se distempers are changed and altered, the superfluous humidities
and mucosities are taken away, the part is corroborated, and the
retentive 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 of
Ladyes, and Gentlewomen: Divers whereof, having beene formerly barren
for the space of ten, twelve yeares, or moe, and drinking of those
waters for curing and helping some other infirmities, then for want of
fruitfulnesse, have shortly conceived after their returne home to their
husbands, beyond their hopes and expectations.

Besides all this, it is good for these women, who, though otherwise apt
enough to conceive, yet by reason of the too much lubricity of their
wombes, are prone to miscarry and abort, if before conception they shall
use 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 these
excellent helpes and many moe it performeth to women with more speedy
successe, if it be also received by injection. But here by the way, all
such women, who are with child, are to be admonished, that they forbeare
to 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 it
affordeth against old and inveterate itches, morphewes, leprosies, &c.
in regard the other three sulphurous fountaines, before mentioned, doe
more properly respect such like grievances. Neither will I now spend any
more time in shewing what vertues it hath in the cure of the Indian,
commonly called the French, or rather Spanish disease: because
experience 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 contemplation
of 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_ calleth
them) or _Deorum dona_; that is, the gifts of the Gods (as _Hippocrates_
beleeved) till they be f