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OF THE CAUSES OF OLD AGE.

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As the world waxeth old, men grow old with it not by reason of the age of the world, but because of the great increase of living creatures, which infect the very air, that every way encompasseth and through negligence in ordering our lives, and that great ignorance of the properties which are in things conducing to health, which might help a disordered way of living, and might supply the defect of due government.

From these three things, namely, infection, negligence, and ignorance, the natural heat, after the time of manhood is past, begins to diminish, and its diminution and intemperature doth more and more hasten on. Whence, the heat by little and little decreasing, the accidents of old age come on, which accidents in the flower of age may be taken away; and after that time may be retarded; as also may that swift course, which hurries a man from manhood to age, from age to old age, from old age to the broken strength of decrepid age, be restrained.

For the circle of a man's age grows more in one day after age to old age, than in three days after youth to age; and is sooner turned from old age to decrepid age, than from age to old

age.

No. XXIV. Vol. III.

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Which weakness and intemperature of heat, is caused two ways: by the decay of natural moisture, and by the increase of extraneous moisture.

For the heat exists in the native moisture, and is extinguished by external and strange moistness, which flows from weakness of digestion, as Avicenna in his first book, in his chapter of Complexions, affirms.

Now the causes of the dissolution of the internal moisture, and of the external's abounding, whence the innate heat grows cool, are many, as I shall here show.

First of all, the dissolution of the natural happens from two causes:

One whereof is the circumambient air, which dries up the matter: and the innate heat, which is inward, very much helps towards the same: for it is the cause of extinguishing itself, by reason it consumes the matter wherein it subsists; as the flame of a lamp is extinguished when the oil, exhausted by the heat, is spent.

*The last five paragraphs were written by Richard Griffiths, an Irish author, who died about five-and twenty years ago. They were taken from a small book written by him, entitled The Koran, which appeared anonymously, and some booksellers have erroneously published it as a volume of Sterne's works.

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The second cause is the toil proceeding from the motions of the body and mind, which otherwise are necessary in life. To these accrue weakness and defect of nature, which easily sinks under so great evils (as Avicenna witnesseth in his first book of Complexions of Ages), not resisting those imperfections that invade it.

Now the motions of the mind are called animal, when the soul especially is exercised:

The motions of the body are, when our bodies are tossed and stirred of necessary causes, ill proportioned.

External moisture increaseth two ways: either from the use of meat and other things that breed an unnatural and strange moisture, especially phlegmatic, whereof I shall discourse hereafter; or from bad concoction, whence a feculent and putrid humour, differing from the nature of the body, is propagated.

For digestion is the root of the generation of unnatural and natural moisture, which when it is good, breeds good moisture, when bad a bad one, as Avicenna saith in his fourth cannon of his chapter of things which hinder grey hairs. For from wholesome food, ill digested, an evil hu. mour doth flow; and of poisonous meats, and such as naturally breed a bad humour, if well digested, sometime comes a good one.

But it is to be observed, that not only phlegm is called an extraneous humour, but whatever other humour is putrid. Yet phlegm is worse than the other external humour; in that it helps to extinguish the innate heat two ways, either by choaking it; or by cold resisting its power and quality; so Rasy in his chapter of the Benefits of Purging.

Which phlegm proceeds from faults in meats, negligence of diet, and intemperature of body; so that this sort of external moisture increasing, and the native moisture being either changed in qualities, or decayed in quantity, man grows old, elther in the accustomed course of nature, by little and little successively; when after the time of manhood, that is, after forty, or at most fifty years, the natural heat begins to diminish: or through evil thoughts and anxious care of mind, wherewith sometimes men are hurt. For sickness and such like evil accidents, dissolve and dry up the natural moisture, which is the fuel of heat; and that being hurt, the force and edge of the heat is made dull. The heat being cooled, the digestive virtue is weakened; and this not performing its office, the crude and incocted meat putrifies on the stomach. Whereupon the external and remote parts of the body being deprived of their nourishment, do languish, wither and die, because they are not nourished. So Isaac in his book of Fevers in the chapter of the Consumption doth teach.

But it may be queried, what this moisture is, and in what place it is seated, whereby the natural heat is nourished, and which is its fuel? Some say, that it is in the hellow of the heart, and in the veins and arteries thereof, as Isaac in his book of fevers, in the chapter of the hectick. But there are moistures of divers kinds in the members which are prepared for nourishing, and to moisten the joints. Of which humours may be that is one which is in the vein, and that another which like dew is reposed on the members, as Avicenna saith in his fourth book in the chapter of the Hectick. Whence perhaps the wise do understand, that all these moistures are fuel to the native heat; but especially that which is in the heart and its veins and arteries, which is restored, when from meats and drinks good juices are supplied; and is made more excellent by outward medicines, such as anointings and bathings.

OF REMEDIES AGAINST THE CAUSES OF OLD AGE. Hitherto we have discoursed of the causes of old age: now we must speak of the remedies which hinder them, and after what manner they may be hindered.

Wise physicians have laid down two ways of opposing these causes :

One is the ordering of a man's way of living; the other is the knowledge of those properties, that are in certain things, which the ancients have kept secret.

Avicenna teacheth the ordering of life, who laying down, as it were, the art of guarding old age, ordereth that all putrefaction be carefully kept off, and that the native moisture be diligently preserved from dissolution and change, namely, that as great a share of moisture may be added by nutrition, as is spent by the flame of heat and otherwise. Now this care ought to be used in the time of manhood, that is, about the fortieth year of a man's age, when the beauty of a man is at the height.

These ways of repelling the causes of old age do something differ one from another.

For one is the beginning, the other the end: one begins, the other makes up the defect there of; but each brings great assistance to the turning away of these evils. By one way alone the doctrine of the ancients will not be compleated: by the knowledge of each, both our endeavours and theirs may be perfected.

The doctrine of soberly ordering one's life teacheth us how to oppose, drive away, and restrain the causes of old age.

And this it doth by proportioning the six causes, distinct in kind, which are reckoned necessary to fence, preserve, and keep the body; which things, when they are observed and taken in quantity and quality, as they ought, and as

the rules of physicians persuade, do become the true causes of health and strength: But when they are made use of by any man without regard had to quality and quantity, they cause sickness, as may be gathered from Galen's regiment with Holy's Exposition, where it treats Of the Regimen of Health.

But exactly to find out the true proportion of these causes, and the true degree of that proportion, is very hardly, or not at all to be done, but that there will be some defect or excess therein. Thus the sages have prescribed more to be done than can be well put in practice. For the understanding is more subtle in operation, so that the true proportioning of these causes seems impossible, unless in bodies of a better nature; such as now are rarely found.

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As for my own part, being hindered partly by the charge, partly by impatience, and partly by the rumours of the vulgar, I was not willing to make experiments of all things, which may easily be tried by others; but have resolved to express those things in obscure and difficult terms, which I judge requisite to the conservation of health, lest they should fall into the hands of the unfaithful.

One of which things lies hid in the bowels of the earth; another in the sea; the third creeps upon the earth; the fourth lives in the air; the fifth is likened to the medicine which comes out of the mine of the noble animal; the sixth comes out of the long lived animal; the seventh is that whose mine is the plant of India.

I have resolved to mention these things obscurely, imitating the precept of the prince of

transgressor of the divine law, who discovers the hidden secrets of nature and the properties of things; because some men desire as much as in them lies to overthrow the divine law by those properties that God has placed in animals, plants, and stones.

But medicines obscurely laid down by the an cients, and as it were concealed, whereof Dios-philosophers to Alexander, who said that he is a corides speaks, do make up these defects and proportions. For who can avoid the air infected with putrid vapours carried about with the force of the winds? Who will measure our meat and drink? Who can weigh in a sure scale or degree sleep and watching, motion and rest, and things that vanish in a moment, and the accidents of the mind, so that they shall neither exceed nor fall short? Therefore it was necessary that the ancients should make use of medicines, which might in some measure preserve the body from alteration, and defend the health of man oft times hurt and afflicted with these things and causes, lest the body utterly eaten up of diseases should fall

to ruin.

Now for the benefit of mankind I have gathered some things out of the books of the ancients, whose virtue and use may avert those inconveniences, this defect and weakness; may defend the temper of the innate moisture; may hinder the increase and flux of extraneous moisture; and may bring to pass (which usually otherwise happeneth) that the heat of man be not so soon debilitated.

But the use of these things and medicines is of no use, nor any thing avails them that neglect the doctrine of the regimen of life. For how can it be, that he who either is ignorant or negligent of dier, should ever be cured by any pains of the physician, or by any virtue in physic? Wherefore the physicians and wise men of old time were of opinion, that diet without physic sometimes did good; but that physic without due order of diet never made a man one jot the better. Thence it is reckoned more necessary that hose rather should be treated of, which cannot be known unless of the wise, and those too of a quick understanding, and such as study hard, and take a great deal of pains; than those things which are easily known, even as a man rea is them.

But some of these things stand in need of preparation; others of a careful choice. Of preparation, lest with the healthful part poison be swallowed down. Of choice, lest among the best those things that are worse are given, and those that are more hurtful be taken. For in whatsoever thing the most high God hath put an admirable virtue and property, therein he hath also placed an hurt, to be as it were the guard of the thing itself. For as he would not have his secrets known to all lest men should contemn them; so he would not have all men be adepti, lest they should abuse their power. As is manifest in the serpent, hellebore and gold; from which no man can fetch any noble or sublime operation, unless he be wise, skilful, and have for a long time experienced them.

But we must observe, that in some of the aforesaid things and medicines the virtue may be separated from its body; as in all medicines made of plants and animals.

From some it cannot be separated, as from all those things that are of a thick substance, as metals; and what things soever are of the kind of stones, as coral, jacinths, and the like. But some men have given rules how to dissolve medicine of thick substance, as Aristotle saith, according to Isaac in his degrees, in his canon Of Pearl, speaking thus: "I have seen certain men dissolve pearl, with the juice and liquor whereof morphews being washed, were fully cured and made whole."

But in medicines which are mixed of these plants and animals, a separation of the virtue from

the body itself may be made; and their virtue and || stroyed in its journey, as it were, while it is carried matter will operate stronger and better alone than to the similar parts and the instruments of the joined with their body. Because the natural heat senses; so the virtue of the thing will complete is tired, whilst it separates and severs the virtue of its operation, while it does not tire the natural heat. the thing from the body which is hard and earthy; And Galen agrees with this, as Isaac testifies and it being tired, the virtue will with greater in his canon Of the Leprosie, saying "I never difficulty be carried to the instruments of the saw a man so infected cured, but one that drank seuses, so as it may be able to refresh them, and of wine, wherein a viper had fallen." destroy the superfluous moisture, and penetrate to the members of the fourth concoction, that it may strengthen the digestive power of the flesh and skin. From the weakness whereof certain accidents of old age do proceed, as is manifest in the morphew; because that the natural heat of our body is not always so sufficiently powerful in all medicines, as to separate the virtue from its terrestrial body.

But when the virtue alone is given without the body, the natural heat is not tired, nor is the vir tue of the medicine by frequent digestion de

And Johannes Damascenus in his aphorisms: "Therefore it was necessary for the purging of the humours driven down, that the medicine, according to the skill and pleasure of the physi cian, should be turned into the likeness of meat."

Another hath said, "That that physic which should pass to the third digestion, should be greedily received, according to some, with a thing of easy assimilation, such as milk and the broth of a pullet."

[To be continued.]

TWO TALES

EXTRACTED FROM ANTON WALL'S BAGATELLES.

ON PHYSIOGNOMY.

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more his wounded pride, spurred him on to make every effort for a farther acquaintance with her. By his modest and cautious deportment towards her, he removed the unfavourable impression from her mind, which paved the way for obtain

He came very often, and Julia, for so the girl was named, began to inquire, upon his departure, on what day she might expect him again. He gained sufficient courage to ask a single kiss, which was not refused. Upon the next visit he asked kisses, which were likewise granted. At last he presumed to make another request, to which he received à positive refusal. She was deaf to his entreaties and supplications. He fell upon his knees, but still her principles remained unshaken.

A YOUNG man of a rich family was study. ing many years ago in a German university. He had a good form, and one of the most beautiful countenances. The structure of his forehead and nose gave him an indescribable air of nobility anding her confidence, and afterwards the permission greatness. His acquaintances discovered in his to pay her a few visits when opportunities should looks a complacency mingled with condescen- offer. sion; but women were so captivated with his appearance, as not to lose his image from their minds asleep or awake. He was called the *** Apollo, except by those, who knowing no bet ter, gave him the name of the beautiful X. He was said, in a short time, to have raised the flame of jealousy in the breasts of many ladies, who were equally ambitious of receiving his attention. In the house where this youth resided, lived a young female, whose time and thoughts were much occupied in adorning her person. She had an attic story, where she subsisted by her own industry, and bore an irreproachable character. She was about twenty years of age, and possessed some charms, which she could set off to the greatest advantage. The young man met her sometimes on the stairs, and was pleased with her appearance. He made inquiries respecting her, and upon their next meeting spoke to her, and attempted to snatch a kiss, for which he received a violent blow in the face; a circumstance as unexpected as it was extraordinary.

The charms of the maid, and, perhaps, still

One day he came and found her bathed in tears. He eagerly besought her to tell him the cause of her grief, which, after a length of time, she made known to him. She had had some ruffles by her, which were the bridal ornament of a noble lady. These ruffles had been missing since yesterday evening, and cost nearly fifty crowns. Julia sobbed, wrung her hands, and re fused any consolation. The young man kissed her, and went away.

He had an acquaintance in the city, who had passed his minority a short time since, and re

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"I have a good opinion of you," said Z. your countenance indicates no bad intention, I will lend you the money." Upon these words he went and counted out the sum, gave it to the former, and accepted his bond. X. embraced his benefactor, as he called him, hastily put the money into his pocket, and hurried away to Julia, whom he found in great distress on account of his abrupt departure.

"Here Julia," said he to her, "here are the fifty crowns; purchase the ruffles with this, and consider me your friend."

Struck with astonishment, the girl was unable to utter a syllable; she sat for some time motionJess upon her chair, with her eyes on the ground. At length she sprang up, and fell upon his neck. "Well," said she, "I am poor, and you are rich; I take the money; but I take it only upon the condition of repaying it in the same manner, and not as a present."

as he surveyed her. After some questions, he learned, that she would soon become a mother. He staid a few moments, threw a ducat on the table, and went away.

Julia wrote a note to him, thanked him in a sorrowful manner for his benefaction, and inquired of him what he proposed to do for her, and her child. She received no answer;-she wrote more notes, which were likewise unanswered. She sent a friend to him. X. replied, that he wished not to be interrupted. At the persuasion of this friend, Julia lodged her complaint against him, and this paragon of excellence was compelled to take oath before the court, that he had never had any connection with the maid. The child died before it was three months old, and was soon followed by its wounded mother. X. concluded his studies, went home to Residenz, undertook the management of his own property, which consisted of three estates, accepted of an office, and married a fortune of filty thousand crowns.

His friend Z. who had before lent him the fifty crowns, was reduced to difficulties by the bankruptcy of a merchant to whom he had entrusted his property. Once when he was very much embarrassed, he wrote to X. and reminded him in a very gentle manner of the fifty crowns, to which he received no reply.

The various mortifications which the honest Z. had met with for many years threw him into an llness, which terminated in his death. He left behind a widow and three helpless children. of the deceased was found Among the papers the bond of the wealthy X. upon which he was written to, but returned for answer, that he wish

It was twilight, and Julia was going to light a candle, but he prevented her; she suffered herself to be detained; anxiety and grief had exhausted her spirits, which an excess of gratitude contributed to destroy. The innocent and beau-ed they would spare themselves the trouble of tiful girl supplicated;-she could do no more; she had lost all power of resistance. Nothing less than a miracle could have protected her from the rude embraces of a villain-Julia fell.

The ruffles had slipped behind the drawers, which she found the next morning. She wrote a few lines, enclosed the fifty crowns, and waited an opportunity to give the note into the hands of X. He took them, and purchased some trifles for new year's gifts.-He visited Julia a few evenings afterwards, but did not find her in the weak state in which he had left her. Upon his return to his chamber he found a letter, the contents of which informed him of his father's illHe ness, and his particular wish to see him. made no delay, but traveled post to Residenz, buried his father, and returned in six months afterwards.

He went immediately to Julia, and instead of a blooming maid which he had left, he found a death-like form with dull and hollow eyes, and sunk cheeks. Her figure startled him, at first,

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writing, as the debt was none of his. A friend was appointed to speak with him, to whom he declared that he would not pay a farthing. He was prosecuted, and appeared before the court in person, which was always acknowledged to be the most beautiful in Residenz. He did not deny having received the money, and having written the bond, but he added, that, as the judges themselves knew, the laws of the land declared all debts null and void, which were contracted during a person's minority without the consent of the parents. The whole court were struck with astonishment at the art and villainy of the man. They appealed to his feelings, and represented the helpless state of the mother and children. But they found his heart callous to the emotions of humanity; they therefore acquitted him from the obligation to pay the debt, and agreed to relieve the poor family with the same sum at their own expence.

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