But in order to close these theological researches with somewhat medical, I am convinced from experience, that there is not a better medicine known against this filthy disease, than the _tincture of Cantharides_ of the _London Dispensatory_. Its remarkable virtue in this case, is owing to the diuretic quality of these flies. For there is a great harmony between the kidneys and glands of the skin, so that the humors brought on the latter, easily find a way thro’ the former, and are carried off by urine: and on the other hand, when the kidneys have failed in the performance of their functions, an urinous humor sometimes perspires thro’ the cuticular pores. But such cathartics are to be interposed at proper intervals, as are most proper for evacuating thick and acrid humors. CHAPTER III. _The disease of king Saul._ When “King Saul was abandoned by the Spirit of God, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him; his courtiers persuaded him to command his servants to seek out somebody that was a good player on the harp, who might sooth or compose him by his music, when the evil spirit from God was upon him.” Which when Saul had done, by sending messengers for David; “whenever it happened that Saul was seized with that evil spirit, David took his harp, and play’d on it; and thus Saul was refreshed and became composed, and the evil spirit departed from[62] him.” [62] _See Samuel, or Kings, Book i. Chap. xvi._ Now to me it appears manifest, that this king’s disease was a true madness, and of the melancholic or atrabilarious kind, as the ancient physicians called it. And the fits return’d on him at uncertain periods, as is frequently the case in this sort of disease. Nor could the cause of that disorder be a secret, seeing he had been lately deprived of his kingdom by God’s express command. Likewise the remedy applied, to wit, playing on the harp, was an extremely proper one. For physicians have long since taught us, that symphonies, cymbals, and noises, were of service towards dissipating melancholic thoughts;[63] the power of which we have accounted for in another place upon geometrical principles.[64] Hence also it more plainly appears, that the disorder was owing to natural causes; for otherwise how could the music of a harp drive it away? Counsel and prudence in a man was, in the Hebrew language, usually stiled the Spirit of God; and a person deprived of these qualities, was said to be troubled with an evil spirit, that is, to be mad. [63] _See Cels. Lib. iii. Cap. xviii._ [64] _Mechanical Account of Poisons, Essay ii. Ed. 4._