Again, Should we allow all, and only compute unto the latitude of _Coos_; yet would it not impose a total omission of Physick. For if in the hottest season of that clime, all Physick were to be declined, then surely in many other none were to be used at any time whatsoever; for unto many parts, not only in the Spring and Autumn, but also in the Winter, the Sun is nearer, then unto the clime of _Coos_ in the Summer.
The third consideration concerneth purging medicines, which are at present far different from those implied in this Aphorism, and such as were commonly used by _Hippocrates_. [SN: _Three degrees of purgations._] For three degrees we make of purgative medicines: The first thereof is very benign, nor far removed from the nature of Aliment, into which, upon defect of working, it is oft-times converted; and in this form do we account _Manna_, _Cassia_, _Tamarindes_, and many more; whereof we find no mention in _Hippocrates_. This second is also gentle having a familiarity with some humor, into which it is but converted if it fail of its operation: of this sort are _Aloe_, _Rhabarb_, _Senna_, etc. Whereof also few or none were known unto _Hippocrates_. The third is of a violent and venemous quality, which frustrate of its action, assumes as it were the nature of poison; such as are Scammoneum, Colocynthis, Elaterium, Euphorbium, Tithymallus, Laureola, Peplum, etc. Of this sort _Hippocrates_ made use, even in Fevers, Pleurisies and Quinsies; and that composition is very remarkable which is ascribed unto _Diogenes_ in _Ãtius_[SN: Tetrab. lib. 1. Serm. 3.]; that is, of Pepper, Sal Armoniac, Euphorbium, of each an ounce, the Dosis whereof four scruples and an half; which whosoever should take, would find in his bowels more then a canicular heat, though in the depth of Winter; many of the like nature may be observed in _Ãtius_, or in the book _De Dinamidiis_, ascribed unto _Galen_, which is the same _verbatim_ with the other.
Now in regard of the second, and especially the first degree of Purgatives, the Aphorism is not of force; but we may safely use them, they being benign and of innoxious qualities. And therefore _Lucas Gauricus_, who hath endeavoured with many testimonies to advance this consideration, at length concedeth that lenitive Physick may be used, especially when the Moon is well affected in Cancer or in the watery signs. But in regard of the third degree the Aphorism is considerable: purgations may be dangerous; and a memorable example there is in the medical Epistles of _Crucius_, of a _Roman_ Prince that died upon an ounce of Diaphænicon, taken in this season. From the use whereof we refrain not only in hot seasons, but warily exhibit it at all times in hot diseases. Which when necessity requires, we can perform more safely then the Ancients, as having better waies of preparation and correction; that is, not only by addition of other bodies, but separation of noxious parts from their own.