CHAP. II. j ART OF PROLOXOING LIFE. 167 



superijtitiously, that tlie subject itself, through their vanity, 

 is reputed vain and senseless. 2. The very intentions of 

 physicians upon this head are of no validity, but rather lead 

 li'om the point than direct to it. For they talk as if death 

 consisted in a destitution of heat and moisture, and therefore 

 that natural heat should be comforted, and radical moisture 

 cherished ; as if the work were to be effected by broths, 

 lettuce, and mallows ; or again, by spices, generous wines, 

 spirits, or chemical oils ; all which ratlier do hurt than good. 

 3. We admonish mankind to cease their trifling, and not 

 weakly imagine that such a great work as retarding the 

 course of nature can be effected by a morning's draught, the 

 use of any costly medicines, pearls, or aurum potabile itself ; 

 but be assured, that the prolongation of life is a laborious 

 work, that requires many kinds of remedies, and a proper 

 continuation and intermixture thereof ; for it were stupidity 

 to expect, that what Avas never yet done, should be effected, 

 otherwise than by means hitherto unattempted. 4. Lastly, 

 we admonish them rightly to observe and distinguish betwixt 

 what conduces to health, and what to a long life ; for some 

 things, though they exhilarate the spirits, strengthen the 

 faculties, and prevent diseases, are yet destructive to life, 

 and, without sickness, bring on a wasting old age ; whilst 

 there are others which prolong life and prevent decay, though 

 not to be used without danger to health; so that when 

 employed for the prolongation of life, such inconveniences 

 must be guarded against, as might otherwise happen upon 

 using them. 



Things seem to us presei'vable either in their own sub- 

 stance or by repair ; in their own substance, as a fly, or an 

 ant, in amber ; a flower, an apple, &c. in conservatories of 

 snow j or a corps of balsam ; by repair, as in flame and 

 mechanic engines. He who attempts to prolong life, must 

 practise both these methods together ; for separate, their 

 force is less. The human body must be preserved as bodies 

 inanimate are ; again, as flame ; and lastly, in some measure 

 as machines are preserved. There are^ therefore, three inten- 

 tions for the prolongation of life; viz., 1. to hinder waste ; 

 2. secure a good repair ; and 3. to renew what begins to decay. 

 I. Waste is caused by two depredations ; viz., that of the 

 interual spirit, *jid ths^t of the external ftir ; and both are 



