible that the history as given in the extract from the "EncyclopædiaBritannica" is actually derived from "Spadacrene Anglica. " Yet such isthe case. Owing to the great rarity of the first edition of that book, and the fact that the later editions were all, more or less, abridged orincomplete, a series of plausible conjectures by later writers foundedon these imperfect editions has evolved a history of Harrogate in thisperiod which is, as regards the main facts, largely fictitious. Theobject of the following biographical notes is, briefly, to restate thehistory of Harrogate during the Elizabethan period, in terms of the onlyreliable source for such a purpose, and to trace the accumulated errors, as far as possible, to their origin and source, an inquiry which thereprint of "Spadacrene Anglica" at the present time makes notinopportune. 

No history of Harrogate should be written, unless preceded by abiographical note of the author of "Spadacrene Anglica, " to whom and towhose work Harrogate doubtless owes its position as the premier Spa ofthis country; and it is with no little sense of the fickleness of famethat one finds his name so little known, and his worth as a writerunrecognized. As far as I know, no biography has been writtenheretofore, nor is his life given in the various collective records ofthe lives of British medical men, such as Aikin, etc. [2] The sameneglect of him occurs in the "Dictionary of National Biography, " wherein view of the national importance of the Spas of this country, abiography of Deane might not unreasonably be expected. Here and thereone is able to glean some small scraps of information about him, but theresult of all the gleanings from contemporary records, so far, can becondensed in a very small compass. It does not seem amiss therefore torecord here what is known of the "father of Harrogate" albeit at presentunrecognized by his off-spring. 

Deane was descended from a family who for many generations lived atSaltonstall, a hamlet in Warley in the parish of Halifax, and whosehistory appears to have been quite uneventful. [3] Owing to the frequencywith which the same Christian names occur in the Parish Registers, it isby no means easy to identify the several families of the name of Deane, but in 1612 the family from which the author of "Spadacrene Anglica" wasdescended, recorded in the College of Arms a short entry of pedigree, ofwhich a copy is appended. His parents were Gilbert Deane of Saltonstalland Elizabeth, daughter of Edmund Jennings of Seilsden in Craven, andtheir family consisted of four sons, viz. Gilbert, Richard, Edmund andSymon (twins). The date of birth of Edmund is not known, but the entryof baptism is on 23rd of March 1572. [4] The mother seems to have died attheir birth, for the date of her funeral is but two days' later. [5]

 Gilbert Deane of Saltonstall, -+-. . . . . Dau. Of . . . . . Co. York | Horsfold under the | bank, near Heptonstall | +---------------+------------+-------------------------+--+ | | | |Richard Deane Gilbert Deane of-+-Elizabeth dau. William 3 s. P. Saltonstall | of Edm. Jennings Roger 4 | of Seilsden in Craven | +-----------------------+------+----+-----------------------+--+ | | | | |Gilbert Richard Edmund Deane--Anne MichaellDeane -+-Susan Deane, of the City dau of Symon s. P. | dau of Bishop of of York, . . . Faurie | . . . Bentley Ossory in Doctor of of Leicester, | Ireland Phisick & Widow of | Marmaduke | Haddesley of | Hull, Alderman +------------------+ | John Deane, son & heir. 

Of the brothers of Edmund, Gilbert, the eldest, apparently lived atSaltonstall, and it was his son, John Deane, who eventually became thechief beneficiary under the Will of Edmund. Symon (or Michaell Symon), the twin brother, died at the age of seven years. His remaining brother, Richard, born in 1570, entered Merton College, Oxford, in 1589, and in1609 succeeded Dr. Horsfall as Bishop of Ossory. He died in 1614. 

Edmund also entered Merton College, matriculating 26th March, 1591, andtook the degree of B. A. On the 11th of December, 1594. He then "retiredto St. Alban's Hall, where prosecuting his geny which he had to thefaculty of physic" he was licensed to practise medicine on the 28thMarch, 1601, subsequently taking his degrees of M. B. And M. D. As amember of that hall on the 28th of June, 1608. He was incorporated atCambridge in 1614. After taking his degrees in medicine he retired toYork and practised in that city till his death in 1640. [6]

Nothing further is known of his life in York, except that Camidge[7]states that he occupied a house adjoining the residence of Mr. LaurenceRawden in the street called Pavement, a name, it has been suggested[8], derived from the Hebrew Judgement seat "in a place that is called thePavement, "--this being that part of the City of York where punishmentwas inflicted and where the Pillory was a permanent erection. It is notunreasonable to suppose that this fact was responsible for Deane'stender pity for the "poore prisoners" in his Will. 

In 1626, Deane published his "Spadacrene Anglica" which is herereprinted. "Spadacrene Anglica" is a model of lucid and logicalexposition. It provides a quaint and interesting epitome of the medicalopinion of the day, but it is of more special interest as the source forthe earliest history of the Harrogate waters. Its importance from thisparticular standpoint will be considered later. 

Later in the same year Michael Stanhope published his "Newes out ofYorkshire, " and in this book he gives a lively description of hisjourney with Deane to the Well "called at this day by the countrypeople, Tuit Well, it seemes for no other cause but that those birdes(being our greene Plover) do usually haunt the place. " The followingextract of the first recorded visit to Harrogate will, I think, be ofinterest. 

 "In the latter end of the summer 1625, being casually with Dr. Dean (a Physitian of good repute at his house at York, one who is far from the straine of many of his profession, who are so chained in their opinion to their Apothecary Shops, that they renounce the taking notice of any vertue not confined within that circuit) he took occasion to make a motion to me (the rather for that he remembered I had been at the Spa in Germany) of taking the aire, and to make our rendez-vouz at Knaresbrough to the end wee might be the better opportuned to take a view of the Tuit-well (whereof he had sparingly heard) for that it was by some compared to the so much fam'd Spa in Germany. I was not nice to give way to the summons of his desire: the match was soon made, and the next day, accompanied with a worthy Knight and judicious admirer, and curious speculator of rarities, and three other physitians of allowable knowledge, we set forwards for Knaresbrough, being about fourteen miles from Yorke. We made no stay at the towne, but so soone as we could be provided of a guide, we made towards the Well, which we found almost two miles from the Towne. It is scetuate upon a rude barren Moore, the way to it in a manner a continual ascent. Upon our first approach to the Spring we were satisfied that former times had taken notice of it, by reason it was encloased with stone, and paved at the bottome, but withal we plainely perceived that it had been long forgotten[9], which the filth wherewith it was choaked did witnesse, besides that through neglect the current of other waters were suffered to steale into it. Before any peremptory triall was made of it, it was thought fit first to clense the Well, and to stop the passage of any other waters intermixture, which within the compasse of an hour we effected. The bottom now cleared, we plainely descried where the waters did spring up, and then the Physitians began to try their experiments. 

 But, first of all I dranke of it and finding it to have a perfect Spa relish (I confesse) I could not contain but in a tone louder than ordinary I bad them welcome to the Spa. Presently they all took essai of it, and though they could not denie, but that it had a different smack from all other common waters, most confessing that it did leave in the pallate a kinde of acidnesse, yet the better to be assured whether it did partake with Vitrioll, the prime ingredient in the natural Spa, they mixed in a glasse the powder of Galls with this water, knowing by experience if this Minerall had any acquaintance with the Spring, the powder would discolour the water and turne it to a Claret die; wherein they were not deceived, for presently (to their both wonder and joy) the water changed colour, and seemed to blush in behalf of the Country, who had amongst them so great a jewell and made no reckoning of it. . . . You may suppose (being met together at our Inne, where we found ourselves very well accomodated for our provision) we could finde no other talke but of this our new Spa. . . . Three days after our return to York, Dr. Deane (whose thirst for knowledge is not superficially to be satisfied) by the consent of his fellow-physitians sent for a great quantity of the water in large violl glasses, entending partly by evaporation and partly by some other chimical means to experiment it. . . . "

It would certainly appear from a perusal of the above, that at thelatter end of the year 1625, Deane knew little of the medicinal valueof the English Spaw. But such a conclusion is entirely opposed to thededication and text of "Spadacrene Anglica, " which clearly indicatesthat Deane was a close personal friend of the eminent physicians Dr. Timothy Bright, and Dr. Anthony Hunton of Newark-upon-Trent, who foryears had been recommending the waters to their friends and patients. Moreover Deane himself had paid many visits to the English Spaw with thephysicians of York, and had been at last induced to commit his knowledgeto print. Is it permissible to use imaginative license and see in Deanea humorist who persuaded Stanhope "of taking the aire" while professingno intimate knowledge of the spring, yet going the length of taking thepowder of Galls in his pocket to produce a stage effect, which he hadnever found to fail?[10]

Stanhope readily adopts the plover origin of the name Tuewhit, but thesilence of Deane is suggestive of his doubt, and especially so as hementions the pigeons haunting the sulphur springs as "an arguement ofmuch salt in them. " There is no obvious reason of this kind for theplovers frequenting the Tuewhit Well in preference to any other springin the neighbourhood. 

In 1630, Deane published a number of Tracts which had been left more orless incomplete by Samuel Norton. His share in the authorship of thedifferent tracts varies. The titles of one or two will sufficientlyindicate the nature of the subjects, and it can be seen that his studiesincluded the philosophical stone, and other subjects receiving attentionat the present time, such as "culture pearls. "

"Mercurius Redivivus, seu modus conficiendi Lapidem Philosophicum. "

"Saturnus Saturatus Dissolutus et Coelo restitutus, seu moduscomponendi Lapidem Philosophicum . . . E plumbo. . . . "

"Metamorphosis Lapidem ignobilium in gemmas quasdam pretiosas, seu modustransformandi perlas parvas . . . In magnas et nobilis . . . " etc. Etc. 

Edmund Deane married twice, first to Anne, widow of Marmaduke Haddersleyof Hull; the date is not known, though it was before the entry ofpedigree was recorded in 1612. In 1625, he had a license at York tomarry Mary Bowes of Normanton at Normanton. There does not appear tohave been a family by either of his wives. 

He died in 1640, and was buried in St. Crux Church, York. This churchwas demolished about the year 1885, as it was considered structurallyunsafe, but there does not appear to have been any memorial erected tohim in the church. The manuscript Registers of the Parish of St. Cruxare in the College of Arms: the manuscript extracts do not commenceuntil the year 1678. His Will, however, is preserved. It is dated 30thof Oct. 1639, and was proved at York on the 14th of April, 1640. 

In a biography it should be the task of the writer to visualise thepersonality of his subject as well as to record merely the materialevents of his life. In this instance it would be quite impossible to doso from lack of material, but yet from his works, and from the opinionheld of him by Michael Stanhope, and last, but not least, from thecontents of his own Will, I think some picture can be painted of him. Aman of learning is shown from his writings: a perusal of "SpadacreneAnglica" will exhibit both the clearness of his intellect and theforcibleness of his style. For many years he successfully practisedmedicine at York. He was held in high esteem among his professionalbrethren, and was recognized by them as a leader in the profession witha broad mind, ready to listen to and investigate new ideas. Hispersonality is fully and finely revealed in his Will, and as this is theonly biography, as it were, written by himself, I append an extract fromit, so that he may speak for himself. 

 In the name of God, Amen. 

 I Edmund Deane of the Cittye of Yorke Doctor of Phisicke being some what weake of bodye, yett in good & pfect remembrance of mynd & understanding (praised be God therefore) and calling to mynd the uncertainety of this my naturall life & my mortality, not knowing howe soone I shall laye downe this my earthly Tabernackle & be gathered to sleepe in the grave wth my fathers doe therefore accordinge to the holy Ghost directions make, constitute, ordayne & declare this my last Will and Testament for the better setleing of peace & concord amongst my wife, friends & kindred heareby revokeing in acte, deede and in lawe all other former Wills & testaments whatsoever. In manner & forme following. 

 That is to say first & principally I comend & bequeath my soule unto the ever blessed hands of Almighty God my heavenly father my maker & creator, whoe out of his meer mercy, free will & love to mankinde & to me in pticuler did vouchsafe to send his onely begotten sonne before all eternity, Christ Jesus the pmissed Messias into this world to save sinners (whereof w^th S^t. Paull I confesse my selfe the greatest) to laye downe his life for mankinde & that he dyed for me & for my salvac̅on, & that he rose againe the third day for my iustificac̅on, that where he now is, I shall be there alsoe after my dissolution & I hope & looke to be saved only by his mirritts, death & passion alone, & by noe other meanes whatsoever, & when itt shall please Almighty God to putt an end & period to these my dayes here on earth, ending this my pilgrimage, and layeing downe this my earthly Tabernackle. 

 Then I comitt & bequeath this my nowe liveing body to the earth from whence itt came, & the same to be buryed (yf I fortune to dye in Yorke or otherwise yf itt may be done wth convenyency) in the p'ish Church of St. Crux w^{th}in the said Citty of Yorke in the Chancell of the said Church & to be enterred as neare as may be unto the body of my late dearely beloved wife Anne Deane deceased w^{th}out any bowelling or embalmeing, & there to be decently enterred by toarch light, w^{th}out any further funerall pompe or solempnity whatsoever, beinge (as I thinke) a custome not altogeither laudable to banquett & feast att funeralls w^ch rather ought to be a tyme of mourneing, then banqueting and feasting

 w^th said body of myne I knowe & beleive assuredly that I shall rise againe att the last day, & be reunited & ioyned againe unto my soule & that itt shall be made like unto Christ his glorious body, that where he is, there I shall be alsoe liveing and reigneing w^th him in his everlasting kingdome for ever. 

 Now concerning my temporall Estate w^ch God in his mercy hath vouchsafed to bestowe on me (or rather lent me as his steward) I bequeath it thus as followeth

 First I give & bequeath to Mr. Roger Belwood my pastor thirty shillings. 

 Item I give to the poore people of the Cittye of Yorke three pounds XX^s whereof to be distributed to the poore of the Warde where I now live and the remmant to the poore of the other three Wardes equally to be divided. 

 Item I give to the poore prisoners of the castle of Yorke XX^s and to the poore prisoners on Ousebridge called the Kidcoate X^s and to the poore prisoners of S^t. Peters prison in Yorke X^s. 

 Item I give to the poore people of the old hospitall or massing dewes of the Citty of Yorke thirty shillings. Item whereas. . . . 

 Item my Will meaninge and harty desire is that my nowe loveing wife Mary Deane shall & may quietly have & enjoye all her widdowe rights whatsoever according to this pvince of Yorke w^{th}out any further trouble molestac̅on or vexac̅on or suite in lawe and that my Executor shall not make any claime to any such goods or plate as she the said Mary had in her former widdowhood & brought w^th her to me att her marriage w^th me. Item I give to my said nowe loveing wife as a legacy my coatch horses & furniture & what hay or oates, coales, turfes & fuell shall be in my howse att my death. Item I give. . . . 

 Item I give to Margery Smeton yf shee be my servant at my death forty shillings and to each other of my servants att my death tenn shillings. 

 All the rest of my goods & chattells unbequeathed, my debts and funerall expenses discharged I give and bequeath to my loveing nephewe Mr. John Deane of Saltonstall Atturney in his Maty Court of Com̅on Pleas att Westminster & eldest sonne of my late brother Gilbert Deane of Saltonstall deceased w^ch said John Deane I doe ordayne constitute & make my sole & onely Executor of this my last Will & Testament

 And for as much as most of my Estate doth consist in debts, w^ch will require tyme for gathering in, my Will & meaneing is that this my said executor shall have twelvemonethes tyme for the payment of the greater legacies. . . . 

 And further my meaneing is That for as much as my said Executor John Deane by Gods pvidence is likely to be lame by a fall & not to live & followe his profession as an Atturney to London (but as it weare undone) whome I have made my onely & sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament. Therefore all my nephews & kindred may know I have given them small legacy to doe him good

 In Witness. . . . Etc. 

In "Spadacrene Anglica" Deane mentions that "out of the divers fountainsspringing hereabouts" five are worthy the observation of physicians. These are--

1. --The Dropping Well. 

2. --The Sulphur Well at Bilton Park. 

3. --The Sulphur Well near Knaresborough. 

4. --The Sulphur Well at "Haregate head. "

5. --The Tuewhit Well, or The English Spaw. 

The number of springs worthy the observation of physicians has largelyincreased and the relative importance of the five mentioned has alteredconsiderably since Deane wrote. But in 1626, The Tuewhit Well, or TheEnglish Spaw, was regarded as the most worthy of fame. This well, according to the later writers, was discovered by Captain (afterwardsSir) William Slingsby:--in Chapter 6 of "Spadacrene Anglica, " however, aMr. William Slingsby is given as the discoverer. 

 "The first discoverer of it to have any medicinall quality (so far forth as I can learn), was one Mr. William Slingesby, a Gentleman of many good parts, of an ancient and worthy Family neere thereby: who having travelled in his younger time, was throughly acquainted with the taste, use, and faculties of the two Spaw fountaines. In his latter time, about 55 yeeres agoe it was his good fortune to live for a little while at a grange house very neare to this fountaine, and afterwards in Bilton Parke all his life long. "

From this it appears that the discovery was made by Mr. William Slingsbyin his later years, about the year 1571, but if the Mr. William Slingsbyhere referred to was Sir William Slingsby he would have been a youth ofsome 8 or 9 years in 1571. Secondly, one would judge from the text thatthe Mr. William Slingsby referred to by the writer was dead at the timethat he wrote, namely 1626, whereas, as a matter of fact, Sir WilliamSlingsby was alive until the year 1634. Thirdly, it is impossible toconceive that Edmund Deane would refer to Sir William Slingsby as Mr. William Slingsby, seeing that the former was knighted in 1603, or 23years prior to the publication of Deane's work. It is thereforeabundantly clear that Sir William Slingsby--a very gallantgentleman--has no claim to the fame which history has insisted uponaccording him. 

The fact is that the Mr. William Slingsby referred to[11] was the fourthson of Thomas Slingsby of Scriven, who married Joan, daughter of SirJohn Mallory of Studley, and who had a family of six sons and fourdaughters. The name of the eldest son was Francis, and, as justmentioned, William was the fourth son. Sir William Slingsby was theseventh son of Francis and the nephew therefore of Mr. William Slingsby. Mr. William Slingsby was buried at Knaresborough on the 8th of Oct. , 1606, but the date of his birth does not seem to have been recorded. Hiselder brother, Francis, died in 1600 at the age of 78, so that he wasborn in 1522. It is not unreasonable to suppose that William, hisbrother, one of a large family, was born between the years 1525 and1527. He would therefore be somewhere between 44 and 46 years of age, when he discovered the medicinal qualities of the Tuewhit Well, whichequally accords with Deane's statement that in his younger days he hadtravelled in Germany. 

So far as I can trace, Hargrove[12] is the first author to confuse theuncle and the nephew. He writes that the well

 "was discovered by Capt. William Slingsby, about the year 1571. This Gentleman, in the early part of his life, had travelled in Germany, where he made himself acquainted with the Spaws of that country. He lived sometime at Grange House, near the Old Spaw, from whence he removed to Bilton Park, where he spent the remainder of his days. He made severall trials of this water, and finding it like the German, he walled it about, and paved it at the bottom, leaving a small opening for the free access of the water. Its current is always near the same, and is about the quantity of the Sauvenir, to which Mr. Slingsby thought it preferable. "

From this quotation it is clearly apparent that Hargrove erroneouslyinferred that Mr. Slingsby and Capt. Slingsby were the one and the sameperson instead of being uncle and nephew. In the 3rd edition of the"History of Knaresborough, " published in 1782, the reference to Mr. Slingsby is omitted and from that edition onwards, Captain Slingsbyappears as the discoverer of the Tuewhit Well in 1571, a discoveryclearly inconsistent with the fact that he was born in the year 1562. 

The source of Hargrove's information in the above quotation is, withoutdoubt, the summary of "Spadacrene Anglica, " published by Dr. Short in1734 in his History of Mineral waters. [13] The summary by Short ofChapter 6 of "Spadacrene Anglica" is as follows:--

 "This fifth Spaw is a Mile and half from Knaresburgh, up a very gentle ascent, near Harrigate, has much the same Situation as the foresaid Spaws in Germany. It was discovered first about fifty years ago, by one Mr. William Slingsby, who had travelled in Germany in his younger Years, seen, and been acquainted with theirs; and as he was of an ancient Family near the place, so he had fine Parts and was a capable Judge. He lived some time at a Grange-House near it; then removed to Bilton-Park, where he spent the rest of his Days. He, using this Water yearly, found it exactly like the German Spaw. He made several Tryals of it, then walled it about, and paved it in the bottom with two large Stone-flags, with a Hole in their sides for the free Access of the Water, which springs up only at the bottom, through a Chink or Cranny left on purpose. Its current is always near the same, and is about the quantity of the Sauvenir, to which Mr. Slingsby thought it preferable being more brisk and lively, fuller of Mineral Spirits, of speedier Operation; he found much benefit by it. Dr. Tim. Bright, about thirty years ago, first gave it the name of the English Spaw: Having spent some time at those in Germany, he was Judge of both; and had so good an Opinion of ours, that he sent many Patients hither yearly, and every Summer drank the Waters himself. And Dr. Anthony Hunter, late Physician at Newark-upon-Trent, often chided us Physicians in York, for not writing upon it, and deservedly setting it upon the Wings of Fame. "

A more consistent form has been given to the error by Grainge, who in1862 published a memoir of the Life of Sir William Slingsby, Discovererof the first Spaw at Harrogate. Grainge, like Hargrove, had only accessto Short's summary, but he sees the difficulty to which I have alluded, for he writes[14]:--

 "From the uncertain expression of the Dr. 'about 50 years ago' the date of this discovery is generally fixed in the year 1576, though it is probably twenty years or more too early, as at that time Slingsby would only be fourteen years of age: and could not have travelled much in Germany or elsewhere: while the expression 'in his younger days' would infer that the discovery was not made until he had attained middle age at least. "

Grainge accordingly dates Captain (or Sir) William Slingsby's discoveryto 1596 or later, the origin of the expression "near the close of the16th Century" of the recognised history. 

In the first place Dr. Short is inaccurate in that Deane states it wasdiscovered "55" years ago, and not "50. " In the second place, the onlyauthority whom Grainge could rely upon was Deane, either directly orindirectly, and Deane could not have made the discoverer to be a boy ofnine years of age (not fourteen) for he must have known Sir WilliamSlingsby, a contemporary. Finally, Grainge only consulted the summary of"Spadacrene Anglica" and not the actual work, and it is to be noted thatDeane in Chapter 6 says the first discoverer "so far forth as I canlearn. " These words are not in the summary, but they show that Deane hadgiven care to his work, and if Sir William Slingsby had been thediscoverer, Deane could have obtained his information at first hand, andwould have given Sir William Slingsby as his authority. 

Grainge was an eminent and careful historian, and he has written anumber of valuable works. He had the acumen to see that Sir WilliamSlingsby could not possibly have been the discoverer in 1571, and it isfairly certain that if he had had access to Deane's work, he would haverectified the error as regards Sir William, instead of questioning theaccuracy of Deane's statement. 

Little has been added to the account of Mr. William Slingsby as given byDeane, but it has been shown at any-rate that the facts of his life fitin perfectly with that account. 

The medicinal qualities of the Tuewhit Well having been discovered byMr. William Slingsby in or about the year 1571, this gentleman did"drink the water every yeare after all his life time" and averred that"it was much better, and did excell the tart fountaines beyond theseas. " Much pains were taken to bring the waters into notoriety in theinterests of humanity, and by reason of a pardonable national pride thatthe country could boast of a health resort in every way comparable withthe famous German health resort of Spa. Chief among these earlyadvocates of this home fountain was Dr. Timothy Bright, who isresponsible for naming the well the "English Spa, " which name wasapparently adopted by the gentry partaking of the water, whereas thecommon folk still cling to the ancient name of Tuewhit Well. 

Timothy Bright has had a varied literary history. For about threecenturies he was almost entirely forgotten, and some of his works evenascribed to purely imaginary authors. In recent years full justice hasbeen done to his name as the "father of shorthand" following thepublication by J. H. Ford in 1888 of the tercentenary edition of his workentitled "Characterie, " and since that year there has been much writtenof him. The curious may therefore consult the works mentioned in thefootnote, [15] but it will suffice for my purpose to give a brief sketchof his life, not as the "father of shorthand, " but as one of thefathers of Harrogate. 

Timothy Bright was born in Cambridge in the year 1551, matriculated inTrinity College, Cambridge, in 1565, and took his B. A. In 1567-8. Hethen went to Paris to study medicine, and in 1572 narrowly escaped theMassacre at Paris on St. Bartholomew's Eve by taking shelter at thehouse of Sir Francis Walsingham, the English ambassador. Returning toEngland he graduated M. B. In 1574 and M. D. In 1579. In 1584 he was welllaunched on his medical career, for he was the physician at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. By this time he had achieved some reputation asa writer and had obtained the friendship of the powerful Cecil LordBurghley, Sir Francis Walsingham and Sir Philip Sidney, which probablyexplains how his now famous work "Characterie" was in 1588 dedicated toQueen Elizabeth. His connection with these powerful personages led to achange in his profession and incidentally to his connection withHarrogate, for on July 5th, 1591, the Queen presented him to the Rectoryof Methley in Yorkshire, and on the 30th of Dec. , 1594, also to theRectory of Barwick in Elmet in the same county. He held both theselivings till his death, which took place in 1615. By his Will he lefthis body "to be buried when and where it shall please God. " He was nomean linguist for he bequeathed his Hebrew Bible and a Syriac Testamentas well as Greek, Latin and Italian works to his brother. His books ofPhisick and Philosophie he bequeathed to his sonne Titus Bright, M. D. Hewas fond of music and possessed the standard work on harmony by JosephZarlino. This he left, along with some instruments of music, a Theorboand an Irish harp, "which I most usuallye played upon" to his brother. 

In spite of the fact that he took holy orders, it is evident from"Spadacrene Anglica" that he was held in high esteem as a physician(albeit non-practising) by his contemporaries in Yorkshire, and histravel abroad in Germany well fitted him for the post of advocate, whichfrom humane and patriotic motives he assumed on behalf of the EnglishSpa. 

Deane states that Bright first gave the name of English Spaw "aboutthirty years since, or more, " that is, in 1596 or earlier. This wouldseem to indicate that Bright's association with Harrogate began shortlyafter he was presented to the Rectory of Barwick in Elmet in 1594. 

Dr. Bright was a prolific writer and the names of his works are given ina footnote. [16] Some of his books passed through several editions. Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy" is said to have been suggested by his"Treatise of Melancholy, " and Shakespere was evidently acquainted withhis book, "Characterie, an Arte of shorte, swifte and secrete Writing byCharacter. "

 "This is not my writing, Though, I confess, much like the character"

 Twelfth Night. Act V, Sc. 1. 

 "All my engagements I will construe to thee, All the characterie of my sad brows. "

 Julius Cæsar. Act ii, Sc. 1. 

Hargrove appears also to be the earliest to assert that Bright was thefirst writer on Harrogate. In his "History of Knaresborough" it ismerely stated "soon after its discovery Dr. Bright wrote on its virtuesand uses. "[17] There is no authority for that assertion in any of theworks of Dr. Bright mentioned in the footnote, and the only evidence insupport of Hargrove is that given by Wheater, [18] who writes:--

 "Dr. Bright was first to rush into description and he acquits himself with true Elizabethan flavour. He observes regarding the water that 'It occasions the retention of nothing that should be evacuated and by relaxation evacuates nothing that should be retained. It dries nothing but what's too moist and flaccid, and heats nothing but what's too cold, and e contra: that though no doubt there are some accidents and objections to the contrary, it makes the lean fat, the fat lean, cures the cholic and the melancholy, and the vapours: and that it cures all aches speedily and cheereth the heart. ' Such a recommendation, " &c. 

This quotation, which is apparently the only evidence in support ofHargrove's assertion that Bright wrote the first account of the EnglishSpa, is not taken from Bright's writings at all, but from Dr. Short'ssummary of "The Yorkshire Spaw. " "The Yorkshire Spaw" was a treatisewritten by Dr. John French in 1652, and so far therefore from beingwritten by Dr. Bright, was actually written thirty-seven years afterBright's death. 

It is perhaps only fair to the memory of both Hargrove and Wheater tostate that neither of them would have fallen into this error if they hadhad the privilege of reading Deane's dedication to "Spadacrene Anglica, "in which he states that Dr. Bright intended to write an account "in casehee had longer lived. " No edition after the original edition containsthis dedication, for, as will be shown later, this very important partof Deane's work was omitted by John Taylor in the second edition and wasnot restored in any of the later. Moreover it is quite clear from thededication of Taylor's edition, in 1649 that copies of the originaledition were even then unobtainable, owing probably to the commotionswhich had accompanied the civil war. 

I may here therefore emphasise the good service that has been done torestore the true history of the medicinal waters of Harrogate, by thereprinting of the original edition of "Spadacrene Anglica" by my friendDr. Rutherford. 

Before passing to the Bibliography of "Spadacrene Anglica, " a briefmention must be made of Michael Stanhope, Esquire, whose two books didmuch to add to the celebrity of the English Spa, and were afterwardsassociated with the later editions of "Spadacrene Anglica. " His firstwork was published towards the end of 1626, and is entitled, "Newes out of Yorkshire, or an account of a journey, in the true discovery of a sovereigne Minerall, Medicinal Water in the West-Riding of Yorkeshire, neere an Ancient Towne called Knaresbrough, not inferior to the Spa in Germany. Also a taste of Other Minerall Waters of severall natures adjoyning" By M. S. 

 Ecclest. 38. 4. The Lord hath created Medicines out of the Earth: he that is wise will not despise them. 

A large extract has already been given from this book, which wasdedicated "To the Right Honourable, the Vertuous, and Religious Lady, the Lady Katherine Stanhope, wife to the Lord Philip Stanhope, Baron ofShelford. "

Stanhope's other work was entitled, "Cures without Care, or, a summons to all who finde little or no help by the use of ordinary physick to repaire to the Northerne Spa. Wherein by many Presidents of a few late yeares, it is evidenced to the world, that infirmities in their own nature desperate and of long continance have received perfect recovery in the west Riding of Yorkshire. Also a description of the said water, and of other rare and usefull springs adjoyning, the nature and efficacie of the Mineralls contained in them, with other not impertinent notes. Faithfully collected for the publique good by M. St. "

 Tibul. "felix quicunque dolore alterius disces posse carere tuo, " London, 1632. 

Stanhope dedicated this work "To The Right Honourable, Thomas LordWentworth, etc. , Lord President of his Majesties Council established inthe North. " Lord Wentworth is better known as the Earl of Strafford, andwas beheaded in 1642. In it is contained a catalogue of persons whohave received either benefit or cure by the waters. 

An abridgement of the two works of Stanhope was made by John Taylor andpublished in 1649 under the title "Spadacrene Anglica . . . Treatise ofthe learned Dr. Deane and the sedulous observations of the ingeniousMichael Stanhope, Esquire. " The ingenious Michael Stanhope, Esquire, also appears in the 1654 edition, but in that published in 1736, Stanhope appears as Dr. Stanhope. Short[19] seems to have been the firstto make Stanhope a member of the medical profession. His opinion wassoon adopted by others, and has apparently never been questioned. Aftera perusal of "Newes out of Yorkshire" and "Cures without Care, " it isdifficult to understand how Short arrived at his conclusion, for theinternal evidence is entirely opposed to it. Even in the extract from"Newes out of Yorkshire" already quoted, it is obvious that Stanhopedissociates himself from the physicians with the party, for he writes, "then the physitians began to try their experiments, " "three otherphysitians of allowable knowledge, " and he refers to Deane as "one whois far from the straine of many of his profession. " This extract wasselected for an entirely different purpose, yet it is clearly not thelanguage of a fellow-physician in practice in York. Short himselfpartially recognizes this. He only summarised "Cures without Care, " andhe justly remarks of the cures therein related that "some whereof areperhaps the greatest and most remarkable in the Authentic Records ofPhysic down from Hippocrates to this day. " Short writes fully a centuryafter "Cures without Care" was published, whereas Taylor was aApothecary in York and a contemporary of both Deane and Stanhope there, and is accordingly the best authority on the status of Stanhope. 

 Sir Michael Stanhope, Knt. , -+ had a grant of Shelford | Manor: beheaded in 1552 | | | +-----------------+------------------------------+ | | | Sir Thomas Stanhope-+ Sir Edward Stanhope Other of Shelford, Knt. , | of Grimston, 2nd son, -+ issue died 1596 | M. P. For Co. York | | | +-------------+----+ +------------+-----+---------+ | | | | |Sir John Stanhope-+ Other George Michael Otherof Elvaston | issue Stanhope, D. D. Stanhope issue | Precentor of York, | Buried 26/7/1644 | +----------+---------------------------------------------+ | |Sir Philip Stanhope, Knt. ----+-Katherine, daur. Of OtherCr. Baron of Shelford, 7/11/1616 | Francis, Lord Hastings issueand Earl of Chesterfield, 4/8/1628 |Died 1656, Aged 71 | |

A clue to the identity of Stanhope offers itself in the dedication of"Newes out of Yorkshire" to Lady Katherine Stanhope, wife to the LordPhilip Stanhope, afterwards the Earl of Chesterfield. An outline of thepedigree of the Stanhope family was obtained from the College of Armsand is here partly reproduced to show the relationship of Stanhope toLady Katherine Stanhope. 

A Michael Stanhope entered Christ's College, Cambridge, in 1597-8, andGray's Inn in 1593-4, but there is no evidence to identify him withMichael Stanhope the second son of Sir Edward Stanhope, and the authorof "Newes out of Yorkshire" and "Cures without Care. " It may bementioned that in the latter book, Stanhope discovers and describes thewell at present known as John's well. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF "SPADACRENE ANGLICA. "

1626. 

First Edition. 

1649. 

"Spadacrene Anglica, " the English Spaw, or The Glory of Knaresborough. Springing from Severall famous Fountaines there adjacent, called theVitrioll, Sulphurous, and dropping Wells: and also other MinerallWaters. Their nature, Physical use, Situation and many admirable Curesbeing exactly exprest in the subsequent Treatise of the learned Dr. Deanand the sedulous observations of the ingenious Michael Stanhope, Esquire. Wherein it is proved by Reason and Experience, that theVitrioline Fountain is equall (and not inferior) to the Germaine Spaw. Aris[t]on men udôr. Published (with other additions) by JohnTaylor, Apothecary in York, and there printed by Tho: Broad, etc. , 1649. 

The important and felicitous letter of dedication in the first editionis discarded, and one of Taylor's own composition, of a very differentcharacter is substituted for it. In it occurs the following, which is ofbibliographical interest: "The importunate desire of my friends hasforced me to reprint this little Treatise of Dr. Dean's SpadacreneAnglica, which the vacillation of these distracted and ruinous times hadalmost lost and obliterated. To this of Dr. Dean's I have added theObservations of Michael Stanhope, Esquire, which I have excerpted forthof his two books of the Spaw. "

1654. 

"Spadacrene Anglica, " etc. , York, printed by Tho: Broad, etc. , 1654. Thetitle is the same as the 1649 reprint, except for the fact thatTaylor's name does not appear on it. His dedication is also omitted. 

1734. 

Thomas Short, M. D. , "The Natural, Experimental and Medicinal History ofMineral Waters. "

In this volume, there are summaries of Deane's "Spadacrene Anglica":Stanhope's "Cures without Care": and French's "The Yorkshire Spaw, " etc. 

1736. 

"Spadacrene Anglica, or The English Spaw. " Being An Account of theSituation, Nature, Physical Use, and admirable Cures, performed by theWaters of Harrogate, and Parts adjacent. By the late learned and eminentPhysician, Dr. Dean of York, and also the Observations of the ingeniousDr. Stanhope. Wherein it is proved by Reason and Experience thevitrioline Fountain is equal to the German Spaw. To which are added SomeObservations (Collected from modern Authors) of the Nature, Vertues andManner of Using the Sweet and Sulphur Waters at Harrogate, Leeds, etc. , 1736. 

1921. 

The present edition, reprinted from the 1626 edition. 

 * * * * *

[Footnote 1: "Encyclopædia Britannica, " 11th ed. , 1910-11, vol. Xiii, page 27. ]

[Footnote 2: J. Aikin, "Biographical Memoirs of Medicine in GreatBritain from the Revival of Literature to the time of Harvey, " 1780. Wm. MacMichael, "Lives of British Physicians, " 1830. T. J. Pettigrew, "Medical Portrait Gallery, " 1838. G. T. Bettany, "Eminent Doctors, theirLives and their Works, " 1885. ]

[Footnote 3: Watson, J. , "The History and Antiquities of the Parish ofHalifax in Yorkshire, " 1775. ]

[Footnote 4: "The Register of Halifax, " Part 1, 1910, page 205. ]

[Footnote 5: "The Register of Halifax, " Part 2, 1914, page 253, TheYorkshire Parish Register Society. ]

[Footnote 6: Anthony A. Wood, "Athenæ Oxoniensis, " ed. Bliss, vol. Ii, page 660. "Alumni Oxoniensis, " arranged by Joseph Foster. Vol. 1, 1500-1714. ]

[Footnote 7: Camidge, Wm. , "Ye Olde Streete of Pavement, " York, c. 1893. ]

[Footnote 8: Davies, R. , "Walks through the City of York, " 1880, page247. ]

[Footnote 9: cf. "Spadacrene Anglica, " page 125. ]

[Footnote 10: "Spadacrene Anglica, " page 92. ]

[Footnote 11: "Pedigrees of the County Families of Yorkshire, " JosephFoster, 1874, Vol. 1 (West Riding). ]

[Footnote 12: E. Hargrove, "The History of the Castle, Town, and Forestof Knaresbrough, with Harrogate and its medicinal Springs. " 2nd. Ed. , 1775, page 45. I have not seen the 1769 ed. ]

[Footnote 13: Thomas Short, M. D. "The Natural Experimental and MedicinalHistory of the Mineral Waters, etc. " 1734, page 238. ]

[Footnote 14: Grainge, W. , "Memoir of the Life of Sir Wm. Slingsby. "1862. Page 16. ]

[Footnote 15: "Athenæ Oxoniensis, " ed. By P. Bliss, 1815, vol. 2, 174, footnote by Rev. Joseph Hunter. Dictionary of Nat. Biography, 1886, vol. VI. "Dr. Timothy Bright, Some Troubles of an Elizabethan Rector, " byRev. H. Armstrong Hall, 1905, in vol. Xv; and "The History of the Parishof Barwick in Elmet, " by F. S. Colman, M. A. , Rector, 1908, in vol. Xviiof the Publications of the Thoresby Society. "William Shakespeare andTimothy Bright, " by M. Levy, 1910. "Timothe Bright, Doctor of Physicke, A Memoir of the Father of Shorthand, " 1911, by W. J. Carlton. His Will ispublished in "Yorkshire Archæological Journal, " 1902, vol 17. ]

[Footnote 16: "A Treatise: wherein is declared the sufficiencie ofEnglish Medicines for the cure of all diseases cured with medicine, "T. B. 1580. 

"Hygieina, id est de sanitate tuenda, Medicinæ Pars prima. " 1581. 

"Medicinæ Therapeutiæ pars: de dyscrasia corporis humani. " 1583. 

"Therapeutica, hoc est de sanitate restituenda. Medicinæ Pars altera. "

"In Physimam G. A. Scribonii Animadversiones. " 1584. 

"A Treatise of Melancholie. Containing the causes thereof, & reasons ofthe strange effects it worketh in our mindes and bodies, with thephisicke, cure, and spirituall consolation for such as have thertoadjoyned an afflicted conscience, etc. " 1586. 

"Characterie, an Arte of shorte, swifte and secrete Writing byCharacter. Invented by Timothe Bright, Doctor of Physike. " 1588. 

"An Abridgement of the Book of Acts and Monumentes of the Church. " 1589. Better known as "Foxe's Book of the Martyrs. "]

[Footnote 17: E. Hargrove, "The History of Knaresbrough. " 2nd ed. , 1775, page 45. ]

[Footnote 18: W. Wheatear, "A Guide to and History of Harrogate, " 1890, page 58. ]

[Footnote 19: Thomas Short, M. D. , "History of Mineral Water, " 1734, page243. ]

[Illustration: TUEWHIT WELL THE ENGLISH SPAW FOUNTAIN 1571]

[Illustration: Original title page of Deane's manuscript. ]

Spadacrene Anglica. 

OR, THE ENGLISH SPAWFOVNTAINE. 

Being A BRIEFE TREATISE of the acide, or tart Fountaine in the Forest of_Knaresborow_, in the West-Riding of _Yorkshire_. 

As also a Relation of other medicinall Waters in the said Forest. 

BY _Edmund Deane_, D^r. In Physicke, _Oxon_. Dwelling in the City ofYORKE. 

_LONDON_, Printed for _John Grismand_: and are to be sold by _RichardFoster_, neere the Minster-gate in _Yorke_. 1626. 

THE EPISTLE

TO

THE PHYSITIANS OF YORKE. 

_Though it was my fortune first of all to set a new edge on thisbusinesse; yet my journeyes to this Fountaine have not been made withoutyour good companies and association, nor the severall tryals had there, and at home, performed without your worthy helpes and assistance; northis little Treatise begun without your instigations and incitements. Therefore I find none so fit and meet to patronize it, as your_selves: being able out of your owne knowledge and observation to defendit against all malicious detractions. To extoll it above the_ GermaineSpaw, _may be thought in me either indiscretion, or too much partiality;but why I may not parallele them (being in natures and qualities soagreeable) nor I, nor you (I suppose) know any inducing, much lesseperswading argument. Wherefore being thus confident, I thought it nopart of our duties, either to God, our King, or Country, to conceale sogreat a benefit, as may thereby arise and accrue not onely unto thiswhole Kingdome and his Majesties loving subjects, but also in time(after further notice taken of it) to other foraigne nations andcountries, who may perhaps with more benefit, lesse hazard and danger oftheir lives, spoiling and robbing, better partake of this our_ EnglishSpaw _Fountaine, then of those in_ Germanie. 

_It were to be wished, that those two famous Physitians, Dr. _ Hunton_and Dr. _ Bright _had beene yet living, to_ _have given testimony ofthe great good hopes and expectation they conceived of it. The former ofwhich did oftentimes request me to publish it to the world: and theother was resolved (in case hee had longer lived) to have done ithimselfe. So carefull were they both to promote their countries good, and studious to procure the health of their Countrimen. _

_I am as briefe and plaine, as possibly I may, to the end the Reader maynot be wearied, nor the patient deluded; and, if for these causes I mayseem to bee censured, yet I am well assured, that to your selves brevityand perspicuity cannot, but bee acceptable. So wishing you allhappinesse, I shall ever rest and remaine_

From my house in _Yorke_, this 20th. Of April, 1626. 

Your assured friend, _Edm; Deane_. 

The English Spaw. 

 * * * * *

_CHAP_. 1. 

_=Of the situation of the Towne of_ Knaresborow. =

_Gnaresbrugh_ (commonly called _Knaresborow_) is a very ancient Markettowne in the West-Riding of _Yorkeshire_, distant 14 miles from the Cityof _Yorke_; where the Pole is elevated 54 degrees, and 20 odde minutes. On the South-west part thereof is that faire, and goodly Fort, so muchrenowned, both for the pleasant situation, and remarkable strength, knowne by the name of _Knaresborow Castle_, seated on a most ragged andrough Rock; whence (as learned Mr. _Camden_ saith) it is so named. 

Both the Castle and the Towne are fenced on the South and West partswith the River _Nid_: which is beautified here with two faire Bridges ofstone, which lead from the Towne into the Forest adjoyning, as also untoa large empaled Park of his Majesties, called _Bilton-parke_, wellstored with fallow Deere: part whereof is bordered with the said river. 

The Towne it selfe standeth on a hill, having almost on every side anascent to it; and about it are divers fruitfull valleyes wellreplenished with grasse, corne, and wood. The waters there are wholesomeand cleare; the ayre dry and pure. In briefe, there is nothing wanting, that may fitly serve for a good and commodious habitation, and thecontent and entertainment of strangers. 

Many things are very observable in this place, which because they ratherdo appertaine to the volumes of Geographers, & Antiquaries, then to thepurpose intended in this little treatise, are here omitted. 

_CHAP_. 2. 

_=Of the severall earths, stones, and mineralls found neere and aboutthis place. =_

Although there are in sundry places of this Kingdome as many, or moeseverall kinds, and sorts of earths quarreyes of stone, minerals, andmines of mettalls, then in any other Realme whatsoever; notwithstandingno one place hath beene observed to have them either in such plentie, orvariety in so small a distance, as this. For here is found not onelywhite and yellow marle, plaister, oker, rudd, or rubricke, free-stone, an hard greet-stone, a soft reddish stone, iron-stone, brimstone, vitreall, nitre, allum, lead, copper, (and without doubt diversemixtures of these) but also many other mineralls might (perhaps) befound out by the diligent search and skilfull industrie of those, whowould take paines to labour a little herein. 

All which do manifestly demonstrate, that nature hath stored this littleterritorie with a greater diversitie of hidden benefits, then great andspacious Countries otherwise abounding in outward native commodities, and that the fountaines, or springs of water hereabouts cannot otherwisethen participate of their severall natures, and properties. 

_CHAP_. 3. 

_=Of the fountaines, of pure and simple waters neere, and about theTowne. =_

As generally most parts of the West Riding of _Yorkeshire_ (especiallythe hilly and more mountaineous places thereof) are stored withfountaines and springs of cleare, limpide, and pure simple waters; solikewise the territorie here abouts is not without plenty of them. Twowhereof have gotten and purchased that reputation, as to be saincted:The one called by the name of Saint _Magnus_, or _Mugnus-Well_: th'other, that of Saint _Roberts_. 

These, formerly for a yeere, or two, have beene in great request inthese parts amongst the common sort, much sought unto by many, and greatconcourse of people have daily gathered and flocked to them both neere, and a farre off, as is most commonly seene, when any new thing is firstfound out. _Fama enim grescit eundo_, even unto incredible wonders andmiracles, or rather fictions, and lyes. All which commeth to passe aswee may well suppose, through our overmuch English credulity, or (as Imay better say) rather superstition. For to any such like Well, willswarme at first both yong and old (especially the female sexe, as evermore apt to bee deluded) halt, lame, blind, deafe, dumbe, yea, almostall, and that for all manner of maladies and diseases, both inward andoutward. 

But for as much, as these are springs of pure, and simple watersmeerely, without any mixture at all of minerals to make them becomemedicinable, it is verily thought, that the many & severall cures, whichhave bin attributed unto them in those times, when they were sofrequented, were rather fained, and imaginary, then true, and reall;and that those, who then visited them, were desirous (either to uphold, and maintaine the credit, and reputation of their Saints, or else, toavoyd the scorne and derision of their owne delusion) to have otherslikewise deceived. 

Time hath quite worne all their strength, and consumed all theirvertues; so that nothing of worth now remaines with them, saving onelytheir bare names and titles: _Sic magna sua mole ruunt_. 

Wherefore to omit these, as scarce worthy the mentioning; those arechiefly here to be described, which doe participate of minerall vertues, and faculties. 

_CHAP_. 4. 

_=Of five fountaines neare unto the town, which doe participate ofminerall vertues. =_

Out of the divers Fountaines springing hereabouts, five are worthy theobservation of Physitians. The first whereof is very neare unto theriver banke, over against the Castle, called by the name of the_Dropping-well_, for that it droppeth, distilleth, and trickleth downefrom the hanging rocke above. The water whereof hath a certaine qualityor property to turne any thing, that lieth in it, into a stony substancein a very short space. 

Three of the others (being all of them much of one, and the same nature)are termed by the country people thereabouts the _Stinking-wels_, inregard they have an ill, and fetide smell, consisting most ofSulphure-vive, or quicke brimstone. One of them, and that which hath thegreatest current, or streame of water, is in _Bilton park_. 

The other two are in the sayd Forest; one is neare unto the towne; theother is further off, almost two miles from it, beyond a place called_Haregate head_, in a bottome on the right hand of it, as you goe, andalmost in the side of a little brooke. 

The fift, and last (for which I have principally undertaken to writethis short Discourse) is an acide, or tart fountaine in the said Forest, commonly named by the vulgar sort, _Tuewhit-well_, and the _EnglishSpaw_, by those of the better rank, in imitation of those two mostfamous acide fountaines at the _Spaw_ in _Germany_, to wit, _Sauvenir_, and _Pouhon_: whereof the first (being the prime one) ishalfe a league from the _Spa_, or _Spaw_ village; the other is in themiddle of the towne. 

_CHAP_. 5. 

_=A more particular recitall of the first foure Wells. =_

I purpose to speake somewhat more in this place of the first foureSprings mentioned in the former Chapter, in regard the consideration ofthem may perhaps give some light to those, who shall hereafter searchfurther into the secrets, which nature may seeme to afford in theCountry hereabouts. 

The first is the _Dropping-well_, knowne almost to all, who havetravelled unto this place. The water whereof distilleth and tricklethdowne from the hanging Rocke over it, not onely dropping wise, but alsofalling in many pretty little streames. 

This water issueth at first out of the earth, not farre from the saidhanging rocke, and running a while in one entire current, continuethso, till it commeth almost to the brim of the cragg; where being opposedby a damme (as it were artificiall) of certaine spongy stones, isafterwards divided into many smaller branches, and falleth from on highin manner aforesaid. 

It is therefore very likely, that Mr. _Camden_ in person did not seethis Fountaine, but rather that hee had it by relation from others; orat least wise (if he did see it) that hee did not marke, and dulyobserve the originall springing up of the water, when in his _Britannia_he saith thus: _The waters thereof spring not up out of the veines ofthe earth_, &c. 

Concerning the properties and qualities thereof, I have nothing more towrite at this time (there being formerly little tryall had of it) savingthat divers inhabitants thereabouts say, and affirme, that it hath beenefound to bee very effectuall in staying any flux of the body: whichthing I easily beleeve. 

The other three are sulphureous fountaines, and cast forth a stinkingsmell a farre off, especially in the winter season, and when the weatheris coldest. They are all noysome to smell to, and cold to touch, withoutany manifest, or actuall heat at all; by reason (as may most probably bethought) their mynes, and veines of brimstone, are not kindled under theearth; being (perhaps) hindred by the mixture of salt therewith. 

Those, who drinke of their waters, relate, they verily thinke there isgunpowder in them, and that now and then they vomit after drinkingthereof. 

The waters, as they runne along the earth, doe leave behind them on thegrasse and leaves a gray slimy substance, which being set on fire, haththe right savour of common brimstone. They are much haunted withPigeons, an argument of much salt in them; of which in the evaporationof the water by fire, wee found a good quantity remaining in thebottome of the vessell. 

One thing further was worth observation; that white mettall (as silver)dipped into them, presently seemeth to resemble copper: which we firstnoted by putting a silver porrenger into one of these; unto which _SirFrancis Trapps_ did first bring us. Which tincture these waters give byreason of their sulphur. 

Touching their vertues, and effects, there may in generall the likeproperties be ascribed unto them, as are attributed unto othersulphureous Bathes actually cold, participating also of salt. 

The vulgar sort drinke these waters (as they say) to expell reefe, andfellon; yea, many, who are much troubled with itches, scabs, morphewes, tetters, ring-wormes, and the like, are soone holpen, and cured bywashing the parts ill affected therewith. Which thing they might muchmore conveniently, and more commodiously doe, if at that in _Bilton_parke were framed 2 capacious Bathes, the one cold, the other to be madehot, or warme, by art, for certaine knowne howers a day. 

_CHAP_. 6. 

_=A more particular description of the fift, or last fountaine, calledthe_ English Spaw. =

This, being the principall subject of this whole Treatise, is in thesaid forest, about halfe a league, or a mile and a halfe west from thetowne; from whence there is almost a continuall rising to it, butnothing so great, as the ascent is from the _Spaw_ village to the_Sauvenir_. This here springeth out of a mountainous ground, and almostat the height of the ascent, at _Haregate-head_; having a great descenton both sides the ridge thereof; and the Country thereabouts somewhatresembleth that at the _Spaw_ in _Germany_. 

The first discoverer of it to have any medicinall quality (so far forthas I can learn) was one Mr. _William Slingesby_, a Gentleman of manygood parts, of an ancient, and worthy Family neere thereby; who havingtravelled in his younger time, was throughly acquainted with the taste, use, and faculties of the two Spaw fountaines. 

In his latter time, about 55 yeeres agoe it was his good fortune to livefor a little while at a grange house very neare to this fountaine, andafterwards in _Bilton_ Parke all his life long. Who drinking of thiswater, found it in all things to agree with those at the _Spaw_. Whereupon (greatly rejoycing at so good and fortunate an accident) hemade some further triall and assay: That done, he caused the fountaineto be well, and artificially walled about, and paved at the bottome (asit is now at this day) with two faire stone flags, with a fit hole inthe side thereof, for the free passage of the water through a littleguttered stone. It is open at the top, and walled somewhat higher, thenthe earth, as well to keepe out filth, as Cattle for comming andapproaching to it. It is foure-square, three foot wide, and the waterwithin is about three quarters of a yard deepe. 

First we caused it to be laded dry, as well to scoure it, as also to seethe rising up of the water, which we found to spring up onely at thebottome at the chinke or cranny, betweene two stones, so left purposelyfor the springing up of the water at the bottome: Which as _Pliny_observeth in his 31 booke of his Naturall History and the third Chapter, is a signe above all of the goodnesse of a fountaine. 

"And above all (saith he, ) one thing would bee observed, and seene unto, that the source, which feedeth it, spring and boyle up directly from thebottome, and not issue forth at the sides: which also is a maine pointthat concerneth the perpetuity thereof, and whereby wee may collect, that it will hold still, and be never drawne drye. "

The streame of water, which passeth away by the hole in the sidethereof, is much one, and about the proportion of the current of the_Sauvenir_. 

The above named Gentleman did drinke the water of this Fountaine everyyeare after all his life time, for helping his infirmities, andmaintaining of his health, and would oftentimes say and averre, that itwas much better, and did excell the tart fountaines beyond the seas, asbeing more quicke and lively, and fuller of minerall spirits; effectinghis operation more speedily, and sooner passing through the body. 

Moreover Doctor _Timothy Bright_ of happy memory, a learned Physitian, (while hee lived, my very kind friend, and familiar acquaintance) firstgave the name of the _English Spaw_ unto this Fountaine about thirtyyeares since, or more. For he also formerly had spent some time at the_Spaw_ in _Germany_; so that he was very able to compare those withthis of ours. Nay, hee had futhermore so good an opinion, and so high aconceit of this, that hee did not onely direct, and advise others to it, but himselfe also (for most part) would use it in the Sommer season. 

Likewise Doctor _Anthony Hunton_ lately of _Newarke_ upon _Trent_, a Physitian of no lesse worth and happy memory, (to whom for his true loveto mee, and kind respect of mee, I was very much beholden) would oftenexpostulate with mee at our meetings, and with other Gentlemen of_Yorkeshire_, his patients, how it came to passe, that I, and thePhysitians of _Yorke_, did not by publike writing make the fame andworth thereof better knowne to the world?

_CHAP_. 7. 

_=Of the difference of this Fountaine from those at the_ Spaw, _to wit_, Sauvenir, _and_ Pouhon. =

This springeth almost at the top of the ascent (as formerly hath beenesaid) from a dry, and somewhat sandy earth: The water whereof runningSouth-East, is very cleare, pure, full of life, and minerallexhalations. 

We find it chiefly to consist of a vitrioline nature and quality, with aparticipation also of those other minerals, which are said to be in the_Sauvenir_ fountaine; but in a more perfect, and exquisite mixture andtemper (as wee deeme) and therefore to be supposed better and nobler, then it. The difference betweene them will be found to be onely_secundum majus & minus_, that is, according to more, or lesse, whichmaketh no difference in kind, but in degrees. This partaketh in greatermeasure of the qualities, and lesser of the substances of the minerals, then that doth; and for that cause it is of a more quicke and speedyoperation; as also for the same reason, his tenuity of body, andfulnesse of minerall spirits therein contained, it cannot be so farretransported from its owne source, and spring, without losse, anddiminution of his strength, and goodnesse. For being caried no further, then to the towne it selfe (though the glasse or vessell be closelystopt) it becommeth somewhat weaker: if as farre as to _Yorke_, muchmore: but if 20 or 30 miles further, it will then bee found to be ofsmall force, or validity, as we have often observed. 

Whereas contrariwise the water of the lower fountaine at the _Spaw_, called _Pouhon_, is frequently and usually caried and conveyed intoother Countries farre off, and remote, as into _France_, _England_, _Scotland_, _Ireland_, divers parts of _Germany_, and some parts of_Italy_; yea, and that of _Sauvenir_, (which is the better fountaine, and whose water cannot be caried so farre away, as the other may) isoftentimes used nowadayes at _Paris_, the chiefe City of _France_. 

But this of ours cannot be sent away any whit so farre off without losseand decay of his efficacy, and vertue; so ayrie, subtill, and piercingare its spirits, and minerall exhalations, that they soone passe, vanish, and flye away. Which thing wee have esteemed to be a principallgood signe of the worthy properties of this rare Fountaine. So that thiswater, being newly taken up at the Well, and presently after drunke, cannot otherwise, but sooner passe by the Hypochondries and through thebody, and cause a speedier effect, then those in _Germany_ can. Wherebyany one may easily collect, and gather, that this getteth his soveraignfaculties better in its passage by and through the variety of minerals, included in the earth (which only afford unto it an halitious body) thenthose doe. 

If then wee bee desirous to have this of ours become commodious eitherfor preserving of our healths, or for altering any distemper, or curingany infirmity (for which it is proper and availeable) it ought chieflyto bee taken at the fountaine it selfe, before the minerall spirits beedissipated. 

_CHAP_. 8. 

_=That Vitriol is here more predominant, then any other minerall. =_

We have sufficiently beene satisfied by experience and trialls, throughwhat minerals this water doth passe: but to know in what proportion theyare exactly mixed therewith, it is beyond humane invention to find out;nature having reserved this secret to her selfe alone. Neverthelesse itmay very well be conjectured, that as in the frame, and composition ofthe most noble creature, Man (the lesser world) there is a temper of thefoure elements rather _ad justitiam_ (as Philosophers say) then _adpondus_; so nature in the mixture of these minerals, hath likewise takenmore of some, and lesse of others, as shee thought to be most fit, andexpedient for the good and behoofe of mans health, and the recovery andrestitution of it decayed; being indeed such a worke, as no Art is ableto imitate. 

That _Vitriolum_ (otherwise called _Chalcanthum_) is here mostpredominant, there needs no other proofe, then from the assay of thewater it selfe; which both in the tart and inky smack thereof, joynedwith a piercing and a pricking quality, and in the savour (which issomewhat a little vitrioline, ) is altogether like unto the ancient_Spaw_ waters; which according to the consent of all those, who haveconsidered their naturall compositions, doe most of all, and chieflyparticipate of vitrioll. 

Notwithstanding, for a more manifest, and fuller tryall hereof, put asmuch powder of galls, as will lye on two-pence, or three-pence, into aglasse full of this water newly taken up at the fountaine, you shall seeit by and by turned into the right and perfect colour of Claret wine, that is fully ripe, cleare, and well fined, which may easily deceivethe eye of the skilfullest Vintner. 

This demonstration hath beene often made, not without the admiration ofthose, who first did see it. For the same quantity of galles mingledwith so much common water, or any other fountaine water thereabouts, will not alter it any thing at all; unlesse to these you also addeVitrioll, and then the colour will appeare to be of a blewish violet, somewhat inkish, not reddish, as in the former, which hath an exquisiteand accurate conjunction of other minerall exhalations, besides thevitrioline. But this probation will not hold, if so be you make triallwith the said water being caried farre from the well; by reason of thepresent dissipation of his spirits. 

_CHAP_. 9. 

_=Of the properties, and effects of Vitrioll, according to the ancientand moderne Writers. =_

The qualities of Vitrioll, according to _Dioscorides, Galen, Ætius, Paulus Ægineta_, and _Oribasius_, are to heate and dry, to bind, toresist putrefaction, to give strength and vigour to the interiour parts, to kill the flat wormes of the belly, to remedy venemous mushromes, topreserve flesh over moyst from corruption, consuming the moysturethereof by its heat, and constipating by his astriction the substance ofit, and pressing forth the serous humidity. 

And according to _Matthiolus_ in his Commentaries upon _Dioscorides_, itis very profitable against the plague and pestilence, and the chymicalloyle thereof is very availeable (as himselfe affirmeth to havesufficiently proved) against the stone and stopping of urine, and manyother outward maladies and diseases, (_Andernæus_ and _Gesner_ adde tothese the Apoplexy) all which, for avoyding of prolixity, I doe herepurposely omit. 

Neither will I further trouble the Reader with the recitall of diversand sundry excellent remedies, and medicines, found out and made of itin these latter times, by the Spagyricke Physitians, and others: In somuch that _Joseph Quercetanus_, one of those, is verily of opinion, that out of this one individuall minerall, well and exquisitely prepared, there might be made all manner of remedies and medicines sufficient forthe storing and furnishing of a whole Apothecaries shop. 

But it will (perhaps) be objected by some one or other in this manner:If vitrioll, which as most doe hold, is hote and dry in the thirddegree, or beginning of the fourth, nay, of a causticke quality, andnature (as _Discorides_ is of opinion) should here be predominant, thenthe water of this fountaine must needs bee of great heat and acrimony;and so become not onely unprofitable, but also very hurtfull for mansuse to be drunke, or inwardly taken. 

To which objection (not to take any advantage of the answer, which manylearned Physitians doe give, _viz_. That vitrioll is not hot, but cold)I say:

First, that although all medicinall waters doe participate of thosemineralls, by which they doe passe, yet they have them but weakly(_viribus refractis_) especially when in their passages they touch, andmeet with divers others minerals of opposite tempers and natures. 

Secondly I answer, that in all such medicinall fountaines, as this, simple water doth farre surpasse and exceed in quantity, whatsoever istherewith intermixed; by whose coldnesse it commeth to passe, that thecontrary is scarce, or hardly perceived. For example, take oneproportion of any boyling liquor to 100. Or more, of the same cold, andyou will hardly find in it any heat at all. Suppose then vitrioll to behot in the third degree, it doth not therefore follow, that the water, which hath his vertue chiefly from it, should heat in the same degree. This is plainly manifest not onely in this fountaine, but also in allothers, which have an acide taste, being indeed rather cold, then hot, for the reasons above mentioned. 

_CHAP_. 10. 

_=Of the effects, which this fountaine worketh, and produceth in thosewho drinke of it. =_. 

Experience sheweth sufficiently, besides reason, that this water first, and in the beginning cooleth such, as use it: But being continued itheateth and dryeth; and this for the most part it doth in all, yet notalwayes. For (as we shall more fully declare afterwards) it effectethcures of opposite, and quite contrary natures, by the second and thirdqualities, wherewith it is endowed, curing diseases both hot, cold, dry, and moist. 

Those waters (saith _Renodæus_) which are replenished with a vitriolinequality, as those at the _Spaw_, doe presently heale, and (as it were)miraculously cure diseases, which are without all hope of recovery;having that notable power, and faculty from vitrioll; by the vertue andefficacy whereof, they passe through the meanders, turnings, andwindings of all parts of the whole body. Whatsoever is hurtfull, orendammageth it, that they sweepe and carie away: what is profitable andcommodious, they touch not, nor hurt; that, which is flaccid, and loose, they bind and fasten: that, which is fastened, and strictly tyed, theyloose: what is too grosse and thicke, they incide, dissolve, attenuate, and expell. 

More particularly, the water of this fountaine hath an incisive andabstersive faculty to cut, and loosen the viscous and clammy humours ofthe body, and to make meable the grosse: as also by its piercing andpenetrating power, subtilty of parts, and by his deterging anddesiccative qualities to open all the obstructions, or oppilations ofthe mesentery (from whence the seeds of most diseases doe arise andspring) liver, splen, kidneis, and other interiour parts, and (which ismore to be noted and observed) to coole and contemperate theirunnaturall heat, helping, and removing also all the griefes andinfirmities depending thereupon. 

Besides all this, it comforteth the stomacke by the astriction it hathfrom other minerals, especially iron, so that (without doubt) of athousand, who shall use it discreetly and with good advice (their bodiesfirst being well and orderly prepared by some learned and skilfullPhysitian, according to the states thereof, and as their infirmitiesshall require) there will scarcely be any one found who shall notreceive great profit thereby. 

Moreover, it clenseth, and purifieth the whole masse of blood containedin the veynes, by purging it from the seresity peccant, and fromcholericke, phlegmaticke, and melancholike humours; and that principallyby urine, which passeth through the body very cleare, and in greatquantity, leaving behind it the minerall forces, and vertues. 

Their stooles, who drinke of it, are commonly of a blackish, or darkgreene colour, partly because it emptieth the liver and splen from adulthumours, and melancholy, or the sediment of blood: but more especially, because the mineralls intermixed doe produce and give such a tincture. 

_CHAP_. 11. 

_=In what diseases the water of this Fountaine is most usefull andbeneficiall. =_

Over and besides the peculiar and specificall faculties, which thisfountaine hath, it sheweth divers and sundry other manifest effects andqualities in evacuating the noxious humours of the body, for most partby urine especially when there is any obstruction about the kidneyes, ureters and bladder: Or by urine and stoole both, if the mesentery, liver, or splen, chance to bee obstructed. But, if the affect or griefebe in the matrix or womb, then it clenseth that way according to theaccustomed and usuall manner of women. 

In melancholike people it purgeth by provoking the hæmorrhoides, and incholericke by siege, or stoole. If it causeth either vomit or sweat, itis very seldome and rare. 

See here a most admirable worke guided by the omnipotency and wisedom ofthe Almighty, that a naturall, cleare, and pure water, should produce somany and severall effects and operations, being all of them in a mannercontrary one to another, which few medicines composed by art can easilyperforme without hurt and damage to the party. Wherefore being drunkewith those cautions and circumstances necessarily required thereunto, itis to be preferred before many other remedies, as not onely procuringthese evacuations; but also (which is more to be noted) staying them, when they grow to any excesse. For seeing that here are mineralscontained both hot, cold, dry, aperitive, astringent, &c. There is noneso simple but must needs thinke and grant, that it cannot otherwise beebut good and wholesome in grievances, and diseases, which in their ownenatures are opposite. 

But I may instance in some few, for which it is good and profitable, andtherein observe some order and methode; It dryeth the over moist braine, and helpeth the evils proceeding therefrom, as rhumes, catarrhs, palsies, cramps, &c. 

It is also good and availeable against inveterate headaches, migrims, turnings, and swimmings of the head and braine, dizzinesse, epilepsie, or falling sicknesse, and the like cold and moist diseases of the head. 

It cheereth and reviveth the spirits, strengtheneth the stomacke, causeth a good and quicke appetite, and furthereth digestion. 

It helpeth the blacke and yellow Jaundisse, and the evill, which isaccompanied with strange feare and excessive sadnesse without anyevident occasion, or necessary cause, called _MelancholiaHypochondriaca_. Likewise the cachexy, or evill habit of the body, andthe dropsie in the beginning thereof, before it be too farre gone. Forbesides that it openeth obstructions, it expelleth the redundant watercontained in the belly, and contemperateth the unnaturall heat of theliver. 

It cooleth the kidneyes or reynes, and driveth forth sand, gravell, andstones out of them, and also hindreth the encrease or breeding of anynew, by the concretion, and saudering of gravell, bred of a viscous andclammy humour, or substance. The same it performeth to the bladder, forwhich it is also very beneficiall, if it chance to have any evilldisposition either in the cavity thereof, or in the necke of it, andshutting muscle called _Sphincter_, whereby the whole part or member islet and hindred in his office and function. 

Moreover, if there chance to be any ulcer in the parts last specified, or any sore, or fistula in _perinaeo_ through an impostume ill cured, this water is a good remedy for it, in regard of its clensing, cicatrizing and constringing power, and vertue; and for that cause it isvery proper and commodious for the acrimony and sharpnesse of urine, andagainst the stopping and suppression of urine, difficulty of makingwater, and the strangury. 

Although it is very availeable against the stone in the kidneyes, andagainst the breeding, and increase of any new there; yea, and againstlittle ones, that are loose in the bladder; yet notwithstanding it willafford little or small benefit to those, in whom it is growne to beevery great and big in the bladder: Because nothing will then serve tobreake it, as _Brassavolus_ saith, but a Smiths anvile and hammar. Neverthelesse, if in this case incision be used, it will be verycommodious both for mundifying and consolidating the wound, made for theextraction of it. 

It shall not bee needfull to speake much of the profit, which willensue by the fit administration of it in the inveterat venereousGonorrhæa, causing it to cease and stay totally, and correcting thedistemper, and the evill ulcerous disposition of the seed vessels, & thevicine parts. 

There are very few infirmities properly incident to women, which thiswater may not seeme to respect much. The use whereof, after the adviceand councell had of the learned Physitian, for the well and orderlypreparing their bodies, is singular good against the greene sicknesse, and also very commodious and behoovefull to procure their monthlyevacuations, as also to stay their over much flowing; as well tocorrect, as to stay their white floods; as well to dry the wombe beingtoo moist, as to heat it being too cold, through which causes anddistempers conception (for the most part) is let and hindered in coldNortherne Countries, as _England_, and the like. For by the helpe of itthese distempers are changed and altered, the superfluous humiditiesand mucosities are taken away, the part is corroborated, and theretentive vertue is strengthned. 

This hath beene so much, and so often observed at the ancient _Spaw_, that it cannot otherwise, but bee also verified at this in aftertimes, when it shall bee frequented (as those have beene) with the company ofLadyes, and Gentlewomen: Divers whereof, having beene formerly barrenfor the space of ten, twelve yeares, or moe, and drinking of thosewaters for curing and helping some other infirmities, then for want offruitfulnesse, have shortly conceived after their returne home to theirhusbands, beyond their hopes and expectations. 

Besides all this, it is good for these women, who, though otherwise aptenough to conceive, yet by reason of the too much lubricity of theirwombes, are prone to miscarry and abort, if before conception they shalluse it with those cautions and directions requisite. 

Also it respecteth very much the hard scirrhous and cancarous tumours, and the grievous soares, and dangerous ulcers of the matrix. All theseexcellent helpes and many moe it performeth to women with more speedysuccesse, if it be also received by injection. But here by the way, allsuch women, who are with child, are to be admonished, that they forbeareto use it during that time. 

In children it killeth and expelleth the wormes of the guts and belly, and letteth and hindreth the breeding and new encrease of any moe. 

I will here forbeare to write any thing of the benefits which itaffordeth against old and inveterate itches, morphewes, leprosies, &c. In regard the other three sulphurous fountaines, before mentioned, doemore properly respect such like grievances. Neither will I now spend anymore time in shewing what vertues it hath in the cure of the Indian, commonly called the French, or rather Spanish disease: becauseexperience hath found out a more certaine and sure remedy against it. 

_CHAP_. 12. 

_=Of the necessity of preparing the body before the use of this water. =_

It is not in most things the bare and naked knowledge or contemplationof them, that makes them profitable to us; but rather their right use, and oppertune and fit administration. Medicines are not said to be_Deorum manus_, that is, the hands of the Gods, (as _Herophilus_ calleththem) or _Deorum dona_; that is, the gifts of the Gods (as _Hippocrates_beleeved) till they be fitly applyed and seasonably administered by thecounsell and advice of the learned and skilfull Physitian, according tothe true rules, and method of Art. 

 _Temporibus medicina valet, data tempore prosunt, Et data non apto tempore vina nocent. _

That is, Medicines availe in their due times, And profit is got by drinking wines In timely sort; but in all reason They doe offend, drunke out of season. 

Therefore to know th' originall mineralls, faculties, and vertues ofthis worthy acide fountaine, will bee to no end, or to small purpose forthem, who understand not the right and true use, nor the fit and orderlyadministration of it. For not only Physicke or medicines, but alsomeats, and drinks taken disorderly, out of due time and without measure, bringeth oftentimes detriment to the partie; who otherwise might receivecomfort and strength thereby: So likewise this water, if it be notdrunke at a convenient time and season, in due fashion and proportion, yea, and that after preparatives and requisite purging and evacuation ofthe body, may easily hurt those, whose infirmities otherwise it dothprincipally respect. For medicines ought not to be taken rashly, andunadvisably, as most doe hand over head without any consideration oftime, place, and other circumstances; as that ignorant man did, whogetting the recipt of that medicine, wherewith formerly he had beencured, made triall of it againe long after for the same infirmitywithout any helpe or good at all, whereat greatly marvailing, receivedthis answer fro his Physitian: I confesse (said hee) it was the selfesame medicine, but because I did not give it, therefore it did you nogood. 

To the end therefore, that no occasion may hereafter be either given, ortaken by the misgovernment, or overrashnesse of any in using it tocalumniate and traduce the worth, and goodnesse of this fountaine, Iwill briefly here shew, what course is chiefly to be followed andobserved by those who shall stand in need of it. 

First then, because very few men are thoroughly and sufficientlyinformed concerning the natures, and causes of their grievances, itwill be necessary that every one shold apply himselfe to some one, orother, who either out of his judgement, or experience, or both, maytruely be able to give him counsell and good advice concerning theconveniency of this fountaine. And if he shall be avised to use it, thenlet the party (in the feare of God) addresse himselfe for his way to it, against the fit season of it, without making any long and tedious daiesjourneys, which cause lassitude, and wearinesse. 

Then, being come to the place, he ought after a dayes rest, or two, tohave his body wel prepared, & gently clensed with easie lenitives, orpurgatives, both fit, and appropriate, as well to the habite andconstitution thereof, as also for the disease it selfe, and as occasionshall require, according to the rule of method, which teacheth thatuniversal or generall remedies ought ever to precede and goe beforeparticulars. Now what these are in speciall, to fit every ones case inparticular, it is impossible for me here, or any else to defineprecisely. _Ars non versatur circa individua. _ We may see it true inmechanicall trades. No one shoemaker can fit all by one Last; nor anyone taylor can suite all by one, and the selfe same measure. 

Yet in regard it may perhaps bee expected that something should be saidherein, I say, that in the beginning (if occasion serve) some easieClyster may very fitly bee given, as well for emptying the lowerintestines from their usuall excrements, as for carying away andclensing the mucose slimes contained therein. After that, it will beconvenient to prepare the body by some Julep or Apozeme, or to give somelenitive medicine to free the first region of the body from excrements. For otherwise the water might peradventure convey some part of them, orother pecca̅t matter, which it findeth in his passage either into thebladder, or to some other weake, and infirme member of the body, to theincrease of that evill disposition which is to be removed, or else tothe breeding of some other new infirmity. 

_Object_. Some perhaps will here object and say, that the time of theyeere, in which this fountaine will be found to bee most usefull, willbe the hottest season thereof; or (if you like to call it) thedog-daies, when it will be no fit time to purge at all. 

_Answ_. 1. To this I answer and say: First, the purging medicines hererequired are not strong, and generous but gentle, mild and weake, suchas are styled _Benedicta medicamenta_: which may with great safetie andprofit bee given either then or at any other time of the yeere withoutany danger, or respect of any such like circumstance at all. 

2. Secondly I answer; Although this observation of the dog-dayes mightperhaps be of some moment in hotter countries, as _Greece_, where_Hippocrates_ lived, who first made mention of those dales: Yet incolder climates, as _England_, and such like Countries, they are oflittle or small force at all, and almost not to be regarded any whit, either in using mild & temperate purgatives, or almost in any other; orin blood-letting: though very many, or most doe erroniously say andthinke the contrary. So that (if there be cause) they may as well andsafely then purge, as at any other time: Or, if occasion shall urge, asin plethoricall bodies, and many other cases, a veine may safely (orrather most commodiously) be then opened and so much blood taken away, as the skilfull Physitian shall thinke in his discretion and wisdome tobe needfull and requisite. 

Let no man here think, that this is any strange position, or a newparadoxe (for the learned know the contrary) or that I am studious ofinnovation, but rather desirous to roote out an old and inveterateerrour, which in all probabilitie hath cost moe Englishmens lives, thenwould furnish a royall army, in neglecting those two greater helpes orremedies, to wit, Purging, and Blood-letting in hot seasons of theyeare: which in all likelihood might have saved many of their lives, while expecting more temperate weather, they have beene summoned in themeane time, or _interim_ by the messenger of pale death to appeare in another world. 

Wherefore let all those who are yet living, bee admonished hereafter bytheir examples, not obstinately and wilfully to eschue and shunne thesetwo remedies in hot seasons, and in the time of the Dog-dayes, (muchlesse all other manner of physicall helpes) not once knowing so much aswhy, or wherefore, and without any reason at all, following blind andsuperstitious tradition, and error, haply first broched by some unworthyand ignorant Physitian, not rightly understanding _Hippocrates_ hissaving in all likelyhood, or at least wise misapplying it. Which hathso prevailed in these times, that it hath not onely worne out the use ofpurging, but also of all other physicke for that season, because mostpeople by the name of physicke understanding purging onely, and nothingelse. As though the art and science of Physicke was nothing else, but togive a potion or purge. Then we rightly and truly might say, _Filiadevor avit matrem_. 

But for as much as most people are altogether ignorant of the trueground or reason, from whence this so dangerous an error concerning theDog-dayes did first spring and arise, give me leave a little to goe onwith this my digression, for their better instruction, and satisfaction:and I will briefly, and in a few lines shew the case, and the mistakesomewhat more plainly. 

_Hippocrates_ in his fourth booke of Aphorismes, the fift, hath thesewords: _Sub canicula, & ante caniculam difficiles sunt purgationes. _That is, under the canicular, or dog-star, and before the dog-star, purgations are painfull and difficill. This is all that is there said ofthem, or brought against them for that season, or time of the yeare. Agreat stumbling-blocke against which many have dashed their feet, andknockt their shinnes, and a fearfull scar-crow, whereat too many havenicely boggled. Here you doe not find or see purging medicines to beethen prohibited, or forbidden to be given at all (much lesse all otherphysicke) but onely said to be difficill in their working: partlybecause (as all expositors agree) nature is then somewhat enfeebled bythe great heat of the weather; partly because the humours being then, asit were, accended are more chaffed by the heat of the purging medicines;partly, and lastly, because two contrary motions seeme then to be at oneand the same time, which may offend nature; as the great heat of theweather leading the humours of the body outwardly to the circumferencethereof, and the medicine drawing them inwardly to the center. All whichcircumstances in our cold region are little, or nothing at all (asformerly hath beene mentioned) to be regarded. For as _JacobusHollerius_, a French Physitian, much honoured for his great learning andjudgement, hath very well observed in his Comment upon this Aphorisme;_Hippocrates_ speaketh here onely of those purging medicines, which arestrong, and vehement, or hot and fiery; and that this precept is to takeplace in most hot Regions, but not in these cold Countries, as _France_, _England_, and the like. 

Over and beside all this, those churlish hot purging medicines, whichwere then in frequent use in _Hippocrates_ his time, and some hundred ofyeares after, are now for most part obsolete, and quite growne out ofuse, seldom brought in practice by Physitians in these dayes; because wehave within these last six hundred yeares great choice and variety ofmore mild, benigne, and gentle purgatives found out by the ArabianPhysitians, which were altogether unknowne unto the ancients, to wit, _Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Galen, &c. _ which have little heat, andacrimony, many whereof are temperate, and divers cooling, which may mostsafely be given either in the hottest times and seasons of the yeare, orin the hottest diseases. Let us adde to these the like familiar andgentle purging medicines more lately, yea, almost daily newly found outsince the better discoveries of the East and West Indies. So thathenceforth let no man feare to take either easie purgatives, or otherinward Physicke, in the time of the canicular, or dog-dayes. 

The same _Hollerius_ goeth on in the exposition and interpretation ofthe said Aphorisme, and confidently saith: _Over & besides that we havebenigne medicines which we may then use, as Cassia, &c. _ Wee know andfinde by experience no time here with us more wholsome and moretemperat (especially when the Etesian, or Easterly, winds do blow) thenthe Canicular dayes: so that, wee finde by observation, that thosediseases which are bred in the moneths of June and July, doe end inAugust, and in the Canicular dayes. Wherefore, if a disease happen inthose dayes, we feare not to open a veyne divers times, and often, asalso to prescribe more strong purging medicines. 

Wherefore away henceforth with the scrupulous conceit, and too nicefeare of the Dogge-dayes, and let their supposed danger be had no morein remembrance among us. And if any will yet remaine obstinate, andstill refuse to have their beames pulled out of their eyes, let themstill be blinde in the middest of the cleare Sun-shine, and groape onafter darkness; and let all learned Physitians rather pitty theirfollies, then envy their wits. 

_CHAP_. 13. 

_=At what time of the yeare, and at what houre of the day it is most fitand meet to drinke this water. =_

To speake in generall tearmes, it is a fit time to drinke it, when theayre is pure, cleare, hot and dry: for then the water is more tart, andmore easily digested, then at other times. On the contrary, it is bestto forbeare, when the ayre is cold, moist, darke, dull and misty: forthen it is more feeble, and harder to be concocted. 

But more specially, the most proper season to undertake this our EnglishSpaw dyet, will be from the middest or latter end of June to the middleof September, or longer, according as the season of the yeare shall fallout to be hot and dry, or otherwise. 

Not that in the Spring-time, and in Winter it is not also good, but forthat the ayre being more pure in Sommer, the water also must needs be ofgreater force and power. Notwithstanding it may sometime so happen inSommer, that by reason of some extraordinary falling of raine, there maybe a cessation from it for a day or two. Or if it chance to have rainedover night, it will then be fit and necessary to refraine from drinkingof it, untill the raine bee passed away againe: or else (which I likebetter) the fountaine laded dry, and filled againe, which may well bedone in an hower, or two at most. 

Touching the time of the day, when it is best to drinke this water, questionlesse the most convenient hower will be in the morning, when theparty is empty, and fasting, about seaven aclocke: Nature having firstdischarged her selfe of daily excrements both by stoole and urine, andthe concoctions perfected. This time is likewise fittest for exercise, which is a great good help, and furtherance for the better distributionof the water, whereby it doth produce its effects more speedily. 

_CHAP_. 14. 

_=Of the manner of drinking this water, and the quantitie thereof. =_

Those who desire the benefit of this Fountaine, ought to goe to itsomewhat early in the morning, &, if they be able and strong of body, they may doe very well to walke to it on foot, or at least wise somepart of the way. Such, as have weake and feeble leggs may ride onhorsebacke, or be caryed in coaches, or borne in chaires. As for those, whose infirmities cause them to keepe their beds, or chambers, they maydrinke the water in their lodgings, it being speedily brought to them ina vessell or glasse well stopt. 

It is not my meaning or purpose to describe here particularly, whatquantitie of it is fit and meet for every one to drinke; for this ispart of the taske and office, which belongeth to the Physitian, whoshall be of counsell with the Patient in preparing and well ordering ofhim; who is to consider all the severall circumstances, as well of themaladie or disease it selfe, as of his habite and constitution, &c. Neverthelesse I may advise, that at the first it be moderately taken, increasing the quantitie daily by degrees, untill they shall come atlast to the full height of the proportion appointed, and thought to bemeet and necessary. There they are then to stay, and so to continue atthat quantitie, so long as it shall be needfull. For example, the firstmorning may happely be 16 or 18 ounces, and so on by degrees to 20. 30. 40. 50. 60. Or moe, in people, who are of good and strong constitutions. Towards the ending, the abatement ought likewise to be made by degrees, as the increment was formerly made by little and little. 

Here by the way every one must be admonished to take notice, that it isnot alwayes best to drinke most, lest they chance to oppresse andovercharge Nature, that would rather be content with lesse. It willtherefore be more safe, to take it rather somewhat sparingly, though fora longer time, then liberally and for a short time. But, indeed thetruest and justest proportion of it, is ever to be made and esteemed, bythe good and laudable concoction of it, and by the due and orderlyvoiding of it againe. 

It will not be here amisse to adde this one observation further; That itis better to drinke this water once a day, then twice, and that in themornings, after that the Sunne hath dryed up & consumed the vaporsretained through the coldnesse of the night, &c. As is formerlydeclared. After drinking it, it will be needfull to abstaine from meat &other drinke for the space of three or foure dayes. [hours?]

But if any one, who hath a good stomacke, shall be desirous to take ittwice a day; or if any shall bee necessarily compelled so to doe forsome urgent cause, by the approbation of his Physitian, let him dinesomewhat sparingly, and drinke it not againe, untill five houres afterdinner be past, or not untill the concoction of meat and drinke in thestomacke be perfected: Observing likewise, that hee content himselfe inthe afternoones with almost halfe the quantity he useth to take in themornings. 

_CHAP_. 15. 

_=Of the manner of dyet to be observed by those who shall use thiswater. =_

The regiment of life in meats and drinks, ought chiefly to consist inthe right and moderate use of those, which are of light and easiedigestion, and of good and wholesome nourishment, breeding laudablejuice. Therefore all those are to be avoyded, which beget crude and illhumours. There ought furthermore speciall notice to be taken, that greatdiversity of meats and dishes at one meale is very hurtfull, as alsomuch condiments, sauces, spice, fat, &c. In their dressing and cookery. 

I commend hens, capons, pullets, chickens, partridge, phesants, turkies, and generally all such small birds, as live in woods, hedges, andmountaines. Likewise I doe approve of veale, mutton, kid, lambe, rabbets, young hare or leverits, &c. All which (for the most part) arerather to be roasted then boyled. Neverthelesse those, who are affectedwith any dry distemper, or those, who otherwise are so accustomed tofeed, may have their meats sodden; but the plainer dressing, the better. 

I discommend all salt meats, beefe, bacon, porke, larde, and lardedmeats, hare, venison, tripes, and the entrailes of beasts, puddings madewith blood, pig, goose, swan, teale, mallard, and such like; and ingenerall all water-fowle, as being of hard digestion and ill nutriment. 

Amongst the severall kinds of fishes, trouts, pearches, loaches, and formost part, all scaly fish of brookes, and fresh rivers may well beepermitted. Moreover smelts, soales, dabs, whitings, sturbuts, gurnets, and all such other, as are well knowne not to be ill, or unwholesome tofeed on. All which may be altered with mint, hyssope, anise, &c. Alsocre-fishes, crab-fish, lobsters, and the like, may bee permitted. 

Cunger, salmon, eeles, lampries, herrings, salt-ling, all salt-fish, sturgion, anchovies, oysters, cockles, muscles, and the like shell-fishare to be disallowed. 

White-meats, as milke, cruds, creame, old cheese, custards, white-pots, pudding-pyes, and other like milke-meats, (except sweet butter and newcreame cheese) are to be forbidden. Soft and reer egges we doe notprohibit. 

Raisons with almonds, bisket-bread, marchpane-stuffe, suckets, and thelike, are not here forbidden to be eaten. 

Let their bread be made of wheat, very well wrought, fermented orleavened; and let their drinke be beere well boyled and brewed: and letit bee stale, or old enough, but in no wise tart, sharp, or sower: Andabove all let them forbeare to mixe the water of the fountaine withtheir drinke at meales: for that may cause many inconveniences tofollow, and ensue. 

Let me advise them to eschew apples, peares, plumbs, codlings, gooseberries, and all such like sommer fruits, either raw, in tarts, orother wise: Also pease, and all other pulse; all cold sallets, and rawhearbs; onions, leekes, chives, cabbage or coleworts, pompons, cucumbers, and the like. 

In stead of cheese at the end of meales, it will not bee amisse to eatecitron, or lemon pils condited, or else fenell, anise, coriandercomfits, or biskets and carawayes, as well for to discusse and expellwind, as to shut and close the stomacke, for the better furthering thedigestion of meats and drinkes. And for that purpose, it would bee muchbetter, if the Physitian, who is of counsell, should appoint and ordainesome fit and proper Tragea in grosse powder mixed with sugar, or elsemade into little cakes or morsels. Likewise marmalade of quinces, eithersimple or compound, (such as the Physitians do often prescribe to theirpatients) may be used very commodiously. 

After dinner they ought to use no violent exercise, neither ought theyto sit still, sadly, heavy, and musing, nor to slumber, and sleepe; butrather to stirre a little, and to raise up the spirits for an houre ortwo, by some fit recreation. After supper they may take a walke into thefields, or Castle yard. 

_CHAP_. 16. 

_=Of the Symtomes or accidents, which may now and then chance to happento some one or other in the use of this water. =_

Although those who are of good and strong constitutions, observing theaforenamed direction, doe seldome or never receive any harme, ordetriment by drinking this water: notwithstanding it may sometime sofall forth, that some of the weaker sort may perhaps observe somelittle, or small inconvenience thereby, as retention of it in the body:inflation of the bellie: costivenesse, and the like. Wherefore togratifie those, a word [or] two of every one shall suffice. 

First then, for to cause a more ready and speedy passage of it by urine, it will not be amisse to counsell the partie after his returne to hislodging to goe to his naked bed for an houre or two, that therebywarmnesse, and naturall heat may be brought into each part of the body, the passages more opened, and nature by that meanes made more fit andapt for the expulsion of it. During which time it will be very requisiteto apply hot cloathes to the stomack: but not so as to provoke sweat. Orelse, to cause it to voyd and evacuate either by urine, stoole, orsweat, exercise will be a good helpe and furtherance: if the party befit for it. But if neither of these will prevaile, then a sharp glysterought to be administered. 

The inflation or swelling of the belly hapneth principally to those, whohave feeble and weake stomacks; who may do very wel to eate anise, fenell, or coriander comfits at the fountaine betweene every draught, and to walke a little after; or else some carminative Lozenges, madewith grosse powders, spices and seeds for breaking of wind: or whatother thing the learned Physitian shall deeme to be most fit and properin his wisdome, and judgment. But if the inflation chance to be verygreat, then a carminative glyster must be ordained. 

Such as shall be very costive may doe well to eat moistning meats, andto use mollifying hearbes, raisons stoned, corants, damascene prunes, butter, or the yolkes of egges, and the like in their broths, orpottage. If these will not be sufficient, then let a day be spared fromdrinking the water, and let the party take some lenitive medicine, aslaxative corants, or some such like thing: whereof the Physitian hathever great choice and variety, wherewith he can fit directly every onehis case; to whom present recourse ever ought to be had, when any ofthese, or the like accidents doe happen, as likewise in all other casesof waight and moment. 

FINIS.