354 HISTORY OF 



the world, and considered the variety of natural things, and 

 had reachless, and high, and magnanimous thoughts (as 

 of infinitum, of the stars, of the heroical virtues, and such 

 like), were good for lengthening of life ; such were those 

 of Democritus Philolaus, Xenophanes, the astrologians and 

 stoics. Also those which had no profound speculation in 

 them, but discoursed calmly on both sides, out of common 

 sense and the received opinions, without any sharp inquisi 

 tions, were likewise good ; such were those of Carneades and 

 the academics, also of the rhetoricians and grammarians. 

 But, contrary, philosophies conversant in perplexing subtil- 

 ties, and which pronounced peremptorily, and which exa 

 mined and wrested all things to the scale of principles. 

 Lastly, which were thorny and narrow were evil; such 

 were those commonly of the peripateticks,and of the school 

 men. 



49. The country life also is well fitted for long life ; it is 

 much abroad, and in the open air; it is not slothful, but 

 ever in employment ; it feedeth upon fresh cates, and un- 

 bought; it is without cares and envy. 



50. For the military life, we have a good opinion of that 

 whilst a man is young. Certainly many excellent warriors 

 have been long lived ; Corvinus, Camillus, Xenophon, 

 Agesilaus, with others, both ancient and modern. No doubt 

 it furthereth long life, to have all things from our youth 

 to our elder age mend, and grow to the better, that a 

 youth full of crosses may minister sweetness to our old age. 

 We conceive also, that military affections, inflamed with a 

 desire of fighting, and hope of victory, do infuse such a heat 

 into the spirits, as may be profitable for long life. 



Medicines for Long Life. 



To the tenth article. 



The art of phy sick, which we now have, looks no further 

 commonly than to conservation of health, and cure of dis 

 eases. As for those things which tend properly to long 

 life, there is but slight mention, and by the way only. Not 

 withstanding, we will propound those medicines which are 

 notable in this kind, I mean those which are cordials. For 

 it is consonant to reason, that those things which being 

 taken in cures do defend and fortify the heart, or, more truly, 

 the spirits, against poisons and diseases being transferred 

 with judgment and choice into diet, should have a good 

 effect, in some sort, towards the prolonging of life. This 

 we will do, not heaping them promiscuously together (as 

 the manner is), but selecting the best. 



