( M 1 ) 
then we might have judged from thence, that Bleeding 
might contribute fomewhat towards Prefervation. 
i have been obliged to accept fuch Signs as Nature 
offered, who ot herfelf fufficiently thews what is moft 
beneficial, and alfo what moft hurtful 5 becaufe fucceed- 
ing Experience confirms, that the Indications, according 
to the External Signs, have been contrary to one ano- 
ther, and therefore cou’d not inftruft us either how to 
preferve or cure. 
Sometimes Bleeding in the Plague has been reckoned 
a thing indifferent, which neither cou’d do Harm nor 
Good : But then the Indications were very obfcure, or 
wholly fallacious 3 yet I think it were better omitted 
than ordered. Sometimes one cannot know, whether 
the Patient has a Difpofition to receive the Venom or 
not 5 if he has, Bleeding is abfolutely dangerous $ if not, 
it fignifies nothing. Nor is it any aonfequence, that all 
thofe that receive the Peftilential Venom, muft bt over- 
powered and killed by it. 
The Poifon no doubt continues its Strength to ope- 
rate 5 but it finds fomething that refifts its Operation, ac- 
cording to the Difpofition and Nature of the Body 3 
which Hefiftance Phyficians place in the natural Heat, 
and a free Operation of the Spirits, which by Bleeding 
cannot well be prefer ved, tho’ they may not always 
be thereby difturbed. 
Notwithftanding, the Queftion is not, whether Bleed- 
ing be generally pernicious, but whether it can be allow- 
ed to be a Prefer vative in Time of a Contagion 3 be- 
eaufe, as I have Paid before, it is abfolutely dangerous 
and pernicious to fuch as are infe&ed, or difpofed to 
Infe&ion. 
As for Vomiting, it is not only of lefs ufe than Bleed- 
ing, but much more dangerous. I only fpeak here of 
Vomits, when the Contagion is at the height. For it 
is obferved, that the contagious Venom is not to be 
S 2 fearched 
